*!* Beauty in Refusing the Seduction of Women! *!*

It is reported that Abu Bakr al-Miski was once asked , “We always find a good odor emanating from you – why or how?”



He answered, “By Allah, for years now I have not used any perfume, but the reason for the good smell has to do with an ordeal that I passed through.

A woman once tricked me into entering her home. Then she closed and locked the door behind her, after which she began to seduce me. I became utterly bewildered as to what I should do, for I had no options before me.

I said to her, “I need to go and purify myself.”She ordered her servant to take me to the bathroom, and when I entered it, I took faeces in my hand and wiped it all over my body. Then I returned to her in that state. Shocked to see me like that, the woman ordered that I be removed from her home. I left and immediately had a bath. That very night I saw a dream; in it, it was said to me,“You have done that which no else has ever done. I will make your smell good and pure in this world and in the hereafter.”

When I woke up , the smell of perfume was emanating from my body, and it has continued to emanate from my body until this very moment.”Taken from ‘al-Mawa’idh wal-Majalis’ page 224
Wa Alaiukum Warahmatullahi wabarakatuh!

Lord Most Gracious and Most Merciful

Lord of all worlds

(All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.) (Al-Fatihah 1:2)

The phrase rabbul `alamin, which means Lord of all worlds, has the implied meanings of Creator, Owner, Sustainer, and Provider of t he worlds. However, in Arabic, the word rabb has implications that exceed those of the word Lord in English. It refers to the one who takes care of his or her family both morally and financially.

Surat Al-Fatihah, points out the relationship between the word rabb and the verb rabba, which means to develop, to breed, to bring up, or to grow. This relationship shows the connotations of mercy in the word rabb.Allah magnificently puts life into the seeds of wheat, corn, and dates and cultivates all seeds until they become whole plants, He does the same with all kinds of creation.

The word rabb implies power and authority. Hence, Allah followed this verse with a verse mentioning the two attributes Most Gracious and Most Merciful, which imply mercy and love.The Islamic concept of Allah ,the Qur'an, starts with describing Allah as a Loving and Merciful Supreme Being, so that the readers may willingly accept His instructions in the Qur'an.

Muslims should thank Allah because He has enlightened them regarding His Being and because He has freed them from the confusing ideas about the concept of God, which dominated the world before Islam. Islam frees Muslims from the mythological and illusionary concepts of terrifying and revengeful gods that were common in the Greek and Roman cultures.

The relationship between the two attributes (Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim) is similar to the relationship between the attributes rich and generous .Muslims' understanding of the concept of the Loving and Merciful God makes them aware of Allah's subjugation of nature for the benefit of humans. Muslims do not fear natural phenomena . They love the elements of nature, as these elements were created by the same Loving God Who created humans. Muslims regard these elements as blessings from Allah. In the Qur'an, Allah declares that He has subjugated these elements for the service of man.

He says,

(Allah is He Who created the heavens and the earth and sent down water from the clouds; then [He] brought forth with it fruits as a sustenance for you, and He has made the ships subservient to you that they might run their course in the sea by His command, and He has made the rivers subservient to you. And He has made subservient to you the sun and the moon pursuing their courses, and He has made subservient to you the night and the day.) (Ibrahim 14:32–33)

The relationship between the two attributes (Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim) is similar to the relationship between the attributes rich and generous .

A goodly word as a goodly tree

The Parable of the Word of Islam and the Word of Kufr

See you not how Allah sets forth a parable? A goodly word as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the sky.

Giving its fruit at all times, by the leave of its Lord, and Allah sets forth parables for mankind in order that they may remember.

And the parable of an evil word is that of an evil tree uprooted from the surface of earth, having no stability.

[Surah Ibrahim Ayah 24-26]

'Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that 'Abdullah bin 'Abbas commented that Allah's statement,

a parable: a goodly word,

refers to testifying to La ilaha illallah, (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) while,

as a goodly tree,

refers to the believer, and that,

whose root is firmly fixed,

indicates that La ilaha illallah, (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) is firm in the believers' heart,

and its branches (reach) to the sky.

with which the believer's works are ascended to the heaven. [At-Tabari 16:567]

Similar is said by Ad-Dahhak, Sa'id bin Jubayr, 'Ikrimah, Mujahiid and several others [At-Tabari 16:572-573] . They stated that this parable describes the believers deed, good statements and good actions. The believer's deeds, good statements and good actions. The believer is just like the beneficial date tree, always having good actions ascending at all times, by day and by night.

Al-Bukhari recorded that 'Abdullah bin 'Umar said, "We were with the Mesenger of Allah when he asked,

"Tell me about a tree that resembles the Muslim, the leaves of which do not fall in summer or winter and gives its fruit at all times by the leave of its Lord."

Ibn 'Umar said, "I thought of the date palm tree, but felt shy to answer when I saw that Abu Bakr and 'Umar did not talk. When they did not give an answer, the Messenger of Allah said,

"It is the date palm tree."

When we departed, I said to 'Umar, 'My father, by Allah! I thought that it was the date tree.' He said, 'Why did you not speak then? I said, 'I saw you were silent and I felt shy to say anything.' 'Umar said, 'Had you said it, it would have been more precious to me than such things (i.e., would have been very precious to me).'"
[Fath Al-Bari 8:228]

'Abdullah bin 'abbas said that,

as a goodly tree,

is a tree in Paradise [At-Tabari 16:573]. Allah said next,

Giving its fruit at all times,

It is said that it means by day and by ight. and they say that describes the believer as a tree that always has fruits during summer and winter, by night and by day. This is the parable of the believer whose good works ascend to heaven by day and by night and at all times,

by the leave of its Lord,

thus earning perfection and becoming beneficial, plentiful, pure and blessed,

and Allah sets forth parables for mankind in order that they may remember.

Allah said next,

And the parable of an evil word is that of an evil tree

describing the disbeliver, for it has no basis or stability. It is similar to the colocynth tree (a very bitter, unscented plant) which is also called, 'Ash-Shiryan'. Shu'bah narrated that Mu'awiyah bin Abi Qurrah narrated that Anas bin Malik said that it is the colocynth [At Tabari 16:569].

Allah said,

uprooted,

meaning, was cutoff from the root,

from the surface of earth, having no stability.

therefore, existing without basis or stability, just like Kufr (disbelief), for it does not have a basis or roots. Surely, the works of the disbelievers will never ascend nor will any of them be accepted.

Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Conscience

A man asked Muhammad what was the mark whereby he might know the reality of his faith. Muhammad said, "If thou derive pleasure from the good which thou hast performed and thou be grieved for the evil which thou hast committed, thou art a true believer." The man said. "In what doth a fault really consist?" Muhammad said, "when action pricketh thy conscience, forsake it."

All actions are judged by the motive prompting them.

The Way in Which the Prophet Prescribed Voluntary Fasts

The Way in Which the Prophet Prescribed Voluntary Fasts

1. Three days every month:

Abu Zharr al-Ghifari reported:

"The Messenger of Allah ordered us to fast for three days of every month--that is, on the days of the full moon (the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the islamic month).And he said: It is like fasting the whole year.'"

[an-Nasai and Ibn Hibban]

2. Mondays and Thursdays:

Abu Hurairah reported that the most the Prophet would fast would be Monday and Thursday. He was asked about that and he said:

"The actions are presented on every Monday and Thursday. Allah forgives every Muslim or every believer, except for those who are boycotting each other. He says [about them]: Leave them.'"

[Ahmad]

3. The Maximum Fast of Every Second Day:

Narrated Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-As:
The Prophet said to me:

"You fast daily all the year and pray every night all the night?"

I replied in the affirmative. The Prophet said,

"If you keep on doing this, your eyes will become weak and your body will get tired. He who fasts all the year is as he who did not fast at all. The fasting of three days (a month) will be equal to the tasting of the whole year."

I replied,

"I have the power for more than this."

The Prophet said,

"Then fast like the fasting of David who used to fast on alternate days and would never flee from the battle field, on meeting the enemy.

[Bukhari]

Special Times for Fasting

1. The month of al-Muharram:

Abu Hurairah reported that he (the Messenger of Allah) was asked as to which prayer was most excellent after the prescribed prayer, and which fast was most excellent after the month of Ramadan. He said:

"Prayer offered in the middle of the night and the most excellent fast after (fasting) in the month of Ramadan is the fast in Allahs month al-Muharram. "

[Muslim]

2. The day of Ashura: Ibn Abbas reported:

"The Prophet came to Madinah and found the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He said to them:

'What is this fast?
They said: A great day. Allah saved Moses and the tribes of Israel from their enemies on this day and therefore, Moses fasted on this day.
The Prophet said: We have more of a right to Moses than you, so he fasted on that day also and ordered the people to fast on that day."

[Bukhari and Muslim]

3. Six days of Shawwal:

Abu Ayyub al-An sari reported that the Prophet, upon whom be peace, said:

"Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal will be [rewarded] as if he had fasted the entire year." [Related by "the group,"

except for al-Bukhari and an Nasai]

4. Other specific days:

There is also evidence as Hafsah reported:

"There are five things that the Prophet never abandoned:
fasting the day of Ashura,
fasting the [first] ten [days of Dhul-Hijjah] ,
fasting three days of every month
and praying two Rakah before the dawn prayer."

[Ahmad and an-Nasai]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) would fast the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah. (The day of Arafat is the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah)




May Allah, grant us all the strength of Iman and Taqwa to perform as many voluntary deeds as we can for His sake, Ameen.

Voluntary Fasting Beyond Ramadan

Special Dwellings in Paradise

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"In Paradise there are dwellings whose inside can be seen from the outside, and the outside can be seen from inside. Allah has prepared them for those who feed the hungry, and speak softly and gently, fast continuously and pray at night whilst the people are asleep."

[Sahih al-Jami]

Expiation of Sins

Messenger of Allah said:

"Fasting on the day of Arafah is expiation for two years, the year preceding it and the year following it. Fasting the day of Ashura is expiation for the year preceding it."

[Related by "the group," except for al-Bukhari and at-Tirmidhi]


Fasting As a Means of Controlling Desires

Narrated Alqamah: While I was walking with Abdullah he said:

"We were in the company of the Prophet and he said: He who can afford to marry should marry, because it will help him refrain from looking at other women and save his private parts from committing illegal sexual relation; and he who cannot afford to marry is advised to fast, as fasting will diminish his sexual power."

[Bukhari]


Fasting As a Means to Control Our Actions & Speech

The true believer who fasts according to what Allah has commanded will be compelled to avoid evil speech and actions, encouraging the believer to be consciously aware of what they are doing and saying at all times during the fast.

It is reported by Abu Hurairah: the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)"

[Bukhari]

And in another Hadith also reported by Abu Hurairah: Allahs Apostle said:

"Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fasting should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should tell him twice- I am fasting."

The Prophet added,

"By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk.
(Allah says about the fasting person), He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times."

[Bukhari]


Duaa of a Fasting Person Are Not Rejected

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

"There are three prayers that are not rejected: the prayer of a father for his child, the prayer of the fasting person and the prayer of the traveler."

[Muslim and Bukhari]

May Allah, grant us all the strength of Iman and Taqwa to perform as many voluntary deeds as we can for His sake, Ameen.

good or be silent & poem about Prophet Muhammad -(صلي الله عليه وسلم

good or be silent

Every Mukallaf should safeguard his tongue against all kinds of loose talk except when it is evident that talking will be a means of beneficence. When talking and being quiet are both equal as a prudent measure, then the Sunna is to abstain from speech. This is because even lawful speech may lead to unlawful or unpleasant matters. This is, unfortunately, a common practice. Abu-Hurairah reported that the Prophet ((صلي الله عليه وسلم) said:

"Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak what is good or be silent."
(Agreed upon)

This Hadith is clear and indisputable that a person should not talk unless what he wants to say is good and there is benefit from it. However, when he doubts whether there would be benefit or good, he should then not speak. Imam Shafi'ee said:

"If a person wishes to say something then he should think before he starts talking. If there is good, then he should speak, otherwise he should not."

Wa Alikum Assalaam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh!

The month of Sha’baan

The month of Sha’baan


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Fasting in Sha’baan

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

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

A group of scholars, including Ibn al-Mubaarak and others, thought that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not fast all of Sha’baan, but he fasted most of it. This is supported by a report in Saheeh Muslim (no. 1954) narrated from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), who said: “I never knew of him – meaning the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) – fasting for any entire month apart from Ramadaan.” According to another report also narrated by Muslim (no. 1955), ‘Aa’ishah said: “I never saw him fast for any entire month from the time he came to Madeenah, apart from Ramadaan.”

It was reported in al-Saheehayn that Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not fast any entire month apart from Ramadaan.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 1971, and Muslim, no. 1157). Ibn ‘Abbaas regarded it as makrooh to fast any entire month apart from Ramadaan. Ibn Hajar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “He observed more voluntary fasts in Sha’baan than in any other month, and he used to fast most of Sha’baan.”

Usaamah ibn Zayd (may Allaah be pleased with them both) said: “I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, I do not see you fasting in any other month like you fast in Sha’baan.’ He said, ‘That is a month to which people do not pay attention, between Rajab and Ramadaan, and it is a month in which deeds are lifted up to the Lord of the Worlds. I like for my deeds to be lifted up when I am fasting.’” (Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, see Saheeh al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb, page 425). According to a report narrated by Abu Dawood (no. 2076) she said: “The most beloved of months for the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to fast in was Sha’baan, and his fasting in Sha’baan was continuous with his fasting in Ramadaan.” (Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani, see Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawood, 2/461).

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



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

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

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

It is more concealing of one's good works, and hiding and concealing naafil actions is better, especially fasting, because it is a secret between a slave and his Lord. Hence it was said that there is no element of showing off in fasting. One of the Salaf used to fast for years without anybody knowing about it; he would go from his home to the marketplace carrying two loaves of bread, which he would give away in charity, and he would fast. His family thought that he ate the bread, whilst the people in the marketplace thought that he had eaten at home. The Salaf thought it was mustahabb for a person who was fasting to do things that would conceal the fact that he was fasting. It was reported that Ibn Mas’ood said: “When you get up in the morning and you are fasting, then apply perfume.” Qutaadah said: “It is mustahabb for the [man] who is fasting to apply perfume so that there will be no sign that he is fasting.”

By the same token, doing righteous deeds at times when people are distracted and negligent is more difficult. One of the indications of how virtuous a deed is, is how difficult it is: if everyone is doing a certain action, it is easy, but if most people are negligent, this makes it more difficult for those who do remember Allaah. Muslim (no. 2984) narrated from the hadeeth of Ma’qil ibn Yassaar: “[The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:] ‘Worship at times of tribulation (fitnah) is like Hijrah to me.’” (The phrase “worship at times of tribulation” refers to times of upheavals and trials, when people follow their own desires, and those who adhere to Islam are doing something difficult.)
--------------------


The scholars differed as to the reasons why the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) fasted so much in Sha’baan. Their various opinions were as follows:

That he had been unable to fast three days out of every month because he was travelling or for some other reason, so he made them all up together in Sha’baan. When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) began to do some naafil action, he would persist in it, and if he missed it, he would make it up later.
It was said that his wives used to make up the days that they missed of Ramadaan in Sha’baan, so he used to fast because of that. This is the opposite of what was reported from ‘Aa’ishah, that she used to delay making up days that she had missed in Ramadaan until Sha’baan because she was too busy with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to fast.

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

When Sha’baan began, if the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) still had some voluntary fasts outstanding that he had not fasted, he would make them up during Sha’baan so that his naafil fasts would be complete before Ramadaan came. Similarly, if he had missed some Sunnah prayers or he had missed Qiyaam al-Layl, he would make it up. ‘Aa’ishah used to make the most of this opportunity to make up any obligatory Ramadaan fasts that she had missed because of menstruation; during other months she was too busy with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to fast. We should also note here that anyone who has any missed fasts to make up has to make them up before the next Ramadaan comes. It is not permissible to delay it until after the following Ramadaan except in cases of necessity (such as a valid excuse that continues between the two Ramadaans). Whoever is able to make them up before the (second) Ramadaan and does not do so, has to make them up after the (second) Ramadaan and in addition to that, he has to repent and to feed one poor person for each day that he missed. This is the view of Maalik, al-Shaafa’i and Ahmad.

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

Fasting at the end of Sha’baan

It was reported in al-Saheehayn from ‘Imraan ibn Husayn (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to a man, “Have you fasted anything of the sirar of this month?” He said, “No.” He said: “If you have not fasted, then fast two days.” According to a report narrated by al-Bukhaari: I think he meant Ramadaan. According to a report narrated by Muslim, (the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)) said: “Have you fasted anything of the sirar of Sha’baan?” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4/2000; Muslim, no. 1161).

There was some dispute as to the meaning of the word siraar. The most well known view is that it refers to the end of the month. The end of the month is called siraar because the moon is hidden (istisraar) at that time. Someone may raise the point that it was reported in al-Saheehayn from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Do not pre-empt Ramadaan by one or two days, except for those who have the habit of fasting regularly, in which case they may fast.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, no 1983; Muslim, no. 1082). How can we reconcile the hadeeth which encourages fasting at this time with the hadeeth which says not to fast at this time? The answer is: many of the scholars and most of those who commented on this hadeeth said: this man to whom the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) addressed this question was known to have the habit of fasting regularly, or else he had made a vow, so the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded him to make up his fast. There are also other points of view on this issue. In brief we may say that there are three scenarios for fasting at the end of Sha’baan.

The first scenario is when a person fasts at the end of Sha’baan with the intention of being on the safe side and not missing the first day of Ramadaan. This is forbidden.

The second scenario is when a person fasts with the intention of fulfilling a vow or of making up a day of Ramadaan that he missed or as an act of expiation (kafaarah), etc. This is permissible according to the majority.

The third scenario is when this is purely a voluntary fast. This is regarded as makrooh by those who said that we should differentiate between Sha’baan and Ramadaan by not fasting for a while. Among those who said this was al-Hasan. If it happens to coincide with a day when a person habitually fasts, Maalik and those who agreed with him permitted this, but al-Shaafa’i, al-‘Oozaa’i, Ahmad and others made a distinction between cases where it is a fast which a person habitually observes or otherwise.

In conclusion, the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah quoted above is what we should follow according to the majority of scholars. It is makrooh to observe a voluntary fast one or two days before Ramadaan for those who do not habitually fast on those days and who have not previously fasted until the end of Sha’baan. It may be asked: why is it makrooh to fast just before Ramadaan (for those who do not have a prior habit of fasting)? The answer is that there are a number of reasons why this is so, such as:

Firstly: lest extra days be added to the fast of Ramadaan that are not part of it. Fasting on the day of Eid is prohibited for the same reason, lest we fall into the same trap as the People of the Book with regard to fasting, as they added to their fasts because of their own whims and desires.

For the same reason it is also forbidden to fast on the “day of doubt”. ‘Ammaar said: whoever fasts on this day has disobeyed Abu’l-Qaasim (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).

The “day of doubt” is a day when people are not sure whether it is Ramadaan or not, when news of the sighting of the crescent moon comes from one whose word cannot be accepted. As for a cloudy day, some of the ‘ulamaa’ said that this was also a ‘day of doubt’ and said that fasting was not allowed on this day. This is the view of the majority.

Secondly: to make a distinction between fard (obligatory) fasts and naafil (supererogatory) fasts, because making a clear distinction between fard actions and naafil actions is prescribed in Islam. Hence it is haraam to fast on the day of Eid, and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade following an obligatory prayer immediately with another prayer unless they are separated by saying salaam or speaking, especially in the case of the Sunnah prayer performed just before Fajr. It is prescribed to make a clear separation between this prayer and the obligatory prayer. Hence it is prescribed to pray it at home and to lie down afterwards.

When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saw a man praying at the time when the iqaamah had been given for Fajr, he said to him: “Al-Subh is four rak’ahs.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 663).

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

References:

Lataa’if al-Ma’aarif fimaa li Mawaasim al-‘Aam min al-Wazaa’if, by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali

Al-Ilmaan bi shay’in min Ahkaam al-Siyaam, by ‘Abd al-‘Azeez al-Raajihi

And Allaah is the Source of strength

The Muslim Woman and Her Lord

She Worships Allah



It is no surprise that the true Muslim woman enthusiastically worships her Lord, because she knows that she is obliged to observe all the commandments that Allah has enjoined upon every Muslim, male or female. So she carries out her Islamic duties properly, without making excuses or compromises, or being negligent.

She Regularly Prays Five Times a Day

She offers each of the five daily prayers at its appointed time, and does not let domestic chores or her duties as a wife and mother prevent her from doing so.
Abdullah ibn Mas'ud said: "I asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): 'What deed is most beloved by Allah?' He said, 'To offer each prayer as soon as it is due.' I asked him, 'Then what?' He said, 'Treating one's parents with mercy and respect.' I asked him, 'Then what?' He said, 'Jihad (fighting) for the sake of Allah.'"

She Prays Sunnah (Voluntarily) Prayers

There is no clearer indication of the great status attained by the believer who draws closer to Allah by performing Sunnah (Voluntarily) deeds than the Hadith Qudsi where Allah says:
"My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I will love him. When I love him, I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes, and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him; and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it."

She Performs Her Prayers Properly

The true Muslim tries hard to perform her prayers properly, with deep concentration and precision of physical movements. She thinks about the meaning of the Ayat she is reciting, and the words of praise and glorification that she is uttering. Her soul is flooded with fear of Allah, and with gratitude to Him and sincere worship of Him.

She Pays Zakah on Her Wealth

Zakah is a clearly-defined financial obligation and act of worship which Allah has enjoined upon every Muslim, man or women, who owns the minimum amount (Nisab) or more.
The Muslim woman knows that everything belongs to Allah, and wealth is held by her as a trust. This trust must be discharged, moreover, as instructed by God, as that portion of her wealth legally belongs to other people and must be given to them. If she refuses and hoard this wealth, it is considered impure and unclean.

The word in Arabic implies "purification" and it is understood to mean that a person "purifies" his holdings of wealth from greed and stinginess.

She Fasts During the Day & Prays at Night in Ramadan



The wise Muslim woman must strike a balance, during this all-too-short blessed month, between her domestic duties and the opportunity this month brings to draw closer to Allah through worship and good deeds. She should not let her household chores distract her from performing the obligatory prayers at the appointed times, or from reading Quran or praying Nafl prayers. Nor should she let traditional late-night family gatherings keep her from praying Qiyam al-Layl, and making Du'a'. She knows the great reward and abundant forgiveness that Allah has prepared for those who stay up to pray during the night in Ramadan:
"Whoever spends the night in prayer during Ramadan out of faith and hope of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven." Sahih Bukhari and Muslim

She Observes Sunnah (Voluntarily) Fasts

The true Muslim woman also observes Sunnah (Voluntarily) fasts at times other than Ramadan, if it is not too difficult for her to do so. So she fasts the day of 'Arafat, and 'Ashura', and the ninth day of Muharram, because fasting on these days and others is one of the righteous deeds that may expiate sins.

She Goes on Hajj to the Sacred House of Allah

The true Muslim woman intends to go on Hajj to the House of Allah when she is able to do so and it is easy for her to travel. It will also be the equivalent of jihad for men, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) described it in a Hadith narrated by 'A'ishah (May Allah be pleased with her):
"I [Ayshah] said: 'O Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), can we (women) not go out on military expeditions and fight in jihad with you (men)?' He said, 'You (women) have the best of jihad, and the best of it is Hajj, a blessed Hajj.'" Ayshah said, "I should never stop going for Hajj after I heard this from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)." Fath al-Bari, 4/72

She is Obedient to the Commands of Allah





The true Muslim woman does not forget that she is duty bound to perform all the religious duties that Allah has commanded her to do. In this regard her situation is the same as that of a man, and there is no difference between them except in a few regulations which apply exclusively to either men or women. Other than that, women and men are equally responsible before Allah.

She Always Bears in Mind the Words of Allah

(It is not fitting for a Believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger, to have any option about their decision: if anyone disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed on a clearly wrong Path.) [Quran 33:36]

She Accepts the Will & Decree of Allah

The Muslim woman who is obedient to the command of her Lord naturally accepts His will and decree, because this is one of the greatest signs of faith, obedience, Taqwa and righteousness in a person. So the Muslim woman who is guided by the teachings of Islam always accepts whatever befalls her in life, whether it is good or bad, because this attitude of acceptance is good for her in all cases, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) explained:

"How amazing is the affair of the Muslim! His affairs are all good. If he experiences ease, he is grateful, and that is good for him. If he experiences hardship, he faces it with patience and perseverance, and that is also good for him."

She Turns to Allah in Repentance

The Muslim woman may find herself becoming neglectful and slipping from the Straight Path, so she may fall short in her practice of Islam in a way that does not befit the believing woman. But she will soon notice her error, seek forgiveness for her mistakes or shortcomings, and return to the protection of Allah.

She Understands the True Meaning of Being a Servant of Allah

The true Muslim woman has the firm belief that she has been created to serve an important purpose in life, which Allah has defined in the Quran:

(I have only created jinns and men, that they may serve Me.) [Quran 51:56]

She is Distinguished by Her Islamic Character & True Religion

No doubt the true Muslim woman is distinguished by her Islamic character, and she is proud of the high status which Islam gave her at a very early stage, before women in other nations attained anything like it. Fifteen centuries ago, Islam proclaimed the full rights of women for the first time in history, and Muslim women enjoyed human rights centuries before the world had ever heard of human rights organizations or witnessed any "Declaration of Human Rights."

She Reads Quran Often



The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"The likeness of a believer who reads the Quran is like a citron, whose smell is pleasant and whose taste is pleasant; the likeness of a believer who does not read the Quran is like a date, which has no smell, but its taste is sweet; the likeness of the hypocrite who reads the Quran is like a fragrant flower which has a pleasant smell but whose taste is bitter; and the likeness of a hypocrite who does not read the Quran is like a colocynth (bitter-apple) , which has no smell and its taste is bitter."
"Read the Quran, for it will come forward on the Day of Resurrection to intercede for its readers." Sahih Muslim

Say (O Muhammad ): "O Allah! Possessor of the kingdom, You give the kingdom to whom You will, and You take the kingdom from whom You will, and You endue with honour whom You will, and You humiliate whom You will. In Your Hand is the good. Verily, You are Able to do all things.

You make the night to enter into the day, and You make the day to enter into the night (i.e. increase and decrease in the hours of the night and the day during winter and summer), You bring the living out of the dead, and You bring the dead out of the living. And You give wealth and sustenance to whom You will, without limit (measure or account). (3:26,27)
--------------------
Taken from the Ideal Muslimah - Dr. Muhammad Ali al-Hashimi)

The rights and attach virtue for the faithful Muslim (husband )

Allah TaAla has given great rights to the husband and has attached a lot of virtue to him. Pleasing the husband and keeping him happy is a great act of ‘ibadah and displeasing him or keeping him unhappy is a major sin.





1. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: "The woman who offers her five times salat, fasts in the month of Ramadan, protects her honour and respect, and obeys her husband has the choice of entering jannah from whichever door she wishes to enter from." This means that from the eight doors of jannah she can enter through whichever door she wishes without even having to knock on that door.

2. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: "The woman who passes away in such a state that her husband is pleased with her will enter jannah."

3. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: "Were I to command anyone to prostrate to anyone other than Allah, I would have commanded the woman to prostrate to her husband. If the husband orders his wife to carry the boulders of one mountain to the next mountain, and the boulders of the next mountain to a third mountain, she will have to do this."

4. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: "When the husband calls his wife, she should go immediately to him even if she is busy at her stove." In other words, no matter how important a task she may be busy with, she should leave it and go to him.

5. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: "When a man calls his wife to engage in sexual intercourse with him and she does not go and because of this he sleeps away angrily, the angels continue cursing this woman till the morning."

6. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: "When a woman troubles or displeases her husband in this world, the hûr of jannah that has been set aside for him says: "May Allah curse you! Do not trouble him. He is your guest for a few days. Soon he will leave you and come to me."

7. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: "There are three types of people whose salat is not accepted, nor is any other good act of theirs accepted. One is a slave who runs away from his master. The second is a woman whose husband is displeased with her. The third is a person who is in a state of intoxication."

8. A person asked: "Who is the best woman?" Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam replied: "The best woman is one who pleases her husband when he looks at her, when he asks her to do something she obeys him, and she does not do anything that may displease him with regard to his wealth and honour."

One of the rights of the husband is that the wife should not keep any optional fasts nor offer any optional salat in his presence without his permission. Among the rights of the husband is that she should not remain in an untidy, dishevelled state. Instead, she should always remain clean and beautiful for her husband. In fact, if she remains untidy and dishevelled despite her husband ordering her to remain clean, he has the right of beating her (lightly) in order that she may obey him. Another right of the husband is that she should not leave the house without his permission irrespective of whether it be the house of a friend, relative or anyone else.

Who among them should she obey first?

If a woman has a father, a mother, and a husband, who among them should she obey first?



A: The legal evidence of Shari`ah (Islamic Law) shows that being dutiful to the parents is obligatory, especially when they become old. Allah (may He be Exalted) says, And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. It is authentically reported that a man asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), "Who among the people is most deserving of my kind treatment?” He (peace be upon him) said,

( Part No : 25, Page No: 223)

"Your mother.” He, again said, "Then who?” He (peace be upon him) said, "Your mother.” He said, "Then who?” He (peace be upon him) said, "Your mother.” He (again) said, "Then who?” The Prophet (peace be upon him) then said, "Your father."

A woman should be dutiful to her mother then to her father and at the same time she should obey her husband and treat him kindly.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' -Member Deputy Chairman The Chairman -`Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan
`Abdul-Razzaq `Afify,`Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz

Song-by Abdul Rahman Muhammad

"Khuliqta mubara'an min kuli ayben, ka anaka qad khuliqta kama tashaa'u"
-Abdulrahman Mohammad he is from alMadinah al Munawarah

Friday Kahf Reminder

Friday Kahf Reminder




There are saheeh ahaadeeth from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) concerning the virtues of reciting Soorat al-Kahf during the day or night of Jumu’ah (Friday). These include:

(a) From Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri, who said: “Whoever reads Soorat al-Kahf on the night of Jumu’ah, will have a light that will stretch between him and the Ancient House (the Ka’bah).”
(Narrated by al-Daarimi, 3407. This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami, 6471)

(b) “Whoever reads Soorat al-Kahf on the day of Jumu’ah, will have a light that will shine from him from one Friday to the next.”
(Narrated by al-Haakim, 2/399; al-Bayhaqi, 3/249. Ibn Hajar said in Takhreej al-Adhkaar that this is a hasan hadeeth, and he said, this is the strongest report that has been narrated concerning reading Soorat al-Kahf. See: Fayd al-Qadeer, 6/198. It was classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 6470)

The soorah may be read during the night or the day of Jumu’ah. The night of Jumu’ah starts from sunset on Thursday, and the day of Jumu’ah ends at sunset. Therefore the time for reading this soorah extends from sunset on Thursday to sunset on Friday.

Al-Mannaawi said:
Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar said in his Amaali: “In some reports it says ‘the day of Jumu’ah’ and in some reports it says ‘the night of Jumu’ah’. They may be reconciled by saying that what is meant is the day which includes the night and vice versa.” (Fayd al-Qadeer, 6/199)

Al-Mannaawi also said:
“It is recommended to read it during the day or night of Jumu’ah, as al-Shaafa'i (may Allaah have mercy on him) stated.” (Fayd al-Qadeer, 6/198)


Alhamdulilah its friday :)
--------------------

Knowledge

Volume 1, Book 3, Number 74:
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:

That he differed with Hur bin Qais bin Hisn Al-Fazari regarding the companion of (the Prophet) Moses. Ibn 'Abbas said that he was Khadir. Meanwhile, Ubai bin Ka'b passed by them and Ibn 'Abbas called him, saying "My friend (Hur) and I have differed regarding Moses' companion whom Moses, asked the way to meet. Have you heard the Prophet mentioning something about him? He said, "Yes. I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "While Moses was sitting in the company of some Israelites, a man came and asked him. "Do you know anyone who is more learned than you? Moses replied: "No." So Allah sent the Divine Inspiration to Moses: 'Yes, Our slave Khadir (is more learned than you.)' Moses asked (Allah) how to meet him (Khadir). So Allah made the fish as a sign for him and he was told that when the fish was lost, he should return (to the place where he had lost it) and there he would meet him (Al-Khadir). So Moses went on looking for the sign of the fish in the sea. The servant-boy of Moses said to him: Do you remember when we betook ourselves to the rock, I indeed forgot the fish, none but Satan made me forget to remember it. On that Moses said: 'That is what we have been seeking? (18.64) So they went back retracing their foot-steps, and found Khadir. (And) what happened further to them is narrated in the Holy Qur'an by Allah. (18.54 up to 18.82)

Chapter 18 - "The Cave"

18.54: And certainly We have explained in this Quran every kind of example, and man is most of all given to contention.

18.55: And nothing prevents men from believing when the guidance comes to them, and from asking forgiveness of their Lord, except that what happened to the ancients should overtake them, or that the chastisement should come face to face with them.

18.56: And We do not send apostles but as givers of good news and warning, and those who disbelieve make a false contention that they may render null thereby the truth, and they take My communications and that with which they are warned for a mockery.

18.57: And who is more unjust than he who is reminded of the communications of his Lord, then he turns away from them and forgets what his two hands have sent before? Surely We have placed veils over their hearts lest they should understand it and a heaviness in their ears; and if you call them to the guidance, they will not ever follow the right course in that case.

18.58: And your Lord is Forgiving, the Lord of Mercy; were He to punish them for what they earn, He would certainly have hastened the chastisement for them; but for them there is an appointed time from which they shall not find a refuge.

18.59: And (as for) these towns, We destroyed them when they acted unjustly, and We have appointed a time for their destruction.

18.60: And when Musa said to his servant: I will not cease until I reach the junction of the two rivers or I will go on for years.

18.61: So when they had reached the junction of the two (rivers) they forgot their fish, and it took its way into the sea, going away.

18.62: But when they had gone farther, he said to his servant: Bring to us our morning meal, certainly we have met with fatigue from this our journey.

18.63: He said: Did you see when we took refuge on the rock then I forgot the fish, and nothing made me forget to speak of it but the Shaitan, and it took its way into the river; what a wonder!

18.64: He said: This is what we sought for; so they returned retracing their footsteps.

18.65: Then they found one from among Our servants whom We had granted mercy from Us and whom We had taught knowledge from Ourselves.

18.66: Musa said to him: Shall I follow you on condition that you should teach me right knowledge of what you have been taught?

18.67: He said: Surely you cannot have patience with me

18.68: And how can you have patience in that of which you have not got a comprehensive knowledge?

18.69: He said: If Allah pleases, you will find me patient and I shall not disobey you in any matter.

18.70: He said: If you would follow me, then do not question me about any thing until I myself speak to you about it

18.71: So they went (their way) until when they embarked in the boat he made a hole in it. (Musa) said: Have you made a hole in it to drown its inmates? Certainly you have done a grievous thing.

18.72: He said: Did I not say that you will not be able to have patience with me?

18.73: He said: Blame me not for what I forgot, and do not constrain me to a difficult thing in my affair.

18.74: So they went on until, when they met a boy, he slew him. (Musa) said: Have you slain an innocent person otherwise than for manslaughter? Certainly you have done an evil thing.

18.75: He said: Did I not say to you that you will not be able to have patience with me?

18.76: He said: If I ask you about anything after this, keep me not in your company; indeed you shall have (then) found an excuse in my case.

18.77: So they went on until when they came to the people of a town, they asked them for food, but they refused to entertain them as guests. Then they found in it a wall which was on the point of falling, so he put it into a right state. (Musa) said: If you had pleased, you might certainly have taken a recompense for it.

18.78: He said: This shall be separation between me and you; now I will inform you of the significance of that with which you could not have patience.

18.79: As for the boat, it belonged to (some) poor men who worked on the river and I wished that I should damage it, and there was behind them a king who seized every boat by force.

18.80: And as for the boy, his parents were believers and we feared lest he should make disobedience and ingratitude to come upon them:

18.81: So we desired that their Lord might give them in his place one better than him in purity and nearer to having compassion.

18.82: And as for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys in the city, and there was beneath it a treasure belonging to them, and their father was a righteous man; so your Lord desired that they should attain their maturity and take out their treasure, a mercy from your Lord, and I did not do it of my own accord. This is the significance of that with which you could not have patience.

http://www.tparents.org/Library/Religion/Quran/018.htm

A song about Prophet Muhammad

INVOCATIONS TAUGHT BY THE PROPHET (PBUH)

Rasulullah (pbuh) used to recite the following du’a s in times of sadness and despondency:

“Allahumma inni ‘abduka, ibnu ‘abdika, ibnu amatika, naseeyatee biyadika, maadin fiyya hukmuka, ‘adlun fiyya qadaa uka, asaluka bikulli ismin huwa laka, sammaita bihi nafsaka, au anzaltaha fi kitaabika, au ‘allamtahu ahadan min khalqika, awista` tharta bihi fee ‘ilmil ghaibi ‘indaka, ang taj’alal quraana rabee’a qalbi, wa noora sadri wa jalaa a huzni, wad ha-haaba hammi.”

O`Allah I am your slave and the son of your slaves. My fate is in Your hands. Your judgment upon me is assured. Justice upon me is Your command. I ask You by every name You have taken for Yourself, revealed in Your Book, taught any one of Your creation, or taken unto Yourself in the realm of the unknown, to make the Quran the spring of my heart and the light of my breast, the banisher of my sadness and the reliever of my despondency. (Ahmad 1/391)

“Allahumma inni a’udhubika minal hammi wal hazani, wal ajzi wal kasali, wal bukhli wal jubni, wad ala ‘id daini wa ghalabatir rijaal.”

O`Allah, I seek refuge in you from despondency and sadness, from weakness and from laziness, from miserliness and from cowardice, from perversion of Faith and from domination of others. (Al Bukhari 7/158)

May Allah alleviate every muslim from his/her sufferings. Ameen.

Friendship - A muslim is a brother to a Muslim

Friendship in the Quran and Hadith

'And hold fast , all of you together to the rope of Allah , and do not seperate'(3:103)

'And the believers, men and women, are protecting freinds of one another, they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong' (9:71)

'Te believers are naught else than brothers. Therefore make peace between your brethren and observe your duty to Allah that haply ye may obtain mercy' (49:10)



The Prophet (SAW) said 'The right of a Muslim upon a Muslim are six'
It was asked what are they? He replied

'When you meet him, salute him
when he calls you, respond to him
When he seeks advice , give him advice
When he sneezes and praises Allah, respond to him
When he falls ill, visit him
When he dies, follow him (the funeral bier)' (Muslim)

'You will see the believers in their mutual kindness, love and sympathy just like one body.When a limb complains, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever' (Muslim and Bukhari)

Prophet Muhammed said:

"You shall not enter Paradise until you believe; and you will not bellieve until you love one another.
Shall I not guide you to a thing? Which when done , will make you love one another:

Spread the greeting of Salam among you"- (Muslim)

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said : A muslim is a brother to a Muslim:

Neither he wrongs him, nor hands him over (to another). And whoso comes in need of his brother ,Allah comes in his need ;and who so removes a calamity of a Muslim, Allah will remove a calamity from the calamities of the Resurrection Day, and whoso conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his sins on the Resurrection Day' (Bukhari and Muslim)
--------------------

Hamada Helal performs Muhammad Nabeena

May Allah elevate the Rank of the Holy Prophet peace and blessings be upon him, the best creation that Allah created, subhanallah, mashallah....



more than missing you!!!!!!!!

Avoid the major sins

BISMILLA-HIRAHMAN-ERAHEEM

The major sins are those acts which have been forbidden by Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala in the Holy Qur’an and by His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam in the Sunnah.


Therefore, Allah the Almighty has guaranteed Paradise to those who avoid the major sins. It is very important for a Mu’min (believer) to avoid these types of sins, since they carry a lot of punishment.

According to a Hadith of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam, there are seven major sins (kaba’ir). Anyone who commits these sins will be punished in the Hereafter unless there is true repentance. In a hadith, the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam says, “Avoid the seven noxious things”, and after saying this, the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam mentions them, “associating anything with Allah, magic, killing a person without a just reason, consuming the property of an orphan, fleeing from battle when the army is advancing and slandering chaste women.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Among the mentioned sins, committing shirk (associating partners with Allah) is the most punishable act. According to the Qur’an, a person who commits shirk will not be forgiven and will remain in Hell forever.


There are also many kinds of other sins that are highly punishable like gambling, consuming intoxicants, lying, stealing and committing suicide. But there are also many sins that we commit everyday without knowing that these sins are punishable as well, since they displease Allah the Almighty. The following are some of these kinds of sins which we don’t pay much attention to:

1. Disobeying our parents

2. Giving false testimony

3. Engaging in bribery

4. Cursing others.
The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam said, “Abusing a Muslim is evil and fighting him is disbelief.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari).

5. Harming neighbours.
According to a Hadith, the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam said, “A person who is not safe from his neighbour’s mischief will not enter Paradise.” (Sahih Al- Bukhari).

6. Men wearing silk and gold.
The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam said, “Men who wear silk and gold will have no portion (of heaven) in the Hereafter.” (Sahih Muslim).

7. Not praying in congregation and praying by yourself without an excuse.
The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam said, “Whoever hears the call to prayer and doesn’t come in prayer, there is no prayer for him except for the one who had a valid excuse.” (Al-Bukhari).

8. Spying on Muslims.

9. Believing in soothsayers, psychics and astrologers.
The Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam said, “Whoever goes to a fortune teller and asks him about something will not have his prayer accepted for forty nights.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari).

LAHAULA-WALA QUVATA-ILLA-BILLAH

A Song "Never say the Prophet had died"

Sallallahu alaihi wasallam. :)

Benefits of Ramadan

Benefits of Ramadan

Ramadan is a period of fasting, reflection, devotion, generosity and sacrifice observed by Muslims around the world. While major holidays of other faiths have largely become commercialized events, Ramadan retains its intense spiritual meaning.



The word "Ramadan" comes from the Arabic root word for "parched thirst" and "sun-baked ground." It is expressive of the hunger and thirst felt by those who spend the month in fasting. As opposed to other holidays, when people often indulge, Ramadan is by nature a time of sacrifice.

* Through fasting, a Muslim experiences hunger and thirst, and sympathizes with those in the world who have little to eat every day.
* Through increased devotion, Muslims feel closer ALLAH, and recognize that everything we have in this life is a blessing from Him.
* Through increased charity, Muslims develop feelings of generosity and good-will toward others. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said, "A man's wealth is never diminished by charity."
* Through self-control, a Muslim practices good manners, good speech, and good habits.
* Through changing routines, Muslims have a chance to establish more healthy lifestyle habits -- particularly with regards to diet and smoking.
* Through family and community gatherings, Muslims strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, in their own communities and throughout the world.

Ramadan is a very special time for Muslims, but the feelings and lessons we experience should stay with us throughout the year. In the Qur'an, Muslims are commanded to fast so that they may "learn self-restraint" (Qur'an 2:183). This restraint and devotion is especially felt during Ramadan, but we all must strive to make the feelings and attitudes stay with us during our "normal" lives. That is the true goal and test of Ramadan.

May Allah accept our fasting, forgive our sins, and guide us all to the Straight Path. May Allah bless us all during Ramadan, and throughout the year, with His forgiveness, mercy, and peace, and bring us all closer to Him and to each other.

Salaams.

The Black Slave

The Black Slave.

Once, a descendant (sharif) of the Prophet (s.a.w) lived in the same town as a black slave. This slave was so pious that his master was overwhelmed by shame and freed him. After his freedom, this former slave became a great and famous Islamic scholar with many followers. Unlike him, the sharif was a drunkard and caused trouble everywhere he went. One day, in the center of town, when the scholar was walking with a large group of followers, they came face to face. The sharif made his way through the crowd of students until he reached the scholar.

Arrogantly, he said, "You are a black man. You father was an unbeliever! Look how people honor you while they shun and abuse me, a sharif of the Prophet! (s.a.w). Do you consider such a situation justifiable?"

The teacher answered, "Of course you have said the truth. My parents were both unbelievers and I am a black man, as black as black itself. But I have enlightened my heart with the faith of Allah, a strong faith that has brought light to my skin, body, and soul. People have become attracted to this light, and care little about my black complexion. While your skin is white, your heart has created black patches all over your face so that people can neither see you nor love you as a sharif. While I left my parents' path of error and took the path of your grandfather (s.a.w), you forsake his righteous and glorious path and follow the path of my parents. When the people saw me on your grandfather's path (s.a.w), they embraced, welcomed, and dignified me like the Prophet's (s.a.w) son, and when they saw you on my parent's path, they thought of you as the degraded son of the unbelievers, one who deserves abuse and disgrace. These are the reasons for the situation you see as unjustifiable. The abuse my followers have accorded you on your way to me is forgivable, but your own drunkenness is a punishable offense according to the Sacred Law. It is only on account of your grandfather (s.a.w), that I myself have forgiven you for the unruly manner in which you approached me."

Any person who follows this path, becomes a child of the Prophet (s.a.w), and any person who does not has nothing to do with him (s.a.w).

Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse (R.A.)
Peals of The Divine Flood.

Polishing the Heart

Polishing the Heart


Allaah - the Most High - said:

"O you who believe! Remember Allaah and remember Him a lot." [Soorah al-Ahzaab 33:4I].

"Those men and women who remember Allaah a lot." [Soorah al-Ahzaab 33:35].

"So when you have finished the rights of your Pilgrimage, then remember Allaah as you remember your fore-father, or with more intense remembrance." [Soorah al-Baqarah 2:200].



/

These verses contain a command to remember Allaah intensely and abundantly, since the worshipper is in dire need of [remembering Allaah] and cannot do without it even for a twinkling of an eye. This is because every moment that a person does not spend in the dhikr (remembrance) of Allaah will not be of any benefit to him. Rather, the harm entailed in being neglectful of the dhikr of Allaah is far greater than any benefits that can be gained. One of the 'aarifeen (those who are knowledgeable about Allaah) said:"If a person were to spend such and such number of years engaged [in the dhikr of Allaah], then he turns away from it for just a moment, what he will lose is far greater than whatever he has already gained."

Al-Bayhaqee relates from 'Aaishah radiallaahu 'anhaa that the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "There is no time in which the son of Aadam does not remember AIIaah in it, except that it will be a source of regret for him on the Day of Judgement" 2

Mu'aadh ibn jabal radiallaahu 'anhu relates that the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "The people of Paradise will not have any regrets except for those moments in which they were not engaged in the dhikr (remembrance) of Allaah." 3

Mu'aadh ibn Jabal also relates that Allaah's Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam was asked: What action is the most beloved to Allaah? So he replied: "That you continue to keep your tongue moist with the dhikr of Allaah, until you die." 4

POLISHING THE HEART

Abu Dardaa radiallaahu 'anhu said:"For everything there is a polish and the polish for the heart is the dhikr of Allaah".

Al-Bayhaqee relates from Ibn 'Umar radiallaahu 'anhu that AlIaah's Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "For everything there is a polish, and the polish for the hearts is the dhikr (remembrance) of Allaah. There is nothing more potent in saving a person from the punishment of Allaah than the dhikr of Allaah." It was said: Not even Jihaad in the path of Allaah. So he replied: "Not even if you were to continue striking with your sword until it breaks."5

There is no doubt that hearts becomes rusty just as copper and silver coins become rusty. The polish for [this rust] is the dhikr of AIlaah. This is because [dhikr] is like a polish [which polishes the heart] like a shiny mirror. When dhikr is left, the rust returns. But when dhikr resumes, then the heart is [again] polished. And hearts become rusty due to two things:-

(i) neglecting remembering Allaah, and

(ii) committing sins.

The polish for these two things is:-

(i) seeking Allaah's forgiveness and

(ii) dhikr.

CONFUSING TRUTH WITH FALSEHOOD

Whoever neglects [remembering Allaah] most of the time, then his heart will become rusty in accordance with how neglectful the person is. And when this [filthy] rust accumulates on the heart, then it no longer recognises things as they really are. Thus, it views falsehood as if it is the truth, and truth as if it is falsehood. This is because this rust darkens and confuses the heart's perception, and so it is unable to truly recognise things for what they really are. So as the rust accumulates, the heart gets blackened, and as this happens the heart becomes stained with this filthy rust, and when this occurs it corrupts the heart's perception and recognition of things. The heart [then] does not accept the truth nor does it reject falsehood, and this is the greatest calamity that can strike the heart. Being neglectful [of dhikr] and following of whims and desires is a direct consequence of such a heart, which [further] extinguish the heart's light and blinds its vision. Allaah - the Most High - said:
"And do not obey him whose heart We have made to be neglectful of Our remembrance, one who follows his own whims and desires and whose affairs are furat [have gone beyond bounds and whose deeds have been lost]." [Soorah al-Kahf 18:28].

QUALITIES OF A GUIDE

So when a worshipper desires to follow another person, then let him see: Is this person from the people of dhikr, or from the people who are negligent [about remembering Allaah]? Does this person judge in accordance with his whims and desires, or by the Revelation? So, if he judges by whims and desires then he is actually from those people who are negligent; those whose affairs have gone beyond bounds and whose deeds are lost.

The term furat [which occurs in the above verse] has been explained in many ways. It has been explained to mean:- (i) losing the rewards of that type of action which is essential to do, and in which lies success and happiness; (ii) exceeding the limits of something; (iii) being destroyed; and (iv) opposing the truth. Each of these sayings are very close in meaning to each other.

The point is that Allaah - the One free from all imperfections, the Most High - has prohibited following all those who possess such attributes. So it is absolutely essential that a person considers whether such attributes are found in his shaykh, or the person who's example he follows, or the person that he obeys. If they are, then he should distance himself from such a person. However, if it is found that the person is, in most cases, pre-occupied with the dhikr of Allaah and with following the Sunnah, and his affairs do not exceed the limits, but rather he is judicious and resolute in his affairs, then he should cling to him very firmly.

Indeed, there is no difference between the living and the dead, except with the dhikr of Allaah; since [the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam] said: "The example of one who remembers Allaah and someone who does not, is like the example between the living and the dead."6


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOOTNOTES


1. AI-Waabilus-Sayyib min Kalimit-Tayyib (pp.78-82).

2. Hasan: Related by Abu Nu'aym in al-Hiliyatul-Awliyaa (51361-362). It was authenticated by Shaykh al-Albaanee in Saheehul-Jaami' (no.5720).

3. Saheeh: Related by lbnus-Sunnee in 'Aml al-Yawma wal-Laylah (no.3). Refer to Saheehul-Jaami' (no.5446).

4. Hasan: Related by lbn Hibbaan (no.2318). It was authenticated by Shaykh Saleem al-Hilaalee in Saheeh al-Waabilus-Sayyib (p.80).

5. Saheeh: Related by Ahmad (4/352), from Mu'aadh ibn Jabal radiallaahu 'anhu. It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in Saheehul-Jaami' (no.5644).

6. Related by al-Bukhaaree (11/208) and Muslim (1/539).

From al-Istiqaamah magazine Shawwal 1418H/ February 1998

Who Is Allah?

The following is how Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him), one of the most known muslim scholars, described the greatness of Allah in the most beautiful way



SHED YOUR TEARS IN THE VERY DARKNESS OF NIGHT ONLY FOR ALMIGHTY ALLAH

Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that Prophet (pbuh) said, “A person who weeps out of fear of Allah (SWT) will not enter Hellfire until milk returns to the breast (meaning it is impossible for him to enter hellfire just as it is impossible for milk to return to breast). And the dust of fighting in the way of Allah (SWT) never mixes with the smoke of Hellfire (meaning that one who dies fighting in the way of Allah will enter paradise).” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Abu Umama Sudai Ibn Ajlal Baheli (RA) narrated that Prophet (pbuh) said, “Nothing is dearer to Allah (SWT) than two liquids and two actions. The two liquids are: teardrops of a slave crying out of fear of Allah (SWT) and the blood of mujahid. And the two actions are: to fight for the sake of Allah (SWT) and to perform the obligatory deeds.” (Tirmidhi)

Weep in front of Allah subhanawatala in your prayers because it is only He who knows the true value of your tears. Fi amanillah.

Narrated Anas:

The most frequent invocation of The Prophet was: (("O Allah! Give to us in the world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire."))

Volume 8, Book 75, Number 398, al Bukhary

A young man and a religious scholar ..

There was a young man who went overseas to study for quite a long time. When he returned, he asked his parents to find him a religious scholar or any expert who could answer his 3 Questions. Finally, his parents were able to find a Muslim scholar.

Young man: Who are you? Can you answer my questions?

Scholar: I am one of Allah (SubHana Wa Ta..ala )'s slaves and Insha-Allah (God willing), I will be able to answer your questions.

Young man: Are you sure? A lot of Professors and experts were not able to answer my questions.


Scholar: I will try my best, with the help of Allah(SubHana Wa Ta..ala).


Young Man: I have 3 questions:

1. Does God exist? If so, show me His shape.

2.What is takdir (fate)?

3. If shaitan (Devil) was created from the fire, why at the end he will be thrown to hell that is also created from fire. It certainly will not hurt him at all, since Shaitan (Devil) and the hell were created from fire.

Did God not think of it this far?

Suddenly, the Scholar slapped the young man's face very hard.

Young Man (feeling pain): Why do you get angry at me?

Scholar: I am not angry. The slap is my answer to your three questions.

Young Man: I really don't understand.

Scholar: How do you feel after I slapped you?

Young Man: Of course, I felt the pain.

Scholar: So do you believe that pain exists?

Young Man: Yes.

Scholar: Show me the shape of the pain!

Young Man: I cannot.

Scholar: That is my first answer. All of us feel God's existence without being able to see His shape... Last night, did you dream that you will be slapped by me?

Young Man: No.

Scholar: Did you ever think that you will get a slap from me, today?

Young Man: No.

Scholar: That is takdir (fate)........ My hand that I used to slap you, what is it created from?

Young Man: It is created from flesh.

Scholar: How about your face, what is it created from?

Young Man: Flesh.

Scholar: How do you feel after I slapped you?

Young Man: In pain.

Scholar: Even though Shaitan (Devil) and also the hell were created from the fire, if Allah wants, insha-Allah (God willing), the hell will become a very painful place for Shaitan (Devil).

If anyone of you enters a mosque

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Narrated Abu Qatada Al-Aslami:

Allah's Apostle said, "If anyone of you enters a mosque, he should pray two Rakat before sitting."

Volume 1, Book 8, Number 435 , al Bukhary

A DROP OF PATIENCE

A DROP OF PATIENCE

When Ibrahim (AS) told his son Ismail (AS) about the vision of sacrificing him (Ismail) , Ismai (AS) insisted his father to carry out the commandments of Allah (SWT) and said, "Inshallah you will find me patient."

Patience. This is something the Ummah is in severe crisis of, dear brothers and sisters.

Abu Sa'id Khudri (RA) narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said, "Whoever wants to remain pure, Allah grants him purity. Whoever doesn't want to be dependent on others, Allah makes him self reliant. Whoever wants to be patient, Allah gives him patience. And nothing is better and more desirable than being patient." (Bukhari and Muslim)

Shoaib Ibn Sinan (RA) narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said, "The situation of the believers is amazing. His every action is beneficial to him and it is only in the case of the believers. If something good happens, he thanks Allah. Similarly, if something bad happens, he remains patient. And in both cases he gains the pleasure of Allah." (Muslim)

Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
"By (the token of) Time (through the ages),
Verily man is in loss,
Except such as have faith and do righteous deeds and join in the mutual teaching of Truth, Patience and Constancy. (Surah Al-Asr, verse 1-3)

Wassalamualaikum wa rahmatullah. Jum'a kareem inshallah. :)

(Jummah) Friday is the best of days.

(Jummah) Friday is the best of days.

Rasulullah (saw) said: "Friday is the best of days. It was on this day that Hadrat Aadam alayhis salaam was created, it was on this day that he was granted entry into jannah, it was on this day that he was removed from jannah (which became the cause for man's existence in this universe, and which is a great blessing), and the day of resurrection will also take place on this day. "
{Muslim}

Rasulullah (saw) said: "Of all the days, Friday is the most virtuous. It is on this day that the trumpet will be blown. Send abundant durood upon me on Fridays because they are presented to me on that day. " The Sahabah radiallahu anhum asked: "O Rasulullah! How will they be presented to you when even your bones will not be present after your death?" Rasulullah (Allah bless him & give him peace) replied: "Allah Ta'ala has made the earth haraam upon the prophets forever . "
{Dawud}

Mountain Story

Mountain Story - An interesting short story

"A son and his father were walking on the mountains.
Suddenly, his son falls, hurts himself and screams: "AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!"
To his surprise, he hears the voice repeating, somewhere in the mountain: "AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!"
Curious, he yells: "Who are you?"
He receives the answer: "Who are you?"
And then he screams to the mountain: "I admire you!"
The voice answers: "I admire you!"
Angered at the response, he screams: "Coward!"
He receives the answer: "Coward!"
He looks to his father and asks: "What's going on?"
The father smiles and says: "My son, pay attention."
Again the man screams: "You are a champion!"
The voice answers: "You are a champion!"
The boy is surprised, but does not understand.
Then the father explains: "People call this ECHO, but really this is LIFE.
It gives you back everything you say or do.
Our life is simply a reflection of our actions.
If you want more love in the world, create more love in your heart.
If you want more competence in your team, improve your competence.
This relationship applies to everything, in all aspects of life;
Life will give you back everything you have given to it."

YOUR LIFE IS NOT A COINCIDENCE. IT'S A REFLECTION OF YOU!"

Characteristics of Prayer

Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah

As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu

Characteristics of Prayer

Narrated Abu Huraira (Radi-Allahu 'anhum):

Some poor people came to the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) and
said,

"The wealthy people will get higher grades and will have permanent
enjoyment and they pray like us and fast as we do. They have more money by which they perform the Hajj, and 'Umra; fight and struggle in Allah's Cause and give in charity."

The Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) said,

"Shall I not tell you a thing upon which if you acted you would catch up with those who have surpassed you? Nobody would overtake you and you would be better than the people amongst whom you live except those who would do the same. Say "Sub-han-al-lah", "Alhamdu-lillah" and "Allahu Akbar" thirty three times each after every (compulsory) prayer." We differed and some of us said that we should say, "Subhan-al-lah" thirty three times and "Alhamdu lillah" thirty three times and "Allahu Akbar" thirty four times. I went to the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) who said, "Say, "Subhan-al-lah" and "Alhamdu lillah" and "Allahu Akbar" all together for thirty three times."

Bukhari Vol. 1 : No. 804