An atom’s worth of kibr (pride and arrogance) a barrier to Paradise.
ALLAH’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever has an atom’s worth of kibr (pride and arrogance) in his heart will not enter Paradise.” So a man said: What about a person who loves (i.e. takes pride in) wearing beautiful clothes and beautiful shoes? So he replied: “Indeed Allah is beautiful and loves beauty. Kibr is to reject the truth, and to despise the people.” (Sahih Muslim, 1/65)
So Allah informs us that the Hellfire is the abode of those who have kibr (pride and arrogance). And we learn from the (above) hadith that:
“Whoever has on atom’s worth of kibr in his heart will not enter Paradise.”
So this is a proof that kibr necessitates entry into the Hellfire and prevents entry into Paradise. And this comprehensive explanation that the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned has clarified the meaning of kibr in the dearest possible manner. So he divided kibr into two types:
1. Kibr against the truth This is to reject truth and not accept it. So anyone who rejects the truth is proud and arrogant – in accordance with what he rejects. So it is obligatory upon everyone to humble themselves to the truth that Allah sent His Messenger with, and (the truth) He sent down in His Book.
Those who, out of pride and arrogance, do not comply with the Messengers (i.e. do not believe in them and their message) are disbelievers and they will eternally dwell in the Hellfire. This is because they rejected the truth that the Messengers brought to them with clear signs and proofs. They are prevented from accepting it because of the kibr they harbor in their hearts.
Allah said:
“Verily, those who dispute about the Signs of Allah, without any authority having come to them, there is nothing else in their breasts except pride.” (Qur’an, 40:56)
As for those who, out of kibr, do not comply with parts of truth, because it opposes their personal opinions or desires, are not disbelievers. But their action necessitates punishment in accordance to what they have of kibr.
This is why scholars have agreed that whenever a sunnah of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) has been explained to someone, it is not lawful for him to turn away from it giving preference to the saying of someone else – whoever the someone else may be.
Therefore, it is obligatory on students of knowledge to give complete and absolute precedence to the saying of Allah and the saying of His Messenger (peace be upon him) over and above the saying of anyone else.
He should make that the basis to which he returns, and the foundation upon which he builds. He must try his best to follow the guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him) inwardly and outwardly and strive hard to understand what is intended from it.
When a person conforms to this great principle, then he has indeed reached goodness and excellence. All his errors will be forgiven because his overall objective was to follow what was prescribed for him. So his errors are excused because he tried his best to recognize and comply with the truth. This is humbling oneself to the truth.
2. Kibr towards people This type is to despise people and to look down upon them. This attitude develops when a person is amazed with his own self and considers himself greater and better than others.This leads him to kibr towards the creation. Such a person will despise, mock, and degrade others through both speech and action.
Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said:
“It is enough evil for a person to despise his brother Muslim.” (Sahih Muslim, no. 2564)
This is why the man asked: “What about a person who loves (i.e. takes pride in) wearing beautiful clothes and shoes?” Because he feared this was kibr and hence punishable. So the Prophet (peace be upon him) explained to him otherwise. The questioner was one who complied with the truth and was humble towards people, and this is from the beauty that Allah loves.
For indeed Allah is beautiful in His Dhaat (Self), Sifaat (Attributes) and Af’aal (Actions). He loves both outer and inner beauty. Outer beauty includes cleanliness of the body, clothes and place; inner beauty is beautifying the character.
This is why the Prophet (peace be upon him) would make the du’a:
“O Allah! Guide me to having beautiful manners and characteristics; no one can guide me to beautifying them except You. And turn me away from all evil actions and characteristics; no one can turn them away from me except You.” (An-Nasa’i, no. 861, authenticated by Al-Albani)
– Bahjatul-Quloobul-Abraar, pp. 156-158- By Sheikh Abdur Rahman Bin Nasir As-Sa’dee
Friday, August 28, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Evil lies hidden in the Nafs
Nafs that urges evil.. Nafs lexically means soul, the psyche, the ego,self, life, person, heart or mind. Evil lies hidden in the Nafs and it is this that leads it on to do wrong. This Nafs resides in the world of the senses and is dominated by earthly desires (Shahwat) and passions..
This is the Nafs that brings punishment itself. By its very nature it directs its owner towards every wrong action. No one can get rid of its evil without the help from Allah. As Allah refers to this Nafs in the story of the wife of al-Aziz (Zulaikha) and Prophet Yusuf (s):"The (human) soul is certainly prone to evil" (12:53
Allah also says:"And had it not been for the grace of Allah and His Mercy on you, not one of you would ever have been pure; but Allah purifies whomever He wishes, and Allah is Hearing, Knowing." (24:21)
لعن اللہ الناظر والمنظور الیھ
“May the curse of Allah be upon the one who casts evil glances and upon the one who presents him/herself to be looked at.”
If casting evil glances was a minor sin, then Nabi , being a mercy to mankind would not have cursed its perpetrator. The curse of Nabi is clear proof that this is a very despicable crime. The meaning of curse is to become distant from the mercy of Allah.Thus, he who has become distant from the mercy of Allah Ta’ala, cannot gain salvation from the evils of his Nafs. Only he who is under the shade of Allah’s mercy can attain salvation from the evils of the Nafs.
Allah Ta’ala says: ان النفس لامارة بالسوء
The Nafs abundantly commands evil.”(Sura Yousuf; Ayat 53, Juz 13)
So how is it possible to be saved from the evils of Nafs?
Allah Ta’ala further says:
الا مار حم ربی
“Except by the mercy of my Lord.”
From this, we understand that the only way to be saved from the evils of the Nafs is to come under the shade of Allah’s mercy. Allah Ta’ala who is the Creator of this Nafs Himself has proclaimed that those who are in His mercy will be saved. Therefore, the one who has come under the shade of الا مارحم ربی his Nafs did not remain امارة بالسوء (excessively commanding evil) rather it became امارة بالخیر (abundantly commanding good). This is why after the command of guarding the eyes, یغضوا من ابصارھم , Allah Ta’ala mentions, ویحفظوا فروجھم “Guard the private parts.”
Because through the blessings of fulfilling the divine command of Allah Ta’ala and saving oneself from the curse of Nabi one comes under the shade of Allah’s mercy. Now his private parts will also be safeguarded. Form this we conclude that the reward of guarding the eyes is that the private parts become safeguarded.
On the contrary, if a person does not guard his eyes then he cannot guard his private parts either and curses which descends upon him is a separate punishment on its own.
Once the sweetness of Imaan enters the heart, it will never be taken back. Thus by protecting the eyes, one is given grad tidings of a good death. Rasulullah (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) said:
"Verily the evil glance is a poisonous arrow from the arrows of Iblees. He who abstains from casting evil glances, I will grant him such Imaan, that he will feel the sweetness of it in his heart".
(Narrated by Ibn Mas’ud in Tabarani and Kanzul-Ummaal; Vol. 5, pg. 228),(Ibn Katheer; Surra Nur, Ayat 30)
Hafiz Ibn Katheer (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ) mentions in his Tafseer:
من حفظ بصرہ اورثہ اللہ نورا فی بصیرتہ
"He who protects his eyes from unlawful gazes, Allah Ta'ala will grant him the light of the heart .
We ask Allah Ta'ala that He guides the entire Ummah from the darknesses of sin into the light of piety and obedience to Allah Ta'ala and Rasulullah (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم).
May He accept it out of His sheer Mercy. Ameen
This is the Nafs that brings punishment itself. By its very nature it directs its owner towards every wrong action. No one can get rid of its evil without the help from Allah. As Allah refers to this Nafs in the story of the wife of al-Aziz (Zulaikha) and Prophet Yusuf (s):"The (human) soul is certainly prone to evil" (12:53
Allah also says:"And had it not been for the grace of Allah and His Mercy on you, not one of you would ever have been pure; but Allah purifies whomever He wishes, and Allah is Hearing, Knowing." (24:21)
لعن اللہ الناظر والمنظور الیھ
“May the curse of Allah be upon the one who casts evil glances and upon the one who presents him/herself to be looked at.”
If casting evil glances was a minor sin, then Nabi , being a mercy to mankind would not have cursed its perpetrator. The curse of Nabi is clear proof that this is a very despicable crime. The meaning of curse is to become distant from the mercy of Allah.Thus, he who has become distant from the mercy of Allah Ta’ala, cannot gain salvation from the evils of his Nafs. Only he who is under the shade of Allah’s mercy can attain salvation from the evils of the Nafs.
Allah Ta’ala says: ان النفس لامارة بالسوء
The Nafs abundantly commands evil.”(Sura Yousuf; Ayat 53, Juz 13)
So how is it possible to be saved from the evils of Nafs?
Allah Ta’ala further says:
الا مار حم ربی
“Except by the mercy of my Lord.”
From this, we understand that the only way to be saved from the evils of the Nafs is to come under the shade of Allah’s mercy. Allah Ta’ala who is the Creator of this Nafs Himself has proclaimed that those who are in His mercy will be saved. Therefore, the one who has come under the shade of الا مارحم ربی his Nafs did not remain امارة بالسوء (excessively commanding evil) rather it became امارة بالخیر (abundantly commanding good). This is why after the command of guarding the eyes, یغضوا من ابصارھم , Allah Ta’ala mentions, ویحفظوا فروجھم “Guard the private parts.”
Because through the blessings of fulfilling the divine command of Allah Ta’ala and saving oneself from the curse of Nabi one comes under the shade of Allah’s mercy. Now his private parts will also be safeguarded. Form this we conclude that the reward of guarding the eyes is that the private parts become safeguarded.
On the contrary, if a person does not guard his eyes then he cannot guard his private parts either and curses which descends upon him is a separate punishment on its own.
Once the sweetness of Imaan enters the heart, it will never be taken back. Thus by protecting the eyes, one is given grad tidings of a good death. Rasulullah (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) said:
"Verily the evil glance is a poisonous arrow from the arrows of Iblees. He who abstains from casting evil glances, I will grant him such Imaan, that he will feel the sweetness of it in his heart".
(Narrated by Ibn Mas’ud in Tabarani and Kanzul-Ummaal; Vol. 5, pg. 228),(Ibn Katheer; Surra Nur, Ayat 30)
Hafiz Ibn Katheer (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ) mentions in his Tafseer:
من حفظ بصرہ اورثہ اللہ نورا فی بصیرتہ
"He who protects his eyes from unlawful gazes, Allah Ta'ala will grant him the light of the heart .
We ask Allah Ta'ala that He guides the entire Ummah from the darknesses of sin into the light of piety and obedience to Allah Ta'ala and Rasulullah (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم).
May He accept it out of His sheer Mercy. Ameen
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Nature of Life in Hereafter
Firstly: it should be noted that what is obligatory upon every believing man and woman is to believe what Allaah tells them in His Book or on the lips of His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about all matters that have to do with the Hereafter, the Reckoning, Paradise and Hell, or that have to do with death, the grave and torment or blessing in the grave, and all matters of the Unseen that are mentioned in the Noble Qur’aan or in the saheeh reports of the Sunnah. We have to believe and accept that, because we know that our Lord tells the truth in all that He says and tells us about. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“and whose words can be truer than those of Allaah? (Of course, none)”
[al-Nisaa’ 4:122
“And who is truer in statement than Allaah?”[al-Nisaa’ 4:87]
We know that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is the most truthful of people, and that he never spoke on the basis of his own whims and desires; it was Revelation which was revealed to him. Whatever was proven in the saheeh ahaadeeth, it is obligatory to believe in it even if we do not fully understand it. So what we have to do is to believe what has been narrated concerning the matters of the Hereafter and of Paradise and Hell, and the blessings of the people of Paradise and the torments of the people of Hell, and the fact that in the grave a person will be tormented or blessed, and that his soul will return to him. All of this is true and is stated in the texts, so we have to submit to that and believe everything that we learn from the Qur’aan or that is narrated in the saheeh Sunnah or on which the scholars of Islam reached consensus.
If Allaah blesses a believing man or woman with knowledge of the reasons for that, then it is even better, light upon light and knowledge upon knowledge. So let him praise Allaah and give thanks to Him for the knowledge and insight that He has bestowed, thus increasing his knowledge and peace of mind.
With regard to the questioning in the grave and the state of the deceased, this questioning is real. The deceased person’s soul will be restored to him; saheeh reports to that effect have been narrated from the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The life of the deceased in the grave is different from his life in this world; it is a special kind of life in al-barzakh (the interval between his death and the Day of Resurrection) which is not like his life in this world, where he needs food and drink etc. It is a special kind of life wherein he can understand the questions and answers, so the two angels will ask him, Who is your Lord? What is your religion? Who is your Prophet?
The believer will say, My Lord is Allaah, Islam is my religion and Muhammad is my Prophet. This will be the answer of believing men and women. Then he will be asked, What do you know about this man (Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him))? He will say, He is the Messenger of Allaah. He brought us guidance and we believed in him and followed him. It will be said: we knew that you were a believer. Then a gate to Paradise will be opened for him, and he will feel its rest and provision and blessings. It will be said, This is your place until Allaah resurrects you to it. And he will be shown his place in Hell, and it will be said to him, This would have been your place if you had disbelieved in Allaah, but now Allaah has granted you refuge from it and you have ended up in Paradise.
As for the kaafir, he will be asked about his Lord and his religion and his Prophet, and he will say, Oh, oh, I don’t know, I heard the people saying something so I said the same. Then he will be beaten with an iron rod and will utter a scream that will be heard by all things apart from al-thaqalayn, i.e. jinn and men; the animals will hear it. Then a gate to Hell will be opened for him, and his grave will constrict until his ribs intermingle, and his grave will be like one of the pits of Hell. A gate to Hell will be opened for him and he will feel its heat and torment. It will be said, This is your place until Allaah resurrects you to it. Then a door to Paradise will be opened for him and he will be shown his place in Paradise, and it will be said to him, This would have been your place if Allaah had guided you.
From this we know that the grave will be either one of the gardens of Paradise or one of the pits of Hell. The torment or blessing will happen to the body as well as the soul in the grave, and also in the Hereafter, in either Paradise or Hell.
With regard to those who die by drowning or burning, or are eaten by wild animals, their souls will have their share of torment or blessing, and that will come to their bodies on land or in the sea, or in the bellies of the wild animals, as much as Allaah wills. But most of the blessing or torment will come to their souls which remain, either in a state of blessing or a state of torment. The soul of the believer will go to Paradise; the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The soul of the believer is a bird which hangs from the trees of Paradise, eating their fruits; the soul of the kaafir goes to Hell.”
Every Muslim man and woman has to accept what Allaah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) have told us, and believe it as it was meant by Allaah, even though some of the meaning may be hidden from us. And Allaah has perfect wisdom, may He be glorified
“and whose words can be truer than those of Allaah? (Of course, none)”
[al-Nisaa’ 4:122
“And who is truer in statement than Allaah?”[al-Nisaa’ 4:87]
We know that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is the most truthful of people, and that he never spoke on the basis of his own whims and desires; it was Revelation which was revealed to him. Whatever was proven in the saheeh ahaadeeth, it is obligatory to believe in it even if we do not fully understand it. So what we have to do is to believe what has been narrated concerning the matters of the Hereafter and of Paradise and Hell, and the blessings of the people of Paradise and the torments of the people of Hell, and the fact that in the grave a person will be tormented or blessed, and that his soul will return to him. All of this is true and is stated in the texts, so we have to submit to that and believe everything that we learn from the Qur’aan or that is narrated in the saheeh Sunnah or on which the scholars of Islam reached consensus.
If Allaah blesses a believing man or woman with knowledge of the reasons for that, then it is even better, light upon light and knowledge upon knowledge. So let him praise Allaah and give thanks to Him for the knowledge and insight that He has bestowed, thus increasing his knowledge and peace of mind.
With regard to the questioning in the grave and the state of the deceased, this questioning is real. The deceased person’s soul will be restored to him; saheeh reports to that effect have been narrated from the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The life of the deceased in the grave is different from his life in this world; it is a special kind of life in al-barzakh (the interval between his death and the Day of Resurrection) which is not like his life in this world, where he needs food and drink etc. It is a special kind of life wherein he can understand the questions and answers, so the two angels will ask him, Who is your Lord? What is your religion? Who is your Prophet?
The believer will say, My Lord is Allaah, Islam is my religion and Muhammad is my Prophet. This will be the answer of believing men and women. Then he will be asked, What do you know about this man (Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him))? He will say, He is the Messenger of Allaah. He brought us guidance and we believed in him and followed him. It will be said: we knew that you were a believer. Then a gate to Paradise will be opened for him, and he will feel its rest and provision and blessings. It will be said, This is your place until Allaah resurrects you to it. And he will be shown his place in Hell, and it will be said to him, This would have been your place if you had disbelieved in Allaah, but now Allaah has granted you refuge from it and you have ended up in Paradise.
As for the kaafir, he will be asked about his Lord and his religion and his Prophet, and he will say, Oh, oh, I don’t know, I heard the people saying something so I said the same. Then he will be beaten with an iron rod and will utter a scream that will be heard by all things apart from al-thaqalayn, i.e. jinn and men; the animals will hear it. Then a gate to Hell will be opened for him, and his grave will constrict until his ribs intermingle, and his grave will be like one of the pits of Hell. A gate to Hell will be opened for him and he will feel its heat and torment. It will be said, This is your place until Allaah resurrects you to it. Then a door to Paradise will be opened for him and he will be shown his place in Paradise, and it will be said to him, This would have been your place if Allaah had guided you.
From this we know that the grave will be either one of the gardens of Paradise or one of the pits of Hell. The torment or blessing will happen to the body as well as the soul in the grave, and also in the Hereafter, in either Paradise or Hell.
With regard to those who die by drowning or burning, or are eaten by wild animals, their souls will have their share of torment or blessing, and that will come to their bodies on land or in the sea, or in the bellies of the wild animals, as much as Allaah wills. But most of the blessing or torment will come to their souls which remain, either in a state of blessing or a state of torment. The soul of the believer will go to Paradise; the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The soul of the believer is a bird which hangs from the trees of Paradise, eating their fruits; the soul of the kaafir goes to Hell.”
Every Muslim man and woman has to accept what Allaah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) have told us, and believe it as it was meant by Allaah, even though some of the meaning may be hidden from us. And Allaah has perfect wisdom, may He be glorified
Monday, August 24, 2009
Humbleness and Humility
Servants of the Most Gracious-Although they may be seen to be few, true servants of Allaah will never cease to exist. In every place, there will always be righteous and obedient believers who have taken it upon themselves to fulfil their promise to Allaah. They are the ones who are engaged in working righteousness and in constant personal reform – developing and improving themselves, never content with their current state.
They are the sincere Muslims who exert themselves in their submission to Allaah, regularly keeping in check the contents of their heart, the reality of their thoughts and the course of their actions.
They are from amongst the ‘Ibaadur-Rahmaan – the true servants of the Allaah, the Most Gracious.
“And the slaves of the Most Gracious (Allaah) are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness and when the foolish address them, they reply back with words of peace.” [Surah al-Furqan: 63]
Throughout the Qur’aan, Allaah regularly mentions their characteristics. Characteristics such as patience and piety, gratitude and steadfastness, humbleness and courage, justice and equity to name but a few. In the above verse, the first trait mentioned by Allaah as belonging to His servants is one of tawaadu’ – humbleness and humility.
It is an extremely important attribute sprouting from a pure and believing heart, having a direct affect on one’s action. It is an attribute which totally eliminates any presence of arrogance and false pride, leaving ground for only goodness to grow. A well-known human trait is that people often respond fiercely to verbal abuse as they see it to be an attack on their personal self. It pierces their pride and ego – hence the backlash.
However, for the Muslim, when the ignorant addresses him in such a manner, it holds no weight in his sight and little does it affect him for his main concern is not the ignorant, but rather his Lord. He thus replies back with words free from any evil or sin.
“And those who spend the night before their Lord, prostrate and standing.” [v.64]
The night prayer also termed ‘the prayer of the righteous’ is never found missing from the life of the believer. The servants of Allaah are those who are found awake when the masses are asleep, they are found engaged in prayer and supplication, out of their love for their Lord at a time when He descends to the lower heaven.
They realise the great opportunities that lie here and so they hasten to perform much good. Their imaan has taken them beyond establishing the obligations of Islam in their life to establishing and being steadfast upon the performance of the nawaafil (supererogatory deeds) – and as Allah mentions
“My slave continues to draw near to me with supererogatory works (nawaafil) until I love him”. [1]
“And those who say: ‘Our Lord! Avert from us the torment of Hell. Verily, its torment is ever an inseparable, permanent punishment.” [v.65]
Recalling the humbleness of such ‘ibaad (servants of Allah), it is only a natural quality of theirs that they never feel safe from the punishment of the Hereafter. Despite the good deeds they have sent forth for themselves, they never reach a state of false self-confidence wherein they are at ease with regards to the Aakhira (Hereafter).
They realise that deeds alone do not guarantee one a dwelling place in Paradise as is narrated from the Messenger of Allaah (s.a.w) when he said,
“Know that the deeds of one of you will not save him (from the hell-fire)” The sahaabah replied, “Not even you, O Messenger of Allaah?” He (s.a.w) said, “Not even I, except if Allaah bestows upon me His Mercy and Favour” [2]
“And those who when they spend are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium way between those.” [v.67]
Imam Ash-Shaafi’ee mentions interestingly that “extravagance is to spend wealth in other than its right.”
In other words, were one to spend pennies in something useless, than one may be guilty of extravagance despite the little he or she has spent, as Ibn ‘Abbaas said,
“Whoever spent a hundred thousand in due right (i.e. in good), then he is not a spendthrift. Whosoever spent a dirham (i.e. small amount) in other than its right, then he is a spendthrift…” [3]
It’s not for a believer to waste and be careless with wealth, which is itself a blessing and a trust from Allaah, the Provider. Whilst many people have made acquiring wealth to be their goal, the reality is that it is simply a means for one to reach the ultimate goal of acquiring the Pleasure of Allah.
It is a characteristic of the believer that he or she is never found to be abusing this trust of wealth, but rather is always spending it in its due right and in goodness.
“And those who invoke not any other god along with Allaah, nor kill such life as Allaah has forbidden, except for a just cause, nor commit fornication – and whoever does this, shall receive the punishment.” [v.68]
There is no doubt that to associate others in the worship of Allah is the greatest sin by which one leaves the fold of Islam, and so it is made clear that the servants of the Most Gracious are they who purify their worship for Him Alone and do not call upon other than Him. They stay away from anything that can possibly jeopardize their belief, including the rest of the major sins mentioned in the verse.
However, for those who may have committed the sins (with the exception of shirk), Allah says shortly afterwards:
“Except those who repent and believe, and do righteous deeds, for those, Allah will change their sins into good deeds, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [v.70]
The characteristics of ‘ibaadur-Rahmaan continue:
“And those who do not witness falsehood, and if they pass by some evil talk, they pass by it with dignity.” [v.72]
Justice....A known element within the true Muslim character and an attribute to be observed by all claimants of Islam, regardless of where the interest lies. Hence, to bear false witness only amounts to lies, often resulting in social chaos and injustice.
Inner strength often needs to be developed to keep our soul away from doing injustice to ourselves or to others and also to keep it away from engaging in idle or evil talk which it may be unsurprisingly attracted towards.
The servants of Allaah naturally find dignity in their faith which allows them to not only avoid evil, but to be unaffected by it altogether. And those, when they are reminded of the Ayaat of their Lord, fall not deaf and blind thereat.” [v.73] They do not turn away from the Revelation of Allaah, but rather they rush to listen to it attentively. They are not from amongst those about whom Allaah has said,
They are the deaf, dumb and blind, so they return not (to the Right Path).” [4]
Instead they are counted as being amongst those mentioned in the verse,
“Only those believe in Our Ayaat, who, when they are reminded of them, fall down prostrate, and glorify the Praises of their Lord, and they are not proud.” [5]
They are the ones who turn their ears and hearts fully in acceptance to what their Lord has to say. The characteristics of the servants of Allaah in the passage of Surah Furqan draw to an end with:
“And those who say: "Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the Muttaqoon" [v.74]
“Those will be rewarded with the highest place (in Paradise) because of their patience. Therein they shall be met with greetings and the word of peace and respect.” [v.75] May Allaah make us from amongst His true, believing ‘Ibaad.
----------------------------------------------------
Footnotes: [1] Related by al-Bukhari [2] Al-Bukhari [3] Al-Jaami’ li-‘ahkaam al-Qur’aan by al-Qurtubi [4] Surah al-Baqarah, verse 18 [5] Surah as-Sajdah: 15
They are the sincere Muslims who exert themselves in their submission to Allaah, regularly keeping in check the contents of their heart, the reality of their thoughts and the course of their actions.
They are from amongst the ‘Ibaadur-Rahmaan – the true servants of the Allaah, the Most Gracious.
“And the slaves of the Most Gracious (Allaah) are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness and when the foolish address them, they reply back with words of peace.” [Surah al-Furqan: 63]
Throughout the Qur’aan, Allaah regularly mentions their characteristics. Characteristics such as patience and piety, gratitude and steadfastness, humbleness and courage, justice and equity to name but a few. In the above verse, the first trait mentioned by Allaah as belonging to His servants is one of tawaadu’ – humbleness and humility.
It is an extremely important attribute sprouting from a pure and believing heart, having a direct affect on one’s action. It is an attribute which totally eliminates any presence of arrogance and false pride, leaving ground for only goodness to grow. A well-known human trait is that people often respond fiercely to verbal abuse as they see it to be an attack on their personal self. It pierces their pride and ego – hence the backlash.
However, for the Muslim, when the ignorant addresses him in such a manner, it holds no weight in his sight and little does it affect him for his main concern is not the ignorant, but rather his Lord. He thus replies back with words free from any evil or sin.
“And those who spend the night before their Lord, prostrate and standing.” [v.64]
The night prayer also termed ‘the prayer of the righteous’ is never found missing from the life of the believer. The servants of Allaah are those who are found awake when the masses are asleep, they are found engaged in prayer and supplication, out of their love for their Lord at a time when He descends to the lower heaven.
They realise the great opportunities that lie here and so they hasten to perform much good. Their imaan has taken them beyond establishing the obligations of Islam in their life to establishing and being steadfast upon the performance of the nawaafil (supererogatory deeds) – and as Allah mentions
“My slave continues to draw near to me with supererogatory works (nawaafil) until I love him”. [1]
“And those who say: ‘Our Lord! Avert from us the torment of Hell. Verily, its torment is ever an inseparable, permanent punishment.” [v.65]
Recalling the humbleness of such ‘ibaad (servants of Allah), it is only a natural quality of theirs that they never feel safe from the punishment of the Hereafter. Despite the good deeds they have sent forth for themselves, they never reach a state of false self-confidence wherein they are at ease with regards to the Aakhira (Hereafter).
They realise that deeds alone do not guarantee one a dwelling place in Paradise as is narrated from the Messenger of Allaah (s.a.w) when he said,
“Know that the deeds of one of you will not save him (from the hell-fire)” The sahaabah replied, “Not even you, O Messenger of Allaah?” He (s.a.w) said, “Not even I, except if Allaah bestows upon me His Mercy and Favour” [2]
“And those who when they spend are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium way between those.” [v.67]
Imam Ash-Shaafi’ee mentions interestingly that “extravagance is to spend wealth in other than its right.”
In other words, were one to spend pennies in something useless, than one may be guilty of extravagance despite the little he or she has spent, as Ibn ‘Abbaas said,
“Whoever spent a hundred thousand in due right (i.e. in good), then he is not a spendthrift. Whosoever spent a dirham (i.e. small amount) in other than its right, then he is a spendthrift…” [3]
It’s not for a believer to waste and be careless with wealth, which is itself a blessing and a trust from Allaah, the Provider. Whilst many people have made acquiring wealth to be their goal, the reality is that it is simply a means for one to reach the ultimate goal of acquiring the Pleasure of Allah.
It is a characteristic of the believer that he or she is never found to be abusing this trust of wealth, but rather is always spending it in its due right and in goodness.
“And those who invoke not any other god along with Allaah, nor kill such life as Allaah has forbidden, except for a just cause, nor commit fornication – and whoever does this, shall receive the punishment.” [v.68]
There is no doubt that to associate others in the worship of Allah is the greatest sin by which one leaves the fold of Islam, and so it is made clear that the servants of the Most Gracious are they who purify their worship for Him Alone and do not call upon other than Him. They stay away from anything that can possibly jeopardize their belief, including the rest of the major sins mentioned in the verse.
However, for those who may have committed the sins (with the exception of shirk), Allah says shortly afterwards:
“Except those who repent and believe, and do righteous deeds, for those, Allah will change their sins into good deeds, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [v.70]
The characteristics of ‘ibaadur-Rahmaan continue:
“And those who do not witness falsehood, and if they pass by some evil talk, they pass by it with dignity.” [v.72]
Justice....A known element within the true Muslim character and an attribute to be observed by all claimants of Islam, regardless of where the interest lies. Hence, to bear false witness only amounts to lies, often resulting in social chaos and injustice.
Inner strength often needs to be developed to keep our soul away from doing injustice to ourselves or to others and also to keep it away from engaging in idle or evil talk which it may be unsurprisingly attracted towards.
The servants of Allaah naturally find dignity in their faith which allows them to not only avoid evil, but to be unaffected by it altogether. And those, when they are reminded of the Ayaat of their Lord, fall not deaf and blind thereat.” [v.73] They do not turn away from the Revelation of Allaah, but rather they rush to listen to it attentively. They are not from amongst those about whom Allaah has said,
They are the deaf, dumb and blind, so they return not (to the Right Path).” [4]
Instead they are counted as being amongst those mentioned in the verse,
“Only those believe in Our Ayaat, who, when they are reminded of them, fall down prostrate, and glorify the Praises of their Lord, and they are not proud.” [5]
They are the ones who turn their ears and hearts fully in acceptance to what their Lord has to say. The characteristics of the servants of Allaah in the passage of Surah Furqan draw to an end with:
“And those who say: "Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the Muttaqoon" [v.74]
“Those will be rewarded with the highest place (in Paradise) because of their patience. Therein they shall be met with greetings and the word of peace and respect.” [v.75] May Allaah make us from amongst His true, believing ‘Ibaad.
----------------------------------------------------
Footnotes: [1] Related by al-Bukhari [2] Al-Bukhari [3] Al-Jaami’ li-‘ahkaam al-Qur’aan by al-Qurtubi [4] Surah al-Baqarah, verse 18 [5] Surah as-Sajdah: 15
Wisdom from: Al Quran and Hadith
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
As salaamualaikum wa rehmatullahi wa barkatuhu
Al Quran
Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "I have no power over any harm or profit to myself except what Allah may will. For every Ummah (a community or a nation), there is a term appointed; when their term comes, neither can they delay it nor can they advance it an hour (or a moment)." (Tafsir Al-Qurtubi).
Say: "Tell me, if His torment should come to you by night or by day, which portion thereof would the Mujrimun (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, criminals) hasten on ?"
Is it then that when it has actually befallen, you will believe in it? What! Now (you believe)? And you used (aforetime) to hasten it on!"
Then it will be said to them who wronged themselves: "Taste you the everlasting torment! Are you recompensed (aught) save what you used to earn?"
And they ask you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) to inform them (saying): "Is it true (i.e. the torment and the establishment of the Hour - the Day of Resurrection) ?" Say: "Yes! By my Lord! It is the very truth! and you cannot escape it!"
And if every person who had wronged (by disbelieving in Allah and by worshipping others besides Allah) possessed all that is on the earth and sought to ransom himself therewith (it will not be accepted), and they would feel in their hearts regret when they see the torment, and they will be judged with justice, and no wrong will be done unto them.
No doubt, surely, all that is in the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah. No doubt, surely, Allah's Promise is true. But most of them know not.
It is He Who gives life, and causes death, and to Him you (all) shall return.
Translation of Surah Yunus, Verses 49-56
Hadith :
Narrated Aisha, the mother of the believers(May Allah have mercy on her) : Allah's Apostle ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) during his illness prayed at his house while sitting whereas some people prayed behind him standing. The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) beckoned them to sit down. On completion of the prayer, he said, 'The Imam is to be followed: bow when he bows, raise up your heads (stand erect) when he raises his head and when he says, 'Sami a-l-lahu liman-hamida ' (Allah heard those who sent praises to Him) say then 'Rabbana wa laka-l-hamd' (O our Lord! All the praises are for You), and if he prays sitting then pray sitting."
Sahi bukhari, Book of Call to Prayers (Adhaan), Hadith no.656
-- Prophet Muhammad (Peace n Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) said,"Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single sentence.... .
(Saheeh Bukhaari, Book of Virtues and Merits of the Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions, Hadith Number 667)
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)
As salaamualaikum wa rehmatullahi wa barkatuhu
Al Quran
Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "I have no power over any harm or profit to myself except what Allah may will. For every Ummah (a community or a nation), there is a term appointed; when their term comes, neither can they delay it nor can they advance it an hour (or a moment)." (Tafsir Al-Qurtubi).
Say: "Tell me, if His torment should come to you by night or by day, which portion thereof would the Mujrimun (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, criminals) hasten on ?"
Is it then that when it has actually befallen, you will believe in it? What! Now (you believe)? And you used (aforetime) to hasten it on!"
Then it will be said to them who wronged themselves: "Taste you the everlasting torment! Are you recompensed (aught) save what you used to earn?"
And they ask you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) to inform them (saying): "Is it true (i.e. the torment and the establishment of the Hour - the Day of Resurrection) ?" Say: "Yes! By my Lord! It is the very truth! and you cannot escape it!"
And if every person who had wronged (by disbelieving in Allah and by worshipping others besides Allah) possessed all that is on the earth and sought to ransom himself therewith (it will not be accepted), and they would feel in their hearts regret when they see the torment, and they will be judged with justice, and no wrong will be done unto them.
No doubt, surely, all that is in the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah. No doubt, surely, Allah's Promise is true. But most of them know not.
It is He Who gives life, and causes death, and to Him you (all) shall return.
Translation of Surah Yunus, Verses 49-56
Hadith :
Narrated Aisha, the mother of the believers(May Allah have mercy on her) : Allah's Apostle ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) during his illness prayed at his house while sitting whereas some people prayed behind him standing. The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) beckoned them to sit down. On completion of the prayer, he said, 'The Imam is to be followed: bow when he bows, raise up your heads (stand erect) when he raises his head and when he says, 'Sami a-l-lahu liman-hamida ' (Allah heard those who sent praises to Him) say then 'Rabbana wa laka-l-hamd' (O our Lord! All the praises are for You), and if he prays sitting then pray sitting."
Sahi bukhari, Book of Call to Prayers (Adhaan), Hadith no.656
-- Prophet Muhammad (Peace n Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) said,"Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single sentence.... .
(Saheeh Bukhaari, Book of Virtues and Merits of the Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions, Hadith Number 667)
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)
Ramadan gift
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah.
As salaatu was salaamu 'alayk Ya Sayyidina Ya RasoolAllah, Wa Ala Aalika Wa Ashabika Ya HabeebAllah
Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. And he who passes Lailat al-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven (Bukhari, Muslim).
Abu Huraira related that Rasulullah said: If anyone omits his fast even for one day in Ramadan without a concession or without being ill, then if he were to fast for the rest of his life he could not make up for it (Bukhari).
Abu Huraira related that the Prophet said: Allah the Majestic and Exalted said: “Every deed of man will receive ten to 700 times reward, except Siyam (fasting), for it is for Me and I shall reward it (as I like). There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts: one when he breaks the fast and the other when he will meet his Lord” (Muslim).
As salaatu was salaamu 'alayk Ya Sayyidina Ya RasoolAllah, Wa Ala Aalika Wa Ashabika Ya HabeebAllah
Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. And he who passes Lailat al-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven (Bukhari, Muslim).
Abu Huraira related that Rasulullah said: If anyone omits his fast even for one day in Ramadan without a concession or without being ill, then if he were to fast for the rest of his life he could not make up for it (Bukhari).
Abu Huraira related that the Prophet said: Allah the Majestic and Exalted said: “Every deed of man will receive ten to 700 times reward, except Siyam (fasting), for it is for Me and I shall reward it (as I like). There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts: one when he breaks the fast and the other when he will meet his Lord” (Muslim).
A Parable Of A Horse In A Well
There once was a horse that fell into an abandoned well. His owner wanted to get him out but when he calculated the cost and effort and contemplated what he would have to do and everything the task would involve and the result of that, he came to a conclusion. He figured that the horse is too old and the well is abandoned. So, it would be easier just to buy a new horse and fill up the old well. Therefore, the plan was made.
The man went around to his neighbors and asked them to help him. So, they all gathered at the well and began shoveling dirt onto the horse. Well, the horse started going crazy, whining and sreaming and stomping. Suddenly, the sound dissappeared. The horse’s owner leaned over the well and looked down. He was amazed at what he saw.
Everytime a person dumped dirt onto the horse, he shook it off, when the dirt fell to the ground he stomped it . The more dirt they dumped on him the more he shook it off and stomped, rising up. The horse continued doing that until he finally made it to the top and jumped out of the well.
This is exactly like life. This is exactly what Muslims have to go through. People are dumping dirt on you all the way from A to Z and you continue to rise by shaking it off and ignoring it. People have nothing but to bury you. It could be from your own family, friends, or your enemies. As long as you are with Allah (SWT) you will run into people who will definatley do that.
And what is your job?
Your job is to be patient. Your job is to ignore. Your job is to shake it off like nothing happend. When someone insults you, when someone says something negative about you, know that you are with Allah (SWT).
No one can do anything to you and the more people attack you the more you rise up. And also remember that, people don’t attack a tree without fruit. They attack the tree with the fruit. They throw the stones to get the fruit out of that tree. So, there is some benefit in that when you have something good, people will attack you.
When you don’t have anything good, why should they talk about you?
Why should they demean you?
Why should they put you down?
You are nothing. But when you are someone people will attack . Leave all the worries and burdens everything you have and remember every calamity and problem you face is like a handful of dirt. Shake it off and rise with your actions and you will find yourself on top. The best time to find yourself on top is the Day of Judgement. Make your heart free of worries. Make your mind free of stress and live your life simple...
The man went around to his neighbors and asked them to help him. So, they all gathered at the well and began shoveling dirt onto the horse. Well, the horse started going crazy, whining and sreaming and stomping. Suddenly, the sound dissappeared. The horse’s owner leaned over the well and looked down. He was amazed at what he saw.
Everytime a person dumped dirt onto the horse, he shook it off, when the dirt fell to the ground he stomped it . The more dirt they dumped on him the more he shook it off and stomped, rising up. The horse continued doing that until he finally made it to the top and jumped out of the well.
This is exactly like life. This is exactly what Muslims have to go through. People are dumping dirt on you all the way from A to Z and you continue to rise by shaking it off and ignoring it. People have nothing but to bury you. It could be from your own family, friends, or your enemies. As long as you are with Allah (SWT) you will run into people who will definatley do that.
And what is your job?
Your job is to be patient. Your job is to ignore. Your job is to shake it off like nothing happend. When someone insults you, when someone says something negative about you, know that you are with Allah (SWT).
No one can do anything to you and the more people attack you the more you rise up. And also remember that, people don’t attack a tree without fruit. They attack the tree with the fruit. They throw the stones to get the fruit out of that tree. So, there is some benefit in that when you have something good, people will attack you.
When you don’t have anything good, why should they talk about you?
Why should they demean you?
Why should they put you down?
You are nothing. But when you are someone people will attack . Leave all the worries and burdens everything you have and remember every calamity and problem you face is like a handful of dirt. Shake it off and rise with your actions and you will find yourself on top. The best time to find yourself on top is the Day of Judgement. Make your heart free of worries. Make your mind free of stress and live your life simple...
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Quran as a Miracle
Quran as a miracle
The Quran is truly a living miracle. Going deeper into it, one finds amazing characteristics from every perspective. In Language The Arabs of the 6th and 7th centuries CE were masters of the Arabic language. Eloquence and rhetoric were their lifeblood.
The liveliness that marked their gatherings, the gaiety of their fairs, and the virtues of which they boasted, all found expression through poetry and literature. They were so proud of their literary accomplishments that they disdainfully dubbed all the other peoples of the world as “’Ajam” or “Dumb.” It was in this atmosphere that there appeared on the scene an unlettered person, Muhammad, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam. He presented before them an oration, and declared it to be the Word of Allaah, which claimed (what means): “If mankind and the jinn were to gather together to produce the like of this Quran, they could never produce the like thereof, even if they backed up one another.” [Quran 17:88] Such a proclamation was an amazing thing.
It came from a person who had never learned anything from the renowned poets and scholars of the time, had never recited even a single piece of poetry in their congregations, and never attended the company of soothsayers. And far from composing any poetry himself, he did not even remember the verses of other poets. This proclamation, repeated several times in the Quran, was therefore the greatest challenge to their literary expertise, and at the same time a fatal stab at their polytheist creed and beliefs.
Following this, a hush fell over the whole galaxy of these stirring orators and fiery poets. Not a soul stepped forward to accept the challenge of producing the like of the Quran. They persecuted the Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam, called him insane, a sorcerer, poet and soothsayer, but failed utterly in composing even a few sentences like the Quranic verses.
To this day, the challenge has remained unmet, although throughout history and even in modern times, many people have made feeble attempts to do so. In Prophecies Among other things, the Quran contains prophecies of future events, many of which have come to pass. We reproduce here a discussion of one such prophecy, which was fulfilled within the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam. While the Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam, was still in Makkah, after having been entrusted with prophethood, and was being subjected to all sorts of persecutions by the Makkan idolaters, exactly at the same time the two great powers of Rome and Persia were involved in repeated wars.
The Romans were beaten, vanquished and suffered a great loss in men and material. At last, the Romans were so utterly exhausted that, far from being in a position to launch a counter-attack, they could not even take a firm stand anywhere. This situation was a matter of jubilation for the pagans of Arabia, as they identified the Persians, being fire-worshippers, with themselves and the Romans, as “people of the Book,” with the Muslims. In their eyes, the dominance of the Persians, presaged their own victory and the defeat of the Muslims. It was under these circumstances that these initial verses of the chapter called Ar-Room (The Romans) were revealed (which mean): “…The Romans have been defeated, in the land close by. And after (this) defeat of theirs, they will soon be victorious within a few years. To Allaah belongs the command before and after and on that day the Believers will rejoice in Allaah’s help…” [Quran 30:2-4]
For those who were aware of the military situation concerning the Romans and Persians, this prediction was absolutely incredible. In fact, the Persians kept marching forward until they reached the city walls of the Roman capital, Constantinople. The renowned historian Edward Gibbon has commented on this prediction thus: “When this prophecy was made, no prediction could be more unbelievable because the initial twelve years of Heraclius were evidently declaring an end to the Roman Empire.” [Fall of the Roman Empire, v.5, p.73-74] But exactly seven years after his first defeat, the Roman emperor sallied forth from the capital and inflicted crushing defeats on the Persians at several places, and after that the Roman armies were victorious everywhere. Meanwhile, a large number of Muslims had migrated to Al-Madeenah and their wars with the idolaters of Makkah had already begun. The day on which 313 ill-equipped Muslims were decisively beating their enemy – 1,000 heavily armed Makkan warriors -- at the battlefield of Badr, came the news that the Romans had defeated the Persians.
It was then realized that the Quranic verse, (which means): “…on that day the Believers will rejoice in Allaah’s help” [Quran 30: 4-5] was meant to denote the twin happiness of the Romans’ victory as well as their own victory at Badr. In Science and History Apart from prophecies, the Quran has pointed out many scientific and historical facts which were not only unknown at that time, but could not even be imagined given the development of civilization. Entire books have been written (by both Muslims and non-Muslims) confirming the correspondence of scientific discoveries to the truths expressed in the Quran.
Again, we suffice here with two examples: The Quran has stated that as Fir’awn (Pharaoh) was drowning in the sea he made a confession of faith orally, just to save his life. In response, Allaah Said (what means): “What! Now? And indeed before this you did rebel and were of the corrupt. So this day We shall rescue you with your body that you may be a sign to those who come after you.” [Quran 10: 91-92]
At the time of revelation of this verse, and even centuries afterwards, nobody knew that the body of Fir’awn had been preserved, but it has been discovered only recently and is preserved in a museum at Cairo. The Quran has stated (what means): “And of everything We have created pairs that you may take heed.” [Quran 51: 49]
When this verse was revealed, the general concept was that male and female pairs existed only among human beings and animals or in some vegetation. However, with the advancement of science, the Quranic reality is becoming manifest that male and female pairs exist in everything. In some instances they are termed as male and female, and elsewhere as positive and negative, as electron and proton, or neutron and positron. In another verse, the Quran has also clarified that the occurrence in pairs in many other things is still unknown to people.
It says (what means): “Glorified be He Who created pairs of all things which the earth grows, and of themselves (humans), and of that which they know not.” [Quran 36: 36] A Miracle For Us! Looking back through history, it has been observed that the prophets, may Allaah exalt their mention, were sent with miracles that reflected the society and knowledge of the people they were sent to. Thus, Moosaa (Moses), alaihi as-salam, was sent with a staff that truly turned into a snake, baffling the trickster magicians of the Pharaoh. ’Eesaa (Jesus), alaihi as-salam, was given the power to cure diseases and give life to the dead, astonishing the Jewish doctors who felt proud of their limited knowledge of healing, and who had begun to disregard and deny the supernatural powers of God. Similarly, the Quran was an immediate miracle for the Arabs so many years ago, since it challenged and far surpassed the limits of their literary expression.
Unlike the miracles of previous prophets, which were only applicable for a limited time, to this day the Quran -- the Final Testament given to the Last Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam -- is still a relevant miracle for humanity and will remain so as long as the world exists. We live in an age of science and technology, of knowledge, logic, and reason. Yet, in spite of all the human advancement in every sphere of life, the principles of the Quran have not been proven wrong nor have they become “out-of-date.” This is really the great miracle of the Quran, it has proven itself a timeless, universal message for humankind, relevant to every facet of our life — be it politics, economics, ethics, science, literature, arts or entertainment.
In fact, even non-Muslim scholars have admitted that the entire “Western” civilization today, thriving from the “rebirth of humanity” (i.e. the “Renaissance”), would not have been so, had it not been for the message brought by Muhammad , salla Allahu alihi wa sallam. As the celebrated English writer, Robert Briffault, says in The Making of Humanity: “The ideas of freedom for all human beings, of human brotherhood, of the equality of all men before the law of democratic government, by consultation and universal suffrage, the ideas that inspired the French Revolution and the Declaration of Rights, that guided the framing of the American Constitution and inflamed the struggle for independence in the Latin-American countries were not inventions of the West.
They find their ultimate inspiration and source in the Holy Quran. They are the quintessence of what the intelligentsia of medieval Europe acquired from Islam over a period of centuries through the various societies that developed in Europe in the wake of the Crusades in imitation of the brotherhood associations of Islam. It is highly probable that but for the Arabs, modern European civilization would never have arisen at all, it is absolutely certain that but for them, it would never have assumed that character which has enabled it to transcend all previous phases of evolution.
The Quran is truly a living miracle. Going deeper into it, one finds amazing characteristics from every perspective. In Language The Arabs of the 6th and 7th centuries CE were masters of the Arabic language. Eloquence and rhetoric were their lifeblood.
The liveliness that marked their gatherings, the gaiety of their fairs, and the virtues of which they boasted, all found expression through poetry and literature. They were so proud of their literary accomplishments that they disdainfully dubbed all the other peoples of the world as “’Ajam” or “Dumb.” It was in this atmosphere that there appeared on the scene an unlettered person, Muhammad, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam. He presented before them an oration, and declared it to be the Word of Allaah, which claimed (what means): “If mankind and the jinn were to gather together to produce the like of this Quran, they could never produce the like thereof, even if they backed up one another.” [Quran 17:88] Such a proclamation was an amazing thing.
It came from a person who had never learned anything from the renowned poets and scholars of the time, had never recited even a single piece of poetry in their congregations, and never attended the company of soothsayers. And far from composing any poetry himself, he did not even remember the verses of other poets. This proclamation, repeated several times in the Quran, was therefore the greatest challenge to their literary expertise, and at the same time a fatal stab at their polytheist creed and beliefs.
Following this, a hush fell over the whole galaxy of these stirring orators and fiery poets. Not a soul stepped forward to accept the challenge of producing the like of the Quran. They persecuted the Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam, called him insane, a sorcerer, poet and soothsayer, but failed utterly in composing even a few sentences like the Quranic verses.
To this day, the challenge has remained unmet, although throughout history and even in modern times, many people have made feeble attempts to do so. In Prophecies Among other things, the Quran contains prophecies of future events, many of which have come to pass. We reproduce here a discussion of one such prophecy, which was fulfilled within the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam. While the Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam, was still in Makkah, after having been entrusted with prophethood, and was being subjected to all sorts of persecutions by the Makkan idolaters, exactly at the same time the two great powers of Rome and Persia were involved in repeated wars.
The Romans were beaten, vanquished and suffered a great loss in men and material. At last, the Romans were so utterly exhausted that, far from being in a position to launch a counter-attack, they could not even take a firm stand anywhere. This situation was a matter of jubilation for the pagans of Arabia, as they identified the Persians, being fire-worshippers, with themselves and the Romans, as “people of the Book,” with the Muslims. In their eyes, the dominance of the Persians, presaged their own victory and the defeat of the Muslims. It was under these circumstances that these initial verses of the chapter called Ar-Room (The Romans) were revealed (which mean): “…The Romans have been defeated, in the land close by. And after (this) defeat of theirs, they will soon be victorious within a few years. To Allaah belongs the command before and after and on that day the Believers will rejoice in Allaah’s help…” [Quran 30:2-4]
For those who were aware of the military situation concerning the Romans and Persians, this prediction was absolutely incredible. In fact, the Persians kept marching forward until they reached the city walls of the Roman capital, Constantinople. The renowned historian Edward Gibbon has commented on this prediction thus: “When this prophecy was made, no prediction could be more unbelievable because the initial twelve years of Heraclius were evidently declaring an end to the Roman Empire.” [Fall of the Roman Empire, v.5, p.73-74] But exactly seven years after his first defeat, the Roman emperor sallied forth from the capital and inflicted crushing defeats on the Persians at several places, and after that the Roman armies were victorious everywhere. Meanwhile, a large number of Muslims had migrated to Al-Madeenah and their wars with the idolaters of Makkah had already begun. The day on which 313 ill-equipped Muslims were decisively beating their enemy – 1,000 heavily armed Makkan warriors -- at the battlefield of Badr, came the news that the Romans had defeated the Persians.
It was then realized that the Quranic verse, (which means): “…on that day the Believers will rejoice in Allaah’s help” [Quran 30: 4-5] was meant to denote the twin happiness of the Romans’ victory as well as their own victory at Badr. In Science and History Apart from prophecies, the Quran has pointed out many scientific and historical facts which were not only unknown at that time, but could not even be imagined given the development of civilization. Entire books have been written (by both Muslims and non-Muslims) confirming the correspondence of scientific discoveries to the truths expressed in the Quran.
Again, we suffice here with two examples: The Quran has stated that as Fir’awn (Pharaoh) was drowning in the sea he made a confession of faith orally, just to save his life. In response, Allaah Said (what means): “What! Now? And indeed before this you did rebel and were of the corrupt. So this day We shall rescue you with your body that you may be a sign to those who come after you.” [Quran 10: 91-92]
At the time of revelation of this verse, and even centuries afterwards, nobody knew that the body of Fir’awn had been preserved, but it has been discovered only recently and is preserved in a museum at Cairo. The Quran has stated (what means): “And of everything We have created pairs that you may take heed.” [Quran 51: 49]
When this verse was revealed, the general concept was that male and female pairs existed only among human beings and animals or in some vegetation. However, with the advancement of science, the Quranic reality is becoming manifest that male and female pairs exist in everything. In some instances they are termed as male and female, and elsewhere as positive and negative, as electron and proton, or neutron and positron. In another verse, the Quran has also clarified that the occurrence in pairs in many other things is still unknown to people.
It says (what means): “Glorified be He Who created pairs of all things which the earth grows, and of themselves (humans), and of that which they know not.” [Quran 36: 36] A Miracle For Us! Looking back through history, it has been observed that the prophets, may Allaah exalt their mention, were sent with miracles that reflected the society and knowledge of the people they were sent to. Thus, Moosaa (Moses), alaihi as-salam, was sent with a staff that truly turned into a snake, baffling the trickster magicians of the Pharaoh. ’Eesaa (Jesus), alaihi as-salam, was given the power to cure diseases and give life to the dead, astonishing the Jewish doctors who felt proud of their limited knowledge of healing, and who had begun to disregard and deny the supernatural powers of God. Similarly, the Quran was an immediate miracle for the Arabs so many years ago, since it challenged and far surpassed the limits of their literary expression.
Unlike the miracles of previous prophets, which were only applicable for a limited time, to this day the Quran -- the Final Testament given to the Last Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam -- is still a relevant miracle for humanity and will remain so as long as the world exists. We live in an age of science and technology, of knowledge, logic, and reason. Yet, in spite of all the human advancement in every sphere of life, the principles of the Quran have not been proven wrong nor have they become “out-of-date.” This is really the great miracle of the Quran, it has proven itself a timeless, universal message for humankind, relevant to every facet of our life — be it politics, economics, ethics, science, literature, arts or entertainment.
In fact, even non-Muslim scholars have admitted that the entire “Western” civilization today, thriving from the “rebirth of humanity” (i.e. the “Renaissance”), would not have been so, had it not been for the message brought by Muhammad , salla Allahu alihi wa sallam. As the celebrated English writer, Robert Briffault, says in The Making of Humanity: “The ideas of freedom for all human beings, of human brotherhood, of the equality of all men before the law of democratic government, by consultation and universal suffrage, the ideas that inspired the French Revolution and the Declaration of Rights, that guided the framing of the American Constitution and inflamed the struggle for independence in the Latin-American countries were not inventions of the West.
They find their ultimate inspiration and source in the Holy Quran. They are the quintessence of what the intelligentsia of medieval Europe acquired from Islam over a period of centuries through the various societies that developed in Europe in the wake of the Crusades in imitation of the brotherhood associations of Islam. It is highly probable that but for the Arabs, modern European civilization would never have arisen at all, it is absolutely certain that but for them, it would never have assumed that character which has enabled it to transcend all previous phases of evolution.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The Month of the Qur'aan- Companion of life
In this month of Ramadaan, let us use it to habituate ourselves into spending a daily period with the Qur'aan - reciting, memorizing and acting upon it. Because we should know that no people are better and more worthy of our envy than the companions of the Qur'aan, which is why the most striking and outstanding character of every pious person of knowledge is their love and attachment towards the Qur'aan.
There is no man or woman who is considered to be righteous, except he or she is known to poses this noble quality. So when Aa’isha was asked to describe the best of al mankind, the Prophet (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) she could find no more a suitable description other than to say that: “His character was the Qur'aan”. And among the inheritors of the Prophet (i.e. the scholars) We have the example of lmaam Maalik, whose sister was asked:
”What did maalik occupy himself with in his House?”
She replied, “The Mushaf (i.e the Qur'aan), reciting. Dear readers, no person can afford to remain ignorant or neglectful of the Qur'aan. Reading it regularly, sincerely not ritualistically to derive guidance from it and adopt the company of those who make mention of it in their gatherings. Make the Qur'aan your constant companion, not just for Ramadaan, but for life.
He (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) said “The example of a believer who recites the Qur'aan and acts on it, is like an orange which tastes nice and smells nice. And the example of the believer who does not recite the Qur'aan but acts on it is like a date that tastes sweet but has no smell. And the example of the hypocrite who recites the Qur'aan is like sweet Basil which smells good but tastes bitter And the example of a hypocrite who does not recite the Qur'aan is like a Coelacanth which tastes bitter and has a bad smell”.
It will be a shade on the Day of Resurrection.The Prophet (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) said: “Recite the two bright ones, al-Baqara and Soorah Aal-e lmraan, for on the day of Resurrection they will come as two clouds, or two shades or two flocks birds in ranks, pleading for those who recite them”
Al Baraa reported that a man was reciting Sooratul-Kahf and there was a horse tied with two ropes at his side, when a cloud overshadowed him. As it began to come nearer and nearer his horse began to take fright from it. He went and mentioned that to the Prophet (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) in the morning, who said: “It was tranquility [as-Sakeenah] which came down at the recitation of the Qur'aan.”
The Prophet (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) himself strongly urged his companions to recite as much of the Qur'aan as possible. He said: “whoever reads a single letter from Allah's Book will receive a blessing (for each letter) and each blessing is worth ten times its value.”
The main purpose of the Qur'aan is to be a source of guidance for mankind, leading those who cling to it from darkness into light, from misery to happiness and raising them from lowliness to a lofty station. However, another important feature of the Qur'aan is that its recitation is in itself a form of 'ibadah' (worship). Infect the Qur'aan is defined as being the (uncreated) word of Allah, sent down to Muhammad (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) the recitation of which is a form of worship” ,a unique definition that can be applied to no other book, writing or statement.
From the very beginning of the Prophet’s Messenger-ship, great emphasis was placed on the recitation of the Qur'aan. The literal meaning of the word Qur'aan itself is 'Reading' or 'Recitation'. First Ayat (verse) to be revealed on that momentous occasion where Jibreel ('alayhis salaam) came to Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) whilst he was alone in the cave Hira was: “Iqraa (Recite/Read), in the name of your lord who created you...” [Soorah al-Alaq (9): 1]
The Prophet (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) said: “Recite the Qur'aan, for verily on the Day of Resurrection it will act as an intercessor for those who recite it”.On the day when neither our family nor our wealth will be of any benefit to us, this Qur'aan will beseech Allah on behalf of those who recites it frequently. Allah will give it a speech and Allah is able to do all things - and it will say to Allah: “I prevented him from sleep at night, so accept my intercession for him” . And its intercession will be accepted.May you all have a VERY Blessed Ramadan !
There is no man or woman who is considered to be righteous, except he or she is known to poses this noble quality. So when Aa’isha was asked to describe the best of al mankind, the Prophet (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) she could find no more a suitable description other than to say that: “His character was the Qur'aan”. And among the inheritors of the Prophet (i.e. the scholars) We have the example of lmaam Maalik, whose sister was asked:
”What did maalik occupy himself with in his House?”
She replied, “The Mushaf (i.e the Qur'aan), reciting. Dear readers, no person can afford to remain ignorant or neglectful of the Qur'aan. Reading it regularly, sincerely not ritualistically to derive guidance from it and adopt the company of those who make mention of it in their gatherings. Make the Qur'aan your constant companion, not just for Ramadaan, but for life.
He (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) said “The example of a believer who recites the Qur'aan and acts on it, is like an orange which tastes nice and smells nice. And the example of the believer who does not recite the Qur'aan but acts on it is like a date that tastes sweet but has no smell. And the example of the hypocrite who recites the Qur'aan is like sweet Basil which smells good but tastes bitter And the example of a hypocrite who does not recite the Qur'aan is like a Coelacanth which tastes bitter and has a bad smell”.
It will be a shade on the Day of Resurrection.The Prophet (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) said: “Recite the two bright ones, al-Baqara and Soorah Aal-e lmraan, for on the day of Resurrection they will come as two clouds, or two shades or two flocks birds in ranks, pleading for those who recite them”
Al Baraa reported that a man was reciting Sooratul-Kahf and there was a horse tied with two ropes at his side, when a cloud overshadowed him. As it began to come nearer and nearer his horse began to take fright from it. He went and mentioned that to the Prophet (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) in the morning, who said: “It was tranquility [as-Sakeenah] which came down at the recitation of the Qur'aan.”
The Prophet (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) himself strongly urged his companions to recite as much of the Qur'aan as possible. He said: “whoever reads a single letter from Allah's Book will receive a blessing (for each letter) and each blessing is worth ten times its value.”
The main purpose of the Qur'aan is to be a source of guidance for mankind, leading those who cling to it from darkness into light, from misery to happiness and raising them from lowliness to a lofty station. However, another important feature of the Qur'aan is that its recitation is in itself a form of 'ibadah' (worship). Infect the Qur'aan is defined as being the (uncreated) word of Allah, sent down to Muhammad (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) the recitation of which is a form of worship” ,a unique definition that can be applied to no other book, writing or statement.
From the very beginning of the Prophet’s Messenger-ship, great emphasis was placed on the recitation of the Qur'aan. The literal meaning of the word Qur'aan itself is 'Reading' or 'Recitation'. First Ayat (verse) to be revealed on that momentous occasion where Jibreel ('alayhis salaam) came to Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) whilst he was alone in the cave Hira was: “Iqraa (Recite/Read), in the name of your lord who created you...” [Soorah al-Alaq (9): 1]
The Prophet (sallalahu alaihe wa-sallam) said: “Recite the Qur'aan, for verily on the Day of Resurrection it will act as an intercessor for those who recite it”.On the day when neither our family nor our wealth will be of any benefit to us, this Qur'aan will beseech Allah on behalf of those who recites it frequently. Allah will give it a speech and Allah is able to do all things - and it will say to Allah: “I prevented him from sleep at night, so accept my intercession for him” . And its intercession will be accepted.May you all have a VERY Blessed Ramadan !
Last words of our Beloved Prophet (S.A.W)
Last words of our Beloved Prophet (S.A.W)
Suddenly, there was a person, he said salaam.
'May I come in?' he asked.
But Fatimah(rt.anha) did not allow him enter the room.
'I'm sorry, my father is ill,' said Fatimah(rt,Anha), turned her body back and closed the door.
She went back to her father who had opened his eyes and asked Fatimah(rt.Anha), 'Who was he, my daughter?'
'I don't know, my father. It was the first time for me to see him,' Fatimah(rt.Anha) said gently.
Then, Rasulullah(s.a.w) looked at his daughter with trembled look, as if he wanted to reminisce about every part of her daughter's face.
'Know one thing! He is who erases the temporary pleasure; he is who separates the companionship in the world. He is the death angel,' said Rasulullah (s.a.w).
Fatimah(rt.Anha) bore the bomb of her cry. The death angel came toward him, But Rasulullah(s.a.w) asked why Jibril(alahsalam) did not come along with him..
Then, Jibril(alahsalam) was called. Jibril(alehslam) was ready in the sky to welcome the soul of Habibullah and the leader of the earth.
'O Jibril, explain me about my rights in front of ALLAH?'
Rasulullah(s.a.w) asked with a weakest voice.
'The doors of sky have opened, the angels are waiting for your soul.'
'All jannats open widely waiting for you,' Jibril(alehsalam) said..
But, in fact, all this did not make Rasulullah(s.a.w) relieved, his eyes were still full of worry.. 'You are not happy to hear this news?' asked Jibril(alehsalam).
'Tell me about the destiny of my people in future?'
'Don't worry, O Rasul ALLAH(s.a.w). I heard ALLAH tell me: 'I make jannat haram for every one, except the people of Muhammad(s..a.w) who are inside it,' Jibril(alehsalam) said.
It became closer and closer, the time for Malaekat Izrail(alehsalam) to do his work. Slowly, Rasulullah's (s.a.w)soul was pulled.
It was seemed that the body of Rasulullah (s.a.w)was full of sweat; the nerves of his neck became tight.
'Jibril(alehsalam), how painful this sakaratul maut is!' Rasulullah(s.a.w) uttered a groan slowly.
Fatimah(rt.anha) closed her eyes, Ali(rt.anho) sat beside her bowed deeply and Jibril(alehsalam) turned his face back.
'Am I repugnant to you that you turn your face back o Jibril?'(alehsalam)Rasulullah(s.a.w) asked the Deliverer of Wahy.
'Who is the one who could see the Habibullah in his condition of sakaratul maut,' Jibril(alehsalam) said..
Not for a while, Rasulullah(s.a..w) uttered a groan because of unbearable pain. 'O ALLAH, how great is this sakaratul maut.
Give me all these pains, don't give it to my people.'
The body of Rasulullah(s..a.w) became cold, his feet and chest did not move anymore....
His lips vibrated as if he wanted to say something, Ali(rt.anho) took his ear close to Rasulullah(s.a.w).
'Uushiikum bis shalati, wa maa malakat aimanuku - take care of the saalat and take care the weak people among you.'
Outside the room, there were cries shouted each other, sahabah held each other.
Fatimah(rt.anha) closed her face with her hands and, again, Ali(rt.anho) took his ear close to Rasulullah's(s.a.w) mouth which became bluish.
'Ummatii, ummatii, ummatii?' - 'My people, my people, my people.'
And the life of the noble man ended.
Could we love each other like him? Allahumma salle 'ala Muhammad wa baarik wa salim 'alaihi. How deep is Rasulullah's(s.a.w) love to us.
Suddenly, there was a person, he said salaam.
'May I come in?' he asked.
But Fatimah(rt.anha) did not allow him enter the room.
'I'm sorry, my father is ill,' said Fatimah(rt,Anha), turned her body back and closed the door.
She went back to her father who had opened his eyes and asked Fatimah(rt.Anha), 'Who was he, my daughter?'
'I don't know, my father. It was the first time for me to see him,' Fatimah(rt.Anha) said gently.
Then, Rasulullah(s.a.w) looked at his daughter with trembled look, as if he wanted to reminisce about every part of her daughter's face.
'Know one thing! He is who erases the temporary pleasure; he is who separates the companionship in the world. He is the death angel,' said Rasulullah (s.a.w).
Fatimah(rt.Anha) bore the bomb of her cry. The death angel came toward him, But Rasulullah(s.a.w) asked why Jibril(alahsalam) did not come along with him..
Then, Jibril(alahsalam) was called. Jibril(alehslam) was ready in the sky to welcome the soul of Habibullah and the leader of the earth.
'O Jibril, explain me about my rights in front of ALLAH?'
Rasulullah(s.a.w) asked with a weakest voice.
'The doors of sky have opened, the angels are waiting for your soul.'
'All jannats open widely waiting for you,' Jibril(alehsalam) said..
But, in fact, all this did not make Rasulullah(s.a.w) relieved, his eyes were still full of worry.. 'You are not happy to hear this news?' asked Jibril(alehsalam).
'Tell me about the destiny of my people in future?'
'Don't worry, O Rasul ALLAH(s.a.w). I heard ALLAH tell me: 'I make jannat haram for every one, except the people of Muhammad(s..a.w) who are inside it,' Jibril(alehsalam) said.
It became closer and closer, the time for Malaekat Izrail(alehsalam) to do his work. Slowly, Rasulullah's (s.a.w)soul was pulled.
It was seemed that the body of Rasulullah (s.a.w)was full of sweat; the nerves of his neck became tight.
'Jibril(alehsalam), how painful this sakaratul maut is!' Rasulullah(s.a.w) uttered a groan slowly.
Fatimah(rt.anha) closed her eyes, Ali(rt.anho) sat beside her bowed deeply and Jibril(alehsalam) turned his face back.
'Am I repugnant to you that you turn your face back o Jibril?'(alehsalam)Rasulullah(s.a.w) asked the Deliverer of Wahy.
'Who is the one who could see the Habibullah in his condition of sakaratul maut,' Jibril(alehsalam) said..
Not for a while, Rasulullah(s.a..w) uttered a groan because of unbearable pain. 'O ALLAH, how great is this sakaratul maut.
Give me all these pains, don't give it to my people.'
The body of Rasulullah(s..a.w) became cold, his feet and chest did not move anymore....
His lips vibrated as if he wanted to say something, Ali(rt.anho) took his ear close to Rasulullah(s.a.w).
'Uushiikum bis shalati, wa maa malakat aimanuku - take care of the saalat and take care the weak people among you.'
Outside the room, there were cries shouted each other, sahabah held each other.
Fatimah(rt.anha) closed her face with her hands and, again, Ali(rt.anho) took his ear close to Rasulullah's(s.a.w) mouth which became bluish.
'Ummatii, ummatii, ummatii?' - 'My people, my people, my people.'
And the life of the noble man ended.
Could we love each other like him? Allahumma salle 'ala Muhammad wa baarik wa salim 'alaihi. How deep is Rasulullah's(s.a.w) love to us.
Moon sighting, a very important issue
Moon sighting, a very important issue.
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In recent times we have seen in our country some discussions, debates & write-ups related to the issue of moon-sighting: whether one sighting is to be followed or different sightings for each region, whether astronomical calculations are to be considered or not etc. What is unfortunate is that many people who do not have much knowledge about fiqh or methodology of deriving rules have entered the debate with little knowledge but a lot of speech.
It is not my objective to enter into a discussion of the differences of opinion there in, but I just want to highlight some points which if kept in mind can avoid much confusion insha Allah. So here they are:
1. Whether the Muslims are obliged to follow one moon sighting or different moon sightings is an issue of fiqh where difference of opinion is permissible. If some one makes it a banner for calling to his opinion or group and takes it as a means of provoking commotion in the community then this is very unfortunate. I remember that a long time ago I attended a program of a now "dissolved" Islamic group where they made a lot of buzz about this issue, to such an extent that a common listener would think that you are not a Muslim if you don't hold their opinion although it is not an indisputable "aqeedah" issue and difference of opinion is there from the early times.
2. It is important to note that the Sharia has not commanded us to be united by starting sawm and observing eid on the same day. Rather unity is achieved by sticking to Quran and Sunnah. This is apparent when we see that times of salaat are different for every region based on the difference of timings of sunrise/sunset etc. Even if we are doing eid on the same day we are doing prayers etc in different times. So for example the Muslims in the US are praying eid prayers about 11 hours later. So is this one of the objectives to unite the Muslims based on the times of rituals? The answer is "no".
3. Some of the fiqh councils and great scholars have recommended leaving the issue with the local authority of every country to decide what to do. So if the official scholars of my country decide that we are going to follow the moon-sighting of Saudi Arabia then I should do the same even if I hold a different view. On the other hand if they decide on a local moon-sighting then I should be with them. So it is unfortunate that we see in our country in the same family husband observing eid today and wife observing eid tomorrow and one of them is following the moon-sighting of some other country claiming "unity", while he starts by breaking the unity of his family, society, local authority and the country, so what sort of unity is this?
4. Some of us may not realize that the "new-moon" or "hilal" is something related to the rulings of sharia and not a purely natural phenomenon. For example if we suppose that the moon is there in the sky but no one is able to see it for some reason, then it is not a "hilal" in sharia, rather the moon of the next day is considered the "hilal". So it is quite possible that today is "1st Ramadan" in Bangladesh while it is "2nd Ramadan" in some other country because this date is dependent on the religious ruling of "sighting" unlike the counting of days according to the solar system.
5. So I end with two important texts in this context although I promised not to enter into a "fiqhi" discussion.
a. The first hadith in saheeh Muslim and Tirmidhi the summary of which is that Ibne Abbas (ra) gave the opinion that people in Madeena are going to follow a moon-sighting different from that in Sham which was under the rule of Muwauiya (ra) and in the end of the Hadith said that this is how the Prophet(pbuh) ordered. This seems to be a very strong proof of consideration of different moon-sighting. I personally don't know of any proof from the other side that stands as strong as this one. But if someone can educate me, I am more than ready to learn insha Allah.
b. The other hadith is which says that the day of fast is the day in which people fast and the day of breaking the fast is the day on which people break their fasts. Which is a strong proof for being with the authority and community and not differing with them for a personal difference of opinion. The hadith is in Trimidhi and others and classed as sahih by Al Albani(ra).
So whichever opinion is correct we are advised to be with the community and not differ with its authority.
May Allah guide us all.
Written by a student of knowledge, brother Muhammad Naseel Shahrukh.
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In recent times we have seen in our country some discussions, debates & write-ups related to the issue of moon-sighting: whether one sighting is to be followed or different sightings for each region, whether astronomical calculations are to be considered or not etc. What is unfortunate is that many people who do not have much knowledge about fiqh or methodology of deriving rules have entered the debate with little knowledge but a lot of speech.
It is not my objective to enter into a discussion of the differences of opinion there in, but I just want to highlight some points which if kept in mind can avoid much confusion insha Allah. So here they are:
1. Whether the Muslims are obliged to follow one moon sighting or different moon sightings is an issue of fiqh where difference of opinion is permissible. If some one makes it a banner for calling to his opinion or group and takes it as a means of provoking commotion in the community then this is very unfortunate. I remember that a long time ago I attended a program of a now "dissolved" Islamic group where they made a lot of buzz about this issue, to such an extent that a common listener would think that you are not a Muslim if you don't hold their opinion although it is not an indisputable "aqeedah" issue and difference of opinion is there from the early times.
2. It is important to note that the Sharia has not commanded us to be united by starting sawm and observing eid on the same day. Rather unity is achieved by sticking to Quran and Sunnah. This is apparent when we see that times of salaat are different for every region based on the difference of timings of sunrise/sunset etc. Even if we are doing eid on the same day we are doing prayers etc in different times. So for example the Muslims in the US are praying eid prayers about 11 hours later. So is this one of the objectives to unite the Muslims based on the times of rituals? The answer is "no".
3. Some of the fiqh councils and great scholars have recommended leaving the issue with the local authority of every country to decide what to do. So if the official scholars of my country decide that we are going to follow the moon-sighting of Saudi Arabia then I should do the same even if I hold a different view. On the other hand if they decide on a local moon-sighting then I should be with them. So it is unfortunate that we see in our country in the same family husband observing eid today and wife observing eid tomorrow and one of them is following the moon-sighting of some other country claiming "unity", while he starts by breaking the unity of his family, society, local authority and the country, so what sort of unity is this?
4. Some of us may not realize that the "new-moon" or "hilal" is something related to the rulings of sharia and not a purely natural phenomenon. For example if we suppose that the moon is there in the sky but no one is able to see it for some reason, then it is not a "hilal" in sharia, rather the moon of the next day is considered the "hilal". So it is quite possible that today is "1st Ramadan" in Bangladesh while it is "2nd Ramadan" in some other country because this date is dependent on the religious ruling of "sighting" unlike the counting of days according to the solar system.
5. So I end with two important texts in this context although I promised not to enter into a "fiqhi" discussion.
a. The first hadith in saheeh Muslim and Tirmidhi the summary of which is that Ibne Abbas (ra) gave the opinion that people in Madeena are going to follow a moon-sighting different from that in Sham which was under the rule of Muwauiya (ra) and in the end of the Hadith said that this is how the Prophet(pbuh) ordered. This seems to be a very strong proof of consideration of different moon-sighting. I personally don't know of any proof from the other side that stands as strong as this one. But if someone can educate me, I am more than ready to learn insha Allah.
b. The other hadith is which says that the day of fast is the day in which people fast and the day of breaking the fast is the day on which people break their fasts. Which is a strong proof for being with the authority and community and not differing with them for a personal difference of opinion. The hadith is in Trimidhi and others and classed as sahih by Al Albani(ra).
So whichever opinion is correct we are advised to be with the community and not differ with its authority.
May Allah guide us all.
Written by a student of knowledge, brother Muhammad Naseel Shahrukh.
Serving Our Faith in Our Daily Lives
Serving Our Faith in Our Daily Lives
Written by Sheikh Salman al-Oadah
How can I serve my faith in the course of my daily life? What contribution can I make as I go about my normal business? This is a question that many of us ask ourselves and it is a very good question. The Prophet (peace be upon him said): “Every person goes forth in the morning trading in his own self. He either earns its freedom or consigns it to perdition.”
Therefore, we ask ourselves:
Should I focus on enjoining people to what is right?
Should I forbid them from what is wrong?
Is it best for me to gather together the children and help them to commit the Qur’ân to memory? Should I rather get involved in some charity work?
The ways that we as Muslims can serve our faith are too numerous to count. If each one of us only tries to count the ways that he or she can personally serve Islam, the possibilities will still be endless.
Each of us must take into account his individual abilities as well as his inclinations and his personality in deciding what he should do.Nevertheless, there are some general guidelines that apply to everyone and some contributions that we can all start making immediately.
To begin with, we can try to set a good example for others. We can do this in our worship, in our dealings with others, and in our moral conduct. We can strive to always be considerate and just. We can give priority to the rights of others even if it means doing so at the expense of our own. This is the starting point of all of our service and indeed it is the most critical.
The next level of activity concerns our dealings with our family and with those who are close to us. We must nurture our good relationships with our relatives by honoring them doing good for them. It is our duty to call our family to Islam and to encourage them to do what is right. This duty starts with our parents and children, then with our siblings and spouses, and extends outwards.
Allah says, addressing the Prophet (peace be upon him): “And admonish your nearest kinsmen.” [Sûrah al-Shu`arâ’: 214]
After this verse was revealed, the Prophet (peace be upon him) gathered his kinfolk together and said: “O assembly of Quraysh! Purchase your own souls, for I can avail you naught with Allah.O Banû `Abd Manâf! I can avail you naught with Allah! O Safiyyah, aunt of Allah’s Messenger! I can avail you naught with Allah! O Fâtimah, daughter of Muhammad! I can avail you naught with Allah. Ask me of my wealth what you wish, but I can avail you naught with Allah!”
We must then turn our attentions to our colleagues and our classmates. We should always be willing to lend them our assistance. By letting them know that they can count on us, we win their friendship and their trust. In turn, we can reach out to them and even get them involved with us in our good works. They will be more responsive to us when we offer them literature or a cassette or ask them to go with us to a lecture.
We must also attend to our neighbors and the communities in which we live. Our neighbors have rights over us simply by virtue of their being our neighbors. We must honor those rights. We should cultivate goodwill between ourselves and those who live in our neighborhood. This makes it easier for us to reach out to them in matters of faith.
Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his neighbor.”
He also said: “By Allah, he does not believe. By Allah, he does not believe.” When someone asked him whom he was talking about, he replied: “He whose neighbor is not safe from his abuse.”
The Prophet (peace be upon him) took great pains in defining the neighbor’s rights. He said: “If he falls ill, visit him. If he has good fortune, congratulate him. If ill fortune befalls him, console him. Do not build your building in a way that would keep the breeze from reaching his dwelling except with his permission. Do not annoy him with the aroma of your cooking pot unless you serve him some of your food. If you buy some fruit, them give him a gift from it, and if you do not do so, then bring it into your home discreetly, and do not let your child take it outside to taunt his child with it.”
Concern for our neighborhood also means involvement in our local mosque. We should, of course, be regular in our prayers. We should also spend some time in the mosques. We should make sure to attend mosque activities, if only occasionally.
It is then important for us to broaden our perspectives and look at the broader issues facing the Muslim world. Each one of us can at get actively involved in at least one of these concerns. This might mean working to draw media attention to some matter of importance to the Muslims or to garner sympathy for the suffering of Muslims in some part of the world. It can mean encouraging those who have been blessed with wealth and prosperity to spend on those in need. It can mean helping to get some useful Islamic literature published and disseminated.
Written by Sheikh Salman al-Oadah
How can I serve my faith in the course of my daily life? What contribution can I make as I go about my normal business? This is a question that many of us ask ourselves and it is a very good question. The Prophet (peace be upon him said): “Every person goes forth in the morning trading in his own self. He either earns its freedom or consigns it to perdition.”
Therefore, we ask ourselves:
Should I focus on enjoining people to what is right?
Should I forbid them from what is wrong?
Is it best for me to gather together the children and help them to commit the Qur’ân to memory? Should I rather get involved in some charity work?
The ways that we as Muslims can serve our faith are too numerous to count. If each one of us only tries to count the ways that he or she can personally serve Islam, the possibilities will still be endless.
Each of us must take into account his individual abilities as well as his inclinations and his personality in deciding what he should do.Nevertheless, there are some general guidelines that apply to everyone and some contributions that we can all start making immediately.
To begin with, we can try to set a good example for others. We can do this in our worship, in our dealings with others, and in our moral conduct. We can strive to always be considerate and just. We can give priority to the rights of others even if it means doing so at the expense of our own. This is the starting point of all of our service and indeed it is the most critical.
The next level of activity concerns our dealings with our family and with those who are close to us. We must nurture our good relationships with our relatives by honoring them doing good for them. It is our duty to call our family to Islam and to encourage them to do what is right. This duty starts with our parents and children, then with our siblings and spouses, and extends outwards.
Allah says, addressing the Prophet (peace be upon him): “And admonish your nearest kinsmen.” [Sûrah al-Shu`arâ’: 214]
After this verse was revealed, the Prophet (peace be upon him) gathered his kinfolk together and said: “O assembly of Quraysh! Purchase your own souls, for I can avail you naught with Allah.O Banû `Abd Manâf! I can avail you naught with Allah! O Safiyyah, aunt of Allah’s Messenger! I can avail you naught with Allah! O Fâtimah, daughter of Muhammad! I can avail you naught with Allah. Ask me of my wealth what you wish, but I can avail you naught with Allah!”
We must then turn our attentions to our colleagues and our classmates. We should always be willing to lend them our assistance. By letting them know that they can count on us, we win their friendship and their trust. In turn, we can reach out to them and even get them involved with us in our good works. They will be more responsive to us when we offer them literature or a cassette or ask them to go with us to a lecture.
We must also attend to our neighbors and the communities in which we live. Our neighbors have rights over us simply by virtue of their being our neighbors. We must honor those rights. We should cultivate goodwill between ourselves and those who live in our neighborhood. This makes it easier for us to reach out to them in matters of faith.
Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his neighbor.”
He also said: “By Allah, he does not believe. By Allah, he does not believe.” When someone asked him whom he was talking about, he replied: “He whose neighbor is not safe from his abuse.”
The Prophet (peace be upon him) took great pains in defining the neighbor’s rights. He said: “If he falls ill, visit him. If he has good fortune, congratulate him. If ill fortune befalls him, console him. Do not build your building in a way that would keep the breeze from reaching his dwelling except with his permission. Do not annoy him with the aroma of your cooking pot unless you serve him some of your food. If you buy some fruit, them give him a gift from it, and if you do not do so, then bring it into your home discreetly, and do not let your child take it outside to taunt his child with it.”
Concern for our neighborhood also means involvement in our local mosque. We should, of course, be regular in our prayers. We should also spend some time in the mosques. We should make sure to attend mosque activities, if only occasionally.
It is then important for us to broaden our perspectives and look at the broader issues facing the Muslim world. Each one of us can at get actively involved in at least one of these concerns. This might mean working to draw media attention to some matter of importance to the Muslims or to garner sympathy for the suffering of Muslims in some part of the world. It can mean encouraging those who have been blessed with wealth and prosperity to spend on those in need. It can mean helping to get some useful Islamic literature published and disseminated.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
A guide to a marvelous and complex Successful Marriage relationship
The young and excited bride-and-groom-to-be, ecstatic about the upcoming wedding and marriage, and the joy that it will bring. Three to six months later, reality sets in, and both spouses realize that marriage is no easy task, but one that takes a great deal of effort and patience.
The following are tips for both wives and husbands, to help make the task a little less daunting, and to increase the many rewards that are possible in such a marvelous and complex relationship.
Enter the Marriage with the Right Intention and Renew this Often
Both spouses should enter the marriage with the pure intention of pleasing Allah, (سبحانه وتعالى), in order to receive His grace and blessings. The marriage itself, then, becomes an act of worship, and one for which both spouses will be rewarded. Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) will be pleased with them, and this will be the most critical element in ensuring peace, stability and happiness throughout the marital life. Realize that when an act of worship is continued over a long period of time, it becomes necessary to renew one’s intention often to remain on the correct path and to obtain the most benefit.
Remember that Your Spouse is also Your Brother or Sister in Islam
Too often Muslims treat other people outside the home with kindness and sincerity, but then behave in a very different manner when it comes to their own spouses. Muslims should always remember that one’s spouse is also another brother or sister in Islam and that the rights and duties that apply to the general brotherhood (sisterhood) of Islam, should also form the basis of the marital relationship. Obviously, a spouse has rights beyond these, but there should be a clear understanding of the rights of brotherhood (sisterhood) and adherence to these principles.
The Messenger of Allah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) said: None of you are true believers until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself. [Bukhari, 2/12] Subhanallah, how many marriages could this hadith alone save? It counters every kind of negative treatment and encourages every kind of good treatment!
Do Not Hold Unrealistic Expectations
Before marriage, people often have unrealistic ideas about their spouse-to-be, and expect perfection in all aspects. This rarely, if ever, plays out in reality, and can lead to unnecessary problems and concerns. We should recall that Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) created humans as imperfect beings, which means that many mistakes will be made throughout a lifetime. By turning the table and expecting imperfection, we will be pleasantly surprised and pleased when we discover our spouse is much more than we ever hoped for. This, in turn, leads to contentment within the marriage.
Focus on the Best in Your Spouse
Since no one is endowed with all of the best qualities, emphasis should be placed on the positive qualities that a spouse possesses. Express encouragement, praise, and gratitude on a regular basis, to strengthen these qualities and to encourage developing others. Make an attempt to overlook or ignore negative characteristics, as the Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم) said, “A believing man should not have any malice against a believing woman. He may dislike one characteristic in her, but may find another in her which is pleasing.” [Muslim, 8/3469]
Be Your Mate’s Best Friend
Try to think of what a best friend means and be one to your spouse. This may mean sharing interests, experiences, dreams, failures and upsets. It may involve understanding a spouse’s likes and dislikes and attempting to please him or her in any way possible. A best friend is also usually someone that can be confided to trusted, and relied upon. A spouse should be the kind of friend that one would want to keep throughout life.
Spend Quality Time Together
It is not enough to share meals, chores and small talk together. Spouses should also find time to focus on strengthening the relationship. Often couples get busy with their own separate tasks and forget about working on one of the most important elements in life. Quality time may be anything from having a quiet, profound conversation to going for a nice long nature walk, to sharing a special hobby or project. Both spouses should enjoy the particular option they choose and distractions should be kept to a minimum.
The Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم) used to race with his wife, ‘Aisha (رضي الله عنها). Sometimes she won, and sometimes he won. Remember, he was in his fifties at the time!–how many of us think we are to “mature” to do something enjoyable that can also, with a proper intention, count as an act of worship and ring in piles of good deeds?
Express Feelings Often
This seems like a very “Western” concept and one that some people may struggle with, but it is important to be open and honest about one’s feelings, both positive and negative. The lines of communication should always be open and any concerns should be brought to the attention of the other spouse as soon as they arise. The rationale of this is that, what begins as a simple concern, may grow into a major problem if it is not addressed quickly and properly. The “silent treatment” never fixes anything in the long-term.
Admit to Mistakes and ask for Forgiveness
Just as we ask Allah to forgive us when we make mistakes, we should also ask our spouses to forgive us when we make mistakes. The stronger person is the one who can admit when he or she is wrong, request pardon from the other, and work hard to improve his/her aspects that are in need of change. When a person is unwilling to do this, there will be little growth and development in the marriage.
Never Bring Up Past Mistakes
It can be very hurting for another person to be reminded of past mistakes. In Islam, it is generally not recommended to dwell on the past. One may remember errors that were made so that they are not repeated, but this should not be done excessively. Certainly, as humans, we are not in the position to judge another person. Advice may be given, but in the proper manner and with the best of intentions and etiquettes.
Surprise Each Other at Times
This may entail bringing home a small gift or flowers, preparing a special meal, dressing up and beautifying oneself (this is not only for women), or sending a secret note in a lunch-box. A little imagination goes a long way here. The idea is to spice up the marriage and avoid getting into a dull routine that may negatively impact the marriage.
Cultivate a Sense of Humour
Joke with your spouse. This particular aspect goes a long way in preventing arguments and brightening the atmosphere of the home. Life is a constant stream of challenges and tests, and to approach it in a light-hearted manner helps make the journey smoother and more enjoyable. You may also find that your spouse enjoys this characteristic, and looks forward to spending time with you because of it.
In fact, the Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم) himself joked with his wives, as well as with companions (though without lying), and tolerated some companions who were known for being light-hearted and prankish.
Quick Tips for Discussions and Disagreements
Begin with the intention to resolve the issue. If both spouses have this intention and plan to consult together, it is more likely that there will be a successful resolution.
Remember that it takes two to quarrel. If only one person chooses not to argue, there will be no argument. Generally, the one who is wrong does most of the talking.
Both spouses should not be angry at the same time. If one of the spouses becomes upset, it is best if the other tries to remain calm and collected.
Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire. Of course, house fires do not occur very frequently; yelling should occur at about the same rate.
Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled. This is one of the worst things that can happen in a marriage and should be avoided as much as possible. This allows hurt feelings and thoughts to linger and generally exacerbates the problem.
If one spouse needs to win, let it be your mate. Do not focus on winning yourself; this is the main reason that discussions tend to become heated.
Remember your house in Paradise!
The Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم) said: I guarantee a house in the surroundings [suburbs] of Paradise for a man who avoids quarrelling even if he were in the right, a house in the middle of Paradise for a man who avoids lying even if he were joking, and a house in the upper part of Paradise for a man who made his character good. [Abu Dawud, 41/4782]
--------------------
The following are tips for both wives and husbands, to help make the task a little less daunting, and to increase the many rewards that are possible in such a marvelous and complex relationship.
Enter the Marriage with the Right Intention and Renew this Often
Both spouses should enter the marriage with the pure intention of pleasing Allah, (سبحانه وتعالى), in order to receive His grace and blessings. The marriage itself, then, becomes an act of worship, and one for which both spouses will be rewarded. Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) will be pleased with them, and this will be the most critical element in ensuring peace, stability and happiness throughout the marital life. Realize that when an act of worship is continued over a long period of time, it becomes necessary to renew one’s intention often to remain on the correct path and to obtain the most benefit.
Remember that Your Spouse is also Your Brother or Sister in Islam
Too often Muslims treat other people outside the home with kindness and sincerity, but then behave in a very different manner when it comes to their own spouses. Muslims should always remember that one’s spouse is also another brother or sister in Islam and that the rights and duties that apply to the general brotherhood (sisterhood) of Islam, should also form the basis of the marital relationship. Obviously, a spouse has rights beyond these, but there should be a clear understanding of the rights of brotherhood (sisterhood) and adherence to these principles.
The Messenger of Allah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) said: None of you are true believers until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself. [Bukhari, 2/12] Subhanallah, how many marriages could this hadith alone save? It counters every kind of negative treatment and encourages every kind of good treatment!
Do Not Hold Unrealistic Expectations
Before marriage, people often have unrealistic ideas about their spouse-to-be, and expect perfection in all aspects. This rarely, if ever, plays out in reality, and can lead to unnecessary problems and concerns. We should recall that Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) created humans as imperfect beings, which means that many mistakes will be made throughout a lifetime. By turning the table and expecting imperfection, we will be pleasantly surprised and pleased when we discover our spouse is much more than we ever hoped for. This, in turn, leads to contentment within the marriage.
Focus on the Best in Your Spouse
Since no one is endowed with all of the best qualities, emphasis should be placed on the positive qualities that a spouse possesses. Express encouragement, praise, and gratitude on a regular basis, to strengthen these qualities and to encourage developing others. Make an attempt to overlook or ignore negative characteristics, as the Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم) said, “A believing man should not have any malice against a believing woman. He may dislike one characteristic in her, but may find another in her which is pleasing.” [Muslim, 8/3469]
Be Your Mate’s Best Friend
Try to think of what a best friend means and be one to your spouse. This may mean sharing interests, experiences, dreams, failures and upsets. It may involve understanding a spouse’s likes and dislikes and attempting to please him or her in any way possible. A best friend is also usually someone that can be confided to trusted, and relied upon. A spouse should be the kind of friend that one would want to keep throughout life.
Spend Quality Time Together
It is not enough to share meals, chores and small talk together. Spouses should also find time to focus on strengthening the relationship. Often couples get busy with their own separate tasks and forget about working on one of the most important elements in life. Quality time may be anything from having a quiet, profound conversation to going for a nice long nature walk, to sharing a special hobby or project. Both spouses should enjoy the particular option they choose and distractions should be kept to a minimum.
The Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم) used to race with his wife, ‘Aisha (رضي الله عنها). Sometimes she won, and sometimes he won. Remember, he was in his fifties at the time!–how many of us think we are to “mature” to do something enjoyable that can also, with a proper intention, count as an act of worship and ring in piles of good deeds?
Express Feelings Often
This seems like a very “Western” concept and one that some people may struggle with, but it is important to be open and honest about one’s feelings, both positive and negative. The lines of communication should always be open and any concerns should be brought to the attention of the other spouse as soon as they arise. The rationale of this is that, what begins as a simple concern, may grow into a major problem if it is not addressed quickly and properly. The “silent treatment” never fixes anything in the long-term.
Admit to Mistakes and ask for Forgiveness
Just as we ask Allah to forgive us when we make mistakes, we should also ask our spouses to forgive us when we make mistakes. The stronger person is the one who can admit when he or she is wrong, request pardon from the other, and work hard to improve his/her aspects that are in need of change. When a person is unwilling to do this, there will be little growth and development in the marriage.
Never Bring Up Past Mistakes
It can be very hurting for another person to be reminded of past mistakes. In Islam, it is generally not recommended to dwell on the past. One may remember errors that were made so that they are not repeated, but this should not be done excessively. Certainly, as humans, we are not in the position to judge another person. Advice may be given, but in the proper manner and with the best of intentions and etiquettes.
Surprise Each Other at Times
This may entail bringing home a small gift or flowers, preparing a special meal, dressing up and beautifying oneself (this is not only for women), or sending a secret note in a lunch-box. A little imagination goes a long way here. The idea is to spice up the marriage and avoid getting into a dull routine that may negatively impact the marriage.
Cultivate a Sense of Humour
Joke with your spouse. This particular aspect goes a long way in preventing arguments and brightening the atmosphere of the home. Life is a constant stream of challenges and tests, and to approach it in a light-hearted manner helps make the journey smoother and more enjoyable. You may also find that your spouse enjoys this characteristic, and looks forward to spending time with you because of it.
In fact, the Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم) himself joked with his wives, as well as with companions (though without lying), and tolerated some companions who were known for being light-hearted and prankish.
Quick Tips for Discussions and Disagreements
Begin with the intention to resolve the issue. If both spouses have this intention and plan to consult together, it is more likely that there will be a successful resolution.
Remember that it takes two to quarrel. If only one person chooses not to argue, there will be no argument. Generally, the one who is wrong does most of the talking.
Both spouses should not be angry at the same time. If one of the spouses becomes upset, it is best if the other tries to remain calm and collected.
Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire. Of course, house fires do not occur very frequently; yelling should occur at about the same rate.
Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled. This is one of the worst things that can happen in a marriage and should be avoided as much as possible. This allows hurt feelings and thoughts to linger and generally exacerbates the problem.
If one spouse needs to win, let it be your mate. Do not focus on winning yourself; this is the main reason that discussions tend to become heated.
Remember your house in Paradise!
The Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم) said: I guarantee a house in the surroundings [suburbs] of Paradise for a man who avoids quarrelling even if he were in the right, a house in the middle of Paradise for a man who avoids lying even if he were joking, and a house in the upper part of Paradise for a man who made his character good. [Abu Dawud, 41/4782]
--------------------
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Those who believed and acquired knowledge
Seeking Knowledge
"So know that there is no god save Allah, ask forgiveness for your sins and for the believing men and the believing women. Allah knows well your moving and your place of rest."
(Qur'an, Muhammad 47:19)
This verse shows the importance of knowledge and the virtues that Allah has given to it. It also shows that knowledge comes before deeds, since Allah instructed His Prophet to know that He is One and the only One worthy of worship. After that, He commanded him to ask forgiveness for himself, his family and for his Ummah.
If Muslims truly realise the importance Islam places on knowledge and its virtues, they will definitely be keen to learn and teach others. They would start with themselves and their families; then their neighbours and the community at large. Once Mu'awiyah Ibn Abi Sufyan (may Allah be pleased with her) gave a sermon in which he said, "I heard Allah's Messenger saying, "If Allah wants to do good to a person, he makes him very knowledgeable in the Deen." (Related by Bukhari and Muslim)
This is because knowledge is the basis of all good; it generates actions that are based on the commandments of Allah and the instructions of the Prophet . Hence, every Muslim must instil in his mind a desire to seek knowledge. Allah (Most Exalted is He) instructed His Prophet -- and thus all Muslims -- to ask Allah to increase him in knowledge. He said:
"And say: My Lord increase me in knowledge."
(Qur'an, Ta-Ha 20:114)
Though, initially, all Muslims are equal in the sight of Allah, those who believe, have taqwah (fear of Allah and righteousness), and have been granted knowledge move up to higher ranks. Allah says about those who have taqwah:
"Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is he who has most taqwah."
(Qur'an, Al-Hujurat 49:13)
And He said about those who believed and acquired knowledge.
"So know that there is no god save Allah, ask forgiveness for your sins and for the believing men and the believing women. Allah knows well your moving and your place of rest."
(Qur'an, Muhammad 47:19)
This verse shows the importance of knowledge and the virtues that Allah has given to it. It also shows that knowledge comes before deeds, since Allah instructed His Prophet to know that He is One and the only One worthy of worship. After that, He commanded him to ask forgiveness for himself, his family and for his Ummah.
If Muslims truly realise the importance Islam places on knowledge and its virtues, they will definitely be keen to learn and teach others. They would start with themselves and their families; then their neighbours and the community at large. Once Mu'awiyah Ibn Abi Sufyan (may Allah be pleased with her) gave a sermon in which he said, "I heard Allah's Messenger saying, "If Allah wants to do good to a person, he makes him very knowledgeable in the Deen." (Related by Bukhari and Muslim)
This is because knowledge is the basis of all good; it generates actions that are based on the commandments of Allah and the instructions of the Prophet . Hence, every Muslim must instil in his mind a desire to seek knowledge. Allah (Most Exalted is He) instructed His Prophet -- and thus all Muslims -- to ask Allah to increase him in knowledge. He said:
"And say: My Lord increase me in knowledge."
(Qur'an, Ta-Ha 20:114)
Though, initially, all Muslims are equal in the sight of Allah, those who believe, have taqwah (fear of Allah and righteousness), and have been granted knowledge move up to higher ranks. Allah says about those who have taqwah:
"Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is he who has most taqwah."
(Qur'an, Al-Hujurat 49:13)
And He said about those who believed and acquired knowledge.
Fresh and Dried Dates ~Balah (Dates)
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
All Praises is for Allah, Lord of the universe.Prophet Muhammad was sent as a guide, and mercy for all of mankind, and as such was given wisdom by Allah that benefits for all of mankind .
Allah says :'O Mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord, and a healing for that which is in your breast, a guidance and mercy for the believer's."(10:57).
An-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah narrated in their Sunan that 'Aishah rd, may Allah grant peace and blessing upon her, said that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi waalihi wasalaam , said:
"Eat fresh dates with dried dates, for when Satan sees the son of Adam eating fresh and dried dates he comments,'The son of Adam remained until he started eating the new and the old together."
In another narration, the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi waahlihi wasallaam, said:
"Eat fresh and dried dates, because Satan gets sad when he sees the son of Adam eating them, so he says : 'The son of Adam has lived until (now) he eats the fresh and the old together."
Some of the Muslim doctors commented, "The Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi waahlihi wasallaam, ordered the Muslims to eat fresh and dried dates together rather than green dates with dried dates. Fresh dates are cold and dry while dried dates are hot and humid, thus neutralizing the effect of each other.On the other hand, green dates and dried dates are both hot, although the dried dates are more hot." Medically , it is better to avoid eating two types of foods that inclined towards either hotness or coolness.
The Hadith indicates that the medical profession is generally correct when it inclines towards neutralizing the effects of medications and foods with other ingredients or foods to preserve good health.
Fresh dates are cold and dry and they benefit the mouth, the gums (gingiva) and the stomach. Yet , dates are not beneficial for the chest and lungs because of their coarseness .Also, the dates are difficult to digest and are not very nutritious. The example of fresh dates is the example of unripe grapes , as both cause flatulence and bloating, especially when one drink water after eating fresh dates. To neutralize these side effects, one should eat them with dried dates, or honey and butter.
(Busr)-Green Dates
In the Sahih it is narrated that when the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi waalihi wasallam, Abu Bakr and Umar may Allah grant him peace,were guests of Abu Al-Hatham bin At-Taihan , may Allah grant him peace, he brought them a cluster of dates, which is similar to a cluster of grapes.
The Prophet , sallallahu 'alayhi waalihi wasallaam, said:
"Why do you not choose some ripe dates for us?"
Abu Al-Hatham , may Allah grant him peace, replied, "I wanted you to choose whatever you like of its green and ripe dates."
Busr (Green dates) is hot and dry, and its dryness is more than its hotness. Also , the Busr dries out excess moisture, coats the stomach, relaxes the bowels and helps the gums and the mouth.The most beneficial (green dates) is the tender and sweet Busr.Yet , eating excessive amounts of Busr (green dates) regularly causes obstructions or clogs intestines.
Tamr (Dried Dates)
In the Sahih it is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad ,sallallahu 'alayhi waahlihi wassalaam,said:
"Whoever ate seven dates in the morning from the area of 'Aaliyah will not be harmed by poison or magic the rest of that day."
He also said:
"The people of a house where there are no dates are hungry."
Also, the Prophet ,sallallahu 'alayhi waahlihi wasalaam, ate dried dates with butter , with bread and alone.
Tamr is hot in the second degree and either wet or dry in the secong degree.
Dried dates strengthen the liver, relax the bowels, increase semen production, especially when taken with pine, and relieve soar throat.As for those who are not used to eating dried dates, such as the residents of cold areas, dried dates cause them clogs, harm the teeth and cause headaches, unless they are eaten with almonds and poppy.
Dried dates are among the most nutritious fruits, their essence is hot and wet . Also , when one eats dates in the beginning of the day, they help kills worms.Although dried dates are hot, yet they have strength of an antidote against worms, killing or at least decreasing their numbers , especially when dried dates are taken frequently on an empty stomach.Dried dates are a fruit , a type of food , a cure , a drink and a sweet.
Rutab (Ripe Dates)
Also , in the Sahihain it is narrated that 'Abdullah bin Ja'far , may Allah grant him peace, said:
"I saw the Messenger of Allah , sallallahu 'alayhi waahlihi wasallam, eating cucumbers with ripe dates."
Abu Daud also narrated in his Sunan that Anas , may Allah grant him peace, said:
"The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi waahlihi wasallaam, used to break his fast on some ripe dates, and if he did not have any, on dry dates. Otherwise , if he did not have dry dates, he would have several sips of water."
Ripe dates are just like water, hot and wet, and they are favourable for and strengthen the cold stomach, increase the production of semen and fertility, are suitable for cold temperaments and are very nutritious.
Ripe dates are the best types of fruit for the people of Al-Madinah specially and for all others in general where ripe dates grow. It is also a very beneficial fruit for the body, although ripe dates spoil quickly in the stomach of those who are not used to eating them and thus produce putrid blood.Also, eating excessive amounts of ripe dates cause headaches and black bile and also harms the teeth.
Oxymel (Sakanjabin) helps neutralize the irritants that accompany eating ripe dates.
When the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi waahlihi wasallam, used to break his fast, he used to first eat ripe or dry dates, or would drink some water.This is a wise decision, because fasting empties the stomach of food. Thus the liver would not find any sufficient energy that it could transfer to the various organs. Sweets are the fastest food to reach the liver and are also favored by the liver, especially when one eats ripe dates, in which case the liver accepts it even more favorably, benefits from it and then transfer the benefits to the rest of the organs of the body. If there are no ripe dates available, one should eat dried dates because they are sweet and nutritious. Otherwise , some sips of water would extinguish the heat of the stomach and the Fast. The stomach's appetite would then increase and become ready to accept (and digest ) food.
The Prophet saw, are the only source that we can acquire knowledge as all types of knowledge depends on knowing Allah, His Commands and creation.The Prophet have the best knowledge of the wisdom behind Allah's creation and Commandments. The Messengers are those with the best minds purest ways and deepest knowledge. They are the nearest to the truth among the creation. They are the best of mankind that Allah has chosen, just as the Messenger, Muhammad , sallallahu 'alayhi waahlihi wasalaam, is the best among all the Messengers with and the wisdom and forbearing puts them in a category that does not permit comparison.Imam Ahmad narrated that the Messenger of Allah said:
"You (mandkind) are seventy nations (or distict communities); you (Muslims) are the best and most honored among them to Allah."
This honor that Allah has endowed the Muslims with has appeared in their knowledge, minds, intellects and natural ways. The Muslims are the ones who searched throuh the knowledge of all other nations before them and also their wisdom, progress and their works, then added this knowledge to their own knowledge, forbearing and wisdom that Allah has endowed them with.All success comes from Allah.,May Allah forgive us for our mistakes and make us a true believers, InsyaAllah Ameen, Ameen, Ameen.
All Praises is for Allah, Lord of the universe.Prophet Muhammad was sent as a guide, and mercy for all of mankind, and as such was given wisdom by Allah that benefits for all of mankind .
Allah says :'O Mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord, and a healing for that which is in your breast, a guidance and mercy for the believer's."(10:57).
An-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah narrated in their Sunan that 'Aishah rd, may Allah grant peace and blessing upon her, said that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi waalihi wasalaam , said:"Eat fresh dates with dried dates, for when Satan sees the son of Adam eating fresh and dried dates he comments,'The son of Adam remained until he started eating the new and the old together."
In another narration, the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi waahlihi wasallaam, said:
"Eat fresh and dried dates, because Satan gets sad when he sees the son of Adam eating them, so he says : 'The son of Adam has lived until (now) he eats the fresh and the old together."
Some of the Muslim doctors commented, "The Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi waahlihi wasallaam, ordered the Muslims to eat fresh and dried dates together rather than green dates with dried dates. Fresh dates are cold and dry while dried dates are hot and humid, thus neutralizing the effect of each other.On the other hand, green dates and dried dates are both hot, although the dried dates are more hot." Medically , it is better to avoid eating two types of foods that inclined towards either hotness or coolness.
The Hadith indicates that the medical profession is generally correct when it inclines towards neutralizing the effects of medications and foods with other ingredients or foods to preserve good health.
Fresh dates are cold and dry and they benefit the mouth, the gums (gingiva) and the stomach. Yet , dates are not beneficial for the chest and lungs because of their coarseness .Also, the dates are difficult to digest and are not very nutritious. The example of fresh dates is the example of unripe grapes , as both cause flatulence and bloating, especially when one drink water after eating fresh dates. To neutralize these side effects, one should eat them with dried dates, or honey and butter.
(Busr)-Green Dates
In the Sahih it is narrated that when the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi waalihi wasallam, Abu Bakr and Umar may Allah grant him peace,were guests of Abu Al-Hatham bin At-Taihan , may Allah grant him peace, he brought them a cluster of dates, which is similar to a cluster of grapes.
The Prophet , sallallahu 'alayhi waalihi wasallaam, said:
"Why do you not choose some ripe dates for us?"
Abu Al-Hatham , may Allah grant him peace, replied, "I wanted you to choose whatever you like of its green and ripe dates."
Busr (Green dates) is hot and dry, and its dryness is more than its hotness. Also , the Busr dries out excess moisture, coats the stomach, relaxes the bowels and helps the gums and the mouth.The most beneficial (green dates) is the tender and sweet Busr.Yet , eating excessive amounts of Busr (green dates) regularly causes obstructions or clogs intestines.
Tamr (Dried Dates)
In the Sahih it is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad ,sallallahu 'alayhi waahlihi wassalaam,said:
"Whoever ate seven dates in the morning from the area of 'Aaliyah will not be harmed by poison or magic the rest of that day."
He also said:
"The people of a house where there are no dates are hungry."
Also, the Prophet ,sallallahu 'alayhi waahlihi wasalaam, ate dried dates with butter , with bread and alone.
Tamr is hot in the second degree and either wet or dry in the secong degree.
Dried dates strengthen the liver, relax the bowels, increase semen production, especially when taken with pine, and relieve soar throat.As for those who are not used to eating dried dates, such as the residents of cold areas, dried dates cause them clogs, harm the teeth and cause headaches, unless they are eaten with almonds and poppy.
Dried dates are among the most nutritious fruits, their essence is hot and wet . Also , when one eats dates in the beginning of the day, they help kills worms.Although dried dates are hot, yet they have strength of an antidote against worms, killing or at least decreasing their numbers , especially when dried dates are taken frequently on an empty stomach.Dried dates are a fruit , a type of food , a cure , a drink and a sweet.
Rutab (Ripe Dates)
Allah said to Mary:
"And shake the trunk of date palm towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe dates upon you.So eat and drink and be glad.And if you see any human being , say: "Verily, I have vowed a fast unto the Most Gracious (Allah ) so I shall not speak to any human being this day." (19:25,26)
Also , in the Sahihain it is narrated that 'Abdullah bin Ja'far , may Allah grant him peace, said:
"I saw the Messenger of Allah , sallallahu 'alayhi waahlihi wasallam, eating cucumbers with ripe dates."
Abu Daud also narrated in his Sunan that Anas , may Allah grant him peace, said:
"The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi waahlihi wasallaam, used to break his fast on some ripe dates, and if he did not have any, on dry dates. Otherwise , if he did not have dry dates, he would have several sips of water."
Ripe dates are just like water, hot and wet, and they are favourable for and strengthen the cold stomach, increase the production of semen and fertility, are suitable for cold temperaments and are very nutritious.
Ripe dates are the best types of fruit for the people of Al-Madinah specially and for all others in general where ripe dates grow. It is also a very beneficial fruit for the body, although ripe dates spoil quickly in the stomach of those who are not used to eating them and thus produce putrid blood.Also, eating excessive amounts of ripe dates cause headaches and black bile and also harms the teeth.
Oxymel (Sakanjabin) helps neutralize the irritants that accompany eating ripe dates.
When the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi waahlihi wasallam, used to break his fast, he used to first eat ripe or dry dates, or would drink some water.This is a wise decision, because fasting empties the stomach of food. Thus the liver would not find any sufficient energy that it could transfer to the various organs. Sweets are the fastest food to reach the liver and are also favored by the liver, especially when one eats ripe dates, in which case the liver accepts it even more favorably, benefits from it and then transfer the benefits to the rest of the organs of the body. If there are no ripe dates available, one should eat dried dates because they are sweet and nutritious. Otherwise , some sips of water would extinguish the heat of the stomach and the Fast. The stomach's appetite would then increase and become ready to accept (and digest ) food.
The Prophet saw, are the only source that we can acquire knowledge as all types of knowledge depends on knowing Allah, His Commands and creation.The Prophet have the best knowledge of the wisdom behind Allah's creation and Commandments. The Messengers are those with the best minds purest ways and deepest knowledge. They are the nearest to the truth among the creation. They are the best of mankind that Allah has chosen, just as the Messenger, Muhammad , sallallahu 'alayhi waahlihi wasalaam, is the best among all the Messengers with and the wisdom and forbearing puts them in a category that does not permit comparison.Imam Ahmad narrated that the Messenger of Allah said:
"You (mandkind) are seventy nations (or distict communities); you (Muslims) are the best and most honored among them to Allah."
This honor that Allah has endowed the Muslims with has appeared in their knowledge, minds, intellects and natural ways. The Muslims are the ones who searched throuh the knowledge of all other nations before them and also their wisdom, progress and their works, then added this knowledge to their own knowledge, forbearing and wisdom that Allah has endowed them with.All success comes from Allah.,May Allah forgive us for our mistakes and make us a true believers, InsyaAllah Ameen, Ameen, Ameen.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Among the Hadith concerning ' Dates...
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
As salaamualaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barkatuhu
Praise belongs to Allah Who has given existence to every self, and Who has inspired each one towards right actions and wrong actions, and Who has taught what is good for them and what is harmful for them, what causes sickness and what gives health, and Who has created death and granted life. My aim is His glory and His acceptance. He is my support, the most excellent of protectors...There is no power and no strength except from Allah, the Beloved, the Wise.....
Among the hadith concerning dates are the following:
The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said , “The best of all your dates is that of al-Burniy, which drives out disease.”
Ali. May Allah be pleased with him , said, “The best dates are the dates called ‘al-Burniy’.
And it has been transmitted by Abu Huraira, “ In the sweetness of al-Burniy dates there is no desease.’
Also, the Prophet , may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Your women folk should eat dates, for whomever makes dates their food will produce children with ease.
As for fresh dates , these were the food of Mary, peace be on her, and if there had been any food that was better, then truly she would have eaten it. Allah the Almighty said:
And shake the trunk of the palm tree towards you and fresh ripe dates will drop down on you. (Quran :19:25)
The companions used to leave some dates to soak for the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace; and he would drink the juice the next day- and on the following day he would again ask for it, and drink from it, and then pour away what was left.
Among the ahadith is the saying that eating dates prevents colic. Ibn Abbas said, “ The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, used to like the type of date called ‘’Ajwat,”’ and the Jalalu’d-Din Abd’ur –Rahman As-Sayuti says: “Truly the ajwat is an excellent and complete food, and if some butter is added to it then its completeness is perfected- and according to the hadith the “Ajwat date is one of the fruits of the Garden.”
All of the above ahadith are related by Abu Nu’aim in his Kitab at-Tibb.
From Sai’d ibn Abi Waqas comes the well –known hadith , “Whoever has seven ‘Ajwat dates for breakfast will not suffer any harm from oppression or sorcery for the whole day.” This has been recorded by al-Bukhari, who considers it to be a sound hadith.
Among the other sound ahadith is this one: “Whoever eats seven dates between dawn and dusk will have no harm come to him between dawn and dusk.” Explanation: By dawn it meant eating the early morning meal each day, and that the “Ajwat is a type of Madina date which is larger than the al-Sihani date, dark in colour, and planted by the Prophet himself, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. It is clear that it has benefited from the Baraka of having been planted by the Prophet. A connection can be seen with the practice of placing twopalm branches on the tombs of matyrs and within their graves.Putting these palms there gives them Baraka and lessens their pains.
At-Tirmidhi has related a similar hadith.He says that the ‘Ajwat is from the Garden, and that there is an antidote against poisons in it. Also ‘Ayesha has transmitted this saying of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace: “The ‘Ajwat date is an excellent remedy.” Muslim transmitted this hadith.
It is accordance with the sunnah for a fasting man to break his fast with dates.The Prophets, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Whoever can find dates should break his fast with them-and whoever cannot find dates should break his fast with water, for truly it is pure.” An Nasa’i transmitted this hadith . The Prophet also said , “ As for a house that has no dates , truly those who live in it will go hungry.”
The Prophet, may Allah bless him and granthim peace, said that dried dates and dried grapes should not be soaked in water together.He also forbade soaking fresh dates and grapes together.
The ill-effects of dates can be neutralized by eating almonds and poppies.
From As-Suyuti’s –Medicine of the Prophet…
Thank you !! May Allah rewards you better , ....Happy Ramadhan al Mubarrak....!!!
As salaamualaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barkatuhu
Praise belongs to Allah Who has given existence to every self, and Who has inspired each one towards right actions and wrong actions, and Who has taught what is good for them and what is harmful for them, what causes sickness and what gives health, and Who has created death and granted life. My aim is His glory and His acceptance. He is my support, the most excellent of protectors...There is no power and no strength except from Allah, the Beloved, the Wise.....
Among the hadith concerning dates are the following:
The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said , “The best of all your dates is that of al-Burniy, which drives out disease.”
Ali. May Allah be pleased with him , said, “The best dates are the dates called ‘al-Burniy’.
And it has been transmitted by Abu Huraira, “ In the sweetness of al-Burniy dates there is no desease.’
Also, the Prophet , may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Your women folk should eat dates, for whomever makes dates their food will produce children with ease.
As for fresh dates , these were the food of Mary, peace be on her, and if there had been any food that was better, then truly she would have eaten it. Allah the Almighty said:
And shake the trunk of the palm tree towards you and fresh ripe dates will drop down on you. (Quran :19:25)
The companions used to leave some dates to soak for the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace; and he would drink the juice the next day- and on the following day he would again ask for it, and drink from it, and then pour away what was left.
Among the ahadith is the saying that eating dates prevents colic. Ibn Abbas said, “ The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, used to like the type of date called ‘’Ajwat,”’ and the Jalalu’d-Din Abd’ur –Rahman As-Sayuti says: “Truly the ajwat is an excellent and complete food, and if some butter is added to it then its completeness is perfected- and according to the hadith the “Ajwat date is one of the fruits of the Garden.”
All of the above ahadith are related by Abu Nu’aim in his Kitab at-Tibb.
From Sai’d ibn Abi Waqas comes the well –known hadith , “Whoever has seven ‘Ajwat dates for breakfast will not suffer any harm from oppression or sorcery for the whole day.” This has been recorded by al-Bukhari, who considers it to be a sound hadith.
Among the other sound ahadith is this one: “Whoever eats seven dates between dawn and dusk will have no harm come to him between dawn and dusk.” Explanation: By dawn it meant eating the early morning meal each day, and that the “Ajwat is a type of Madina date which is larger than the al-Sihani date, dark in colour, and planted by the Prophet himself, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. It is clear that it has benefited from the Baraka of having been planted by the Prophet. A connection can be seen with the practice of placing twopalm branches on the tombs of matyrs and within their graves.Putting these palms there gives them Baraka and lessens their pains.
At-Tirmidhi has related a similar hadith.He says that the ‘Ajwat is from the Garden, and that there is an antidote against poisons in it. Also ‘Ayesha has transmitted this saying of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace: “The ‘Ajwat date is an excellent remedy.” Muslim transmitted this hadith.
It is accordance with the sunnah for a fasting man to break his fast with dates.The Prophets, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Whoever can find dates should break his fast with them-and whoever cannot find dates should break his fast with water, for truly it is pure.” An Nasa’i transmitted this hadith . The Prophet also said , “ As for a house that has no dates , truly those who live in it will go hungry.”
The Prophet, may Allah bless him and granthim peace, said that dried dates and dried grapes should not be soaked in water together.He also forbade soaking fresh dates and grapes together.
The ill-effects of dates can be neutralized by eating almonds and poppies.
From As-Suyuti’s –Medicine of the Prophet…
Thank you !! May Allah rewards you better , ....Happy Ramadhan al Mubarrak....!!!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
A woman can increase her reward in Ramadhaan
Women’s worship during Ramadhaan
A Muslim woman should utilize the seasons which Allaah has endowed with great benefit and made a source for accumulating rewards. A woman can increase her reward in Ramadhaan by strengthening various aspects of worship and obedience to Allaah, by being keen in performing virtuous deeds and refraining from anything that could affect the rewards of her fasting adversely.
Sincerity during Ramadhaan:
One of the aspects of servitude to Allaah, which a woman practices during the month of Ramadhaan is sincerity. Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported: “The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “Allaah the Exalted and Majestic said: `Every act of the son of Aadam is for him, except fasting which is (exclusively and sincerely) for Me, and I will reward him for it … (The person observing fast) has abstained from food and drink and sexual pleasures for My sake”[Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]. Therefore, a woman should refrain from all that invalidates her fast, and should guard this pledge that is between her and her Lord from dawn to sunset. Sincerity during this month trains her to be sincere afterwards in other acts of worship.
Rulings of Ramadhaan:
One of the matters, which a woman must endeavor to learn, is the jurisprudence rulings pertaining to the month of Ramadhaan, in order for her fasting to be perfect. There are many rulings related to this month that concern women, like the rulings regarding menstruation, purity, postpartum bleeding in connection to fasting -- if the bleeding stops after twenty days she must perform a ritual bath (i.e. Ghusl) and start fasting, but she must intend fasting the obligatory fast, as the Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam informed us that without having an intention to fast prior to the break of dawn, her fast is not valid.
Adhering to the command of Allaah and His Messenger, may Allaah exalt his mention:
Adhering to the commands of Allaah and His Messenger, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, during this blessed month is another aspect of servitude, which a woman practices. For example, a woman is commanded to break her fast as soon as she goes into her menses, yet she is not deprived from the reward because she broke the fast in adherence to the command of Allaah, and she is rewarded for this adherence.
Some women become grieved when they get their menses whilst fasting, and start saying things like: ‘Why do I get menses’, or ‘I wished I never got this’, or ‘I wish I was a man so that I do not get it and thus fast the full month’. One must be content with the decree of Allaah, as He is The One who created women as women and men as men. Thus, a woman should be content with her decree, and should not have these feelings, because Allaah does everything with Ultimate Wisdom, the essence of which we can never comprehend.
Bashfulness during Ramadhaan:
Women must learn that when it comes to enlightening and educating themselves in matters of religion, they should not be too shy to ask questions. For example, some young women are too embarrassed to inform their families that they have reached the age of puberty and thus continue to break their fast and do not observe fast. This is a serious mistake and a great crime in Islam, as a woman is obliged to fast whenever she is not in her menses. Another example are women who are too shy, thus when they have their menses they continue to fast lest those around them would find out, which is also prohibited in Islam and by doing so they are disobeying Allaah.
Many sisters ask questions about situations similar to the ones mentioned above, but only after a long time, after they have already committed the mistakes due to being bashful at the wrong time in their lives. Those who did not observe fast after reaching the age of puberty -- for whatever invalid reason -- must make up all the days they missed.
Despite the fact that some scholars have permitted the use of the pills that delay the menses (if they have no harmful side effects), we believe, and Allaah knows best, that not taking them is more rewarding, as it reflects the woman’s contentment with what Allaah Has decreed on her.
Attending the Qiyaam prayers and study circles:
Attending the Qiyaam prayers (i.e. the optional night prayers) in the mosque is a recommended act of worship. ‘Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, used to designate a prayer area especially for women so they could attend the prayers without intermixing with men. It is a good thing for a woman to attend the prayers with the congregation, but it is more rewarding for her to pray at her house. When the woman goes to the mosque -- whilst fulfilling the conditions permitting her to attend -- she will expose herself to the blessings bestowed upon those who attend the mosque. For example, the mercy of Allaah will descend on them, the angels will surround them and ask forgiveness for them for attending lectures that teach people matters of their religion; saying Aameen after the supplications of the Imaam which makes them deserving of whatever the Imaam supplicated, increasing submissiveness to Allaah that results due to the Imaam’s recitation during the prayer, learning the proper way to pray and correcting any mistakes in recitation. Having said this, it is still more rewarding for a woman to pray in her house whilst reading from the Quran than praying with the congregation.
A woman must be keen to get to know those who attend the congregation with her as some of them could be very pious sisters, who could be a means for steadfastness and remind her at times of heedlessness.
When in the mosque, a woman should be ready to receive knowledge, learn her religion and be open-minded to accept the truth even if it goes against her desire or that which she practices. She must adhere to the proper Hijaab, not wear perfume, not adorn herself, not mix with men outside the mosque or in the parking lot, so as to avoid making the mosque a social club and turning the prayers into a meeting-place to talk and laugh with other sisters, disturbing other people.
Religious exemptions for women during Ramadhaan:
Allaah granted women many exemptions during this month out of His Mercy. One of these exemptions is that a pregnant woman or a breastfeeding woman is permitted to break her fast. Allaah The All Knowing, Knows what feelings a woman has towards her infant and thus permitted her to break her fast to breastfeed him. All she is required to do is to make up the days she missed, and if she is unable to fast then she is only obliged to feed a needy person for every day she missed. The ruling that is applicable to her is just like that for old people who are unable to fast.
Another exemption is that a woman who unwillingly submits to her husband’s will for intercourse during the day in Ramadhaan is excused and not considered a sinner.
A Muslim woman should utilize the seasons which Allaah has endowed with great benefit and made a source for accumulating rewards. A woman can increase her reward in Ramadhaan by strengthening various aspects of worship and obedience to Allaah, by being keen in performing virtuous deeds and refraining from anything that could affect the rewards of her fasting adversely.
Sincerity during Ramadhaan:
One of the aspects of servitude to Allaah, which a woman practices during the month of Ramadhaan is sincerity. Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported: “The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “Allaah the Exalted and Majestic said: `Every act of the son of Aadam is for him, except fasting which is (exclusively and sincerely) for Me, and I will reward him for it … (The person observing fast) has abstained from food and drink and sexual pleasures for My sake”[Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]. Therefore, a woman should refrain from all that invalidates her fast, and should guard this pledge that is between her and her Lord from dawn to sunset. Sincerity during this month trains her to be sincere afterwards in other acts of worship.
Rulings of Ramadhaan:
One of the matters, which a woman must endeavor to learn, is the jurisprudence rulings pertaining to the month of Ramadhaan, in order for her fasting to be perfect. There are many rulings related to this month that concern women, like the rulings regarding menstruation, purity, postpartum bleeding in connection to fasting -- if the bleeding stops after twenty days she must perform a ritual bath (i.e. Ghusl) and start fasting, but she must intend fasting the obligatory fast, as the Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam informed us that without having an intention to fast prior to the break of dawn, her fast is not valid.
Adhering to the command of Allaah and His Messenger, may Allaah exalt his mention:
Adhering to the commands of Allaah and His Messenger, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, during this blessed month is another aspect of servitude, which a woman practices. For example, a woman is commanded to break her fast as soon as she goes into her menses, yet she is not deprived from the reward because she broke the fast in adherence to the command of Allaah, and she is rewarded for this adherence.
Some women become grieved when they get their menses whilst fasting, and start saying things like: ‘Why do I get menses’, or ‘I wished I never got this’, or ‘I wish I was a man so that I do not get it and thus fast the full month’. One must be content with the decree of Allaah, as He is The One who created women as women and men as men. Thus, a woman should be content with her decree, and should not have these feelings, because Allaah does everything with Ultimate Wisdom, the essence of which we can never comprehend.
Bashfulness during Ramadhaan:
Women must learn that when it comes to enlightening and educating themselves in matters of religion, they should not be too shy to ask questions. For example, some young women are too embarrassed to inform their families that they have reached the age of puberty and thus continue to break their fast and do not observe fast. This is a serious mistake and a great crime in Islam, as a woman is obliged to fast whenever she is not in her menses. Another example are women who are too shy, thus when they have their menses they continue to fast lest those around them would find out, which is also prohibited in Islam and by doing so they are disobeying Allaah.
Many sisters ask questions about situations similar to the ones mentioned above, but only after a long time, after they have already committed the mistakes due to being bashful at the wrong time in their lives. Those who did not observe fast after reaching the age of puberty -- for whatever invalid reason -- must make up all the days they missed.
Despite the fact that some scholars have permitted the use of the pills that delay the menses (if they have no harmful side effects), we believe, and Allaah knows best, that not taking them is more rewarding, as it reflects the woman’s contentment with what Allaah Has decreed on her.
Attending the Qiyaam prayers and study circles:
Attending the Qiyaam prayers (i.e. the optional night prayers) in the mosque is a recommended act of worship. ‘Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, used to designate a prayer area especially for women so they could attend the prayers without intermixing with men. It is a good thing for a woman to attend the prayers with the congregation, but it is more rewarding for her to pray at her house. When the woman goes to the mosque -- whilst fulfilling the conditions permitting her to attend -- she will expose herself to the blessings bestowed upon those who attend the mosque. For example, the mercy of Allaah will descend on them, the angels will surround them and ask forgiveness for them for attending lectures that teach people matters of their religion; saying Aameen after the supplications of the Imaam which makes them deserving of whatever the Imaam supplicated, increasing submissiveness to Allaah that results due to the Imaam’s recitation during the prayer, learning the proper way to pray and correcting any mistakes in recitation. Having said this, it is still more rewarding for a woman to pray in her house whilst reading from the Quran than praying with the congregation.
A woman must be keen to get to know those who attend the congregation with her as some of them could be very pious sisters, who could be a means for steadfastness and remind her at times of heedlessness.
When in the mosque, a woman should be ready to receive knowledge, learn her religion and be open-minded to accept the truth even if it goes against her desire or that which she practices. She must adhere to the proper Hijaab, not wear perfume, not adorn herself, not mix with men outside the mosque or in the parking lot, so as to avoid making the mosque a social club and turning the prayers into a meeting-place to talk and laugh with other sisters, disturbing other people.
Religious exemptions for women during Ramadhaan:
Allaah granted women many exemptions during this month out of His Mercy. One of these exemptions is that a pregnant woman or a breastfeeding woman is permitted to break her fast. Allaah The All Knowing, Knows what feelings a woman has towards her infant and thus permitted her to break her fast to breastfeed him. All she is required to do is to make up the days she missed, and if she is unable to fast then she is only obliged to feed a needy person for every day she missed. The ruling that is applicable to her is just like that for old people who are unable to fast.
Another exemption is that a woman who unwillingly submits to her husband’s will for intercourse during the day in Ramadhaan is excused and not considered a sinner.
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