SubhanAllah

Ruling And Sunnahs Of Eid

2008-10-01T23:30:00.001+05:00

Praise be to Allaah.

Allaah has set out several rulings concerning Eid, including the following:

1 – It is mustahabb to recite takbeer during the night of Eid from sunset on the last day of Ramadaan until the imam comes to lead the prayer. The format of the takbeer is as follows:

Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, wa Lillaahi’l-hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god except Allaah, Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, and all praise be to Allaah).

Or you can say Allaahu akbar three times, so you say:

Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, wa Lillaahi’l-hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god except Allaah, Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great , Allaah is Most Great, and all praise be to Allaah).

Both are permissible.

Men should raise their voices reciting this dhikr in the marketplaces, mosques and homes, but women should not raise their voices.

2 – You should eat an odd number of dates before leaving for the Eid prayer, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not set out on the day of Eid until he had eaten an odd number of dates. He should stick to an odd number as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did.

3 – You should wear your best clothes – this is for men. With regard to women, they should not wear beautiful clothes when they go out to the Eid prayer-place, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Let them go out looking decent” i.e., in regular clothes that are not fancy. It is haraam for them to go out wearing perfume and makeup.

4 – Some of the scholars regarded it as mustahabb to do ghusl for the Eid prayer, because it is narrated that some of the salaf did this. Doing ghusl for Eid prayer is mustahabb, just as it is prescribed for Jumu’ah because one is going to meet people. So if one does ghusl, that is good.

5 – The Eid prayer. The Muslims are unanimously agreed that the Eid prayer is prescribed in Islam. Some of them say that it is Sunnah, some say that it is fard kafaayah (a communal obligation) and some say that it is fard ‘ayn (an individual obligation), and that not doing it is a sin. They quoted as evidence the fact that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded even the virgins and women in seclusion, i.e., those who did not ordinarily come out, to attend the Eid prayer place, except that those who were menstruating should keep away from the prayer-place itself, because it is not permissible for a menstruating woman to stay in the mosque; it is permissible for her to pass through but not to stay there.

It seems to me, based on the evidence, that it is fard ‘ayn (an individual obligation) and that every male is obliged to attend the Eid prayer except for those who have an excuse. This was the view favoured by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him).

In the first rak’ah the imam should recite Sabbih isma rabbika al-A‘ala (Soorat al-A’la 87) and in the second rak’ah he should recite Hal ataaka hadeeth ul-ghaashiyah (al-Ghaashiyah 88). Or he may recite Soorat Qaaf (50) in the first and Soorat al-Qamar (54) in the second. Both options are narrated in saheeh reports from the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).

6 – If Jumu’ah and Eid fall on the same day, the Eid prayer should be held, as should Jumu’ah prayer, as is indicated by the apparent meaning of the hadeeth of al-Nu’maan ibn Basheer which was narrated by Muslim in his Saheeh. But those who attend the Eid prayer with the imam may attend Jumu’ah if they wish, or they may pray Zuhr.

7 – One of the rulings on Eid prayer is that according to many scholars, if a person comes to the Eid prayer-place before the imam comes, he should sit down and not pray two rak’ahs, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) prayed Eid with two rak’ahs, and he did not offer any prayer before or after it.

Some of the scholars are of the view that when a person comes he should not sit down until he has prayed two rak’ahs, because the Eid prayer-place is a mosque, based on the fact that menstruating women are not allowed there, so it comes under the same rulings as a mosque, which indicates that it is a mosque. Based on this, it comes under the general meaning of the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “When any one of you enters the mosque, let him not sit down until he has prayed two rak’ahs.” With regard to the fact that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not offer any prayer before or after the Eid prayer, that is because when he arrived the prayer started.

Thus it is proven that we should pray Tahiyyat al-Masjid (two rak’ahs to “greet the mosque”) when arriving at the Eid prayer-place, as in the case of all mosques, because if we assume from the hadeeth that there is no Tahiyyat al-Masjid for the Eid mosque, then we should say that there is no Tahiyyat al-Masjid for the Jumu’ah mosque either, because when the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) arrived at the Jumu’ah mosque he would deliver the khutbah, then pray two rak’ahs then leave and pray the regular Sunnahs of Jumu’ah in his house, so he did not offer any prayer before it or after it (in the mosque).

What seems more likely to be correct in my view is that we should pray two rak’ahs in the Eid prayer-place to greet the mosque, but we should not denounce one another with regard to this issue, because it is a matter concerning which the scholars differ. We should not denounce others with regard to matters where the scholars differ, unless there is a clear text. So we should not denounce the one who prays (Tahiyyat al-Masjid) or the one who sits down without praying.

8 – One of the rulings on the day of Eid – Eid al-Fitr – is that Zakaat al-Fitr is due on this day. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) enjoined that it should be paid before the Eid prayer. It is permissible to pay it one or two days before that, because of the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) which was narrated by al-Bukhaari: “They used to give it one or two days before (Eid) al-Fitr.” If it is paid after the Eid prayer, it does not count as Sadaqat al-Fitr, because of the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas: “Whoever pays it before the prayer, it is Zakaat al-Fitr, and whoever pays it after the prayer, it is ordinary charity.” It is haraam to delay Zakaat al-Fitr until after the Eid prayer. If one delays it with no excuse then it is not acceptable zakaah, but if there is an excuse – such as if a person is traveling and does not have anything to give or anyone to give it to, or he is expecting his family to pay it and they are expecting him to pay it, then in this case he should pay it when it is easy for him to do so, even if that is after the prayer, and there is no sin on him because he has an excuse.

9 – People should greet one another, but that results in haraam actions on the part of many people, such as men entering houses and shaking hands with unveiled women without any mahram being present. Some of these evils are worse than others.

We see some people denouncing those who refuse to shake hands with those who are not their mahrams, but it is they who are the wrongdoers, not he. But he should explain to them and tell them to ask trustworthy scholars to verify his actions and he should tell them not to get angry and insist on following the customs of his forefathers, because they do not make a permissible thing forbidden or a forbidden thing permissible. He should explain to them that if they do that, they will be like those of whom Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And similarly, We sent not a warner before you (O Muhammad) to any town (people) but the luxurious ones among them said: “We found our fathers following a certain way and religion, and we will indeed follow their footsteps”
[al-Zukhruf 43:23]

Some people have the custom of going out to the graveyard on the day of Eid to greet the occupants of the graves, but the occupants of the graves have no need of any greeting or congratulations, because they do not fast or pray qiyaam.

Visiting the graves is not something to be done especially on the day of Eid or Friday or any particular day. It was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) visited the graves at night, as mentioned in the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah narrated by Muslim. And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Visit the graves for they will remind you of the Hereafter.”

Visiting graves is an act of worship, and acts of worship are not acceptable unless they are in accordance with sharee’ah. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not single out the day of Eid for visiting the graves, so we should not do so either.

10 – There is nothing wrong with what men do on the day of Eid of embracing one another.

11 – It is prescribed for the one who goes out to the Eid prayer to go by one route and return by another, following the example of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). This Sunnah does not apply to other prayers, Jumu’ah or anything else, it only applies to Eid.

Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 16/216-223.

When Zakat Al-Fitr Should Be Paid

2008-09-29T16:14:00.003+05:00

Praise be to Allaah.

The time for paying zakaat al-fitr does not begin after the Eid prayer, rather it starts after sunset on the last day of Ramadaan, which is the first night of the month of Shawwaal, and it ends with the Eid prayer. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded that it should be paid before the prayer. Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever pays it before the prayer, it is accepted zakaah (i.e., zakaat al-fitr), and whoever pays it after the prayer, it is ordinary charity.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 2/262-263, no. 1609; Ibn Maajah, 1/585, no. 1827; al-Daaraqutni, 2/138; al-Haakim, 1/409.

It is permissible to pay it one or two days before that, because of the report narrated by Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) enjoined sadaqat al-fitr in Ramadaan.” According to another report, they used to pay it one or two days before the end of Ramadaan.

Whoever delays it after its time has sinned, and he has to repent for delaying and give it to the poor.

And Allaah is the Source of strength.

The Sunnah With Regard To Siwak

2008-09-21T11:59:00.002+05:00

Siwak means cleaning the mouth and teeth with a siwak, which is the name given to the tool used. The siwak is a stick or twig used for this purpose. Siwak is a method of cleaning the mouth which also earns the pleasure of Allah, as is proven in the hadith of Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) who said: "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, 'Siwak cleanses the mouth and pleases the Lord.'" (al-Bukhari, Ahmad and al-Nisa'i)

Use of the siwak is repeatedly encouraged, as in the hadith of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who reported that the Prophet said: "Were it not for the fact that I did not want to make things too hard for my Ummah (nation), I would have commanded them to use the siwak at every time of prayer." (al-Bukhari and Muslim). According to another report narrated by al-Bukhari, he said: "…at every time of making wudoo'."

Imam al-Nawawi reported that the respectable scholars were agreed that the use of siwak is sunnah and is encouraged. One of the signs of its importance is the fact that some of the salaf (early generations of Islam), such as Is'haq ibn Rahwayh, thought that it was obligatory.

Times When the Use of Siwak Is Recommended

Siwak is recommended at all times of the night and day because of the general sense of the hadith quoted above from Aishah, "Siwak cleanses the mouth and pleases the Lord." The scholars have also mentioned situations where the use of siwak is even more strongly encouraged. These include: When making wudoo' and at times of prayer as already stated above. Other situations are:

1. When entering one's home to be with one's family: Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) was asked what the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did when he first came home. She said: "When he entered his house, the first thing he would do was use the siwak." (Muslim)

2. When getting up from sleep: Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) got up during the night, he would clean his mouth thoroughly with the siwak. (al-Bukhari and Muslim).

3. When the smell of one's mouth changes: Siwak is cleansing for the mouth, which means that it should definitely be used when the mouth needs cleaning, whether this is because of eating food with a strong odor, or because of not eating or drinking for a long time, etc.

4. When going to the mosque: Using siwak is a part of the adornment that we are commanded to wear for every prayer, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): "O Children of Adam! Take your adornment while praying…'" [al-Aa'raf 7:31]. It is also important because the angels are present in the mosque, and one is going to meet with other worshippers there.

5. When reading Qur'an and joining gatherings in which Allah is remembered (dhikr), because the angels are present on such occasions.

Using Siwak When Fasting:

The scholars (may Allah have mercy on them) are agreed that there is nothing wrong with using siwak during the day when one is fasting, but they differed with regard to using it after noon, which some of them disliked (regarded as makrooh). The correct view is that it is sunnah for one who is fasting, just as it is for anyone else, because of the general sense of the reports that prove it is sunnah.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did not make any exceptions or state any specific time, and a statement that is general in nature should continue to be taken as general unless there is evidence to indicate that it is specific in application. The hadith used as evidence to forbid using siwak after noon is attributed to Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him), who is quoted as saying that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "When you fast, use siwak in the morning but do not use it in the afternoon." (al-Daraqutni. This is a weak hadith. Ibn Hajar said: a weak isnad). There is no proof that this can be attributed to the Prophet .

With regard to the use of the hadith "The odor that comes from the mouth of the fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the scent of musk" (al-Bukhari and Muslim) as evidence, this mouth odor will not be dispelled by use of siwak because it is caused by the stomach being empty, and it could occur early in the day if a person has not eaten suhoor.

All the scholars are agreed that it is permissible for a fasting person to use siwak early in the day. This shows that the use of siwak is encouraged even when fasting, and there is no difference between using it early in the day or later on.

What Should Be Used for Siwak (Cleaning the Mouth):

The scholars are agreed that the best thing for cleaning the mouth is the twigs of the Arak tree, because of its good smell, and because it has brush-like fibers which are effective for cleaning food particles etc. from between the teeth, and because of the hadith of Abdullah ibn Masood (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: "I used to gather siwak sticks from the Arak tree for the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)." (Ahmad).

If Arak twigs are not available, the scholars recommended using palm-leaf stalks, or twigs of the olive tree. The ahadith that have been narrated concerning this, however, are not sound. The correct view is that any kind of sticks that are cleansing and not harmful may be used instead of siwak, if it is not available, to clean the mouth and remove dirt from the teeth. This includes modern toothbrushes, which are known to be beneficial in this regard.
Things That May not Be Used for Siwak:

The scholars have stated that it is forbidden to use poisonous sticks, things that are not pure, and anything that may cause bleeding, illness or any other harm.
Attributes of Siwak:
The scholars have described the siwak as a stick of medium length and thickness, no thicker than one's little finger, and free of knots. It should not be so wet that it will twist, because then it will not remove dirt, nor should it be so dry that it will hurt the mouth or crack during use. No doubt this is describing the ideal, otherwise the reports do not specify any particular type of siwak. It is permissible to use any kind of siwak that will do the job.

How to Clean the Mouth with Siwak:

The scholars have differed as to whether siwak should be done with the right hand or the left hand. One group - the majority - think that it is better to use the right hand, because of the general meaning of the hadith narrated by Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her), who said: "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) liked to start with the right when putting on his shoes, dismounting (from his camel), when cleaning himself and in all things." (Agreed upon). They also say that siwak is an act of worship and drawing closer to Allah, so it should not be done with the left hand.

Other scholars say that it is better to use the left hand for siwak, because it comes under the heading of removing dirt. This is the well-known opinion of Imam Ahmad's madhhab, and it is the view favored by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him).

Some scholars have said that when a person is using siwak with the intention of following the sunnah, he should use his right hand, and if he is doing it to remove dirt, he should use his left hand. The fact of the matter is that this issue is open, as there is no definitive proof or report, and every opinion has a valid point.

The scholars suggested that when using siwak, a person should start on the right, and use a side-to-side motion rather than up-and-down, as the latter may harm the gums.

Among the etiquette of using siwak, they mentioned the following: That a person should not use the siwak in front of others or in public, because this is impolite and that the siwak should be washed after use, to get rid of any dirt that may be on it. Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to use siwak, then he would give it to me to wash it. I would use it first, then wash it and give it back to him." (Abu Dawood). The siwak should be kept in a clean place.

Using One's Fingers to Clean One's Mouth:

The scholars differ as to whether it is acceptable to use one's fingers to clean one's mouth when there is nothing else available. The correct view is that using the fingers cannot be considered as a substitute for the sunnah action, because there is no basis in Islam for doing so, and this method does not clean the mouth as a siwak or similar instrument does.

Modern methods of cleaning the teeth, like toothbrushes and so on, that remove dirt and make the mouth smell good, are acceptable.

There is nothing wrong with using siwak that is flavored with mint, lemon and so on, so long as they do not cause any harm. But a person who is fasting should avoid using any flavored siwak, and should only use natural siwak when he is fasting.

islamway.com

Reading The Quran In Ramazan

2008-09-12T12:02:00.005+05:00

Abu Umamah reported that the Prophet, Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him, said: "Recite the Qur'an for indeed it will come on the Day of Judgement as an intercessor for its Ashab (those who read, memorize and implement it)."

This hadith indicates the virtues of reciting the Qur'an, the greatness of its reward and that it will intercede for its holders on the Day of Judgment towards their entrance into Paradise.

An-Nawwas Ibn Sama'an reported: "I heard the Messenger of Allah, Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him, say: 'The Qur'an will be brought on the Day of Judgment as well as the people who used to act upon it. Surat-ul-Baqarah and Aali 'Imran will then approach them.' The Messenger of Allah, Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him, likened them to three examples, which I have not forgotten afterwards. He, Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 'As if they were two clouds or two dark black canopies with light between them both or like two flocks of birds stretching their wings in the air pleading for the one who recited them.'"

'Abdullah Ibn 'Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah, Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him, said: "The fast and the Qur'an will intercede for the servant on the Day of Judgement. The fast will say: 'My Lord, I restricted him from food and drink, so allow me to intercede for him.' And the Qur'an will say: 'I prevented him from sleeping at night, so allow me to intercede for him.' So they will be allowed to intercede." Therefore, it is essential for the person fasting to recite the Qur'an much during these blessed days and honorable nights. For indeed, there is a special virtue for the abundance of recitation in these days, which is not found in any other month. He should take advantage of the nobleness of time during this month, in which Allah revealed the Qur'an.

There is a special merit to reciting the Qur'an in the nights of Ramadan. For indeed, the night brings an end to the busy daily affairs, the enthusiasm is roused and the heart and the tongue mount upon reflecting. And Allah is the one in whom we seek assistance.

It is reported that Gabriel used to meet with the Prophet, Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him, during each night of Ramadan and they would study the Qur'an together. So if making dhikr (remembrance of Allah) were better than the Qur'an or equal to it (on these nights), they would have done that all the time or at certain times along with constantly gathering for that occasion.

Thus, this hadith illustrates the precedence of studying the Qur'an during Ramadan and gathering together for that occasion as well as turning towards one who is more prominent in the memorization of it.

The predecessors of this Ummah would recite the Qur'an constantly during Ramadan. And when they would fast, they would sit in the masajid and say: "We will guard our fast and not back bite anyone."

They would recite the Qur'an in their prayer and out of it. 'Uthman would complete the recitation of the (whole) Qur'an once a day. And some of the Salaf (our pious predecessors) would complete it during their qiyam (night prayers) in Ramadan every three nights. Some of them would do it every seven days and some every ten days.

Ash-Shafi'ee would complete the Qur'an sixty times during Ramadan, while reciting it outside of prayer. Al-Aswad would recite the whole Qur'an every two nights of Ramadan. Qatadah would always compete the Qur'an every seven days. He would do it every three days in Ramadan, and during the last ten days, he would do it every night. Their reports concerning that are famous.

Al-Hafidh Ibn Rajab, May Allah have mercy upon him, said: "The forbiddance of reciting the Qur'an in less than three days (as stated in a hadith) has only been mentioned in regards to its being done on a normal basis. As for the specific times that are virtuous, such as the month of Ramadan and especially the nights in which the night of Al-Qadr is sought. Or those places that are virtuous, such as Makkah for the one who enters it without residing there, then it is recommended to recite the Qur'an a lot in these times and places, seeking the merits connected with their time and place. This is the opinion of Ahmad, Abu Ishaq and other scholars. And the actions of others indicate that as has been stated previously."

The person reciting the Qur'an must observe the proper etiquettes of recitation. Some of them are that: He make his intention sincerely for Allah, that he recite it whilst being in a state of purity, that he use the Siwak and that he recite it while pondering on its meaning and observing total consciousness. Allah says:

"A Book, which We have revealed to you in order that its verses may be pondered upon, so that the people of understanding may be reminded."

Also, from the etiquettes of the recitation is that one does not stop his reciting in order to speak to someone else. Indeed, when many people sit to recite the Qur'an, and there are people sitting next to them, a majority of the time, they stop their recitation and speak to their neighbors. This is not proper since it is turning away from the recitation without a valid reason.

And it is on the one who recites, to act upon the Qur'an, making permissible its Halal (what is lawful) and forbidding its Haram (what is unlawful), so that the Qur'an can be a proof for him on the Day of Judgement and intercede for him in entering the gardens of bliss.

islamway.com

Virtues Of Fasting

2008-09-02T15:18:00.004+05:00

Clear and decisive verses in the Noble Quran encourage fasting as a means of seeking nearness to Allah the Mighty, and explain its virtues, such as the saying of Allah, the Most High:

“Verily, the Muslim men and women, the believing men and women, the men and women who are obedient (to Allah), the men and women who are truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men and the women who are patient, the men and women who are humble (before their Lord), the men and the women who give charity, the men and women who fast, the men and the women who guard their chastity (from illegal sexual acts) and the men and women who remember Allah much. Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise)” Sooratul-Ahzaab (33):35

Fasting Is A Shield

Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “ O youths, whoever amongst you is able to marry then let him do so, since it restrains the eyes and protects the private parts, and he who is unable then let him fast, because it is a shield for him” al-Bukhari and Muslim

He (peace be upon him) said: “There is not a servant who fasts a day in the way of Allah, except that Allah removes his face from the fire by the distance of 70 years because of that” al-Bukhari 6/35

He (peace be upon him) said: “Fasting is a shield with which a servant protects himself from the fire” Ahmad 3/241,296

He (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts a day in the way of Allah, Allah will place between him and the fire a trench like that between the heavens and the earth” Tirmidhee 1624

Fasting Causes One To Enter Paradise

Aboo Umaamah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I said “ O Messenger Of Allah, tell me of an action by which I may enter paradise?, He (peace be upon him) said: “Take to fasting there is nothing like it” an-Nasaa’ee 4/165

The People Who Fast Are Rewarded With Immense Reward

Aboo Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “ Allah said that all of the actions of the son of Adam are for him except for fasting, for it is me and I will recompense it. Fasting is a shield and when it is the day when one of you fasts, then let him not speak indecently or argue, and if anyone abuses or seeks to fight to him then let him say “I am fasting”. By him in whose hand is the soul of Muhammad the smell coming from the mouth of the fasting person is better with Allah then the smell of Musk. For the fasting person there are two times of joy; when he breaks his fast he is happy and when he meets his Lord he is happy, due to his fasting” al-Bukhari 4/118 and Muslim 1151

Fasting And The Quran Intercede For A Person

Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “ Fasting and the Quran intercede for the servant on the Day of Ressurection. Fasting will say; O my Lord I prevented him from food and desires so accept my intercession for him, and the Quran will say; I prevented him from sleep at night so accept my intercession for him, so their intercession will be accepted.” Ahmad 6626

Fasting Is An Expiation For Various Sins

Among those virtues which are particular to fasting is that Allah has made it an expiation for:

1. Shaving the head whilst in a state of Ihraam for one who does that due to some illness

2. One who is unable to carryout to obligatory sacrifice

3. Accidently killing one of a people with whom you have a treaty

4. Hunting games whilst in a state of Ihraam

5. Violating an oath

6. Dhihaar ( the saying of the husband to his wife “you are to me like the back of my mother (ie unlawful for me)

From Hudhaifah ibn Al yamaan (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “ The evils caused for a man through his family, wealth and neighbour are expiated by prayer, fasting and charity” al-Bukhari 2/7 and Muslim 144

Ar-Rayyan Is For Those Who Fast

From Sahl ibn Sa’d (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Indeed there is a gate of Paradise called Ar-Rayyan. On the day of Resurrection those who fast will enter through it; no one enters it except for them and when they have entered, it is closed and no one enters it, (so when the last of them enters it, it is closed, and who ever enters it drinks , and whoever drinks never becomes thirsty)” al-Bukhari 4/95 and Muslim 1152

Suhoor - The Pre-Dawn Meal

2008-09-01T19:48:00.003+05:00

ITS WISDOM

Allah has made fasting obligatory upon us, just as it was prescribed for the People of the Book before us. Allah, the most high says:
"Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious" Sooratul-Baqarah (2):183

Originally the time of fasting and its rulings were in accordance with what was prescribed for the People of the Book. It was not permissible to eat, drink or have sexual intercourse after one had slept meaning that if one fell asleep before eating then he could not eat until the next evening, and this was also prescribed for the Muslims as has preceded.

When this was abrogated the Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered the taking of Suhoor as a distinction between our fast and that of the People of the Book.
From Amir ibn al-Aas radiyallah 'anhu, that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"The distinction between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is the taking of the pre-dawn meal (suhoor)" Muslim 1096

ITS EXCELLENCE

From Salmaan, radiyallah 'anhu, who said: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Blessing is in three: the Jamaa'ah, ath-thareed (a broth of crumbled bread and meat) and the Suhoor" Reported by Tabaraanee in al0Kabeer 6127

Fron Abdhullah ibn al-Haarith, from a man of the Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) who said:
I entered upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) and he was taking the suhoor and he said : "It is a blessing which Allah has given to you, so do not leave it" Repoted by ash-Sheeraazee in al-Alqaab

Perhaps the greatest blessing of suhoor is that Allah, the Most High, covers them with His forgiveness and send His Mercy upon them. The angels of the Most Merciful ask for forgiveness for them, so that they maybe granted freedom from the Fire by the Most Merciful in the month of the Quran.

From Aboo Sa'eed al Khudree, radiyallah 'anhu, who said: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The suhoor is a meal of blessings, so do not leave it, even if one of you just takes a (gulp) of water, since Allah sends mercy and His angels seek forgiveness for those who take the suhoor" Ahmad (3/12 and 44)
DELAYING THE SUHOOR
Anas, radiyallah 'anhu, reports from Zayd ibn Thaabit that he said: We ate suhoor along with the Prophet (peace be upon him), then he stood up for the prayer, I said: "How much time was there between the adhaan (call to prayer) and the suhoor?"
He (peace be upon him) said: "The interval was sufficient to recite fifty Aaayat" Bukhari (4/18) and Muslim 1097

ITS RULING

The Prophet (peace be upon him) gave an emphatic order for one wishing to fast that he should take suhoor, so he (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever wishes to fast then let him take something to eat as suhoor" Ahmad 3/438

Then he (peace be upon him) explained the value of suhoor to his Ummah, saying : "The disctinction between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is the taking of the suhoor" Muslim 1096

We see that the Prophet's (peace be upon him) order is heavily emphasised in three ways:
1. The Order itself;
2. That it is a sign of the fasting of the Muslims and the disctinction between their fast and the fast of others; and
3. The forbiddance of leaving it.

These are strong indications and clear evidence, yet despite all this al-Haafidh ibn Hajr reports in Fathul-Baaree (4/139) that there is Ijmaa' that it is (no more than) a recommendation (mustahabb)! And Allah knows best.

Joys Of Fasting

2008-08-30T19:46:00.003+05:00

The Prophet (peace be upon him) says in this hadith: “The fasting person has two occasions for joy…” This does not mean that the fasting person experiences no other joys aside from these two. It is just that these two particular occasions of joy are exclusive to a fasting person and are experienced by no one else.

The fasting person experiences the first occasion of joy when he eats and drinks after a full day of self-restraint, patience, and obedience seeking Allah’s reward.

He experiences the second occasion of joy when he meets his Lord after a full lifetime of fasting and seeking Allah’s reward every time the month of Ramadan called upon him as an honored guest.

The first of these two joys comes every night in Ramadan when the Sun sets and the fasting person stretches out his hand to eat a sweet date or take a sip of cool, refreshing water to relieve his hunger and thirst.

And why should he not feel joy at this moment? He had expended every effort throughout the day only for his Lord’s pleasure and forbade himself his share of food and drink, seeking Allah’s eternal and everlasting reward.

It is the joy of having control over the demands of one’s own body and ascendancy over the everyday habits of life. It is, in this way, a spiritual joy, an exuberance that comes with the appearance of every Ramadan and with the exercise of goodly patience.

The happiness of a fasting person when he breaks his fast is not merely because he assuages his hunger and thirst, for even the lowliest of animals share in such pleasures. Instead, it is the joy of triumph over Satan and over one’s own passions and basest desires.

It is also the joy of having successfully carried out the command of our Lord. When He asked us to abandon our food, we abandoned it. When He called upon us to abstain from quenching our thirsts, we abstained from it.

We had hearkened to Allah’s words: “The month of Ramadan in which the Qur’ân was revealed as a guidance for humanity, clear proofs of guidance, and a criterion. So whoever among you witnesses the month, let him fast it.” [Sûrah al-Baqarah: 185]

As for the second occasion of joy, it is an experience like no other, reminiscent of the joy felt when meeting someone who is most beloved. It is the meeting of the fasting person with his Lord who had helped him to carry out his fast and had blessed him with success in doing so, and who had promised him for his fast the best of rewards that He has kept in store for him.

This is an experience of joy by which all the pains and sorrows of life are forever forgotten. It is an overwhelming joy. On that day, the person who had fasted during his worldly life will be entitled to rejoice in it. However, this will be the case only as long as he had restrained his hands from sinful deeds and his tongue from evil words and thereby safeguarded his fasts from becoming bereft of blessings.

Those who are barred from the blessings of their fasts are indeed doubly deprived. Their fasts deprived them of their food and drink, and then their conduct deprived them of the blessings and rewards. This is because they had violated the sanctity of the month of Ramadan with the ignominy of their words and the wickedness of their deeds.

Therefore, every fasting person needs to be aware of what the fast really means. He needs to fully appreciate its great and noble purposes. He must prepare himself mentally to safeguard his fast from every evil word and deed, so he can be sure to experience both of the joys that are unique to the fast. He should, likewise, let all the goodness that Allah has prepared for those who fast with sincerity be a means for him to restrain his eyes from casting their gaze upon that which is unlawful.

If, instead, a person opts not to lower his gaze from the foul images on the television screen and the forbidden sights of the street; if he chooses to indulge his ears in listening to provocative music and indecent songs; if, above all that, he allows his tongue to speak falsely and injuriously, then he should know that the only pleasure he shall experience when he breaks his fast is that felt by the cattle when they are set out to pasture or by the lion when it catches its prey.

Of joy, he will have nothing else.

Girlfriend + Boyfriend = Marriage!

2008-08-30T15:40:00.000+05:00

Fasting Without Prayers

2008-08-27T13:31:00.004+05:00

The following was taken from:

"The Fataawa of The Standing Committee for Islaamic Research and ifta (Fataawa al-Lajnat -ud-daaimah lil-buhuth al-Ilmiah wal-iftaa)", Volume 10: Zakaat and Siyaam, Gathered and organized by Shaykh Ahmad bin abdur-Razaaq ad-Duwaish, Dar al- 'Aasimah, 1413h."

Question No:2 Fatwa No:102

Question: If a person was intent on the fasting of Ramadhaan and prayer in Ramadhaan only, but he leaves prayer right after at the closing of Ramadhaan, then does the fasting count?

Answer: (Fataawa)

The prayer is a pillar from the pillars of Islaam, and it is the most important after the two testimonies (shahaadatayn), and it is amongst the individual obligations (fardh al-ayn), and whoever leaves it, arguing its obligation (saying it is not obligatory) or out of weakness or laziness, then indeed he has gone into disbelief. As for those who fast Ramadhaan and pray in Ramadhaan only, their fasting does not count with the fact that they leave prayer outside Ramadhaan, but rather are disbelievers by that and have committed the great kufr, even if they do not argue the obligation of the prayer according to the stronger of the two opinions of the scholars, due to his (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) saying:

" The covenent which is between us and them (the disbelievers) is the Prayer, so whoever leaves it, then indeed he hasdisbelieved." related by Imaam Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Tirmithee, Nisaa'ee, and ibn Maajah with an authentic chain on theauthority of Buraydah al-Aslamee (r), and his (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) saying:

"The head of the matter is Islaam, its pillar is the prayer, and its highest peak is jihaad in the Way of Allaah," related by Ahmad and Tirmidhee, may Allah have mercy on them, with an authentic chain on the authority of Mu'aadth ibn Jabal (r) , and his (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) saying:

"Between the person and disbelief and shirk (associating partners with Allaah) is the leaving of the prayer," related by Imaam Muslim in his "Saheeh" on the authority of Jaabir ibn Abdullaah Al-Ansaaree (r), and the hadiths with this meaning are many.

And from Allah is tawfeeq, and may the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be on His Messenger, his family, and his companions.

The Standing Committee for Islaamic Research and IFTA:

President: Abdul-Azeez bin Baaz

Vice President: AbdurRazaaq Afeefee
Member: Abdullaah bin Qu'ood
Member: Abdullaah bin Ghudayaan

Enough Fitnah!

2008-08-24T10:47:00.001+05:00

The fitnah on the internet has become overwhelming. Fitnah has always existed on the internet, but now, its hard to even check your email without seeing something haram. Whether it's an AD about losing those extra kilos you’ve put on in time for the coming summer or those notorious webcam pop-up ADs which assume that every internet user has shameless, perverted hobbies like secretly filming their neighbour’s wife. It's time to put an end to this cruel commercial blitzkrieg.

Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Whoever amongst you sees an evil, he must change it with his hand; if he is unable to do so, then with his tongue; and if he is unable to do so, then with his heart; and that is the weakest form of Faith".
[Muslim].

There are a few ways we can counter this onslaught. Some users turn the graphics off in their browser settings. This turns off all pictures by default. Not a bad option, but this takes away much of the internet’s 'multimedia' experience. The best way is to get an AD Blocking software installed on your computer. These programs eliminate pop-up ads, banner ads, as well as animation and background music. They are highly configurable, so the user can choose what to block and what to allow. There are a few available on the web. The most effective one I've encountered is a program called AdSubtract.
It can be downloaded from this address:

http://www.adsubtract.com/pro/trial/download.html

Note however, that the software is a 30-day trial.

It has the following features:

Blocks banner ads, Speeds surfing, Blocks pop-ups, Blocks animated flash ads, Blocks pop-unders, background music and more. Which means it blocks a lot of the fitnah, give it a try!

Alternatively, here is a completely free AD blocking software – called Proxomitron - that is also a very good program. It basically has the same functionality as Ad Subtract and can be downloaded from this address: http://www.proxomitron.org/download.html

It is not quite as easy to use as AD Subtract but is completely free! No registration or expire dates! Both programs are fairly easy to configure and well worth the effort to install them since they are very good at reducing the Haram we are bombarded with.

"But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness,- We shall soon admit them to Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath,-to dwell therein for ever. Allah's promise is the truth, and whose word can be truer than Allah's?" Quran 4:122

Finally, please forward this to others and inform them about such software so that they may reduce their exposure to the fitnah.

Abu Mas`ud `Uqbah bin `Amr Al-Ansari Al-Badri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Whoever guides someone to virtue will be rewarded equivalent to him who practices that good action".
[Muslim].

Let’s keep the Internet Halal.

Beautiful Hadith

2008-08-17T11:55:00.005+05:00

Narrated by Abu Huraira (RA):

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

"There is a group of Allaah's angels who move about the streets searching for the people who mention Allaah (swt). When they find a group doing that, they call each other, "Here is what you are looking for." Then they cover that group with their wings right up to the sky.

When these angels return to the heavens, their Lord asks them, although He knows the answer, "What were My Servants saying?"

They say, "They were describing Your holiness and greatness, and were busy praising and glorifying You."

Allaah (swt) then asks, "Have they seen Me?" The angels reply, "By Allaah! They have not seen You."

Allaah (swt) says, "What would they have done if they could see me?" The angels reply, "They would then be even more busy in their worship, glorification, and praise."

Then Allaah (swt) asks, "What did they want from Me?" The angels reply, "They asked You for Jannah (Heaven)."

Allaah (swt) says, "Have they seen it?" They answer, "No, by You! They have not seen it."

Allah (swt) says, "What would they have done if they had seen it?" The angels answer, "Had they seen it, they would desire it more eagerly, and would work harder to deserve it."

Then Allaah (swt) asks, "From what thing did they want Me to protect them?" The angels answer, "They wanted to be protected from Hell."

Allaah (swt) says, "Have they seen it?" They answer, "No, by You! They have not seen it."

Allaah (swt) says, "What would they have done if they had seen it?" The angels answer, "Had they seen it, they would have feared it and run from it even more."

Then Allaah (swt) says, "Be My witnesses: I have forgiven them!"

One of the angels then says, "But among them was a person who is not one of them. He had simply come for something he needed."

Allaah (swt) says, "I have forgiven him too, just because he happened to sit with them. Anyone who sits with those people will not be a loser."

(Sahih Bukhari Volume 8:417)

Month Of Sha'baan

2008-08-13T20:02:00.003+05:00

Sha’baan is the name of the (eighth) month, and it is so called because in this month the Arabs used to disperse (tasha’’aba) in search of water, or it was said that they dispersed to carry out raids and forays. Or it was said that it is so called because it sha’aba (branches out or emerges) i.e., it appears between the months of Rajab and Ramadan. The plural forms of the word Sha’baan are Sha’baanaat and Sha’aabeen.

Fasting in Sha’baan

‘Aa’ishah (RA) said: “The Messenger (PBUH) used to fast until we thought he would never break his fast, and not fast until we thought he would never fast. I never saw the Messenger of Allaah fasting for an entire month except in Ramadan, and I never saw him fast more than he did in Sha’baan.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 1833; Muslim, no. 1956).

“He used to fast all of Sha’baan, he used to fast all but a little of Sha’baan.” Muslim (no. 1957),

A group of scholars, including Ibn al-Mubaarak and others, thought that the Prophet (PBUH) did not fast all of Sha’baan, but he fasted most of it. ‘Aa’ishah (RA), who said: “I never knew of him – meaning the Prophet (PBUH) – fasting for any entire month apart from Ramadan.” According to another report also narrated by Muslim (no. 1955), ‘Aa’ishah said: “I never saw him fast for any entire month from the time he came to Madeenah, apart from Ramadan.” Saheeh Muslim (no. 1954)

It was reported in al-Saheehayn that Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “The Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) did not fast any entire month apart from Ramadan.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 1971, and Muslim, no. 1157).

Ibn ‘Abbaas regarded it as makrooh to fast any entire month apart from Ramadaan. Ibn Hajar (RA) said: “He observed more voluntary fasts in Sha’baan than in any other month, and he used to fast most of Sha’baan.”
Usaamah ibn Zayd (may Allaah be pleased with them both) said: “I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, I do not see you fasting in any other month like you fast in Sha’baan.’ He said, ‘That is a month to which people do not pay attention, between Rajab and Ramadan, and it is a month in which deeds are lifted up to the Lord of the Worlds. I like for my deeds to be lifted up when I am fasting.’” (Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, see Saheeh al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb, page 425).

According to a report narrated by Abu Dawood (no. 2076) she said: “The most beloved of months for the Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) to fast in was Sha’baan, and his fasting in Sha’baan was continuous with his fasting in Ramadan.” (Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani, see Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawood, 2/461).

Ibn Rajab (RA) said: “Fasting in Sha’baan is better than fasting in the Sacred Months, and the best of voluntary fasts are those that are (observed in the months) closest to Ramadan, before or after. The status of these fasts is like that of al-Sunan al-Rawaatib which are done before and after fard (prayers) and which make up for any shortfall in the number of obliagtory prayers. The same applies to fasts observed before and after Ramadan. Just as al-Sunan al-Rawaatib are better than other kinds of voluntary prayers, so fasts observed (in the months) before and after Ramadan are better than fasts at other times.

The phrase “Sha’baan is a month to which people do not pay attention, between Rajab and Ramadan” indicates that because it comes between two important months, the Sacred Month of Rajab and the month of fasting, people are preoccupied with those two months and they do not pay attention to Sha’baan. Many people think that fasting in Rajab is better than fasting in Sha’baan, because Rajab is one of the Sacred Months, but this is not the case.

In the hadeeth quoted above there is an indication that even though certain times, places and people may be commonly thought to posses a particular virtue, there may be others that are better than them.

It also indicates that it is mustahabb to make good use of the times when people tend to be negligent, by doing acts of worship. A group of the Salaf used to fill the time between Maghrib and ‘Isha’ with prayer, saying that it was a time when many people were negligent. Another example is the remembrance of Allah (dhikr) in the marketplace, because this means one is remembering Him in a place where people tend to be negligent and among people who are negligent.

The scholars differed as to the reasons why the Prophet (PBUH) fasted so much in Sha’baan.

Their various opinions were as follows:

1. That he had been unable to fast three days out of every month because he was travelling or for some other reason, so he made them all up together in Sha’baan. When the Prophet (PBUH) began to do some naafil action, he would persist in it, and if he missed it, he would make it up later.

2. It was said that his wives used to make up the days that they missed of Ramadan in Sha’baan, so he used to fast because of that. This is the opposite of what was reported from ‘Aa’ishah, that she used to delay making up days that she had missed in Ramadan until Sha’baan because she was too busy with the Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) to fast.

3. It was said that it was because this is a month which people do not pay attention to. This is the most correct view, because of the hadeeth of Usaamah quoted above, in which it says: “That is a month to which people do not pay attention, between Rajab and Ramadan.” (Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, see Saheeh al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb, p. 425)

When Sha’baan began, if the Prophet (PBUH) still had some voluntary fasts outstanding that he had not fasted, he would make them up during Sha’baan so that his naafil fasts would be complete before Ramadan came. Similarly, if he had missed some Sunnah prayers or he had missed Qiyaam al-Layl, he would make it up. ‘Aa’ishah used to make the most of this opportunity to make up any obligatory Ramadan fasts that she had missed because of menstruation; during other months she was too busy with the Prophet (PBUH) to fast

Another benefit of fasting in Sha’baan is that it is a kind of training for the Ramadan fast, in case a person finds it difficult to fast when Ramadan starts; if he fasts in Sha’baan he will have gotten used to fasting and he will feel strong and energetic when Ramadan comes. Sha’baan is like an introduction to Ramadan and it has some things in common with Ramadaan, such as fasting, reciting Qur’aan and giving in charity. Salamah ibn Suhayl used to say: “The month of Sha’baan is the month of reciters (of the Qur’aan).” Habeeb ibn Abi Thaabit used to say, when Sha’baan came, “This is the month of reciters (of the Qur’aan).” When Sha’baan came, ‘Amr ibn Qays al-Malaa’i used to close his store and devote his time to reading the Qur’aan.

Some ignorant people may think that the reason why we do not fast just before Ramadan is so that we can make the most of eating and have our fill of our desires before we have to deny ourselves by fasting. This is an ignorant mistake on the part of those who think this. And Allah knows best.

The Pious Barber

2008-08-10T10:56:00.002+05:00

The Pious Barber Abu Ja'far al-Hadad relates, "During a stay in Makkah my hair had grown long but I could not afford to cut it. I went to a barber who seemed to be a good man and asked him to cut my hair for the sake of Allah. The barber glanced at my messy hair and invited me forward. He trimmed away the locks up to the ears. Once he had finished he reached and handed over some dirhams. He said, "Take it. You'll need it". I was reluctant but he insisted. I took it on the condition of returning the whole amount at the first opportunity. I thanked him and left.

Later I met a friend outside the Haramain. He informed me that a friend of mine from Basra had left this bag containing 300 dirhams for me. I took the bag and gave it to the barber. The barber said, "Oh Shaykh, do you not have any shame? You told me to cut your hair for the sake of Allah and now you want me to take the charge. Take the bag and may Allah forgive you.''

Judging Others

2008-08-06T10:34:00.004+05:00

"It is wrong for a person to accuse anyone else of something wrong except with full knowledge and tangible proof."

As Muslims, the default assumption we should have about other people in any matter is that they are free of blame. Islam demands fairness and impartiality when it comes to judging others.

Allah says: "And when you speak, then be just, though it be (against) a relative." [Sûrah al-An`âm: 152]

He also says: "O you who believe! stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of any people make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do. " [Sûrah al-Mâ'idah: 8]

It is wrong for a person to accuse anyone else of something wrong except with full knowledge and tangible proof. It is forbidden to base a judgment against someone on hearsay, conjecture or suspicion.

Allah says: "O you who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest you harm people unwittingly, and afterwards become full of repentance for what you have done." [Sûrah al-Hujurât: 5]

He also warns us: "O you who believe! Shun much suspicion; for lo! some suspicion is a sin." [Sûrah al-Hujurât: 12]

In those cases where one is compelled to mention another person's faults, it is best to mention that person's good points as well. It is wrong to exaggerate the importance of the person's error or stress the fault too much, especially if it is possible that the error was an honest mistake or in a matter where the truth is not 100% clear.

If a person's error is clearly manifest and established by solid evidence, then it is not wrong to warn people against the error and clarify the truth. However, that correction must be carried out appropriately, in a gentle manner that does not drive people away. The mistake itself should be corrected without delving into anything beyond that. For example, the person who made the mistake should not be accused of having bad intentions or an evil motive.

Al-Dhahabî, speaking about the mistakes of the scholars, said the following: [Siyar al-A`lâm al-Nubalâ' (14/374)]:

If we were to discredit every person who made mistake in judgment or declare those people as innovators – people who are essentially of good faith and sincerely seek the truth – then scarcely would any of our scholars be spared.

Speaking about Qatâdah – the illustrious Successor – he said [Siyar al-A`lâm al-Nubalâ' (2/271)]:

He was one who asserted human free will to the extent of denying Divine Decree over human actions. We ask Allah to protect us from such ideas. On the other hand, no one ever doubted his honesty in the least, or his integrity, or the strength of his memory. It is quite possible that Allah forgives the likes of him for falling into certain innovated ideas with no other intention but to glorify Allah and to hold Him far above (the bad deeds that people commit.) Allah is the judge who is just and merciful towards His servants. He is not to be asked about what He does.

We should keep in mind that people of knowledge, intelligence, integrity, and piety – who are meticulous in investigating matters and who are quite often correct in their conclusions – they are to be pardoned when they err in their judgment on occasion.

Their good qualities and good work should not be dismissed. Of course, we do not follow what is shown to be wrong, regardless of who the mistake came from. However, we do not use it to discredit the good that a person has done.

And Allah knows best.

Hope In Allah SWT

2008-08-04T14:50:00.003+05:00

Those who have knowledge about Allah SWT agree that when you get to the point of losing all hope, it means that Allah SWT has entrusted to you your own affairs. And when you have trust and hope in Allah SWT, it means that Allah SWT has guided you to goodness.

Allah’s slaves are always swaying from the first state to the second. During the period of a single hour, one can have his share of both. So he obeys Allah and pleases Him, he remembers Him and thanks Him - and he is only able to do these through His help. Shortly afterwards, though, he disobeys Allah, goes against His Commands, earns His anger, and is generally in a state of forgetfulness - all because Allah has left him to himself. Therefore Allah’s slave is always oscillating between His Divine care and between being forsaken.

Whenever one of Allah’s slaves witnesses this phenomenon that of changing from one state to the other - he should appreciate the dubious nature of his situation and his extreme need of being guided by Allah in every breath he breathes and in every moment he lives. His faith and belief are in Allah’s hand. If Allah SWT were to leave him alone for even the blinking of an eye, his faith would plunge to the ground. You should therefore realise that the One who is protecting your faith is the One Who is preventing the sky from falling to the earth.

Story of a great Muslim woman - Umm Sulaym

2008-08-02T17:14:00.002+05:00

Anas (RA) reported:

Maalik ibn Anas said to his wife Um Sulaym – who was the mother of Anas – “This man – meaning the Prophet (PBUH) is forbidding alcohol.” So he left Madinah and went to Shaam (Syria), where he died. (i.e., he fled from Madinah when the Prophet (PBUH) came there, because he did not like the ban on alcohol, and he died as a kaafir in Syria). Then Abu Talhah came and proposed marriage to Um Sulaym, and spoke to her about it. She said, “O Abu Talhah, a man like you would not be turned down, but you are a non-believer, and I am a Muslim woman. It is not right for me to marry you.” He said, “This is the chance of a lifetime!” She said, “What chance?” He said, “The yellow and white (i.e., he was tempting her with a mahr or dowry of gold and silver).” She said, “I do not want any yellow or white. I want you to become Muslim. If you become Muslim, that will be my mahr, and I will not ask you for anything else.” He asked, “Who could help me with that (i.e., to become Muslim)?” She said, “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) will help you.” So Abu Talhah went to look for the Prophet (PBUH), who was sitting with his Companions. When he (PBUH) saw him, he said, “Abu Talhah is coming to you with the light of Islam shining on his forehead.” (This was one of the miracles of the Prophet (PBUH): he knew that Abu Talhah would become a Muslim even before he spoke). Abu Talhah told the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) about what Um Sulaym had said, and he married her on that basis. Thaabit (i.e., Thaabit al-Banaani, one of the people who narrated the story from Anas) said: “We have never heard of any mahr greater than this, she accepted his Islam as her dowry.”

So he married her, and she was a woman with nice eyes, rather small. She was with him until she bore him a son, who Abu Talhah loved very much. The child became very ill, and Abu Talhah was very upset and distressed by the child’s sickness. Abu Talhah used to get up to pray the morning prayer, he would go to the Prophet (PBUH) and pray with him, and would stay with him for almost half the day. Then [Abu Talhah] would come to take a nap and eat, and when he had prayed Zuhr he would get ready and leave, and would not come back until the time of the ‘Isha’ prayer. One evening, Abu Talhah went out to see the Prophet (PBUH) (according to another report: to go to the mosque), and the child died (during his absence). Um Sulaym said, “No one is to tell Abu Talhah about his child’s death until I have told him.” She covered the child up as if he were sleeping, and left him in a corner of the house. Abu Talhah came back from visiting the Messenger of Allaah (PBUH), and brought some people from the mosque with him. He asked, “How is my son?” She said, “O Abu Talhah, from the time he fell sick, he has never been as calm as he is now, and I hope that he is resting.” (She spoke vaguely so as not to upset him; this was not a lie. She was referring to the calmness of death and the child finding relief from the pain of his sickness, but her husband took it to mean that the child’s condition had improved). She brought the meal and they all ate dinner, then the people left. Then he went to bed and lay down, and she got up and put on perfume and adorned herself, making herself more beautiful than she ever had before. (This was a sign of her patience and great faith in the will and decree of Allah. She was seeking reward from Allah and concealing her feelings, hoping that she would become pregnant that night to make up for the loss of her child). Then she came and lay down in the bed with him, and when he smelt the perfume, he did as men usually do with their wives (this is the narrator’s polite and circumspect manner of referring to what happened between them). At the end of the night, she said, “O Abu Talhah, do you think that if some people lent something to some others, then they asked for it back, do they have the right not to give it back?” He said, “No.” She said, “Allah, may He be glorified, lent your son to you, and now He has taken him back, so seek reward with Him and have patience.” He became angry and said, “You left me until I did what I did (i.e., had intercourse), then you tell me that my son has died!” Then he said, “Innaa Lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji’oon (Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return) and he praised Allah. In the morning, he did ghusl (full ablution) then he went to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and prayed with him, and told him what had happened. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “May Allah bless you for last night.” She conceived a child (thus the Prophet’s (PBUH) prayer for them was answered).

Um Sulaym used to travel with the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), leaving Madinah when he left, and returning when he returned. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “When she gives birth, bring the child to me.” He was on a journey, and Um Sulaym was with him. When the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) came back from travelling, he would never enter Madinah at night (so as not to disturb the people, and so that wives would have time to get ready to greet their husbands). They reached the outskirts of Madinah, and her labor pains started. Abu Talhah stayed with her, and the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) went on. Abu Talhah said, “O Allah, you know that I like to set out with your Messenger when he sets out, and come back with him when he comes back. I have been detained as you see.” Um Sulaym said, “O Abu Talhah, I do not feel the pains as much (this was one of her “miracles”; her labour pains ceased because she had asked Allah to enable her to catch up with the Messenger of Allah (PBUH). So they set off, and after they had reached Madinah, her labour pains started again, and she gave birth to a boy. She told her son Anas, “O Anas, I will not give him anything to eat until you take him in the morning to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH),” and she sent some dates with him. (Because she wanted the first thing to enter the child’s mouth to be food from the Prophet (PBUH); this was a sign of her great faith, because the woman’s natural instinct is to hasten to feed the baby as soon as he is born). The child cried all night long, and I [Anas, the narrator of this story] stayed up all night taking care of him. In the morning, I took him to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), who was wearing his burdah (a kind of cloak) and marking the camels and sheep that had been given to him (the animals had been given in charity and he was marking them so that they would not get lost or mixed with other flocks or herds). When he saw him, he said to Anas, “Has the daughter of Milhaan [i.e., Um Sulaym] given birth?” He said, “Yes.” He said, “I will be with you in a minute.” He put down the tool in his hand (with which he had been marking the animals) and took the child, then he (PBUH) said, “Do you have something for him?” They said, “Yes, dates.” The Prophet (PBUH) took some of the dates and chewed them, mixing them with his saliva (and the saliva of the Prophet (PBUH) was blessed by Allah). Then he opened the child’s mouth and gave him some of the dates, wiping them inside his mouth. The infant began to smack his lips, sucking some of the sweetness of the dates and the saliva of the Prophet (PBUH). Thus the first thing that entered that child’s stomach was mixed with the saliva of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH). He said, “See how much the Ansaar (the Muslims who were living in Madenah when the Prophet migrated there) love dates!” I [Anas] said, “O Messenger of Allah, name him.” He wiped his face and named him ‘Abd-Allaah. There was no young man among the Ansaar who was better than him, and when he grew up he had a lot of sons, and was martyred in Persia (he died as a martyr when the Muslims conquered Persia; all of this happened as a result of the Prophet’s blessed du’aa’).

(The story was reported by Imaam al-Bukhaari, Muslim, Ahmad and al-Tayaalisi; this version was reported by al-Tayaalisi and others. Al-‘Allaamah al-Albaani collected all its isnaads in his book Ahkaam al-Janaa’iz, p. 20).

This is one story of one Muslim woman among the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH).There are many other stories which show the effect Islam had on the hearts of Muslim women and how the religion of Allah bore fruits of righteous deeds and good lives. Peace be upon those who follow true guidance.

Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

Shade On The Day Of Judgement

2008-07-27T20:43:00.002+05:00

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

"Seven people will be shaded by Allah under His shade on the day when there will be no shade except His.

They are:

1. A just ruler;

2. A young man who has been brought up in the worship of Allah, (i.e. worship Allah (Alone) sincerely from his childhood),

3. A man whose heart is attached to the mosque (who offers the five compulsory congregational prayers in the mosque);

4. Two persons who love each other only for Allah's sake and they meet and part in Allah's cause only;

5. A man who refuses the call of a charming woman of noble birth for an illegal sexual intercourse with her and says: I am afraid of Allah;

6. A person who practices charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given (i.e. nobody knows how much he has given in charity).

7. A person who remembers Allah in seclusion and his eyes get flooded with tears."

Bukhari Vol. 2 : 504

Be Strong!

2008-07-25T11:19:00.003+05:00

My dear sisters in Islam, a Muslim has got ONE goal in this life and it is to enter Jannah. All other goals are intermediary goals that should help us achieve that ultimate goal. So, whenever we set ourselves a goal, the first thing we should do is sincerely ask ourselves whether this will help us on our road to Jannah and this is a questionthat none of us will be able to answer but ourselves. Let’s take for example the goal of getting a degree.

One might take a degree in English to make da’wah and another one might take the same degree but with the goal of writing romance novels. The means are the same but the goals (and intention) are completely different.

The road to Jannah, however, is not rosy-rosy. Instead, it is made of hardships. The Prophet (PBUH) said (in the meaning):
"When Allah created Paradise, He said to Jibreel: Go and look at it. He went and looked at it, then came and said: O my Lord! By Your might, no one who hears of it will fail to enter it. He then surrounded it with disagreeable things, and said: Go and look at it, Jibreel. He went and looked at it, then came and said: O my Lord! By Thy might, I am afraid that no one will enter it.When Allah created Hell, He said: Go and look at it, Jibreel. He went and looked at it, then came and said: O my Lord! By Thy might, no one who hears of it will enter it. He then surrounded it with desirable things and said: Go and look at it, Jibreel. He went, looked at it, then came and said: O my Lord! By Thy might and power, I am afraid that no one will remain who does not enter it." [Abu Dawud]

In the meaning of another hadeeth,

"The (Hell) Fire is surrounded by all kinds of desires and passions, while Paradise is surrounded by all kinds of disliked undesirable things." [Agreed upon]

So, my dear sisters, if we want that noble ultimate goal that Jannah is, we must be ready for hardships and how to face them. And this is why we have to develop a strong faith and a strong character.

First of all, we have to believe and be convinced that things happen by the Will of Allah.

The Prophet (PBUH) said to Abdulllah bin Abbaas (RA):"Be Mindful of Allaah, and you will find Him in front of you. Recognise and Acknowledge Allaah in times of ease and prosperity, and He will Remember you in times of adversity. And know that what has passed you by [and you have failed to attain] was not going to befall you, and what has befallen you was not going to pass you by. And know that Victory comes with Patience, Relief with Affliction, and Hardship with Ease." [Tirmidhi]

In another version of the same hadeeth:
"And know that if the Nation were to gather together to benefit you with anything, they would not benefit you except with what Allaah had already prescribed for you. And if they were to gather together to harm you with anything, they would not harm you except with what Allaah had already prescribed against you." [Tirmidhi]

Secondly, we have to seek Allah’s pleasure in good times and remember Him and Allah (SWT) will remember us in hard times.

Thirdly, we have to seek help with patience and prayer. Allah (SWT) says:"And seek help with patience and prayer." [al-Baqarah:153]

Fourthly, we have to be happy with what Allah (SWT) has given to us and “make do” with what we have. This does not mean that we have to live without a washing machine but, if the washing machine broke down when our husband was travelling and we had no money to either repair it or buy a new one, could we cope with it? If we had no car for a month, could we cope without it? If we couldn’t use our hand for a month, could we cope with that? If we had no running water for two days, would we be able to adapt?It is the promise of Allah (SWT) that He will test us with things like that. Allah (SWT) says:

"And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirin (the patient). [Al-Baqarah: 155]

Fifthly, we, women, should be strong to raise our family. We are often tested by our children and this is a promise from Allah (SWT). He (SWT) says: "Your wealth and your children are only a Fitnah, whereas Allah! With Him is a great reward." [At-Taghabun:15]

Whether that test comes with a lack of children, or with lots of children, this is a test for us. We do not decide how many children we have but it is Allah who decides how many children we have. How many women have less children than they hoped for and how many women have more children than they hoped for? So ask Allah to give you children and make lots of du’a for them to stay on the right path.

We are also tested through their behaviour, whether this behaviour is good or no. Shall we be thankful? Shall we seek our reward from Allah (SWT)? Shall we be patient? However, at the same time, they are an immense source of rewards if we bring them up according to Allah’s laws. There is nothing better than leaving behind us a pious child. And if Allah (SWT) decides to test us by taking them away from us while still young, then this child will wait for us at the door of Jannah insha Allah.

So sisters, be strong in this life because this is the way to attain Jannah and, especially, Jannat-ul-Firdaus

and be strong for your children, ask Allah (SWT) to give you the patience and the wisdom to bring up your children in a way that pleases Him and to give you the strength to do so because you will be tested through them, there is no doubt about it (and the tests from them only get harder and harder until they become adult).

Ar-Riyaa (Showing Off)

2008-07-22T09:34:00.003+05:00

Ar-riyaa is censured in the Book and the Sunnah. From them is the Statement of Allah, the Most High:

"So woe to the worshippers, who are neglectful of their prayers. Those who want to be seen (by men)." [Soorah al-Maa`oon: 4-6]

As for the ahaadeeth, some of them have already been mentioned in the chapter of shirk, since ar-riyaa is the minor shirk. Some will be mentioned here, insha Allah.

Know O Muslim, O slave of Allah, that the word riyaa is taken from the word ruyah (to be seen). So the one to be seen is viewed by the people as one seeking esteem amongst them. So at times one would seek self-esteem by one's actions in this world.

Riyaa is of many types and forms, its nature and tendency is that it invalidates the actions as stated in the Book and the Sunnah.

Allah, the Most High, says:

"Like those who spend from their wealth to be seen by men, and they do not believe in Allah and the Last Day. Their example is like the example of a hard rock on which is a little soil, then on it falls heavy rain which flows off it and they will not be able to do anything with whatever they have earned and Allah does not guide the disbelieving people." [Soorah al-Baqarah: 264]

The Prophet, (PBUH) said: "What I fear for you the most is the minor shirk, that is ar-riyaa. Allah will say on the Day of Judgment when He is rewarding the people for their actions: Go to those for whom you did riyaa for in the world then see if you find the reward with them." [Related by Ahmad (5/428, 429) and al-Baghawee in Sharh us-Sunnah (4135) from the hadeeth of Mahmood bin Lubaid, (RA), with an authentic chain upon the conditions of Muslim.]

The Prophet, (PBUH), said: "Shall I not inform you of what I fear for you more than the maseeh ud-dajjaal? It is the hidden shirk. It is when a man stands up for prayer, then beautifies his prayer for another to look at."
[Related by Ibn Maajah (2604) from the hadeeth of Aboo Sa`eed al-Khudree (RA). The hadeeth is hasan.]

So be warned my brother in faith, from riyaa as it is an evil tribulation annihilating the actions. Know O Muslim brother, that the Fire will be kindled first for the people who showed-off because they took the enjoyment from the results of their actions in the life of this world.

So flee, O slave, from riyaa as you would flee from a lion, as riyaa and one's hidden desires even weakened the stands of the senior scholars from its dangers, let alone the general masses.

The scholars and the active worshippers who made great efforts to tread the path to the Hereafter, were even put to trial by it. When they took control of their themselves and abstained from desires, they were not being allured to the apparent and open sins committed by the limbs.

However when they became relaxed, they began to pretend to show knowledge, actions and to present gatherings, to be observed by the people with reverence and esteem. They feel great delight and they looked down upon the idea of leaving sins.

So one of them thinks that he is from amongst the sincere worshippers of Allaah but he has been confirmed as one of the hypocrites. This is a great deception and no one is safe from it except the angels.

It was said in a poem:

Enemies of the soul and the shaitaan; resist them both,

If they both give sincere advice to you, then escape from them both.

O Allah, Lord of the Heavens and the earth, purify our hearts from hypocrisy and our actions from riyaa. Make us firm upon Your straight path so that we achieve certainty.

How To Treat Your Sisters In Islam

2008-07-19T12:50:00.003+05:00

1. She loves them for the sake of Allah :

This is a love untainted by any worldly interests or ulterior motives. True sisterly love is a relationship whose purity is derived from the light of Islamic guidance (Dr. Muhammad A. al-Hashimi). It is a bond that links a Muslims to her sister regardless of geographical origins, ethnicity, skin color, hair form, eye shape, or language. (It is) a bond based upon faith in Allah SWT Who is greater than all our little petty divisions. “The Believers are but a single brotherhood….” [Al-Hujuraat 49:10]

A love which is an expression of the sweetness of faith: “There are three things that whoever attains them will find the sweetness of faith: if Allah and His Messenger are dearer to him than anyone else; if he loves a person solely for the sake of Allah; if he would hate to return to kufr after Allah has rescued him from it, as much as he would hate be thrown into the Fire.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

So this is not love for the sake of status, notoriety, or fame. It is a love that requires a clean heart, a light heart, a soft and pliable heart.

In the hadeeth of Mu’adh reported by at-Tirmidhi, the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Allah said: ‘Those who love one another for My glory, will have minbars of light, and the Prophets and martyrs will wish that they had the same” [hasan saheeh hadeeth]

This kind of love is the only way to eliminate hatred, jealousy, and rivalry from peoples hearts.

2. She shows them kindness, faithfulness, and equity :

The importance of kindness is mentioned hundreds of times in the Qur'aan! Islam instills in its followers the characteristic of kindness and faithfulness towards one’s friends, including the parents of one’s friends. The seerah is filled with examples of kindness and faithfulness among the early believers. If you remember the story concerning our mother ‘Aaisha (RA) who used to become upset with Rasoolullah (PBUH) because he used to extend himself to the friends of his late first wife, Khadijah (RA). He (PBUH) spoke highly of Khadijah (RA) and sometimes he would slaughter a sheep and send a large portion to Khadijah’s friends.

3. She meets them with a warm, friendly, smiling face :

In Muslim it is reported our beloved Prophet (PBUH) said: “Do not think little of any good deed, even if it is just greeting your brother with a cheerful countenance.”

The act of smiling actually stimulates the secretion of certain chemicals (endorphins) that increase our sense of well-being.

“Your smiling at your brother is an act of charity (sadaqah)” [reported by at-Tirmidhi who said it is hasan gharib)

4. She is sincere towards them

Sincerity is one of the most basic principles of Islam and a central foundation of the faith. Without sincerity, a sister’s faith is invalid and her Islam is worthless. When the first believers gave allegiance (bay’ah) to the Prophet (PBUH), they pledged their sincerity. This is confirmed by the statement of Jarir ibn ‘Abdullah (RA): “I gave allegiance to the Prophet (PBUH) and pledged to observe regular prayer, to pay zakat and to be sincere towards every Muslim.”

Furthermore, our beloved Prophet (PBUH) said: “None of you truly believes until he likes for his brother what he likes for himself’ It is impossible to do this without sincerity.

5. She does not forsake or abandon her sister(s) :

The religion that calls for love, continued contact, and mutual affection is also the religion (Islam) that has forbidden sisters in faith to hate or abandon one another. The Prophet (PBUH) said “No two people who love one another for the sake of Allah, or for the sake of Islam, will let the first minor offense of either of them come between them.”

This hadith and others tell us that prolonged estrangement from our sister is not acceptable. The longer the estrangement lasts (3 days or more) the greater the sin and the more severe is the punishment that will befall the two who are split by the dispute. Reconciliation among sisters-in-Islam is encouraged and the better of the two (disputing) Muslimahs is the first to give salaam. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “There should be no breaking off of ties, no turning away from one another, no hating one another, and no envying one another. Be brothers, as Allah has commanded you.” [Muslim]

The great Sahabi Abu Darda (RA) used to say: “Shall I not tell you about something that is better for you than charity and fasting? Reconcile between your brothers, for hatred diminishes reward.” (reported by al-Bukhari in Ad-Adab al-Mufrad)

6. She is tolerant and forgiving towards them :

Sometimes it seems so easy to become angry with our sisters in Islam about just about anything. However, the true Muslim restrains her anger and is quick to forgive her sister, and does not see any shame in doing so. Rather, she recognizes this as a good dead that can bring her closer to Allah and earn her His love which He bestows only on those who do good:

“…[those] who restrain anger and pardon (all) men – for Allah loves those who do good.” [Al-‘Imran 3:134]

7. She does not gossip about or backbite them :

The believing woman does not gossip about or backbite her sisters in Islam. She knows that gossip is haraam as the Quran says:

“…. Nor speak ill of each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, you would abhor it. But fear Allah: for Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.” [al-Hujuraat 49:12]

The believing woman restrains her tongue and speaks only good of her sister, remembering the words of the Prophet (PBUH): “Do you know what gossip is? They said, ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’ He (PBUH) said, ‘It is your saying about your brother something which he dislikes.” He was asked, ‘What do you think if what I say about my brother is true?’ He said, ‘If it is true then you have gossiped about him and if it not true then you have slandered him.” [Muslim]

Being two-faced is an aspect of this. In fact the two-faced person is regarded as being one of the worst people in the sight of Allah. Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) said: “You will find among the worst people in the sight of Allah on the Day of Resurrection, the one who is two-faced, who approaches some people in one way and others in another.” [al-Bukhari & Muslim]

8. She avoids arguing with them, making hurtful jokes, and breaking promises :

It is reported by al-Bukhari in al-Adab al-Mufrad that our Prophet (PBUH) said: “Do not argue with your brother, do not joke excessively with him, do not make a promise to him then break it.”

Arguing leads to further misunderstanding, rigidity, and is an easy opening for Iblis; hurtful jokes often lead to hatred and loss of respect; and breaking promises upset people and destroys love. We need to learn to be able to “back off” to not have the final say, to sometimes just “agree to disagree” until the matter can be resolved by someone with more knowledge. The kind of posturing and gesticulation that poisons so many disagreements is leftover jahl (ignorance). We need to run away from this.

9. She is generous and self-sacrificing :

The Muslimah prefers friendship with a Muslim over the non-Muslim. The bond of common belief forms the foundation for generosity, a basic Islamic characteristic. We are entreated by Allah SWT to be

“… lowly [or humble] with the believers, mighty against the kafirun …” [al-Maidah 5:54]

10. She prays for her sisters in their absence :

The sincere Muslimah who truly likes for her sister what she likes for herself does not forget to pray for her sister in her absence. This is a practical demonstration of sisterly love and care. A sincere, pure prayer of this kind is the kind most quickly answered. It is reported by al-Bukhari in al-Adab al-Mufrad that “The quickest prayer to be answered is a man’s supplication for his brother in his absence.”

11. She encourages her sisters in all that is pleasing to Allah

The Excellence Of Friday

2008-07-17T21:18:00.002+05:00

Abu Huraira reported the Prophet(PBUH),as saying: ‘The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday; on it Adam was created, on it he was made to enter Paradise, on it he was expelled from it. And the Last Hour will take place on no day other than Friday.’

The Prophet (PBUH) also said on the occasion of Friday:
‘We who are the last shall be the first on the Day of resurrection, except that every Ummah (nation) was given the Book before us and we where given it after them.
It was this day (Friday) which Allah prescribed for us and guided us to it and the people came after us with regard to it, the Jews observing the next day and the Christians they day following that.’

With regard to Friday. The Prophet (PBUH) was also reported as saying: ‘There is no time on Friday at which no Muslim would stand, pray and beg Allah for what is good but He would give it to him’ and he pointed with his hand that (this time) is short and narrow." There is a good deal of difference of opinion among the scholars as to what exactly is that fortunate hour on Friday when the supplication would be granted. The best course is that this hour should be treated as hidden, and the whole day should be spent in supplication and glorification of Allah.

It was the Prophet’s (PBUH) practice to attach special significance and honour to Friday. Examples of this behaviour are numerous, however, the following could be cited: On that day, he recommenced reciting Soorah as-Sajdah (in fajr) [and al-Insaan] because it is inclusive of all affairs relevant to Friday; taking a bath, using perfume and miswak, going to Friday’s congregational prayer early, listening to the sermon, wearing one’s best clothes and remembering Allah all the time.

When the Prophet (PBUH) stood on the pulpit delivering Friday speech (sermon), his eyes would redden and his voice rise sharply with extreme anger. He (PBUH), however, used to shorten the speech but prolong the prayer following it.

"Will You Carry My Load on the Day of Judgment?"

2008-07-13T21:55:00.004+05:00

Once Hadhrat Umar (RA), during his caliphate, was going on his usual rounds towards Harrah (a suburb of Madinah) with his slave Aslam, when he saw a distant fire in the desert. He said, "There seems to be a camp. Perhaps, it is a caravan that could not enter the town due to night fall. Let's go and look after them and arrange for their protection during the night."

When he reached there, he found a woman and some children. The children were crying. The woman had a pan of water over the fire. Hadhrat Umar (RA) greeted her with salaam and, with her permission, went near her. (The woman didn't recognize that it was Umar).

Umar, "Why are these children crying?"

The Woman, "Because they are hungry."

Umar, "What is in the pan?"

The Woman, "Only water to soothe the children, so that they may go to sleep in the belief that food is being prepared for them. Ah! Allah will judge between Umar (RA) and me, on the Day of Judgment, for neglecting me in my distress."

Umar (weeping), "May Allah have mercy on you! How can Umar know of your distress?"

The Woman, "When he is our Amir, he must keep himself informed about us."

Hadhrat Umar (RA) returned to the town and straight away went to the Baitul Mal (House of Charity) to fill a sack with flour, dates, fat, and clothes, and also drew some money. When the sack was ready, he said to Aslam, "Now put this sack on my back, Aslam."

Aslam, "No please, Amir-ul-Momineen! I shall carry this sack."

Umar refused to listen to Aslam, even on his persistent requests to allow him to carry the sack, and remarked, "What! Will you carry my load on the Day of Judgment? I must carry this bag, for it is I who would be questioned (in the Hereafter) about this woman."

Aslam most reluctantly placed the bag on Umar's (RA) back, who carried it with a swift pace right to the woman's tent. Aslam followed at his heels. He put a little flour and some dates and fat in the pan and began to stir. He blew (with his mouth) into the fire to kindle it.

Aslam says, "I saw the smoke passing through his thick beard."

After some time, the pottage was ready. He himself served it to the family. When they had eaten to their fill, he made over to them the little that was left for their next meal. The children were very happy after their meal and began to play about merrily.

The woman felt very grateful and remarked, "May Allah reward you for your kindness! In fact you deserve to take the place of Khalifah instead of Umar."

Umar consoled her and said, "When you come to see the Khalifah, you will find me there."

He sat for a while at a place close by and kept on watching the children. He then returned to Madinah. On his way back, he said to Aslam, "Do you know why I sat there, Aslam? I had seen them weeping in distress. I liked to see them laughing and happy for some time."

Virtues OF Martyr

2008-07-13T16:24:00.005+05:00

"Think not of those, who are slain in the way of Allah, as dead. Nay, they are living. With their Lord they have provision. Jubilant (are they) because of that which Allah hath bestowed upon them of His bounty, rejoicing for the sake of those who have not joined them but are left behind: that there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve. They rejoice because of favor from Allah and kindness, and that Allah wasteth not the wage of the believers.” (Quran- Al `Imran: 169-71)

Sayyidina Abu Hurairah RA reports that the Prophet PBUH has said that those who die in the path of Allah, suffer little pain of death just like the bite of an ant. (Tirmizi)

Sayyidina Anas RA reports that the Prophet PBUH has said that a martyr will be given the right of interceding for seventy of his relatives. (Abu Dawood)

Sayyidina Ka'ab bin Malik RA reports that the Prophet PBUH has said that the soul of martyrs go about relishing the fruits of Paradise, just like green birds. (Tirmizi)

Abu Hurayra RA , narrated that the Prophet PBUH said: “I swear by the One in Whose Hands my soul is, I wish that I would fight for the sake of Allaah (i.e., Jihaad) and get martyred, then return and fight again and get martyred, then return and fight again and get martyred” (Bukhaari & Muslim)

In a Hadeeth when Marwaan said: “We asked ‘Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood, may Allaah be pleased with him, about the following verse: (which translates as): “And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allaah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.” (Aal-‘Imraan: 169).’ He, may Allaah be pleased with him, replied: “We asked the Prophet PBUH about this verse and he replied: “Their (i.e., the martyrs souls) will live inside green birds that dwell in designated lamps which hang on the throne of Allaah, they will roam freely in Paradise as they please, then return to these lamps” (Muslim)

A Shaheed has six other benefits; Al-Miqdaam Ibn Ma’di Karib, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet PBUH said: “A martyr has six bounties: He will be forgiven with the first drop of his blood that is spilt; He will see his place in Paradise (at the time of death); He will be saved from the ‘Great Horror’ (on the Day of Judgment): A Crown of Dignity will be placed on his head, which contains many corundums, each one being more precious than this life and all that it contains; He will have seventy two Women of Paradise; And, he will be allowed to intercede for seventy of his family members (who would have otherwise gone to hell).” (Tirmidhi & Ibn Maajah)

The pain that a martyr feels at the time of death will be reduced so greatly that he will only feel as if he was stung by a mosquito. Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet PBUH said: “A martyr only feels from the effect of being killed that which one would when being stung by a mosquito.” (Tirmidhi, Nasaa’i)

Samurah Ibn Jundub, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet PBUH said: “Last night I was inspired (through a dream); I saw two men come to me and take me up a tree (in Paradise) then into a dwelling which was the best I have ever seen; they informed me that it was the dwelling of the martyrs.” (Bukhaari)

Among all the dwellers of Paradise, only the martyrs would wish to return to this life. This is due to the immense rewards and respect that have been mentioned in the previous Ahadeeth. Anas bin Maalik, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet PBUH said: “Nobody who enters Paradise would ever wish to return to this life again, even if he was to be given the whole world and everything in it – except for a martyr; for he would wish to return and get killed ten times due to the honour that he received (in Paradise).” and in another narration: “For what he finds as virtues of martyrdom.” (Bukhaari & Muslim)

Al Riba

2008-07-12T19:39:00.001+05:00

"Riba` is a loan with the condition that the borrower will return to the lender more than and better than the quantity borrowed."

Allaah SWT says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Those who eat Ribaa will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaytaan (Satan) leading him to insanity. That is because they say: ‘Trading is only like Ribaa,’ whereas Allaah has permitted trading and forbidden Ribaa. So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating Ribaa, shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allaah (to judge); but whoever returns (to Ribaa), such are the dwellers of the Fire — they will abide therein.

Allaah will destroy Ribaa and will give increase for Sadaqaat (deeds of charity, alms). And Allaah likes not the disbelievers, sinners” [al-Baqarah 2: 275-276]

‘Ubaadah ibn al-Saamit (RA) narrated that the Prophet PBUH said: “Gold is to be paid for by gold, silver by silver, barley by barley, dates by dates, like by like, payment being made hand to hand. He who made an addition to it, or asked for an addition, in fact dealt in usury [ribaa].” (Narrated by Muslim in his Saheeh).

It was narrated that Jaabir (RA) said: “The Messenger of Allaah PBUH cursed the one who consumes ribaa, the one who pays it, the one who writes it down and the two who witness it. He said they are all the same.” (Narrated by Muslim).

Note that riba is a very serious and grave issue, seeing that Allah SWT did not declare war in the Qur'an against anyone except the one who accepts riba.

Is it halal or haraam to work in an interest based bank?

You will find the answer in the hadeeth of Jaabir, may Allaah be pleased with him, who said: "The Messenger of Allaah PBUH cursed the one who consumes riba (interest or usury), the one who gives it, the one who writes it down and the one who witnesses it. He said: 'All of them are equal in sin.'" (Reported by Muslim, may Allaah have mercy on him, in his Saheeh, no. 1598)

Commenting on this hadeeth, al-Nawawi, may Allaah have mercy on him, said: This is clearly a prohibition of the writing down or witnessing of a contract between the two parties involved in a riba-based deal. It also includes a prohibition of helping others to commit wrong acts. And Allaah knows best.

It is inevitable that the employee in a riba-based bank will play a part in riba dealings one way or another, even if he is just a security guard. Maybe Allaah will help you, all brothers and sisters, if you are patient, to find halaal employment. (Interpretation of the meaning) "… And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty)." [al-Talaaq 65:2]

Time Is NOT Money

2008-07-06T10:57:00.006+05:00

The Muslim's Duty Regarding Time

Islam encourages Muslims to care for time, to utilize it and not to waste it. Besides, it holds them responsible for their time. Calling on Muslims to utilize their time, to benefit from it and not to waste it, the Prophet (PBUH) said,

"On the Day of Resurrection the feet of the son of Adam [man] will not move away till he is questioned about four matters: how he spent his lifetime, how he spent his youth; from where he acquired his wealth and how he spent it, and what he did with his knowledge." Sunan at-Tirmidhi, no. 2417

He (PBUH) also said, "Grab five things before five others: your youth before your decrepitude, your health before your illness, your wealth before your poverty, your leisure before your work, and your life before your death." [Al-Hakim, “Al-Mustadrak”, Book No. 44, 4/341]

This Hadith is a direct call on Muslims to invest their time as early as possible when conditions are favourable, i.e., youth, health, wealth and time before being handicapped by impediments, such as old age, sickness, poverty or preoccupation.

The Righteous Salaf were extremely careful about occupying their time with useful deeds, and they hated laziness and unemployment. Umar Ibn-Al-Khattab was reported to have said, "I do hate to see any of you unoccupied, doing nothing for this world or the Hereafter." [Abul-Qasim Azzamakhshari, “Al-Kashshf “, in Arabic, investigated by Mohamed A. Shaheen, 4/761]

An important requirement for a Muslim's life is to be careful about time, to invest it wisely and to benefit from it. In this regard, Ibn-ul Qayyim says, "The highest, most worthy and most useful of reflection is what is intended for Allah and the Hereafter. There are various forms of reflection intended for Allah. One of them is reflecting on time duty and function and focusing entirely on it, for the knowledgeable one is the breed of his time. If he wastes it, all his interests are wasted, for all interests arise from time. If he wastes his time, he can never regain it."

Also, Imam Shafi'i said, "Out of my company with Sufis, I benefited only two things, one of which is their saying: like a sword, time will cut you if you do not cut it. ..." In other words, if you do not spend time doing something useful, you are the loser by wasting it.

As expressed by Imam Hassan Al-Banna, "Time is life itself." This reflects Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah's saying: "One's time is in fact his age. It is the material of his eternal life either in everlasting joy or painful torture. It passes more quickly than clouds do. It is only the time one dedicates to Allah that constitutes one's real life and age. The rest does not count; the life he leads in it is only animal life. Compared to a life of indulgence in appetitive activities, false aspirations and negligence of Allah's remembrance - and at best in sleep and being idle - death is a much better alternative."

Time is considered a vehicle for work. According to Ibn-ul-Qayyim, "The year is like a tree, months are its branches, days are the branch sticks, hours are its leaves, and the breaths are its fruits. Therefore, if one's breaths are in obedience [to Allah and His Messenger], the fruits of his tree are good. If they are in disobedience, his fruits are bitter. The harvest is on the Appointed Day, when one's fruits are found out to
be either good or bitter."

Such is the Islamic view of time, and such were the ways of the Salaf ways with it. How do we compare with them now?! Obviously, there is a big gap between the way they cared for time and the way we are wasting it.

The sad and painful thing about us now is that "our nation has been improvising ways of wasting time at the public and the private levels. As a result, the world is already proceeding to the future without us, as if we were the 'orphans of history'. If such improvisation is not directed to investing and utilizing our time properly, the gap between us and the future will widen further, and we will remain importers and consumers of cultural products. Eventually, our survival will be entirely dependent on the producers of those products."
[Khuldun Al-Ahdab, "Reflections on the Value of Time"]

Therefore, Muslims must unite their efforts to identify weaknesses for treatment, and must give time its due attention as demanded by Islam.

The following are some of the most important duties demanded of Muslims:

1. Ensuring benefiting from time
2. Utilizing leisure time
3. Racing for good deeds
4. Learning from the passage of time
5. Seeking the superior times
6. Planning and organizing time
7. Fulfillment of time commitments
8. Necessary awareness of time wasters

Ten Ways Of Protection From Shaytan

2008-07-02T20:33:00.004+05:00

1. Seeking refuge with Allah from Shaytan. Allah the Most High said, “And if there comes to you from Satan an evil suggestion, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing.” [41:36]

2. Recitation of the two soorahs al-Falaq and an-Nas, as they have wondrous effect in seeking refuge with Allah from his evil, weakening Shaytan and protection from him. This is why the Messenger, (PBUH) said: “No person seeks refuge with anything like the Mu`awwidhatayn (soorahs al-Falaq and an-Nas)”. [an-Nasaa’i, 5337]

3. Recitation of Ayat al-Kursi (2:255).

4. Recitation of Soorah al-Baqarah. The Messenger, (PBUH) said, “The house in which al-Baqarah is recited is not approached by Shaytan.” [Muslim]

5. The final part of al-Baqarah. The Messenger, (PBUH) said, “Whoever recites the two last verses of al-Baqarah at night they will suffice him.” [Muslim]

6. Recitation of the beginning of Soorah Mu’min (Ghafir), until His saying, “wa ilayhi-l-maseer” (to Him is the destination). (i.e. “Ha. Meem. The revelation of the Book is from Allah, the Exalted in Might, the Knowing, the forgiver of sin, acceptor of repentance, severe in punishment, owner of abundance. There is no deity except Him; to Him is the destination.” [40:1-2])

7. Saying “la ilaha ill Allah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa `ala kulli shay’in qadir” (there is nothing worthy of worship except Allah, He has no partner, His is the Dominion and Praise, and He is able to do all things) a hundred times.

8. The most beneficial form of protection from Shaytan: Abundance of remembrance of Allah, the Exalted.

9. Ablution and prayer, and they are from among the greatest means of protection, especially at the time of emergence of anger and desire

10. Abstinence from excess speech, food and mixing with people.

Five Things Causes Five Others

2008-06-30T05:52:00.004+05:00

Abu Hurayrah, radhiallahu `anhu said, "If anyone has five things then he will not be deprived of five others."

1. He who is enabled to show gratitude will never be deprived of increase of blessings.

"If you give thanks, certainly I will give you more." (14:7)

2. He who is guided to persevere will not be deprived of reward.

"Truly the persevering will be paid their reward in full without reckoning." (39:10)

3. One who is inspired to repent will not be deprived of its acceptance:

"And He is (Allah) Who accepts repentance from His servants." (42:25)

4. One who is enabled to seek forgiveness will not be deprived of receiving pardon.

"Seek forgiveness of your Lord; surely He is Ever-Forgiving." (71:10)

5. He who is spurred to make supplication is not deprived of an answer.

"Call upon Me, and I shall answer you." (40:60)

Someone else added a sixth proposition that one who is encouraged to spend will not be deprived of reward thereof.

"And whatsoever you expend (for good) He shall replace it." (34:39)

"Who Will Save You From Me Now?"

2008-06-29T10:03:00.003+05:00

There was a small community in an isolated area. Weak and defenseless, the people of this community lived in fear and anxiety, because they were being relentlessly attacked by a gang of bandits.

We can scarcely imagine their fear. It is the fear of the a helpless person in the face of a strong and merciless abuser. These bandits knew only the law of the jungle. Like lions, they recognized no code of ethics besides their own hunger and lust. Anyone they could subdue was fair game.

Though the community lived in the desert, before the arrival of the gang, they enjoyed peace and security and managed to prosper. Now they were being stripped of their lives, their liberty, and their honor. In desperation, they appealed to the authorities to come save them.

The head of state decided to take it upon himself to lead his forces into the area and punish the ones who were spreading terror and violating the lives and security of his people. News of this mobilization spread quickly and soon the bandits knew that the authorities were coming after them in force. They were compelled to flee the area and seek refuge in the surrounding mountains. They hid among the highest peaks they could find, hoping to save themselves. They knew that they could very well meet their fate in the very place they were fleeing to, but they hoped to at least be able to scope out the forces that were being sent against them.

The forces arrived under the command of the head of state to find that the bandits had abandoned the area and taken up positions on a nearby mountain to survey the situation from a safe vantage point.

As soon as the forces arrived, a thunderstorm struck, flooding the valleys near the mountain. The head of state was soaked through. After the storm passed, he went off to find a place to remove his clothes and allow them to air out. He found a tree, took off his outer garments, and hung them on a branch to dry. He sat beneath the tree to rest from the tiring journey. Fatigue defeated him and he soon drifted off to sleep.

One of the bandits was watching this with interest, and said to himself: "This is a excellent opportunity to subdue the leader while he is sleeping. Then no one will stand in our way."

Exercising the utmost stealth, he climbed down from the mountain and snuck across to where the leader was sleeping.

As he approached the tree, he noticed the leader's sword beside him. He looked left and right to make sure that no one else was around. Then, with his skill as a thief, he quickly snatched up the sword and then pointed it in the leaders face.

The bandit sneered and exclaimed: "Who will save you from me now?"

The leader woke up at these words to see the bandit standing, threateningly above his head, sword in hand. He realized immediately that the glowering bandit had disarmed him and was threatening to kill him. Imagine what you would do in such a situation.

The leader kept his composure, straightened himself up where he was sitting, and regarded his assailant calmly. After listening patiently to the bandit's threats, he answered his assailant's question, and said: "God will save me."

The bandit felt a shudder go through his body and down his arm. He dropped the sword. As swiftly as it fell, the leader snatched it up and came upon the bandit with it, repeating the same question that the bandit had asked him moments before: "Who will save you from me now?"

Imagine that you found yourself in this leader's position. What would you do with the bandit? Would your state of mind give you any chance to think before acting? Would anyone blame you if you struck the thief down in self defense?

However, this leader had a strong, magnanimous heart, a heart that knew neither rancor nor vengefulness. He regarded vindictiveness to be a sign of weakness. Imagine that the leader not only pardoned the bandit, but offered him the opportunity to join with his forces in their campaign. Moreover, he promised him that if he took the offer, he would receive all of the entitlements and rewards that the other soldiers would get.

We would suspect the bandit to eagerly take up this offer, at least as an act of deception. However, the bandit did the unthinkable. He refused, and the ruffian did so with all the coarseness and impertinence that he could muster.

The leader said to him: "Then go. You know the way."

The bandit began to hasten away, but then stopped and said: "I will not fight against you, nor will I ever join with any group who fights you." This, in and of itself, was an acceptable enough outcome.

When the bandit returned to the rest of his gang, they could see that he was elated to have survived the encounter. He said to them: "I have come to you from a leader like no other." He then related to them everything that had happened and how fortunate he was to still be alive."

It remains for us to reveal the identity of this leader. He was the same person who featured not long ago in some cartoons in a Danish newspaper where he was depicted in a most ignoble light.

Yes, he was none other than Muhammad, the Messenger of God.

I Am Not Crying Because....

2008-06-24T10:38:00.005+05:00

A man reached 70 years of age and he faced a disease; he could not urinate. The doctors informed him that he was in need of an operation to cure this disease. He agreed to have the operation done as the problem was giving him much pain for days. When the operation was completed, his doctor gave him the bill which covered all the costs. The old man looked at the bill and started to cry. Upon seeing this the doctor told him that if the cost was too high then they could make some other arrangements. The old man said "I am not crying because of the money but I am crying because Allah let me urinate for 70 years and He never sent me a bill."

...and if you try to count the blessings of Allah, never will you be able to count them... Surah Ibrahim

Allah states that the servants are never able to count His blessings, let alone thank Him duly for them.

In Sahih Al-Bukhari it is recorded that the Messenger of Allah(PBUH) used to supplicate;

«اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ غَيْرَ مَكْفِيَ وَلَا مُوَدَّعٍ وَلَا مُسْتَغْنًى عَنْهُ رَبَّنَا»

"O Allah ! All praise is due to You, without being able to sufficiently thank You, nor ever wish to be cutoff from You, nor ever feeling rich from relying on You; our Lord!"

It was reported that Prophet Dawud (PBUH), used to say in his supplication, "O Lord! How can I ever duly thank You, when my thanking You is also a favor from You to me'' Allah the Exalted answered him, "Now, you have thanked Me sufficiently, O Dawud,'' meaning, `when you admitted that you will never be able to duly thank Me.'

Dates

2008-06-22T16:44:00.006+05:00

Muslims generally break their fast by eating dates. Prophet PBUH is reported to have said, "If anyone of you is fasting, let him break his fast with dates. In case he does not have them, then with water. Verily water is a purifier."

The Prophet PBUH used to break his fast by eating some dates before offering Maghrib Salaat, and if ripe dates were not available, he used to substitute them with some dried grapes. When they too were not available, he used to have a few sips of water, according to some reports. Modern science has proved that dates are part of a healthy diet. They contain sugar, fat and proteins, as well as important vitamins. Hence, the great importance attached to them by the Prophet.

Dates are also rich in natural fibres. Modern medicine has shown that they are effective in preventing abdominal cancer. They also surpass other fruits in the sheer variety of their constituents. They contain oil, calcium, sulphur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium. In other words, one date satisfies the minimum requirements of a balanced and healthy diet. Arabs usually combine dates with milk and yoghurt or bread, butter and fish. This combination indeed makes a self-sufficient and tasty diet for both mind and body.

Dates and date palms have been mentioned in the Noble Qur'aan twenty times, thus showing their importance. The Prophet PBUH likened a good Muslim to the date palm, saying, "Among trees, there is a tree like a Muslim. Its leaves do not fall."

Dates are rich in several vitamins and minerals. When the level of trace elements falls in the body, the health of the blood vessels is affected leading to an increased heart-rate and a consequent inability to perform its function with normal efficiency. As dates are also rich in calcium, they help to strengthen the bones. When the calcium content in the body decreases, children are affected with rickets and the bones of adults become brittle and weak.

Dates are also important in keeping up the health of eyes. It is quite effective in guarding against night-blindness. In the early years of Islam, dates served as food for Muslim warriors. They used to carry them in special bags hung at their sides. They are the best stimulant for muscles and so the best food for a warrior about to engage in battle.

The Prophet PBUH used to combine dates with bread sometimes. At other times he mixed ripe dates with cucumber, or dates combined with ghee. He used to take all varieties of dates, but he preferred the variety called Ajwah.

Obedience To Parents In Islam

2008-06-21T11:59:00.002+05:00

Islam builds a family in which prevails mutual respect and care. Parents and children in Islam are bound together by mutual obligations and reciprocal arrangements. Allah (SWT) Says “…No mother should be harmed through her child, and no father through his child…” [Quran 2: 233]

The Quran has made it compulsory for the child to treat his parents with all goodness and mercy.

Every Muslim must show goodness and mercy to his parents throughout their lives. There is only one exception to this, and that is, if the parents ask their children to associate anything with Allah (SWT) and to commit sins, then the children must not obey their parents. In all cases, the children must show love and gratitude to their parents. They must always speak to them gently and respectfully. They must try their best to make them happy, provided they do not disobey Allah (SWT) in the process.

Allaah says “But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with me others of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not; but behave with them in the world kindly…” [Quran 31:15]

Being patient and tolerant with parents:

The children must take great care not to react to what their parents have to say. If they say or do anything which is not liked or approved of by the children, then they must show patience and tolerance instead of giving vent to their anger. The children must scrupulously try to refrain from disobeying their parents since the Prophet (PBUH) regarded this as one of the grave sins.

Supplicating for them:

Far from showing signs of displeasure, the children must pray for them saying, as Allah teaches us in the verse (which means): "…My Lord and Sustainer! Be kind and have mercy on them as they cherished, nurtured and sustained me in childhood.” [Quran 17: 24]

We must continue praying for them even after they die. Such prayer will be regarded as a continuous charity as the Prophet (PBUH) told us.

The greater right of the mother:

The children must be kinder and more grateful to their mothers since they took greater pains in their upbringing. That is why the Prophet (PBUH) emphasized that it is the mother who has the first claim on the child's care and attention.

Once a companion (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the Prophet (PBUH) as to whom he should show more kindness. The Prophet (PBUH) replied: "Your mother." He (may Allah be pleased with him) asked who comes next and the Prophet (PBUH) again replied: "Your mother." He (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the Prophet (PBUH) yet again who comes next. The Prophet (PBUH) replied: “Your mother." When the companion asked for the fourth time, only then did the Prophet (PBUH) reply: "Your father."

Recognizing their great status:

The Muslim should recognize the status of the parent and know his duties towards them. The status of parents in Islam is a status which mankind had not known before. Allah Has placed the respect for the parents just one step below the belief in Allah and true worship of Him.

Allah says “And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], "uff," and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.” [Quran 17: 23]

The Prophet (PBUH) placed kindness and respect towards parents just after the prayer offered on time as the prayer is the foundation of Islam.

‘Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood (RA) said: “I asked the Prophet (PBUH) which deed is most liked by Allah? He (PBUH) said: ‘Prayer offered on time.’ I asked him: ‘Then what? He (PBUH) said: ‘Kindness and respect towards parents.’…” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

Knowing the duties towards them:

It is also the duty of the child to provide for his parents, if he is able to do so. The Quran sums up the whole matter in a master concept called Ihsaan, which denotes what is right, good and beautiful (i.e. showing to them kindness, compassion, gratitude, reverence and respect, praying for them and supporting them financially if they are in need.)

Concluding, we mention a verse that shows the significance of obedience and gratitude due to parents: Allah says: “And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.” [Quran 31:14]

The Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Love For His Wives continued...

2008-06-20T10:10:00.003+05:00

Lifting the morsel to her mouth:
The Prophet (PBUH) said : If you spend an amount you will be rewarded for it, -even when you lift the morsel to your wife’s mouth.” Narrated by Al Bukhari

Bringing all her needs:
The Prophet (PBUH), said: If you eat, let your wife eat and if you wear clothes, let your wife wear them too. Narrated by Al Hakem and graded as Saheeh by Albani

Trusting her:
The Prophet (PBUH) forbade men to knock the door of their wife at night, to betray her, or to look for her faults. " Narrated by Muslim

Over exaggeration in expressing the feelings:
The Prophet (PBUH), didn't allowed lying except in three situations, one of them is: the man talking with his wife and the wife talking with her husband about their feelings for each other. Narrated by Al Nisaee.

Justice with his wives:
Reported: Who ever has two wives and he prefers one more than the other his dealing with them, he will come on the Day of Judgement and half of his body will be slanted Narrated by Al Tirmidhi and graded as Saheeh by Albani

Taking care of ones wives every day:
Anas (RA) said:" The Prophet (PBUH) used to look in on his wives for a period time of day and night" Narrated by Al-Bukhari

Does not keep away from his wife during her menstrual cycle:
Maymona (RA) said that: The Prophet (PBUH) fondled his wives on the Izar (piece of clothing) they wore when they had their periods (menses)

Laughing as his wives quarrel:
Ayesha (RA) said: once Zaynab entered my room while she was angry with me. So the Prophet (PBUH) said: Defeat yourself. So I approached her until I saw that her mouth was dry. Then I saw the (PBUH) face shining" Narrated by Ibn Majah

Taking his wife with him during traveling:
When The Prophet (PBUH), intended to go on a journey, he used to draw lots amongst his wives and the one whose name he drew went with him.

Racing with his wife:
Aisha (RA) said that the Prophet (PBUH), said to her: Come I will race you so I raced with him and I won. After I became heavier he raced me and he won, so he laughed and said this one for that one. Narrated by Abu Dawood.

Giving her a nickname:
Aisha said "Messenger of Allah (PBUH), all your wives have a kunya (nickname) except me; so he called her Umm Abdullah.” Narrated by Ahmad

Telling her stories:
Like the Hadeeth of mother of Zara. Narrated by Al Bukhari

Sharing happy occasions with her:
Aisha (RA) said “I and the Prophet (PBUH) passed by people from Ethiopia, they were playing with their spears so the Prophet, peace be upon him stopped and watched them and I stood behind him and when I felt tired of standing, I sat , and when I stood again I hid behind the prophet peace by upon him. Narrated by Bukhari.

Respecting their hobbies and not underestimating them:
A'esha (RA) said: I used to play with dolls after I got married to the Prophet (PBUH), and I had friends who used to play with me. When the Prophet (PBUH) entered while we were playing, they hid. So he peace be upon him was pleased from them and their playing with me."

Adding happiness in the family atmosphere:
Ayesha (RA) said: Once Sawdah (prophet's (PBUH)- wife) visited us, so the Prophet (PBUH), sat between me and her –one of his legs in my lap while the other in hers. I made for her a kind of food called "harerah" and said: Eat. She refused so I took a little part from the food and put it on her face. So the Prophet (PBUH took away his leg from her lap to let her defend her self. So she took a little part from the food and put it on my face while the Prophet (PBUH) laughed." Narrated by al-Nesae

Spreading warmth:
Aisha (RA) said that the Prophet (PBUH) used to go around visiting his wives and approached each one, put his hand on and kiss each one until he reached the last one. So if it was her day, he would stay with her" Ibn Saad's book
Does not disparage her during a problem:
Aisha (RA) was talking about the story of "Ifq": I rejected some of the Prophet's (PBUH) kindness to me. He used to be kind and merciful toward me when I complained, but he did not do that in this event, so I disapproved of his behavior. When he entered my room while my mother was taking care of me, he said: "How is she:?, without any addition" Narrated by Bukhari.

Reading Ruqyah (Quran and pray) for her when sick:
Aisha (RA) said: The Prophet (PBUH) used to read the last three chapters of the Holy Qur'an over any of his family when the became ill." Narrated by Muslim

Complimenting those who treat their family well:
The Prophet (PBUH) said, "The best of you are those who best treat their women with kindness" Narrated by Tirmidhi and graded as Saheeh by Albani

Waiting until she dressed up:
Jabir narrated "We were with the Prophet (PBUH), during travel. When we came back, we wanted to enter our homes and the Prophet (PBUH), said, "Wait till night so they can comb their hair and the clean themselves" Narrated by Alnesaei.

The Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Love For His Wives

2008-06-18T08:36:00.010+05:00

By looking at the biography of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), you will find that the Messenger of humanity, (PBUH), appreciated women (wives), and gave them intensive care and proper love.

He demonstrated wonderful examples during his daily life. He was the first person to stay by her side and stop her from crying, care about her feelings, not making fun of her words, listen to her, and ease her grief.

Perhaps many would agree with me that modern Western books which talk about martial life don’t have a real example. They are just empty slogans on papers.

Even though, the bestsellers in this matter were unable to reach to what the Prophet of mercy, (PBUH) reached in his life. These are some of precise situations in his life:

Drinking and eating from one place:
A’isha (RA) reported : I would drink then I would hand it “ the vessel” to the Prophet (PBUH ) and he would put his mouth where mine had been and drink and I would eat the meat from a bone and he would put his mouth where mine had been. Narrated by Muslim.

Laying in the wife's lap:
A’isha (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would recline in my lap when I was menstruating. Narrated by Muslim.

Combing his hair:
A’isha (RA) reported: When the messenger of Allah (PBUH) was in the mosque he put his head in to my place and I combed his hair. Narrated by Muslim.

Outings with his wife at night: -
The prophet (PBUH) used to go walking with Aisha (RA) at night while talking with each other. Narrated by Bukhari.

Assisting her in the housework:
A’isha (RA) was asked: “What did the Prophet use to do in his house?” She replied, “He used to keep himself busy serving his family." Narrated by Bukari

Giving gifts to her friends:-
When the prophet (PBUH) slaughtered a sheep he said "send it to Khadija’s friends." Narrator by Muslim. (Khadija is the Prophet's {PBUH} first wife)

Praising her: -
The Prophet (PBUH) said that value of Aisha (RA) among women was the same value of thareed (bread soaked in soup) compared to other foods. Narrated by Muslim

He was pleased when she met her friends
Aisha (RA) said "My friends used to visit me but they were feeling shy from the Prophet, (PBUH), and they started to come less. So the Prophet, (PBUH), used to send for them so that I could meet them. Narrated by Muslim.

Declaring his love :-
The Prophet (PBUH) said about Khadija (RA) “I have been given her love.” Narrated by Muslim.

The Prophet (PBUH) said “O, Allah, the things which are in my control (i.e. justice and equality between
different wives) I always do justice (with them), but forgive me for that which is
beyond my control (i.e. my love with Ayesha)”.

‘Amr bin Al-‘Aas (RA) asked the Prophet (PBUH):
“O, Prophet of Allah whom do you love the most”.
“Ayesha”, he replied.
“And whom do you love the most among the men”, ‘Amr bin A’-‘Aas further asked.
“Her father” (Abu Bakr RA), the Prophet (PBUH)said.

Looking at her beautiful manners:
The Prophet (PBUH), "A male believer should not shun a female believer. If he hated one manner from her, he would accept other." Narrated by Muslim

Sleeping with his wife if he saw a woman by mistake that made him want to fulfill his desire:
The Prophet (PBUH) said: " If one of you saw a woman he should go to his wife to fulfill his desire. “ Narrated by Muslim

Does not talk about her private matters :
He said (PBUH): The worst of place with Allah on the judgment day is the man who exchanges secrets with his wife and she with him then he spreads her secrets." Narrated by Muslim

Kissing: -
The Prophet, (PBUH), used to kiss his wives while he was fasting: Narrated by Muslim

Using perfume all the time
Aish’a (RA) said: "It is as if I am looking at the glitter of scent in the part of the Prophet’s hair while he was Muhrim ". Narrated by Muslim

Giving her gifts:
Aisha (RA) said: The people were waiting for Aisha’s (RA) day to give their gifts wanting by this to please the Prophet (PBUH)." Narrated by Muslim.

Knowing her feelings:
The Prophet (PBUH), said to Aisha (RA): I know when you are angry with me or not … if were content with me you say no and by the God of Mohammad. And if you were angry with me you say: no and by the God of Ibrahim." Narrated by Muslim.

Patience with her anger
Omar Ibn Al Katab said: My wife was mad at me and she reprimanded me and I rejected that from her! She said: Why do you reject it from me? I swear by Allah that the wives of the Prophet (PBUH) reprimanded him and one of them ignored him all the day long until the night." Narrated by al Bukari.

Not beating her
Aisha (RA) said that “The Prophet didn’t strike a servant or a woman and he did beat anything with his hands." Narrated by Ibn Majah

Consoling her when she cries
Safiya (RA) was on a journey with the Prophet, (PBUH), and that day was her day and she was late so the Prophet (PBUH) received her while she was crying. She said you make me ride a slow camel so the Prophet wiped her tears and tried to make her stop crying." Narrated by Al Nisaee.

To be continued inshaAllah...

Have You Heard??

2008-06-16T11:47:00.003+05:00

My name is Gossip.

I have no respect for justice.

I aim without killing.

I break hearts and ruin lives.

I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age.

The more I am quoted, the more I am believed.

My victims are helpless. They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face.

To track me down is impossible.

The harder you try, the more elusive I become.

I am nobody's friend. Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same.

I topple governments and wreck marriages.

I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartaches, and indigestion.

I make innocent people cry in their pillows.

Even my name hisses.

I am called Gossip.

I make headlines and headaches.

Before you repeat a story,

ask yourself:

Is it true? ... Is it harmless? ... Is it necessary?

If it isn't, don't repeat it.

“O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, in deeds some suspicions are sins. And spy not neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allah, verily, Allah is the one who accepts repentance, Most Merciful” (Al-Hujuraat 49: 12).

Abu Moosa Al-Ash’aree said, “I asked the Messenger of Allah: Who is the best Muslim? The Messenger of Allah replied, “He is the one from whom Muslims are safe from the evil of his tongue and hands.” (Muslim)

Reminder For My Sister Wearing Hijaab

2008-06-14T11:15:00.006+05:00

My dear sisters, Alhamdulillaah you have worn Hijaab and covered your hair, we ask Allah to guide you always and support you. However we just wanted to remind you sister that proper covering cannot be achieved by wearing tight or transparent clothes.

Does hijaab only mean covering ones hair? NO

The Prophet (PBUH) said:
"There will be in the last days of my ummah, women who are dressed and undressed. Curse them: they are accursed." (At-Tabarani)

A sister who does not truly know the superiority of Hijaab will always remain envious of disbelieving women. Why? Because they observe these misguided disbelievers attempting to look beautiful for all to see. Hence, the Muslim woman then compares herself to that woman which causes her to feel ashamed of her own Hijaab.

Therefore, what follows is a reminder for my sisters in Islam. It is a reminder of the true status of these so-called beautiful women. It is a reminder of the excellence of the women who wear Hijaab. It is a reminder for my sisters who Allah have guided them and are wearing hijaab, but they are still wearing tight clothes.

EXCELLENT QUALITIES OF THOSE WHO WEAR HIJAAB
It is well known that the Muslim woman is a creature of modesty. Allaah loves for our Muslim women to be shielded by their Hijaab. It is their outer protection from the decadence of this life. Allaah's Messenger (PBUH) said , said: "Allaah is modest and covering. He loves modesty and privacy." [Abu Daawood, An-Nasaa'i Al-Bayhaqi, Ahmad].

Thus, as modesty is a quality that is loved by Allaah, our sisters must take comfort in knowing that they are modest and that they are not like those women who show themselves off to the world. Such women will not be shielded from Allaah's Wrath. Allaah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husband's home, has broken Allaah's shield upon her." [Abu Daawood and At-Tirmithi)

Therefore, we see that the Hijaab of the Muslim woman is indeed part of modesty. Modesty accompanies Eemaan (faith). That is why Allaah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "Modesty is part of Eemaan and Eemaan is in Paradise." [At-Tirmithi].

Also: "Modesty and Eemaan are companions, when one goes away the other one goes away." [Al-Haakim and others]

The Muslim women must know that the disbelieving women who beautify themselves for the world to see possess no modesty, thus, they are void of any Eemaan. Instead of looking to the latest fashion models for guidance, you must look to the wives of the Prophet (PBUH).

Look at the regard for modesty that our mother, 'Aa'ishah possessed even in the presence of the deceased; she said: "I used to enter the room where the Messenger of Allaah and my father (Abu Bakr) were later buried in without having my garment on me, saying it is only my husband and my father. But when 'Umar bin al-Khattaab was later buried in (the same place), I did not enter the room except that I had my garment on being shy from 'Umar."

It can be quite difficult for the Muslim woman to go out wearing Hijaab in a society that mocks and torments her. Indeed, she may feel strange and out of place. However, if she knows the status of those who are mocked by the disbelievers, then she would continue to wear her Hijaab with dignity.

Allaah Says in His Book (what means): "Verily! The criminals used to laugh at those who believed. And whenever they passed them, used to wink at one another. And when they returned to their own people, they would return jesting. When they saw them, they said: 'These have indeed gone astray!' But they (disbelievers, sinners) had not been sent as watchers over them (the believers). But on this Day those who believe will laugh at the disbelievers. On (high) thrones, looking (at all things). Are not the disbelievers paid (fully) for what they used to do?" [Quran 83:29-36]

Allaah's Words should serve as a support for you my dear sister. Also, take comfort in being a stranger among these lewd and sinful women. Allaah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "Islam began as something strange, and it would revert to its (old position) of being strange, so good news is for the strangers." [Muslim]

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EXPOSED WOMEN

Instead of practicing the Hijaab (covering), the disbelieving women expose themselves, making a dazzling display of themselves for others. Such a display is an attribute of ignorance. Allaah Says in His Book (what means): "And stay in your houses and do not display yourselves as you used to during the times of ignorance." [Quran 33:33]

Allaah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "The best of your women is the affectionate, the fertile, the comforting, the agreeable -- if they fear Allaah. The most evil of your women are those who expose and display themselves, and those who strut (to show off) and they are the hypocrites. Those who enter al-Jannah (the Paradise) are like the red beaked crow." [Al-Bayhaqi]. The simile of the red-beaked crow is to show that those who enter Paradise will be as rare as this kind crow is rare.

We see from the above Aayah and Hadeeth that displaying oneself is indeed unlawful. Further, it is a quality of the most evil of women! Therefore, do not be envious of the disbelieving women. They only have this life to enjoy, while the believing women will have Paradise. There is nothing in your Hijaab to be ashamed of, as it is the garment of the righteous and pious female worshippers of Allaah.

In order to truly show you how evil those women who expose themselves are, let us ponder over the following statement of Allaah's Messenger (PBUH): "Of the people of Hell there are two whom I have never seen, the one possessing whips like the tail of an ox and they flog people with them. The second one, women who would be naked in spite of their being dressed, who are seduced (to wrong paths) and seduce others. Their hair is high like the humps of the camel. These women would not enter Paradise, nor will they smell its fragrance, although its fragrance can be sensed from such and such a distance." [Muslim]

These women who expose themselves are common among us today. These are women that even the Prophet did not see! Look around you and you will see those women who are clothed but naked! Look at the hairstyles of the women who expose themselves -- are they not high like the camel's hump?

Perhaps we are the first generation since the time of Aadam to witness such women. If one ponders over photos taken thirty to fifty years ago, one will see that the disbelieving women did not expose themselves in the manner that their offspring do today! These women are among the people of the Fire! Thus, how can you envy them? How can you be dressed like them?

Such lewd women will not even smell the fragrance of Paradise; so our women must avoid their path.

Another lesson from the above hadeeth is that it confirms that what the Prophet , came with is indeed the truth! This is a prophecy that has come to pass in front of our very eyes. Hence, will we continue to envy these evil women, or should we be grateful to our Lord for the Hijaab, which brings modesty, which leads to Paradise?

To sum up, the Muslim woman should abandon all of the ways of the exposed women, and adopt the ways of those who are modest through their love and practice of the proper Islamic Hijaab.

Death

2008-06-13T11:50:00.002+05:00

Life is what we live. There was a time when we did not exist, then we do exist now, and then there will be a time when we will not exist. In this chain events of the universe time flow continuum, our “life” seems extremely irrelevant. What is prominent and dominant is the fact that everything else remains unchanged, and events do go on, even if we don’t. So then under such unfavorable circumstances how can one claim that life is what we live and death ends it? In this uncertainty of life, where health wealth fame fortune property blessings friends family, Death. What is death? “Death is the end of life,” says an average mind. Okay, so what is life? everything is so uncertain, the only certainty is death. How can we accept such uncertainties as life, and disregard the promised?

On the contrary, death is a part of life. There are no guarantees in life. Nothing in life is for sure except death. We are alive today only to die tomorrow. A person is born only so that he may die, and he dies only to live forever in the hereafter. So now, is death the end of life, or a part of it?

The world is a prison for a believer, and like Paradise for the non-believer. Consequently, death is a gift to the believer, and a torture to the disbeliever. Who likes to meet Allah, Allah also likes to meet him, and who does not like to meet Allah, Allah also does not like to meet him. Prophet of Allah PBUH said, “None of you should long for death, for if he is a good man, he may increase his good deeds, and if he is an evil-doer, he may stop the evil deeds and repent.”

After death, every person has to be buried accordingly. It is Fard to bury the deceased. A graveyard always reminds one of death and of meeting with the Creator. This is the final level on earth and the first step towards the Hereafter. To visit the graveyard is the Sunnah of Prophet PBUH. One should also make Dua for the deceased.

Come to think of it, how long is a person’s life in this world? How far is death? When a person is born, Azaan is said in his ears. He then lives a life of, say 70 years. Then when he dies, shortly afterwards is the Namaaz-e Janaaza prayed. So how long is his life? 70 years? Wrong! His whole life is like the brief period of time between Azaan and Jamaat.

I leave you with this final food for thought: There shall be a morning, some morning in your life that you shall awaken in Jannah or Hell fire. This is how far death is. Anas ibn Malik, on his deathbed, prayed to Allah, "O Allah, protect from a night whose morning brings a journey to hell fire."

The Fitna Of Television

2008-06-08T12:34:00.003+05:00

The life of this world is but play and amusement: and if you believe and guard against Evil, He will grant you your wages, and will not ask you (to give up) your possessions [Muhammad:36]

The television represents one of the biggest forms of corrupting the ummah today. After looking at the moral degradation of the ummah, we need to address a major source of this degradation. The western values and the values of the kuffar are invited daily into Muslim homes. These values (via television) are being invited by us Muslims and not by the kuffar. We have an option of refusing to watch these satanic values. We, as Muslims spend hours watching television and neglect our basic duties to our Creator (S.W.T). We choose to watch television in preference to our obligatory duties like Salaah and choose to spend hours watching things that do not benefit us and also makes us unmindful of Allah (S.W.T)

Continued activity of anything makes one accustomed to it and abstinence from certain activities makes one reluctant to action it. In the same manner Television has become part of our daily life and slowly the Islamic way of life is being neglected and even being ignored. Some Muslims have complained about not having time to perform their Salaah on the excuse of not having enough time in their busy schedules, yet they spend an average of at least 21 hours a week in front of the television.

Due to the prolonged exposure of viewing television, the love for things shown on Television enters the heart of a Muslim and the actions and behavior become the norm. One of the biggest fitnas of television is the way women are paraded and dressed up with the deep-seated sexual messages present in them. The Prophet (S.A.W) has forbidden looking at non Mahram females in a narration as follows:

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:
I have not seen a thing resembling 'lamam' (minor sins) than what Abu Huraira 'narrated from the Prophet who said, "Allah has written for Adam's son his share of adultery which he commits inevitably. The adultery of the eyes is the sight (to gaze at a forbidden thing), the adultery of the tongue is the talk, and the inner self wishes and desires and the private parts testify all this or deny it." (Bukhari Volume 8, Book 74, Number 260)

Allah (S.W.T) commands us in the Holy Quran:
And come not near to adultery: for it is an indecent (deed) and an evil way. [Al-Isrá 17 –32]

In this verse Allah (S.W.T) prohibits us from even approaching adultery, thus any action that leads up to a haraam act is also haraam.

The content of television shows is nothing short of destruction for a Muslim’s Imaan (faith). The movies on television contains anti Islamic values and behavior that amounts to watching haraam. Although the viewer is not involved in the lewd behavior, the viewer nevertheless watches the haraam activity.

We could justify these activities all we like but we must remember that we present ourselves to the kuffar and ask them to serve us with their corrupt and godless values. We have now become consumers of corrupt values and a mind that is developing to one that is similar to that of the kuffar. We, as Muslims are people that invite others to the beautiful lifestyle of Islaam and not us being invited to Kufr and Shirk that is presented by television programmes.

The watching of television is used to waste our time in worldly activities. Sports on television will get us addicted for hours to satisfy our appetite for consuming a sporting spectacle. These spectacles and activities are televised to instill a behavior and character that promotes a lifestyle that is anti Islamic. The sport personalities have become superstars to us, our children and the whole ummah. These people are now dearer and beloved to us then Allah(SWT) and his Messenger (S.A.W.). Our children know more about the sporting personalities, actors and politicians on television than the personalities of Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali (R.A). These so called super stars and heroes display a lifestyle that is displeasing to Allah and the Prophet (S.A.W). How can we as Muslims watch these enemies of Allah (S.W.T)!!!

The Television is also a major inviter of MUSIC into our homes. The musicians with their satanic rituals give a visible expression of their satanic agendas

The most dangerous instrument that is being used today to prepare mankind for the coming of Dajjal, is the television. The television networks announce their viewer ship for all major events to be in the billions, which indicates the ability to influence so many people all at once. This shows the ability of disseminating information (true or false) to billions of people. We cannot allow ourselves as Muslims to be influenced or corrupted by television if we wish to be able recognize the fitna and fasaad of the Dajjal.

What should we, as Muslims, be doing?

We should be spending our precious time in an environment that promotes the consciousness of Allah (S.W.T) and fulfilling our object of our existence on earth. As Allah mentions in Quran:

I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me. [adh-Dhariyat 51:56]

We should abstain from leading a lifestyle that promotes all sorts of corruption including the corruption of the Deen-ul-Islam. If we wish to be able to recognize the fitnah of the liar, Ad-Dajjal then we should refrain from the activities and pastimes of his followers.

Only true believers will be able to recognize the fraud and deceit of the Dajjal. So we should strengthen our imaan and also be vigilant of the plots of Shaitaan, who wishes to distract us from the remembrance of Allah.

There are many methods and schemes employed by Shaitaan to distract Muslims, to lead us astray. Initially it is to distract us and thereafter to lead us to commit shirk and kufr. The Quran exhorts us with the following:
"And befool them gradually those whom you can among them with your voice (ie. Songs, music and any other call for Allah’s disobedience), make assaults on them with your cavalry and your infantry, share with them wealth and children (by tempting them to earn money by illegal ways of usury, or by committing illegal sexual intercourse), and make promises to them." But Satan promises them nothing but deceit. [Al Isra:64]

Allah (S.W.T) describes this world in the Quran as follows:
“And the life of this world is nothing but play and amusement. But far better is the house in the Hereafter for those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious). Will you not then understand?” [Al-An’am:32]

Allah (S.W.T) warns us of being heedless of our religion Islaam, and being deceived by this world as follows:
“And leave alone those who take their religion as play and amusement, and whom the life of this world has deceived. But remind ( them) with it (the Quran) lest a person be given up to destruction for that which he has earned, when he will find for himself no protector or intecessor beside Allah, and even if he offers every ransom, it will not be accepted from him. Such are they who are given up to destruction because of that which they have earned. For them will be a drink of boiling water and a painful torment because they used to disbelieve. [Al-An’am:70]

Let us not be of those who Allah (S.W.T) has blessed with five senses (i.e. sight, hearing, speech, touch and smell) for the disobedience of Allah. We should be using these blessed senses in the pleasure of our Creator (S.W.T). It would certainly be a sign of ingratitude if we were to use our senses, time and our wealth in the disobedience of Allah (S.W.T). In this regard Allah (S.W.T) mentions in the Holy Quran:
Verily the ear, the eye and the heart – with regard to each of these it will be questioned. [Al-Isrá: 36]

It is clear that that this verse indicates towards the great responsibility attached to the correct usage of the senses.

Muslims are urged to change our ways and to make sincere taubah (repentance) for our past sins.

Allah has granted us choices of good and evil in this world; let us use it for the good. We should try and refrain from entertaining ourselves with television and enjoy the HALAAL activity that is pleasing to our Creator (S.W.T).

May Allah Guide us, and forgive us all. Ameen

Missed Calls From Allah

2008-06-02T14:31:00.005+05:00

Among the marvels of modern technology is also the ability to track the missed calls which were made by our friends and foes and the likes.

We do not get a good night's sleep, unless we have returned the calls of those who matter.

We don't let any call go unanswered as long as we know that it matters.
Don't we?

But how about the calls of "hay-yaa al-as-salaah and hay-yaa al-al falah" made from the neighbourhood house of our master, the Almighty Allah.?

Those calls are made five times a day and many a times they all go unanswered.

We do not either respond!!! Nor do we respect these missed calls. Do they matter?

Everybody can tell, if these really matter. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but surely in the hereafter.

Let us look at ourselves. Can we afford to let these calls of the muezzin be missed, day after day, after day.

The call from our cherisher, sustainer and the ultimate master.
Just think about it.

Next time one hears this call, just ask yourself how good a night's sleep can I have by missing those calls from the house of Allah.

Think about it....the answer may come from the inner heart.

The Prophet's Gift

2008-06-01T10:22:00.001+05:00

Whenever the Prophet's (PBUH) followers reaped their first harvest, they brought early, fresh fruits to him. Then he would distribute them among those who sat around him. One morning, a poor man brought one fruit from his small farm and gave it to the Prophet (PBUH).

The Prophet (PBUH) accepted the gift, tasted it and then went on eating it alone while the companions watched. One of those present meekly said:

"O Prophet of Allah, you have overlooked the right of those who watch while you eat?"

The Prophet (PBUH) smiled and waited till the man who had brought the fruit had gone. Then he said:

"I tasted the fruit and it was not yet ripe. Had 1 allowed you to have some of it, someone would have definitely shown his distaste, thus disappointing the poor man who brought this gift.

Rather than make him feel bitter, I accepted the bitterness."

The Road Map To Jannah

2008-05-26T21:00:00.002+05:00

Its hard for a bird to fly through the air with water on its wings.
What about us flying to Jannah, when its the whole world that we cling?

We have the map to Paradise, yet behind our backs it gets hurled.
The path to Jannah gets abandoned out of love for this world.

Left and right Muslims are selling their faith for temporary pleasures.
Because many have lost sight of the Jannah and its everlasting treasures.

There's only one path to Paradise, and following vain desires is not the way.
Its time to turn back to Allah's map, there's more to this life then just play.

Its a blessing to be a Muslim; considering how many others are lost.
Yet the title of a Muslim is nothing if our submission we have tossed.

This life is so short; come on listen up, this aint some sort of joke.
If we don't get our acts together, in the next life we may go up in smoke.

Lets turn back to Allah, come on, lets not waste another day.
Lets get back on track. Oh Allah, from the true path, don't let us sway!

Lets seek our help from Allah, we got to follow Him as much as we can.
If your not using the map to Jannah; where are you going, what's your plan?

This life is so short, lets wake up and see where were heading.
We have the map to Paradise, so on it lets get up and start treading.

The web of a spider is weak, yet it overpowers the fly.
This dunyah is worthless, so don't let its web catch your eye.

Shoulder To Shoulder And Foot To Foot

2008-05-19T20:28:00.003+05:00

In the rows of prayer, we should stand shoulder to shoulder and foot to foot.

Al-Bukhaari, may Allaah have mercy on him, narrated (683) from Anas that the Prophet PBUH said: “Make your rows straight, for I can see you from behind my back.”

Anas said: “so each of us would stand with his shoulder against his neighbour’s shoulder and his foot against his foot.”

Al-Bukhaari (may Allaah have mercy on him) gave this chapter the title: “Chapter on standing shoulder to shoulder and foot to foot.”

He said: al-Nu’maan ibn Basheer said: “I saw people standing with their ankles against their neighbours’ ankle.”

Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeem al-Abaadi said: he said in al-Ta’leeq al-Mughni: These ahaadeeth clearly indicate the importance of making the rows straight, which is part of the perfection of prayer; they indicate that people should not stand back (from the row) or in front of (the row), and that they should stand shoulder to shoulder, foot to foot and knee to knee with their neighbours. But nowadays this Sunnah is being ignored! If someone does this nowadays the people shy away from him like zebras! Verily to Allaah we belong and unto Him is our return.

(‘Awn al-Ma’bood, 2/256)

The shoulder: is the place where the upper arm joins the body.

The ankle: is the bone which protrudes at the side of the foot.

And Allaah knows best.

No Particular Dua For Exams

2008-05-18T20:47:00.002+05:00

We see many students reciting some du’aa’s before exams and afterwards, such as the du’aa’ said when starting to revise, “O Allaah I ask You for the understanding of the Prophets and the memory of the Messengers and angels who are close to You, make my tongue fresh with Your remembrance and my heart humble to You and obedient You, for You are sufficient for me and You are the best disposer of affairs.” And when going out of the house and heading towards the exam, can I say, “O Allaah, in You I have put my trust and I submit my affairs to You, and there is no refuge from You except with You.” And at the end of the exam: “Praise be to Allaah Who has guided us and we could not have been guided had not Allaah guided us.” And when stumbling over an answer: “There is no god but You, glory be to You, verily I was one of the wrongdoers. O Ever-Living, O Sustainer, by your mercy I seek help,” and many others.

There is NO report in the Sunnah which suggests what can be said during the exams. The du’aa’s that are widespread among students and are said during revision or when receiving the exam papers or when stumbling over an answer or when handing in the paper, etc., all have no basis in the Sunnah, either in saheeh reports or da’eef reports. Rather they are all fabricated and are falsely attributed to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).

Attributing any such thing to the Sunnah when one knows that it is not part of the Sunnah makes a person one of those who tell lies against the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).

It was narrated that al-Mugheerah ibn Shu’bah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “Telling a lie against me is not like telling a lie against anyone else. Whoever tells a lie against me deliberately, let him take his place in Hell.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1229; Muslim, 4.

Whoever spreads these false ahaadeeth and other like them, knowing that they cannot be soundly attributed to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is telling lies against the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his sin is the same as the sin of the one who fabricated them.

It was narrated from al-Mugheerah ibn Shu’bah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever narrated from me a hadeeth which he thinks is false is one of the liars.” Narrated by Muslim in the Introduction to his Saheeh.

There is a proven du’aa’ for leaving the house, but it is not as described by the questioner. The phrase is “Yaa Hayyu yaa Qayyoom bi rahmatika astagheeth (O Ever Living, O Sustainer, by Your mercy I seek help).” There are ahaadeeth which indicate that this is to be said at times of hardship and difficulty. All of that includes exams and other difficulties. There follow the ahaadeeth which have been narrated concerning that:

1 – It was narrated that Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever says – when leaving his house – Bismillaah, tawakkaltu ‘ala Allaah, laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa Billaah (In the name of Allaah, I put my trust in Allaah, there is no power and no strength except with Allaah), it will be said to him: You are taken care of and you are protected, and the Shaytaan will keep away from him.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 5095; al-Tirmidhi, 3426; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.

2 – It was also narrated that Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: If something upset him, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would say: “Yaa Hayyu yaa Qayyoom bi rahmatika astagheeth (O Ever Living, O Sustainer, by Your mercy I seek help).” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 3524; classed as hasan by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 3182.

3 – It was also narrated from Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “O Allaah, nothing is easy but that which You make easy and You can make hardship easy if You will.” Narrated by Ibn Hibbaan, 3/255; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 2886.

4 – It was narrated that Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The prayer of Dhu’l-Noon when he was in the belly of the fish: ‘Laa ilaaha illa Anta, subhaanaka inni kuntu min al-zaalimeen (There is no god but You, glory to You, verily I was one of the wrongdoers).’ A Muslim never calls upon his Lord with these words concerning any matter, but his prayer is answered.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 3505; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 1644.

Conclusion: It is not permissible to invent du’aa’s and attribute them to Islam. What has been narrated in the ahaadeeth that may be said during times of hardship and difficulty is sufficient.

And Allaah knows best.

Moving The Finger During Tashahhud

2008-05-15T12:58:00.002+05:00

It is Sunnah to point with the forefinger and move it during the Tashahhud, because of the report narrated by Ahmad (18890) and al-Nasaa’i from Waa’il ibn Hajar who said: I said, I will watch how the Messenger of Allaah PBUH prays. So I watched him and he stood up and said “Allaahu akbar,” and raised his hands until they were level with his ears, then he placed his right hand over his left and left wrist and left forearm. Then when he wanted to bow he raised his hands likewise. He put his hands on his knees, then when he raised his head he raised his hands likewise. Then he prostrated and put his hands level with his ears, then he sat resting on his left foot and placed his left hand on his thigh and left knee, and he put the elbow of his right hand on his right thigh. Then he made a circle with two of his fingers, then he raised his finger and I saw him moving it and making du’aa’ with it.” This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i.

Muslim (580) narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar said: When he – meaning the Prophet PBUH – sat during the prayer, he would place his right hand on his right thigh and clench all his fingers, and point with the finger that is next to the thumb, and he would place his left hand on his left thigh.

According to a report narrated by Muslim from Ibn ‘Umar, when the Prophet PBUH) sat during the prayer, he would put his hands on his thighs and raise the finger of his right hand that is next to the thumb, and make du’aa’ with it, and his left hand would be resting on his left thigh.

Al-Nasaa’i (1273) narrated that Sa’d said: The Messenger of Allaah PBUH passed by me whilst I was making du’aa’ with my fingers and he said, “One, one,” and pointed with his index finger. Meaning: point with one finger, namely the index finger.

Ahmad (5964) narrated that Naafi’ said: When ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar sat during the prayer, he would put his hands on his thighs and point with his finger whilst looking at it. Then he said: The Messenger of Allaah PBUH said, “It is harder on the Shaytaan than iron,” meaning the index finger. This hadeeth was classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Sifat Salaat al-Nabi (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), p. 159.

These ahaadeeth indicate two things:

1 – That one should point with the finger throughout the entire Tashahhud

2 – That one should move it when making du’aa’.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) explained the phrases narrated for the du’aa’ in the Tashahhud. He said:

Every time you make du’aa’ then move your finger towards upwards towards the One upon Whom you are calling, so we say:

Al-salaamu ‘alayka ayyuha’l-Nabiyyu (Peace be upon you O Prophet) – you should point your finger whilst reciting this because the salaam is a kind of du’aa’.

Al-salaamu ‘alayna (peace be upon us) – point your finger.

Allaahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad (O Allaah, send prayers upon Muhammad) – point your finger.

Allaahumma baarik ‘ala Muhammad (O Allaah, send blessings upon Muhammad) – point your finger.

A’oodhu Billaaih min ‘adhaaib Jahannam (I seek refuge with Allaah from the torment of Hell) – point your finger.

Wa min ‘adhaab il-qabr (and from the torment of the grave) – point your finger.

Wa min fitnat il-mahyaa wa’l-mamaat (and from the trials of life and death) – point your finger.

Wa min fitnat il-maseeh il-dajjaal (and from the trial of the Dajjaal) – point your finger.

Every time you make du’aa’ point upwards towards the One upon Whom you are calling. This is closer to the Sunnah.

End of quotation from al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 3/202

And Allaah knows best.

Beautiful Gift

2008-05-12T13:16:00.002+05:00

A young man was getting ready to graduate college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer’s showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted. As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. On the morning of his graduation his father called him into his private study.

His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat disappointed the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Holy Qur’an. Angrily, he raised his voice at his father and said, “With all your money you give me a Holy book?” and stormed out of the house, leaving the holy book.

He never contacted his father again for long long time. Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day.

Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care things. When he arrived at his father’s house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search his father’s important papers and saw the still new Holy Qur’an, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Holy Qur’an and began to turn the pages. As he Read those words, a car key dropped from an envelope taped behind the Holy Qur’an. It had a tag with the dealer’s name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words PAID IN FULL.

How many times do we miss GOD blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?

Free From Calamities

2008-05-11T10:12:00.003+05:00

Bismillaahil-lazee laa yadhurru ma'as-mihi shay'un fil-'ardhi wa laa fis-samaa'i wa Huwas-Samee'ul-'Aleem.

In the Name of Allah, Who with His Name nothing can cause harm in the earth nor in the heavens, and He is All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. (Recite three times in Arabic).

"Whoever recites it three times in the morning will not be afflicted by any calamity before evening, and whoever recites it three times in the evening will not be overtaken by any calamity before morning."
(Abu Dawud 4/332, At-Thirmithi 5/465, Ibn Majah 2/332)

Ten Ways To Increase Happiness In Marriage.

2008-05-08T19:10:00.005+05:00

The young and excited bride-and-groom-to-be; ecstatic about the upcoming wedding and marriage and the joy that it will bring. Three to six months later, reality has set in and both spouses realize that marriage is no easy task, but one that takes a great deal of effort and patience. The following are tips for both wives and husbands, to help make the task a little less daunting, and to increase the many rewards that are possible in such a marvelous and complex relationship.

Enter the Marriage with the Right Intention and Renew this Often

Both spouses should enter the marriage with the pure intention of pleasing Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, in order to receive His grace and blessings. The marriage itself then becomes an act of worship and one for which both spouses will be rewarded. Allah will be pleased with them and this will be the most critical element in ensuring peace, stability and happiness throughout the marital life. It is also important to realize that when an act of worship is continued over a long period of time, it becomes necessary to renew one's intention often to remain on the correct path and to obtain the most benefit.

Remember that Your Spouse is also Your Brother or Sister in Islam

Too often Muslims treat other people outside the home with kindness and sincerity, but then behave in a very different manner when it comes to their own spouses. Muslims should always remember that one's spouse is also another brother or sister in Islam and that the rights and duties that apply to the general brotherhood (sisterhood) of Islam, should also form the basis of the marital relationship. Obviously, a spouse has rights beyond these, but there should be a clear understanding of the rights of brotherhood (sisterhood) and adherence to these principles.

Do Not Hold Unrealistic Expectations

Before marriage, people often have unrealistic ideas about their spouse-to-be, expecting perfection in all aspects. This rarely, if ever, plays out in reality and can lead to unnecessary problems and concerns. We should recall that Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, created humans as imperfect beings, which means that many mistakes will be made throughout a lifetime. By turning the table and expecting imperfection, we will be pleasantly surprised and pleased when our spouse is much more than we ever hoped for. This, in turn, will lead to contentment within the marriage.

Emphasize the Best in Your Spouse

Since no one is endowed with all of the best qualities, emphasis should be placed on the positive qualities that a spouse possesses. Encouragement, praise, and gratitude should be expressed on a regular basis, which will strengthen these qualities and be beneficial in developing others. An attempt should be made to overlook or ignore negative characteristics, as the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "A believing man should not have any malice against a believing woman. He may dislike one characteristic in her, but may find another in her which is pleasing." (Muslim)

Be Your Mate's Best Friend

Try to think of what a best friend means and be one to your spouse. This may mean sharing interests, experiences, dreams, failures and upsets. It may involve understanding a spouse's likes and dislikes and attempting to please him or her in any way possible. A best friend is also usually someone that can be confided to trusted, and relied upon. A spouse should be the kind of friend that one would want to keep throughout life.

Spend Quality Time Together

It is not enough to share meals, chores and small talk together. Spouses should also find time to focus on strengthening the relationship. Often couples get busy with their own separate tasks and forget about working on one of the most important elements in life. Quality time may be anything from having a quiet, profound conversation to going for a nice long nature walk, to sharing a special hobby or project. Both spouses should enjoy the particular option chosen and distractions should be kept to a minimum.

Express Feelings Often

This is probably a very "Western" concept and one that some people may have difficulty fulfilling, but it is important to be open and honest about one's feelings, both positive and negative. The lines of communication should always be open and any concerns should be brought to the attention of the other spouse as soon as they arise. The rationale of this is that what begins as a simple concern may grow into a major problem if it is not addressed quickly and properly. The "silent treatment" has never been the remedy for anything.

Admit to Mistakes and ask for Forgiveness

Just as we ask Allah to forgive us when we make mistakes, we should also do the same with our spouses. The stronger person is the one who can admit when he or she is wrong, request pardon from the other, and work hard to improve his/her aspects that are in need of change. When a person is unwilling to do this, there will be little growth and development in the marriage.

Never Bring up Mistakes of the Past

It can be very hurting for another person to be reminded of past mistakes. In Islam, it is generally not recommended to dwell on the past. One may remember errors that were made so that they are not repeated, but this should not be done excessively. Certainly, as humans, we are not in the position to judge another person. Advice may be given, but not in a harmful manner.

Surprise Each Other at Times

This may entail bringing home a small gift or flowers, preparing a special meal, dressing up and beautifying oneself (this is not only for women), or sending a secret note in a lunchbox. A little imagination will go a long way here. The idea is to spice up the marriage and avoid getting into a dull routine that may negatively affect the marriage.

Have a Sense of Humour

This particular aspect can go a long way in preventing arguments and brightening the atmosphere of the home. Life is a constant stream of challenges and tests, and to approach it in a light-hearted manner will help to make the journey smoother and more enjoyable. You may also find that your spouse enjoys this characteristic and looks forward to spending time with you because of it.

Quick Tips for Discussions and Disagreements:

Begin with the intention to resolve the issue. If both spouses have this intention and plan to consult together, it is more likely that there will be a successful resolution.

Remember that it takes two to quarrel. If only one person chooses not to argue, there will be no argument. Generally, the one who is wrong does most of the talking.

Both spouses should not be angry at the same time. If one of the spouses becomes upset, it is best if the other tries to remain calm and collected.

Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire. Of course, house fires do not occur very frequently; yelling should occur at about the same rate.

Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled. This is one of the worst things that can happen in a marriage and should be avoided as much as possible. This allows hurt feelings and thoughts to linger and generally exacerbates the problem.

If one spouse needs to win, let it be your mate. Do not focus on winning yourself; this is the main reason that discussions tend to become heated.

Tips For Improving Your Relationship With The Quran

2008-05-06T16:10:00.003+05:00

Are you one of those people who rarely touches the Qur'an? Or do you read daily, but don't find it is having the impact on you that it should? Whatever the case may be, these are some simple tips that can help you connect with the Qur'an.

1. Before you touch it, check your heart. The key to really benefiting from the Qur'an is to check your heart first, before you even touch Allah's book. Ask yourself, honestly, why you are reading it. Is it to just get some information and to let it drift away from you later? Remember that the Prophet Muhammad PBUH was described by his wife as a "walking Qur'an": in other words, he didn't just read and recite the Qur'an, he lived it.

2. Do your Wudu (ablution). Doing your Wudu is good physical and mental preparation to remind you you're not reading just another book. You are about to interact with God, so being clean should be a priority when communicating with Him.

3. Read only 5 minutes everyday. Too often, we think we should read Qur'an for at least one whole hour. If you aren't in the habit of reading regularly, this is too much. Start off with just five minutes daily. If you took care of step one, Insha Allah (God willing), you will notice that those five minutes will become ten, then half an hour, then an hour, and maybe even more!

4. Make sure you understand what you've read. Five minutes of reading the Qur'an in Arabic is good, but you need to understand what you're reading. Make sure you have a good translation of the Qur'an in the language you understand best. Always try to read the translation of what you've read that day

5. Remember, the Qur'an is more interactive than a CD. In an age of "interactive" CD-Roms and computer programs, a number of people think books are passive and boring. But the Qur'an is not like that. Remember that when you read Qur'an,you are interacting with Allah. He is talking to you, so pay attention.

6. Don't just read, listen too. There are now many audio cassettes and CDs of the Qur'an, a number of them with translations as well. This is great to put on your walkman or your car's CD or stereo as you drive to and from work. Use this in addition to your daily Qur'an reading, not as a replacement for it.

7. Make Dua (supplication). Ask Allah to guide you when you read the Qur'an. Your aim is to sincerely, for the love of Allah, interact with Him by reading, understanding and applying His blessed words. Making Dua to Allah for help and guidance will be your best tool for doing this.

Victims Of Mixing.....True Stories

2008-05-02T11:16:00.004+05:00

Lost hope

Umm Muhammad, a mature woman over the age of 40, tells her story.

I lived a life of modest means with my husband. There was never any closeness and harmony, and my husband did not have the kind of strong personality that a woman would hope for, but his good nature made me overlook the fact that I was the one who was responsible for most of the decision making in the family.

My husband often used to mention the name of his friend and business partner, and he would talk about him in my presence, and I often used to meet with him in his office which was originally part of our apartment. This went on for many years, until circumstances led to us exchanging visits with this person and his family. These family visits were repeated and because of his close friendship with my husband, we did not notice how the number of visits increased and how many hours a single visit would last. He often used to come on his own to sit with us, me and my husband, for long visits. My husband’s trust in him knew no bounds, and as days passed I got to know this person very well, and saw how wonderful and decent he was. I began to feel a strong attraction towards this man, and at the same time I began to sense that the feeling was mutual.

Things took a strange turn after that, when I realized that this man was the kind of person I had always dreamed about. Why had he come along now, after all these years? The more this man’s status increased in my eyes, the more my husband’s status diminished. It was as if I had needed to see the beauty of his character in order to discover how ugly my husband’s character was.

The matter between this person and myself did not go beyond these persistent thoughts which were occupying my mind night and day. Neither he nor I ever voiced what we felt in our hearts… until today. Yet despite that my life is over and my husband is little more than a weak man with no self-esteem. I hate him and I do not know how all this hatred towards him started to boil over. I wonder how I put up with him all these years, bearing all these burdens by myself, facing life’s problems on my own.

Things got so bad that I asked him for a divorce, and he divorced me at my request. After that he became a broken man. Even worse than that is that after my marriage was wrecked and my children and husband were devastated, problems arose in this man's family. His wife, with her feminine intuition, realized what had been going on in his heart of hearts, and his life became hell. She was overwhelmed with jealousy to the extent that one night she left her house at 2 a.m. and came to attack my house, screaming, weeping and hurling accusations. His marriage was also about to collapse.

I admit that the lovely gatherings which we used to enjoy gave us the opportunity to get to know one another at a time that was not appropriate at this stage in our lives.

His marriage has been wrecked and so has mine. I have lost everything, and now I know that my circumstances and his will not permit us to take any positive step towards coming together. Now I am more miserable than I have ever been, and I am looking for illusionary happiness and lost hopes.

Tit-for-tat

Umm Ahmad tells us:

My husband had a group of married friends, and because of our close friendship with them, we used to get together with them once a week in one of our houses, to enjoy an evening of chat.

Deep down in my heart I was never really comfortable with the atmosphere in which we would have dinner, sweets, snacks and drinks of juice accompanied by waves of laughter because of the jokes and chit-chats that often went beyond the bounds of good manners.

In the name of friendship, the barriers were lifted and every now and then one would hear suppressed laughter between a woman and the husband of another woman. The jokes were too much, dealing – with no sense of shyness –with sensitive topics such as sex and women’s private matters. This was usual and was even accepted and regarded as desirable.

Although I indulged in these things along with them, my conscience made me feel guilty. Then the day came when it became quite clear just how ugly and filthy this atmosphere was.

The telephone rang, and I heard the voice of one of the friends in this group. I said hello to him and apologized that my husband was not home. He replied that he knew that, and that he was calling to speak to me! After he suggested starting a relationship with me, I got very angry and spoke harshly to him and cursed him. All he could do was laugh and say, “Don’t try and show these good manners to me; go and check on your husband’s good manners and see what he is doing…” I was devastated by what he said, but I pulled myself together and said to myself, this person is only trying to cause the break up of your marriage. But he succeeded in planting the seeds of doubt concerning my husband.

Shortly after that, the major disaster struck. I discovered that my husband was cheating on me with another woman. It was the matter of life or death as far as I was concerned. I found my husband out and I confronted him, saying: “You are not the only one who can have a relationship. I have received a similar proposition.” And I told him all about his friend. He was stunned and absolutely shocked. (I said:) “If you want me to respond in kind to your relationship with that woman, then this is for that, tit-for-tat.” This was a huge slap in the face for him. He knew that I did not intend to do that in reality, but he realized the great disaster that had befallen our lives and the immoral atmosphere in which we were living. I suffered a great deal until my husband finally left that loose woman with whom he was having a relationship, as he admitted to me. Yes, he left her and came back to his family and children, but how can I ever feel the same towards him as I used to? Who will restore respect for him in my heart? This huge wound in my heart is still bleeding out of regret and rage at that filthy atmosphere; it still bears testimony to the fact that what they call innocent get-togethers are in reality anything but innocent. My heart still begs for mercy from the Lord of Glory.

Intelligence can also be a temptation (fitnah)

‘Abd al-Fattaah says:

I work as the head of department in one of the big companies. For a long time I admired one of my female colleagues, not for her beauty, but for her serious attitude towards her work, her intelligence and her excellent achievements – in addition to the fact that she was a decent and modest person who focused only on her work. This admiration turned into attachment, and I am a married man who fears Allaah and never misses any obligatory prayer. I expressed my feelings to her and she rebuffed me. She is married and has children as well. She sees no reason why I should have any kind of relationship with her, whether it be friendship, as work colleagues or based on admiration… etc. Evil thoughts come to me sometimes, and deep down I wish that her husband would divorce her so that I could get her.

I started to put pressure on her at work and put her down in front of my bosses. Perhaps this was a form of revenge on my part, but she accepted it with good manners and did not complain or comment. She works and works; her performance speaks of her quality, and she knows this well. The more she resisted me, the stronger my infatuation grew.

I am not a person who is easily tempted by women, because I fear Allaah and I do not overstep the mark with them and go beyond what is required by my work. But this woman attracted me. What is the solution?… I do not know.

Baby ducks know how to swim

N.A.A., a nineteen-year-old girl, tells us:

At that time I was a little girl. My innocent eyes watched those evening get-togethers when family friends would meet in the house. What I remember is that I could only see one man, who was my father. I watched him as he moved about the room, how his glances would devour the women present, looking at their thighs and chests, admiring this one’s eyes, that one’s hair, the other’s hips. My poor mother had no choice but to take care of these get-togethers. She was a very simple lady.

Among the women present there was one woman who would deliberately try to attract my father’s attention, sometimes by coming close to him, and sometimes by making enticing movements. I would watch this with concern, whilst my mother was busy in the kitchen for the sake of her guests.

These gatherings stopped suddenly and I tried, young as I was, to understand and make sense of what had happened, but I could not.

What I remember was that my mother collapsed completely at that time, and she could not stand to hear my father’s name mentioned in the house. I used to hear mysterious words whispered by the adults around me: “Betrayal… bedroom… she saw them with her own eyes… despicable woman… in a very shameful position…” etc. These were the key words which only the adults could understand.

I grew up and came to understand, and I bore a grudge against all men. All of them were treacherous. My mother was a broken woman and accused every woman who came to us of being a man-snatcher who wanted to make my father fall into her trap. My father hasn’t changed. He is still practising his favourite hobby of chasing women, but now he does it outside the home. Now I am nineteen years old and I know lots of young men. I feel great pleasure in taking revenge on them, because every one of them is an exact copy of my father. I tempt them and entice them, without letting them get anywhere near me. They follow me in gatherings and in the marketplaces because of my movements and deliberate gestures. Sometimes my phone never stops ringing and I feel proud of what I do to avenge the sex of Hawwa’ and my mother. But sometimes I feel so miserable and such a failure that it almost chokes me. My life is shadowed by a huge dark cloud, and its name is my father.

Before it is too late

S.N.A. tells of her experience:

I never imagined that my work circumstances would force me to be in contact with the opposite sex (men), but this in fact is what happened…

In the beginning, I used to cover and screen myself from men by wearing niqaab (face-veil), but some of the sisters advised me that this dress was attracting more attention to my presence, and it would be better for me to take off the niqaab, especially since my eyes were somewhat attractive. So I removed the cover from my face, thinking that this was better. But by continuing to mix with my colleagues, I discovered that I was the odd one out because of my antisocial attitude and my insistence on not joining in the conversation and chatting with others. Everyone was wary of this “lone-wolf” woman (as they saw me), and this is what was stated clearly by one person who affirmed that he would not want to deal with such a snooty and stand-offish character. But I knew that I was the opposite, in fact, and I decided that I would not oppress myself and put myself in a difficult position with my colleagues. So I started to join in their chats and exchanges of anecdotes, and they all discovered that I could speak eloquently and persuasively, and that I could influence others. I could also speak in a manner that was determined yet at the same time was attractive to some of my colleagues. It was not long before I noticed some changes in the expression of my direct supervisor; with some embarrassment, he was enjoying the way I spoke and moved, and he would deliberately bring up topics in the conversation where I would see that hateful look in his eyes. I do not deny the fact that I started to entertain some thoughts about this man. I found it astonishing that a man could fall so easily into the trap of a woman who was religiously committed, so how must it be in the case of women who adorn themselves and invite men to commit immoral actions? In fact, I did not think of him in any way which went beyond the bounds of sharee’ah, but he did occupy a space in my thoughts for quite some time. But soon my self-respect made me reject the idea of being a source of enjoyment for this man in any way, shape or form, even if it was only psychological in nature, and I stopped getting involved in any kind of work that would force me to sit alone with him. In the end, I reached the following conclusions:

1- Attraction between the sexes can occur in any circumstances, no matter how much men and women may deny that. The attraction may start within the bounds of sharee’ah and end up going beyond those bounds.

Even if a person protects himself (by marriage), he is not safe from the snares of the Shaytaan.

2- Even though a person may be able to guarantee himself and he works with the opposite sex within reasonable limits, he cannot guarantee the feelings of the other party.

Finally, there is nothing good in mixing and it does not bear fruit as they claim. On the contrary, it corrupts sound thinking.

Mixing Of Men And Women

2008-05-01T13:42:00.006+05:00

The meeting together, mixing, and intermingling of men and women in one place, the crowding of them together, and the revealing and exposure of women to men are prohibited by the Law of Islam (Shari'ah). These acts are prohibited because they are among the causes for fitnah (temptation or trial which implies evil consequences), the arousing of desires, and the committing of indecency and wrongdoing.

Among the many proofs of prohibition of the meeting and mixing of men and women in the Qur’aan and Sunnah are:

Verse No. 53 of Surat al-Ahzab, or the Confederates (Interpretation of the meaning);"..."for anything ye want, ask them from before a screen: that makes for greater purity for your hearts and for theirs..."

In explaining this Verse, Ibn Kathir RA said: "Meaning, as I forbade you to enter their rooms, I forbid you to look at them at all. If one wants to take something from a woman, one should do so without looking at her. If one wants to ask a woman for something, the same has to be done from behind a screen."

The Prophet PBUH enforced separation of men and women even at Allaah’s most revered and preferred place, the mosque. This was accomplished via the separation of the women’s rows from the men’s; men were asked to stay in the mosque after completion of the obligatory prayer so that women will have enough time to leave the mosque; and, a special door was assigned to women. Evidence of the foregoing are:

Umm Salamah RA said that after Allah’s Messenger PBUH said "as-Salamu ‘Alaykum wa Rahmatullah’ twice announcing the end of prayer, women would stand up and leave. He would stay for a while before leaving. Ibn Shihab said that he thought that the staying of the Prophet PBUH was in order for the women to be able to leave before the men who wanted to depart."( Narrated by al-Bukhari under No. 793.)

Abu Dawood under No. 876 narrates the same hadith in Kitab al-Salaat under the title "Insiraaf an-Nisaa’ Qabl al-Rijaal min al-Salaah" (Departure of Women before Men after the Prayer). Ibn ‘Umar said that Allah’s Messenger PBUH said: "We should leave this door (of the mosque) for women." Naafi’ said: "Ibn ‘Umar never again entered through that door until he died." Narrated by Abu Dawood under No. 484 in "Kitab as-Salah" under the Chapter entitled: "at-Tashdid fi Thalik".

Abu Hurayrah said that the Prophet PBUH said: ""The best of the men’s rows is the first and the worst is the last, and the best of the women’s rows is the last and the worst in the first."( Narrated by Muslim under No. 664).

This is the greatest evidence that the Law of Islam (Shari'ah) forbids meeting and mixing of men and women. The farther the men are from the women’s rows, the better, and vice versa.

If these procedures and precautions were prescribed and adhered to in a mosque, which is a pure place of worship where people are as far away as they ever are from the arousal of desire and temptation, then no doubt the same procedures need to be followed even more rigorously at other places.

Abu Usayd al-Ansari narrated that he heard Allah’s Messenger PBUH say to the women on his way out of the mosque when he saw men and women mixing together on their way home:
‘Give way (i.e., walk to the sides) as it is not appropriate for you to walk in the middle the road.’ Thereafter, women would walk so close to the wall that their dresses would get caught on it. Narrated by Abu Dawood in "Kitab al-Adab min Sunanihi, Chapter: Mashyu an-Nisa Ma’ ar-Rijal fi at-Tariq."We know that the intermingling, mixing and crowding together of men and women is part of today’s unavoidable yet regrettable affliction in most places, such as markets, hospitals, colleges, etc.

Very embarrassing

Have any embarrassing situations ever happened to you because of mixing?

Among the embarrassing moments mentioned here might not be embarrassing to some readers due to their negligence in religion and immodest western ways they have adopted:

* I was at work one day, and I went into one department where one of my female colleagues who wears hijaab had taken off her hijaab in front of her female colleagues. My entrance took her by surprise and I was very embarrassed as a result.

* I had to do an experiment in the lab at university, but I was absent on the day of the experiment. I had to go to the lab on the following day, and I found myself the only male among a group of female students, in addition to a female teacher and a female lab technician. I was very embarrassed and felt very awkward with all those female eyes glaring at me.

* It so happened that one of the girls at the university bumped into me when turning a corner in a crowded corridor. She was walking quickly, going to one of the lectures. As a result of this collision, she lost her balance, and I caught her in my arms, as if I was embracing her. You can imagine how embarrassed I and this girl felt in front of a group of careless young people.

* One of my female colleagues fell on the stairs in the university and her clothes fell open in an extremely embarrassing fashion. She landed upside down and could not help herself; the young men standing nearby had no option but to cover her and help her to get up.

* I work in a company and I went in to give some papers to my boss. When I was going out, my boss called me back. I turned around and saw him with his face turned away. I was waiting for him to ask me for a file or for more papers, and I was surprised by his hesitancy. I turned away to the left side of his office, pretending to be busy with something, and he spoke to me at the same time. I thought that this boss would say anything except what he actually said, which was to point out that my garment was stained with menstrual blood. Can the earth open up and swallow a human being at the moment of making sincere supplication? For I prayed that the earth would open up and swallow me.

Insha Allah soon I’ll come up with true stories of victims of mixing…