25 steps to become closer to Allah

1. Start off each day with 'adhkaar al-istiyqaadh' (waking up Supplications), thanking Allah for waking up in good shape.

2. Put Allah first in your life.

3. Broaden your horizons - learn 5 new verses from the Quran every day, travel to pray far in the mosque to brighten your day,take up a booklet having supplications and read them.

4. Pray Salaat Al-dhuhaa (after sunrise).

5. If someone says something mean to you, just shrug it off and dismiss it in a friendly, laidback manner, and pray that Allah shall forgive them.

6. When you get angry, remember Allah, and how short and worthless life is to waste in being Angry.

7. Remember that you can never have too many friends, but you can have few quality friends that help you fulfill the purpose of your creation (i.e. live for Allah).

8. When you're happy, try to share your happiness with others. Thank Allah for that, and pray its continuation.

9. When something bad or embarrassing happens to you, just think that it could always be worse, remember the reward of patience, and thank Allah that it's not worse than it is.

10. Do something extra of goodness once in a while, like feeding a poor person, or caressing an orphan's head.

11. Never stop believing that you can win Allah's love and thus work for it. Then you can win the love of Allah's slaves.

12. Spend some time thinking of Allah's amazing creation.

13. Always love those who love Allah unconditionally. This way you will ensure that you live for Him, love for Him, and hate for Him (those who are enemies of Him).

14. Find the righteous ways to express yourself, and if you think that what you are about to say shall cause no benefit, maintain silence (this is tough!!).

15. Every now and then, give yourself a break. Play sports, give time to your family, friends, but always remember Allah and watch that He is watching you.

16. Pray for blessing to come to those being lost, and pray to Allah to guide them to the right path.

17. Hug your parents kiss their hands and heads and always obey but stop at Allah's orders.

18. Smile to everyone, for your smile makes a big difference to him or her and you are rewarded.

19. Forgive, forget and smile.

20. Tears are not for women only... tears are for all human beings with feelings remaining in them. Don't restrain your tears when remembering Allah.

21. When people criticize your actions and effort, revise your actions and see if they please Allah or no. If they do; then ignore and remember how the Prophet (SAW) and the Sahaba were criticized, made fun of and even physically harmed, so have patience.

22. Read the Quran daily and try to have a schedule for completing it as much as you could. As you open the Quran daily, read with observing not just passing your eyes through the words.

23. Don't let popularity go to your head, for it never lasts and you may lose from it more than gain.

24. Never look down on anybody, for, to Allah, they may be better than you.

25. Send this to all brothers/sisters with the intention of having a healthy society living for Allah and pray

Being sad is not encouraged in our religion

So do not become weak [against your enemy, nor be sad... (Qur'an 3: 139)

And grieve not over them, and be not distressed because of what they plot.(Qur'an 16: 127)

Be not sad, surely Allah is with us. (Qur'an 9: 40)

Referring to true believers, Allah informs us that:

Upon such shall come no fear, nor shall they grieve. (Our 'an 2: 38)

Sadness enervates the soul's will to act and paralyzes the body into inactivity. Sadness prevents one from action instead of compelling one towards it. The heart benefits nothing through grief the most beloved thing to the Devil is to make the worshipper sad in order to prevent him from continuing on his path. Allah, the Exalted, says:

*Secret counsels [conspiracies] are only from Shaytaan [Satan], in order that he may cause grief to the believers. (Qur'an 58: 10)

In the following hadith, the Prophet (bpuh) said:

"In a company of three, it is forbidden for two to hold secret counsel to the exclusion of the third, since doing so will be a cause of sadness for him."

Contrary to what some believe (those who have an extreme ascetic bent); the believer should not seek out sadness, because sadness is a harmful condition that afflicts the soul.The Muslim must repel sadness and fight it in any way that is permissible in our Religion.

There is no real benefit to sadness; the Prophet (bpuh) sought refuge from it in the following supplication: "O' Allah, I seek refuge in you from anxiety and grief."

Grief is coupled with anxiety in this hadith. The difference between the two is that if a bad feeling is related to what is going to happen in the future. Then one is feeling anxiety. And if the cause of this feeling concerns the past, then one is feeling grief both of them weaken the heart, causing inactivity and a decrease in will power.

Despite what has been mentioned above, grief may sometimes be both inevitable and necessary. When they enter Paradise, its dwellers will say:All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has removed from us [all] grief. (Qur'an 35: 34)

This verse implies that they were afflicted with grief in this life, just as they were afflicted with other forms of hardship, both of which were out of their control. So whenever one is overcome by grief and there is no way to avoid it, one is rewarded, because grief is a form of hardship, and the believer is rewarded for going through hardship. Nonetheless, the believer must ward off grief with supplication and other practical means.

As for the saying of Allah, the Almighty: Nor his there blame] on those who came to you to be provided with mounts, and when you said:

`I can find no mounts for you, ' they turned back, while their eves overflowing with tears of grief that they could not find anything to spend. (Qur 'an 9: 92)

They were not praised for their grief in itself, but for what that grief indicated and pointed to namely, strong faith. This occurred when they remained behind during one of the Prophet's expeditions, due to their inability to find the necessary resources needed to make the trip. The verse also exposed the hypocrites, because they did not feel grief when they remained behind.

Therefore the good kind of grief is that which stems from missing out an opportunity to do a good deed or from performing a sin. When one feels sad because he was negligent in fulfilling the rights of Allah, he shows a characteristic of a person who is on the right path. As for the hadith,



"Whatever befalls the believer in terms of anxiety, hardship or grief, Allah will remove his sin"

It indicates that grief is a trial with which the believer is afflicted, and through which some of his sins are atoned for. However, it does not indicate that grief is something to be sought after; the believer should not seek out means of finding grief, thinking that he is performing an act of worship. If this were the case, then the Prophet (bpuh) would have been the first to apply this principle.

But he didn't search out for misery; rather, his face was always smiling, his heart was content, and he was continually joyful. As for the hadith of Hind, "He was continually sorrowful," it is considered to be unsubstantiated by scholars of hadith, because among its narrators is someone who is unknown. Not only is the hadith weak because of its chain of narrators; it is also weak because it is contrary to how the Prophet (bpuh) really was.

How could he have been continually in grief when Allah had informed him that he was forgiven for everything (guaranteeing his entry into Paradise) and had protected him from feeling grief over matters pertaining to this life: for example, Allah forbade him from feeling grief over the actions of the disbelievers? How could he have felt grief when all the time his heart was filled with the remembrance of Allah, and when he was at peace with Allah's promise? In fact, he was always pleasant and his teeth were always visible due to his constant smiles. Whoever delves deeply into his life will know that he came to remove falsehood and to eradicate anxiety, confusion, and grief. He came to free our souls from the tyranny of doubt, disbelief, confusion, and disorder. He came to save our souls from destruction. So many indeed are the favors that were bestowed upon mankind through him (Blessings and Peace be upon him).

And as for the alleged hadith, "Verily, Allah loves all sad hearts," the chain of its narrators is unknown, so it is not an authentic hadith, especially in view of the fact that the basic principles of our religion are contrary to its import. Even if we were to suppose the hadith to be authentic. Then its meaning would be that sadness is one of the hardships of life imposed upon the worshipper as a form of trial. And if the worshipper is tested by this trial, and if he perserveres through patience, then Allah loves him. As for those who have praised melancholy and have lauded its many virtues (while claiming that our religion encourages it) then they are very mistaken. In fact, every text from revelation that touches upon sadness forbids it and orders its opposite: namely, that we should be content with the mercy and blessings of Allah, and happy with that which has been sent with the Messenger of Allah (Blessings and Peace be upon him).

Those who incline towards extremes in asceticism also relate the following narration:

"If Allah loves one of his slaves, He makes that slave's heart that of a weeper. And if he hates one of his slaves, then he places a flute in his heart (thus making him constantly light and happy)."

First, we must note that this is an Israelite tradition, which is claimed to be found in the Torah. Nevertheless, it does have a correct meaning since, truly, the believer feels grief due to his sins and the evildoer is ever playful and frivolous, light and joyful. So if the hearts of the faithful grieve, then it is only due to opportunities lost in terms of righteous deeds or because of sins committed. This is contrary to the sadness of the evildoers, whose grief is caused by losing out on physical pleasure or worldly benefit. Their yearnings, anxieties, and sadness are always for these ends and for nothing else.

In this verse, Allah says of his Prophet Israa'eel (Israel): And he lost his sight because of the sorrow that he was suppressing. (Qur'an 12: 84)

Here we are informed of his grief over losing his beloved son. Simply informing about something does not in itself signify either approval or disapproval of that thing. The fact is that we have been ordered to seek refuge from sadness, as it is a heavy cloud that hangs above its victim, and is a barrier that prevents one from advancing to higher aims.

There is no doubt that sadness is a trial and a hardship, and is in some ways similar to sickness. However, it is not a stage, level, or condition that the pious should actively seek out.

You are required to seek the means of happiness and peace, to ask Allah to grant you a good life, one that gives you a clear conscience and a mind at peace. The achievement of this is an early reward, a point that is underscored by the saying of some, "In this world is a paradise, and whoever does not enter it shall not enter the Paradise of the Hereafter."

And we ask Allah to open our hearts to the light of faith, to guide our hearts to His straight path, and to save us from a miserable and wretched life

AHADEETH ON ECLIPSES

Assalamu alaykum wrahmatulahi wabarakatu
Wajazakumu'Allahu kheirun

Don’t miss the solar eclipse in Singapore today! The solar eclipse is said to be the longest of its kind in the next 1,000 years.Solar eclipse will last for just over 11 minutes at its peak over the Indian Ocean. People in Singapore, please note:In Singapore, solar eclipse will last from about 3.10pm to 5.30pm, with the best viewing time at about 4.25pm..

AHADEETH ON ECLIPSES:
1.Hazrat Mughaira bin Shoba(R.A.) reports that in the lifetime of Rasulullah(sallallahu aliyhi wasallam)the sun eclipsed on the day on which (his son) Ibraheem died, so people said that the eclipse had occurred because of the death of Ibraheem.Rasulullah(sallallahu aliyhi wasallam) upon it, observed that:
" The solar or lunar eclipse did not take place because of the death or birth of anyone (but it was the sign of the Power and Splendour of Allah). Thus, when you see the eclipse, offer salaat and remember Allah much." (BUKHARI, MUSLIM)
Comments:
During the lifetime of Rasulullah(sallallahu aliyhi wasallam) the sun was totally eclipsed on the day his infant son Ibraheem(R.A.),died at the age of about 1 and half years. Some authorities also say that this took place in 10 A.H. in Rabi-ul-Awwal. Nevertheless, Rasulullah(sallallahu aliyhi wasallam) mentioned that, the sun or moon are two signs of Allah Ta'ala which do not eclipse on account of the birth or death of anyone.When such an event occurs, one should turn to Allah Ta'ala and beseech Him for mercy and forgiveness with deep devotion.Increase the recitation of Subhanallah,Allhamdu-lillah,Allahu-Akbar and Istighfaar.

2. Ayesha(R.A.) reports that Rasulullah(sallallahu aliyhi wasallam) made a prolonged prostration(sajda) at the time of the eclipse.Afterwards he went away while the sun shone fully.He addressed the people and praised Allah and eulogised Him and the said: Verily the sun and moon are signs of Allah.They do not eclipse for the death of anybody,nor after his birth.So when you see that,read Takbir,send blessings and give alms(charity).
Then he said: O People,there is none who is more enraged than Allah(to see) His servant commits fornication. O People,had you known what I know,you would certainly laughed little and wept much. (AGREED)

3. Abu Musa(R.A.) reported that the sun(once) eclipsed.ThenRasulullah(sallallahu aliyhi wasallam) stood with horror fearing that the Hour had come.He came to the masjid and prayed with the longest of standing,bowing(ruku) and prostrating(sajda) which I did never see him doing before. He said: These are signs which Allah sends not for death of anybody,nor for his birth but He produces dread therewith His servants.So when you see anything of that,hasten to remember Him and seek forgiveness from Him. (MUSLIM)

4. Abdur-Rahman-bi-Samurah(R.A.) reports that,there was a solar eclipse,when he hurried to Rasulullah(sallallahu aliyhi wasallam) to enquire what has been revealed about the eclipse of the sun.Then I came to him,while he was in prayer,raising his hands.;he began to read Tasbih,Tahlil,Takbir and Tahmid and invoke Allah till he became tired of it.When he was tired of it,he read two chapters(surahs) and prayed two rakaats. (MUSLIM)

5. Asthma -bin-Abu Bakr(R.A.) reported that Rasulullah(sallallahu aliyhi wasallam) ordered manumission of slaves at the time of the solar eclipse.


3.WHAT TO DO DURING A SOLAR ECLIPSE:
During the eclipse of the sun(ie.solar eclipse), it is sunnat to perform two rakaats of nafl salaat,called Salaatul Khusuf. This salaat will be done in Jamaat without azaan and iqaamat.People will be informed of this Jamaat through means other than azaan.
Take the opportunity of:
1.Making Duaa
2.Think,ponder and Fear the Day of Judgement
3.Recite Subhanallah,Allhamdu-lillah,Allahu-Akbar abundantly.
4.Recite Istighfaar profusely.
5.Give Sadaqa(charity/alms)

4.WHAT TO DO DURING A LUNAR(MOON) ECLIPSE:
At the time of an eclipse of the moon(ie.lunar eclipse) it also sunnat to perform two rakaats of Salaatul Khusuf.

Article taken (with Thanks) from alislaahpublications.

http://alislaah2.tripod.com/alislaahpublications/id14.html

Dua From Holy Quran

Dua From Holy Quran

And of them there are some who say: "Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!"(Surah: 2 Aya: 201)

they say, "We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your Forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all)."(Surah: 2 Aya: 285)

"Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us (Jews and Christians); our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us Forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Maulâ (Patron, Suppor-ter and Protector, etc.) and give us victory over the disbelieving people." (Surah: 2 Aya: 286)

"Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower."(Surah: 3 Aya: 8)

"Our Lord! We have indeed believed, so forgive us our sins and save us from the punishment of the Fire."(Surah: 3 Aya: 16)

Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger ['Iesa (Jesus)]; so write us down among those who bear witness (to the truth i.e. Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh - none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh). (Surah: 3 Aya: 53)

"Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and our transgressions (in keeping our duties to You), establish our feet firmly, and give us victory over the disbelieving folk."(Surah: 3 Aya: 147)

"Our Lord! Verily, whom You admit to the Fire, indeed, You have disgraced him, and never will the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers) find any helpers. (Surah: 3 Aya: 192)

"Our Lord! Verily, we have heard the call of one (Muhammad SAW) calling to Faith: 'Believe in your Lord,' and we have believed. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and remit from us our evil deeds, and make us die in the state of righteousness along with Al-Abrâr (those who are obedient to Allâh and follow strictly His Orders).(Surah: 3 Aya: 193)

"Our Lord! Grant us what You promised unto us through Your Messengers and disgrace us not on the Day of Resurrection, for You never break (Your) Promise."(Surah: 3 Aya: 194)

"Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers."(Surah: 7 Aya: 23)

Our Lord! pour out on us patience, and cause us to die as Muslims." (Surah: 7 Aya: 126)

"My Lord! You have indeed bestowed on me of the sovereignty, and taught me the interpretation of dreams; The (only) Creator of the heavens and the earth! You are my Walî (Protector, Helper, Supporter, Guardian, etc.) in this world and in the Hereafter, cause me to die as a Muslim (the one submitting to Your Will), and join me with the righteous."(Surah: 12 Aya: 101)

"O my Lord! Make me one who performs As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and (also) from my offspring, our Lord! And accept my invocation. "Our Lord! Forgive me and my parents, and (all) the believers on the Day when the reckoning will be established."(Surah: 14 Aya: 40-41)

My Lord! Let my entry (to the city of Al-Madinah) be good, and likewise my exit (from the city of Makkah) be good. And grant me from You an authority to help me (or a firm sign or a proof).(Surah: 17 Aya: 80)

Then High above all be Allâh, the True King. And be not in haste (O Muhammad SAW) with the Qur'ân before its revelation is completed to you, and say: "My Lord! Increase me in knowledge."(Surah: 20 Aya: 114)

"O My Lord! Leave me not single (childless), though You are the Best of the inheritors."(Surah: 21 Aya: 89)

"My Lord! I seek refuge with You from the whisperings (suggestions) of the Shayâtin (devils).And I seek refuge with You, My Lord! lest they may attend (or come near) me."(Surah: 23 Aya: 97-98)

"Our Lord! We believe, so forgive us, and have mercy on us, for You are the Best of all who show mercy!"(Surah: 23 Aya: 109)

"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 Muttaqûn"(Surah: 25 Aya: 74)

My Lord! Bestow Hukman (religious knowledge, right judgement of the affairs and Prophethood) on me, and join me with the righteous; And grant me an honourable mention in later generations; And make me one of the inheritors of the Paradise of Delight;(Surah: 26 Aya: 83-85)

"My Lord! Inspire and bestow upon me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favours which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me by Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves."(Surah: 27 Aya: 19)

"My Lord! Grant me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds, such as please You, and make my off-spring good. Truly, I have turned to You in repentance, and truly, I am one of the Muslims (submitting to Your Will)."(Surah: 46 Aya: 15)

"Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith, and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful.(Surah: 59 Aya: 10)

" Our Lord! In You (Alone) we put our trust, and to You (Alone) we turn in repentance, and to You (Alone) is (our) final Return, "Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the disbelievers, and forgive us, Our Lord! Verily, You, only You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise."(Surah: 60 Aya: 4-5)

"My Lord! Forgive me, and my parents, and him who enters my home as a believer, and all the believing men and women. And to the Zâlimûn (polytheists, wrong-doers, and disbelievers, etc.) grant You no increase but destruction!"(Surah: 71 Aya: 28)

Sura= Al Fatiha, Al Nas , Al Falaq

Your Best Friend

Your spouse is your closest friend

"A person is upon the Deen (religion) of his khaleel (close friend), so look to whom you befriend." [Abu Dawud & Tirmidhee]

The only rational explanation for these most amazing of all human feelings is that: it is an act of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, "And Allah has made for you Mates (and Companions) of your own nature ..." (Surah Al Nahl 16:72)

Allah says in Sura Noor verse 26 bad women for bad men and or bad men for bad women. good women for good men and good men for good women , such (good people) are innocent of (each and every) bad statement which they (people) say (about them) , for them is Forgiveness, and Rizqun Kareem (generous provision i.e.Paradise).

So be careful while choosing your spouse.
Pleasant Companionship:

Good companionship, choosing and having good companions is extremely important for many reasons and from many aspects.Mankind cannot live alone; every individual must live and interact with others.

For two people to be close friends, they necessarily share similar habits and beliefs, and they inevitable lead a similar lifestyle; therefore, we should give serious consideration before forming a close friendship with someone else. If you are satisfied with a person's religion and manners, befriend him; otherwise, don't, for traits and habits and patterns of thinking are all contagious.

The Prophet (saas) mentioned an analogy that clarifies the influence of both a good and evil companion: "The examples of a righteous and evil companion are that of a carrier of Al-Musk (Perfume) and a blower of the bellows. As for the carrier of perfume, he will either give to you as a gift, or you will buy from him, or you will find a good smell emanating from him. As for the blower of the bellows, either he will burn your garment or you will find a vile smell (emanating from him).''
The evil companion, whom we must avoid, is either an innovator (in the religion) or an evildoer.1) Related by Abu Daawood (4833), and Al-Albaanee ruled that it is Hasan. Ahmad (7968) and At-Tirmidhee (2378) related it as well. 2) Related by Bukhaaree (5534), Muslim (2628), and Ahmad (19127)

Those people who you sit with and make your friends are inevitably going to fall into one of two categories. Either they are going to be good individuals - who guide and encourage you towards what is good, and help you to accomplish that which Allah has ordered, or they are going to be bad - encouraging you to do what is pleasing to Shaytaan, that which misleads you and leads you to the Hell-Fire.

If you choose a good and pious spouse for you then it is likely that you will remain good with him/her and your character will further improve over time. Insha Allah. The best description that I personally have ever read describing the closeness of the spouses to each other is the Qur'anic verse which says:

Allah says: ... They (wives) Are A Dress For You And You Are A Dress To Them ... Qur'an [2 : 187]

Consider This In Conjunction With The Following Verse:... The Best Dress Is The Dress Of Taqwa

Taqwa(God-Consciousness-Good Character-Love And Fear Of Allah) ...

The verse says that a husband and wife are Dress for each other… that is The Relation of Husband and Wife is similar to Your Body and Your Dress . when the Dress is Comfortable and Good-looking it magnifies your Beauty. Just as Dress are for Protection, comfort, show and cover up the Hidden Parts of Body for human beings, Allah expects husbands and wives to be clothing for one another Indeed, spouses are like garments (dress) to each other because they provide one another with the protection, the comfort, the cover, the support, and the adornment that garments provide to humans. Just imagine a journey in the winter of Alaska without garments! Our spouses provide us with the same level of comfort, protection, cover, and support in the journey of our lives on this earth as garments would do in the Alaskan journey.

There is another verse that describes this amazing relationship between spouse Allah says in Quran: "Among His Signs Is That He Created Companion ( Mate, Spouse) For You From Among Yourself, So That You May Find Tranquility With Them, And (He) Set Love And Mery Between You. Surely In This Are Signs For People Who Give Thought" Surah Ar-Rum, 21 (30:21).

The Importance of a good wife to her husband (and of course vice versa) is Great to Allah (SWT). Nothing can illustrate the point better than the Qur'anic statement which describes the righteous people as those who pray: "Rabba-na hab la-na min azwaji-na wa dhuriyyati-na qurrata a'yunin wa aj'al-na li al muttaqin imama" "Our Lord! give us spouse and children who will be the joy of our eyes, and make us Leaders of the Righteous” Sura 25-Al-Furqan Verse 74 Amen

The Sahaabiyaat: Brave, noble women

In order to highlight the enormous contributions and sacrifices made by the women around the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). Their roles and sacrifices were just as crucial to the establishment of Allah’s religion in the early days of Islam as were their brothers’ in faith and to them all we owe a great debt, radiallahu ‘anhum ajma’een.Here are just a few examples.

Nusaybah Umm ‘Imarah (radiallahu ‘anhaa):

(At the battle of Uhud) Once Nusaybah realised that the Muslims were being defeated she joined the Prophet with a sword, a bow, and her quiver full of arrows. She began shooting arrows until they were all used up...Umm ‘Imarah was a part of the human barrier which protected the Prophet. Ibn Qami’ah struck her and she struck him, but he was wearing two coats of armor which protected him from her blows. Umm ‘Imarah had the following to say about the Battle of Uhud,

“The people had left the Prophet exposed and only a few, not more than ten, remained and my husband, my sons and I myself were among them. We defended him and the people were moving around in a defeated stated. I did not have a shield with me. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam saw a man with a shield, so he said, ‘Give your shield to someone who is fighting.’

So the man gave his shield to me and I used it to defend the Prophet.” So Nusaybah continued fighting, treating the wounded and carrying water for them. Her son was wounded and blood began to flow. However, she was totally oblivious to her son’s condition until the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said “Bandage your wounded.

“ Thereupon, she went to her son and wrapped the wound while the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) stood looking at her. After she had bandaged the wound, she said to her son, “Rise and fight the people.”

The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) used to say, “The position of Nusaybah today is better than so and so. I saw here on the Day of Uhud fighting fiercely and she had wrapped her dress around her waist as an obstruction. She had been wounded 13 times...I saw Ibn Qami’ah strike her on her shoulders, and her most serious wound took one year to heal.”(At-Yamamah) Abu Bakr committed her to Khalid Ibn Al-Walid’s charge and she fought bravely at Yamamah. She was wounded in eleven different places and had her hand chopped off. Her son, Habib, was killed.

Sumayyah Bint Khayyat (radiallahu ‘anhaa):

She was persecuted terribly by the polytheists of Makkah although she was an old woman at the time. Despite torture visited upon her by Quraysh she did not renounce Islam. Quraysh used to torture ‘Ammar (her son), Yasir (her husband), and Sumayyah herself on an open plain called Ramdaa’....The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: Patience, O Abul-Yaqdhan; Allah will not punish any member of the family of Yasir by the Fire. Then one day Abu Jahl pierced Sumayyah through the heart and she died. All this took place before the migration (Hijrah) to Madinah....Sumayyah was the first to be killed for the sake of Allah in Islam.

Umm Salamah Hind Bint Abi Umayyah Ibn Al-Mughirah (radiallahu ‘anhaa):

Umm Salamah said that when Abu Salamah decided to set out for Madinah, he saddled his camel for her, mounted her on it with her son, Salamah, then set out leading the camel. When the man of Bani Makhzoum saw him, they got up and said, “So far as you are concerned, you can do what you like, but what about your wife? Do you suppose that we shall let you take her away?” So they snatched the camel’s reins from his hand and took Hind from him.

Abu Salamah’s family, the Bani Abul-Asad, were angry at this and said, “We will not leave our son with her seeing you have torn her from our tribesman.” So they dragged her little boy, Salamah, so forcefully that they dislocated his arm, and took him away...Thus Umm Salamah was separated from both her husband and her son. She used to go out every morning and sit in the valley weeping continuously. When a year had passed, one of her cousins belonging to the Bani Al-Mughirah passed, saw her plight and took pity on her.

He said to his tribesmen “Why don’t you let this woman go? You have separated husband, wife and child.” So they said to her, “You may rejoin your husband if you like.” She saddled her camel, took her son in her arms and set out for Madinah, not a soul with her... ...When she was in Tan’eem (about 10km from Makkah) she met ‘Uthman Ibn Abi Talha, brother of Bani Abdud-Dar, who asked her where she was going and if she were all alone. She told him that except for Allah and her little boy she was entirely alone. He said that she ought not to be left alone and helpless like that.

Then he took hold of her camel’s halter and went along with her...Umm Salamah used to say, “By Allah, I do not know a family in Islam which suffered what the family of Salamah did, nor have I seen a nobler man than ‘Uthman Ibn Talha.” ... ...Abu Salamah fought in the Battle of Badr, in which the Muslims were victorious and in the Battle of Uhud, in which he was severely wounded, eventually dying from his wounds...When Umm Salamah had completed the waiting period for widows of four months and ten days, Abu Bakr (radiallahu ‘anhu) proposed to her. She refused his proposal. Then ‘Umar (radiallahu ‘anhu) proposed and she turned him down too.

When the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) proposed to her, she said, “O Messenger of Allah I have three characteristics. I am a woman who is extremely jealous, and I am afraid that you will see in me something that will anger you and cause Allah to punish me. I am a woman who is already advanced in age, and I am a woman with young children.” The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) replied, “As for the jealousy, I pray Allah to let it go away from you. as for the question of age, I am afflicted with the same problem as you. As for your children, your family is my family.” So she married the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) who gave her a bed stuffed with palm-leaves, a bowl, a dish and a handmill. When the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) came to spend the wedding night with her, he said, “Do not feel that you are unimportant among your people, for if you wish, I will spend seven days (with you) (This “honeymoon” period is usually given to virgin wives) and seven days with the rest of my wives and the divide the time equally after that.” She said, “Make it three.”

Safiyyah Bint Abdul-Muttalib (radiallahu ‘anhaa ):

Safiyyah was the aunt of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). She and Hamza (radiallahu ‘anhu) were the children of Hala, wife of Abdul-Muttalib...Safiyyah was a great lady, who accepted Islam early and took the oath of allegiance to the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) then Migrated to Madinah. ...She was present at the Battle of Uhud when the Muslim suffered defeat. At one stage in the battle, she stood up with a lance in her hand and said, “Are you trying to defeat the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam?” She waved the lance in the enemies’ faces...

Az-Zubayr (her son) met her and told her that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) had ordered her to go back. She asked, “Why? I have heard that my brother has been mutilated and that has happened for Allah’s sake. He, the Most High, has fully reconciled us to what has happened. I will remain calm and patient if Allah wills.” ...She took part in the Battle of Khandaq (the Trench)...

A Jewish man walked around the fortress when the women were inside. The Jews had broken their treaty with the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and were acting with the enemies of Islam... So Safiyyah said, “O Hassan, this Jew is going around the fortress and the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and his companions are busy, go down and kill him.” Hassan said, “May Allah forgive you, you know that I cannot get involved in this.” So when Safiyyah heard what Hassan had to say, she got up and took a pole. She went down and out of the fortress to the Jew, hit him with the pole and killed him. On her return to the fortress, she said to Hassan, “Go down and strip him of his weapons and clothes. I would strip him but he is a man.”...She also participated in the Battle of Khaybar.

May Allah be pleased with these brave and noble women and bless His Ummah today to have women who follow in their footsteps, ameen.

Excerpt from the book The Sahaabiyaat During The Prophet’s Era
by Jameelah Jones

Dealing With The People Cheerfully

Dealing With The People Cheerfully

A Muslim is the mirror of his brother
by Imam Bukhari

238. Abu Hurayra said, "A believer is the mirror of his brother. When he sees a fault in it, he should correct it."


240. Al-Mustawrid reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "If anyone eats a meal at the expense of a Muslim's honour, Allah will feed him a like amount of Hellfire. If anyone clothes himself with a garment at the expense of a Muslim's honour, Allah will clothe him with a like amount of Hellfire. If anyone achieves a position of showing-off and hypocrisy at the expense of a Muslim's honour, Allah will put him in a position of showing-off and hypocrisy on the Day of Rising.

Playing and joking which is not permitted

241. 'Abdullah ibn as-Sa'ib reported that his grandfather said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, 'None of you should take the goods of his companion, either in jest or seriously. When one of you takes his companion's staff, he should return it to him.'"

The person who guides to good

242. Abu Mas'ud al-Ansari said, "A man came to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and said, 'My camel has become exhausted, so give me a mount.' He replied, 'I do not have any. But go to so-and-so and perhaps he will give you one.' He went to that man and he gave him a mount. Then he went back to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and told him. He said, 'Whoever guides to good has the like of the reward of the person who actually does it.'"

Excusing and pardoning people

243. Anas reported that a Jewish woman brought the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, poisoned sheep. He ate from it and she was brought. It was asked, "Should we not kill her?" "No," he replied.

He said, "I continued to recognise the poison in the sighs of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace."

244. 'Abdullah ibn az-Zubayr said on the minbar, "Make allowances for people and command what is right and turn away from the ignorant." (7:199) He said, "By Allah, we are only commanded by this ayat to accept people's character. By Allah, I will accept people's character as long as I am with them."

245. Ibn 'Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Teach and make things easy and not difficult. When one of you is angry, he should be silent."

246. 'Ata' ibn Yasar said, "I met 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr ibn al-'As and I said, 'Tell me about the description of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, in the Torah.' 'Yes,' he said, 'By Allah, he is described in the Torah partly as he is described in the Qur'an: "O Prophet, We have sent you as a witness, a bearer of good news and a warner and a protection to the unlettered. You are My slave and Messenger. I have called you the trusty one who is neither coarse nor harsh nor loud in the markets. Allah Almighty will not take him until He has made the crooked community straight by him so that they say, "There is no god but Allah," and by it they will open blind eyes, deaf ears and covered hearts.'"

247. 'Abdullah ibn 'Ata' said, "This ayat which is in the Qur'an, 'O Prophet, We have sent you as a witness, a bringer of good news and a warner' (33:45) is found in the Torah in a similar form."

248. Mu'awiya said, "I heard some words from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, by which Allah helped me." Jubayr ibn Nufayr said, "I heard him say that he heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, "If you openly show your suspicions of people, you will corrupt them.' Therefore I do not show my suspicions of people openly so that I will not corrupt them."

249. Abu Hurayra said, "These two wars of mine have heard and these two eyes of mine have seen the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, take the palms of al-Hasan ­ or al-Husayn ­ in both his hands. His feet were on the feet of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, 'Climb up.' The boy climbed until his feet reached the chest of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and hen the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, 'Open your mouth.' Then he kissed him and said, 'O Allah, love him for I love him!'"




Smiling

250. Jarir said, "Since the time I became Muslim, the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, never saw me without smiling at me." The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "A man from the best of Dhu Yaman will enter by this door whose face has been touched by an angel." Then Jarir came in.

251. 'A'isha said, "I never saw the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, laugh until I could see his uvula. He used to smile, may Allah bless him and grant him peace." She said, "When he saw a cloud or wind, distress could be seen in his face." She said, "Messenger of Allah, when people see a cloud, they rejoice, hoping that there will be rain in it. Yet when you see it, I see distress in your face." He replied, "'A'isha, what will assure me that there is no painful punishment in it? People have been punished by wind. Some people saw the punishment and stated, 'This is a rain cloud coming to us.'"

Laughter

252. Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Laugh little. Much laughter kills the heart."

253. Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Do not laugh a lot. Much laughter kills the heart."

254. Abu Hurayra said, "The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, went out to a group of his Companions who were laughing and talking. He said, 'By the One in whose hand my soul is, if you knew what I knew, you would laugh little and weep much.' Then he left and the people were weeping. Then Allah Almighty revealed to him, 'Muhammad! Why did you make My slaves despair?' The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Give good news, guide people and draw near to one another.'"

When he faced someone, he faced him completely, and when he turned away, he turned away completely

255. Abu Hurayra said, "When he faced someone, he faced him completely. When he turned away, he turned away completely. I have never seen anyone like him and I will never see anyone like them."

Etiquette of Conversation

Adaab of Conversation

1. Always speak the truth. Never hesitate in speaking the truth even at the greatest risk.

2. Speak only when you must, and always talk with a purpose. Too much talk and useless conversation betrays a lack of seriousness. Your are accountable before Allah for every word you utter. The Angel of Allah records. "A supervisor remains vigilant to preserve on record every speech that is uttered by his tongue."

3. Always speak politely. Wear a smile on your face and a sweet tone in your speech. Always speak in a moderate voice. Do not keep your voice so low as to be inaudible to the addressee, nor raise it so loud that the addressee might be over-awed by your voice. Allah affirms: "Surely! the harshest of all the voices is the voice of the ass." [31 : 19]

4. Do not spoil your tongue with dirty talk. Do not speak ill of others. Never indulge in backbiting. Do not complain against others. Never indulge in mimicking others to ridicule them. Do not make false promises. Never laugh at others, nor boast of your own superiority or indulge in self praise. Never get unreasonable and rash in conversation. Do not pass remarks by a disgraceful name. Avoid swearing frequently.

5. Always say what is just and fair regardless of any loss of yourself, your friend or relative. "And when you say something, speak what is just even if you are talking about your relative."

6. Be soft-spoken, reasonable and sympathetic in your conversation. Do not utter sharp, harsh and teasing remarks.

7. When women happen to talk with men, they should speak in a clear, straight, and rough manner. They ought not speak in delicate, sweet tone lest the listener should entertain any foul expectation.

8. If the impudent with to entangle you in dialogue or altercation offer them 'Salaam' politely and leave them. Those who indulge in loose talk and absurd conversation are the worst lot of the Ummah.

9. Keep in view the mental level and outlook of them man you are talking to so as to make him understand. If the addressee cannot hear or is unable to catch your meaning, repeat what you have said before without any resentment.

10. Always be brief and to the point in your talk. It is unfair to prolong discussion without rhyme or reason.

11. When you wish to explain the tenets of Al-Islam want to speak on the teachings of Al-Islam be simple and clear and speak in a passionate and heart-warming style. To seek reputation through oratory, to try to impress people with flowery language, to seek popularity among people, to adopt a proud and haughty mein or to deliver speeches only for the sake of fun and recreation --all these are the worst habits that corrupt the man to the core of his heart.

12. Never indulge in flattery, or ingratiate with anybody. Always mind your honour and respect and avoid anything below your dignity.

13. Do not interrupt and interfere in others' conversation without their permission, nor intercept others conversation in order to say something yourself. If, however, you must speak, do so with the permission of the other.

14. Speak slowly in a proper and dignified manner. Do not speak in a hurried manner nor indulge in fun and jokes all the time as it degrades you in the eyes of others.

15. If somebody puts a question to you, listen carefully to him and make an answer after careful thought. It is simply foolish to answer the questions without due consideration. If the questions are being put to somebody else, do not be officious as to give answers yourself.

16. When someone is narrating something, do not say "we know already." May be he reveals something new and impresses you by his sincerity and piety.

17. When you talk to someone, give due regard to his age, status, and his relationship to you. Do not talk with your parents, teachers, and elders in a manner in which you would talk with your friends. Likewise, when you are talking to youngsters, speak with affection and elderly dignity.

18. While engaged in conversation, do not point out towards any one lest he should conceive any misunderstanding or suspicion. Abstain from eavesdropping on others.

19. Listen more and talk less. Do not reveal your secrets to others. Once you disclose a secret to someone, never expect it to remain a secret any more.

Etiquette of Dreams and Dressing

Etiquette of Dreams

If you see a good dream, then relate i to someone who love you. If an unpleasant dream is observed, one should sputter or blow three times on the left side. Do not reveal bad dreams to anyone. Change sides when seeing bad dreams.

(If sleeping on the right side, turn to the left or vice-versa). When one sees a bad dream read thrice " A'UZU BILLAHI MINASH SHAYTAANIR RAJEEM WA MINB SHARRI HAAZIHIR RU'YAA. By doing so this dream will have no ill-effects. (Muslim)


Etiquette of Dressing

* Eat, drink, give sadaqah (charity) and dress, but do not spoil it with extravagance and pride. (Musnad Ahmad)

* It is permissible for the women of my Ummat to wear gold and silk, but this is strictly forbidden for the men of my Ummat. (Tirmidhi)

* Whoever wear clothes of pride in this world, Allâh Ta'âla will dress him with clothes of shame on the Day of Qiyâmah.

* When wearing clothes and when performing wudhu, begin with the right side first.

* A man should not wear woman's clothing, nor a woman man's clothing, for Allâh's curse descends on such people.

* When putting on shoes, begin by placing the right foot into the right shoe first. * When removing the shoes, remove the left shoe first. (Bukhari)

* Do not walk whilst wearing one shoe only, either wear both or remove both.

Makkah Maghrib Salah 25th Dec 09

Fasting the 9th and 10th of Muharram

First of all, it is very important to make it clear that fasting on the day of `Ashura’ – the 10th of Muharram- is of great merits in Islam.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Fasting the day of `Ashura' (is of great merits), I hope that Allah will accept it as an expiation for (the sins committed in) the previous year” (Muslim).

Also, fasting the 9th of Muharram is highly recommended by the Sunnah.

Imam At-Tirmidhi reported that Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) used to say: We should fast on two days: the 9th and 10th of Muharram to distinguish ourselves from the Jewish community. (At-Tirmidhi)

It is the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him used to fast on the day of `Ashura'. When he came to Madinah, he found out that the Jews of Madinah were also fasting on this day remembering Prophet Musa (peace and blessings be upon him).

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) admired this tradition and said to the Jews, "I am closer to Musa than you are." He fasted and he also told his Companions to fast on this day. Later, before the end of his life, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told Muslims to add the 9th day also. Thus, it is recommended to fast on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram.

"Be for Allah and Allah will be for you! "

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim said: “The degree to which a person is helped and aided by Allah depends on the degree of his intention, drive, aim and hopes. Help from Allah comes to people in proportion to their drive, intention, hopes and fears. Failure comes to them in a similar manner.”

..........Muharram.....................

Muharram is the month with which the Muslims begin their lunar Hijrah Calendar. It is one of the four sanctified months about which the Holy Quran says, "The number of the months according to Allah is twelve (mentioned) in the Book of Allah on the day He created heavens and the earth. Among these (twelve months) there are four sanctified."

These four months, according to the authentic traditions, are Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. All the commentators of the Holy Quran are unanimous on this point, because the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, in his sermon on the occasion of his last Hajj, declared: "One year consists of twelve months, of which four are sanctified months, three of them are in sequence; Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and the fourth is Rajab."

The specific mention of these four months does not mean that any other month has no sanctity, because the month of Ramadan is admittedly the most sanctified month in the year.

But these four months were specifically termed as sanctified months for the simple reason that their sanctity was accepted even by the pagans of Makkah.

In fact, every month, out of the twelve, is originally equal to the other, and there is no inherent sanctity that may be attributed to one of them in comparison to the other months. When Allah Almighty chooses a particular time for His special blessings, the same acquires sanctity out of His grace.

Thus, the sanctity of these four months was recognized right from the days of Ibrahim, alayhi salam. Since the Pagans of Makkah attributed themselves to Ibrahim, alayhi salam, they observed the sanctity of these four months and despite their frequent tribal battles, they held it unlawful to fight in these months.

In the Shariah of our Noble Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, the sanctity of these months was upheld and the Holy Quran referred to them as the "sanctified months".

Muharram has certain other characteristics special to it, which are specified below.

Fasting During the MonthThe Noble Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has said: 'The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram."

Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet one who fasts in these days out of his own will is entitled to a great reward by Allah Almighty.

The Hadith cited above signifies that the fasts of the month of Muharram are most rewardable ones among the Nafl or voluntary fasts.

The Hadith does not mean that the award promised for fasts of Muharram can be achieved only by fasting for the whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month has merit. Therefore, one should avail of this opportunity as much as he can.

Etiquette of Eating in islam'

Aisha Siddiqa (Radi Allahu anha) narrates that the Prophet of Allah said, "Whenever one eats then he should say the name of Allah (say ) and if he forgets to say Bismillah in the beginning then he should say, "" (Tirmizi, Abu Dawood, and Hakim)

Wahshi Bin Harb (Radi Allahu anhu) narrates that the Prophet of Allah said, "Eat together and read , in this, there is blessing for you." (Masnad Imam-e-Ahmad, Sunan-e-Abi Dawood, Ibne Majah)

Jabir Bin Abdullah (Radi Allahu anhu) narrates that the Prophet of Allah said, "Whenever someone enters the house and at the time of entering and eating recites , the Shaitan says to his offspring that "you will not be able to live or eat in this home", and if at the time of entrance one doesn't read then he [the devil] says "that you have found a place to live" and if someone doesn't read at the time of eating then he says "you found a place to live and you have found food." (Sahih Muslim)

Amr Bin Abi Salma (Radi Allahu anhuma) narrates that I was child in the care of the Prophet of Allah . While eating I would put my mouth on every side of the dish. Rasul-Allah said, "After reading , eat from the right side and eat from that side of the dish which is nearer to you. (Bukhari and Muslim)

Jabir Bin Abdullah and Asma (Radi Allahu anhuma) narrate that Rasul-Allah said, "Cool your meal because there is no blessing in hot food. (Rawahul-Hakim and Abu Dawood)

Abu Saeed Khizri (Radi Allahu anhu) narrates that the Prophet of Allah used to recite after eating food. (Tirmizi)

Aqba Bin Amir (Radi Allahu anhu) narrates Rasul-Allah said, "That meal which has not been read on is illness and there is no blessing in it. The compensation for it is that if the table cloth has not been picked up then read and eat something and if the table cloth has been picked up then read and a lick the fingers. (Ibn Asakar)

Ans Bin Malik (Radi Allahu anhu) narrates that Rasul-Allah said, "Whenever you eat or drink, read this, then you will not get any illness even if it has poison: (Rawahul Daylmee)

Abdullah Bin Umar (Radi Allahu anhuma) narrates that Rasul-Allah said, "When one eats then he should eat with the right hand and when one drinks then he should drink with the right hand. (Bukhari & Muslim)

Ka'ab Bin Malik (Radi Allahu anhu) narrates Rasul-Allah would eat with three fingers and before wiping would lick them with the tongue. (Bukhari and Muslim)

Jabir bin Abdullah (Radi Allahu anhuma) narrates that Rasul-Allah said, "Lick the fingers and the dish. You don't know which part of meal has blessings." (Sahih Muslim)

Nobelsha (Radi Allahu anhu) narrates from Rasul-Allah said, "Whoever, after eating will lick the dish, that dish will do Istighfar for him. (Tirmizi and Musnad-e-Imam Ahmad)

Abdullah Bin Abbas (Radi Allahu anhuma) narrates the Prophet of Allah said, "Do not blow from your mouth into food and water." (Rawahe Tibrani)

Aisha Siddiqa (Radi Allahu anha) narrates that Rasul-Allah entered the house and saw some fallen bread. He picked it up, wiped it, and ate it. Afterwards He said, "Aisha, respect good things. When this thing (bread) runs away from a nation it doesn't return." (Ibn-e-Majah)

Abdullah Bin Umme Haraam (Radi Allahu anhu) narrates that Rasul-Allah said, "Respect bread. It is from the blessings of the skies and earth. Whoever eats fallen bread from the table cloth for him there is Maghfirah [salvation]. (Rawahe Tibrani)

Aisha Siddiqa (Radi Allahu anha) narrates that Rasul-Allah said,"Do not get up from From food (DastarKhawan-Mat) until Food has been picked up" (Ibn-e-Majah)

Abudllah Bin Umar (Radi Allahu anhuma) narrates that Rasul-Allah said, "When the table cloth is chosen, no one should stand until the table cloth is picked up and he should not take away his hand from the food until all have finished eating. If he his going to stop his hands from the food, he should excuse himself because without excusing (oneself) to stopping the hands will embarrass the other person sitting on the table cloth and he too will pull his hands from the food and it's possible that he might still necessitate food.

Ans Bin Malik (Radi Allahu anhuma) narrates that Rasul-Allah said, "Whoever wants that Allah Ta'ala increase blessings and goodness in his home then he should do wudu when the food is presented in front of him and do wudu when it is picked i.e., wash the hands and the mouth. (Ibn-e-Maajah)

Abu Hurairah (Radi Allahu anhu) narrates that the Rasul-Allah said, "If there is the smell of grease on one's hand and he sleeps without washing the hands and some problem reaches him then he should blame himself. (Tirmizi, Abu Dawood, and Ibn-e-Maajah)

Abu Abs Bin Jabr (Radi Allahu anhu) narrates that Rasul-Allah said, "Take off the shoes while eating because this is the better way." (Rawahul Hakim)

Abu Jahefa (Radi Allahu anhu) narrates from Rasul-Allah said, "I don't eat while (resting) on a pillow. (Bukhari)

The Great Women of Islam

Fatima Daughter of Muhammad

Nabî Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam would often say: "Fatima is of my flesh, he who angers her, angers me" (Bukhari & Muslim)

Fatimah Radhi-Allâhu 'anhu was the youngest child of Nabî Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam and the only child who survived him. Hers was a life of extreme poverty and struggle. She constantly saw her father being mistreated, insulted and humiliated by the disbelievers. One day, when she was barely ten years old, she accompanied her father to the Masjid al-Haram.

He stood in the place known as al-Hijr facing the Kabah and began to pray. Fatimah stood at his side. A group of Quraysh gathered around him. They included Abu Jahl ibn Hisham, the Prophet's uncle, Uqbah ibn Abi Muayt, Umayyah ibn Khalaf, and Shaybah and Utbah.

Abu Jahl, the ringleader, asked: "Which of you can bring the entrails of a slaughtered animal and throw it on Muhammad?" Uqbah ibn Abi Muayt, one of the vilest of the lot, volunteered and hurried off.

He returned with the obnoxious filth and threw it on the shoulders of the Prophet while he was still prostrating. Imagine the feelings of Fatimah as she saw her father being humiliated in this manner. She went up to her father and removed the filth and then stood firmly and angrily before the group of Quraish thugs and lashed out against them. Such scenes of vicious opposition and harassment against her father and the early Muslims were witnessed by the young Fatimah almost everyday.

She did not meekly stand aside but joined in the struggle in defence of her father and his noble mission.

Asiyah wife of Fir'aun "And for those who have faith Allâh has set forth a parable in the (story) of Fir'aun's wife when she prayed:

O my sustainer! Build for me a mansion in paradise by You and save me from Fir'aun and his doings and save me from all evil doing people."

When the magicians fell into sajdah and declared their faith in Allâh and accepted Mûsa Alayhis-Salâm as the Nabî of Allâh - the wife of Fir'aun also declared her faith. Fir'aun began punishing her by pegging her to the ground and exposing her to the midday sun.

Whenever he turned away from her the angels would give her shade with their wings. He then gave her a choice: 'Either retract from your belief or be prepared to be crushed by a huge boulder.' She chose to be crushed.

As she was placed onto the ground she raised her sight towards the sky -she saw her place in Jannah and prayed: "O my sustainer! Build for me a mansion in paradise by You and save me from Fir'aun and his doings and save me from all evil doing people. As she said this, her rûh left her body and the boulder then crushed her lifeless body.

These four women changed the course of human history, through their perseverance, faith and courage.

Miryam Alayhas-Salâm life was characterized by piety, chastity and faith,

Khadija Radhi-Allâhu 'anha neither succumbed to the trappings of wealth, nor to power and fame,

Fatima Radhi-Allâhu 'anha made sabr in the face of unending hardships and was crowned the 'leader of all women in Jannah',

whilst the wife of Fir'aun chose faith over royalty.

These were women distinguished by sabr who found the true friendship of Allâh through their unfailing steadfastness in the face of grinding sacrifices. May Allâh grant us the taufîq to emulate the beautiful conduct of these icons of virtue, humility and courage.

Abdullah Ibn Sailam Radhiallahu 'anhu

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi wabarakatuh ..

Abdullah Ibn Sailam Radhiallahu 'anhu

Al-Husayn ibn Sailam was a Jewish rabbi in Yathrib who was widely respected and honoured by the people of the city even by those who were not Jewish. He was known for his piety and goodness, his upright conduct and his truthfulness.

Al-Husayn lived a peaceful and gentle life but he was serious, purposeful and organized in the way he spent his time. For a fixed period each day, he would worship, teach and preach in the temple. Then he would spend some time in his orchard, looking after date palms, pruning and pollinating. Thereafter, to increase his understanding and knowledge of his religion, he would devote himself to the study of the Torah.

In this study, it is said he was particularly struck by some verses of the Torah which dealt with the coming of a Prophet who would complete the message of previous Prophets. Al-Husayn therefore took an immediate and keen interest when he heard reports of the appearance of a Prophet in Makkah.

He said:

"When I heard of the appearance of the Messenger of God, peace be on him, I began to make enquiries about his name, his genealogy, his characteristics, his time and place and I began to compare this information with what is contained in our books. From these enquiries, I became convinced about the authenticity of his prophethood and I affirmed the truth of his mission. However, I concealed my conclusions from the Jews. I held my tongue ...

Then came the day when the Prophet, peace be on him, left Makkah and headed for Yathrib. When he reached Yathrib and stopped at Quba, a man came rushing into the city, calling out to people and announcing the arrival of the Prophet. At that moment, I was at the top of a palm tree doing some work. My aunt, Khalidah bint al-Harith, was sitting under the tree. On hearing the news, I shouted:

'Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar! (God is Great! God is Great! 'When my aunt heard my takbir, she remonstrated with me:' May God frustrate you ... By God, if you had heard that Moses was coming you would not have been more enthusiastic. '

'Auntie, he is really, by God, the' brother 'of Moses and follows his religion. He was sent with the same mission as Moses. ' She was silent for a while and then said: 'Is he the Prophet about whom you spoke to us who would be sent to confirm the truth preached by previous (Prophets) and complete the message of his Lord?' 'Yes,' I replied

Without any delay or hesitation, I went out to meet the Prophet. I saw crowds of people at his door. I moved about in the crowds until I reached close to him. The first words I heard him say were:

'O people! Spread peace ... Share food ... Pray during the night while people (normally) sleep ... and you will enter Paradise in peace ... '

I looked at him closely. I scrutinized him and was convinced that his face was not that of an imposter. I went closer to him and made the declaration of faith that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.

The Prophet turned to me and asked: 'What is your name?' 'Al-Husayn ibn Sailam,' I replied.
'Instead, it is (now) Abdullah ibn Sallam,' he said (giving me a new name). 'Yes,' I agreed. 'Abdullah ibn Sailam (it shall be). By Him who has sent you with the Truth, I do not wish to have another name after this day. '

I returned home and introduced Islam to my wife, my children and the rest of my household. They all accepted Islam including my aunt KhaIidah who was then an old lady. However, I advised them then to conceal our acceptance of Islam from the Jews until I gave them permission. They agreed.
Subsequently, I went back to the Prophet, peace be on him, and said: 'O Messenger of God! The Jews are a people (inclined to) slander and falsehood. I want you to invite their most prominent men to meet you. (During the meeting however), you should keep me concealed from them in one of your rooms. Ask them then about my status among them before they find out of my acceptance of Islam. Then invite them to Islam. If they were to know that I have become a Muslim, they would denounce me and accuse me of everything base and slander me. '

The Prophet kept me in one of his rooms and invited the prominent Jewish personalities to visit him. He introduced Islam to them and urged them to have faith in God ... They began to dispute and argue with him about the Truth. When he realized that they were not inclined to accept Islam, he put the question to them:

'What is the status of Al-Husayn ibn Sailam among you?'

'He is our sayyid (leader) and the son of our sayyid. He is our rabbi and our alim (scholar), the son of our rabbi and alim. '

'If you come to know that he has accepted Islam, would you accept Islam also?' asked the Prophet.
'God forbid! He would not accept Islam. May God protect him from accepting Islam, 'they said (horrified).

At this point I came out in full view of them and announced: 'O assembly of Jews! Be conscious of God and accept what Muhammad has brought. By God, you certainly know that he is the Messenger of God and you can find prophecies about him and mention of his name and characteristics in your Torah. I for my part declare that he is the Messenger of God. I have faith in him and believe that he is true. I know him. '

'You are a liar,' they shouted. 'By God, you are evil and ignorant, the son of an evil and ignorant person.' And they continued to heap every conceivable abuse on me ... "

Abdullah ibn Sailam approached Islam with a soul thirsty for knowledge. He was passionately devoted to the Quran and spent much time reciting and studying its beautiful and sublime verses. He was deeply attached to the noble Prophet and was constantly in his company.

Much of his time he spent in the masjid, engaged in worship, in learning and in teaching. He was known for his sweet, moving and effective way of teaching study circles of Sahabah who assembled regularly in the Prophet's mosque.

Abdullah ibn Sallam was known among the Sahabah as a man from ahl-al-Jannah "- the people of Paradise. This was because of his determination on the advice of the Prophet to hold steadfastly to the" most trustworthy handhold "that is belief in and total submission to God.

-The Authentic and Connected Regarding the Character of the Companions (As-sahih Al-Musnad min Fadha'il As-Sahaaba) by Abi Abdullah Mustafa ibn Al-'Adawi

Virtues of Friday (Jummah Mubarak)

Praise be to Allaah.

Friday has many distinguishing features and virtues that Allaah has bestowed upon this day and not others.

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah and Hudhayfah (may Allaah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah led those who came before us away from Friday. The Jews had Saturday, and the Christians had Sunday. Then Allaah brought us and Allaah guided us to Friday. So there is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and thus they will follow us on the Day of Resurrection. We are the last of the people of this world but we will be the first on the Day of Resurrection, and we will be dealt with before all others.” Narrated by Muslim, 856.

Al-Nawawi said:

Al-Qaadi said: The apparent meaning is that it was obligatory for them to venerate Friday but this was not stated clearly; the matter was left to their own reasoning… But they did not manage to work it out and Allaah did not guide them to it. It was enjoined clearly upon this ummah, and was not left to their own reasoning, thus they were blessed with it …

It was narrated that Moosa enjoined Friday upon them and told them of its virtues, but they disputed with him and argued that Saturday was better, and it was said to him, ‘Let them be.’ Al-Qaadi said: if there had been a clear command, their arguing with him would not have been valid, rather it would have been said to him that they were going against the command. I say: it may be that that was clearly enjoined upon them but they disputed as to whether it was something they had to adhere to or they could change it to another day; they decided to change it to another day and they erred greatly thereby.

It comes as no surprise that Friday was specifically enjoined upon them and they went against that.

Al-Haafiz said:

How can it be otherwise when they are the ones who said “We hear and we disobey”?

It was narrated from Aws ibn Aws that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best of your days is Friday. On that day Adam (peace be upon him) was created; on that day he died; on that day the Trumpet will be blown and on that day all of creation will swoon. So send a great deal of blessings upon me, for your blessings will be shown to me.” They said, “O Messenger of Allaah, how will our blessings upon you be shown to you when you have turned to dust?” He said, “Allaah has forbidden the earth to consume the bodies of the Prophets, peace be upon them.”

Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1047; classed as saheeh by Ibn al-Qayyim in his comments on Sunan Abi Dawood, 4/273; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 925.

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best day on which the sun rises is Friday. On it Adam was created, on it he was admitted to Paradise and on it he was expelled therefrom.”

Narrated by Muslim, 1410.

This hadeeth includes some of the reasons why Friday is regarded as special.

Al-Nawawi said:

Al-Qaadi ‘Iyaad said: The apparent meaning is that these virtues do not mean that Friday is regarded as special because Adam was expelled on a Friday and the Hour will begin on a Friday. Rather it is meant to explain what momentous events took place and will take place on this day, so that people will make the most of this day to do righteous deeds, so as to attain the mercy of Allaah and ward off His punishment. This is the view of al-Qaadi. Abu Bakr ibn al-‘Arabi said in his book al-Ahwadhi fi Sharh al-Tirmidhi: All of these events are good and add to the virtue of Friday. The expulsion of Adam from Paradise is the reason why his offspring and the Messengers, the Prophets, the righteous and the awliya’ exist. He was not expelled from it as such, but rather it was for a purpose, then he will return to it. With regard to the Hour beginning on a Friday, the reason is so that the reward may be hastened for the Prophets, believers in truth, awliya’ and others, and their honour and high status may be made manifest. This hadeeth points to the virtues of Friday and its high status in relation to the other days.

It was narrated that Abu Lubaabah ibn ‘Abd al-Mundhir said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Friday is the master of days, and the greatest of them before Allaah. It is greater before Allaah than the day of al-Adha and the day of al-Fitr. It has five characteristics: on this day Allaah created Adam, on it He sent Adam down to the earth, on it Allaah caused Adam to die, on it there is a time when a person does not ask Allaah for anything but He gives it to him, so long as he does not ask for anything haraam, and on it the Hour will begin. There is no angel who is close to Allaah, no heaven, no earth, no wind, no mountain and no sea that does not fear Friday.”

Narrated by Ibn Maajah, 1084; classed as hasan by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, no. 2279

Al-Sanadi said:

“They fear Friday” means they fear the onset of the Hour. This indicates that all created beings are aware of the days and they know that the Day of Resurrection will come on a Friday.

The virtues of this day include the following:

1 – On it is Salaat al-Jumu’ah (Friday prayer), which is the best of prayer. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe (Muslims)! When the call is proclaimed for the Salaah (prayer) on Friday (Jumu‘ah prayer), come to the remembrance of Allaah [Jumu‘ah religious talk (Khutbah) and Salaah (prayer)] and leave off business (and every other thing). That is better for you if you did but know!” [al-Jumu’ah 62:9]

Muslim (233) narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The five daily prayers and from one Jumu’ah to the next is an expiation for whatever sins come in between them, so long as one does not commit a major sin.”

2 – Praying Fajr in congregation on Fridays is the best prayer that the Muslim can pray during the week.

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best prayer before Allaah is Fajr prayer on Friday in congregation.”

Narrated by al-Bayhaqi in Shu’ab al-Eemaan; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1119

One of the special features of Fajr prayer on Friday is that it is Sunnah to recite Soorat al-Sajdah in the first rak’ah and Soorat al-Insaan in the second.

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to recite in Fajr prayer in Fridays Alif-Laam-Meem Tanzeel (Soorat al-Sajdah) in the first rak’ah and Hal ata ‘ala’l-insaan heenun min al-dahr lam yakun shay’an madhkooran (Soorat al-Insaan) in the second.

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 851; Muslim, 880.

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to recite in Fajr prayer in Fridays Alif-Laam-Meem Tanzeel (Soorat al-Sajdah) in the first rak’ah and Hal ata ‘ala’l-insaan heenun min al-dahr lam yakun shay’an madhkooran (Soorat al-Insaan) in the second.

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 851; Muslim, 880.

Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar said: It was said that the reason why these two soorahs are recited is because they mention the creation of Adam and what will happen on the Day of Resurrection, because that will come to pass on a Friday.

3 – Whoever dies during the day or night of Friday, Allaah will protect him from the trial of the grave. It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no Muslim who dies during the day of Friday or the night of Friday but Allaah will protect him from the trial of the grave.”

Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 1074; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Ahkaam al-Janaa’iz, p. 49, 50

These are some of the virtues of Friday. We ask Allaah to help us to please Him. And Allaah knows best.

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A Muslim believes

A Muslim believes in One God, Supreme and Eternal, Infinite and Mighty, Merciful and Compassionate, Creator and Provider.

God has no father nor mother, no sons nor daughters. He has not fathered anyone nor was He fathered. None equal to Him. He is God of all mankind, not of a special tribe or race.

God is High and Supreme but He is very near to the pious thoughtful believers; He answers their prayers and helps them. He loves the people who love Him and forgives their sins. He gives them peace, happiness, knowledge and success.

God is the Loving and the Provider, the Generous and the Benevolent, the Rich and the Independent, the Forgiving and the Clement, the Patient and the Appreciative, the Unique and the Protector, the Judge and the Peace. God's attributes are mentioned in the Quran.

God creates in man the mind to understand, the soul and conscience to be good and righteous, the feelings and sentiments to be kind and humane. If we try to count His favours upon us, we cannot, because they are countless.

In return for all the great favours and mercy, God does not need anything from us, because he is Needless and Independent.

God asks us to know Him, to love Him and to enforce His Law for our own benefit and our own good.

A Muslim believes in all the Messengers and Prophets of God without any discrimination.

All messengers were mortals, human beings, endowed with Divine revelations and appointed by God to teach mankind. The Holy Quran mentions the names of 25 messengers and prophets and states that there are others. These include Noah, Abrahim, Ishmael, Isaac, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. Their message is the same and it is Islam and it came from One and the Same Source; God, and it is to submit to His will and to obey his law, ie, to become a Muslim.

A Muslim believes in all scriptures and revelations of God, as they were complete and in their original versions.

Revelations were given to guide the people to the right path of God. The Quran refers to the books revealed to Abrahim, Moses, David, Jesus and Muhammad.

Today, the books before the Quran do not exist in their original form. They are lost or corrupted or concealed. Weakness in the early period of Judaism and Christianity are partly responsible.

Today the Quran is the only authentic and complete book of God. No scholar has questioned the fact that the Quran today is the same as it was more than 1400 years ago. Muslims till today memorize the Quran word by word as a whole or in part.

God who revealed the Quran is protecting it from being lost, corrupted, or concealed.

A Muslim believes in the angels of God.

They are purely spiritual and splendid beings created by God. They require no food or drink or sleep. They have no physical desires nor material needs.

Angels spend their time in the service of God. Each charged with a certain duty. Angels cannot be seen by the naked eyes. Knowledge and truth are not entirely confined to sensory knowledge or sensory perception alone.

A Muslim believes in the day of Judgement.

This world as we know it will come to an end and the dead will rise to stand for their final and fair trial. Everything we do, say, make, intend and think are accounted for and kept in accurate records. They are brought up on the day of Judgement.

People with good records will be generously rewarded and warmly welcomed to God's Heaven. People with bad records will be fairly punished and cast into Hell.

The real nature of Heaven and Hell are known to God only, but they are described by God in man's familiar terms in the Quran.

If some good deeds are seen not to get full appreciation and credit in this life, they will receive full compensation and be widely acknowledged on the Day of Judgement.

If some people who commit sins, neglect God and indulge in immoral activities seem superficially successful and prosperous in this life, absolute justice will be done to them on the Day of Judgement.

The time of the Day of Judgement is only known to God and God alone.

A Muslim believes in "Qadaa" and "Qadar".

"Qadaa" and "Qadar" means the Timeless Knowledge of God and His power to plan and execute His plans. God is not indifferent to this world nor is He neutral to it.

God is Wise, Just and Loving and whatever He does must have a good motive, although we may fail sometimes to understand it fully.

We should have strong faith in God and accept whatever He does because our knowledge is limited and our thinking is based on individual consideration, whereas His knowledge is limitless and He plans on a universal basis.

Man should think, plan, and make sound choices, but if things do not happen the way he wants, he should not lose faith and surrender himself to mental strains or shattering worries.

A Muslim believes that the purpose of life is to worship God.

Worshipping God does not mean we spend our entire lives in constant seclusion and absolute meditation. To worship God is to live life according to His commands, not to run away from it.

To worship God is to know Him, to love Him, to obey His commands, to enforce His laws in every aspect of life, to serve His cause by doing right and shunning evil and to be just to Him, to ourselves and to our fellow human beings.

A Muslim believes that man enjoys an especially high ranking status in the hierarchy of all known creatures.

Man occupies this distinguished position because he alone is gifted with rational faculties and spiritual aspirations as well as powers of action.

Man is not a condemned race from birth to death, but a dignified being potentially capable of good and noble achievements.

A Muslim believes that every person is born "Muslim".

Every person is endowed by God with spiritual potential and intellectual inclination that can make him a good Muslim.

Every person's birth takes place according to the will of God in realization of His plans and in submission to His commands.

A Muslim believes that every person is born free from sin.

When the person reaches the age of maturity and if he is sane, he becomes accountable for all his deeds and intentions. Man is free from sin until he commits sin.

There is no inherited sin, no original sin. Adam committed the first sin, he prayed to God for pardon, and God granted Adam pardon.

A Muslim believes that man must work out his salvation through the guidance of God.

No one can act on behalf of another or intercede between him and God.

In order, to obtain salvation a person must combine faith and action, belief and practice. Faith without doing good deeds is as insufficient as doing good deeds without faith.

A Muslim believes that God does not hold any person responsible until he has shown him the Right Way.

If people do not know and have no way of knowing about Islam, they will not be responsible for failing to be Muslim. Every Muslim must preach Islam words and in action.

A Muslim believes that faith is not complete when it is followed blindly or accepted unquestioningly.

Man must build his faith on well-grounded convictions beyond any reasonable doubt and above uncertainty.

Islam insured freedom to believe and forbids compulsion in religion. (one of the oldest synagogues and one of the oldest churches in the world are in Muslim countries).
A Muslim believes that the Quran is the word of God revealed to prophet Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel.

The Quran was revealed from God on various occasions to answer questions, solve problems, settle disputes and to be man's best guide to the truth.

The Quran was revealed in Arabic and it is still in its original and complete Arabic version until today. It is memorized by millions.

A Muslim believes in a clear distinction between the Quran and the Traditions of the Prophet Muhammad.

Whereas the Quran is the word of God, the Traditions of Prophet Muhammad (his teachings, sayings, and actions) are the practical interpretations of the Quran.

Both the Quran and the Traditions of the Prophet Muhammad are the primary sources of knowledge in Islam.