How our Prophet (pbuh) loved Khadija. Amazing video. Watch now.

As though you see Him

Hadith Jibreel (AS) chatting with RASUL (SAW) on Excellence in faith (Ihsân):;

Jibreel (AS) said: “Tell me about excellence in faith.”

Rasul (saw) replied:“It is to worship Allah as though you see Him, and though you do not see Him, you know that He sees you.”

He said:“You have spoken the truth. Tell me about the Hour.”

Allaah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) replied:“The one being asked knows no more than the one who is asking.”

He said: “Then tell me about its signs.”

He replied: “Its signs are that a slave will give birth to her master and that the barefoot, destitute herdsmen shall compete with one another in erecting lofty buildings.”

Then that man departed and the Prophet (peace be upon him) waited for a while. Then he asked me: “O `Umar, do you know who that questioner was?

I replied: “Allaah and His Messenger know best.”

He said: “That was Gabriel who came to you to teach you your religion.” [Sahîh Muslim]

Excellence in faith (ihsân): The Prophet (peace be upon him) describes excellence in faith by saying:

“It is to worship Allah as though you see Him”, meaning that the worshipper engages in his worship with such acute awareness of the fact that he is presenting himself before his Lord that it is as though he sees Him. He will be absolutely sincere in his worship and his heart will be full of humility, awe, and fear. This implies that the worshipper will expend every effort in perfecting his worship. He further describes ihsân by saying:

“…and though you do not see Him, you know that He sees you.”

Some scholars, like Ibn Rajab in his work entitled Jâmi` al-`Ulûm wa al-Hikam, are of the opinion that there are two degrees of ihsân being indicated here, one stronger than the other. The strongest is to worship Allah as if you see him.

If you cannot attain that level of sincerity and devotion, then at least when you worship Allah, be cognizant of the fact that He sees you. Other scholars see only one idea being conveyed. They regard the second statement (know that He sees you) to be the cause of the first (worship Allah as though you see Him). Ibn Rajab mentions this view as well.

The idea here is that the way to attain the level of worshipping Allah as though you see him is to cultivate the awareness that Allah sees you. It is important to note that under no circumstances should this hadîth be understood to mean that Allah can be seen in this world. The Prophet (peace be upon him) merely said: “…as though you see Him”.

Beautiful and very moving story by sister Chrystal

Chrystal found Islam (Lexington, KY)

Growing up I could not understand some things that I was being taught in Sunday school.

My Mother is a Christian and my Dad is an Atheist. My mother would just tell me the same thing that the Sunday school teacher was saying. My Dad would tell me that I needed to find my own answers and told my Mom that if she was not going to help me by giving me an answer that I could understand instead of telling me the same thing without her to questioning the answer her own answers then I was not to go back to Sunday school. He also told me that I needed to do my own research and find the truth on my own. This was when I was 10.

At this time I would spend my summers with my grandparents. My Grand father was a Deacon and my Grand Mother was a Sunday school teacher. They would try to guide me but when I would question they too could not give me the answers.

Then when I was 16 I was in a world religion class in high school. There I began to learn about Islam and I could finally have my answers. I was so excited when I went home. But my mother was totally against it. And I was told that none of the garbage was to come into her home. At this time Dad was out of town and did not hear what she was telling me. So I would study in secret.

Less than a year after I graduated from high school I was told that I was to get married or get out of my parents home (by my Mother). I married and my husband was anti anything that was not Christian. So again I studied in secret.

After 5 years of an abusive relationship I asked for a divorce. I started college and began to openly study Islam. My Mother tried to set me down and tell me how wrong I was but my Dad has been there beside me still telling me that I needed to find my own way.

My Mother tells my Dad she does not know where her daughter went, telling him that we use to be so close, but in reality we were.

When I married my husband, a Iraqi Muslim, she told me that he would not be welcome in her home and did not come to the wedding, although my Dad did. Finally when I stood up to her and told her that if my entire family was not welcome in her home then none of us would come over (including my children from my first marriage). After a month my Dad called and said that she would allow for all of us to come over. I was not asking for them to love my husband (although my Dad already did) but to respect him as a person. It has been 4 years now and things are much better.

My Mother still does not respect my choosing Islam. Going so far as to telling my youngest son if he became a Muslim he did not love her any more. He came home to me in tears and I again had to put my foot down and tell her that if she spoke of religion with him again he would not be back. She has kept her word so far and my Dad keeps her in check.

I reverted 4 years ago and have never been happier. I learn something new everyday. I am now married to a wonderful Muslim man that treats me with love and respect. Why did it take me 11 years to do so? Looking back I can see that it was due to lack of support. Although my Dad supported me in any decision that I made I did not have support from anyone else. I did not know any Muslims nor did I know where our local Masjid was located. When I married my husband I finally had the support that I needed. I have some of the same friends that I had before I reverted and found new friends Muslim. There are not many reverts in my area so we try to get together at least 2 times a month. My husband jokes and tells me that we have the Ya Ya Muslim Sisterhood.

'Awrah of women in front of other women

Clarification on the ‘Awrah and the Covering of Women
in the Presence of Other Women and Mahrams.

By Sh. Muhammad bin Salih Al-'Uthaimeen(rahimahullaah)
Prepared by Saleh As-Saleh

Clarification on the ‘Awrah and the Covering All Praise is due to Allaah, and may the salaah and salaam be on Prophet Muhammad, his household, the noble companions and those who follow them until the Day of Resurrection.

Shaykh, Muhammad ibn Saalih al-'Uthaimeen (rahimahullaah), was asked:“There is a phenomenon with some women, wearing short and tightdresses which expose their features and dresses without sleeves exposing the chest and back, appearing almost naked. When we advise them, they say that they do not wear such clothes except in the presence of other women and that the ‘awrah *1 of the woman in front of other women is from the navel to the knee. What is the ruling regarding this, and what is the ruling regarding wearing these types of clothes in front of mahrams *2 ? May Allaah (subhannahu wa ta’ala)reward you abundantly on behalf of the Muslims and Muslimat and magnify your reward.”

1.'Awrah: The private parts that must be covered.

2.Mahaarim pl. of mahram a husband and a woman's male siblings who are not lawful for her to marry.

He (rahimahullaah) answered: The answer for this is to say that it is authentically narrated [by Abu Huraira, radiallaahu 'anhu] that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“Two are the types amongst the denizens of Hell whom I have never seen, the one possessing whips like the tail of an ox, and they flog people with them.

(The second one) women kasiyatun 'aariyaat: who would be naked in spite of their being dressed, who are seduced (to wrong paths) and seduce others with their hair high like humps. These women would not get into Paradise, and they would not perceive its odor, although its fragrance can be perceived from such and such distance (from a great distance).” [Reported by Muslim, hadith no.6840; see also hadith no. 5310]

The people of knowledge interpreted the phrase kasiyatun 'aariyaat (dressed but naked)” as those women who put on tight, short, or light clothes that do not shield what is underneath.In addition, Shaykh al-Islam ibn Taymiyyah mentioned that the clothes of women in their homes at the time of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) covered what is between the ankle and the palm; when they would leave for the market, it is known that the women of the companions used to wear overflowing dresses that were so long that the lower end of the dress would drag on the earth. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) made it permissible for them to lower the end of their garment to extend to an arm’s span, without exceeding that.

However, what became unclear to some women of the saying of the Prophet(sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam),“No man should look at the ‘awrah of another man, and no womanshould look at the ‘awrah of another woman.” [Reported by Muslim,hadith no. 338]

and of ‘awrah of the woman with respect to other women being from her navel to her knee led them to the [false] conclusion that this indicates that it is permissible to wear short clothes. However, the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) did not say,

“The dress of a woman is between the navel and the knee, ” such that it would be taken as an an evidence. On the contrary, he said, “no woman should look at the ‘awrah of another woman.” Therefore, he forbade the one who looks because the one who wears over flowing clothes may accidentally uncover her private parts because of a need or for some other reason.

Similarly, when the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “No man should look at the ‘awrah of another man,” did the companions then wear izar (waist garments) from the navel to the knee or pants from the navel to the knee? Is it now sound for a woman to go out and meet other women having on nothing except that which shields the area from the navel to the knee? No one says this; this is not the case, except with the women of the kufar. So those women who understood otherwise from this hadith are incorrect. The hadith’s meaning is obvious and apparent. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)) did not say, "“The dress of a woman is between the navel and the knee."

So women should fear Allaah (subhannahu wa ta’ala) and assume shyness and bashfulness, which is from the characteristics of the woman; this is from iman (faith) as the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said,

“Modesty is a branch of faith” [Reported by Muslim, hadith no. 56]

Likewise, we know the parable:

“More bashful than a woman kept in her private quarter.”

Not even the women of the pre-Islamic era [Jahilliyah] used to shield only that which was between the navel and the knee; this was not even the case with men in that time.

Do these women want the Muslim woman to be in a worse situation than the women of Jahilliyah?

In summary, the dress is something and looking at the ‘awrah is something else. The legal dress of the woman in front of other women should cover that which is between the ankle and the palm. However, if the woman needs to tuck up her dress for work or something else, then she may tuck it all the way to the knee. Similarly, if she needs to roll up her sleeves all the way to the shoulder, then she may do so as needed only.

However, to make this her normal dress then it is not allowed, and the hadith does not indicate this under any circumstances. That is why the address was to the one looking, not the one being looked at, and the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) mentioned absolutely nothing about the dress. He did not say, "“The dress of a woman is between the navel and the knee," such that this would constitute a pretext for the misunderstanding by those women.

With respect to looking by mahrams, then the ruling is the same as looking of a woman at a woman, meaning it is permissible for the woman to uncover in front of her mahrams that which she uncovers in front of other women, namely the head, neck, feet, hands, arms, shins, and so forth. But she must not make her dress short.

=============================================================
This is the answer of our Shaykh (rahimahullaah) concerning this question, which is often raised by many sisters.
I ask Allaah (subhannahu wa ta’ala) to make it a benefit for all of us.
All Praise is due to Allaah, and may the salaah and salaam be on Prophet Muhammad, his household, the noble companions and those who follow them until the Day of Resurrection.Saleh As-Saleh27-7-1427 AH.21st August 2006.

Ruling of Niqab in islam very Well explained by sheikh Haitham Al-Haddad Hafidhaullah

Even Yahoo talks about NIQAB and HIJAB !!!!
Subhan Allah, a great Impact was evolved after what Tantawi have done.

WHAT IS THE HIJAB?

THE HIJAB IS GHEERAH ..

The hijab fits the natural feeling of Gheerah, which is intrinsic in the straight man who does not like people to look at his wife or daughters. Gheerah is a driving emotion that drives the straight man to safeguard women who are related to him from strangers. The straight MUSLIM man has Gheerah for ALL MUSLIM women In response to lust and desire, men look (with desire) at other women while they do not mind that other men do the same to their wives or daughters. The mixing of sexes and absence of hijab destroys the Gheera in men. Islam considers Gheerah an integral part of faith. The dignity of the wife or daughter or any other Muslim woman must be highly respected and defended.

THE HIJAB IS HAYA (bashfulness) ..

There are two authentic hadith which state: "Each religion has a morality and the morality of Islam is haya '" AND "Bashfulness is from belief, and belief is in Al-Jannah (paradise)". The hijab fits the natural bashfulness which is a part of the nature of women.



THE HIJAB IS IMAAN (belief or faith) ..

Allah (subhana wa'atala) did not address His words about the hijab except to the believing women, Al-Mo'minat. In many cases in the Qur'an Allah refers to the "the believing women". Aisha (Radhi Allahu Anhu), the wife of the prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam), addressed some women from the tribe of Banu Tameem who came to visit her and had light clothes on them, they were improperly dressed:
"If indeed you are believing women, then truly this is not the dress of the believing women, and if you are not believing women, then enjoy it."

THE HIJAB IS TAQWAH (righteousness) ..

Allah (subhana wa'atala) says in the Qur'an:
O children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc) and as an adornment. But the raiment of righteousness, that is better. '(S7: 26).

The widespread forms of dresses in the world today are mostly for show off and hardly taken as a cover and shield of the woman's body. To the believing women, however the purpose is to safeguard their bodies and cover their private parts as a manifestation of the order of Allah. It is an act of Taqwah (righteousness)

THE HIJAB IS A SHIELD ..

The prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) said:
"Allah, Most High, is Heaven, is Ha'yeii (Bashful), Sit'teer (Shielder). He loves Haya '(Bashfulness) and Sitr (Shielding; Covering)."
The Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) also said:
"Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husband's house (to show off for unlawful purposes), has broken Allah's shield upon her."

The hadith demonstrates that depending upon the kind of action committed there will be either reward (if good) or punishment (if bad).

THE HIJAB IS TAHARA (purity) ..

Allah (Azzawajal) had shown us the hikma (wisdom) behind the legislation of the hijab:

`And when you ask them (the Prophet's wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and their hearts. ' (S33: 53).

The hijab makes for greater purity for the hearts of believing men and women because it screens against the desire of the heart. Without the hijab, the heart may or may not desire. That is why the heart is more pure when the sight is blocked (by hijab) and thus the prevention of fitna (evil actions is very much manifested. The hijab cuts off the ill thoughts and the greed of the sick hearts:

`Be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy or evil desire for adultery, etc) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner. ' (S33: 32)

THE HIJAB IS IFFAH (modesty) ..

Allah (subhana wa'atala) made the adherence to the hijab a manifestation for chastity and modesty. Allah says:

'O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) over their bodies (when outdoors). That is most convenient that they should be known and not molested. ' (S33: 59).

In the above Ayaah there is an evidence that the recognition of the apparent beauty of the woman is harmful to her. When the cause of attraction ends, the restriction is removed. This is illustrated in the case of elderly women who may have lost every aspect of attraction. Allah (swt) made it permissible for them to lay aside their outer garments and expose their faces and hands reminding, however, that is still better for them to keep their modesty.

Be excellent to your parents.

And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be excellent to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them, but address them in terms of honor. And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: “My Lord! Bestow ... them Your mercy as they did bring me up when I was young.” (Isra 17:23-24)

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah may Allah be pleased with him who said, The Prophet may Allah’s Peace and Blessings be upon him and his family said: “Indeed A man’s status will be raised in Paradise and he will ask, ‘How is this for me?’ He will be told, ‘By your child’s seeking forgiveness for you.” (Reported by Ibn Maajah, no 3660; see also Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1617)

Virtues of Knowledge

Virtues of Knowledge which is Learnt and Taught for the sake of Allah

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The world, with all that it contains, is accursed except for the remembrance of Allah that which pleases Allah; and the religious scholars and seekers of knowledge.''[At-Tirmidhi].

Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "He who goes forth in search of knowledge is considered as struggling in the Cause of Allah until he returns.''[At-Tirmidhi].

Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "A believer never satisfies doing good until he reaches Jannah.''[At-Tirmidhi].

Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The superiority of the learned over the devout worshipper is like my superiority over the most inferior amongst you (in good deeds).'' He went on to say, "Allah, His angels, the dwellers of the heaven and the earth, and even the ant in its hole and the fish (in water) supplicate in favour of those who teach people knowledge.''[At-Tirmidhi].

Abud-Darda (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "He who follows a path in quest of knowledge, Allah will make the path of Jannah easy to him. The angels lower their wings over the seeker of knowledge, being pleased with what he does. The inhabitants of the heavens and the earth and even the fish in the depth of the oceans seek forgiveness for him. The superiority of the learned man over the devout worshipper is like that of the full moon to the rest of the stars (i.e., in brightness). The learned are the heirs of the Prophets who bequeath neither dinar nor dirham but only that of knowledge; and he who acquires it, has in fact acquired an abundant portion.''[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, "May Allah freshen the affairs of a person who hears something from us and communicates it to others exactly as he has heard it (i.e., both the meaning and the words). Many a recepient of knowledge understands it better than the one who has heard it.''[At-Tirmidhi].

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "He who is asked about knowledge (of religion) and conceals it, will be bridled with a bridle of fire on the Day of Resurrection.''[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah(PBUH) said, "He who does not acquire knowledge with the sole intention of seeking the Pleasure of Allah but for worldly gain, will not smell the fragrance of Jannah on the Day of Resurrection.''[Abu Dawud].

Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying: "Verily, Allah does not take away knowledge by snatching it from the people, but He takes it away by taking away (the lives of) the religious scholars till none of the scholars stays alive. Then the people will take ignorant ones as their leaders, who, when asked to deliver religious verdicts, will issue them without knowledge, the result being that they will go astray and will lead others astray.''[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

May Allah eccept us and give us towfiq to learn and teach for his sake Allahuma ameen

Allaah is forever watching you

Always remember that Allaah is watching whatever you do. He sees what you do in the middle of the day and He sees what you do in the deepest part of the night. . He sees all. He hears all. There is nothing that escapes Him. If you are alone, He is the second and if you are two, He is the third.

And He is with you (by His Knowledge) where soever you may be. And Allaah is the All-Seer of what you do." (al-Hadeed:4)

"Not a word does he utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it)." (Qaf:18)

Remind yourself of this as often as you can and throughout the day and before you sleep….every time you do something….and every time you speak. In fact, aim to make it your thought with every breath you breathe.

Never forget that it is Allah Who has given you everything.Take a look around you; everything you see, all that you have and all that there is……in you….on you….and around comes from Allaah, alone. Remember it is Allah Who has given you all the possessions and everything you own, and that He is the true Owner of them all. He allots what He wills to whomever He wills, however He wills.

"The kingdom of the heavens and the earth and everything in them belongs to Allah. He has power over all things." (al-Ma'ida:120)

So reflect on the uncountable blessings He has given you and thank Him for His favors upon you. If nothing else, thank him for the blessing of Islaam that He gave you. Praise Him and thank Him…in the morning and at the end of the day, in good times and bad times…in all times. Praise Him and thank Him until He is truly pleased with you. For, by Allaah, no matter how much you thank Him and how much you praise Him, it will never be enough.

Never forget that nothing happens except by His Command and PermissionEverything lies in the Hands of Allaah. No harm can befall you and no benefit can reach you except by the Will of Allaah and know that it is surely ordained for a purpose. Even though you may carefully plan your day, your week, your life…. you can never know what awaits you later on. Surrounded by such uncertainty, you will only find relief through the acknowledgement that every incident you come upon is ordained by Allah especially for you, and for your betterment. You have no recourse other than taking refuge in Him, trusting in Him, and submitting to Him.In fact, it is not just you; rather, there is no place or moment in the universe that is independent of Allah. Nothing can remain out of His Sovereignty.

Say: "Nothing can happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is Our Master. It is in Allah that the believers should put their trust." (Surah at-Tawba: 51)

Keep the prayer of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) fresh in your heart;"O Allaah no one can prevent anyone from whatever You have granted and no one can grant what You have prevented." (Tabaraani)

Never forget that any good that you do is only 'Taufeeq' from Allaah, alone.Know that any act of kindness, any good that you do is from Him alone. It is Allah that sent guidance from above the seven heavens into your heart. And didn't allow anyone to remove that guidance from your heart. It is He that enabled you to do that goodness, and you have to be humble and remember that.

Don't let the Shaytaan bloat your head and think that it is from you, make you arrogant and ruin the reward for you. A person has to be aware of this, otherwise for days, weeks or even years, a person could be doing actions, thinking that he is righteous, whereas in fact he is not getting an ounce of reward.

"…and they (people of Jannah) shall say: All praise is due to Allah Who guided us to this, and we would not have found the way had it not been that Allah had guided us…" (Surah al-'Aaraaf:43)

Remember that the heart of the believer is in between the fingers of Allaah and He can flip it whenever He pleases. So make dua to Allaah to keep you steadfast on His Religion and bear in mind that no matter how much you try, it is Allah who gives the ultimate will. Therefore with every good action, your love for Allah should increase because you have now witnessed Allah's Grace upon you.

Never forget that you are going to return to Allaah one day and that day could be….no, not tomorrow, but TODAY.Remember that you are destined to meet Him. The invitation for that may come any time….today, tomorrow, any day…..any moment. Your whole life is nothing but a preparation for that Meeting that day….when no one will avail anyone.

"Fear the Day when you shall be returned to Allah. And every soul shall be paid in full what it has earned; and they shall not be harmed." (Surah al-Baqarah: 281)

Never forget that each act of yours will be presented before Allaah for His Judgment one day. Also bear in mind that you will have to stand in front of the Lord Almighty that day ALL ALONE and give account for each and every single thing you said or did.

"O you who believe! Fear Allaah and keep your duty to Him. And let every person look to what he has sent forth for the morrow, and fear Allaah. Verily, Allaah is All-Aware of what you do." (Surah Hashr:18)

So keep this meeting in mind, and spend every remaining moment of your life in the devotion and submission to Allaah. Remember it is a gift from Him. So use it to your advantage, spend it in His obedience…before it is too late and the invitation is issued for you.

"Has not the time yet come for those who believe that their hearts should be humble for the remembrance of Allah and what has come down of the truth? And ~that) they should not be like those who were given the Book before, but the time became prolonged to them, so their hearts hardened, and most of them are transgressors." (Surah al-Hadeed: 16)

The 8 benefits

Hātim Al-Asam was among the friends of Shaqīq Al – Balkhi (may Allah have mercy on them both). One day Shaqīq asked Hātim: “You have accompanied me for thirty years; what have you gained?” Hātim replied: “I have gained eight benefits from the knowledge which suffices for me as I hope my success and safety are embodied in them.”

Shaqīq asked; “What are they?”

Hātim replied:

The first benefit ~ I observed the creation and saw that everyone had a loved one and one passionately desired whom he loved and longed for. Some of the beloved accompany the lover up to the brink of sickness and death and others to the gate of the graveyard. All of them return and leave him there alone. No one goes into the tomb with him. I reflected on that and said to myself:

“The best beloved is that which would enter the tomb with the lover to console him”; I found nothing other than good works, so I took this as my beloved where with to illuminate my grave and to comfort me in it and not leave me alone.

The second benefit ~ I saw that creation(people) were following their lusts and hastening towards (fulfilling the demands of lowly) desires of the selves; and I meditated on the saying of the Exalted:

“Whoever has feared the lofty position of his Lord and has refrained his soul from lust, truly the Garden shall be his dwelling place.” Convinced that the Qur’an was true and tight, I began to oppose the notion of yielding to the demands of the self and hastened to combat it and refuse it its lowly desires, until it enjoyed satisfaction in being obedient to Allah the Exalted.

The third benefit ~ I noted that every human being rushes to accumulate as much as he can from the wreckage of this material world and then holding on strongly to it. I meditated on the saying of the Most High:

“What is with you must vanish’ what is with Allah endures.”

So I gave freely my worldly possessions for the sake of the Most High by distributing them among the poor so that it would be my provision in the future with Him the Exalted.

The fourth benefit ~ I observed some people thought that their dignity and honor lie in the multitude of their family and large clans and they were fascinated by those things. Others considered honor and dignity to be in abundance of wealth and children and they were proud of it. Some believed honor and power abide in appropriating the wealth of others, oppressing them and killing them. Others considered dignity to consist of extravagance and spending wealth like water. I meditated upon the saying of the Exalted:

“The most honored of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous of you.”

I chose righteousness for myself, convinced that the Qur’an is right and true and those claims and opinions of people are false and temporal.”

The fifth benefit ~ I noticed the people undermining each other and speaking ill of one another and I found that was due to envy of fortune, power or knowledge. I meditated upon the saying of Allah:

“It is We who divide their livelihood among them in the life of this world.”

I realized that the process of dividing livelihood is in the hands of Allah since the beginning of time. I therefore never envied any one anyone and was satisfied with the distribution of Allah the Exalted.

The sixth benefit ~ I saw people becoming enemies of each other for various reasons. I mediated upon the saying of the Exalted: “Verily Satan is an enemy to you, so treat him as an enemy.”

I became aware that enmity with anyone but Satan was not permissible.

The seventh benefit ~ I saw everyone working very hard, exhausting themselves in obtaining food and sustenance, tempted by doubts and forbidden things. They degrade themselves and diminish their potential..
I pondered over the saying of the Exalted:

“There is no moving creature on earth but its sustenance dependent on Allah.”

I knew that my livelihood is guaranteed by Allah the Exalted so I engaged myself in worship and cut off my covetousness of other than He.

The eighth benefit ~is that I saw that everyone relied on some created thing, some on the dinār and dirham, some on wealth and property, some on trade and industry and some on creatures like themselves.
I meditated upon the saying of the Exalted:

“And whosoever places his reliance on Allah, sufficient is [Allah] for him. For Allah will surely accomplishes His purpose. Verily for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion for everything.”

I therefore placed full reliance in Allah the Exalted. He is sufficient for me and He is the best Disposer of affairs.’

Shaqīq then said: “May Allah bless you and grant you success. I looked into the Old Testament, and Gospel, the Psalms and the Qur’an and have found that the four books revolve around these eight benefits. Whoever acts according to them is acting according to these four books.”

The Abandonment of Wrongdoing

Asallamualaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakathu

Glory be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. There is not in the abandonment of misdeeds and wrongdoing save.

* the establishment of manhood;

* the protection of honor;

* the preservation of prestige;

* the conservation of wealth - [all matters] which Allah has placed as a foundation for the correction of the Dunya and the Hereafter - the love of creation [for him] and a statement of approval amongst them;

* a righteous substinence;

* a healthy body;

* strength of the heart;

* tranquillity of the soul;

* happiness of the heart;

* a state of pleasure and cheerfulness;

* safety from the perils of the sinners and wrongdoers, [and] an absence of purpose, grief, and sorrow;

* a sense of honor from the possibility of ignominy and disgrace;

* protection for the light of the heart from being extinguished by the darkness of transgression;

* the acquirement of an escape from [that matter] which has caused the sinners and transgressors to become depressed and dejected;

* the availability of sustenance [for him] from [an avenue] where it was not considered [possible];

* the facilitation of [that matter] which has become difficult for the masters of sin and transgression [to obtain];

* the facilitation of righteous deeds [for him];

* the acquisition of knowledge and beautified praise amongst the people;

* an abundant amount of supplication [for him];

* a beautified countenance;

* the veneration which is cast into the hearts of the people [for him];

* their help and protection [for him] whenever he is hurt and oppressed;

* their act of defending his honor whenever he is defamed and slandered;

* a swift response to his supplication;

* the removal of estrangement between [the individual] and Allah;

* the proximity of the Angels [towards him];

* the distancing of the Shayaateen from amongst the men and Jinn [from him];

* a rivalry amongst the people to serve him and fulfil his needs;

* their engagement for his love and companionship;

* his absence of fear from death;

* rather he rejoices in that [matter], for his arrival before His Lord and his encounter with Him [leads to] his fate amongst Him;

* the insignificance of the Dunya in his heart;

* the importance of the Hereafter amongst him;

* his yearning for the Sublime Kingdom, and the lofty success therein;

* the sweet taste of obedience;* the love for the sweetness of Imaan;

* the supplication of those who carry the Throne, and whosoever surrounds Him from amongst His Angels;

* the delight of the Scribes, and their continuous supplication for him;

* an increase in intellect, understanding, faith, and comprehension;

* his acquisition of the Love of Allah, and His [act] of Turning towards him;

* [the attainment] of His Delight for his act of penitence;

This [matter] rewards him with delight and happiness. For there is no connection for [the individual] to His Delight and Happiness by means of wrongdoing, [and] its various types.

Accordingly, these are some of these signs [actualized] by the abandonment of wrongdoing in this world.

When the individual dies, the Angels receive him, and convey upon him the glad tidings of Paradise from his Lord. In addition to [the good news] that no fear or sorrow shall be upon him. He will alter his residence from the prison of this Dunya and its confinement, to a garden from amongst the Gardens of Paradise. He shall experience its delights therein until the Day of Judgment.

When the Day of Judgment [arrives] the people shall be [in a state] of [extreme] heat and perspiration, [however] he shall be in the shade of a Throne. When they depart from before Allah, the Companions of the right-hand shall take him with His God-Fearing allies, and His Victorious Party. Indeed:

“That is the bounty of Allah. He confers it to upon whosoever He desires, and Allah is in possession of the Sublime Bounty.” [Surah al-Jumu`ah, Ayah 4]

Al-Fawaa’id, p. 302-303Quoted in footnotes to “An Explanation of Riyadh as-Saliheen” by Sh. Ibn `Uthaymeen Ibn ul Qayyim al Jawziyyah

Story Worth Reading

May the peace of Allah descend upon you,

Since last night my young son has been unwell. When I got back from Work this evening I decided to take him to hospital despite my exhaustion.

There were many waiting; perhaps we will be delayed by more than an hour. I took my number and sat down in the waiting room. There were many faces, young and old, but all silent. Some brothers made use of the many booklets available in the waiting room.

Some of those waiting had their eyes closed, while others were looking around. Most were bored. Once in a while the long silence was broken by a nurse calling out a number. Happiness appears on the one whose turn it is, and he gets up quickly; then silence returns.

A young man grabbed my attention. He was reading a pocket-sized Qur`an continuously; not raising his head even once. At first I did not think much about him. However, after one hour of waiting my casual glances turned into a deep reflection about his lifestyle and how he utilizes his time. One hour of life wasted! Instead of making benefit of that hour, it was just a boring wait. Then the call for prayer was made. We went to prayer in the hospital's Masjid. I tried to pray close to the man who was reading the Qur'an earlier in the waiting room.

After the prayer I walked with him. I informed him of how impressed I was of him and how he tries to benefit from his time. He told me that most of our time is wasted without any benefit. These are days that go from our lives without being conscious of them or regretting their waste. He said that he started carrying the pocket-sized Qur`an around when a friend encouraged him to make full use of his time. He told me that in the time other people waste he gets to read much more of the Qur`an than he gets to read either at home or in the masjid. Moreover, besides the reward of reading the Qur`an, this habit saves him from boredom and stress.

He added that he has now been waiting for one and a half hours. Then he asked, when will you find one and a half hours to read the Qur`an? I reflected; How much time do we waste? How many moments of our lives pass by, and yet we do not account for how they passed by? Indeed, how many months pass by and we do not read the Qur`an? I came to respect my companion, and I discovered that I am to stand for account and that time is not in my hand; so what am I waiting for?

My thoughts were interrupted by the nurse calling out my number; I went to the doctor. But I want to achieve something now. After I left the hospital I quickly went to the bookshop and bought a pocket-sized Qur`an. I decided to be mindful of how I spend the time. If this information is beneficial to you, then please do forward it to your friends and relatives.

Our Prophet (SAW) said; 'Whoever guides or directs to good, then he gets the same amount of blessing (reward) as the one who does it'

The Prophet (SAW) also said 'Pass on knowledge from me even if it is only one verse'

In the grave...

The Messenger of Allaah (p.b.u.h.) said, "The souls of the believers are inside green birds in the trees of Paradise until Allah returns them to their bodies on the Day of Resurrection." (Sahih: At Tabarani in al Kabeer from Ka'b Ibn Malik & Umm Mubashshir)

The Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) said, "Seek Allah's protection from the punishment of the grave since punishment of the grave is a fact/true." (Sahih: At Tabarani in al Kabeer from Umm Khalid Bint Khalid Ibn Sa'eed Ibn al 'Aas.)



The Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) said, "Verily the grave is the first stopping place for the Hereafter; so if he is saved therein, then what comes after is easier than it. And if he is not saved there from, then that which comes after is harder." (Hasan: At Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, al Hakim: from Uthmaan)

The Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) said, "When the dead person is buried, two black-blue angels come to him, one called al Munkar and the other called an Nakeer, and they say to him: 'What had you used to say about this man?' So he says what he used to say: 'Allah's slave and His Messenger, I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.' So they say: 'Verily we knew that you (would) say that.' Then his grave is widened for him to the extent of seventy cubits by seventy, then it is made light for him, then it is said: ' Sleep.' So he says: 'I should go to my family and inform them.' So they say: 'Sleep as the newly married sleeps whom no-one awakes except his favorite wife.' Until Allah raises him up from that place of sleep. And if he is a hypocrite (munaafiq), he says: 'I heard the people saying something so I said it too, I don't know.' So they say: 'We knew that you (would) say that.' So it is said to the earth: 'Crush him', so he is crushed until his cross over and he remains in the state of torture until Allah raises him up from that resting place." (Hasan: At Tirmidhi from Abu Hurairah.)

The Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) said, "...the righteous man sits in his grave and is not alarmed or afraid, then it is said to him (by angels): 'In (what state) were you?' So he says: 'In the (state of) Islam.' So it is said to him: 'What is this man?' So he says: 'Muhammad the Messenger of Allah who came to us with clear signs from Allah, so we believed that.' Then it is said to him: 'Have you seen Allah?' So he says: 'It does not behove any man that he sees Allah.' So an opening is made for him in the direction of the Fire, so he sees it, some parts of it smashing into others, and it is said to him: 'Look at what Allah, the Exalted, has saved you from.' Then an opening is made for him in the direction of Paradise, and he looks to its brilliance and what is therein and it is said to him: 'This is your place.' And it is said to him: 'You were upon certain Faith and died upon it and upon it you will be raised up, if Allah wills.' And the wicked man sits in his grave alarmed and terrified and so it is said to him: 'In what state were you?' So he says: 'I do not know.' So it is said to him: 'Who is this man?' So he says: 'I heard the people saying something so I said it!' So an opening is made for him in the direction of Paradise and he sees its brilliance and what is therein, and it is said to him: 'Look at what Allah has refused you.' Then an opening is made for him in the direction of the Fire, so he sees it crashing against itself and it is said: 'This is your place, you lived upon doubt and died upon it and you will be raised up upon it, if it is Allah's will." (Sahih: Ibn Majah from Abu Hurairah.)

The Month of Zul-Hijjah

The Month of Zul-Hijjah is the last month of the Islamic calendar. It means ‘the month of Hajj’. This name of the month indicates that the great annual worship of ‘Hajj’ is performed in this month. For this reason, it has a peculiar significance as compared to the other months of the year.

The first ten days

The first ten days of the month of Zul Hijjah are among the most significant days in the Islamic year. The Holy Prophet has said:

“One fast during these days is equal to the fasting of one complete year, and the worship of one night during this period is equal to the worship of ‘Laylatul Qadr’.

Every Muslim should take full advantage of this wonderful opportunity by offering as much Ibaadah to Allah as he or she can in this month.

The 9th day of the month

The 9th day of the month of Zul Hijjah is called ‘Yaumal Arafah’ (The day of Arafah). This is the date when the Hujjaj (Hajj pilgrims) assemble with the plain of Arafat, six miles away from Makkah Mukkaramah, where they perform the most essential part of the prescribed duties of Hajj, namely, the ‘Wuqoof of Arafat’ (the stay in Arafat).

The fast of ‘Yaumal Arafah’

For those not performing Hajj, it is Mustahabb (desirable) to fast on this day according to their own calendar. It sometimes occurs that the date of 9th Zul Hijjah falls on different days in different countries according to the sighting of the moon.

The fast of ‘Yaumal Arafah’ has been emphasized by the Holy Prophet as a Mustahabb (desirable act). According to a Hadith, the fast of this day becomes a cause, Inshallah, of forgiveness for sins committed in one year.

Takbir of Tashreeq

From the Fajr of the 9th of Zul Hijjah upto the Asr prayer of the 13th, it is obligatory on each Muslim to recite the Takbir of Tashreeq in the following words:

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,

La Illaha Illallahu, Wallahu Akbar,

Allahu Akbar wa Lillahilhamd.

(Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest,

There is no God except Allah and Allah is the greatest,

Allah is the Greatest and to Him belongs all praise.)

According to authentic Islamic sources, it is obligatory on each Muslim, to recite this Takbir after every obligatory (fardh) Salaah. For women also, it is commendable though not obligatory. Whether you are performing Salaah with Jamaa’ah (collectively) or on your own (individually) makes no difference; you must recite the Takbir. However, males should recite it in a loud voice and females should recite it quietly.

Treat the month of Zul-Hijjah, as a month of eid.(Saheeh Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim)

http://www.inter-islam.org/Miscellaneous/zillhijjah.htm

http://www.aljamaat.org/islam/islamicmonths&days/months/zulhajja.htm

Ancient Discoveries Islamic Science

The Qur'an calls upon Muslims to look around them and study the physical world, so that they might appreciate the majesty of Allah's creation.

"Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of the night and the day; in the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the benefit of mankind; in the rain which Allah Sends down from the skies, and the life which He gives therewith to an earth that is dead; in the beasts of all kinds that He scatters through the earth; in the change of the winds, and the clouds which they trail like their slaves between the sky and the earth -- (Here) indeed are Signs for a people that are wise." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:164)

And Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said
"Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim"

Throughout Islamic history, that is exactly what Muslims have done. Particularly in the 7th-13th centuries C.E., the Islamic world was in the midst of its "Golden Age," paving the way for the growth of modern sciences. Rather than stifling science, the religion of Islam encouraged its study. Scientific inquiry was widespread, and some of the greatest scholars and scientists of the world made wondrous discoveries and inventions. Muslims led the world in the study of medicine, astronomy, mathematics, geography, chemistry, botany, and physics. They transmitted their studies to the West, where their work was built upon and further disseminated.

Watch the History Channel Program Ancient Discoveries

http://quran-modern-science.blogspot.com/2009/09/ancient-discoveries-islamic-science.html

Being thankful to Allah (عز و جل) for our Parents

As youth in today’s tumultuous times one of the greatest fitnahs we face can be right in our own home. For most of us, our parents have come from a time of ignorance (relative to today), where being successful in the dunya, obtaining an education, raising kids and families took precedence over servitude and submission to Allah (عز و جل) and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم).

Even for others who had pious and practicing parents, there is still a problem of the parents being overbearing on their children, and making it difficult for them to practice Islam to their fullest.

For those who have converted I don’t even feel comfortable commenting on their situation as in no way can I even begin to understand the hardship they go through, may Allah help them.

Those who have pious parents should however, be the utmost in thankfulness in Allah(عز و جل) for the blessing they have been given, because it is something that is absolutely beautiful to have.

We all know of the importance of obedience and practicing birr (excellence in goodness) with them. Many times has Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) mentioned in the Quran, the importance of being good to parents, by mentioning the deed right after mentioning the obligation of worshipping Him.

وَاعْبُدُواْ اللّهَ وَلاَ تُشْرِكُواْ بِهِ شَيْئًا وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانً

Worship none but Allah alone and be dutiful and good to parents (Surah Nisa v.36)

وَقَضَى رَبُّكَ أَلاَّ تَعْبُدُواْ إِلاَّ إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانً

And your Lord has decreed that your worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents (Surah Isra’ v.23)

And of course, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) took no liberty from reminding us of this importance, when a man came to him, asking him for permission to take part in Jihad. Upon which, he was asked by the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم), “Are your parents alive?”.

He replied, “Yes.” Upon this, he was told by the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم), “Then exert yourself in their service.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari).

In another hadith from Sahih Bukhari, Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم) even commanded us to forfeit our property if commanded to by our parents.

Ibn ‘Umar (رضي الله عنهما) once saw a man carrying his mother on his back and doing Tawaaf around the Ka’bah. He asked Ibn ‘Umar (رضي الله عنهما), “Have I fulfilled my duty towards her?” Ibn Umar (رضي الله عنهما) replied, “Not even for one contraction (during birth)!

However, you have done good and Allah will reward you immensely for the little that you could do.”

In a story of a scholar amongst the Salaf, named Haywah bin Shurih, he used to sit teaching the people, his mother would sometimes say to him: “O Haywah! Feed the chickens some barley,” he would leave the audience, obey his mother, and then resume the lecture! I could post many ayaat from the Qur’an, many ahadith of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم), many stories and lessons from the lives of the Salaf (First three generations of Muslims) and from the righteous scholars, but it would take days to type up and fill up the entire blog.

And sure that many of us are aware that we have this obligation, to fulfill the rights of our parents in Islam, obey them, do the utmost in good to them, to attend to their every need, even if they do not ask, seek their pleasure every single time we can, love them and care for them, spend time with them and be gentle, kind and respectful with them and never abandon them or lose patience with them.

But as many of us find, we find things to be very difficult today. As mentioned, many of our parents don’t look at many of the issues of the deen like we do, and they may be lacking in their practice in varying degrees.

For any brothers or sisters who find themselves in this situation, here some naseeha, hoping that it may be of some benefit.

1) Don’t abandon Patience.

No matter what. Many of our parents will be reluctant to let us attend classes on Islam, to let us go to prayers at the masjid and to spend time there, to let us grow our beards, wear the hijab, memorize the Quran etc. The first key thing to realize, is that our parents do this out of sincere love for us, no matter how flawed this love is, they do it because they believe it is in our best interest.

The second thing to understand is the hadith of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) that “There is no obedience to any created being (person) if it involves disobedience to the Creator.”

It is difficult , but you must strive hard to do what is still required of you as a servant of Allah (عز و جل), such as learning the religion, avoiding what is forbidden, going to halaqahs and Islamic lectures, learning, memorizing and reading the Quran, attending the Masjid for prayers as often as you can etc, but realize that you have make your decisions with wisdom and understanding of the situation you are in, and never let your parents be displeased, angry, or upset with you when you make your decision, instead be gentle, understanding and try to explain to them the situation, and be respectful when explaining to them, never raise your voice.

Be patient because what you have been given is through the Qadr of Allah, and it may not be known to you yet, but developing that balance of patience may make you a better Muslim and a better human being.

2) Don’t abandon hope.

Never ever abandon hope in Allah (عز و جل). One of the aspects of tawheed involves always having hope in the mercy of Al-Mujeeb (the one who answers the prayers of the supplicant). It may make you upset, cry and lose hope and patience when you see the condition your parents and family, and you should.

One of the aspects of Birr is to love your parents and want only the best for them.

And what is better than Islam?

Keep making Dua’a, keep enjoining the good and forbidding the evil, keep teaching them about the religion and trying to increase their practice, but do it with the utmost of wisdom, utmost of love and utmost of respect.

3) Don’t remember to focus on yourself. Leave the house when you can to join religious gatherings such as halaqahs and lectures, to go the masjid to pray the fard prayers as often as you can, to go visit your brothers in Islam.

Have friends who are not only excellent in their deen but who also are good to their parents and who balance their deen and dunya well. Bring into the house as well, religious books, pious Muslims if possible and practice Islam and have Taqwa at home as much as you do outside, or even more.

Additionally, don’t fringe on your responsibilities, study hard at school, help out around the house with chores etc, improve yourself as a human being from all aspects. Become so that when your parents see you they see what Islam has done to you and so are also motivated to change.

4)Get advice. From all sorts of people. Get advice from knowledgeable Muslims who are closer to your age group. Look for Shuyukh and scholars who can relate to your problems, especially scholars in the West who are around your age.

6) In the end, it’s almost like an art. You have to have a judicious mind. Know when to weigh your options, when to do what you have to do for the sake of Allah, and when to be patient and listen to your parents and not argue back. An example is knowing when to enjoin the good and forbid the evil, because in the end your goals may end up being, protecting yourself and preserving your Taqwa and Eman at home while obeying and being good to your parents as much as you can and trying to repair your parent’s condition without turning them away from Islam.

7) NEVER STOP MAKING DUA.

...An inspirational story for the soul.. =)

..,~The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) said:"No sin remains minor when accompanied by persistence, and no sin remains major accompanied by the seeking of forgiveness."

Going for hajj means going to face Allah the Only God,

Labbaikallah humma labbaik
Labbaikala sharikalakalabbaik
Innal hamda wanni'mata
Lakawalmulk la syarikalak
Going for hajj means going to face Allah the Only God,
Bringing heart which is shamed,
Giving gift to Allah,Be careful when facing Him
Every slave going for hajj with good intention
Pure heart and good akhlak,halal wealth and clean heart,
Pious intention and good amal
Going for hajj, you must have knowledge about it,
So that you complete its rukn(stepwise)
Sah and batal will be observed,
So that your amal is not wasteful
going hajj,
you must take care of ur akhlak
tertib and akhlak must also be observed
performed it with peace and tawaddu',
you must have patience and cooperation,
dont be pushing other human
being in haraam, be careful of its rule
going for hajj its not the time for shopping
remember to straighten ur niat/intention
so that ur hajj will b accepted
observed the rule which can ruin ur hajj
get away from maksiat which is wasteful
fear Allah and remember Him always
so that we have soul of a slave

Credits to: Bro Fahi

The Story of Hajj

by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan

Long ago about 5000 years ago, in a faraway place called Ur in Iraq, a child was born whose name was Abraham or Ibrahim. He was so gracious, tender-hearted and of pure in faith that Allah gave him wisdom when he was still a child. Allah was so pleased with him that he made him His best friend. When Abraham grew up, he became a great prophet, and preached the truth and God’s message in his country. Later he traveled to Syria, Palestine and Egypt.

When a beautiful son was born to his wife Hagar, he was ordered by Allah to travel towards Mecca along with his wife and the little child, whose name was Ishmael or Ismail. They all traveled for a long time till they reached a lonely, barren valley, near two small hills called Safa and Marwa. Abraham asked his wife to stay near one of the hills along with the little Ishmael, and started to go away. But his wife protested "Why are you leaving us alone here? Are you leaving us here to die?"

But Abraham replied, "My Lord has commanded me to do this." Then Hagar, breathing a sigh of relief, said: "If Allah has ordered you to do so, then He will not let us die."

After a while, baby Ishmael began to cry for want of water. But there was not a single drop of water to drink. Hagar ran helplessly from one hill to another, but there was no water, nor any human being to give her water. As the baby was crying desperately with thirst and the mother was running from one mountain to another, Allah caused a miracle—a spring gushed forth beneath the feet of Ishmael.

When Hagar saw this from a distance, she shouted "Zam-zam (stay, stay!)." Hagar came running and gave some fresh spring water to the thirsty child to drink. And so his life was saved. This spring later on became famous as Zamzam.

Ishmael and his mother begin to live in the valley and because of the Zamzam spring more people gradually came to settle in the valley, slowly building up a small town, which was later called Mecca.

From time to time Abraham would visit Mecca to meet his family, especially to see his young Ishmael, growing up in the beautiful surroundings of nature—in a lovely valley surrounded by hills, away from the crowded city—away from people of the city who at that time were mostly idol-worshippers.

One night, Abraham dreamt that he was sacrificing his son, Ishmael. This was an order from his Lord. His son was still a child, but Abraham told him about his dream. Ishmael was a brave boy. He was ready to obey the command of God, who had created him. So, without hesitating, he said to his father, "Do what you are commanded, father. Godwilling, you will find me one of the steadfast."

Abraham took his son away to sacrifice him. As he reached a place, which is now known as Mina—a valley near Mecca—Satan appeared and tried to dissuade him. Abraham picked up a few small stones and threw them at Satan.

As Abraham took a knife to sacrifice Ishmael, Allah sent the angel Gabriel (Jibril) with a ram. "Sacrifice this ram. Do not sacrifice Ishmael," said Gabriel to Abraham. Allah was so pleased with this act—the readiness of Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son, that He commanded the believers to observe this day as Id al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice. Every year Muslims sacrifice an animal in remembrance of the great act of Abraham.

Ishmael grew up a strong and loving youth. Abraham and Ishmael were ordered by Allah to build the House of God—the Kabah in Mecca. Both took stones from the nearby hills and started building the Kabah. As they laid the foundation, they prayed, "Our Lord, accept this from us! You are the All-hearing, the All-seeing." They also prayed for a prophet to be born in their family who would teach wisdom to the people and purify their faith. Their prayer was answered many years later, when the Prophet Muhammad was born to their descendants.

Abraham was ordered by God to clean the Kabah for those who come there to pray, and to call people to Hajj: "Call all people to make the Pilgrimage, they shall come to you on foot and on the backs of swift camels; they shall come from every deep ravine."

And so Allah made it obligatory for every Muslim male and female to go for Hajj once in a lifetime, provided their means and health and wealth. Since then believers from every part of the world go to perform Hajj to fulfill the command of their Lord and to remember the great act of the Prophet Abraham.

Marry singles among you

Marriage is a union of souls, in the deepest sense that Allah (God) joins these two souls together so that they may enjoy tranquility and stability in a marital home filled with sincere love and compassionate mercy.

Allah says in Quran

"Among His Signs Is That He Created Companion (Partner,Spouse) For You From Among Yourself, So That You May Find Tranquility With Them, And (He) Set Love And Mercy Between You. Surely In This Are Signs For People Who Reflect" (30:21).

The Necessity of Marriage from Youth

Allah created man in a manner that he is incomplete and imperfect without a spouse. Man may upgrade his knowledge, faith and excellencies, but he shall never reach the desired perfectness if he does not get a spouse. (Be it man or woman). Nothing can substitute marriage and the raising of a family. Male and female sexes need each other both from spiritual as well as physical points of view. And each of them is incomplete and imperfect when alone and in solitude. And when they get placed beside each other, they complete each other. This is the law of creation and it commands all the universe. The function of marriage and family is emphasized in the Quran in a number of ways.

At another place, the relationship between the spouses has been described as that between "the body and the garment"

{They are dress for you and you are dress (Libas in arabi) for them.} (Al-Baqarah 2: 187)

That is to say, they are the completive, counterpart, and the guard of each other's honour and secrets, and each one needs the other.

Marriage is one of the most important acts of worship in Islam.

Allah says in the Qur'an:

Marry off those amongst you who are not married (single or people who don't have a spoue) and marry those who are capable of marrying from your male and female slaves. If they are poor (then don't worry) Allah will enrich them out of His grace, Allah (God) is ample giving and All-knowing) . And let those who find not the financial means for marriage keep themselves chaste, until Allah enriches them of His Bounty (Chapter 24 Sura Noor, Verse 32-33)

Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) has said:

“O young men! Whoever is able to marry should marry, for that will help him to lower his gaze and guard his modesty.” [Saheeh al-Bukhari]

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) also said:

“Nikah (marriage) is my Sunna (tradtion). He who shuns (avoids, rejects) my Sunna is not of me.” (Muslim)

Wedding of Julaybib, the Prophet's companion

....Julaybib was an orphan, deformed and extremely short. He was brutally rejected by society because the people were more concerned with his physical appearance and status than integrity.

...In addition to his physical appearance, another important factor in his mistreatment had to do with his lineage. Lineage was an essential part in the Arab society he lived in, just as it is still important today in many cases. One's lineage determined his or her status in the society. His physical appearance, and unknown lineage, made people shun and spurn him. He was an outcast which caused him much public humiliation and disgrace.

...The Prophet went to a man of the Ansar and said:

"Give me your daughter for marriage."

The man answered excitedly, "Yes, O Messenger of Allah , it would be an honor and a blessing."

For which the Prophet said, "I do not want her for myself."

The Ansari man asked, "Then for whom, O Messenger of Allah?"

And the Prophet answered, "For Julaybib."

When the Ansari man heard this, he was shocked and said, "O Messenger of Allah, let me consult her mother." So he went to the girl's mother (his wife) and told her, "The Messenger of Allah is proposing marriage for your daughter."

The wife of the Ansari seemed overjoyed and said, "Yes, it would be a pleasure."

The Ansari explained to his wife that the Prophet was not proposing to marry their daughter for himself but he is proposing on behalf of Julaybib.

His wife was almost shaken and immediately responded, "What! Julaybib? No, by Allah, we will not marry her to him."

When the Ansari prepared to leave to meet the Messenger of Allah and mentioned to him his mother's disapproval, his daughter, a pious Muslim, asked her father, "Who is asking for my hand?"

Her mother told her that the Prophet was asking her hand on behalf Julaybib.

Their daughter instantly asked them, "Are you refusing to follow the command of the Messenger of Allah? Follow his command, for I will not come to any harm."

The following day the marriage was in place, Uthman and Ali, two of the Prophet's Companions, presented Julaybib a gift of money to help arrange the wedding reception, and to purchase necessary accommodation.

So the Prophet married the beautiful daughter of the Ansari to Julaybib who was once rejected by the whole society. The attitude of the daughter of the Ansari was that of a true believer.

The daughter's attitude shows her confidence of a Muslim woman who could not be influenced by the whims of the society. Unlike the parent's of today's world who are more concerned about status and money, her parents' reaction to her approval explains how Islam does not pressure a woman nor does it disregard her right to choose her husband.

Islam gave the happiness Julaybib deserved and he lived happily together with his beautiful wife until he was martyred.

....After a battle, the Prophet asked his Companions:

"Is anyone missing amongst you?"

They said: "So and so and so."

He asked them again: "Is there anyone missing amongst you?"

They answered: "So and so and so."

He asked them for the third time: "Is there anyone missing amongst you?"

They said: "No."

Thereupon the Prophet said:

"But I see that Julaybib is missing."

The Companions searched for him amongst those who had been killed and found him by the side of seven enemies whom he had killed. He had been killed. The Prophet came there and stood by his body and said:

"He killed seven people. Then his opponents killed him. He is mine and I am his."

He then placed him upon his hands and there was none else to lift him but the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Then the grave was dug for him and he was placed in it.

His life is an example and hope for human souls which are filled with desolation.

Reference: http://www.jannah.org , islamonline. net

Lessons from the story

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) advice regarding the choice of a spouse
The above story is the practical example of given Hadeeths.

The most comprehensive advice given regarding the choice of a spouse is the teaching of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) who said, on the authority of Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him),

"A woman is married for four things: her wealth, her family status, her beauty, and her religion. So you should marry the religious (pious) woman (otherwise) you will be losers." (Al-Bukhari, Book 62, hadith 27).

A Poor Pious Man is a Better Marriage Suitor than a Rich Man Who is Not Pious

Hadith - Bukhari 7.28,

Narrated Sahl A man passed by Allah's Apostle and Allah's Apostle asked (his companions) "What do you say about this (man)?"

They replied, "If he asks for a lady's hand, he ought to be given her in marriage; and if he intercedes (for someone) his intercessor should be accepted; and if he speaks, he should be listened to."

Allah's Apostle kept silent, and then a man from among the poor Muslims passed by, an Allah's Apostle asked (them)

"What do you say about this man?"

They replied, "If he asks for a lady's hand in marriage he does not deserve to be married, and he intercedes (for someone), his intercession should not be accepted; And if he speaks, he should not be listened to."

Allah's Apostle corrected the companions and said, "This poor man is better than so many of the first as filling the earth."

Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi #3090, Narrated Abu Hurairah, r.a.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, 'When someone with whose religion and character you are satisfied asks your daughter in marriage, accede to his request. If you do not do so, there will be temptation on Earth and extensive corruption.' [Tirmidhi, Nasa'i and Ibn Majah]

As Muslims, we believe that Allah wants the best for us, and that His Prophet (saws) illustrated this through his own life. So note that by following the advise of our own Creator, and that of His beloved servant, we can only be successful.

Dua for bride and bridegroom

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 Rabb! Make our Life Partners (spouse) and our Children to be the Comfort (joy) of our Eyes , and make us Leaders of the Righteous ...Sura 25 Al-Furqan Verse 74 Amen