Category Archives: Islam
Cleanliness
Let’s keep ourselves & our surroundings clean because:
~[Sahih Muslim 2:432]- ♥
Creation of Allah swt
Man is amazed by the advancement in technology yet fails to see his own amazing self that he had no hand in creating.
“O man! What has made you careless concerning your Lord, the Most Generous? Who created you, fashioned you perfectly, and gave you due proportion; In whatever form He willed, He put you together. “ [Translation of The Holy QUR’AN 82:6-8]
SubhanALLAH ! Allah’s COUNTLESS blessings!
But we are still ungrateful..
‘O Allah help us to remember You, thank You & worship You in the best manner ! ameen !
What makes a home and Islamic one?
Is it the material it is made of; the concrete, the bricks or the wood? People may live in tents yet their homes are Islamic.
Greatest Jihad {Jihad-e- Akbar}
THE GREATEST JIHAD IS THE JIHAD AGAINST OUR NAFS/EGO.
“I don’t smoke but I keep a match box in my pocket. When my heart slips towards a sin, I burn a match stick and heat my palm. Then I say to myself:
‘Ali You can’t bear even this heat, how would u bear the unbearable heat of Hell..?’
”Muhammad Ali The Boxer”
Subhan’Allah may Allah bless him and forgive all his and our Sins Ameen…
Revert Story of Abdul Rahim Green to Islam [Ex Roman Catholic]
Assalam Alaikum warahmatullahe wa barakatuh, Dear brothers and Sisters in Islam
You should know this man.We are proud of him for being a Muslim and as one of the front men in the intellectual battles in spreading the TRUTH about Islam, all over the world. Now let’s cut out all the formalities and lets follow his great journey to Islam..shall we?
“Let me introduce myself and my background. I was born in Tanzania in Dar es Salaam.
My father at the time was a colonial administrator in the now defunct British empire. An empire that stretched once upon a time not that long ago over one third of the earth’s surface. Now the only thing left is some islands in the Falklands and that’s all that’s left there.
How things changed!
How the mighty empire have fallen! This is a lesson that Allah the Almighty tells us in the Qur’an to travel the earth and see the consequence. See what happened to people who came before you, who were mightier in power and strength and see what’s left of them.
So anyway back to my father, a colonial administrator in Tanzania where I was born, and my parents named me Anthony Vatswaf Galvin Green. OK, I thought you were going to laugh! Vatswaf is a Polish name because my mother in fact is Polish.
A Catholic Education
And being Polish she is a Roman Catholic. And she intended that me and my brother Duncan (Duncan Charles Alexander Green) would be raised up good Catholics. So almost from the day we were born we were enrolled in what is a very famous Roman Catholic boarding school. In fact it’s a monastic boarding school. That means it’s also a monastery; a place where monks live and teach. This school is called Ampleforth College. It’s in Yorkshire in the north of England.
So when I was 2 years old we left Dar es Salaam.
My brother was born in London. When he was like 8 and I was like 10 we were sent off to boarding school. So from the age of 10 I was sent to the preparatory school of Ampleforth College. Before they sent us off to that school, I think that my mom decided it’s about time that she taught me some of the prayers of the Catholics and some of the things that they say she better prepare me a little bit for this life in the monastery, although she had married my father who was agnostic, which was not really allowed. She was only supposed to marry a Catholic but she went ahead and married my dad. Anyway, she considered herself not to be a very good Catholic but she was going to make up for it by sending me and my brother to the school.
I remember one night she told me a prayer that’s used by Catholics quite often.
It’s one of the frequently used prayers when they have a rosary on which they count a series of prayers and the main prayer is called “Hail Mary”. It begins like this “Hail Mary mother of God, blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.”
It was the first bit when I was a nine-year child hearing my mother say “Hail Mary mother of God”:
I said to myself “How can God have a mother?”
God is supposed to be without a beginning and without an end. How could God have a mommy? And I sat there thinking about this mother of God and I decided to myself that well if Mary is the mother of God, she should actually be a better God than God. These were the first questions that arose in my mind.
Why Confess?
As I went to school and as I began to think more, study more and research more, I in fact had more and more questions. We used to have to go to confession. I think, as far as I remember, we had to do it a minimum of once a year. And the priest used to say “You have to confess all your sins, if you don’t confess all of them, then confession is no good and none of your sins will be forgiven”.
Can you imagine?
School boys aged 10, 11 and all the way up to 19 or 20, do you think we will be confessing all of our sins?
Moreover confessing our sins to the very people who are our house masters; in other words they are in charge of us? I assumed to figure that this was a huge spike conspiracy in order to control people by going to confess their sins.
And then I used to ask them “Why?
Why do I have to go to you to confess my sins?
Why can’t I just ask God to forgive me?”
After all according to Jesus, according to the Bible Jesus says that the only prayers you need is to our father (God) to forgive our sins so why come to ask a priest?
They said to me “Well, you can ask God too if you want to but you can’t be sure that God will listen to you”.
So I had a real problem with this. I also had a real problem with the doctrines of the church. I think also one of things I had a very very big problem with is the doctrine of incarnation “The idea that God became a man”.
Searching for Answers….
And so I began a quest. It wasn’t like “Today I’m going in a quest to the truth”. It wasn’t like that. It was just I began to think, search and look through other religions, anything that I thought might give me an insight and an understanding of what’s the purpose of life and what’s it all about.
Now, when I was about 19, something very important happened. In the 10 years that I spent on my holidays in Egypt, only one person ever really had a decent conversation with me about Islam.
I had many questions about Catholicism but when it came to anyone challenging me or questioning me, I would vigorously defend. I would become a defender of the faith, even if I didn’t actually believe in it but I suddenly became a defender of it. It was a strange paradox.
I had many questions in my mind especially with this Egyptian, I mean after all what does he know? I’m English, we used to rule this chap’s country some years ago.
“As if Mike Tyson smacked me in the Face”
After this conversation had been going for forty minutes he asked me a few simple questions and they stuck in my head until this day; he said
“So you believe that Jesus is God?”
I said “Yes”.
He said “And you believe Jesus died on the cross?”
I said “Yes”.
He said “So you believe God died?”
When he said that, you know what? It was as if Mike Tyson smacked me in the face with his fist! I mean I was absolutely flabbergasted because I suddenly realized the irrationality and the, I have to say it, the foolishness of what I was believing and inside myself I said “Of course I don’t believe that God died. You can’t kill God”
And I realized that all these years I had been taught something, and I had been indoctrinated with something, and I always felt uncomfortable with it but you know it just took someone to spell it out for me in clear simple terms. If you believe this and you believe this, then you must believe that and I realized that “No, I didn’t believe that” but you know what?
I wasn’t going to admit that to him, I said “Ha, that has been really interesting, I have to go to my cabin now, OK? bye”.
I didn’t want to think about it and I went off and started smoking and having a coffee and writing and doing anything to think about except what the guy had been telling me. But it really had its effect. Because after that stage and as I said it was something I have always been uncomfortable with but that was a big changing point in my life. You can say it was an epiphany. No one if you are in a spiritual journey in quest for truth, you would have never thought or dreamed of looking at Islam.
And I didn’t. I looked at everything so I reached the stage where I was basically a hippie.
So I was now about 19 or 20 years old and I was a hippie and by this stage I invented my own religion. This religion was bits and pieces of all the religions that I had studied and I took them together and I made my own religion.
And therefore I started to develop this philosophy of my own religion. But it didn’t take me long to figure that this was the worst bunch of rubbish that I ever come across. I mean of all the things I’ve been through it that was the worst.
Reading the Quran
So I said to myself “OK, let me think about this; of course, what’s their religion, what’s their holy book, yes the Quran, let me have a look at this Quran, there got to be something interesting there and that was really what motivated me to go down to the bookshop and I took a translation of the Quran and I really believed it had to be that way because I was really just approaching the Quran out of curiosity just to see what I had to say.
I was coming with an open mind. I wasn’t looking for truth, I wasn’t looking for something like that. I was just curious to see what this book had to say. Was there something? That’s all, otherwise I think I would have never looked at it. So I took it down and began reading the Quran.
I’m a pretty fast reader and I remember very clearly I was in a train.
I was going from where I was living across the river Thames to Victoria train station. I remember very distinctly I was sitting in the train next to the window and reading this translation of the Quran. I looked out of the window. I looked back and I said to myself “If I have ever read a book that’s from God, this is it” and that really I could say was the moment that I realized and I believed that the Quran was from God. It was always my habit that I just didn’t read about things but I tried to practice them as well.
You can read all the time like you look at an apple that looks and smells nice but you don’t know how does it taste. You have to taste it…
So that was it. So I used to go home and I used to try to pray, I didn’t really know how to pray. I remember seeing our cook in Egypt I used to remember see him pray. I sort of try to remember what he used to do.
I remember he really used to impress me, this simple man and the beautiful way he used to pray comparing it with the rituals that Catholic church used and I was always impressed by it so I tried to imitate it and this went on for a while.
And then one day I found myself in a bookshop that was part of a mosque with all these books on Muhammad and prayers. I was looking to all this and I thought “Wow fantastic, look at all this stuff” and a guy came and asked me “Excuse me, are you a Muslim?”
I thought “Am I a Muslim? What does he mean by that?”
I said to him “Listen, I believe that there is only one God which is Allah and Muhammad is His messenger”
He said “You are a Muslim!”
I said “Oh, thanks!”
He said “It’s just about time to pray, you want to come and pray?”
It must have been Friday prayer because the mosque was full in the mid of the day and I didn’t know about Friday prayer then but I went and prayed and I was pretty confused and I thought I was doing the moves wrong all that time.
But I remember afterwards that everyone was surrounding me and everyone there wanted to teach me the whole of Islam in 5 minute
I remember walking out of that with a feeling literally like I have been given a shower in the inside, like I was walking on the clouds. It was quite fantastic.
In spite of the fact that I already entered into Islam then, it really took me another two years before I was really able to start practicing properly. It was really actually very hard to give up my former way of life and the things that I used to do. Allah taught me some hard lessons and I don’t regret them. I look back now and learn some very good lessons from these days. But they were the two most miserable years of my life.
Why?
Because I knew the truth and I wasn’t following it. Actually, that’s the worst condition a human being can ever be in, because if you are ignorant, they say ignorance is bless. Actually ignorance itself isn’t bless but it means when you don’t know something you stay in a state of innocence. But when you know something and you don’t live according to what you know you can’t live with yourself. It’s terrible. It’s a horrible condition.
That’s what happened to me for about two years but alhamdulellah I came back to Islam. I would always say that I’m Muslim but people didn’t take me seriously. I was there in a party, drinking wine and telling people about Islam! And they say “Yea? Really? That’s fantastic, tell me more”
And I would say “No, I can’t I’m tired” I was drinking too much and then I would black out. That’s my condition that I was in. But alhamdulellah Allah walked me out of that and guided me.
What really changed me brothers and sisters was a very simple thing: I started to pray five times a day. I promised Allah that I would pray five times a day, even if I don’t know that I would do anything else, but I would do that. And I took it really seriously. The prayer when it’s said properly is something that itself will change your life”.
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Commentary:
* “La ilaha illallahu Muhammadur rasulullah”.
“I bear witness that there is no deity (none truly to be worshipped) but, Allah,
and I bear witness that Mohammad is the Messenger of Allah.
* “Did ye then think that We had created you in jest, and that ye would not be brought back to Us (for account)?”{We/Us-used for Royalty- ALLAAH Suhhanahuu Waa Taa’alah is 1 and ONLY 1 RABB/LORD of ALL Creation}, ALLAH SWT [Noble QURAAN 23/115]
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“If Allah wants to favor someone, He grants him comprehension (understanding) of this religion.”
[Sahih Bukhari vol.1 # 71, Tirmidhi and Musnad Ahmad]
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“It is Allah Who has created me, and it is He Who guides me;And when I am ill, it is He who cures me;“And it is He Who feeds me and gives me to drink…”And Who will cause me to die, and then will bring me to life (again);
“And Who, I hope will forgive me my faults on the Day of Recompense, (the Day of Resurrection)”.
The Noble Quran, ( Surahالشعراء Al Shuara).“And whoever desires other than Islam as religion – never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.” [The Noble Qur’an 3:85]
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Hanged for the “Crime” of The Establishment of Deen!!
This man is ADNAN MANDERES, prime minister of turkey between 1950 n 1960, won 3 consecutive general elections in 1950, 1954 n 1957,and was hanged by turkish army in 1960 because he allowed AZZAN in arabic (that was banned by mustafa kamal) and gave a statement that shriat may be adopted as the law of the state if turkish parliament wants to do so. MEN give their lives for the cause, he is dead but his name is alive, thousands of schools roads and hospitals in turkey have been named after him including many international turkish universities.
What must we know about Allah?
Allah Swt – the Supreme Being of this universe – revealed the message of truth through the Quran to enable us to live meaningful lives and to help us succeed in the hereafter. Reflecting on that message with an open mind and heart has allowed many from mankind to recognize and believe in Allah as the sole deity of this universe. Once our minds clearly know Allah as our creator and sustainer, we can better understand Allah’s rights over us and can also help us to worship Him the way we ought to worship Him as our creator.
The prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Allah’s right over His servants is that they worship Him without associating any partner with Him in worship, and their right over Him is that He does not punish anyone who worships Him without associating any partner with Him in worship.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim]
For us to worship Allah, we must, therefore, strive to learn about His rights over us. We can know more about Allah by properly understanding the concepts of Tawheed and to inculcate those principles in our hearts. The principles of Tawheed should never be taken lightly because they mark the boundaries of entering Islam. Believing in those concepts brings one in the fold of Islam and denying them puts one out of Islam.
The book ‘Sharh Hadeeth Jibra’eel’ by Shaikh ibn Saleh al-Uthaimeen (with additional quotes from Shaikh Salih ibn Fawzan ibn Abdullah al-Fawzan) highlight and summarize the various aspects of Tawheed that are held by Ahlus-Sunnah (Followers of Sunnah). They are summarized in the following.
Eeman (belief/faith) in Allah comprises of the following distinct concepts:
- Faith (Eeman) in the Existence of Allah: This refers to believing in Allah – not just any God – but specifically Allah as the supreme being of this universe and all that exists in this universe.
- Faith (Eeman) in the Rububiyah (Lordship) of Allah – This refers to believing in Allah as the true Lord of this universe and as the controller of all aspects of this universe.
- Faith (Eeman) in the Uluhiyyah (Worship) of Allah – This refers to singling out only Allah as the One who is worthy of any worship.
- Faith (Eeman) in al-Asma was-Sifat (the Names and Attributes) of Allah – This refers to belief in Allah’s names and attributes.
The following summarizes the above concepts.
Faith in Allah’s Existence
Allah proclaims His existence in the Quran by presenting multiple proofs and arguments, some of which are as follows:
- Recognizing Allah’s existence through the use of human intellect
- Recognizing Allah’s existence through ones fitrah (natural human instinct)
- Proof through other (Divine) Religions (Judaism and Christianity)
- Intellectual Proof for the Existence of Allah:
The creation of this universe and the order held therein forces one to think about the originator of this miracle. On pondering, one realizes that this universe couldn’t have started from nothing and the order with which it is held is a miracle in its own right. Even more astounding is the manner in which Allah assertively proclaims Himself in the Quran as the originator of this creation and maintainer of this order. This eloquent description of the various aspects of this universe’s creation can only be found in the Quran. Consider the following verses in the Quran:
“Were they created by nothing or were they themselves the creators?” [Translation of the Holy Quran, Surrah, At-Tur 52 : 35]
“It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor does the night outstrip the day. They all float, each in an orbit.” [Translation of the Holy Quran, Surrah, Ya-Sin 36:40]
“This is the creation of Allah. So, show Me that which those (whom you worship) besides Him have created.” [Translation of the Holy Quran, Surrah Luqman, 31 : 11]
“Verily! Those whom you call upon besides Allah, cannot create (even) a fly, even if they combine together for the purpose.” [Translation of the Holy Quran, Surrah Al-Hajj 22 : 73]
The proclamation and confident assertion in these verses about Allah’s creation of this universe gives credence to the deity and existence of Allah.
2. The Fitrah (natural human instinct) proves the Existence of Allah
When faced with calamities, man has the instinct to call upon “God”. This is because as humans we are created to be as such and most agree that a person’s “self” calling upon a “supreme being” in extreme situations is part of man’s nature. Allah reminds us in the Quran that this natural instinct (fitrah) of us calling upon Allah is part of Adam’s creation. He says in the Quran:
“(Remember) when your Lord brought forth from the Children of Adam, from their loins, their seed and made them testify as to themselves (saying), “Am I not your Lord?” They said, “Yes! We testify.” (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surrah Al-A’raf:172)
He also says:
“(Remember) Ayub (Job), when he cried to his Lord, “Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy. So We answered his call. We removed the distress that was on him. We restored his family to him and the like thereof along with them as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all who worship Us.” (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah Al-Anbiya:83-84)
Shaikh Fawzan writes in Aqeedah at-Tawheed that “even Firawn (Pharaoh), who is famous for his pretence of denying the (existence of) Lord, was convinced about it inwardly. Allah says in the Quran about Firawn and his people:
“they belied them (those verses and signs) wrongfully and arrogantly, though their own selves were convinced thereof.”(Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah An-Naml:14)
Again, not only we sense our instincts to call upon Allah in extreme situations, Allah’s reminding us of this facet of our nature in the Quran is another proof of His existence and as our Creator.
3. Proof through other (Divine) Religions (Judaism and Christianity)
Pondering over the Quran shows us how Allah refers to the earlier scriptures that He had revealed on the Jews and Christians and His message to them to now embrace Allah’s words in the Quran. That’s because Allah’s message in earlier scriptures was changed. Consider what Allah says in the Quran:
And (remember) when We gave Musa (Moses) the scripture [the Taurat (Torah)] and the criterion (of right and wrong) so that you may be guided aright.” (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah Al-Baqara:53)
O people of the scripture (Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allah aught but the truth. The Messiah ‘Îsa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah and His Word, (“Be!” – and he was) which He bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit (Ruh ) created by Him; so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not: “Three (trinity)!” Cease! (it is) better for you. For Allah is (the only) One Ilah (God), glory be to Him (Far Exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is All-Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs. (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah An-Nisa:171)
O people of the scripture (Jews and Christians)! Now has come to you Our Messenger (Muhammad (S) making (things) clear unto you, after a break in (the series of) Messengers, lest you say: “There came unto us no bringer of glad tidings and no warner.” But now has come unto you a bringer of glad tidings and a warner. And Allah is Able to do all things. (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah Al-Maeda:19)
For those doubting Quran as the word of the God, Allah challenges mankind to read and ponder over its verses. Unfortunately, the critics of Quran are usually those who have neither pondered over the Quran nor try to understand its verses in the context in which they were revealed and addressed to mankind. As a result, they only see what their ignorance leads them to see. Allah challenges those people by asking them:
“Do they not then consider the Quran carefully? Had it been from other than Allah they would surely have found therein much contradictions.” (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah An-Nisa 4:82)
Faith in the Oneness of Allah’s Lordship
Allah has reminded us numerous times through the Quran that faith in His Lordship is one of the prerequisites to enter Islam. The meaning ofRabb (Lord) means (i) the Creator, (ii) the Owner, and (iii) the One in Control of all affairs. The Quran has numerous verses attesting to that fact. Again, along with pondering over the meaning of the verses, let us also observe the assertiveness and confident proclamation that attest to the deity of Allah. As an example, consider the following:
“The Originator of the heavens and the earth.” (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah:117)
“All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the (Only) Originator of the heavens and the earth.” (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah Fatir:1)
“Maalik of the Day of Recompense.” (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah al-Fatihah)
“He (Allah) arranges (every) affair from the heavens to the earth.” (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah As-Sajdah:5)
We see the proof of His Lordship in our lives where we can sense His unseen presence in running the affairs of our lives and how He has attributed that power onto Himself through the various verses of the Quran. As humans, we know that our power is deficient and we possess limited control over our affairs. Allah reminds us in the Quran that He, as our sustainer, governs our affairs such as giving life and death, causing sickness and providing cure, blessing His creation with richness and afflicting them with poverty, and so on.
Faith in the Oneness of Allah’s Worship
We should recognize that Tawheed Rububiyah by itself is not enough to admit one into the fold of Islam. Another important facet of our faith is therefore to also believe in the “oneness of Allah’s worship.” Allah reminds us in the Quran that even the kuffar, the mushrikeen andiblees affirmed the Lordship of Allah. Shaikh Salih al-Fawzan writes in Mujmal Aqeedah as-Salaf, that “…even Iblees (Satan), who is the head of Kufr said (as stated in the Quran),
“O my Lord! Because you misled me…” (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah Al-Hijr:39)
and
“By Your Might, then I will surely mislead them all.” (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah As-Saad:82).
So, Iblees confessed the Lordship of Allah and took an oath by Allah’s Might. Similarly, by reading history we come to know that while the disbelievers such as Abu Jahl, Abu Lahab, and others confessed the Lordship of Allah, they did not believe in worshipping only Allah as the Lord of the universe. Allah says in the Quran:
“If you ask them who created them, they will surely say, ‘Allah’(Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah Zukhruf:87)
The next step, therefore, after accepting and declaring Tawheed Rububiyah is establishment of Tawheed al-Uluhiyyah. This was the Message of all the Messengers. Shaikh Saleh ibn Fawzan al-Fawzan writes in Aqeedah at-Tawheed that “Tawheed ar-Rububiyah necessitates Tawheed al-Uluhiyah i.e., once we have declared Tawheed ar-Rububiyah and affirmed that there is no Creator, Provider or Controller of the Universe except Allah, we need to proclaim Tawheed al-Uluhiyah – i.e., no one deserves any form of worship except Allah, none is to be invoked and sought help from except Allah, none is to be relied upon except Allah, none is to be offered sacrifices and avowed to except Allah and no worship is performed except for Allah alone.’
Allah reminds us in the Quran:
“O mankind! Worship your Lord (Allah) Who created you and those who were before you so that you may become pious. Who has made the earth a resting place for you and the sky as a canopy and sent down water (rain) from the sky and brought forth therewith fruits as a provision for you. Then do not set up rivals unto Allah (in worship) while you know (that He Alone has the right to be worshiped).” (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah:21-22)
Allah thus ordered Tawheed al-Uluhiyah, which is His worship and He presented Tawheed ar-Rububiyah as a proof and reason for that. That is because we know that Allah created the sky and the earth and all that is between them; the blowing of the wind, sending down of the rain, the growing of the plants, the production of fruits which is the provision of the slaves. So it is not befitting for man to associate partners with Allah. Allah says in the Quran:
Say, ‘In Whose Hand is the sovereignty of everything (i.e. treasures of each and everything)? And He protects (all), while against Whom there is no protector, if you know.’ They will say, ‘(All that belongs) to Allah.’ Say, ‘How then are you deceived and turn away from the truth?” (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah Al-Mu’minoon:84]
“Such is Allah, your Lord! None deserves worship but He, the Creator of all things. So worship Him (Alone).” (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah Al-An’aam:102)
Many similar verses can be found in the Quran where Allah has reminded us that He is the true ilah (the one who deserves to be worshipped) and that no one shares with Him this right (of being worshipped), be it an Angel or a Prophet. It is for this reason that Allah tells us that the call of all the Prophets from the first of them to the last of them was, “La ilaha illa Allah. (there is no ilah except Allah.)”
“Verily, We have sent among every nation, a Messenger (proclaiming), “Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid Taghoot (false deities).” (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah An-Nahl:36)
So, therefore, if someone believes in the existence of Allah and believes in the Rububiyah of Allah but worships others alongside Allah then he is not a believer in Allah until he singles out Allah in His Uluhiyyah.
“That is because Allah, He is the Truth and what they (the polytheist) invoke besides Him, it is Batil (false).” (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah Al-Hajj:62)
It is therefore unfortunate to see many who have been misguided from Tawheed al-Uluhiyyah and returned to the Deen of the Mushrikeen by worshiping the graves and tombs, venerating saints and associating with them attributes of Lordship. Again, let’s not forget that only Allah is worthy of worship and let’s be wary of any acts directed to others that may take the form of worship.
In his book “Tawheed First”, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Albanee clarified that to translate the verse “La Ilaha IllAllah” as “there is no god but God or Allah” is incorrect because it masks certain aspects of Tawheed. In his explanation about the importance of Tawheed and its relevance to all aspects of a Muslim’s life, he stated that this is important because in the days of Jahilyaah, although people understood the meaning of “La Ilaha IllAllah” (“there is no god worthy of worship except Allah”), yet they took partners with Allah and called upon others than Allah, and accordingly sought help from others, made vows to other than Allah and so on. So, the closest translation and interpretation for “La Ilaha IllAllah” should be “there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah.”
So, to summarize the concept of “Tawheed al-Uluhiyyah”, let’s not forget that as part of their beliefs, Muslims should believe what Allah has reminded the entire humanity, which is:
“Know, that indeed there is no god worthy of worship except Allah…” (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah Muhammad:19)
Faith in Names and Attributes of Allah
The fourth aspect of a Muslim faith is to believe in both the names and attributes of Allah. This may seem a trivial issue to some but there are many so called philosophers and theologians amongst Muslims who have disputed the concept of names and attributes of Allah. For example, there are some who would say that “Allah is Samee (All-Hearing) without a Hearing, He is Baseer (All-Seeing) without sight.’ This was especially well-known in the Mu’tazilah Madhhab.
Allah says in the Quran:
“(all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allah, so call on Him by them,”
(Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah al-A’raf:180)
Scholars have noted a notable difference between the names and attributes of Allah. The names of Allah refer to His essence. So, his names al-Qadeer (the Powerful), al-‘Aleem (The All-Knowing), al-‘Azeez (the Almighty), al-Hakeem (the Wise) – for example – all point to one Essence, which is the holy Essence of Allah. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: “we know that all the names agree in that they refer to the Essence of Allah. Even though they have different meanings, they are in agreement and are the same with regard to His Essence, different with regard to His Attributes.” [Majmoo‘ al-Fataawa, 3/59].
Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “The names and attributes of Allah, may He be exalted, are names in that they refer to His Essence and they are attributes with regard to the meanings contained in these words. In the first regard they are the same because they refer to one Essence, namely Allah, may He be exalted and glorified, and in the second regard they are different because each one has a different meaning.
So al-Hayy (the Ever-Living), al-‘Aleem (the All-Knowing), al-Qadeer (the Powerful), as-Samee‘ (the All-Hearing), al-Baseer (the All-Seeing), ar-Rahmaan (the Most Merciful), ar-Raheem (the Most Compassionate), al-‘Azeez (the Almighty), al-Hakeem (the All Wise) are all names of one named entity, who is Allah, may He be exalted, but the meaning of al-Hayy (the Ever-Living) is different from the meaning of al-‘Aleem (the All-Knowing), and the meaning of al-‘Aleem (the All-Knowing) is different from the meaning of al-Qadeer (the Powerful), and so on.
When we consider the names and attributes of Allah, we should be wary of not equating that to any of the attributes of the creation. According to the scholars of sunnah, in affirming the names and attributes of Allah, we should be wary of the two great prohibitions, which are (1) Tamtheel (resembling Allah to His creation), and (2) Takyeef (asking how the Names and Attributes are). These two prohibitions are proven by the text (of the Quran and the Sunnah) and also by the intellect. Allah says in the Quran:
“There is nothing like unto Him.” (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah ash-Shura:11)
“So put not forward similitude for Allah.” (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah an-Nahl:74)
“Do you know of any who is similar to Him?” (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah Maryam:65)
The rational proof according to scholars is that the creator can never be like His creation and that the creation will be destroyed. As Allah says in the Quran:
“Whatsoever is on it (the earth) will perish. And the Face of your Lord full of Majesty and Honor will abide forever.” (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah ar-Rahman:26-27)
To conclude, let’s remind ourselves that the Muslim faith requires affirmation of the existence of Allah as the God and supreme being of this universe, beliefs in the concepts of Tawheed Rububiyah (Lordship), Tawheed Uluhiyyah (Worship), and belief in Allah’s names and attributes (al-Asmaa was-Sifaat).
—-
References:
- What you must Believe about your Creator (This booklet is a translation of ‘Faith in Allah’ from the book, ‘Sharh Hadeeth Jibra’eel’ by Shaikh ibn Saleh al-Uthaimeen with additional quotes from ‘Aqeedah at-Tawheed’ and ‘Mujmal Aqeedah as-Salaf’ by Shaikh Salih ibn Fawzan ibn Abdullah al-Fawzan)
- www.islamqa.info
The People of Jannah (Paradise)
“You will recognize in their faces the beaming brightness of bliss.”
[Translation of the Holy Quran, Surrah Al-Mutaffifeen, 83: 24]
“Some faces, that day, will beam (in happiness), looking at their Lord!”
[Translation of the Holy Quran, Surrah, Qiyamah, 75: 22-23]
“The righteous will be amid gardens and springs. (They will be greeted), ‘Enter here in peace and security.’ And We shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury. (They will be) brothers facing each other on thrones. There no sense of fatigue shall touch them, nor shall they (ever) be evicted.”
[Translation of the Holy Quran, Surrah, Hijr, 15: 45-48]
“Faces that day will be joyful – pleased with their striving – in a garden on high, where they shall hear no bad speech.”
[Translation of the Holy Quran, Surrah, Ghashiyah, 88: 8-11]
Abu Hurairah [ra] reported that the Prophet [saw] said:
“Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, created Adam in His own image with his length being sixty cubits. As He created him, He told him to greet that group (a party of angels sitting there) and listen to the response that they gave him, for it would form his greeting and that of his offspring. He then went away and said, ‘Peace be upon you!’ They (the angels) said, “May there be peace upon you and the mercy of Allah.” So all those who enter Jannah will be in the form of Adam, his length being sixty cubits. Then the people who followed him continued to diminish in size up to now.”
[Sahih Muslim]
Abu Hurairah [ra] reported that the Messenger [saw] said:
“There will enter Jannah people whose hearts will be like those of the hearts of the birds.”
[Sahih Muslim]
(This hadith beautifully sums up the qualities of the people of Jannah, just as the hearts of birds are free from every tint of jealousy, in the same way the hearts of the people of Jannah will e free from jealousy, rancor, deceit, and hatred. Secondly, just as birds are always alert and cautious of any danger, in the same way the hearts of the people of Jannah will also be wakeful. Thirdly, trust as the birds trust in Allah for their food, in the same way the people of Jannah will have complete trust in Allah regarding their sustenance, rather, their very existence.)
[Commentary of Abdul Hamid Siddiqi]
Sahl bin Sa’d [ra] narrated that the Prophet [saw] said:
“Seventy thousand or seven hundred thousand of my followers (the narrator is in doubt as to the correct number) will enter Jannah holding each other till the first and the last of them enter Jannah at the same time. Their faces will have a glitter like that of the moon at night when it is full.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Sahl bin Sa’d [ra] reported that the Prophet [saw] said:
“Verily, 70,000 or 700,000 of my followers will enter Jannah altogether so that the first and the last of them will enter at the same time. Their faces will be a glittering like the bright full moon.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Abu Hurairah [ra] narrated that the Prophet [saw] said:
“The first batch (of people) who will enter Jannah will be (glittering like the full moon, and the batch next to them will be (glittering) like the most brilliant star in the sky. Their hearts will be as the heart of a single man, for they will have neither enmity nor jealousy among themselves. Everyone will have two wives from the hooris (who will be so beautiful, pure and transparent that) the marrow of the bones of their legs will be seen through the bones and the flesh.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Abu Hurairah [ra] reported that Allah’s Messenger [saw] said:
“The first group (of people) who will enter Jannah will be glittering like the moon when it is full. They will not spit or blow their noses or relieve nature. Their utensils will be of gold and their cups of gold and silver. In their censors, the aloe wood will be used, and their sweat will smell like musk. Everyone of them will have no enmity among themselves. Everyone of them shall have two wives. The marrow of the bones of the wives ‘legs will be seen through the flesh because of excessive beauty. They (the people of Jannah) will be neither have differences nor hatred among themselves. HTier hearts will be as one heart, and they will be glorifying Allah in the morning and in the evening.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Abu Hurairah [ra] narrated that the Prophet [saw] said:
“The first batch (of people) who will enter Jannah will be (glittering) like a full moon, and those who will enter next will be glittering like the brightest star. Their hearts will be like the heart of a single man, for they will have two wives, each of whom will be so beautiful, pure and transparent that the marrow of the bones of their legs will be see through the flesh, they will be glorifying Allah in the morning and evening. They will never fall ill, blow their noses or spit. Their utensils will be of gold and silver and their cups will be of gold. The matte used in their censors will be the aloe wood, and their sweat will smell like musk.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri [ra] reported that the Prophet [saw] said:
“Jannah and Hellfire disputed together and Hellfire said, ‘In me are the mighty and haughty.’ Jannah said, ‘In me are the weak and the poor.’ So Allah judged between them (saying), ‘You are Jannah, My mercy. Through you and I show mercy to those I wish. And you are Hellfire, My punishment. Through you I punish those I wish, and it is incumbent upon Me that each of you shall have its full.’”
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim and at-Tirmidhi]
Harithah ibin Wahb [ra] narrated that the Messenger of Allah [saw] said:
“May I tell you who the dwellers of Jannah are? (They are) every person who is considered weak and is despised, and who if he takes an oath of reliance upon Allah, will fulfill it. Now may I tell you who the people destined for Hell are? (they are) everyone who is ignorant, impertinent, proud and arrogant.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim]
***HISTORY OF THE BIBLE***
>>Douay Version:
-Published in 1582 at Rheim England.
-Reproduced in 1609
-Protested in 1611 by Protestants.
-The Catholic Bible contain 73 books
-The Protestant Bible contain 66 books (KJV)
-Seven (7) books was thrown out by the Protestants:
.Maccabees
.Judith
.Tobith
.Baruch
.Sirach
.Wisdom of Solomon
.Susanna
>King James Version (KJV) has 66 books written in 12611 under the authority of King James of England.
>>Revised Standard Version (RSV) has 66 books written in 1952 as a revision of KJV because of GRAVE DEFECTS.
Example (1) Mark 16:1-20 (KJV)
Mark 16:1-8 (RSV)
Mark 16:9-20 (Thrown out from RSV)
Example (2) John 8:1-59 (KJV)
John 8:12-59 (RSV)
John 8:1-11 (thrown out from RSV)
>>Revised Standard Version, written in 1971 has 66 books as another version revision for Revise Standard Version (RSV) written in 1952.
Example (1) Luke 17:36 thrown out in RSV-1971
John 8:1-11 restored in RSV-1971
>>New International Version 1972 (NIV) has 66 books written in 1972 as another revision for the RSV-1971.
Example (1) Luke 17:36 restored back in this version.
>>New Revised International Version-1974 has 66 books written in 1974 as another revision for NIV-1972.
Example (1) Luke 17:36 again thrown out from this version.
>>Other Versions of the Bible:
.Roman Catholic Version
.Charismatic Version
.Orthodox Version
.Original Schofield Version (the word “Allah” found in this version)
.New Scofield Version (the word “Allah” removed)
.New King James Version (Red Letter)
.Living Bible Version
.Today’s English Version
.New English Version
.Mormons Version
.New World Translation Version
.Thompson Reference Version
.Good News Version
.Coptic Version
.American Standard Version
.Revised Standard Version
.Jerusalem Version
.New Jerusalem Version
.Restoration of Original Sacred Name Bible
…and a lot more seems unending versions.
->>From the Glorious Qur’an:
–Then woe to those who write the book with their own hands and then say, “This is from Allah”, to purchase with it a little price! Woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for that they earn thereby. (Translation of the Holy Qur’an 2:79)
Life of a Muslim
In the Qur’an, Allah Himself responds to all the questions a person needs answered throughout his life and provides the perfect and most rational solutions for all problems that arise. As Allah says in the second verse of Surat al-Baqara, “That is the Book, without any doubt. It contains guidance for those who guard against evil.”
Other verses also show that our Lord has explained everything in the Qur’an:
There is instruction in their stories for people of intelligence. This is not a narration which has been invented but confirmation of all that came before, a clarification of everything, and a guidance and a mercy for people who believe. (Translation of the Holy Quran Surah Yusuf: 111)
We have sent down the Book to you making all things clear and as guidance and mercy and good news for the Muslims. ( Translation of the Holy Quran, Surah an-Nahl: 89)
A person of faith orders his whole life according to the Qur’an and strives to apply carefully from day to day what he has read and learned in its verses. In everything he does from the moment he gets up in the morning until the time he falls asleep at night, he is intent on thinking, speaking and acting according to the teachings of the Qur’an.
Allah shows in the Qur’an that this dedication dominates the whole life of a believer.
Say: “My prayer and my rites, my living and my dying, are for Allah alone, the Lord of all the worlds.” (Translation of the Holy Quran, Surat al-An’am: 162)
But some people think that religion is composed of rituals limited to certain times-that life is divided into times for prayer and other times. They think about Allah and the afterlife only when they pray, fast, give sadaqah or go on the pilgrimage to Makkah. At other times they are engrossed in the business of the world. Life in this world is for them an unpleasant rat-race. Such people are almost totally divorced from the Qur’an and have their own personal goals in life, their own understanding of morality, their own worldview and sense of values. The have no idea of what the teaching of the Qur’an really means.
A person who adopts the teaching of the Qur’an and follows the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, as his principle of living will certainly live life quite differently from someone with this mentality. Such a person will not forget that he is subject to the destiny that Allah has decreed for him and will live his life trusting in, and submitting to, Him.
Therefore, he will know that he must not be anxious, sad, fearful, worried, pessimistic or depressed; or overtaken by panic in the face of difficulties. He will meet everything that comes along in the way that Allah advises and approves. His every word, decision and action show that he lives according to the Sunnah which is the practical embodiment of the teaching of the Qur’an.
Whether he is taking a walk, eating a meal, going to school, studying, working, playing sports, having a conversation, watching television or listening to music, he is aware that he is responsible for living his life according to the what is pleasing to Allah. He takes care of matters with which he has been entrusted meticulously and is concerned at the same time to win Allah’s favour in the things he does. He never behaves in a way unbefitting the teaching of the Qur’an or contrary to the Sunnah.
Islam is the Fastest Growing Religion in the World FOX NEWS REPORT
Islam is the Fastest Growing Religion in the World, FOX NEWS REPORT
Major Scientific Errors in the Bible, By Dr. Zakir Naik
Dr. Zakir Naik
Vs
Dr. William Cambell
Islam and Christianity in the Light of Science
Major Scientific Errors in the Bible
~ Ten Things We Waste ~
1. Our Knowledge – Wasted by not taking action with it.
2. Our Action – Wasted by committing them without sincerity.
3. Our Wealth – Wasted by using on things that will not bring us ajr (Good rewards). We waste our money, our status, our authority, on things which have no benefit in this life or in Akhirah (Hereafter).
4. Our Hearts – Wasted because they are empty from the love of Allah, and the feeling of longing to go to Him, and a feeling of peace and contentment. In it’s place, our hearts are filled with something or someone else.
5. Our Bodies – Wasted because we don’t use them in ibadah (Acts of worship) and service of Allah.
6. Our Love – Our emotional love is misdirected, not towards Allah, but towards something/someone else.
7. Our Time – Wasted; not used properly, to compensate for that which has passed, by doing what is righteous to make up for past deeds
8. Our Intellect – Wasted on things that are not beneficial, that are detrimental to society and the individual, not in contemplation or reflection.
9. Our Service – Wasted in service of someone who will not bring us closer to Allah, or benefit in dunyaa (This world).
10. Our Dhikr (Rememberance of Allah) – Wasted, because it does not effect us or our hearts if not done with total sincerity.
By- Yousuf Hafeez
On Valentine’s Day – Muslims against Love?
This article is a brief reply to those Christians, Jews and other Non-Muslims who allege that Muslims are against love and hence don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day.
It is a mistake to confuse what they call the day with what the real intentions are behind it. The love referred to on this day is romantic love, taking mistresses and lovers, boyfriends and girlfriends. It is known to be a day of promiscuity and sex for them, with no restraints or restrictions.
They are not talking of pure love between a man and his wife or a woman and her husband, or at least they do not distinguish between the legitimate love in the relationship between husband and wife, and the forbidden love of mistresses and lovers. This festival for them is a means for everyone to express love.
Love in Islam is more general and more comprehensive; it is not restricted only to one kind of love, that between a man and a woman. It is love when we cry for those Muslims being tortured and killed by those evil armies of the west. It is love when we cry looking at the people of Somalia dying out of hunger. It is love when we morally, mentally and financially support those Muslims whose life have been devastated by tyrant rulers like in Syria.
There is no religion which encourages its followers to love and care for one another more than Islam does. This applies at all times and in all circumstances, not just on one particular day. Indeed, Islam encourages us to express our emotions and love at all times , as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If a man loves his brother, let him tell him that he loves him.” (narrated by Abu Dawood, 5124; al-Tirmidhi, 2329; it is saheeh).
And he said: “By the One in Whose hand is my soul, you will not enter Paradise until you truly believe, and you will not truly believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you of something that, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread (the greeting of) salaam amongst yourselves.” (Narrated by Muslim, 54)
So Oh you celebrators of ‘Eed al-Hubb (the festival of love), you yourself don’t know the history of this evil custom. Oh you who allege us Muslims of being against love, listen to this:
I am not forced to admit to you on this day that I have known love. However, this does not coerce me to allocate one day for the rest of my entire life to regret the killing of the patron saint of love (Valentine) and commemorate him. I am not obliged to show love to those who are massacring the concept of true love in my country, killing my dreams and corrupting my youth. I am not obliged to behave like an innocent child, to receive a red heart by the right hand while they treacherously stab me from behind with their left hand. I am not required to commemorate Astarte’s (one of so called Greek goddess) rivers of tears for Adonis (one of so called Greek goddess of beauty and desire), while my people’s rivers of blood are shed in our streets. Anemone should grow only on the blood of the Ummah (nation), not on tears of illicit love.
History has been crushed under the feet of those who came to my country. I want to tell them: You will never be dearer to me than Huda and ‘Abeer (two young Muslim girls who fell victims to the enemies’ brutal attacks in Gaza and Iraq). Your yellow smile will never deceive me to forget Imaan and Mohammed Al-Durra (Palestinian children killed by the Zionists). I will not be able to hide my face and share your joy and forget the sorrows of my Ummah.
I am not coerced to live as a yes-man while they compel me to remember those whom I love one day, for I have many loved ones. If they have Valentine, I have someone much greater than him, Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) who taught me to dedicate all my life and days for love.
He taught me that when I love someone, I should quickly come to him, not wait until February 14, or any other date, to tell him how I feel. He taught me that a gift (regardless of its value and color) is the messenger of love. Therefore he said: “Exchange gifts and you will love each other.” He taught me a way to be more beautiful than Adonis and superior to Venus. Therefore, he said: “Allaah is beautiful and He loves beauty.“
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught me that Allaah The Almighty loves me because I live with love. Therefore, He said: “My love is due for those who love each other for My sake, meet together for My sake and visit each other for My sake.” He promised me that I will be with him if I love him, for love of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) is more than just words. He said: “One will be resurrected with those whom he loves.“
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) directed me to the verse in which Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): {Close friends, that Day, will be enemies to each other, except for the righteous.} [The Holy Quran 43: 67]
He told me that the essence of my love in this world is love for Allaah The Almighty and love for His sake. In a Hadeeth (narration), he said: “The one who loves for the sake of Allaah, hates for the sake of Allaah, gives for the sake of Allaah and withholds for the sake of Allaah has perfect faith.“
Hadhrat Muhammad (PBUH) taught me to choose those whom I love in order not to regret my love, Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): {And the Day the wrongdoer will bite on his hands [in regret] he will say, “Oh, I wish I had taken with the Messenger a way. Oh, woe to me! I wish I had not taken that one as a friend. He led me away from the remembrance after it had come to me. And ever is Satan, to man, a deserter.”} [The Holy Quran 25: 27-29]
As for those who love each other for the sake of Allaah The Almighty, He will shield them on the Day of Judgment under His shade when there will be no shade but His and include them in His love. On the Day of Judgment, Allaah The Almighty will call them, saying: “Where are those who love each other for My Majesty? Today, I will shield them under My shade, as today there is no shade but Mine.” He will praise them, saying: “Those who love each other for My sake for them [are] pulpits of light, the prophets and the martyrs will look at them with admiration.”
Cursed is this Valentine’s Day whose cherishers from the non-Muslims abuse our Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) with their cartoons and movies. How can I participate in Valentine’s Day on the occasion of which the parliament of the Netherlands said to the whole world, “If Muslims want to live here, they have to rip up half the Quran and throw it away?”
May Allaah The Almighty expose the true face of those who call to such abominations! If some weak-minded Muslims have been deceived by your false, beguiling and distorted media, there are many others who have seen through the facade of illicit love that you promote.
.
by- Zeeshan Akhtar
Celebrating Valentine’s Day, from an Islamic Prospective…
The Ummah is Bleeding,can We be Celebrating???
Roses are Red, Violets are Blue
…Valentines Day is definitely not for YOU!!!
“And whoever seeks a religion[a way of life] other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers”
[The Holy Quran-Aal ‘Imraan 3:85]
The Messenger of Allah Muhammad (PBUH ) told us that groups of his ummah would follow the enemies of Allah (swa) in some of their rituals and customs. The Prophet (Muhammad (PBUH ) said:
“You will certainly follow the ways of those who came before you, span by span, cubit by cubit, until even if they were to enter a lizard’s hole, you would follow them.” We said, “O Messenger of Allah Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH ), (do you mean) the Jews and Christians?” He said, “Who else? !”
[Sahih Bukhari]
The Prophet (Muhammad (PBUH ) said:
“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
[Narrated by Ahmad]
History: Who was Valentine? Why is this day observed? Valentine’s Day began as a pagan ritual started by Romans in the 4th century BCE to celebrate “Feast of the Wolf” on February 15, also known as the Feast of Lupercalius to honor the god Lupercus. The main attraction of this ritual was a lottery held to distribute young women to young men for “entertainment & pleasure”-until the next year’s lottery. Christianity tried, without success, to stop the evil celebration of Lupercalia. The only success it had was in changing the name from Lupercalia to St. Valentine’s Day. It was done in CE 496 by Pope Gelasius, in honor of some Saint Valentine. There are as many as 50 different Valentines in Christian legends.
How can anyone in the Ummah really enjoy this Haraam Occasion when there is so much brutality and suffering going on in the world today. The rivers of blood flow freely from the veins of our brothers and sisters from across the Muslim world. Celebrating unislamic occassions like Valentines Day , New year, Christmas and shouting the names of musical heroes and watching Bollywood & Hollywood Movies drown out the screams coming from the dungeons of Uzbekistan where brothers and sisters are boiled alive in vats of water. How many will take out valuable time and spend it for the upliftment of Islam? How many will sacrifice for our kin in Gaza , Kashmir, Afghanistan, Chechnya, Palestine, and Iraq?
There are many more killing fields as well across the Asian and Arab world. Will you climb on theatre chairs and express your rage over Guantanamo Bay and other gulags where our brothers and sisters are being tortured, raped, sodomized, beaten, and burned? Or will you just switch off and enjoy with the Kuffar in celebrating this evil custom?
Oh,Muslims,wake up! The Ummah is not bleeding; it is haemorrhaging.
Anas Bin Malik (R.A ) said:
“When the Messenger of Allah Muhammad (PBUH ) came to Madina, the people had two holidays from the days of Jahiliyyah(ignorance). He (pbuh ) said, “When I came to you, you had two holidays you used to celebrate in jahiliyyah. Allah (SWA) has replaced them for you with better days, the day of Fitr and the day of slaughter (Adha).”
VALENTINES DAY IS AN UNILSAMIC CUSTOM THAT HAS NO BASIS IN ISLAM AND IS PRESENTLY BEING PROMOTED BY CAPITALIST FOR COMMERCIAL REASONS…
Listen to the pain of your global family! The enemies of Allah (SWA) are destroying Islam and we are following in their footsteps!
Be pro active and DO NOT- ENGAGE, SUPPORT OR ENCOURAGE THIS EVIL….!!!
If you were intending to engage in this haraam practice and Now changed your mind, then do a noble deed by donating the money to an ISLAMIC CHARITABLE CAUSE which will make you the BELOVED of ALLAH (SWA) and will earn you an immense reward in the everlasting life of the hereafter!
Be thankful for what you have!
…Before you think of an unkind word, think of someone who cant speak…
…Before you complain about the taste of your food, think of someone who has nothing to eat…
…before you complain about life, think of someone who died too young…
…before you argue about your untidy house, think of people living in the streets…
…before thinking about the distance you drive, think of someone who travels the same distance with their feet…
…when depressing thoughts get you down, put a smile on your face and thank Allah swt for everything you have compared to those who have nothing!…
REMEMBER…
Life is a blessing and comes with a purpose.
Always say Al-hamd-u-lillah
Pride and Arrogance
Both Allah and the prophet warned us about having pride and arrogance. Another problem may be when our attitude and behavior may portray pride and arrogance unbeknownst to us. Allah’s Messenger (S) said, “Whosoever has pride in his heart equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant) shall not enter Paradise.”
(Sahih Muslim, Vol.1, # 164).
Values of Pious True Muslims, who are close to Allah (swt)
Allah’s Messenger, Prophet Mohammad PBUH said: Allah the Exalted has said:
I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshiper of Mine.
And the most beloved thing with which My slave on comes nearer to Me is what I have enjoined upon him; and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (prayer or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him.
When I love him I become his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks (something) from Me, I give him, and if he asks My Protection (refuge), I protect him.
[Sahih Al-Bukhari: 6021]
1) Those who make innovations in religion and associate partners with Allah (such as Hululi – who believe in the indwelling light in the soul of man, Wujudi – who believe in the physical form of Allah, and pagans who worship other than Allah) interpret this Hadith in support of their beliefs and thus seek support of one wrong from another although the meaning and interpretation of the Hadith is not at all what they describe.
The Hadith means that when a person adds voluntary prayers to the obligatory ones, he becomes a favorite slave of Allah and on account of it, he receives special help from Allah.
Then he is protected by Allah to the extent that He supervises every organ of his body. Thus, he is saved from disobedience of Allah. He bears what is liked by Allah, sees what is liked by Him, handles what pleases Him. When he attains that lofty position of love and obedience of Allah, then Allah in return also grants prayers of His obedient and loyal slaves.
2) A saint is not one who has a peculiar attire and appearance, or who occupies the seat of a righteous as his successor, or a person who is lost in meditation, or a half-mad, or one who has invented his own style of remembrance and worship of Allah, but it is one who strictly fulfills the obligations imposed by Islam, is fond of voluntary prayers and adheres to Divine injunctions in every walk of life.
3) The love of such righteous is a means to attain the Pleasure of Allah, and enmity (hatred and repulsion) with them is a cause of His serious displeasure and wrath.
4) Voluntary prayer is certainly a means of attaining the Pleasure of Allah, but it must be preceded by the fulfillment of obligatory prayers, The former is of no value if the latter is neglected. The desire to attain nearness of Allah without strict observance of the obligatory prayers is fallacious and meaningless.
Worshiping only Allah (swt)!!!
Worshiping Only Allah (SWT)
The purpose of Mankind, the sole reason behind our creation, is to worship Allah Alone: “And I created not the Jinns and men except that they should worship Me (Alone).” [51: 56]
Worship has been defined by Ibn Taymiyyah as being: “a term which comprises everything that Allah (s.w.t) loves and approves of from the apparent and hidden sayings and deeds.”
The main condition for such worship to be accepted however, is that they must be solely made for the Sake of Allah, and no one else. This is the essence of Tawheed, and the Kalima itself, which declares boldly that there is no deity worthy of worship except for Allah.
And Du’a (supplication) is undoubtedly a part of worship, as Ibn Abbas said, “the best forms of worship is the du’a”
[Munthir and Ibn Haakim].
To Allah belongs certain rights, among these including to slaughter in His Name, to prostrate before no one but Him, and to direct Du’a to no one but Him. In this regard, the scholar Ibn Rajab said: “Know that it is an obligation to invoke Allah Alone in Du`a, and not His creation… Admitting (and showing) humility and meekness can only be revealed to Allah, Alone, for this is the essence of worship.”
Ibnul Qayyim said: “And from the types of Shirk, requesting needs from the dead, and Istighaathah from them and direction (of the call) to them, and this is the original of the Shirk of Mankind. Since the dead has his deeds cut off from him, and he cannot cause upon himself any good nor bad, let alone whoever seeks help from him, or asked him to seek intercession from Allah on his behalf. “
Calling upon the dead represents a hollow attempt to seek help from a creature who can benefit the caller nothing. Allah Says: “If you call upon them, they hear not your call, and if (in case) they were to hear, they could not grant it (your request) to you. And on the Day of Resurrection, they will disown your worshipping them” [35: 14]
The argument of the Quraish was similar to that of today’s people: they only invoked their idols as a means or intermediary towards reaching Allah “We only worship them so that they may bring us closer to Allah.” [39: 3]. Similarly, the Walis (saints) and Sheikhs and prophets are still called upon by those seeking need, in the hope that they could fulfil their needs. Yet This practice was never done by the Companions nor their predecessors, but rather was done by Hindus and other pagans who Muslims came in contact with during later conquests.
And if the dead could indeed help anyone, they would help themselves. Take for example Saad Bin Muath, the Sayyid (Leader) of the Ansar, upon whose death the Throne of Allah shook, this exemplary model himself faced the closing in of the grave, yet he had no power to stop this.
So the one who does this faces the torment of death, and the punishment f the grave, and dwells in Hell, for Allah says: “When our Messengers (the angels) come to them to take their souls, they will say: ‘Where are those whom you used to invoke and worship besides Allah,’they will reply, ‘They have vanished and deserted us. ‘And they will bear witness against themselves, that they were disbelievers.” [7: 37].
Yet many will swear that upon asking the dead or those far away for assistance, their du’a is answered. This is no proof for their statements however, and in reality, this is true also of other religions, who worship idols and animals and planets, for they too find their supplications an. Rather, and as the Scholars have explained, any such occurrence is merely a coincidence or an act of the Jinns who seek to deviate Muslims. They rush to fulfil their desires, thus making this act fair-seeming and correct in the eyes of the Muslim.
During the time of the Prophet, there was a hypocrite who was causing harm upon the Believers. So some of them said “Let us go to the Prophet (s.a.w) and ask him to Istagheeth (seek for the removal of harm) for us from this hypocrite.” So the Prophet (s.a.w) replied “Verily, Istighaathah cannot be requested from me, rather, from Allah.” Although it was within the Prophet’s (s.a.w) ability and power to prevent the harm from the hypocrite, and although their request was Islamically valid, he stressed on the importance of using such terms for Allah only, because of the consequent damage it could cause to the Tawheed of his Ummah, had it been used to other than Allah.
Nonetheless, a myriad of Muslims still persist in this vice, even though the Scholars of Ahlus Sunnah have agreed upon its impermissibility. Ibn Taymiyyah commented in this regard: “But whoever takes them (Sheikhs, Awliyaa’, Pirs etc..) as intermediaries between Allah and His creation… So that they are the ones to pass on to Allah the needs of His creations, since (they believe that) Allah gives the guidance and the sustenance because of their intercession, so that the people would ask them (the intermediaries), who will then ask Allah, just as the kings’ intermediaries present people’s needs to the kings because they are closer to them from the need-seeker.. Whoever takes them as intermediaries in this manner, then such person is Kaffir and Mushrik, and should be asked to repent, and should be killed if he refuses; such people are Mushabbiha (resemblers), who have resembled the Creator to His creation, and have adopted partners with Him”.
The ways of the Prophets was to call Mankind to the worship of Allah, to seek His Help in every way, for He is the All-Hearer and All-Seer: “And when My slaves ask you concerning Me, then (say) I am indeed near. I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me. So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright.” [2: 186]
The Conditions for Udhiyah (Sacrifice)
There are six conditions for the udhiyah:
-1-
It should be one of the an’aam class of animals, which are: camels, cattle, sheep and goats, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And for every nation We have appointed religious ceremonies, that they may mention the Name of Allaah over the beast of cattle that He has given them for food”
[al-Hajj 22:34]
Baheemat al-an’aam (translated here as “beast of cattle”) includes camels, cattle and sheep. This is what is well known among theArabs, and this was the view of al-Hasan, Qataadah and others.
-2-
It should have reached the age stipulated in sharee’ah, which is six months for a sheep and the age at which the animal is considered to be an adult for any other animal, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Do not sacrifice anything but an adult animal, unless it is difficult for you, in which case youmay slaughter a six-month old lamb (jadh’ah).” Narrated by Muslim.
A mature animal means one that is considered to be an adult.
In the case of camels it means one that is fiveyears old.
For cattle, it means one that is two years old.
For sheep it means one that is a year old.
The jadh’ah is that which is half a year old. Soit is not correct to sacrifice a camel, cow or goat that has not yet reached maturity, or a sheep that is less than six months old.
-3-
It should be free of any faults that would render it unsuitable for sacrifice, of which there are four:
i – An obvious defect in one eye, such as when the eye is sunken in its socket, or when it sticks out like a button, or is white and obviously defective.
ii – Obvious sickness, whose symptoms are clearly apparent in the animal, such as fever that prevents it from grazing and causes lossof appetite; mange that obviously affects its flesh or its health; deep wounds that affect its health, and so on.
iii – Obvious lameness, which prevents the animal from walking normally.
iv – Emaciation that leaves no marrow in the bones, when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked about what should be avoided in udhiyah, hegestured with his hand and said: “Four: alame animal which is obviously lame, a one-eyed animal whose defect is obvious, a sick animal whose sickness is obvious, and an emaciated animal that no one would choose.” Narrated by Maalik in al-Muwatta’ from the hadeeth of al-Bara’ ibn ‘Aazib. According to a hadeeth narrated from him inal-Sunan, he said: “The Messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) stood up among us and said: ‘There are fourwhich are not permissible for sacrifice,’” andhe mentioned something similar. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 1148.
These four faults render an animal unsuitable for sacrifice, and they include similar faults or more severe faults.
So the following animals are also unsuitable for sacrifice:
a- One that is blind in both eyes.
b- One that has eaten more than it can stand,until the danger has passed.
c– One that has encountered difficulty in giving birth, until all danger has passed.
d- One that has suffered something that could kill it, such as strangulation or a fall from a high place, until the danger has passed.
e- One that is unable to walk because of a defect.
f- One that has had one of its forelegs or hind legs cut off.
If these are added to the four defects mentioned in the text, the number of those that cannot be offered as sacrifices reaches ten – these six and the four mentioned above.
—
-4-
The animal should belong to the person whois offering the sacrifice, or he should have permission for that either on the grounds of sharee’ah or from the owner. The sacrifice isnot valid if the animal slaughtered does not belong to the person who is sacrificing it, such as one that has been taken by force, stolen, or taken on the basis of a false claim, etc, because it is not permissible to draw closer to Allaah by means of sin. A sacrifice offered by the guardian of an orphan from the orphan’s property is valid if that is customary and if hefeels sad about not offering a sacrifice.
A sacrifice offered by a guardian from the property of the person under his care is valid, if done with permission.
-5-
No one else should have any rights to the sacrificial animal; the sacrifice of an animal that is held in pledge is not valid.
-6-
It should be slaughtered at the time specifiedin sharee’ah, which is from after the Eid prayer on the Day of Sacrifice until sunset on the last of the days of al-Tashreeq, which is the 13th of Dhu’l-Hijjah. So the days when the sacrificed may be offered are four:the day of Eid after the prayer, and the three days after that. Whoever slaughters it before the Eid prayer is over, or after sun sets on the 13th of Dhu’l-Hijjah, his sacrifice is not valid, because of the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari from al-Bara’ ibn ‘Aazib (may Allaah be pleased with him), according to which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever slaughters (his sacrifice) before the prayer, itis meat that he has brought to his family, butthat is not the sacrifice.” And he narrated that Jundub ibn Sufyaan al-Bajali (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saying, ‘Whoever slaughters the sacrifice before he prays, let him replace it with another.’” And it was narrated that Nubayshah al-Hadhali (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘The days of al-Tashreeq are the days of eating, drinking and remembering Allaah.’” Narrated by Muslim.
But if he has an excuse for delaying it beyond the days of Tashreeq, such as if the animal ran away, without there being any negligence on his part, and he could not findit until after the time was over, or he appointed someone else to slaughter it and that person forgot until the time was over, then there is nothing wrong with slaughtering it after the appointed time. Thisis by analogy with the one who sleeps and misses a prayer, or forgets it – he shouldpray it as soon as he wakes up or rememberit.
It is permissible to slaughter the udhiyah at any time, night or day, but it is better to slaughter it during the day, and it is better toslaughter on the day of Eid after the two khutbahs. Each day is better than the day that follows it, because that means that one is hastening to do good.
Source: http://islamqa.info/en/ref/36755
•*❤*• Never Borrow From The Future •*❤*•
•*❤*• Never Borrow From The Future •*❤*•
If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn’t happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.
1. Perform all your salaah’s everyday & read the Qur’an daily with understanding especially Surah Baqarah.
2. Go to bed on time with Ayatul Kursi.
3. Wake up with your thanks to Allah subhanatallah for your privilege of another day.
4. Say no to projects that won’t fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable persons around you.
6. Simplify and un clutter your life.
7. Less is more. Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don’t lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what ALLAH would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can’t do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don’t use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have back ups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. ( Keep Mouth Shut ) This single piece of advice (though bit harsh) can prevent an enormous amount of trouble and keep us away from Ribat , that may undo some of our good deeds.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16.Carry an English QURAAN with you to read while waiting in line. You don’t have to have wudhu to read, learn & implement the most beautiful words in the world only respect for the messages of ALLAH.
17. Get enough rest and do not postpone for tomorrow what you can achieve todayas this day may never come.
18. Eat right and share with those who have less or nothing to eat.
19. Get organised so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape or CD while driving that can help improve your quality of life — Surah Yusaf, Surah Waqeah, Surah Fata’h or any of your favourite Surah.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Everyday, find time to be alone, mirror yourself and make changes in your life that would benefit you in Akhirah.
23. Having problems?
Talk to ALLAH on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don’t wait until it’s time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with ALLAH fearing people.
25. Keep a folder of favourite Hadith on hand for your own reference.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good.
Thank you ALLAH always
27. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
28. Develop a forgiving attitude most people are doing the best they can.
29. Be kind to unkind people they probably need it the most.
30. Sit on your ego.
31. Talk less; listen more.
32. Every night before bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for that you’ve never been grateful for before.
ALLAH HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.’If ALLAH is with and for us, who can be against us?
“HIJAB (veil)”
“HIJAB (veil)”
Why do Muslim women wear hijab?
It has been enjoined on us so that we may become pious. A pious Muslimah does whatever Allah and His Messenger have told them to do. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“O you Children of… Adam! We have bestowed on you raiment to cover your shame as well as to be an adornment to you. But the raiment of righteousness, that is the best. Such are among the Signs of Allah, that they may receive admonition.” (Quran 7:26)
“And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear therof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, or their brothers’ sons or their sisters’ sons, or their women or the servants whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex, and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O you Believers, turn you all together towards Allah, that you may attain Bliss.” (Quran 24:31).
“O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close round them (when they go abroad). That will be better, so that they may be recognised and not annoyed. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.” (Quran 33:59)
Allaah has commanded us with every action that is good for us and prohibited us from performing every action that is bad for us. Allaah orders the Muslim woman to wear the hijaab when she steps out of the security of her home or when in the presence of strange men.
So to wear the hijaab is a source of great good for you – the Muslim woman – for many reasons.
Among them:
1. In Pursuit of Allaah’s Pleasure: You are obeying the commands of your Lord when you wear the hijaab and you can expect great rewards in return.
2. It is Allaah’s protection of your natural beauty. You are too precious to be “on display” for each man to see.
3. It is Allaah’s preservation of your chastity.
4. Allaah purifies your heart and mind through the hijaab.
5. Allaah beautifies your inner and outer countenance with hijaab. Outwardly your hijaab reflects innocence, purity, modesty, shyness, serenity, contentment and obedience to your Lord. Inwardly you cultivate the same.
6. Allaah defines your femininity through the hijaab. You are a woman who respects her womanhood. Allaah wants you to be respected by others, and for you to respect yourself.
7. Allaah raises your dignity through the hijaab. When a strange man looks at you, he respects you because he sees that you respect yourself.
8. Allaah protects your honour 100% through your hijaab. Men do not gaze at you in a sensual way, they do not approach you in a sensual way, and neither do they speak to you in a sensual way. Rather, a man holds you in high esteem and that is just by one glance at you!
9. Allaah gives you nobility through the hijaab. You are noble not degraded because you covered not naked.
10. Allaah demonstrates your equality as a Muslim woman through the hijaab. Your Lord bestows upon you equal worth as your male counterpart, and gives you a host of beautiful rights and liberties. You express your acceptance of these unique rights by putting on the hijaab.
11. Allaah defines your role as a Muslim woman through the hijaab. You are someone with important duties. You are a reflection of a woman of action not idle pursuits. You display your sense of direction and purpose through your hijaab. You are someone that people take seriously.
12. Allaah expresses your independence through the hijaab. You are stating clearly that you are an obedient servant of the Greatest Master. You will obey no one else and follow no other way. You are not a slave to any man, nor a slave to any nation. You are free and independent from all man-made systems.
13. Allaah gives you the freedom of movement and expression through the hijaab. You are able to move about and communicate without fear of harassment. Your hijaab gives you a unique confidence.
14. Allaah wants others to treat you – a Muslim woman – with kindness. And the hijaab brings about the best treatment of men towards you.
15. Allaah wants your beauty to be preserved and saved for just one man to enjoy – your husband.
16. Allaah helps you to enjoy a successful marriage through wearing hijaab. Because you reserve your beauty for one man alone, your husband’s love for you increases, he cherishes you more, he respects you more and he honours you more. So your hijaab contributes to a successful and lasting marriage relationship.
17. Allaah brings about peace and stability in the society through the hijaab! Yes this is true! Men do not cause corruption by forming illegal relationships because you – the Muslim woman – calm their passions. When a man looks at you, he feels at ease, not tempted to fornicate and date.
Therefore, a Muslim woman in hijaab is dignified, not dishonoured; noble, not degraded; liberated, not subjugated; purified, not sullied; independent, not a slave; protected, not exposed; respected, not laughed at; confident, not insecure; obedient, not a sinner; rather:
a guarded pearl.
And ALLAAH knows best.
Friday is the Best Day of The Week
Verily all praises and gratitude are due to Allaah, the One Who sent His messenger with Islam, so that it prevails overall other religions. Praise to the One Who lead us to Friday
To our topic; below are some points of reminder for the Muslims. These benefits can be shared with the family on the way to Jum’ah, at breakfast or lunch. The previous nations before us were lead astray from this day and Allaah has allowed this ummah to be successful to acknowledge it
Friday is the Best Day of the Week.
Abu Hurayrah(may Allaah be pleased with him)mentioned that the Prophet(peace and blessings be upon him)sai
“The best day of the week the sun rises is Friday. Adam was created, placed in Paradise, and removed from there on Friday”
Collected by Muslim in his Saheeh (2013)
The Jum’ah prayer is on Friday. A great emphasis has been put on the obligation for the Prayer. Furthermore this prayer is the best congregational salah. Whoever is heedless of this prayer, Allaah will place a seal over his heart.
Abu Hurayrah(may Allaah be pleased with him)narrated that the messenger of Allaah said,
Advise the people to avoid missing the Jum’ah prayer, because if they neglect it Allaah will place a seal over their hearts .Then they will be among the heedless
Collected by Muslim in his Saheeh (2039)
Extra point of benefit: Shaykh Abdul Azeez bin Baz said,” To take a different road home from the one you go to Jum’ah on is sunnah as well. The hadeeth which deals with practicing this action for ‘Eid carries the same meaning for Jum’ah and Hajj. Refer to Al-Hullul Ibreezeeyah min Ta’leeqahtul Bazeeyah ‘Ala Saheeh Al-Bukhari.1/291
There is an hour during Friday when supplications are answered.
Abu Hurayrah(may Allaah be pleased with him)narrated that the messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings be upon him),
“There is an hour on Friday when the servant stands, prays and asks Allaah for something it is given to him ”
Collected by Bukari in his Saheeh (5294)
Ibn Al-Qayyim(may Allaah have mercy upon him)mentioned that there is a difference of opinion about when this particular hour is. The most acceptable of opinions are two: 1st .This hour is from when the khateeb sits until he prays. 2nd. This hour is after Asr. And the 2nd point of view is the most superior.[ Zad Al-Ma’ad 1/389-390]
Giving charity on Friday is the best day of the week to do so. Ibn Al-Qayyim said, “Giving charity of Friday with regard to the rest of the week is the best day to do so. This is similar to the superiority of giving charity during Ramadhan with regard to the rest of the months.”
Ka’b(may Allaah be pleased with him)said,”
“Giving Sadaqah on Friday is better than giving it on any other day of the week”
Collected by Abdur Razzak in his Musanaf(5558). This narration’s is nad is Saheeh.
Friday is the weekly ‘Eid
Ibn ‘Abbaas(may Allaah be pleased with him)conveyed that Allaah’s messenger(peace and blessings be upon him)said,
Verily today is an ‘Eid which Allaah has decreed for the Muslims. So whoever comes for the Prayer must perform a ghusl…
Collected by Ibn Majah in his sunnan (1152)and At-Tabarani in Awsot(142).Graded as being Hasan through other narrations that support it i.e hasan lee Ghayreehee. by Al-Abani in Saheeh At-Targeeb wat Tarheeb 707
The servants’ past sins are forgiven on Friday
Salman Al-Faarasee(may Allaah be pleased with him)narrated that the messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings be upon him)said,”
Whoever takes a bath on Friday, purifies himself as much as he can, then uses his (hair) oil or perfumes himself with the scent of his house, then proceeds (for the Jumu’ah prayer) and does not separate two people sitting together (in the masjid), then prays as much as (Allaah has) written for him and remains silent while the Imam is delivering the Khutba, his sins in-between the present and the last Friday would be forgiven.
Collected by Bukhari in his Saheeh (843)
Dying during Friday, whether day or night is a sign of a good departure from this world and he/she will be safeguarded against the trials in the grave.
Ibn ‘Amr (may Allaah be pleased with him)said, the messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings)said,”
“Any Muslim who dies on Friday Allaah will protect him from the trials of the grave”
Collected by At-Tirmithi in his Sunnan(1095) and Ahmed in his Musnad(14/268)Graded as being Hasan by Al-Albani in his checking for Sunnah At-Tirmithi# 1074
Time Management from an Islamic Perspective
Time Management from an Islamic Perspective
“Close has come to mankind his accounting. Will he still be heedless?”
The above Qur’anic verse is the beginning of Surah Ambiya, chapter 21, followed by narrations of the people who were before us, people who were destroyed on the account of their wrong doings.
Life has only one chance.
If you fail in your exams, there is always a next year. If you lose your spouse, there can be a second marriage, but if you die, there is no second chance. This life is only one opportunity.
Those who were before us had lives longer than us. The Qur’an talks about Nuh (as), that he worked among his people for 950 years; whereas the average life of this Ummah is around 60 years.
We are the last to come but the first to enter Paradise .
With this short life, we still have the opportunity of making the best.
It all depends on how you do, what you leave behind, not whatever you leave behind.
The difference between doing and wanting to do.
There are many things in life that we want to do desperately, but we are unable to do them due to various reasons. But, there are many things in our life which we can do, we are supposed to do, yet we do not do them. The list would be a long one. You can include memorizing of Qur’anic verses, visiting a dying relative or repaying you debt. You have chains of excuses because you don’t want to do these things.
Let us see how much we live actually.
If you have to live for 60 years, subtract 15 years of your boyhood where no one questions you. From the remaining 45 years, if you sleep for 8 hours a day, you have deleted 15 years in sleeping. From the remaining 30 years, if you spend 2 hours on the television, you have 2.5 years watching what other people do and nobody pays you for that. From the remaining 27 and half years of your life, you have to earn and yet find out ways for immeasurable reward from Allah.
How and where is our time wasted?
Time is wasted in minutes. E.g. waiting for a friend, at a bus-stop, chatting on useless topics.
Assemble these pieces of minutes everyday and count how many hours you waste every year.
“Let every man know what he has sent forth.“ (59:18)
1) Make a list of your time wasters even if they are a few minutes long.
2) Make a list of the things which remain unattended by you and have the potential to become a problem if you don’t give them immediate attention.
Our most productive actions.
a) Perform Isha and Fajr salaah in congregation and receive a reward of praying the whole night.
b) Do ibaadah in the nights in the last odd nights in Ramadan and earn a reward of worshipping for 1000 months. If you do it for 10 years, it will be equivalent to 833 years.
c) Keep aside one hour everyday for self- development. Suppose you choose to memorize one dua everyday for one hour, by the end of the year, you can memorize 365 duas of the Sunnah of the Prophet (P.B.H). If you want to learn Arabic for one hour every day, you have 320 hours every year if you are 80% regular in your learning. Now, without wasting time, make a list of the things you would like to learn in the next three months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. These are called “short term goals” and “long term goals” in terms of the corporate world.
What are your most productive Islamic activities?
This is for a continuous reward (Sawaab-e-Jaariya).
Choose from the below activities or add your own skills and talents:
a) Teach someone any aspect of Islam, be it a dua, correcting hid wudhu or his recitation of the Qur’an and lo! He keeps on doing it properly and your account keeps on increasing.
b) Talk to a non- Muslim about Islam.
c) Be a volunteer for any social cause in helping people.
d) Intercede for a good cause and have a share in it. (Surah Nisaa:85) Spot an orphan/ widow and find out a sponsor if you cannot afford it yourself.
e) By now, you must be having a lot of ideas, erupting in your own mind. Note them down just now and remember us in your supplications.
Do this to save time.
a) Always carry a good book to read.
b) If you discuss, take something worthy.
c) Help your spouse in his/ her work.
d) Visit a hospital and meet the poor and sick.
e) Visit your relatives whom you have not met for a long time.
f) Take your family to orphanages.
A list of probable time wasters.
Check out which is applicable to you:
• Sleeping more than average.
• Gossiping with friends on useless topics.
• Watching TV serials.
• Reading useless books.
• Having to wait for a long time at the bus stop.
• Have a list of pending work.
• Chatting on the internet on worthless topics.
• Being addicted to computer games.
• Free lectures due to absence of teacher in school.
“Remember, Allah has not created for idle sport the heavens and the earth and all that is between them.“
How to get the best out of this life.
How many Lailatul Qadr have you missed out? The Qur?an declares:
What do you know what is Lailatul Qadr? Lailatul Qadr is better than 1000 months?
This Quranic? Verse gives us an idea or a short- cut in earning immeasurable sawab. That is, if you worship or do ibadah in the last 5 odd nights in the month of Ramadan, by the Grace of Allah, one of them would be Lailatul Qadr. In 10 years, it is 50 days, which is lesser than 2 months and if you get 10 Lailatul Qadr in your life. You get a reward of 10,000 months which is equal to 833 years. Now calculate how many Lailatul Qadr you have missed out enjoying the night playing carom, chatting and doing useless things. Henceforth , don’t miss out any Lailatul Qadr in your life InshAllah.
The Night Prayer (Tahajjud/Qyaam Al-Layl)
The Night Prayer (Qyaam Al-Layl)
The Excellence of The Night Prayer (Qiyaam al-Layl):
Many Qur’aanic verses speak about the excellence of Qiyam and the merits of those people, who perform The Night Prayer (Qiyaam al-Layl) on a regular basis, for example, Allah describes the believers who deserve Jannah saying: “They (the believers) forsake their beds, to invoke their Lord in fear and hope; and they spend out of what We have bestowed on them.” [Soorah as-Sajdah (32): 16] “They (the pious) used to sleep but little at night.” [Soorah ath-Thariyat (51): 17] Also, numerous Ahadeeth add to this subject, narrated Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu): “The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “The best prayer after those prescribed is (the prayer performed) in the depth of night.” [Saheeh Muslim and Musnad Ahmad]
He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) also said: “The most beloved prayer to Allah was of Dawud (alaihi as-salaam). He slept one half of the night, got up (and prayed) for one third, and then slept (the remaining) one sixth.”[Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]
Protection from Shaitaan: Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “When one of you goes to sleep, Shaitaan ties three knots over the rear of his head, blowing into each knot, ‘You have a long night, so sleep on.” If he wakes up and mentions Allah, one knot loosens. If he makes wudhu (ablution for prayer), another knot loosens and if he prays, the third knot loosens and he becomes lively and good-natured; otherwise he gets up ill-natured and lazy.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]
Acceptance of Supplication: Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven, when only one third of the night has remained. He says: “Who will invoke Me, so that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim] In another report, he adds: “Then Allah extends His Hand and says: “Who wants to invest (good deeds) with the One who is not wasteful or unjust?” He continues to say this until the dawn arrives.” [Saheeh Muslim]
Jabir (radhi allahu anhu) reported, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) saying: “There is an hour of the night which no Muslim person encounters and asks for a good thing for this life or the Hereafter, but Allah grants it to him. This happens every night.” [Saheeh Muslim]
Abu Umamah (radhi allahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) was once asked: “When are the supplications most acceptable?” He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) replied: “In the last depth of the night and at the end of the prescribed prayers.” [(hasan) by Shaikh al-Albanee (at-Tirmidhee)]
Muadh bin Jabal (radhi allahu anhu) reported that Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Whenever a Muslim goes to bed in a pure state (with wudhu), falls asleep while mentioning Allah and then wakes up during the night and asks Allah for anything good, He grants it to him.”[(saheeh) by Shaikh al-Albanee (Musnad Ahmad and at-Tirmidhee)]
Closeness to Allah: Amr bin Abash (radhi allahu anhu) reported that Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “The closest that a servant is to his Lord, is in the last part of the night. If you can be among those who remember Allah at that hour then do so.” [(saheeh) by Shaikh al-Albanee (at-Tirmidhee)]
Mercy from Allah: Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “May Allah have mercy on a man who wakes up at night, prays and wakes his wife to pray; and if she refuses, he sprinkles water on her face. And may Allah have mercy on a woman who wakes up at night, prays, and wakes her husband to pray and if he refuses, she sprinkles water on his face.”[(hasan) by Shaikh al-Albanee (Abu Dawood)]
Constant deeds guarantee ample reward: Aa’ishah (radhi allahu anha) said: “Do not ever stop praying Qiyam. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) never ceased praying it. When he was sick or weak, he prayed sitting.” [(saheeh) by Shaikh al-Albanee (Abu Dawood)]
She also reported the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) saying:“The most beloved deeds to Allah are the most constant, even if they were little.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]
The Excellence of Qiyam in Ramadaan: Many Ahaadeeth describe the excellence of Qiyam particularly in Ramadaan, some of them are:
Forgiveness of sins: Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) reported: “Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) encouraged the people, without making it an absolute command, to perform Qiyam during Ramadaan. He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) used to say: “Whoever stands (in Qiyam) in Ramadaan out of faith and expectation (of Allah’s Reward), all his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]
Among the Most Righteous: Amr bin Murrah al-Juhani (radhi allahu anhu) said: “A man from the tribe of Quraysh asked the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam): “O Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam)! What if I testified that there is no (true) god except Allah and that you are Allah’s Messenger, prayed the five prayers, fasted the month, stood for Qiyam in Ramadaan and paid Zakaah?” The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) replied: “Anyone dying like this will be among the siddiqun (the highly virtuous) and the shuhadah (martyrs).” [(saheeh) Ibn Khuzaymah and Ibn Hibban]
Getting up for Qiyam al-Layl: Many Ahadeeth report the actions of Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) when he got up at night. Some of them are:
Siwaak and Wudhu: As soon as the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) got up for Qiyam al-Layl, he would brush his teeth with a siwaak and perform wudhu, he (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “When one of you gets up to pray at night, let him use a siwaak (to clean his teeth), because when he recites during the prayer, the angel puts his mouth over his, so that nothing leaves his mouth but will enter into the angel’s mouth.”[(saheeh) by Shaikh al-Albanee (al-Bayhaqee and others)]
Mentioning Allah: Ubadah bin as-Samit (radhi allahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Whoever wakes up at night and says: ‘La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul mulku wa-lahul-hamdu wa-huwa ala kulli shay’in qadir. Wa-subhan allahi wal-hamdu lillahi wa-la ilaha ilallallahu wallahu akbaru, wa-la hawla wa-la quwwata illa billah’ [DownLoad as-Sunnah Bimonthly Islamic Newsletter (Ramadaan Issue) to view the complete Arabic Text]
“There is no (true) god except Allah Alone, without any partners. To Him belongs the sovereignty; to Him belongs all praise. He is capable of everything. Exalted is Allah; Allah is the Greatest, there is no power or might except from Allah.” and then says: “Rabb igfir li” – “My Lord! Forgive me.” Anyone who says this and supplicates, he will be answered, and if he makes wudhu and prays, his prayer will be accepted.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee]
Rabi’ah bin Ka’ab al-Aslami (radhi allahu anhu) reported: “I used to sleep by the house of Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam). When he got up at night (to pray), I would hear him repeat for a long time:
“Subhana rabbil-alamin” – “Exalted is the Lord of the creation.”
Then he would repeat for a long time:
“Subhan Allahi wa bi-hamdih” – “Exalted is Allah, all praise belongs to Him.” [(Saheeh) by Shaikh al-Albanee ( at-Tirmidhee)]
Raising one’s voice moderately: One may pray Qiyam silently or aloud, but it is best to raise one’s voice moderately. Abu Qatadah (radhi allahu anhu) reported that one night the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) saw Abu Bakr (radhi allahu anhu) praying with a low voice. He then saw Umar (radhi allahu anhu) praying with a loud voice. Afterwards, he said to Abu Bakr (radhi allahu anhu): “O Abu Bakr! I passed by you while you prayed and you were lowering your voice.” He replied: “I have been heard by Him whom I was addressing, O Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam)!” Then the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “O Umar! I passed by you while you prayed, and you were raising your voice.” He replied: “O Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam)! Thereby I wake the sleepy and drive the Shaytaan away.” So, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “O Abu Bakr, raise your voice a little. And you Umar, lower your voice a little.” [(saheeh) by Shaikh al-Albanee (Abu Dawood and at-Tirmidhee)]
Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhu) reported: “The Prophet’s (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) recitation (in Qiyaam) was such that one would hear him from the outer room while he is inside (in the bedroom).” [(hasan) by Shaikh al-Albanee (Abu Dawood)]
Praying Qiyam al-Layl in the Jamaah:
It is a Sunnah to pray the Qiyam al-Layl of Ramadaan with the Jamaah (congregation); and this is better than praying it individually. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) himself established the practice of praying Qiyam al-Layl in Jamaah, approved of it from the Sahabah (radhi allahu anhu) and greatly emphasized its merits.
Aa’ishah (radhi allahu anha) reported: “The people used to pray during the night of Ramadaan in the Prophet’s Mosque in separate groups. A man who knew some Qur’aan would lead five or six people in Jamaah. On one such night, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) instructed me to lay down a mat for him (in the Masjid) by the door of my apartment and I did so. After praying Isha, Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) went to that mat, all those who were in the Masjid gathered behind him; and he (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) led them in the prayer for a long portion of the night; then he departed and entered (my apartment), leaving the mat where it was.
In the morning, the people described that Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) led some men in prayer on the previous night. So that night, more people gathered until the Masjid was full. Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) went out the second night and prayed; and they followed him in the prayer.
The next morning people talked about it and on the third night the number of people increased in the Masjid. Again the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) went out and they followed him in prayer.
On the fourth night, the Masjid was overrun with people. Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) prayed Isha with them and went inside his house, but the people stayed, so Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) asked me:“What do they want Aa’ishah?” I said: “O Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam)! The people have gathered to follow you (in the prayer).” He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Fold away your mat.”, which I did. He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) was aware of the people waiting for him that night; some men even called out, ‘The Prayer.’
In the morning, Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) went out for the Fajr prayer and after he finished his Salaat he turned to the people, said the Shahadah and stated: “O people, by Allah all praise is due to Him, I was not unaware of your presence last night, but I only feared that the night prayer (Qiyam) would become an obligation for you, which you would be incapable of fulfilling. So commit only to the deed you would be capable of performing, because Allah does not tire (from yours deeds) until you tire.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee, Saheeh Muslim, Abu Dawood, an-Nisa’ee, Musnad Ahmad and others]
Besides praying Qiyam al-Layl in the Jamaah himself, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) greatly encouraged this practice. Once, after leading the people in the Qiyaam prayer of Ramadaan, when he was leaving and people requested him to continue the prayer for the other part of the night, he (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Whoever stands in prayer with the Imaam until he (the Imaam) concludes the prayer, it is recorded for him that he prayed the whole night.” [(saheeh) Abu Dawood, at-Tirmidhee, al-Bayhaqee]
His statement: “Whoever stands in prayer with the Imaam…” clearly indicates the excellence of Qiyam al-Layl behind the Imaam. Thus, even though delaying Qiyam carries special merits, praying Qiyamal-Layl with the Jamaah, early in the night is better than praying it alone, late in the night. This is why Umar (radhi allahu anhu), revived this Sunnah in his Khilafah and the Muslims continue it till now.
Wrong Conclusions from Umar’s (radhi allahu anhu) action:
Many people use this act (reviving the sunnah of The Night Prayer (Qiyaam al-Layl) in Jamaah) of Umar (radhi allahu anhu) as basis for misconceptions like: “Praying Qiyaam in Jamaah is a bidah which was not known during the time of Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) – AND – Some Bidah’s (Innovations) are praiseworthy; and general statements by the Prophet such as: “Every bidah is an act of misguidance” should be restricted by the statement of Umar: “ This is indeed a good matter.”
The error of the former misconception is apparent from the preceding hadeeth of Aa’ishah (radhi allahu anha), which clearly indicates that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) himself prayed the Qiyam with the people in the Jamaah for three consecutive nights in Ramadaan; and he only stopped for fear that it would become an obligation for his Ummah!!
The latter argument of restricting the Hadeeth of Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) to the statement of Umar (radhi allahu anhu) is also invalid.
In his statement, Umar (radhi allahu anhu) did not intend the Shariah meaning of Bidah (i.e. ‘to innovate something new in the religion of Islam without precedence’) because he did not innovate the practice of Qiyam al-Layl in Jamaah, rather it was an established practice of Allah’s Messenger. He merely revived a great Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam). Umar only meant Bidah according to its linguistic meaning, which is “something new which was not commonly known prior to its initiation.” The Night Prayer (Qiyaam al-Layl) behind one Imaam was certainly not a common practice during the Khilafah of Abu Bakr (radhi allahu anhu) and a portion of Umar’s (radhi allahu anhu). With this understanding it is a new matter, but since it is in accordance with the Prophet’s action, it is a Sunnah and not a Bidah. Describing it as good is only because of this reason and this is the understanding of the great scholars in explaining the statement of Umar (radhi allahu anhu).
For example, Ibn Hajr al-Haythami said: “Driving the Jews and Christians out of the Arabian peninsula, and fighting the Turks, are not Bidahs, because these were done by the command of Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam), even though they were not done during his lifetime. And in the saying of Umar regarding The Night Prayer (Qiyaam al-Layl): “This is indeed a good Bidah” he meant the linguistic meaning of Bidah”, which is to do something which was not done, it is similar to the saying of Allah: “I did not bring something unprecedented (bidah) among the messengers.” [Soorah Ahqaf (46): 9]
This (Umar’s action) does not indicate a Bidah in the Shari’ah sense, because such a Bidah would be an act of misguidance, as was indicated by the Messenger of Allh (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam)… Just look at the Sahabah (radhi allahu anhu) and those who followed them in the good way, they objected calling the adhan (call for prayers) other than the five daily prayers, such as Eid prayer, even though no specific prohibition is found in this regard…. Furthermore, there are things which the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) avoided despite the need and ability to do them during his lifetime. Avoiding such things is a Sunnah and performing them is a blameworthy innovation. By our saying: “Despite the need and ability to do them”, we exclude driving out the Jews and other things which he (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) did not do because of reasons that prevented him from doing them.
Similarly, there was a need to pray Qiyam al-Layl in Jamaah, but there was also a reason which prevented the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) from continuing to pray it in Jamaah.” [Al-Ibda fi Madarr il-Ibtida] Abd ul-Wahhab as-Subki said: “Ibn Abd ul-Barr said: “Umar did not legislate except what Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) legislated and what he (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) loved and accepted. Nothing prevented him (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) from continuing (with Qiyam al-Layl in Jamaah) except fearing that it would become an obligation for his Ummah, because he was kind and merciful towards the believers. Umar (radhi allahu anhu) learned from Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) and understood that one cannot add to the obligations or take away from them after his (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) death. He therefore established The Night Prayer (Qiyaam al-Layl) for the people in Jamaah, revived it, and commanded it…” [Ishraq ul-Masabih fi salat fi Taraweeh (1: 168)]
Women joining the Jamaah: Women are permitted to attend Qiyam al-Layl, as is indicated in the Hadeeth of Abu Dharr (radhi allahu anhu), he said: “He (the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam)) gathered his family, his wives and the people. He led us in the prayer (for a long time in qiyam of Ramadaan)…” [(saheeh) Abu Dawood, at-Tirmidhee and others] Manner of Qiyam al-Layl
The Time of Qiyam al-Layl: The time of Qiyam al-Layl starts after the Isha prayer up to the Fajr prayer. Abu Basrah (radhi allahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Indeed Allah added a prayer for you, it is Witr (as explained earlier, Witr is one of the names for Qiyam al-Layl), so pray it between Isha and Fajr.” [(Saheeh) by Shaikh al-Albanee in as-Saheehah (108)]
However, if one prays alone he should try to pray it in the later part of the night, because that is better than the earlier part, as the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Whoever fears that he will not wake up in the later part of the night, then let him perform Witr in the first part of it and whoever expects to wake up in the later part of the night, let him pray it then. Indeed, the prayer of the night is witnessed (by the angels), and that is better.” [(Saheeh) Abd ur-Razzaq]
Recitation during Qiyam al-Layl: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) did not fix the length of recitation for Qiyam. His recitations varied in length; it was sometimes short, more often long, and extremely long on some occasions. Abdullah bin Amr (radhi allahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Whoever prays Qiyam reciting ten verses, he will not be recorded among the negligent. Whoever prays Qiyam reciting one hundred verses, he will be recorded among the devout and whoever prays Qiyam reciting one thousand verses, he will be recorded among those with a multitude of good deeds.” [(Hasan) by Shaikh al-Albanee (Abu Dawood)]
The longer the Qiyam, the better. Thus, when one prays alone, he is encouraged to make his recitation as long as possible. Supplication: Various supplications are reported from the Messenger of Allah r for the Qiyam prayer. In particular, there are some supplications, which he would say at the beginning of the Qiyam, before reciting the Qur’aan.
It is recommended to learn one of these, which would allow practicing the Sunnah in a better way. Following are three narrations:
1 – “O Allah! All praise belongs to You; You are the Custodian of the Heavens and Earth and all that is therein. And all praise belongs to You; You are the lighter of the Heavens and the Earth and all that is therein. And all praise belongs to You; You are the Sovereign of the Heavens and the Earth and all that is therein. And all praise belongs to You; You are the Truth; Your Promise is the truth; meeting Your (in the Hereafter) is true; Your Speech is true; Jannah is true; the Fire is true; the Prophets are true; Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) is true; and the Hour (of Doom) is true. O Allah! I submit myself to You, believe in You, rely on You, turn to You, fight for You, and invoke You. So forgive what I have done in the past or will do in the future, what I hide or declare, and what you know better than me (of what I did). You are the One, Who brings (some people) forward, and moves back (the others). There is no (true) god except You, and there is no (god) than you.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim] [DownLoad as-Sunnah Bimonthly Islamic Newsletter (Ramadaan Issue) to view the complete Arabic Text]
2 – “O Allah, Lord of Jibreel, Mika’il, Israfil, Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, Knower of the hidden and the witnessed things, You will judge among your slaves about that wherein they used to differ. Guide me to the truth in matters of difference, with Your Permission, You guide whomever You will, to the straight path.” [Saheeh Muslim][DownLoad as-Sunnah Bimonthly Islamic Newsletter (Ramadaan Issue) to view the complete Arabic Text]
3 – “Exalted are You, my Lord, all praise belongs to You, hollowed is Your Name; great is Your Honor; and there is no (true) deity but You. There is no (true) god except Allah. (three times) Allah is the Greatest, He is great indeed (three times). I seek refuge with Allah, the All-Hearing, All-Knowing, from the outcast Shaytaan, from his spurring, blowing, and breathing.” [(Saheeh) by Shaikh al-Albanee (Abu Dawood and at-Tirmidhee)] [DownLoad as-Sunnah Bimonthly Islamic Newsletter (Ramadaan Issue)
Dua’s for Ramadan
Du’as for Fasting
When beginning the fast- Suhur
وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتَ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ
Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri ramadan
I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan
[abu Dawud]
When breaking the fast- Iftar
اللَّهُمَّ اِنِّى لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ امنْتُ [وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ] وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ اَفْطَرْتُ
Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu [wa ‘alayka tawakkaltu] wa ‘ala rizq-ika aftarthu
O Allah! I fasted for You and I believe in You [and I put my trust in You] and I break my fast with Your sustenance
[“wa ‘alayka tawakkaltu” is quoted in some books of knowledge – but not all, hence it is in brackets]
[abu Dawud]
——————-
ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَ ابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ، وَ ثَبَتَ الأجْرُ إنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ
dhahabadh-dhama’u wab-tallatil ‘urūūqi, wa thabatal arju inshaAllah
The thrist is gone, the veins are moistened and the reward is confirmed, if Allah [Ta’ala] Wills
[abu Dawud 2:306]
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسأَلُكَ بِرَحْمَتِكَ الَّتِي وَسِعَتْ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ أَنْ تَغْفِرَ لِي
Allaahumma inni as’aluka birahmatika al-lati wasi’at kulli shay’in an taghfira li
O Allah, I ask You by Your mercy which envelopes all things, that You forgive me.
[a du’a that Abdullah ibn Amar (radiAllahu anhu) used to say when breaking his fast – as reported by Ibn abi Mulaykah (radiAllahu anhu)]
When someone offers you food when you are fasting and you decline
When you are invited to eat, then reply to the invitation. if you are fasting, then invoke Allah’s blessings (on your host), and if you are not fasting then eat
[Muslim; 2:1054]
Upon reaching month of Rajab and Sha’ban
When the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) sighted the moon of Rajab (two months before Ramadan) he used to pray to Allah in the following words:
اَللّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِى رَجَبَ وَ شَعْبَانَ وَ بَلِّغْنَا رَمَضَان
Allahumma barik lana fi Rajab wa Sha’ban wa ballighna Ramadan
O Allah! Make the months of Rajab and Sha’ban blessed for us, and let us reach the month of Ramadan (i.e. prolong our life up to Ramadan, so that we may benefit from its merits and blessings)
[Narrated by at-Tabarani and Ahmad]
When you are fasting, and someone is rude to you
اِنَّيْ صَائِمٌ ، اِنِّيْ صَائمٌ
Inni sa’iimu, inni sa’iimu
I am fasting, I am fasting
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Fath al-Bari of Al-Asqalani; 4:1-3, Muslim; 2:806]
Upon Sighting of the new Moon
اللَّهُ اَكْبَرُ ، اَللَّهُمَّ اَهِلَّهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالآَمْنِ وَلاِيمَانِ ، وَالسَّلَامَةِ وَالاِسْلَامِ ، وَالتَّوْفِيقِ لِمَا تُحِبُّ رَبَّنَا وَتَرْضَى ، رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّكَ اللَّهُ
Allahu Akbar. Allahumma ahillahu ‘alayna bil-amni wal-imaani, was-salaamati, wal-Islami, wat-tawfeeqi lima tuhibbu Rabbana wa tardha. Rabbuna wa RabbukAllahu
Allah is the Greatest. O Allah bring us the new moon with security and faith, with peace and in Islam, and in harmony with what our Lord Loves and what pleases Him. Our Lord and your Lord is Allah
[at-Tirmidhi 5:504, ad-Darimi 1:336]
Upon seeing the first dates of the season
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِي ثَمَرِنَا ، وَ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِي مَدِينَتِنَا وَ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِي صَاعِنَا ، وَبَارِكْ لَنَا فِي مُدِّنَا
Allahumma barik lana fi thamarina, wa barik lana fi madinatina, wa barik lana fi saa’ina, wa barik lana fi muddina
O Allah! Bless us in our dates, and bless us in our town, bless us in our saa’ and in our Mudd’
(saa’ and Mudd’ are dry measures used for agricultural produce by the Arabs in the Prophet’s time)
[at-Tirmidhi 5:504, ad-Darimi 1:336]
Recited at intervals of taraweeh prayers
سُبْحَانَ ذِى الْمُلْكِ وَ الْمَلَكُوْتِ سُبْحَانَ ذِى الْعِذَّْْةِ وَ الْعظْمَةِ وَ، الْهَيْبَةِ وَ الْقُدُرَةِ ، وَالْكِبْرِيَآءِ وَ الْجَبْرُتِ، سُبْحَانَ الْمَلِكِ الْحَىِّ الَّذِىْ لايُنَامُ وَ لا يَمُوُتُ، سُبُّوحٌ ، قُدُّوْسٌ، رَبُّ الْمَلَئِكَةِ وَ الرُّوُحِ لَآ اِلهَ اِلَّا اللَّهُ نَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهُ ، نَسْئَلُكَ الْجَنَّةَّ وَ نَعُوُذُ بِكَ مِنَ النّارِ
Subhana dhil Mulki wal Malakuti, Subhana dhil izzati wal aDhmati wal haybati wal Qudrati, wal kibriyaa’i wal jabaroot Subhanal Malikil hayyil ladhi, la yunaamu wa la yamūtu, Subbuhun, Quddusun, Rabbul malaa’ikati war-rooh
La ilaha illal lahu, nustugfirullahi
nas ‘alukul jannati, wa na udhubika min an-naar
Glorified is the Owner of the Kingdom of the earth and the heavens; Glorified is the Possessor of Honour and Magnificence and Awe, and Power and Greatness and Omnipotence
Glorified is the Sovereign, the Living, Who does neither sleep nor die
O all Glorious, All Holy one, Our lord and the Lord of the Angels, And the soul.
There is no God but You, Forgive us, Grant us Paradise, and save us from (hell) fire.
Upon breaking the fast in someone’s home
أفْطَرَ عِنْدَكُمُ الصَّائِمُونَ، وَ أَكَلَ طَعَامَكُمُ الأبْرَارُ، وَ صَلَّتْ عَلَيْكُم ُ الْمَلائِكَةُ
Aftara ‘indakumus saa’imuna, wa akala ta’aamakumul-abraaru, wasallat ‘alaikumul mala’ikat
May those who are fasting break their fast in your home, and may the dutiful and pious eat your food and may the angels send prayers upon you.
[abu Dawud 3:367, ibn Majah 1:556, an Nasa’i]
On Lailatul Qadr – the Night of Power
Aishah (radhiya Allahu Ta’ala anha), that she said: “O Messenger of Allah! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr was, then what should I say in it?” He said ‘Say
اَللَّهُمَّ اِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ ، تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Allahumma innaka ‘affuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni’ “
O Allah You are The One Who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me.
[at Tirmidhi]
Please Don’t forget us and All ummah in ur prays,
Jazakkalah khayran.
Who Is poor ?, A Beutiful Hadith
One day the Prophet asked his dear companions whether they knew who was poor?
They answered that poor was one who had no dirham or dinar (money)’, He said:“In my Ummah, the poor is that man who would appear on the Day of the Judgment before Allah; he had offered prayer; he had paid Zakat ; he had observed fast; but he would have abused somebody, he would have falsely accused some one; he would have unauthorisedly taken some one else’s property; he would have murdered some one; would have hit some body.
All his virtues would be given to his victims. If his virtues are finished before his wicked deeds are finished, then the errors and sins of the victims would be given to him and he would be thrown into the Hell.” (Muslim)
Prayer –The Spirit of Worship in Islam
`Ibadah (act of worship) is an Arabic word derived from `abd (a slave) and it means submission. It portrays that God is your Master and you are His slave and whatever a slave does in obedience to and for the pleasure of his Master is `ibadah. The Islamic concept of `ibadah is very wide. If you free your speech from filth, falsehood, malice, and abuse and speak the truth and talk goodly things and do all these only because God has so ordained to do, they constitute `ibadah, however secular they may look in semblance.
If you obey the law of God in letter and spirit in your commercial and economic affairs and abide by it in your dealings with your parents, relatives, friends, and all those who come in contact with you, then all these activities of yours are `ibadah.
If you help the poor and the destitute, give food to the hungry, and serve the ailing and the afflicted persons, and do all this not for any personal gain of yours but only to seek the pleasure of God, they are nothing short of `ibadah. Even your economic activities, the activities you undertake to earn your living and to feed your dependants, are `ibadah if you remain honest and truthful in them and observe the law of God. In short, all your activities and your entire life are `ibadah if they are in accordance with the law of God, and your heart is filled with His fear, and your ultimate objective in undertaking all theses activities is to seek the pleasure of God.
Thus, whenever you do good or avoid evil for fear of God, in whatever sphere of life and field of activity, you are discharging your Islamic obligations. This is the true significance of `ibadah, namely total submission to the pleasure of God; the molding into the patterns of Islam your entire life, leaving out not even the most insignificant part thereof. To help achieve this aim, a set of formal `ibadat (acts of worship) has been constituted, which serves as a course of training. These `ibadat are thus the pillars on which the edifice of Islam rests.
Salah (Prayer) is the most primary and the most important of these obligations. And what is salah? It is the prescribed daily Prayers which consist in repeating and refreshing five times a day the belief in which you repose your faith. You get up early in the morning, cleanse yourself and present yourself before your Lord for Prayer. The various poses that you assume during your Prayers are the very embodiment of the spirit of submission; the various recitals remind you of your commitments to your God. You seek His guidance and ask Him again and again to enable you to avoid His wrath and follow His chosen path. You read out from the Book of the Lord and express witness to the truth of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and also refresh your belief in the Day of Judgment and enliven in your memory the fact that you have to appear before your Lord and give an account of your entire life. This is how your day starts.
Then, after a few hours the muezzincalls you to Prayer, and you again submit to your God and renew your covenant with Him. You dissociate yourself from your worldly engagements for a few moments and seek audience with God. This once again brings to the fore of your mind your real role in life. After this rededication you revert to your occupations and again present yourself to the Lord after a few hours. This again acts as a reminder to you, and you once more refocus your attention on the stipulations of your faith. When the sun sets and the darkness of the night begins to shroud you, you again submit yourself to God in Prayer so that you may not forget your duties and obligations in the midst of the approaching shadows of the night. And then after a few hours you again appear before your Lord, and this is your last Prayer of the day. Thus before going to bed you once again renew your faith and prostrate before your God. And this is how you complete your day. The frequency and timings of the Prayers never let the object and mission of life be lost sight of in the maze of worldly activities.
It is but easy to understand how the daily Prayers strengthen the foundations of your faith, prepare you for the observance of a life of virtue and obedience to God, and refresh that belief from which spring courage, sincerity, purposefulness, purity of heart, advancement of the soul, and enrichment of morals.
Now see how this is achieved: You perform ablution in the way prescribed by the Prophet (peace be upon him). You also say your Prayers according to the instructions of the Prophet. Why do you do so? Simply because you believe in the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him) and deem it your bounden duty to follow him ungrudgingly. Why do not you intentionally mis-recite the Qur’an? Isn’t it so because you regard the Book as the Word of God and deem it a sin to deviate from its letter? In the Prayers you recite many things quietly and if you do not recite them or make any deviation from them, there is no one to check you. But you never do so intentionally. Why? Because you believe that God is Ever Watchful and that He listens to all that you recite and is aware of things open and hidden.
What makes you say your Prayers at places where there is no one to ask you to offer them or even to see you offering them? Isn’t it so because of your belief that God is ever looking at you? What makes you leave your important business and other occupations and rush towards the mosque for Prayers? What makes you terminate your sweet sleep in the early hours of the morning, to go to the mosque in the heat of the noon, and to leave your evening entertainments for the sake of Prayers? Is it anything other than sense of duty—your realization that you must fulfill your responsibility to the Lord, come what may? And why are you afraid of any mistake in Prayer? Because your heart is filled with the fear of God and you know that you have to appear before Him on the Day of Judgment and give an account of your entire life.
Now look! Can there be a better course of moral and spiritual training than Prayer? It is this training which makes a man a perfect Muslim. It reminds him of his covenant with God, refreshes his faith in Him, and keeps the belief in the Day of Judgment alive and ever present before his mind’s eye. It makes him follow the Prophet and trains him in the observance of his duties.
This is indeed a strict training for conforming one’s practice to one’s ideals. Obviously if a man’s consciousness of his duties towards his Creator is so acute that he prizes it above all worldly gains and keeps refreshing it through Prayers, he would certainly not be inviting the displeasure of God hat he all along has striven to avoid. He will abide by the law of God in the entire gamut of life in the same way as he follows it in the five Prayers every day. This man can be relied upon in other fields of activity as well, for if the shadows of sin or deceit approach him, he will try to avoid them for fear of the Lord that would be ever present in his heart. And if even after such a vital training a man misbehaves himself in other fields of life and disobeys the law of God, it can only be because of some intrinsic depravity of his self.
Then again you must say your Prayers in congregation and especially so the Friday Prayer. This creates among the Muslims a bond of love and mutual understanding. This arouses in them the sense of their collective unity and fosters among them national fraternity. All of them say their Prayers in one congregation and this inculcates in them a deep feeling of brotherhood.
Prayers are also a symbol of equality, for the poor and the rich, the low and the high, the rulers and the ruled, the educated and the unlettered, the black and the white all stand in one row and prostrate before their Lord.
Prayers also inculcate in Muslims a strong sense of discipline and obedience to the elected leader. In short, Prayers train them in all those virtues that make possible the development of a rich individual and collective life.
These are a few of the myriad of benefits we can derive from the daily Prayers.
Salaat (Prayer) With Jamaat Is Twenty Seven Times Superior.
Salaat (Prayer) With Jamaat Is Twenty Seven Times Superior.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) narrates that he heard the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) saying: “A salaat with Jamaat is twenty-seven
times superior to salaat performed individually.” {Bukhari}
When we offer our salaat for getting reward from Allah, then why should it not be done in the musjid, where the reward earned is twenty-seven times more. Nobody will be so unwise as to forego a profit twenty-seven times greater with simply a little extra labour. But we are so indifferent about the profits promised for our religious practices! This can be due to nothing but our disregard for deen and the rewards of it. It is a pity that we apply ourselves so hard to acquiring the trifling gains in this material world; but are so unmindful of the gains in the Hereafter, which yield twenty-seven times more with a little extra effort. We often argue that for going to the musjid for Jamaat we have to close the shop and will thus lose business. These pretexts and others of the kind cannot stand in the way of those who have perfect faith in the Greatness of Allah, and in His word; and who realize the value of the blessings and reward in the Hereafter. It is in respect of such people that Allah says:
“Men, whom neither merchandise nor sale beguileth then from remembrance of Allah and constancy in salaat.” (XXIV; 3 7).
It is said of Saalim Haddaad (Rahmatullah alaih] (a trader and a great Soofi) that on hearing Azaan he would turn pale and grow restless. He would stand up immediately, leaving his shop open and recite these couplets:- >
1. “When Thy summoner stands up to summon, quickly I stand up. To respond to (the summons of) The Mighty Lord Who hath no peer.”
2. “I reply to the summons with complete submission and cheer, ‘Here am I, 0 Bountiful One.”
3. “My face grows pale with awe and fear, and occupation in Thee distracts me from all other occupations.”
4. “I swear by Thee, naught is dear to me save Thy remembrance. Nothing is more ravishing for me than Thy sweet name. “
5. “0, will th’ere be a time for us to be together? A lover is happy only when he is with his love.”
6. “He whose eyes have seen the light of Thy Beauty Can never be solaced. He must die yearning for Thee.”
It is said in a hadith: “People frequenting the musjid are its pegs (dwellers). Angels are their companioris and visit them when they are sick and help them when they are at their jobs.”
Refrence:
Book Name: Virtues Of Salaat.
Author Name: Shiekh ul Hadees Maulana Zikariya Sahab
”I love Isa (Jesus) PBUH Because I am a MUSLIM”
”I love Isa (Jesus) PBUH , Because I am a MUSLIM”
Maryam alayhe assalam (Virgin Mary)
Maryam (alayhe assalam) was deeply absorbed in her worship one day when she heard a voice, that of an angel Gabriel calling her.
“O Maryam! Allah (S.W.T.) has chosen you, purified you, and chosen you above the women of mankind and jinn. O Maryam! Submit yourself with obedience to your Lord, and prostrate yourself along with those who bow down.”
This was wondrous news for her, a glad tiding. She had been chosen from amongst the women of her time for a great event, and she would prepare for it by purifying her soul and devoting herself to worship Allah (S.W.T.) alone.
Maryam withdrew from her people to a private eastern room. She placed a screen between herself and others and began to pray and worship Allah (S.W.T.) Suddenly, a man appeared before her.
Startled, she said: “I seek refuge with the Most Gracious from you, if you do fear Allah (S.W.T.).”
He replied, “I am only a Messenger from your Lord, to announce to you a gift of a Holy son.” [It was angel Jibreel (Gabriel) addressing her!]
She said: “How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me and I am not unchaste?” [What a great news and what an honor! But how, she wondered, could she have a child? After all, she had no husband and had been secluded in her mihraab-never touched by a man!]
He said: “So (it will be): Thy Lord saith, ‘That is easy for Me: and (We wish) to appoint him as a Sign unto men and a Mercy from Us’: It is a matter (So) decreed.” [But Allah (S.W.T.) creates what He wills, and with a word from Him, “Be” He says to it, and it is! angel Jibreel (Gabriel) removed her doubts, saying “Your Lord said, ‘That is easy for Me, and We wish to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us, and it is a matter already decreed.” Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) breathed into the sleeves of her garment, and thus Maryam conceived.
Nine months went by, People began to notice her advancing pregnancy. They were initially surprised, but then they started talking about her in irreverent manner. Her worries mounted until the day she felt the pain of childbirth. She left her mihraab and went to the trunk of a date-palm tree. Holding to the trunk, waiting for the miraculous birth of her baby, a flash of what might happen afterward crossed her mind. Feeling a pain even greater than her labor.
And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree: She cried (in her anguish): “Ah ! would I had died before this ! would that I had been a thing forgotten and out of sight !”
Then the voice came from below her. “Grieve not ! for thy Lord hath provided a rivulet beneath thee; “And shake towards thyself the trunk of the palm-tree: it will let fall fresh ripe dates upon thee, “So eat and drink and cool (thine) eye and if thou dost see any man, say; I have vowed a fast to Allah (S.W.T.) Most Gracious, and this day, will I enter into talk with any human being.'”
Having rested somewhat from the delivery, Maryam (Virgin Mary) swaddled her son in a piece of cloth and carried him in her arms to her people. Thinking the worst of her, they exclaimed,
“O Maryam (Mary) ! truly an amazing thing has thou brought ! O sister of Aaron ! thy father was not a man of evil, nor thy mother a woman unchaste !”
But Maryam spoke to no one as she was under a vow of silence. She pointed to the child, as if to say, “Talk to him!”
They were incredulous! How could they talk to a newborn baby? was she making fun of them? But behold the –the baby spoke! Defending her mother, He said:
” I am indeed a servant of Allah: He hath given me a Revelation and made me a Prophet; “And He hath made me blessed wheresoever I be, and has enjoined on me Prayer and Charity as long as I live :
“(He) hath made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable:
“So Peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again)” !
Such (was) Prophet Esa (Jesus) PEACE BE UPON HIM the son of Maryam (Virgin Mary) : (it is) a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute.
Such as the story of the birth of maryam’s son Prophet Esa (Jesus) P.B.U.H., a slave of Allah (S.W.T.) and a Prophet . His birth was a miracle for he had no father. But this miracle is no greater than the creation of Adam (alayhe assalaam) who had neither father nor mother but was created from clay.
“It befits not the Majesty of Allah (S.W.T.) that He should beget not a son. Glorified and Exalted be He above all that they associate with Him. When He decrees a thing, he only says to it “Be” and it is.
Six Kalimas in English Tajveed
Six Kalimas in English Tajveed
1) Kalma Tayyab: Laa ilaaha illal Lahoo Mohammadur Rasool Ullah
2) Kalma Shaadat: Ashahado An Laa ilaaha illal Laho Wahdahoo Laa Shareeka Lahoo Wa Ash Hado Anna Mohammadan Abdo Hoo Wa Rasoolohoo.
3) Kalma Tamjeed: Subhanallahe Wal Hamdulillahe Wa Laa ilaha illal Laho Wallahooakbar. Wala Haola Wala Quwwata illa billahil AliYil Azeem.
4) Kalma Tauheed: Laa ilaha illal Lahoo Wahdahoo Laa Shareekalahoo Lahul Mulko Walahul Hamdo Yuhee Wa Yumeeto Wa Hoa Haiy Yul La Yamooto Abadan Abada Zul Jalali Wal ikraam Beyadihil Khair. Wa hoa Ala Kulli Shai In Qadeer.
5) Kalma Astaghfar: Astaghfirullah Rabbi Min Kullay Zambin Aznabtuho Amadan Ao Khat An Sirran Ao Alaniatan Wa Atoobo ilaihe Minaz Zambil Lazee Aalamo Wa Minaz Zambil Lazee La Aalamo innaka Anta Allamul Ghuyoobi Wa Sattaarul Oyobi Wa Ghaffaruz Zunoobi Wala Haola Wala Quwwata illa billahil AliYil Azeem.
6) Kalma Radde Kufr: Allah Humma inni Aaoozubika Min An Oshrika Beka Shai Aown Wa Anaa Aalamo Behi Wa Astaghfiroka Lima laa Aalamo Behi Tubtu Anho Wa Tabarrato Minal Kufri Washshirki Wal Kizbi Wal Jheebati Wal Bidaati Wan Nameemati Wal Fawahishi Wal Bohtani Wal Maasi Kulliha Wa Aslamtoo Wa Aamantoo Wa Aqoolo Laa ilaaha illal Lahoo Mohammadur Rasool Ullah.
Preparation for Ramadan
Preparation for Ramadan
O you who believe! Observing al-sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become al-muttaqoon (the pious).
(Qur’an al-Baqarah 2:183)
As the beautiful month of Ramadan approaches this year, there are several things Muslim women can do to prepare themselves spiritually and physically for the month-long period of fasting which is obligatory upon all able-bodied Muslims who have reached the age of maturity.
Giving some thought to the unique concerns that Muslim women face during this month can help us prepare for them and make the month a more successful one. This is especially true for new converts to Islam (because Ramadan is such a new experience) and for married women in general because of the extra responsibility they typically have to make sure that the iftar (the fast-breaking meal served at sunset each day) is ready on time for their families and any guests in addition to continuing to take care of the home, children and other obligations as usual. It is crucial, then, that women take the time to plan for their sleep, health and other concerns before the month even starts.
It is recommended for Muslims to eat a pre-dawn meal (called sahoor in Arabic) each day before the fast begins.
The Prophet, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is reported by Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) to have said,
“Eat a pre-dawn meal for there are blessings in it.” (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)
Other traditions report the Prophet (peace be upon him) as saying,
“You should eat [the] pre-dawn meal for it is a blessed nourishment” (an-Nasa’i),
and
“The pre-dawn meal is blessed so do not neglect it even if you only take a sip of water. Verily, Allah and His angels pray for those who have pre-dawn meals.” (Ahmad)
The pre-dawn meal provides energy and other benefits to the fasting Muslim during the day so it makes good sense to plan on getting up early to have sahoor. Of course this is better accomplished if you also sleep early so try to think about how you will arrange your schedule once Ramadan begins. If you typically have trouble waking up for the fajr (dawn) prayer, a new schedule in Ramadan may be the motivation you need to change your habits for the better even after Ramadan has ended. Ramadan is a great opportunity that comes once a year to renew your relationship and commitment to Allah
If you are accustomed to drinking tea or coffee in the morning or during the day, be aware that caffeine withdrawal can cause severe headaches while you are fasting. Take some time before Ramadan to wean yourself from caffeine (perhaps gradually) and decide whether it will be necessary to have any caffeine during the non-fasting hours in Ramadan. It may seem like a funny thing to worry about compared to the greatness of this Holy Month but many Muslims have experienced the phenomena of caffeine withdrawal and know to prepare themselves ahead of time to ensure they do not get sick from it.
Women should also know the times that they are prohibited from fasting, such as when they are menstruating or bleeding after childbirth.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women have special permission not to fast during Ramadan if they feel that they or their babies will be harmed by it, but they are not prohibited from fasting if they feel they can handle it. This is something best discussed with a doctor and depends on each woman’s unique circumstances. However, it is very important that pregnant and breastfeeding women take care to eat properly during non-fasting hours if they choose to fast. It is also important that women do not feel any shame or guilt in breaking the fast if they feel they must; no one has the right to put pressure on the pregnant or breastfeeding woman to exceed her body’s limits. In fact this allowance not to fast should be considered a mercy from Allah and not a punishment.
Likewise, women should not fast just because they do not want to have to make their fasts up later: health should be the prime consideration in deciding whether or not to fast. Take the fast one day at a time: it is not a competition with others but an act of worship for the sake of Allah Most High.
Of course women who are ill or must take medications during the day need to consult their doctors in order to see if it will be possible for them to fast and to change the schedule of their medications. Discuss the issue with a sheikh if you are not sure about your situation.
Whether a woman misses days of fasting due to menstruation, childbirth, pregnancy, breastfeeding or illness, these missed days should be made up before the next Ramadan comes. Insha’Allah. Depending on her circumstances and on different schools of thought, making up the fast may be as simple as fasting one day for each day missed during Ramadan, or it may require that she feeds one poor person each day either in addition to, or in place of, fasting herself. Women should consult reliable books or scholars to understand their obligations in this regard. Fiqh us-Sunnah by As-Sayyid Sabiq is an excellent source of reliable information on how to make up missed days of fasting.
Understanding and respecting your body’s physical needs and limits during Ramadan will help you to have more energy for taking care of your home, family and other responsibilities
Spiritual preparation is also something that needs to be done before Ramadan comes around – it might seem silly really when you consider we should be spiritually “in tune” 12 months a year. We all seem to get caught up with our hectic schedules and all of a sudden you hear Muslims say: “oh no” Ramadan is in 2 weeks and its “panic time”! Some women busy themselves with spring-cleaning their homes but often we forget to warm up and fine-tune our selves in readiness for this mighty month
Cleanliness – Whenever a guest comes, we prepare in advance for his arrival by vacuuming the carpet, dusting the shelves, and scrubbing the sinks. We should do this for our guest called Ramadan. But the scrubbing should not just be of our physical surroundings; it should include the scrubbing of our sins.
Listen to the words of our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), speaking about those people that don’t want to clean up for Ramadan,
“Whoever doesn’t desist from speaking falsehood and acting upon it, Allah has no need that he desist from his food and drink.“ (Sahih Bukhari)
Fasting in Sha’baan (this Month that we are now in) – The biggest downfall of many Muslims is that they are not properly warmed up for Fasting, some people only do it once a year making their bodies very foreign to going without food and drink.
From here we see the following Sunnah: Umm Al-Mu’mineen Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her)- observes, “Allah’s Messenger never fasted an entire month other than Ramadan and I haven’t seen him fast more than he did in Sha’baan.”
This is a good way to prepare for Ramadan by fasting in the moth before. The Prophet (saws) also fasted Monday and Thursdays every week. We should make fasting something we do all year round not just in Ramadan so it becomes second nature to us.
As for the Prophet (peace be upon him), he used to give glad tidings to his Companions of the coming of Ramadan, like what is narrated from Imam Ahmad and An-Nisaai from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with them), who said: “Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said to his Companions,
‘The month of Ramadan is coming, the blessed month wherein Allah has made fasting binding on you. In it, the gates of Paradise are opened, and in it, the gates of Hell are locked, and the devils are enchained. In it is the beneficent night of a thousand months (i.e. Laylat ul-Qadr). Whoever denies goodness in it has indeed been deprived.’
Ma’la Ibn al-Fadhl said about the Salaf (the pious predecessors): “They used to call upon Allah for six months until Ramadan reached them, then they would call on Him the other six months that Allah may accept it from them.” And Yahya Ibn Abee Katheer said, “Their supplication used to be,
‘O Allah, keep me safe until Ramadan, and make Ramadan faultless for me, and secure it for me as an accepted (month of virtue).’”
The early generations of the Ummah used to make Du’a 6 months after Ramadan that Allah accept their deeds in Ramadan. And for the next 6 months, they would make du’a to Allah to grant them the blessing of being alive in the coming Ramadan.
Some of the many important lessons we learn from Ramadan are:
v Developing Taqwa
Fasting has been legislated in order that we may gain taqwa, as Allah – the Most High – said:
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed upon those before you in order that you may attain taqwa.” [Qur’an al-Baqarah 2:183]
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Fasting is a shield with which the servant protects himself from the Fire.” (Hasan: Ahmad, authenticated by al-Albani in Saheeh ut-Targheeb)
So we should ask ourselves, after each day of fasting: Has this fasting made us more fearful and obedient to Allah? Has it aided us in distancing ourselves from sins and disobedience?
v Seeking Nearness to Allah
“Whosoever reaches the month of Ramadan and does not have his sins forgiven, and so enters the fire, then may Allah distance him.” (Ahmad and al-Bayhaqee)
v Acquiring Patience
What is meant by the month of Patience is the month of Ramadan …so fasting is called patience because it restrains the soul from eating drinking, conjugal relations and sexual desires.” (At-Tamheed of Al Haafidh ibn Abdul Barr)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“O youths! Whoever amongst you is able to marry, then let him do so; for it restrains the eyes and protects the private parts. But whoever is unable, then let him fast, because it will be a shield for him.” (At-Tamheed of Al Haafidh ibn Abdul Barr)
So fasting is a means of learning self-restraint and patience. With patience we are able to strengthen our resolve to worship Allah alone, with sincerity, and also cope with life’s ups and downs. So – for example – with patience we are able to perform our Prayers calmly and correctly, without being hasty, and without merely pecking the ground several times!
With patience we are able to restrain our souls from greed and stinginess and thus give part of our surplus wealth in Zakaah (obligatory charity). With patience we are able to subdue the soul’s ill temperament, and thus endure the ordeal and hardships of Hajj, without losing tempers and behaving badly. Likewise, with patience we are able to stand firm and fight Jihad against the disbelievers, hypocrites and heretics – withstanding their constant onslaught, without wavering and buckling, without despairing or being complacent, and without becoming hasty and impatient at the first sings of hardship. Allah – the Most High – said:
“O Prophet, urge the Believers to fight … So if there are one hundred who are patient, they shall overcome two hundred; and if there be one thousand, they shall overcome two thousand, by the permission of Allah. And Allah is with the patient ones.” [Qur’an al-Anfaal 8:65-66].
Thus, without knowledge and patience, nothing remains, except zeal and uncontrolled emotions, shouts and hollow slogans, speech that does not strengthen, but rather weakness, and actions that do not build, but rather destroy! So in this month, we should strive to develop a firm resolve for doing acts of obedience, and to adorn ourselves with patience – having certainty in the saying of our Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam: “And know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship.” ( Saheeh: Ahmad, at-Tabaraanee in al-Kabeer, authenticated by al-Hilaalee in as-Sabrul Jameel)
v Cultivating Good Manners
Fasting is not merely abstaining from eating and drinking. Rather, it is also abstaining from ignorant and indecent speech. So if anyone abuses or behaves ignorantly with you, then say: I am fasting, I am fasting.” (Saheeh: Ibn Khuzaymah and al-Haakim, who authenticated it.
v Sensing Muslim Unity
As Muslims from all around the world commence Ramadan we realise that we are part of a community our hearts and actions united in pursuing Allah’s pleasure. There are many ahadith mentioning the blessings of breaking the fast together and there is also much reward in feeding a fasting person. So let us unite in this month of Mercy.
So Ramadan – it is that light in the souls of the righteous and the truthful, and in the hearts of the devout and sincere it gives happiness; for it is the month of obedience, and in it there are beautiful reflections for us all. Indeed, it grants victory to the soul over the body and flesh and gives us a wonderful opportunity to straighten ourselves up with our Lord.
During this month of Sha’baan we should find out more about the traditions of the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) related to Ramadan and make a sincere effort to implement them this year. We should also try to purify our hearts and intentions before the commencement of Ramadan to make this fast successful for our families and ourselves. Insha’Allah
Ramadan is also an opportunity to renew relationships that may have been broken during the year and we should try and clear up any disputes or bad feelings with other Muslims so we may start this month a fresh.
So we ask Allah to grant us the ability to change ourselves for the better, during this blessed month, and not to be of those who are prevented from His Mercy and Forgiveness. Indeed He is the One who Hears and He is the One to Respond.
LET’S SEE THE TIPS HOW TO BE PREPARED FOR THE HOLLY MONTH OF RAMADAN?!!
A lot of us yearn to prepare for Ramadan, but we have no idea how to start. Below are a few tips to insha’Allah help prepare our minds and hearts for this upcoming Month of Mercy.
1. Making the Intention
Simple to do and has a powerful impact. Maybe you want to prepare for Ramadan, but between school, work, family, and any other activities, you just have no idea how to fit in ‘Preparing for Ramadan’ time. Instead of making ‘preparing for Ramadan’ something separate from your daily activities, MAKE your daily activities a means of preparation for Ramadan.
For example, perhaps your mom asked you to pick up your brother from school on the day you finally had time to read a few extra pages of Qur’an. Instead of feeling upset and feeling like you have lost a great preparation for Ramadan opportunity, make the intention that you are picking up your brother to please Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala and prepare for Ramadan by obeying your mother, helping your family members, building ties of kinship… and the list continues.
The point is that preparing for Ramadan does not have to be some magnificent, enormous, extra-special thing that needs to be done at a certain time of the day. Many of your daily actions can be turned into Ramadan preparation actions with a sincere intention, insha’Allah.
2. Do these easy-to-reap-reward actions:
Asking Allah to forgive your brothers and sisters. “Whoever seeks forgiveness for believing men and believing woman, Allah will write for him a good deed for each believing man and believing woman.” [at-Tabarani, classed as hasan by al-Albani]
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (r.a) said “The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘Whoever says subhanAllah wa bi hamdih (praise and glory be to Allah) 100 times, morning and evening, his sins will be erased even if they are like the foam on the sea.” Narrated by al-Bukhari, 6042; Muslim 2691
If a person says “SubhanAllah” (glory be to Allah) 100 times, a thousand good deeds are recorded for him and a thousand bad deeds are wiped away. Narrated by Muslim 2073
Remember Allah when you go shopping : “Whoever enters a market and says: ‘Laa ilaha illallah wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu yuhyi wa yumeetu wa huwa hayyun laa yamoot, bi yadihil khair, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shayin qadeer’[there is nothing worthy of worship except Allah, alone without partner, to Him belongs dominion and praise, He causes life and death and He is the Living and does not die. In His Hand is all the good, and He is over all things competent]Allah will write for him/her a million good deeds and erase a million bad deeds and raise him a million levels.” [at-Tirmidhi, classed as hasan by al-Albani]
3. Up your worship
To help condition your heart for this blessed month, intensify your worship before Ramadan begins. Just a small, consistent amount is enough. The Prophet, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam told us:
“The deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.”
For example, if I always pray 2 rakats of sunnah after ishaa, from this day until Ramadan begins- and even through Ramadan, let me make the intention that I will now pray 2 extra rakats of sunnah after ishaa. And every time I pray these extra 2 rakats, which are more than what I normally pray, let me remember that I am doing these with the intention of asking Allah to help me be prepared to strive and exert my utmost effort during Ramadan.
4. Make a duaa list today
This is THE MONTH to ask for EVERYTHING, both related to this life and the Next. Let us not wait until the last 10 nights to make special duaas, and then once Eid passes realize that we had completely forgotten about fifty other things we needed to make duaa for. Let us start making our lists now, and add to it as more things come our way. Insha’Allah this should help us remember to make constant duaa in this month where duaa is accepted, and help our hearts pour out to the One Who can make those duaas happen, subhanahu wa ta’ala.
5. Write out your objectives for Ramadan
Praying all of your fard prayers? Praying all of your sunnahs? Reading the entire Qur’an? Giving $1 charity a day? Making itikaaf in the masjid? Leaving one serious sin that you’ve been trying to get away from for some time now? Sincerely turning completely back to Allah?
Write out a list, put them somewhere you will see them, and make duaa for your success in fulfilling these objectives.
6. Make a plan!
Look at your objectives, and try to make a plan on how to actualize those objectives in this month.
For example, perhaps you are really struggling to pray your sunnah prayers. In this month, realize the enormity of the ajr of praying the sunnah prayers… think that perhaps these sunnahs will be the deeds that will be so heavy on your scale of good deeds when you are intense need of them- on yowm al qiyamah (day of judgement). Therefore, fight to keep doing them all throughout Ramadan. If you can’t pray your 2 rakats after dhur right away, make sure to do them as soon as you get a chance.
Thus, your plan might look something like this:
Objective: Pray all of my fard prayers.
Method: Envision myself on the day of judgment seeing the insha’Allah weight of praying my sunnah consistently during this month. Make sure to pray sunnah salah immediately after salah. If I cannot, do it as soon as the opportunity arises… don’t let myself put it off!
Another example is that of finishing the Qur’an [with Understanding]:
Objective: Finishing the entire Qur’an in this month.
Method: Read 4 pages of the Qur’an after every salah. Make sure you understand it. 5 prayers X 4 pages = 20 pages. 20 pages= about 1 juz. 1 juz X 30= the entire Qur’an.
——-
So many Muslims have passed away since last month. So many people have not made it to Ramadan this year. Last year was their very last Ramadan. Will you make it to this Ramadan? Will this be your last Ramadan?
Aim to strive in this Ramadan. With a very small amount of effort, such as just making a small intention, or adding a few extra acts of worship, we pray that Allah will help our hearts soften and honor us with making it easy to turn to Him and open up to Him.
May Allah make us of the successful in Ramadan, and make it easy for us to turn to Him completely and perpetually. Ameen.
[The Tips] Compiled by: Shadman Saquib
How to do Dawah?
“Waste no time debating what a good Muslim should be. Be one!”
Respecting our differences,
by: Muhammad Alshareef
Imam Malik one day entered the Masjid (The Mosque) after Asr.
Towards the front of Masjid An-Nabawee he drew closer and sat down.
Prophet Mohammd (PBUH) had commanded that anyone who enters the Masjid should not sit until he first prays 2 rakas as a salutation of the Masjid. Imam Malik was of the opinion however that
Prophet Mohammd (PBUH)‘s forbiddance of praying after Asr took precedence and so he would teach his students to not pray the tahiyyatul Masjid if they entered between the Asr and Maghrib time. At that moment that Imam Malik sat down, a young boy had seen him sit without first praying the 2 raka’s of Tahiyyatul Masjid. The young boy scorned him,
“Get up and pray 2 rakas!”
Imam Malik dutifully stood up once again and began praying the 2 rakas. The students sat stunned: What was going on? Had Imam Malik’s opinion changed?
After he had completed the salah, the students swarmed around and questioned his actions. Imam Malik said, “My opinion has not changed, nor have I gone back on what I taught you earlier. I merely feared that had I not prayed the 2 rakas as the young boy commanded, Allah may include me in the Ayah…
“And when it is said to them, ‘Bow (in prayer)’, they do not bow.” – Surrah- Al Mursalat [77:48].
Imam Ahmad held the opinion that eating camel meat nullifies ones Wudhu, an opinion that the majority of scholars differed from. Some students asked him, “If you find an Imam eating camel meat in front of you and – without first making Wudu – then leads the Salah, would you pray behind him?” Imam Ahmad replied, “Do you think I would not pray behind the likes of Imam Malik and Sa’eed ibn Al-Musayyab?”
Allah created humans with differences. It is the law of creation. Different tongues, different colors, different cultures…all that on the outside. On the inside, humans were created with many degrees of knowledge, intellect, and comprehension of concepts. This is all a sign of Allah’s all encompassing power to do whatever He wills:
“And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colors: verily in that are signs for those who know.” [30:22]
Humans shall differ, that is not the issue. The issue is: How as a Muslim should one confront these differences of opinions and what should be our relationship with someone of a different opinion.
Allah ta’ala commanded us to call and advise people in this Deen of Al-Islam. Many Muslims set off on this mission blindfolded, not realizing that the map was there in the Qur’an also. In fact, in the very same verse where Allah commanded us to call and advise people in this Deen, Allah taught us how to do it. Read the following verse carefully:
“Invite (fi’l Amr – Allah is commanding) to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction and argue with them in a way that is best! “
[Surrah An-Nahl 16:125].
There is no need to philosophize. No need to talk in the flower gardens. It is right there, plain and simple for anyone who would take heed.
There in that Ayah are the three ingredients to apply when we disagree with someone. The same Allah that taught us to debate the truth, taught us how to do it:
1 – With Hikmah (wisdom)
2 – With good instruction, and
3 – To argue in a way that is best.
What does it mean to have Hikmah when differing with someone? The grandsons of Rasul Allah(saw) once set one of the most beautiful examples of Hikmah in advising others. Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn – in their young age – once saw a senior man performing Wudu incorrectly. Together they arranged a plan to teach the man without insulting him, advising him in a manner befitting of his age.
Together they went to the senior and announced, “My brother and I have differed over who amongst us performs Wudu the best. Would you mind being the judge to determine which one of us indeed performs Wudu more correctly.”
The man watched intently as the two grandsons of Rasul Allah performed Wudu in an explicit manner. After they had completed, he thanked them and said, “By Allah, I did not know how to perform Wudu before this. You have both taught me how to do it correctly.”
We must understand that there are two dimensions to Hikmah. Firstly, there is the Hikmah of knowledge – Hikmah Ilmiyyah. And secondly, there is the Hikmah of Action – Hikmah Amaliyyah.
Some people may have Hikmah of knowledge. But we see that when they try correcting others, advising them, they lack the Hikmah of Action. This causes many a common folk to reject the Hikmah of knowledge.
To illustrate this hikmah of knowledge without Hikmah of action, a brother once completed the Salah in a local Masjid and then proceeded to shake hands with the people on his right and left. The brother to his immediate right slapped his hand and snapped, “That is not part of the Sunnah!” The man replied most correctly, “Oh, is disrespect and insult part of the Sunnah?”
To show Hikmah when we differ requires the following:
Sincerity:
One: If we differ, our intentions should be that we are differing in the sincere hope of coming away with the truth.
Our intentions should be sincere to Allah.
We should not differ just to release some hate or envy in our heart. We should not differ to embarrass someone like we may have been embarrassed.
Prophet Mohammd (PBUH) said, “Whoever learns knowledge – knowledge from that which should be sought for the sake of Allah – only to receive a commodity of the material world, he shall not find the fragrance of jannah on the day of resurrection.”
– An authentic hadith narrated by Abu Dawood in Kitab Al-Ilm.
Kindness and Gentleness:
Two: To have Hikmah when differing means we should rarely depart from an atmosphere of kindness and gentleness, we should seldom allow ourselves to become angry and raise our voices.
Fir’own (Pharaoh) was one of the evilest people that lived. Musa was one of the noblest.
Look at how Allah told Musa to advise Fir’own(Pharaoh)…
“Go, both of you, to Fir’own. Indeed, he has transgressed. And speak to him with gentle speech, perhaps he may remember or fear (Allah).”
A man once entered upon the Khalifah and chastised him for some policies he had taken. The Khalifah replied, “By Allah, Fir’own was more eviler than me. And by Allah, Musa was more pious than you.
Yet, Allah commanded him…’And speak to him with gentle speech, perhaps he may remember or fear (Allah).'”
Take Your Time and Clarify:
Three: To have Hikmah when dealing with others is to be patient and clarify things before snapping to conclusions.
Imam Ahmad narrates with his chain of narrators leading to Ibn Abbas who said, “A man from Bani Saleem passed by a group of the Prophet’s companions. (At that time of war) The man said ‘as salamu alaykum’ to them. The companions concluded that he only said ‘as salamu alaykum’ to them as a deception to save himself from being caught.
They surrounded him and Malham ibn Juthaamah killed him. From that event Allah revealed the verse...
“O you who have believed, when you go forth (to fight) in the cause of Allah, investigate, and do not say to one who gives you (a greeting of peace), “You are not a believer,” Aspiring for the goods of worldly life; for with Allah are many acquisitions. You (yourselves) were like that before; then Allah conferred His favor (i.e. guidance) upon you, so investigate. Indeed, Allah is ever with what you do, acquainted.”
[- Surah AnNisa, 4:94]. From Tafseer Ibn Katheer.
Speak Kindly:
Fourthly: Never trade in kind words for harshness, especially when dealing with other Muslims.
Look at the power of a sincere and polite word: Mus’ab ibn Umayr was the first of ambassador of Rasul Allah in Madinah. Before Rasul Allah had arrived in Madinah, Mus’ab taught ahl al-Madinah about Islam and they began to enter the Deen.
This enraged Sa’d ibn ‘Ubaadah, one of the chieftains of Madinah. He sheathed his sword and set off for the head of Mus’ab ibn ‘Umayr. When he confronted Mus’ab he threatened, “Stop this nonsense you speak or you shall find yourself dead!”
Mus’ab replied in the way that should be a lesson for us all. This man before him did not stop at rudeness and ignorance, he wanted to slit his throat.
Mus’ab said, “Shall you not sit and listen for a few moments. If you agree with what I say then take it, and if not, we shall desist from this talk.” Sa’d sat down.
Mus’ab spoke about Allah and His messenger until the face of Sa’d ibn Ubaadah’s face shone like a full moon and he said, “What should a person do who wishes to enter into this Deen?” After Mus’ab had told him he said, “There is a man, if he accepts this Deen, there shall be no home in Madinah that will not become Muslim. Sa’d ibn Mu’aadh.”
When Sa’d ibn Mu’aadh heard what was happening, he was infuriated. He left his home to go and kill this man called Mus’ab ibn Umayr for the dissention he had caused. He entered upon Mus’ab and announced, “You shall desist of this religion you speak of or you shall find yourself dead!”
Mus’ab replied, “Shall you not sit and listen for a few moments. If you agree with what I say then take it, and if not, I shall desist from this talk.” Sa’d sat.
Mus’ab spoke about Allah and His messenger until the face of Sa’d ibn Mu’aadh’s face shone like a full moon and he said, “What should a person do who wishes to enter into this Deen?”
Look at what a kind word did. Sa’d ibn Mu’aadh went home to his Madinan tribe that night and announced to them all, “Everything of yours is Haram upon me until you all enter into Islam.”
That night, every home in Madinah went to bed with Laa ilaaha illa Allah…all because of a kind word.
Part II: Who wins?
Mu’aawiyah ibn al-Hakam al-Salami. When he came to Madeenah from the desert, he did not know that it was forbidden to speak during the salaah. He relates: “Whilst I was praying behind the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), a man sneezed, so I said ‘Yarhamuk Allaah (may Allaah have mercy on you).’ The people glared at me, so I said, ‘May my mother lose me! What is wrong with you that you are looking at me?’ They began to slap their thighs with their hands, and when I saw that they were indicating that I should be quiet, I stopped talking (i.e., I nearly wanted to answer them back, but I controlled myself and kept quiet).
When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had finished praying – I have never seen a better teacher than him before or since – he did not scold me or hit me or put me to shame. He just said, ‘This prayer should contain nothing of the speech of men; it is only tasbeeh and takbeer and recitation of the Qur’aan.'”
(Saheeh Muslim, ‘Abd al-Baaqi edn., no. 537).
Islam showed us how to differ with one another. Some people think that we should never differ at all and all disagreements should be avoided. Nay, this is an incorrect assumption, for the Qur’an and Sunnah show clearly that when a mistake is made it should be corrected. Indeed helping others do what is right is a requirement of the Deen, sincere Naseeha.
We see when Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) turned away from AbdAllah ibn Umm Maktoom, the blind man, Allah corrected him in the Qur’an…
“(The Prophet) frowned and turned away, Because there came to him the blind man But what could tell you that perchance he might become pure (from sins)? Or that he might receive admonition, and that the admonition might profit him?”
[- surah Abasa, 1:4]
When Haatib ibn Abi Balta’ah (may Allaah be pleased with him) made the mistake of writing to the kuffaar of Quraysh and informing them of the direction in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was headed on a military campaign against them, Allaah revealed the words:
“O you who believe! Take not My enemies and your enemies as friends…” [- Surah Mumtahinah:1]
And so on. Thus we learn that when a mistake happens it should be corrected. However, the method of correction is what needs our attention.
Whenever Muslims argue, it is as if each party carries a banner of: ‘I must win and you must lose!’ Careful study of the Sunnah however shows us that this is not always the case with the way Rasul Allah acted. Consider the following examples:
“I lose and you win!”
A Bedouin came to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and told him, “Give me from what Allah gave you, not from the wealth of your mother nor from the wealth of your father.” The Sahaabah were furious at the man and step forward to discipline him for what he said. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) commanded everyone to leave him.
Then by the hand, Rasul Allah took him home, opened his door and said, “Take what you wish and leave what you wish.” The man did so and after he completed, Rasul Allah asked him, “Have I honored you?” “Yes, by Allah,” said the Bedouin. “Ash hadu an laa ilaaha illa Allah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadar Rasul Allah.” (Meaning he embraced Islam)
When the Sahabah heard of how the man changed, Rasul Allah taught them. “Verily the example of myself, you and this Bedouin is that of a man who had his camel run away. The townspeople tried capturing the camel for him by running and shouting after the camel, only driving it further away. The man would shout, ‘Leave me and my camel, I know my camel better.’ Then he took some grass in his hand, ruffled it in front of the camel, until it came willingly.
‘By Allah, had I left you to this Bedouin, you would have hit him, hurt him, he would have left without Islam and eventually have entered hellfire.”
“I win and you lose!”
A Muslim should not have an apologetic stance to everything he is confronted with. There are times when the truth must be said, when there is no room for flattery.
When the Makhzoomi women – a women from an affluent family – stole, people approached Rasul Allah to have her punishment canceled. Rasul Allah became very angry and stood on the pulpit and announced, “By Allah, had Fatima the daughter of Muhammad stole I would have cut her hand off.”
No room for flattery, the truth must be stood up for. It is here that the etiquette of disagreement that we talked earlier about should shine.
“I win and you win!”
There doesn’t always have to be a loser. We see in many cases that Rasul Allah gave a way out for the people he differed with.
When he sent the letter to Caesar, he said in it, “Become Muslim and you shall be safe, Allah shall give you your reward double!”
He did not say surrender or die! Nothing of the sort. Become Muslim and you shall win, rather your victory shall be double.
I shall end with this shining example of how to act with other Muslims from our role model, Abu Bakr:
Abu Bakr once disputed with another companion about a tree. During the dispute Abu Bakr said something that he rather would not have said. He did not curse, he did not attack someone’s honor, he did not poke a fault in anyone, all he said was something that may have hurt the other companion’s feelings.
Immediately, Abu Bakr – understanding the mistake – ordered him, “Say it back to me!” The companion said, “I shall not say it back.” “Say it back to me,” said Abu Bakr, “Or I shall complain to the Messenger of Allah.” The companion refused to say it back and went on his way.
Abu Bakr went to Rasul Allah and related what had happened and what he said. Rasul Allah called that companion and asked him, “Did Abu Bakr say so and so to you?” He said, “Yes.” He said, “What did you reply.” He said, “I did not reply it back to him.” Rasul Allah said, “Good, do not reply it back to him (do not hurt Abu Bakr). Rather say, ‘May Allah forgive you O Abu Bakr!'”
The Companion turned to Abu Bakr and said, “May Allah forgive you O Abu Bakr! May Allah forgive you O Abu Bakr!”
Abu Bakr turned and cried as he walked away.
Let us leave today with a resolve to revive this air Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and his companions breathed, an air of mercy and love and brotherhood.
Dua, weapon of the Believer
DEFINITION OF DUAA:
Requesting ALLAH”s personal attention by means of supplication and innovation for fulfillment of one”s personal needs directly from ALLAH himself. Therefore, the need to turn to ALLAH is in simple words, DUAA.
Allah Almighty says in the Qur’an
“When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me.” [2:186]
The place of duaa is so high to Allah, that the Prophet had said: “Nothing is more honourable to Allah the Most High than du`a.” [Sahih al-Jami` no.5268].
He also said: “The most excellent worship is du`a.” [Sahih Al-Jami` no. 1133];
and in order to warn those who are arogant, or careless in making duaa, the Prophet said: “The most incapable person is the one who does not make du`a, and the most miserly person is the one who does not give salaam.” [Sahih Al-Jami` no. 1055],
and further, said: “If one does not ask Allah, He will get angry with him.” [Sahih al-Jami` no.2414]
Allah is the Glorious and the Mighty, the answerer of every person in need and every person with a request. Indeed Allah is free of all wants, and He is answerable to non. We have no other god, but Him, whilst He has many servants other than us. Indeed Allah has revealed:
“O mankind! It is you who stand in need of Allah, but Allah is Rich (Free of all wants and needs), Worthy of All Praise.” [Qur’an 35:15]
So to fulfill our needs and wants, we must call on Him. Making Du’a to Allah, is a recognition of our weakness and His greatness. The Prophet had said: “Ask Allah for everything, even the lace of your shoes. If Allah does not provide, it will never be available.” [Ibn al-Sunni, no. 349 – hasan. Supported by: at-Tirmidhi 4/298 and others.]
And let not there be anyone who says: “… my Lord won’t answer my prayer, because of this and that.. or because of so and so..”. No! Indeed Allah is the Most Generous King. Is there anyone who met a king, and praised and glorified him, and then asked, yet the request was not granted? So what about Allah, the King of the Heavens and the Earth – who has total control over your life, your wealth and your future. Why would He not grant you your request?
Indeed, our beloved Prophet had said: “Verily your Lord is the One modest and Generous, and when His servant raises his hands to Him in supplication, He is diffident (in some wordings, shy or hesitant) from returning them empty.”
[Ahmad, Abu Dawud and at-Tirmidhi – Hasan]
Benefits of Dua:
There are several consequences:
a) It increases the faith of the supplicant, who acknowledges the fact that Allah (SWT) is Omnipotent, Omnipresent and is the ultimate recourse.
b)It gives hope and the strength to the distressed soul, and saves from despair.
c) It brings the supplicant closer to the Creator, strengthening the bond between them.
d) It increases humility, which in turn increases piety.
e) It curbs ego and vanity.[/size]
MEANING OF ACCEPTANCE:
Ubaadah Ibne Saamit Radhiallhhu anhu has reported that Messenger of Allah sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, ” WHENEVER A MUSLIM MAKES DUAA TO ALLAH, HE ACCEPTS HIS DUAA, OR AVERTS ANY SIMILAR KIND OF TROUBLE FROM HIM.” Upon this the companions of Prophet of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Then we shall supplicate most frequently”.
Thereupon the Messenger of ALLAH (P.B.U.H) said: “ALLAH IS THE BESTOWER OF THINGS IN ABUNDANCE.”
DUAA FOR OTHERS:
When a Muslim prays for others in their absence, the angel says,” The same be for you too!” The duaa of a Muslim for others is responded to, as long as he makes duaa for goodness and blessings.
CLOSENESS TO ALLAH:
A servant becomes nearest to his Lord when he is in Prostration, So increase duaa in prostration i.e. in Sajda.
TIME OF ACCEPTANCE:
A duaa made during the mid night and after the conclusion of the compulsory Salaat (farz Namaaz), (Fardh Prayer), Before Iftar of RadamanFast, And After Adhan (Calling for prayer).
DUAA NOT TO ASK FOR:
Do not invoke curses on yourself, your children or your possessions,lest you should happen to do it at a time which may coincide with the time of acceptance of duaa, thus duaa might be granted.”
DUAS
1> O ALLAH!
GRANT US GOODNESS IN THIS WORLD AND GOODNESS IN THE WORLD HEREAFTER AND SAVE US FROM THE FIRE OF JAHANNAM.
2>O ALLAH!
FORGIVE ME. HAVE MERCY ON ME. GUIDE ME AND FOREBEAR FROM ME AND PROVIDE ME WITH SUSTENANCE AND SALVATION, AAMEEN YARABAL ALAMEEN.
Best Advice for Muslims…
The wise Muslim should realise that his lifespan is limited and that he will not live on earth for ever; he is going to meet his Lord, Who will ask him about his youth and how he spent it, and about his life and what he did. So let the wise one look at the early generations of this ummah and its scholars, and think about how they thought about time and their lifespan.
The one who cannot control himself on Facebook and similar sites should refrain from joining them. Joining them is permissible for the one who acts in accordance with the shar‘i guidelines by controlling himself and not following his whims and desires, and who joins them so that he can benefit himself and others others.
By (the Token of) Time (through the ages), Verily Man is in loss, Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy. The Noble Qur’an (103:1-3)
Ibn Abbas (Radiallahu Anhu) narrated that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said:
“There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) health and free time for doing good.” (Sahih Bukhari 8/421)
Helping Poor In Islam
Do something great today. If you REALLY wanted to, today, you could save a life!
If you REALLY wanted to, today, you could ease the burden of an entire village.
If you REALLY wanted to, today, you could be someone’s real life hero.
You have the means to REALLY make a difference. Don’t just think about doing something good or just talk about it… just do it!
There is nothing stopping you.
You have the ability & you have the power, now just use it! Don’t go to sleep tonight before you’ve done something great today!
“Avoid cruelty and injustice…and guard yourselves against miserliness, for this has ruined nations who lived before you.” Riyadh-us-Salaheen, Hadith 203.
Quran Chapter 107 –
Quran Translation of Surah Al-Maun (Alms Giving)
1. Have you seen him who denies the Recompense?
2. That is he who repulses the orphan (harshly),
3. And urges not the feeding of AlMiskeen (the poor),
4. So woe unto those performers of Salat (prayers) (hypocrites),
5. Who delay their Salat (prayer) from their stated fixed times,
6. Those who do good deeds only to be seen (of men),
7. And refuse Al-Maoon (small kindnesses e.g. salt, sugar, water, etc.).
Please my dear brothers ans sister help Orphans, help poor and needy as Prophet Mohammad (PBUH); said helping poor & needy is better than praying 1 month in his Masjid (Masjid e Nabwi) we all know how much reward it is to pray in Medina.
ISLAM is all about helping others…..
Islam: a complete code of life
Islam: a complete code of life
Islam is an all-embracing way of life. It extends over the entire spectrum of life, showing us how to conduct all human activities in a sound and wholesome manner. It does not allow a hierarchy of priests or intermediaries between Allaah and human beings, no farfetched abstractions and no complicated rites and rituals.
Everybody can readily understand the Quran and follow in the footsteps of the Prophet , to the best of his or her ability, assured by Allaah that He will accept the deeds that each soul has the ability to offer (what means): “On no soul does Allaah place a burden greater than it can bear.”
[Quran 2:286]
When we read the Quran or the Prophetic traditions, we find instructions regarding all aspects of life: political, social, economic, material, ethical, national and international. These instructions provide us with all the details needed to perform a certain act.
The Prophetic traditions go as far as showing us all the steps we need to follow, even the etiquette of using the bathroom: supplications to be said upon entering it and leaving it, how to clean ourselves properly and so on.
To summarize, Islam governs a Muslim’s life in all its aspects. This is the reason why it is not only a religion but also a way of life.
Islam does not recognize any kind of separation between religion and life. It openly rejects the Western saying: “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and unto God what is God’s”; for everything should be dedicated to God alone and a Muslim is required to submit himself completely to the Will of Allaah in all his affairs (what means): “Say: ‘Truly, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. No partner has He: this am I commanded, and I am the first of those who submit to His Will.’” [Quran 6:162]
Islam does not believe in wishful thinking. It clearly states that righteous conduct must be followed by belief in Allaah. The Quran says (what means): “For those who believe and work deeds of righteousness is a reward that will never (fail).”
[Quran 41:8]
And (what means):“Those who believe and work righteousness, joy is for them and a blissful place of (final) return.”
[Quran 13:29]
Islam, as the revealed Religion from Allaah, is comprehensive and perfect. Its Divine Book, the Quran, is the most comprehensive book available to mankind for guidance ¾ nothing has been omitted from it.
In order to guide mankind to the Right Religion, Allaah has completed His Divine Favor upon us by making Islam the Perfect Religion. The last message that Allaah has sent to His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad for our Divine Guidance is the perfection of Islam.
As we mentioned above, when we read the Quran or the Prophetic traditions, we find instructions regarding all aspects of life. The following are some Quranic verses and Ahaadeeth (traditions), which reflect the comprehensiveness of Islamic economic, social, religious and cultural values.
Fair/Honest Dealing in Trading, Buying and Selling
Allaah Says (what means): “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allaah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: and fear Allaah. For Allaah is well-acquainted with all that you do.” [Quran 5:8]
Hakim bin Hizam narrated that Allaah’s Messenger said: “The seller and the buyer have the right to keep or return goods as long as they have not parted or till they part; and if both the parties spoke the truth and described the defects and qualities (of the goods), then they would be blessed in their transaction, and if they told lies or hid something, then the blessings of their transaction would be lost.” [Al-Bukhaari]
Weighing/ Measuring of Goods for Business
Allaah Says (what means): “Give full measure when you measure, and weigh with an even
(i.e., honest) balance. That is the best (way) and best in result.” [Quran 17:35]
Prohibition of Bribery
Allaah Says (what means): “And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it (in bribery) to the rulers in order that (they might aid) you (to) consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know (it is unlawful).” [Quran 2:188]
‘Abdullaah bin ‘Amr bin al-’Aas narrated that he heard Allaah’s Messenger saying: “Fornication will not appear among any people without their being punished by famine, and bribery will not appear among any people without their being punished by terror.” [At-Tirmithi]
Avoidance of Hoarding and Monopoly
The Prophet, sallallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Do not withhold your money by counting it (i.e. hoarding it), (for if you did so), Allaah would also withhold His blessings from you.” [Al-Bukhaari]
Paying Salaries/Wages of Employees/Laborers on Time
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “Allaah says: ‘I will be against three persons on the Day of Resurrection: 1. One who makes a covenant in My Name, but he proves treacherous; 2. One who sells a free person (as a slave) and eats the price; and 3. One who employs a laborer and gets the full work done by him but does not pay him his wages.’” [Al-Bukhaari]
Prohibition for Fighting/Murder and Other Crimes
Allaah’s Messenger said: “When two Muslims fight (meet) each other with their swords, both the murderer as well as the murdered will go to Hell-fire.” It was said: “O Allaah’s Messenger! It is all right for the murderer but what about the murdered? Allaah’s Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam replied: “He surely had the intention to kill his companion.’” [Al-Bukhaari]
Peace and Reconciliation
Allaah Says (what means): “The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allaah; for Allaah loves not those who do wrong.” [Quran 42:40]
Respect and Kindness to Women
Allaah Says (what means): “O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should you treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the dower you have given them, except where they have been guilty of open lewdness. On the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity if you take a disliking to them it may be that you dislike a thing, and Allaah brings about through it a great deal of good.” [Quran 4:19]
Kindness to the Family, Parents, Relatives, Orphans, the Poor, the Needy and the Weak
Allaah Says (what means): “…Treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer; and give zakaah (poor due)…” [Quran 2:83]
Respect to Non-Muslims (People of the Book, Who believe in God)
Allaah Says (what means): “And dispute not with the People of the Book, except in the best way; unless it be with those of them who do wrong but say: ‘We believe in the Revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; our God and your God is One; and it is to Him we submit (in Islam).’” [Quran 29:46]Conclusion
This compilation, although far from being complete, proves that Islam as the perfect religion for the whole mankind is indeed complete. Allaah Almighty has chosen Islam as the only religion acceptable to Him. Islam is the best way of life for all. It serves as the best solution to all sorts of problems no matter how perplexing they may be. Islam is the absolute answer to those who seek a perfect religion and a complete way of life. It guides us to a well-balanced life, one that makes us happy and contented in this world and in the life Hereafter. It is the way to attaining supreme success in the everlasting world to come. In short, Islam, as the complete way for all, is Allaah’s Mercy to the whole of mankind.
Women Rights in Islam – (1) Mothers’ Rights
Women Rights in Islam – (1) Mothers’ Rights
Islam has greatly emphasized the topic of affectionate, caring, devoting and respecting the parents, the mother and the father. In our babyhood and childhood, we essentially required the defense, feel affection, development and cultivation from our parents. On the other hand, when our parents become old, they need us to look after them and take care of them.
For more than 1400 years ago, the Prophet Muhammad said:” The paradise is under the feet of the mothers”.
“Your Lord has decreed that you shall not worship (anyone) but Allah and that you be kind and good to the parents. If either or both of them reach old age while they are with you, say not to them a word of contempt, (so much as) ‘Ugh’ nor chide them, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor and generous words. And, out of kindness and mercy, lower for them ‘the wings of humility’ out of mercy; and pray; and say ‘O my Lord! Bestow on them thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood. ” (Surah 17:23-24).
This means not saying anything that may contain the slightest hint of irritation. [The word ‘uff’ (like ‘Ugh’) in the verse, translated here as ‘a word of disrespect’] comes from the word ‘aff’, which is similar to the word ‘taff’; both words refer to the dirt that collects under fingernails, and [in Arabic] when one is annoyed and fed up with something, one says ‘uff!’ to it.
Mother’ Rights is three times than father’!
Nevertheless, out of the two parents, the mother has been given superior preference as far as compassion and sympathy is concerned.
This story illustrates that:
A man came to the Prophet Muhammad and asked:
The man:” To whom should I be kind?”
The Prophet replied, “Your mother.”
The man asked, “Then to whom?”
The Prophet said, “Your mother.”
The man asked, “Then to whom?”
The Prophet replied, “Your mother.”
Then the man asked the fourth time that, “Then to whom?”
The Prophet replied, “Your father.”
This give you an idea about that the right of mother upon the children is three times more than the rights of father as far as kindness, compassion and sympathy are concerned.
The indispensable mother,
Listen to Imam Ali Ben Hussein, the great-grandson of the Prophet, who said:
“Coming to the rights of relatives, it is the right of your mother that you:
– Should appreciate that she carried you (in her uterus) as nobody carries anybody,
– And fed you the fruits of her heart which nobody feeds anybody,
-and protected you (during pregnancy) with her ears, hands, legs, hair, limbs, with her whole being, gladly, cheerfully and carefully; suffering patiently all the fears, pains, difficulties and sorrowfulness (of pregnancy), till the hand of Allah separate you from her and brought you into this world.”
-”Then she was most happy feeding you, even if she herself had no clothes; giving you milk and water; not caring for her own thirst; keeping you in the shade, even if she had to suffer from the heat of the sun; giving you every comfort with her own hardship; lulling you to sleep while keeping herself awake.”
“And remember that
Her uterus was your home,
And her lap your refuge,
And her breast your feeder,
And her whole existence your protection;
It was she, not you, who was braving the heat and cold of this world for your safety.”
“Therefore, you must remain thankful, grateful and indebted to her accordingly”
What a piece of art that should be taught and educated to all the kids in schools!
You will be asked about womb
O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord, who created you from a single Person, created, of like nature, his mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women; fear Allah, through Whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (the uterus that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you. (Surah 4:1)
This means that you are going to be asked about what you have done to the uterus which gave you the life (i.e. your mother)
What if the mother is non believer or agnostic?
Allah says: “And Allah have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years – give thanks to ME and to your parents, – unto Me is the final destination. But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not, but behave with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance and in obedience. Then to ME will be your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do.” (Surah 31:14-15)
Allah has obligated the good treatment of parents that are agnostic. Giving them respect and kindness, in spite of the heinous sin which they are telling their child to commit, which is the crime of associating something in worship with Allah. What then do you think is the case with Muslim parents, especially if they are righteous?
By Allah, their rights are among the most important and most certain rights, and fulfilling these rights in a proper manner is one of the most difficult and most important duties. The one who is guided to do this is truly guided, and the one who is not helped to do this is truly deprived.
Be devoted to your parents
Allah has commanded us to treat our parents well and He has linked this to the command to worship Him and the prohibition of associating anything in worship with Him. The rights of the mother in this regard have been emphasized more than those of the father.
“And remember We took a Covenant from the Children of Israel (to this effect): worship none but Allah; treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer; And practice regular charity. Then did ye turn back, except a few among you, and ye backslide (even now).” (Surah 2:83].
This means treating them with respect and kindness, and lowering the wing of humility to them, not answering them harshly or glaring at them, not raising one’s voice to them, but being as humble towards them as a slave towards his master.
You have to be patient with your mother and put up with the harsh treatment on her part, which at times maybe upsetting to you. By treating her with respect and dealing with her kindly, you will earn her good pleasure and love. Try to avoid things that will provoke her and make her angry, even if they are in your interests, without causing harm to yourself.
The mother’s rights over her child
The mother has rights throughout her life and also when she died
The mother has many major rights over her child. These rights are innumerable, but we may conclude her the following:
(1) Love and respect, as much as possible, because she is the most deserving of people of her son’s good companionship.
(2) Taking care of her and looking after her affairs if she needs that; this is a debt that rests on the child’s shoulders. Did she not take care of him when he was a child and stay up with him at night and bear it all with patience?
“We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents: in pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth. The carrying of the (child) to his weaning is (a period of) thirty months. At length, when he reaches the age of full strength and attains forty years, he says: “O my Lord! Grant me that I may be grateful for Thy favor which Thou hast bestowed upon me, and upon both my parents, and that I may work righteousness such as Thou mayest approve; and be gracious to me in my issue. Truly have I turned to Thee and truly do I bow (to Thee) in Islam.” (Surah 46:15)
(3) Not offending her or saying or doing anything that they dislike.
If Allah has forbidden us even to say “uff” [paraphrased as “a word of disrespect” in the translation of the meaning of the verse] to our parents, then how about someone who hits them?!
(4) Spending on her if she is in need and does not have a husband who can spend on her or if her husband is poor; for the righteous, spending on one’s mother and feeding her is more precious than feeding their own children.
(5) Obeying her when she tells you to do something good. But if she tells you to do something bad, such as shirk, then there should be no obedience to any created being if it involves disobedience to the Creator.
However, still the mother has rights after her death
(1) After one’s mother dies, it is essential to fulfill any vows that she had made, and to give charity and perform good things on her behalf.
(2) After she dies, it is also mandatory to honor her by maintaining ties with those whom she used to keep in touch with, such as her relatives and friends.
And herein is the golden saying about the mother’ rights in few words,
The mother is your way to the heaven
For more than 1400 years ago, the Prophet Muhammad said:” The paradise is under the feet of the mothers”.
These are the mothers’ rights in Islam.
Excellence of Good Hopes
Excellence of Good Hopes
Allah, the Exalted, says:
“(And the man who believed said:) `… and my affair I leave it to Allah. Verily, Allah is the All-Seer of (His) slaves.’ So Allah saved him from the evils that they plotted (against him)”. (40:44,45)
440. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Allah says: `I am just as My slave thinks of Me when he remembers Me.’ By Allah! Allah is more pleased with the repentance of His slave than one of you who unexpectedly finds in the desert his lost camel. `He who comes closer to Me one span, I come closer to him a cubit; and he who comes closer to Me a cubit, I come closer to him a fathom; and if he comes to Me walking, I come to him running”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith highlights the merits of expecting good treatment of Allah. But this has to be backed by good actions, in the same way as one can hope for good results after ploughing and sowing seeds. It is obvious that one who accomplishes good deeds will expect good consequences, and one who does evil deeds will expect evil consequences. Allah will treat people according to their expectation that are founded on their actions, and the reward will match their deeds.
441. Jabir bin `Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Prophet (PBUH) saying three days before his death: “Let none of you die unless he has good expectations from Allah”. [Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith also tells us that one should always perform good deeds because no one knows the time of his death. At the time of death one must entertain hope for Allah’s Pardon and Mercy which cannot be possible without good actions. Thus, this Hadith conveys the same meanings of the following Ayah:
“And die not except in a state of Islam (as Muslims)”. (3:102).
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Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Allah, the Exalted, has said: `O son of adam, I forgive you as long as you pray to Me and hope for My forgiveness, whatever sins you have committed. O son of ‘Adam, I do not care if your sins reach the height of the heaven, then you ask for my forgiveness, I would forgive you. O son of ‘Adam, if you come to Me with an earth load of sins, and meet Me associating nothing to Me, I would match it with an earthload of forgiveness.”’
[At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary:
1. What it really means is that if sins of a Muslim, committed in ignorance and carelessness, become so numerous that in stacks touch the heights of skies, he should not lose hope in Allah’s Mercy. If he repents wholeheartedly for his sins, makes penitence for them and begs Allah’s forgiveness, he will certainly find Allah’s Mercy open for him.
2. Shirk (polytheism) is an absolutely unpardonable sin. All other sins, how many and how grave they may be, can be forgiven by Allah. He will pardon them if He likes and send the sinful persons straight to Jannah, or keep them for a while in Hell and then shift them to Jannah. In any case, the punishment of Hell will not be eternal for them, as it is for the Mushriks (polytheist).
Allah, the Exalted, says:
“Say: O `Ibadi (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: verily, Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful”. (39:53)
“And never do We requit in such a way except those who are ungrateful (disbelievers)”. (34:17)
‘(Say:) `Truly, it has been revealed to us that the torment will be for him who denies (believes not in the Oneness of Allah, and in His Messengers), and turns away (from the truth and obedience of Allah)”. (20:48)
“And My Mercy embraces all things”. (7:156)
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Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, “When Allah created the creatures, He wrote in the Book, which is with Him over His Throne: `Verily, My Mercy prevailed over My Wrath”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Another narration is: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “(Allah wrote) `My Mercy dominated My Wrath”.
Still another narration is: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “(Allah wrote) `My Mercy surpasses My Wrath”.
Commentary: Imam Al-Khattabi states that here the word “Kitab” (translated here as `Book’) means the decision of Almighty Allah which He has already made, an instance of which is the following Verse of the Noble Qur’an:
“Allah has decreed: `Verily, it is I and My Messengers who shall be the victorious”. (58:21).
In this Ayah the Arabic word “Kataba” is used in the sense of “Qada’ (decided);” or the word “Kataba” signifies “Lauh Mahfooz” on which He has recorded everything. Almighty Allah is on the ‘Arsh’ (the Throne of Allah) and this Book is with Him. (Fath Al-Bari, Kitab At-Tauhid, Bab: Wa kana Arshuhu `alal-Ma’.)
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Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Allah has divided mercy into one hundred parts; and He retained with Him ninety-nine parts, and sent down to earth one part. Through this one part creatures deal with one another with compassion, so much so that an animal lifts its hoof over its young lest it should hurt it”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Another narration is: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Allah has one hundred mercies, out of which He has sent down only one for jinn, mankind, animals and insects, through which they love one another and have compassion for one another; and through it, wild animals care for their young. Allah has retained ninety-nine mercies to deal kindly with His slaves on the Day of Resurrection.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Another narration in Muslim is reported: by Salman Al-Farisi: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Allah has hundred mercies, out of which one mercy is used by his creation for mutual love and affection. Ninety-nine mercies are kept for the Day of Resurrection.”
Another narration is: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Allah created one hundred units of mercy on the Day He created the heavens and the earth. Each one of them can contain all that is between the heaven and the earth. Of them, he put one on earth, through which a mother has compassion for her children and animals and birds have compassion for one another. On the Day of Resurrection, He will perfect and complete His Mercy”. (That is He will use all the hundred units of mercy for his slaves on that Day).
Commentary:
1. We learn from this Hadith that kind and compassionate treatment is liked by Allah and is in fact His Blessing and Benevolence. This is the reason He has given a part of it to His creatures, and a person who is so hard-hearted, that he is not even aware of it has a defect which is extremely displeasing to Allah. Moreover, it is a sign that such a person is deprived of Divine blessing and mercy.
2. On the Day of Resurrection, Almighty Allah will bestow upon the believers hundred mercies. This news has great hopes and joy for His slaves.
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. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “If a believer had full knowledge of the chastisement of Allah, none would covet His Jannah; and were an infidel to know the Mercy Allah has, none would despair of His Jannah”.
[Muslim].
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5. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Jannah is nearer to you than your shoelace, and so is the (Hell) Fire”.[Al-Bukhari].
Commentary: Jannah is close to him who adopts the path of righteousness and he can easily attain it. Its opposite case is also equally true. He is close to Hell who takes the path of evil. Thus, this Hadith has an inducement for virtue and warning against evil.
A Beautiful Hadith ♥
Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said: ‘When a man dies and his relatives are busy in funeral, there stands an extremely handsome man by his head.
When the dead body is shrouded, that man gets in between the shroud and the chest of the deceased.
When after the burial, the people return home, 2 angels, Munkar and Nakeer(names of two special Angels), come in the grave and try to separate this handsome man so that they may be able to interrogate the dead man in privacy about his faith. But the handsome man says, ‘He is my companion, he is my friend. I will not leave him alone in any case. If you are appointed for interrogation, do your job.
I cannot leave him until I get him admitted into Paradise ‘.
Thereafter he turns to his dead companion and says, ‘I am the Qur’an, which you used to read, sometimes in a loud voice and sometimes in a low voice. Do not worry.
After the interrogation of Munkar and Naker, you will have no grief.’
When the interrogation is over, the handsome man arranges for him from
Al-Mala’ul A’laa (the angels in Heaven) silk bedding filled with musk…
Who is Allah, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit
Who is Allah, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit
Question:
Please explain clearly about these:
1. Who is Allah?
2. Who is God?
3. Who is Jesus?
4. Can I see all of them?
5. Whether they are all the same, since we say that Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit are the same.
6. Suppose I want to pray, how should I start praying?
Answer:
Thank you for your questions.
I would like to start out by saying that Muslims believe that all prophets of God preached the same simple truth of the One Sovereign God.
Who Is Allah? Who Is God?
Allah is God. The name Allah is the Arabic word for God.
More precisely, it is the One Eternal Creator, Lord of the whole universe. It is the same Arabic name for God that is used in the Arabic Bible.
It is pronounced almost the same in other Semitic languages: “Eloha” in Hebrew, and “Allaha” in Aramaic. According to Jesus (peace be upon him), God is One, with no partner whatsoever. I quote the following verses from the Bible:
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and him only.
’” (Matthew 4:10)
“Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him.” (Mark 12:32)
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. ’” (Mark 12:29)
Who Is Jesus?
Jesus is one of a long string of prophets of Allah sent to all nations throughout history, starting from Adam, who received the first guidance from Allah, to the final one, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them all).
According to the Bible, Jesus was sent particularly to the Israelites, to set them back on the proper track of Moses. The Gospels record these words of Jesus:
“I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Matthew 15:24)
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you: ‘Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.’” (Matthew 5:17-18)
The Qur’an, which Muslims consider the direct revelation says what means:
*{The Messiah (himself) said: O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. Lo! whoso ascribeth partners unto Allah, for him Allah hath forbidden Paradise. His abode is the Fire. For evil-doers there will be no helpers.}*
(Holy Quran Surrah Al-Ma’idah 5:72)
Jesus was a full human Prophet of God, as he emphatically declared:
“As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God.” (John 8:40)
“What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.” (Luke 24:19)
Again, the Qur’an also affirms Jesus’s prophethood:
*{And when Jesus son of Mary said: O Children of Israel! Lo! I am the messenger of Allah unto you, confirming that which was (revealed) before me in the Torah}* (As-Saff 61:6)
In all aspects, the Gospels portray him as a human who was born and circumcised (Luke 2:5-7, 21, 40, 52, 11:27); who suffered hunger and thirst (Matthew 4:2, 11:19, 21:18); who got tired and slept like any human being (Matthew 8:20, 24-25, Luke 8:23, Mark 4:38, John 4:6); who was subject to human feelings of fear, astonishment, and sadness (Matthew 26:37, Mark 14:33-34, John 11:33, 35, 38); and who prayed to his Creator like any human believer does (Mark 1:35, 14:35, Luke 5:16, 6:12).
Logically speaking, having no father does not mean he was the son of God. Adam had neither father nor mother, yet both Adam and Jesus are bondsmen of Allah created by His will and power, by His word “Be” — Adam from earthly dust, and Jesus in the womb of Virgin Mary.
This is precisely and unequivocally defined in the Qur’an as follows:
*{The similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him: “Be”. And he was.}*
(Surrah Aal `Imran 3:59)
So neither Jesus nor Adam is a son of God. References to Jesus in the Bible as son of God should not be taken in the literal sense, rather in the metaphoric sense of affection and nearness to God. Jesus himself affirms that we are all “sons” of God in this sense:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Similar references to human beings as “sons of God” are also used in the Old Testament:
“You are the children of the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 14:1)
Finally, in his own words, Jesus declared himself as the Son of Man:
Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” (Matthew 8:20)
“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up.” (John 3:14)
Can We See God?
Our human capabilities are limited by the nature of our senses: vision in a certain wavelength range (4 to 7 X10-7 meters), hearing in a certain frequency range (2.500 to 4,000 cycles per second). Even the power of our instruments, however advanced, is limited in two ways:
■scale: by the huge universal dimensions in light years
■nature: to our detectable electromagnetic wave systems. So we cannot see or detect anything different from or beyond (in nature, time, or space) these systems: neither the angels nor any non-earthly being, nor God the Creator and Dominator of all His creation.
This is affirmed both in the Qur’an and in the Bible:
*{No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision: He is above all comprehension, yet is acquainted with all things.}* (Surrah Al-An`am 6:103)
“Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.” (John 5:37)
Are God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit the Same?
First: who is the Holy Spirit? A careful reading of the Gospels clarifies that the Holy Spirit is the Angel Gabriel.
Compare the two narrations of Matthew and Luke:
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 1:18)
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
(Luke 1:26-27).
This accords with the Qur’an:
*{Then We sent her our angel [literally, spirit], and he appeared before her as a man in all respects. … He [the angel] said: “Nay, I am only a messenger from thy Lord, (to announce) to thee the gift of a holy son.”}* (Surrah Maryam 19:17,19)
So God the Lord, Jesus the human prophet, and the Holy Spirit Gabriel are each separate. The doctrine of the Trinity was never preached by Jesus, nor by his followers for three centuries. The word ”trinity” is nowhere in the Bible. The whole concept was derived from the words of John, who never met Jesus.
The myth of trinity gradually crept into Christianity, influenced by pagan beliefs and Greek mythology,
and was adopted by Council of Nicaea in 325 CE.
“How Can I Start Praying?”
The answer to this, James, really depends on you and the choices you make in your life.
If you fully accept Islam, that is, belief in the One God, and the message revealed to Prophet Muhammad through the miraculous word of God, the Qur’an, this would be your first honorable step to the truth of Islam.
The following steps are straightforward, and can be taken without any intermediary or clergy. It is something between you and your Creator, yet in the way He ordained. You can find the necessary details in the links provided below; and you could better still refer to a trustworthy Islamic Center for guidance and support.
Best wishes for you on this most blessed trip to the pure Divine Truth.
73 Sects In Islam
In The Name Of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful
Assalaamu alaykum wa rahmatuallahi wa barakatuhu
The Ummah will split up into seventy-three sects
Model Behavior of the Prophet (Kitab Al-Sunnah)
Dawud :: Book 40 : Hadith 4579 Narrated AbuHurayrah:
The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: The Jews were split up into seventy-one or seventy-two sects; and the Christians were split up into seventy one or seventy-two sects; and my community will be split up into seventy-three sects.
Reported by Awf ibn Malik Al Ashja’l:
The Prophet said, “How will you be O Awf when this nation is divided into 73 sects. One sect will be in Paradise and the rest in Hell.”
I asked: “When will this be O Messenger of Allah?”
He answered, saying: “When the police increase and slave girls take authority, and when the lambs (weak authorities) sit on the pulpit, and when the Qu’ran is used as flutes and mosques decorated and the spoils of war manipulated, and the obligatory charity becomes an excessive debt, and trust is taken like spoils of war, and religious study is not for the Sake of Allah and when husbands obey their wives, and disobeys his mother, and banishes his father, and the last of this nation curses the beginning of it, and when the tribe is mastered by a deviator, and the leader of the nation is the worst of them and a man is treated generously to avoid his evil. Upon that day it will happen and men will run to Syria to the City of Damascus, which is one of the best cities in Syria that protects them from their enemy … ” I asked: “Will Syria be opened?”
He answered: “Yes, soon then after its opening the trials will start and a dark and dusty trial will come. Trials will follow one another until a man from the Family of my House called the Mahdi comes. If you reach him, follow him and be among those who are guided.”(At-Tabarani)
All will go to hell except the one to which my companions belong
Al-Tirmidhi HadithHadith 171 Narrated by: Abdullah ibn Amr Radiallahu Anhu,
Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: There will befall my Ummah exactly (all those) evils which befell the people of Isra’il, so much so that if there was one amongst them who openly committed fornication with his mother there will be among my Ummah one who will do that, and if the people of Isra’il were fragmented into seventy-two sects my Ummah will be fragmented into seventy-three sects. All of them will be in Hell Fire except one sect. They (the Companions) said: Allah’s Messenger, which is that? Whereupon he said: It is one to which I and my companions belong.
Transmitted by Tirmidhi.
Deviants will be guided by desire
‘The People of the Two Scriptures divided into seventy-two sects. This Ummah will divide into seventy-three sects, all in the Fire except one, that is, the Jama’ah. Some of my Ummah will be guided by desire, like one who is infected by rabies; no vein or joint will be saved from these desires.””
This hadith was also narrated by Abu Dawood (2/503), Ahmad (4/102) and al-Haakim (1/128) among others, with similar wording but with the following addition;
Large Community [Jama’ah] Will Go To Jannah
ثنتان وسبعون في النار. قيل: يا رسول الله
من هم؟ قال: الجماعة
“Seventy two in hell fire and one in the Jannah: that is the ‘Jama’ah.'”,
The sect which goes to jannah(Paradise) are those who obey The Prophet (PBUH)’s Sunnah and Holly Quran. Its not Specified by name it has been Specified by Action. Sect In Islam doesn’t Shows Their Dis Unity, but It shows the Wide Fiqha of this Religions, that is not in other religions, like in Christianity Their Fiqha is just about five or six Passages, that about marriage and so on. In fact Sects in Islam are like FLOWERS IN THE GARDEN. That makes the garden more beautiful and nice. But it Excludes The Bidat (Bida’) In Islam.
The hadith mentions the word “Firqah”; this word is a lafz mushtaraq, or homonym.
It is a word, which has many meanings. Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’aala) mentions this word in different contexts in the Quran;
وَمَا كَانَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ لِيَنفِرُواْ كَآفَّةً فَلَوْلاَ نَفَرَ
مِن كُلِّ فِرْقَةٍ مِّنْهُمْ طَآئِفَةٌ لِّيَتَفَقَّهُواْ فِي الدِّينِ
وَلِيُنذِرُواْ قَوْمَهُمْ إِذَا رَجَعُواْ إِلَيْهِمْ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَحْذَرُونَ
9:122 Nor should the believers all go forth together: if a contingent from every expedition remained behind they could devote themselves to studies in religion and admonish the people when they return to them that thus they (may learn) to guard themselves (against evil).
Here, the word firqah is used to mean group or expedition.
Pronounced Takfir/Labelling unbeliever
2:113 The Jews say: “The Christians have naught (to stand) upon”; and the Christians say: “The Jews have naught (to stand) upon.” Yet they (profess to) study the (same) Book. Like unto their word is what those say who know not but Allah will judge between them in their quarrel on the Day of Judgment.
*Note:Jews Pronunced Takfir on Christians because they believed in Isa alai salaa /Jesus and Christians pronounced Takfir because Jews did not believed in Isa alai salaam/Jesus.
Now Lets Analyse How Jews And Christians Divided
2:253 Those apostles We endowed with gifts some above others: to one of them Allah spoke; others He raised to degrees (of honor); to Jesus the son of Mary We gave clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. If Allah had so willed succeeding generations would not have fought among each other after clear (Signs) had come to them but they (chose) to wrangle some believing and others rejecting. If Allah had so willed they would not have fought each other; but Allah fulfilleth His plan.
3:19 The Religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His will): nor did the people of the Book dissent therefrom except through envy of each other after knowledge had come to them. But if any deny the Signs of Allah Allah is swift in calling to account.
Deviance Of Jews
3:78. And verily, among them is a party who distort the Book with their tongues (as they read), so that you may think it is from the Book, but it is not from the Book, and they say: “This is from Allâh,” but it is not from Allâh; and they speak a lie against Allâh while they know it.
*Note: Here again the word firqah is used, but in this context, it is something that is condemned, for the action they carried out was distorting the revelation. So the context will indicate what the meaning is of the word being used.
4:160. For the wrongdoing of the Jews, We made unlawful to them certain good foods which has been lawful to them, and for their hindering many from Allâh’s Way;
9:30 The Jews call Uzair a son of Allah and the Christians call Christ the son of Allah. That is a saying from their mouths; (in this) they but imitate what the unbelievers of old used to say. Allah’s curse be on them: how they are deluded away from the truth!*Note: They called Uzair son of Allah
2:87 We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of Apostles; We gave Jesus the son of Mary clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the holy spirit. Is it that whenever there comes to you an Apostle with what ye yourselves desire not ye are puffed up with pride? Some ye called impostors and others ye slay!*Note:Jews rejected Isa alai salaam /JESUS
5:13 But because of their breach of their Covenant We cursed them and made their hearts grow hard: they change the words from their (right) places and forget a good part of the Message that was sent them nor wilt thou cease to find them barring a few ever bent on (new) deceits: but forgive them and overlook (their misdeeds): for Allah loveth those who are kind.
*Note; They forgot good part of the book
Deviance Of Christians
5
:14 From those too who call themselves Christians We did take a Covenant but they forgot a good part of the Message that was sent them: so We estranged them with enmity and hatred between the one and the other to the Day of Judgment. And soon will Allah show them what it is they have done. *Note: They forgot good part of the message
4:171 O people of the Book! commit no excesses in your religion: nor say of Allah aught but truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) an Apostle of Allah and His Word which He bestowed on Mary and a Spirit proceeding from Him: so believe in Allah and His Apostles. Say not “Trinity”: desist: it will be better for you: for Allah is One Allah: glory be to him: (for Exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs.
*Note:They believed in Trinity
5:72 They do blaspheme who say: “Allah is Christ the son of Mary.” But said Christ: “O children of Israel! worship Allah my Lord and your Lord.” Whoever joins other gods with Allah Allah will forbid him the garden and the Fire will be his abode. There will for the wrong-doers be no one to help.
73 They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity: for there is no god except One Allah. If they desist not from their word (of blasphemy) verily a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them.*Note:They believed Allah is christ the son of Mary
9:31 They take their priests and their anchorites to be their lords in derogation of Allah and (they take as their Lord) Christ the son of Mary; Yet they were commanded to worship but one Allah: there is no god but He. Praise and glory to him: (far is He) from having the parents they associate (with him).
*Note:They invented priesthood
57:27 Then in their wake We followed them up with (others of) Our apostles: We sent after them Jesus the son of Mary and bestowed on him the Gospel; and We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him Compassion and Mercy. But the monasticism which they invented for themselves We did not prescribe for them: (We commanded) only the seeking for the Good pleasure of Allah; but that they did not foster as they should have done. Yet We bestowed on those among them who believed their (due) reward but many of them are rebellious transgressors.
*Note:They invented monasticism
Solution for Apostasy
Division Due To Apostasy Was Death Even In Musa alai salaa’s time,its the same in Present times.For ex Qadianis, Submitters, Nation of Islam will be killed in Islamic state.
20:85 (Allah) said: “We have tested thy people in thy absence: the Samiri has led them astray.”
86 So Moses returned to his people in state of indignation and sorrow. He said: “O my people! did not your Lord make a handsome promise to you? Did then the promise seem to you long (in coming)? Or did ye desire that Wrath should descend from your Lord on you and so ye broke your promise to me?”
87 They said: “We broke not the promise to thee as far as lay in our power: but we were made to carry the weight of the ornaments of the (whole) people and we threw them (into the fire) and that was what the Samiri suggested.
88 “Then he brought out (of the fire) before the (people) the image of a calf: it seemed to low: so they said: ‘This is your god and the god of Moses but (Moses) has forgotten!’ ”
89 Could they not see that it could not return them a word (for answer) and that it had no power either to harm them or to do them good?
90 Aaron had already before this said to them: “O my people! ye are being tested in this: for verily your Lord is (Allah) Most Gracious: so follow me and obey my command.”
91 They had said: “We will not abandon this cult but we will devote ourselves to it until Moses returns to us.
92 (Moses) said: ” O Aaron! what kept thee back when thou sawest them going wrong
93 “From following me? Didst thou then disobey my order?”
94 (Aaron) replied: “O son of my mother! seize (me not) by my beard nor by (the hair of) my head! Truly I feared lest thou shouldst say
‘Thou hast caused a division among the Children of Israel and thou didst not respect my word!'”
2:54 And remember Moses said to his people: “O my people! Ye have indeed wronged yourselves by your worship of the calf so turn (in repentance) to your Maker and slay yourselves (the wrong-doers); that will be better for you in the sight of your Maker.” Then He turned toward you (in forgiveness); for He is Oft-returning Most Merciful.
Conclusion:
With respect to the hadith, Allah’s Messenger (SalAllahu alaihi wasallam) explains to us how the Jews were divided into seventy-one sects or firqah, and the Christians were similarly divided into seventy-two firqah. Then he (SalAllahu alaihi wasallam) states that this Ummah will divide into seventy-three sects and that all but the one who follows what he (SalAllahu alaihi wasallam) and his companions followed will be in hell.This does not mean being in hell just like a kafir will be in hell as long as that muslims has not fallen out of the fold of Islam.
Upon studying the areas in which they disagreed are Two
1. They disagreed in the fundamentals of their Deen. They disagreed on their Prophets, the Day of Judgement, the Unity of Allah, resurrection, heaven and hell, etc. These are disagreements on the foundations of belief. Since Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’aala) and His Messenger (SalAllahu alaihi wasallam) ordered us not to divide as the People of the Book did, then we are to avoid that area which their disagreement occurred in. This means that disagreement on the fundamentals of the Deen is condemned.
2.They also disagreed in their respective books ,forgot good part of the book,verbally distored the book ,they invented priesthood & monasticism,
Allah says to Muslims..
وَاعْتَصِمُواْ بِحَبْلِ اللّهِ جَمِيعاً وَلاَ تَفَرَّقُواْ
3:103 And hold fast all together by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you) and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah’s favor on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love so that by His grace ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of fire and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah make his signs clear to you: that ye may be guided.
Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’aala) orders the Muslims to hold tight and not let go of the rope of Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’aala) and not to divide.
‘The rope of Allah’
Ibn Masood (ra), Ali bin Abi Talib (ra), and Abu Saeed Al-Kuddrri (ra) said it is the Qur’an. Others said it is the Deen of Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’aala). Others like Ibnul Mubaarak said it is the Jama’ah.
‘And divide not’
At-Tabari said; “…and do not disperse away from the Deen of Allah and His covenant which he took from you in His Book: that you should be together in obeying Him and His Messenger (SalAllahu alaihi wasallam).”
Ibn Katheer said; “He ordered them to stay in the Jama’ah and not to divide.”
Al-Qurtubi said; “Do not divide as the Jews and the Christians in their Deen…and it could mean do not separate based on your desires and interests.”
Therefore, the disagreement that Muslims are not allowed to have is in the fundamentals of their Deen, not in its branches.
This is due to several reasons:
The texts that condemn the disagreement order the Muslims not to disagree like the People of the Book who disagreed in the fundamentals ,they also disagreed in other aspects regarding their books. So Muslims must avoid this.
The Sunnah of the Messenger (SalAllahu alaihi wasallam) permitted disagreements in the branches or Furoo’.
1) The disagreement that existed among the Sahabah were in the Furoo’, not in the Usul (foundations of the Deen). No condemnation was made about such disagreements in the Furoo’.
2) The followers of the Companions (Tabi’een), the generation that followed them, and the scholars of the Salaf (predecessors) accepted the disagreement in the Furoo’ but not in the Usul ud-Deen (foundations of the Deen).
So, for example, Ash-Shafi’i (ra) states in his book Ar-Risalah; “Disagreement is of two types: One that is Haram and the other is not. Everything that Allah established by the definite proof (Hujjah) in His book or clearly stated by His Prophet is Haram to disagree over by the one who knows of it. As for that which can be understood differently or by analogy, since the text can bare it…there is room for [disagreement] unlike in the clearly stated.”
Ibn Taymiyah (ra) in his book al-Fatawa al-Kubra, Vol. 20, p.256 stated; “Then it [the texts] are divided to: that which is definite in its dalalah (meaning). Its definiteness is established in its chain [of narrators] (Sanad) as well as in its contents (Mata), where we are sure that Allah’s Messenger (SalAllahu alaihi wasallam) said it and meant that meaning. The other which is indefinite in its dalalah (meaning). As for the first, it must be believed in and acted according to. This is indisputable among the scholars in general. The scholars might disagree however in some news whether their chains are definite (Qat’i) or not and whether their meaning is definite or not. An example of such disagreement is with regard to the news transmitted by the one (Khabarul Wahid) that is accepted by the Ummah or the one that the Ummah has agreed to act upon.”
The Sahabah (ra) had disagreed in matters, which were related to the branches of the Deen, but they remained united on the foundations of the Deen. Subsequently, the great Mujtahideen of Islam differed on many aspects of the Deen, but they were again in the branches. So the “firqah” which are punished in hell fire, are not those groups which have these legitimate differences. Therefore, those who follow a particular Madhab, such as the Shafi’i, Hanafi, Hanbali, Maliki
The Hanafi scholar, Ibn Abideen stated this fact; “There is no doubt in the disbelief (kufr) of those that falsely accuse Sayyida Aisha (ra) of adultery, believe that Sayyidina Ali (ra) was God or that the angel Jibril mistakenly descended with the revelation (wahy) on the Messenger of Allah (SalAllahu alaihi wasallam), etc. which is apparent kufr and contrary to the teachings of the Qur’an.” [Radd al-Muhtar, 4/453].
Ibn Abidin continues; “It is difficult to make a general statement and judge all the Shia to be non-believers, as the scholars have agreed on the deviation and defection of the deviated sects.”
Those who follow the schools of thought from the Shia like the Ja’fari or Zaidi, are not labelled with disbelief because their aqeeda is not kufr,not all have kufr Aqeeda which could makes them apostates.
After close scrutiny of their beliefs its clear ,they all are not kafir but deviants that is why they are allowed to perform Hajj.The Quranites/khawarijites/hadith rejectors are also not disbelievers & and other sects ,these are all considered deviants but not Non-muslims.Some have apostaised
i.e left the fold of Islam such as the Qadiani, who claimed Prophethood after Muhammad (SalAllahu alaihi wasallam), or those Alawi, who claim Ali (ra) to be god incarnate (may Allah protect us from such deviation), or those who deny the punishment in the Ahkirah,destiny,also Submitters,Nation of Islam etc. Any group that contradicts the definite text of the Qur’an, falls outside the fold of Islam.
Even the Shia scholar of the Qur’an, Allama Muhammad Hussein Tabatabai, writes in his very famous exegesis, Tafseer-ul-Meezan, 12th edition, page 109, published in Iran, regarding the completeness of the Qur’an;
“The Qur’an, which Almighty Allah descended on Prophet Muhammad (SalAllahu alaihi wasallam), is protected from any change.”
The Qur’an found in the mosques, throughout the world, whether in Karachi, Tehran, Cairo, Madinah, or Algiers is one.
How to treat Innovators?:
There must be room for dialogue with them.
There must be room for inviting them to right aqeedah,teaching right beliefs & guiding them to sunnah.
But he should hate them for the sake of Allaah.One should hate the innovators for their innovations.One should hate the sins of the sinners. But his hatred for the kuffaar should be greater, while calling them to Allaah and striving to guide them, acting in accordance with all the shar’i evidence. So he should hate the innovator in accordance with the degree of his innovation, so long as it does not imply kufr, and he should hate the sinner in accordance with the degree of his sin, but he should also love him for the sake of Allaah in accordance with the degree of his Islam and faith. From this we know that shunning depends on the situation.
Example from Hazrat Ali Karamuallahu Wajhahu
Khawrijites were allowed to live in Ali r.a Khilafah but they were forbidden to propagate their deviant Aqeedah. As long as they obeyed the laws they were allowed to live in Khilafah.This proofs deviants and misguided ones were allowed to live nor was Takfeer declared on them legitimatizing their killing.
‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib karamullahu wajhahu said; concerning the Khawaarij:
“They have three rights over us: that we should not initiate fighting with them so long as they do not fight us; that we should not prevent them from entering the mosques of Allaah to mention His name therein;
and that we should not deny the booty to them so long as they have fought alongside us.”
Narrated by Ibn Abi Shaybah in al-Musannaf (7/562) with a hasan isnaad.
Being cautious with innovators.
‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib karamullahu wajhahu, said concerning the Khawaarij: “They have three rights over us: that we should not initiate fighting with them so long as they do not fight us; that we should not prevent them from entering the mosques of Allaah to mention His name therein; and that we should not deny the booty to them so long as they have fought alongside us.” Narrated by Ibn Abi Shaybah in al-Musannaf (7/562) with a hasan isnaad.
It is reported that Al-Fudayl b. ‘Ayyâd – Allâh have mercy on him – said:
Verily, Allâh has angels who seek out the circles of remembrance [of Allâh], so be careful who you sit with; make sure it is not with an adherent of bid’ah, for Allâh does not look at them. And the sign of nifâq (hypocrisy in faith) is that a man mingles with an adherent of bid’ah.
Ibn Battah, Al-Ibânah Al-Kubrâ 1:460
Muslims are single brotherhood.
Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’aala) states;
إِنَّ هَذِهِ أُمَّتُكُمْ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً وَأَنَا رَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُونِ
“Verily, this brotherhood of yours is a single brotherhood, and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore serve Me (and no other)”
[TMQ Al-Anbiyah: 92]
Messenger of Allah (SalAllahu alaihi wasallam) taught us,
المسلم أخ المسلم ، لا يظلمه ولا يخذله ولا يحقره
“The Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, he doesn’t oppress him, neither does he hand him over to the enemy, he doesn’t disappoint him, nor does he humiliate him.”
Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’aala) states;
هُوَ سَمَّاكُمُ الْمُسْلِمينَ
22:78 And strive in His cause as ye ought to strive (with sincerity and under discipline): He has chosen you and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion; it is the cult of your father Abraham. It is He Who has named you Muslims both before and in this (Revelation); that the Apostle may be a witness for you and ye be witnesses for mankind! So establish regular Prayer give regular Charity and hold fast to Allah! He is your Protector the Best to protect and the Best to help!
Any disagreement which exists, is something which can be referred to the divine texts,
فَإِن تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى اللّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ
4;59 O ye who believe! obey Allah and obey the Apostle and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves refer it to Allah and His Apostle if ye do believe in Allah and the Last Day: that is best and most suitable for final determination.
وَالَّذينَ كَفَرُواْ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاء بَعْضٍ إِلاَّ تَفْعَلُوهُ تَكُن فِتْنَةٌ فِي الأَرْضِ وَفَسَادٌ كَبِي
8:73 The unbelievers are protectors one of another: unless ye do this (protect each other) there would be tumult and oppression on earth and great mischief.
Easy Steps for Memorizing Qura’n
1. Niyah (intention) for Allaah:
This is making a sincere intention of memorizing the Qur’an to only gain the pleasure of Allaah ‘Azza wa Jall. If this is not your intention, then your whole plan of memorizing fails and there will be no barakah in your memorizing.
2. Start practicing Islam to the best of your ability:
It is important to keep an Islamic habit and trying to abstain from sinning. Be in the company of good people who will encourage you to do good practices rather than those who take you away from the path of Allaah ‘Azza wa Jal.
Imaam Shafi’ee once complained to his teacher about poor memory, and this was obviously a great concern for the great Imaam of one of the four school of thoughts. The teacher of Imaam Shafi’ee advised him to abstain from sin. So this is indeed a great advice for us to follow as well, since abstaining from sin will eventually make us focus more on the ‘ibaadah (worship) rather than the dunyaa (worldy matters).
3. Learning tajweed from someone who has Ijaaza:
This is to learn from a teacher who knows how to pronounce the words and vowels correctly in order to recite the Qur’an in its correct manners.
4. Make a habit to memorize every day:
Do bit by bit every day, even if it is little as memorize 5 small ayahs from the Qur’an. Do your best to make this a consistent effort, so that you will not fall back on your goals. If you memorize even a small amount day by day, you will be one step closer to the end of bridge insha’allah.
5. Memorize at the early stage of the day:
I know this is difficult for a lot of us, especially for me. I must admit, I love snuggling with my nice comfy pillow, however for those who are really determined in memorizing the Book of Allaah, it is best to memorize right after Fajr/ early in the morning when the mind is fresh and when the beautiful Sun is bright.
6. Recite to somebody on consistent basis:
Have a friend, family member or a teacher who you can recite to consistently.
This is an amazing tip when it comes to reviewing, because you will have someone catch the small mistakes you wont notice while you are reciting the surah from memory.
7. Compete!!:
It is best to have a buddy that you can compete with. At times you may feel unmotivated. This is true for a lot of students and due to this reason you may see people actually quitting on their goal. Thats why a little competition wont hurt. Try finding a friend who you know wants to memorize the Qur’an and knows nearly the same amount as you. Both of you can race towards attaining good deeds and keep each other motivated by sharing how much each of you have memorized at the end of the day and how much you reviewed.
And Allah says: “So hasten towards all that is good.” ( 2:148 )
8. Divide relationship of Qur’an into four categories:
New memorization: No matter what, memorize after Fajr, bright and early since this is the best time to do it.
Linking last 7 days memorization: What this means is, that everything you learned in the last seven days, revise it completely. This is essential since it is easy to forget your past lessons if you don’t consistently review, and this is believed to be a good methodology for memorizing the Qur’an and keeping up to date with your revision.
GO OVER OLD STUFF: I capitalize this, because this is an important advice to myself. Sometimes you will get lazy to review stuff that you learned so long ago. It is easy to forget your old stuff, and this is really the hardest part when it comes to memorizing the Qur’an. Ask yourself, what is the point of memorizing, when you will forget what you learned in the past. Therefore, try to revise your old juz, or ayaat you memorized from before on a consistent basis during any time of the day, and if you can, do your best to keep it to a minimum of 1/4 – 1/2 Juz insha’allah.
Read what you will memorizing the next day before you go to sleep: I am currently a hifdh student, and this something I added. Personally, I find it easier to memorize when you read what you are going to be memorizing the next day, the night before. I just think it helps because you will have some words and phrases stuck in your mind which helps you to learn the lesson faster.
9. Brain Food and Health:
“A daily run, a diet rich in almonds and other healthful foods and a stimulating environment — all may keep aging brain cells in shape, according to research out Monday.” (Kathleen Fackelmann, USA TODAY) To increase your memorization capacity, I guess its advisable to eat some almonds and be a little more active (Shoot, I actually have to get off the couch to memorize!!).
What is the ruling on Celebrating the night of the Isra’ and Mi’raaj, which is the twenty-seventh night of Rajab?
What is the ruling on Celebrating the night of the Isra’ and Mi’raaj, which is the twenty-seventh night of Rajab?
Praise be to Allaah.
There is no doubt that the Isra’ and Mi’raaj (the Prophet’s Night Journey and Ascent into heaven) are two great signs of Allaah which point to the truthfulness of the His Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and the greatness of his status before Allaah.
They are also signs of the great power of Allaah, and of His exalted position above His creation. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Glorified (and Exalted) be He (Allaah) [above all that (evil) they associate with Him]
Who took His slave (Muhammad) for a journey by night from Al‑Masjid Al‑Haraam (at Makkah) to Al‑Masjid Al‑Aqsa (in Jerusalem), the neighbourhood whereof We have blessed, in order that We might show him (Muhammad) of Our Ayaat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc.). Verily, He is the All‑Hearer, the All‑Seer”
[al-Isra’ 17:1]
There are mutawaatir reports from the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that he was taken up into the heavens, and their gates were opened for him, until he passed beyond the seventh heaven, where his Lord spoke to him as He willed, and enjoined the five daily prayers upon him. At first Allaah, may He be exalted, enjoined fifty prayers, but our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) kept going back and asking Him to reduce it, until He made them five, so they are five obligatory prayers but fifty in reward, because each good deed is rewarded tenfold. To Allaah be praise and thanks for all His blessings.
With regard to this night on which the Isra’ and Mi’raaj took place, there is nothing in the saheeh ahaadeeth to indicate that it is in Rajab or in any other month. Everything that has been narrated concerning a specific date for these events cannot be proven to have come from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) according to the scholars of hadeeth. Allaah has wise reasons for causing the people to forget it. Even if the date were proven, it would not be permissible for the Muslims to single it out for particular acts of worship, and it is not permissible for them to celebrate it, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his companions (may Allaah be pleased with them) did not celebrate it and they did not single it out in any way. If celebrating it was something that is prescribed in Islam, the Messenger would have told his ummah about that, either in word or in deed. If any such thing had happened, it would have been well known, and his companions would have transmitted the information to us. They narrated from their Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) everything that his ummah needs to know, and they did not neglect any aspect of the religion, rather they were the first ones to do anything good. If celebrating this night had been prescribed in Islam, they would have been the first people to do so. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was the most sincere of people, and he conveyed the message to the people in full, and he fulfilled the trust. If venerating and celebrating this night were part of the religion of Allaah, then the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would have done that and would not have concealed it. Since no such thing happened, it is known that celebrating it and venerating it is not part of Islam at all. Allaah has perfected this ummah’s religion for it and has completed His favour upon them, and He condemns those who introduce things into the religion which Allaah has not ordained. Allaah says in His holy Book, in Soorat al-Maa’idah (interpretation of the meaning):
“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion”
[al-Maa’idah 5:3]
And Allaah says in Soorat al-Shoora (interpretation of the meaning):
“Or have they partners with Allaah (false gods) who have instituted for them a religion which Allaah has not ordained?”
[al-Shoora 42:21]
In the saheeh ahaadeeth it is proven that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) warned against bid’ah (innovation) and stated clearly that it is misguidance, so as to show the ummah how serious the matter is and put them off it.
For example, it is narrated in al-Saheehayn from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever introduces anything into this matter of ours that is not part of it will have it rejected.” In a report narrated by Muslim it says: “Whoever does any action that is not part of this matter of ours will have it rejected.”
In Saheeh Muslim it is narrated that Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to say in his khutbah on Friday: “The best of speech is the Book of Allaah and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The worst of matters are those which are newly-invented, and every innovation is a going astray.” Al-Nasaa’i added with a jayyid isnaad: “and every going astray will be in the Fire.”
In al-Sunan it is narrated that al-‘Irbaad ibn Saariyah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) delivered an eloquent speech to us which melted our hearts and caused our eyes to flow with tears. We said: O Messenger of Allaah, it is as if it is a farewell address, so advise us. He said: “I advise you to fear Allaah, and to listen and obey, even if a slave is appointed over you. Whoever among you lives will see many differences, so I urge you to adhere to my Sunnah and the way of the rightly-guided caliphs who will come after me, and cling firmly to it. Beware of newly-invented matters, for every newly-invented matter is an innovation and every innovation is a going astray. And there are many ahaadeeth with a similar meaning.
Warnings against bid’ah (innovation) have been narrated from the companions of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and from the righteous salaf after them, because this is no more than adding things to the religion and instituting a religion that Allaah has not ordained, and it is an imitation of the enemies of Allaah, the Jews and the Christians, in their additions to their religions and introducing into them things that Allaah had not ordained. It also implies that there is something lacking in Islam, and that it is not complete, and it is well known that this leads to great mischief and evil, and goes against the verse in which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion”
[al-Maa’idah 5:3]
It also goes against the ahaadeeth of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) which warn against innovation (bid’ah).
I hope that the evidence we have quoted will be sufficient to convince the seeker of truth that this bid’ah is wrong, i.e., the innovation of celebrating the night of the Isra’ and Mi’raaj, and that it is not part of the religion of Islam at all.
Because Allaah has enjoined being sincere towards the Muslims and explaining what Allaah has prescribed for them in their religion, and because it is haraam to conceal knowledge, I thought that I should point out this innovation, which is so widespread in many regions that people think it is part of the religion, to my Muslim brothers. Allaah is the One Whom we ask to set the affairs of all the Muslims straight, and to bless them with knowledge of Islam, and to help us and them to adhere steadfastly to the truth, and to forsake everything that goes against it, for He is able to do that. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon His slave and Messenger, our Prophet Muhammad, and his family and companions.
Women In Christianity And Islam
Women In Christianity And Islam
Whenever the topic of Islam is brought up among Westerners, it has been my experience that the first objection that immediately springs into their minds is: “But women are so extremely oppressed in Islam.”
And, “But women are second class citizens in Islam.” For example, they see that Muslim women usually observe modest standards in their clothing and they automatically equate their modesty with oppression.
They appear to feel that freedom is in some way directly proportional to how little clothing one wears and that oppression is directly proportional to the degree of modesty one exhibits in their clothing. Although this topic does not directly relate to the main topic of this book, still it seems inevitable to touch on this subject even if only very briefly, due to it’s importance.
The problem is twofold: First of all, people who make such objections usually only have A very superficial knowledge of the true teachings of Islam, and secondly, they do not realize what The Bible requires of all believing women.
I was once passing through Canada with in laws and their family. As we walked down the street, a Canadian Christian girl (in her late teens-perhaps early twenties) passed by us with a group of her friends. She looked at my mother in law who was dressed in modest clothing and had a large scarf wrapped around her head such that only her face was showing. She then stopped my mother in law and said words to the effect of: “Why do you allow your men to oppress you? Why do you wear these clothes?”
Now, my mother in law is a university graduate, a straight A student, highly respected by her peers, and gainfully employed as an inspector of the public educational system back in my home country. My mother in law has also distinguished herself in her study of the English language and it’s grammatical structure. However, she did not have an extensive working knowledge of American and Canadian pronunciation and slang, and thus, she missed the tone with which this question was delivered to her.
I decided to move a reasonable distance away, and let her handle this situation herself. My mother in law was very happy to answer this girl’s question and went on to explain to her about our religion and customs and how we prefer to dress modestly, and that Allah Almighty requires us to do this. However, this was not the answer this girl was looking for so she retorted: “Thanks for sharing!,” then spun around and stormed off.
Now, in my home country, our elders are quite used to being highly respected by those who are younger than them and being served by them. For this reason, it did not even occur to my mother in law that this question could have been anything more than a young girl respectfully asking an innocent question of a trusted elder, and I hated to tell her otherwise. I would have hated for her to leave Canada thinking that all Canadians or all Christians speak this way to their elders, since I know that this is not the true case. However, this episode did indeed sadden me.
Many non-Muslims feel sorry for any Muslim women they see adorned in their modest clothing. They feel that they are deprived the freedom to roam around in more scant and revealing clothing. Anyone who lives in a manner other that which they have become accustomed to is seen by them to be oppressed and forced to live in this manner. There are certain tribes in the Amazon jungle, in Australia, and in Africa, which have become accustomed to walking around in a simple g-string around their waist. What would the people of the West say if these people were to condemn the Western habit of “forcing” their women to wear “excessive amounts of clothing” and to demand that all women in the west immediately stop wearing anything but the simplest g-string around their waist? What if they were to say that the Western society should immediately stop unjustly persecuting their women and preventing them from freely roaming the streets wearing only a pair of socks? They would say that the people making these demands have no morals or shame. Philosophers would have a field day with such a question.
What if someone were to claim that it was immoral, discriminatory, and unjust to separate men and women indifferent public bathrooms the same as it is not just to do so with blacks and whites. What if this person were to then call (in the interest of equality, fairness, and constitutional freedom of course) for a merging of men and women’s bathrooms into one “unisex” or “equal-opportunity” bathrooms for both men and women? Once again, the philosophers would have a field day. Anyone who follows the news will see that this may indeed be where the USA is now headed. In the New York Post (31 Aug. 1994 or a little before) it was reported that women have now won the right to appear topless in the New York subway system. Where will the USA be a few years from now? That is anyone’s guess.
Who has the power to determine what decent and modest clothing is? Who is to determine what decent and modest behavior is? Muslims assign this right to God alone. This is the essence of “Islam.” “Islam” means “The submission to the will of God.” What God commands, a Muslim does. They do not demand that God justify his commands before they accept them. Once they have verified that a command is indeed from God then they abide by it without hesitation.
We can indeed find this lesson in the story of Adam. In the Islamic version of the story of Adam (slightly different than that of Judaism/Christianity), Adam and Eve were created by God, educated, clothed, and then allowed to inhabit heaven. They were told by God that they could have anything their hearts desired except they must not eat from the tree. Out of envy, the devil encouraged them to eat from the tree and told them that its fruit would make them angles or immortal. They ate from the tree and immediately, their bodies were revealed to one another, so they took to scooping up the leaves off the trees in order to cover themselves. This is when Allah sent them down to earth. What mankind learned from this lesson is that just because a person does not know the wisdom behind a command of God, and others tell him to disobey it, by the time the reason for the command is made apparent to them it may be too late.
Example of dress worn by a Christian nun. Compare it with how Muslim women dress today.
Well then, what is the Biblical view on these matters? Actually, even in this day and age there still remain traces in Christianity of the common ancestry with Islam in regard to the accepted norms of modest dress for Christian women as ordained by her Creator. In the above figure we have an example of the sort of dress codes observed by Christian nuns. We are strangely amazed to find that it is almost the striking similarity it bears to the sort of outfit, which most Muslim women wear. Why is that? Well, although there are quite a number of very pronounced differences between Biblical and Qur’anic laws in this regard, let us start with the following:
Biblical view:
What the New Testament has to say:
1 Timothy 2:11-14 “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.”
1 Corinthians 14:34 “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.”
1 Corinthians 11:5-10: “But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, for as much as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.”
1 Corinthians 11:13: “Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God (with her head) uncovered?”
What the Old Testament has to say:
Genesis 3:12-16 “And the man (Adam) said, The woman (Eve) whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.”
Leviticus 12:2-5 “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a MALE child: then she shall be unclean SEVEN DAYS; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean. And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying THIRTY THREE days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled. But if she bear a FEMALE child, then she shall be unclean TWO WEEKS, as in her separation: and she shall continue in the blood of her purifying SIXTY SIX days.“
Ecclesiastics 7:26-28 “And I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare….while I was still searching but not finding, I found one upright man among a thousand but not one upright woman among them all”.
Leviticus 15:19-30 “And if a woman have an issue (her period/menses), [and] her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be put apart seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even.
And every thing that she lieth upon in her separation shall be unclean: every thing also that she sitteth upon shall be unclean. And whosoever toucheth her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even. And whosoever toucheth any thing that she sat upon shall wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even. And if it [be] on [her] bed, or on any thing whereon she sitteth, when he toucheth it, he shall be unclean until the even. And if any man lie with her at all, and her flowers be upon him, he shall be unclean seven days; and all the bed whereon he lieth shall be unclean. And if a woman have an issue of her blood many days out of the time of her separation, or if it run beyond the time of her separation; all the days of the issue of her uncleanness shall be as the days of her separation: she [shall be] unclean. Every bed whereon she lieth all the days of her issue shall be unto her as the bed of her separation: and whatsoever she sitteth upon shall be unclean, as the uncleanness of her separation. And whosoever toucheth those things shall be unclean, and shall wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even. But if she be cleansed of her issue, then she shall number to herself seven days, and after that she shall be clean. And on the eighth day she shall take unto her two turtles, or two young pigeons, and bring them unto the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And the priest shall offer the one [for] a sin offering, and the other [for] a burnt offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for her before the LORD for the issue of her uncleanness.” SEE ALSO WOMEN IN THE BIBLE
In other words, the Bible teaches us that:
1. Women should learn in silence and subjugation.
2. Women should not teach.
3. Women should not have authority over men but should remain silent.
4. Adam and Eve were not equal in sin. Adam was not deceived but Eve was.
5. Women are commanded to be under obedience to men. God ordained that men shall for all time rule over women
6.Women must keep silent in Churches. It is shameful for them to open their mouths therein. If they have a question they should ask their husbands before going to church and then their husbands will ask for them in the church.
7. A woman should neither pray nor profess with her head uncovered.
8. If a woman prays with her head uncovered then she might as well shave her head.
9. Man was created in the image and glory of God, and Woman was created in the glory of Man, thus Man must have power over her.
10. Any woman who delivers a male baby shall be unclean for one week. But any woman who delivers a female baby shall be unclean for TWO weeks. Thus, females make their mothers DOUBLY unclean as compared to males.
11. While it is possible to find one upright man in every thousand, it is impossible to find even one single upright woman in every thousand
12. Woman is a snare, her heart is a trap, and her hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but she will ensnare the sinner.
13. If a woman had her period and touches a chair or a bed or anything else then that item immediately becomes unclean. Anyone who then touches those things shall also become unclean. They must then bathe themselves and wash their clothes because they have touched an item that a menstruous woman has touched.
What the canonized saints of Christianity said about women:
“Woman is a daughter of falsehood, a sentinel of Hell, the enemy of peace; through her Adam lost paradise” (St. John Demascene)
“Woman is the instrument which the devil uses to gain possession of our souls” (St. Cyprian)
“Woman is the fountain of the arm of the devil, her voice is the hissing of the serpent” (St. Anthony)
“Woman has the poison of an asp, the malice of a dragon” (St. Gregory)
St. Tertullian, while he was talking to his ‘best beloved sisters’ in the faith, he said, “Do you not know that you are each an Eve? The sentence of God on this sex of yours lives in this age: the guilt must of necessity live too. You are the Devil’s gateway: You are the unsealer of the forbidden tree: You are the first deserter of the divine law: You are she who persuaded him whom the devil wasn’t valiant enough to attack. You destroyed so easily God’s image, man.” Once again, St. Augustine wrote to a friend, “What is the difference whether it is in a wife or a mother; it is still Eve the temptress that we must beware of in any woman.”
Centuries later, St. Thomas Aquinas still considered women as defective, “As regards the individual nature, woman is defective and misbegotten, for the active force in the male seed tends to the production of a perfect likeness in the masculine sex; while the production of woman comes from a defect in the active force or from some material indisposition, or even from some external influence.”
Orthodox Jewish men in their daily morning prayer recite “Blessed be God King of the universe that Thou has not made me a woman.” The women, on the other hand, thank God every morning for “making me according to Thy will”
According to the Jewish Talmud, “women are exempt from the study of the Torah.” In the first century C.E.,Rabbi Eliezer said: “If any man teaches his daughter Torah it is as though he taught her lechery”
According to Rabbi Dr. Menachem M. Brayer (Professor of Biblical Literature at Yeshiva University) in his book ‘The Jewish woman in Rabbinic literature’, it was the custom of Jewish women to go out in public with a head covering which, sometimes, even covered the whole face leaving one eye free. He quotes some famous ancient Rabbis saying, “It is not like the daughters of Israel to walk out with heads uncovered” and “Cursed be the man who lets the hair of his wife be seen…a woman who exposes her hair for self-adornment brings poverty.” Rabbinic law forbids the recitation of blessings or prayers in the presence of a bareheaded married woman since uncovering the woman’s hair is considered “nudity” . Dr. Brayer also mentions, that “During the Tannaitic period the Jewish woman’s failure to cover her head was considered an affront to her modesty. When her head was uncovered she might be fined four hundred zuzim for this offense.” Dr. Brayer also explains that veil of the Jewish woman wasn’t always considered a sign of modesty. Sometimes, the veil symbolized a state of distinction and luxury rather than modesty. The veil personified the dignity and superiority of noble women. It, also, represented a woman’s inaccessibility as a sanctified possession of her husband. It is clear in the Old Testament that uncovering a woman’s head was a great disgrace and that’s why the priest had to uncover the suspected adulteress in her trial by ordeal (Numbers 5:16-18).
St. Tertullian in his famous treatise ‘On the Veiling of Virgins’ wrote, “Young women, you wear your veils out on the streets, so you should wear them in the church, you wear them when you are among strangers, then wear them among your brothers…” Among the Canon laws of the Catholic Church today, there is a law that require women to cover their heads in church.
Some Christian denominations, such as the Amish and the Mennonites for example, keep their women veiled to the present day. The reason for the veil, as offered by their Church leaders, is “The head covering is a symbol of woman’s subjection to the man and to God”: The same logic introduced by St. Paul in the New Testament.
Russian Orthodox women are expected to wear a head covering when in the church. Most don’t outside of it in America, but many in Russia do, along with women in other eastern Orthodox countries Europe.
These are only a small sampling. For many more similar quotations please obtain a copy of the 70 page book”Women in Islam Versus Women in the Judaeo-Christian Tradition: The Myth & The Reality,” By Dr. Sherif Abdel Azeem, World Assembly of Muslim Youth.
Furthermore, according to the Old Testament, a childless widow must marry her husband’s brother, even if he is already married and regardless of her consent, so that she might bear a child from him (Genesis 38).
Additionally, according to the Bible:
“If a man happens to meet a virgin who is not pledged to be married and rapes her and they are discovered, he shall pay the girl’s father fifty shekels of silver. He must marry the girl, for he has violated her. He can never divorce her as long as he lives” Deuteronomy 22:28-30
One must ask a simple question here, who is really punished, the man who raped the woman or the woman who was raped? What is to prevent someone from finding the best looking woman in town, raping her, telling everyone about it, and then having the courts force her to be his wife for the rest of her life?
According to Numbers 27:1-11, widows and sisters don’t inherit at all. Daughters can inherit only if their deceased father had no sons.
So what is the standpoint of the Qur’an with regard to women? Women are indeed commanded by Allah to cover their heads and wear modest clothing, however, in Islam this is not a sign of denigration or subjugation to men, rather, it is a sign of chastity, modesty, and the fear of God. It also designates this woman to all men who might deal with her that she is to be dealt with respect. This could be compared to the situation in the West when one meets a nun or priest, how the nun’s habit and the priest’s robes signal those who meet them, that this person does not condone vulgarity of speech or evil actions.
This is made apparent in the Noble Qur’an in Surrah Al-Ahzab:
“… that is closer to their being recognized so that they shall not be abused, and Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful”
[Al-Ahzab(33):59, (also see Noor(24):31)]
What about the rights of women in Islam?
Are they indeed, as the popular propaganda would have us believe, “second class citizens”? Let us read the Qur’an:
“And they (women) have rights similar to those of men over them in a just manner.”
(The Noble Qur’an, Al-Baqarah(2):228)
“And their Lord has heard them (and He says): Verily! I suffer not the work of any worker, male or female, to be lost. You proceed one from another. So those who fled and were driven forth from their homes and suffered damage for My cause, and fought and were slain, verily I shall remit their evil deeds from them and verily I shall bring them into Gardens underneath which rivers flow. A reward from Allah. And with Allah is the fairest of rewards.”
(Translation of The Noble Qur’an, A’al-Umran(3):195)
“And covet not the thing in which Allah has made some of you excel others. Unto men a fortune from that which they have earned, and unto women a fortune from that which they have earned. (Envy not one another) but ask Allah of His bounty. Verily! Allah is Knower of all things.”
(Translation of The Noble Qur’an, Al-Nissa(4):32)
“Unto the men (of a family) belongs a share of that which parents and near kindred leave, and unto the women a share of that which parents and near kindred leave, whether it be little or much, a legal share.”
(Translation of The Noble Qur’an, Al-Nissa(4):77)
“And whoso does good works, whether of male or female, and he (or she) is a believer, such will enter paradise and they will not be wronged the dint in a date stone.”
(The Noble Qur’an, Al-Nissa(4):124)
“And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends one of another; they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, and they establish worship and they pay the poor-due, and they obey Allah and His messenger. As for these, Allah will have mercy on them. Lo! Allah is Mighty, Wise.”
(The Noble Qur’an, Al-Tauba(9):71)
“Whosoever does right, whether male or female, and is a believer, him verily We shall quicken with good life, and We shall pay them a recompense in proportion to the best of what they used to do.”
(The Noble Qur’an, Al-Nahil(16):97)
“And of His signs is this: He created for you spouses from yourselves that you might find tranquility in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo, herein indeed are signs for folk who reflect.”
(Translation of the The Noble Qur’an, Al-Room(30):21)
“Whoso does an ill deed, he will be repaid the like thereof, while whoso does right, whether male or female, and is a believer, (all) such will enter the Garden, where they will be nourished without stint.”
(Translation of The Noble Qur’an, Mumin(40):40)
In the Qur’an, both, Adam and Eve share the blame for eating from the tree. This can be seen in the Qur’an in such verses as Al-Baqarah(2):36, Al-A’araf(7):22-24.
They were also both forgiven by God Almighty for this sin. Actually, in one verse of the Qur’an (Taha(20):121), Adam is specifically blamed.
Islam encourages spouses to take each other’s council and to seek mutual agreement in matters which affect them, for example, in the Qur’an, Al-Bakarah(2):233 we read: “Mothers shall suckle their children for two whole years; (that is) for those who wish to complete the suckling. The duty of feeding and clothing nursing mothers in a seemly manner is upon the father of the child. No one should be charged beyond their capacity. A mother should not be made to suffer because of her child, nor should he to whom the child is born (be made to suffer) because of his child.
And on the (father’s) heir is incumbent the like of that (which was incumbent on the father). If they desire to wean the child by mutual consent and (after) consultation, it is no sin for them; and if you wish to give your children out to nurse, it is no sin for you, provided that you pay what is due from you in kindness. Observe your duty to Allah, and know that Allah is Seer of what you do.”
Husbands are commanded to treat their wives with kindness and respect. In Al-Nissa(4)-19 we read “…But consort with them in kindness, for if you hate them it may happen that you hate a thing wherein Allah has placed much good.”
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “The best believers are the best in conduct, and the best of you are those who are best to their wives.” When Muhammad (pbuh) first became the prophet of Islam, the Pagans of Arabia had inherited a similar disregard for woman as had been passed down among their Jewish and Christian neighbors. It was considered so disgraceful among them to be blessed with a female child that they would go so far as to bury this baby alive in order to avoid the disgrace associated with female children.
Through the teachings of Islam, Muhammad (pbuh) put a swift and resounding end to this evil practice. Not only did he severely discourage and condemn this act but he also used to teach them to respect and cherish their daughters and mothers as partners and sources of salvation for the men of their family:
AbuSa’id al-Khudri narrated: “The Prophet (pbuh) said: If anyone cares for three daughters, disciplines them, marries them (to other men), and does good by them, he will enter Paradise.” (Narrated by Abu-Dawood)
Abdullah the son of Abbas narrated: “The Prophet (pbuh) said: If anyone has a female child, and does not bury her alive, or slight her, or prefer his male children over her, Allah will bring him into Paradise.” (Narrated by Abu-Dawood)
Muhammad (pbuh) is also sited in “Sahih Muslim” as saying:
“Whoever maintains two girls till they attain maturity, he and I will come on the Day of Resurrection like this; and he joined his fingers”.
In other words, if one loves the messenger of Allah and wishes to be with him on the day of resurrection in heaven, then they should do good by their daughters.
The woman in Hijab is the wife of Hashim Amla (South African Cricket Player). MA SHA ALLAH! Love her confidence.
May Allah Subhana Taala Bless her and reward her. Ameen Suma Ameen
✿ A woman modestly dressed is like a pearl in its shell.
✿ The value of a woman rests in her level of Taqwa (Piousness) and good deeds, not in her apparent looks and wordly earnings.
♥ ALHAMDULILLAH ♥
and finaly…
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To learn more about the rights of women in Islam, the issue of modest dress codes, the issue of polygamy, and many other issues which can not be covered here, I highly recommend the following books:
1.Women in Islam Versus Women in the Judaeo-Christian Tradition: The Myth & The Reality, By Dr.
Sherif Abdel Azeem, World Assembly of Muslim Youth.
2.“The Status of Women in Islam,” by Dr. Jamal A. Badawi, World Assembly of Muslim Youth.
3.“Women’s rights in Islam,” by Lea Zaitoun, World Assembly of Muslim Youth.
4.“Gender Equity in Islam,” by Dr. Jamal Badawi, World Assembly of Muslim Youth.
———-
Works Cited
Brayer M. Menachem. Psychosocial Perspective (New Jersey: Ktav Publishing House, 1986)
Henning M. Clara. ” Cannon Law and the Battle of the Sexes” in Rosemary R. Ruether, (Ed), Religion and Sexism: Images of Woman in the Jewish and Christian Traditions, (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1974)
Kendath Thena. “Memories of an Orthodox youth” in Susannah Heschel (Ed.) On being a Jewish Feminist, (New York: Schocken Books, 1983)
Kraybill B. Donald. The riddle of the Amish Culture (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press,1989)
Swidler J. Leonard. Women in Judaism: the Status of Women in Formative Judaism, Metuchen, (N.J: Scarecrow Press, 1976)
Women’s Rights In Islam
The Conditions of Women in Arabia Before Islam
In those days before Islam, women were treated like slaves or property. Their personal consent concerning anything related to their well-being was considered unimportant, to such a degree that they were never even treated as a party to a marriage contract.
Women were used for one purpose, and then discarded, Just for the purpose of sex and pleasure. They had no independence, could own no property and were not allowed to inherit. In times of war, women were treated as part of the prize. Simply put, their condition was unspeakable.
In addition, the birth of a daughter in a family was not an occasion for rejoicing, but was regarded with humiliation. The practice of killing female children was uncontrolled.
With the advent of Islam came the verse from the Quran condemning those who practiced female infanticide:
“And when the news of (the birth of) a female (child) is brought to any of them, his face becomes dark, and he is filled with inward grief! He hides himself from the people because of the evil of that whereof he has been informed. Shall he keep her with dishonor or bury her in the earth? Certainly, evil is their decision.”
(An-Nahl 16:58-59)
And as part of a description of various events on the Day of Judgment, the Quran mentions:
“And when the female (infant) buried alive (as the pagan Arabs used to do)
shall be questioned. For what sin she was killed? (At-Takwir 81:8-9)
Outside Arabia conditions for women were no better. In India, Egypt, and all European countries in the Dark Ages, women were treated worse than slaves. They were not regarded as human beings but as sort of a sub-species between humans and animals.
Allah (SWT) Gave the Arab Women Their Rights
The rights of Muslim women were given to us by Allah (SWT), who is All-Compassionate, All-Merciful, All-Just, All-Unbiased, All-Knowing and Most Wise. These rights, which were granted to women more than 1400 years ago, and were taught by the perfect example of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), were given by the one Who created us and Who alone knows what rights are best for our female natures. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
“O You who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will, and you should not treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the Mahr (bridal-money given by the husband to his wife at time of marriage) you have given them, unless they commit open illegal sexual intercourse. And live with them honorably. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing and Allah brings
through it a great deal of good.” (An-Nisa 4:19)
The most basic right of a woman in Islam is the knowledge and recognition that she never has to ask or demand or fight for her rights which are guaranteed to her by Allah (SWT) Himself.
Rights That Islam Gives to Women
– Human Rights
Islam considers a woman to be equal to a man as a human being and as his partner in this life. Women have been created with a soul of the same nature as man’s. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
“O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve), and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever and All-Watcher over you.” (Al-Nisa 4:1)
And in the words of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW),
“Assuredly, women are the twin halves of men.” (Sahih reported by Abu-Dawud (RA)
Islam does not blame Eve alone for the First Sin. The Quran makes it very clear that both Adam and Eve were tempted, that they both sinned and were both forgiven after their repentance. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
“Then Satan whispered suggestions to them both in order to uncover that which was hidden from them of their private parts (before); he said: “Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save you should become angels or become of the immortals.” And he (Satan) swore by Allah to them both (saying): “Verily, I am one of the sincere well-wishers for you both.” So he mislead them with deception. Then when they tasted of the tree, that which was hidden from them of their shame (private parts) became manifest to them and they began to stick together the leaves of Paradise over themselves (in order to cover their shame). And their Lord called out to them (saying): “Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you: Verily, Satan is an open enemy unto you?” They said: “Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers.” (Allah) said: “Get down, one of you an enemy to the other (i.e. Adam, Eve, and Satan, etc.). On earth will be a dwelling-place for you and an enjoyment, – for a time.” He said: “Therein you shall live, and therein you shall die, and from it you shall be brought out (i.e. resurrected).”(Al-A’raf 7:20-25)
In Islamic law a woman is an independent, unique individual in her own right. She has the same responsibilities towards herself, towards Allah (SWT) and towards other human beings as the male, and will be punished or rewarded in the Hereafter without discrimination towards her female gender.
– Civil Rights
There is no compulsion in religion according to the Quran:
“There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taghut [anything worshipped other then the Real God (Allah)] and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.”
(Al-Baqarah 2:256)
A Muslim woman is not permitted to change her family name to her husband’s name upon marriage. She is always known by her father’s name, as a mark of her own identity. In choosing a marriage partner, her consent to accept or reject any prospective suitor for marriage must be respected. A Muslim woman has the right to seek divorce, if necessary within the laws of Islam.
Muslim Women Have the Right to Go Outside of Her Home
Muslim women are not forbidden from going out in the community, working, or visiting relatives and female friends, if there is no objection from their guardian/husband and they are covered and behave and speak according to Islamic guidelines and, if necessary, escorted by their Mahram (a close male relative). However, a woman’s home should be the main base that she works from. Allah (SWT) instructed the wife’s of the Prophet (SAW):
“O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allah), then be not soft in speech, lest he is whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner. And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance, and offer prayers perfectly (Iqamat-as-Salat), and give Zakat and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah wishes only to remove Ar-Rijs (evil deeds and sins, etc.) from you, O members of the family [of the Prophet (SAW)], and to purify you with a thorough purification.” (Al-Ahzab 33:32-33)
A Woman in Islam Has the Right to Get an Education
In the words of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW):
“To seek knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim.”
(Declared Authentic By Shaikh Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaani)
Muslim here meaning male and female Muslims, as women are the twin halves of men. The Prophet (SAW) also said:
“Whoever follows a way to seek knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a way to paradise.” (Declared Authentic By Shaikh Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaani)
A woman in Islam has the right to knowledge and education. Allah (SWT) encourages women to read and keep up the learning process. He also bestows His mercy upon all who seek knowledge, and gives them high status:
“Is one who is obedient to Allah, prostrating himself or standing (in prayer) during the hours of the night, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the Mercy of his Lord (like one who disbelieves)? Say: “Are those who know equal to those who know not?” It is only men of understanding who will remember (i.e. get a lesson from Allah’s Signs and Verses). (Az-Zumar 39:9)
“O you who believe! When you are told to make room in the assemblies, (spread out and) make room. Allah will give you (ample) room (from His Mercy). And when you are told to rise up (for prayers, Jihad, or for any other good deed), rise up. Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do. (Al-Mujadilah 58:11)
This is referring to religious knowledge, in the first place, and to any other kind of knowledge, in the second place, where one has the intention of benefiting herself, her family and the Islamic society. Additionally, a husband should not forbid his wife from going out of the house to seek basic religious knowledge, unless he is teaching her at home. The Quran advises mankind to pray:
“Then High above all be Allah, the True King. And be not in haste [O Muhammad (SAW)] with the Quran before its revelation is completed to you, and say: My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.” (Ta-Ha 20:114)
The Right to Go to the Mosque
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:
“If someone’s wife asks his permission to go to the mosque, he should not deny it to her.”
Women should be covered Islamically, according to the Muslim woman’s dress requirements (see Her Dress).
At the same time, a woman’s prayer in her home is better, from the standpoint of her household duties and duties as a mother. Also it is better in the sense that it prevents unnecessary mixing with men. The Prophet (SAW) also stated on another occasion:
“But their homes are better for them.” (Reported by Abu Dawud and Ahmed)
Islam Gives Men and Women Equal Rights
In reality, and in Islam, the rights and responsibilities of a woman are equal to those of man, but they are not necessarily identical with them. Equality and sameness are two very different things. I think you’ll agree that, for one thing, women and men are physically very different from one another, although they are equal to each other in other important ways.
In the West, women may be doing the same job that men do, but their wages are often less. The rights of Western women in modern times were not created voluntarily, or out of kindness to the female. The modern Western woman reached her present position by force, and not through natural processes or mutual consent of Divine teachings. She had to force her way, and various circumstances aided her. Shortage of manpower during wars, pressure of economic needs and requirement of industry forced women to leave their homes to work, struggling for their livelihood, to appear equal to men. Whether all women are sincerely pleased with these circumstances, and whether they are happy and satisfied with the results, is a different matter. But the fact remains that whatever rights modern Western women have, they fall short of those of her Muslim counterpart! Islam has given woman what duties her female nature. It gives her full security and protects her against becoming what Western modern women themselves complain against: a “mere sex object.”
The Right to Seek Employment
If you take a look at many societies today, a woman is only valued and considered important if she performs the functions of a man, (while at the same time displaying her feminine attractions to the public). While these women may carry the immense responsibility of bearing and rearing children, you have to admit that they may still be at par with men in nearly every area of life. The result is the present-day confusion concerning sex role differentiation, resulting in very large numbers of divorces and emotionally distraught children.
In Islam, however, the value and importance of women in society and the true measure of their success as human beings, is measured with completely different criteria: their fear of Allah (SWT) and obedience to Him, and fulfillment of the duties He has entrusted them with, particularly that of bearing, rearing and teaching children.
Nevertheless, Islam is a practical religion, and responds to human needs and life situations. Many women need, or wish, to work for various reasons. For example, they may possess a needed skill, such as a teacher or a doctor.
While Islam does not prohibit women working outside the home, it does stipulate that the following restrictions be followed to safeguard the dignity and honor of women and the purity and stability of the Islamic society, (the conduct of women, after all, is the “backbone” of any society):
1. Outside employment should not come before, or seriously interfere with her responsibilities as wife and mother.
2. Her work should not be a source of friction within the family, and the husband’s consent is required in order to eliminate later disagreements. If she is not married, she must have her guardian’s consent.
3. Her appearance, manner and tone of speech and overall behavior should follow Islamic guidelines. These include: restraining her glances in relation to any men near the work place, wearing correct Islamic dress, avoiding men, not walking in a provocative manner, and not using make-up or perfume in public.
4. Her job should not be one which causes moral corruption in society, or involve any prohibited trade or activity, affect her own religion, morals, dignity and good behavior, or subject her to temptations.
5. Her job should not be one which is mixing and associating with men.
6. A woman should try to seek employment in positions which require a woman’s special skills, or which relate to the needs of women and children, such as teaching, nursing other women, midwifery, medicine with specialization’s like pediatric or obstetrics-gynecology.
A Muslim Woman is Required to Dress a Certain Way When She Goes Out in Public
For a Muslim woman, her modest dress is an expression of a universal sisterhood. An Islamic dress also liberates the Muslim woman, and she is then automatically respected for her mind instead of her body. Simply put, she retains her dignity! It is like saying: I am a respectful woman. I am not for every man to look at, touch, or speak to. I am protected, exactly like a precious white pearl which, if touched by everyone, will become black and dirty.
A woman’s modest dress protects society from adultery and other forms of illegal sexual relations that lead to the break up of families and corruption of society.
THE RIGHT OF A MUSLIM WOMAN IS TO BE RESPECTED FOR HER MIND AND FOR BEING HER OWN PERSON
Islam; The Religion of Peace 
