Tafsir ibn kathir: Allah said, `O Children of Israel! Remember how I blessed you with miracle of the cow that was the means for discovering the identity of the murderer, when the murdered man was brought back to life'
Ibn Abi Hatim recorded `Ubaydah As-Salmani saying, "There was a man from among the Children of Israel who was impotent. He had substantial wealth, and only a nephew who would inherit from him. So his nephew killed him and moved his body at night, placing it at the doorstep of a certain man. The next morning, the nephew cried out for revenge, and the people took up their weapons and almost fought each other. The wise men among them said, `Why would you kill each other, while the Messenger of Allah is still among you' So they went to Musa and mentioned the matter to him and Musa said
(Suratul Baqarah: 67-74)
Verse 67: When Musa said to his people, Allah commands you to slaughter a cow., they said, .Are you making fun of us?. He said, I seek refuge with Allah from being one of the ignorant.
Verse 68: They said, Pray for us to your Lord that He makes it clear to us what sort (of cow) should she be.. He said, He says she should be a cow neither too old, nor too young - of some middle age in between. Now, do what you are being asked to do.
Verse 69: They said, Pray for us to your Lord that He makes it clear to us of what colour it should be.. He said: He says that she should be a yellow cow, rich yellow in her colour that should please the onlookers.
Verse 70: They said, Pray for us to your Lord that He makes it clear to us of what sort should she be, for this cow has made us confused and, if Allah wills, We shall certainly take the right course.
Verse 71: He said, He says that it should be a cow which is not tractable for tilling the soil or in watering the fields, (and it should be) sound and without blemish.. They said, Now, you have come up with the right description.. Then they slaughtered her, although it appeared that they would not do it.
Verse 72: And when you killed a man, and started putting the blame for it on one another, while Allah was to bring forth what ye did hide
Verse 73: So, We said, Strike him with a part of it (the cow) "Thus Allah bringeth the dead to life and He shows you His signs, so that you may understand.
Tafsir, Al-`Awfi said that Ibn `Abbas said, "When the dead man was struck with a part of the cow, he stood up and became more alive than he ever was. He was asked, `Who killed you' He said, `My nephews killed me.' He then died again. His nephews said, after Allah took his life away, `By Allah! We did not kill him' and denied the truth while they knew it. Allah said,
Verse 74: When, even after that, your hearts were hardened, as if they were rocks, or still worse in hardness. For surely among the rocks there are some from which rivers gush forth, and there are others that crack open and water flows from them, and there are still others that fall down in fear of Allah. And Allah is not unaware of what you do.
Jazakallahu Khairahn!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Cheating and Deception are Grave Sins
A MUSLIM society is based on purity of feeling, love, sincerity toward every Muslim, and fulfillment of promises to every member of society. Its members are endowed with piety, truthfulness, and faithfulness. Cheating and deception are alien characters in contrast to the noble character of a true Muslim. There is no room in it for swindlers, double-crossers, tricksters or traitors.
Islam views cheating and deception as heinous sins, a source of shame to the one guilty of committing them, both in this world and the next.
The Prophet (pbuh) did not merely denounce them by excluding them from the Muslim community in this world, he also announced that on the Day of Judgment every traitor would be raised carrying the banner announcing his betrayal. A caller will cry out from the vast arena of judgment, pointing to him, drawing attention to him:
“Every traitor will have a banner on the Day of Resurrection and it will be said: This is the betrayer of so-and-so.” -Saheeh Al-Bukhari
The shame of traitors – men and women – will be immense. Those who thought that their betrayal had been forgotten will find it right there, exposed for the whole world to see on banners raised high and held by their own hands!
Their shame will increase even more when they meet with the Prophet of Mercy on that Day. Their crime is of such enormity that it will deprive them of divine mercy and the Prophet’s intercession. The Prophet (pbuh) said:
“Allah said: There are three whom I will oppose on the Day of Resurrection: a man who gave his word and then did not keep it; a man who sold a free man into slavery and kept the money; and a man who hired someone, benefited from his labor, then did not pay his wages.” -Sahih Al-Bukhari
One should steer clear of all forms of deceit and deception present in today’s society. Cheating is common in examinations, business transactions, and even between spouses and loved ones. Placing a label on domestically-made products to make it seem that it is imported is a kind of fraud. Some people give wrong advice when their counsel is sought and thus deceive the person who believes he is getting good advice. An employee should do the job he is paid for without any deception or cheating.
Rulers rig the ballot to win elections and cheat the whole nation. Cheating between relations, giving a word of marriage and not living it up decieving the trust/promise of a man/woman, cheating spouses and having extra-marital affairs is widespread in modern society.
A Muslim should value himself too highly to be among those who cheat or deceive perchance that one might fall in the category of hypocrites about whom the Prophet (pbuh) said:
“There are four characteristics, whoever has all of them is a true hypocrite, and whoever has one of them has one of the qualities of a hypocrite until he gives it up: when he is given trust, he betrays; when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he disputes, he resorts to slander.” -Sahih Al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim
Therefore, a Muslim who has true Islamic sensitivities avoids deceit, cheating, treachery, and lying no matter what benefits or profits such activities might bring him, because Islam considers those guilty of such deeds to be hypocrites.
May Allah Guide us all, For Alhamdulilah, He knows the Best!
JazakAllahu Khairahn
Islam views cheating and deception as heinous sins, a source of shame to the one guilty of committing them, both in this world and the next.
The Prophet (pbuh) did not merely denounce them by excluding them from the Muslim community in this world, he also announced that on the Day of Judgment every traitor would be raised carrying the banner announcing his betrayal. A caller will cry out from the vast arena of judgment, pointing to him, drawing attention to him:
“Every traitor will have a banner on the Day of Resurrection and it will be said: This is the betrayer of so-and-so.” -Saheeh Al-Bukhari
The shame of traitors – men and women – will be immense. Those who thought that their betrayal had been forgotten will find it right there, exposed for the whole world to see on banners raised high and held by their own hands!
Their shame will increase even more when they meet with the Prophet of Mercy on that Day. Their crime is of such enormity that it will deprive them of divine mercy and the Prophet’s intercession. The Prophet (pbuh) said:
“Allah said: There are three whom I will oppose on the Day of Resurrection: a man who gave his word and then did not keep it; a man who sold a free man into slavery and kept the money; and a man who hired someone, benefited from his labor, then did not pay his wages.” -Sahih Al-Bukhari
One should steer clear of all forms of deceit and deception present in today’s society. Cheating is common in examinations, business transactions, and even between spouses and loved ones. Placing a label on domestically-made products to make it seem that it is imported is a kind of fraud. Some people give wrong advice when their counsel is sought and thus deceive the person who believes he is getting good advice. An employee should do the job he is paid for without any deception or cheating.
Rulers rig the ballot to win elections and cheat the whole nation. Cheating between relations, giving a word of marriage and not living it up decieving the trust/promise of a man/woman, cheating spouses and having extra-marital affairs is widespread in modern society.
A Muslim should value himself too highly to be among those who cheat or deceive perchance that one might fall in the category of hypocrites about whom the Prophet (pbuh) said:
“There are four characteristics, whoever has all of them is a true hypocrite, and whoever has one of them has one of the qualities of a hypocrite until he gives it up: when he is given trust, he betrays; when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he disputes, he resorts to slander.” -Sahih Al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim
Therefore, a Muslim who has true Islamic sensitivities avoids deceit, cheating, treachery, and lying no matter what benefits or profits such activities might bring him, because Islam considers those guilty of such deeds to be hypocrites.
May Allah Guide us all, For Alhamdulilah, He knows the Best!
JazakAllahu Khairahn
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Recitation of the Glorious Al-Qur’an:
Dear all,
Have you heard the Glorious Qur'an recited in the way it has to be recited?
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, "Allah does not listen so attentively to anything as He listens to the recitation of the Qur'an by a Prophet who recites well with a melodious and audible voice’’
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
"Allah does not listen so attentively'' has two- fold meanings. First, Allah's acceptance and pleasure. Second, His attribute of Hearing. One must have to believe in it although we can neither describe it nor compare it with anything else.
The word "Ghina'' is ordinarily used for singing but here it means the recitation which is done in accordance with the principles of Tajwid and in a beautiful voice.
Thus, this Hadith induces us to recite the Qur'an properly with nice feeling and voice.
Alhamdulilah, here are the most wonderful links that one can follow:
The Following are the most valuable links that can be followed:
http://www.tanzil.net/
http://www.bait-ul-quran.org/
http://www.islamicity.com/QuranSearch/
Learn the Tajwid of the Glorious Al-Qur'an..
Abu Lubabah Bashir bin `Abdul-Mundhir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, He who does not recite the Qur'an in a pleasant tone is not of us.''
[Abu Dawud]
The words "is not of us'' mean that he is not following the way of the Prophet (PBUH) with regard to the recitation of the Qur'an. This Hadith also induces us to recite the Qur'an with a sweet and touching voice because the recitation of the Qur'an in this manner enhances its effect.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Believers! Who will be your saviour on the day of resurrection? Mother, Father, Sister/Brother, Husband/Wife Children? None is the answer!
Believers! Its only the Glorious Qur'an.. which is your world and the hereafter, the book which is your strength, pillar and escort when you stand helpless in front of your Lord!
What hasn't Allah taught us in the Qur'an, He has taught us "What is Life on this Earth" and "What is life hereafter" it clearly states that Life on this earth is an amusement, an exam to pass, for the reward lies in the Heareafter!
Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, “Read the Qur'an, for it will come as an intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection”
[Muslim]
The Hadith above tells the excellence of reciting the Qur'an and acting upon its injunctions. Intercession (in this Hadath) means that the Qur'an will be endowed with the power of speech by Allah and it will request Allah to forgive the sins of its reciters who acted upon its teachings. Allah will accept the request of the Qur'an.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Who will fight for you in your defence with Allah to save you on the Day of Resurrection? None! They are the two wonderful Surahs Surah Al-Baqarah and Surah Al-Imran..
An-Nawwas bin Sam`an (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, “The Qur'an and its people who applied it, will be brought on the Day of Resurrection preceded with Surat Al-Baqarah and Surat Al-`Imran arguing on behalf of those who applied them”
[Muslim]
The above Hadith means that on the Day of Requital, the Qur'an, with Surat Al-Baqarah and Al-`Imran in the forefront, will intercede before Allah for those who used to recite and act upon them in the life of the world.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur'an and teaches it.''
[Al-Bukhari]
Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “The one who is proficient in the recitation of the Qur'an will be with the honourable and obedient scribes (angels) and he who recites the Qur'an and finds it difficult to recite, doing his best to recite it in the best way possible, will have a double reward”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Proficient here means one who reads the Qur'an in accordance with the rules of "Ilm At-Tajwid'' (the science of the recitation of the Qur'an)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recite Qur'an and act upon it, Allah grants you the Highest Ranks among his slaves.
Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said “The believer who recites the Qur'an is like a citron whose fragrance is sweet and whose taste is delicious. A believer who does not recite the Qur'an is like a date-fruit which has no fragrance but has a sweet taste. The hypocrite who recites the Qur'an is like a colocynth whose fragrance is so sweet, but its taste is bitter. The hypocrite who does not recite the Qur'an is like basil which has no fragrance and its taste is bitter”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
This Hadith tells us that a believer who recites the Qur'an and acts upon it, Allah will grant him a high rank. He is loved by Allah and also enjoys public esteem. The believer who does not recite it but acts upon its teachings is also loved by Allah and people. The hypocrite who recites the Qur'an to have a good show has an evil and dark mind. The last one states that the hypocrite who does not recite the Qur'an and has a dark mind and appearance.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Al-Bara' bin `Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: A man was reciting Surat Al-Kahf, and a horse was tied with two ropes beside him. As he was reciting, a cloud overshadowed him, and as it began to come nearer and nearer, the horse began to trample violently. The man came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) in the morning and mentioned the incident to him. He (PBUH) said, “That was tranquility which descended as a result of the recitation of the Qur'an”
The above Hadith brings out two points. Firstly, the excellence of Surat Al-Kahf (The Cave, No. 18). Secondly, the descending of tranquility from Allah on the pious persons. The appearance of a cloud for the tranquility of heart on the recitation of the Qur'an is a supernatural event (miracle) to which a pious man does not make any contribution. It entirely depends on the Will of Allah.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recite the Glorious Al-Qur'an and gather good deeds as much as you can, for you never get good deeds in your pocket easily!
Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah, he will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a ten-fold reward. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is one letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter”
[At-Tirmidhi]
The above Hadith urges us to recite the Qur'an and also mentions the great reward for reciting it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Believers! Do not ruin your houses because of arrogance!
Recite and learn Qur'an by heart when Allah has given you the strength to learn so much of duniya, you tend to learn the good and the bad, you grasp things so easily when it comes to learning movie dialogues to the lyrics of songs, which are Haraam on you, try to read the book, by heart the portions of Qur'an and keep reciting them for the Ajr is always Multifold!
Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "He who does not memorize any part from the Qur'an he is like the ruined house’’
[At-Tirmidhi]
The above Hadith means that the heart of that Muslim is devoid of grace of spiritualism and Grace of Allah who does not remember by heart any portion of the Qur'an, in the same way as a deserted house is deprived of inhabitants and Blessings of Allah. What we learn from this is that every Muslim must remember some portion of the Qur'an so that he is safe from the admonition mentioned in this Hadith.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Treasure the Gift Allah has blessed you with! How many among us all, become a Huffaz, it is only the very few whom Allah blesses with the Gift of Ilm that they learn the Glorious Qur'an:
Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "The one who was devoted to the the Qur'an will be told on the Day of Resurrection: `Recite and ascend (in ranks) as you used to recite when you were in the world. Your rank will be at the last Ayah you recite”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi]
The above Hadith mentions the merit of those who commit the Qur'an (whole or part thereof) to memory (Huffaz). The word `ascend' here means to rise in ranks in the Jannah. The more one remembers the Qur'an, the more clear and distinct is his recitation of it, the higher would be the status that he will go on attaining through its blessings. Thus, this Hadith provides inducement for the remembrance of the Qur'an and tells us that its frequent recitation is a means to attain higher ranks in Jannah.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Safeguard the most valuable gift Allah has blessed Human Beings with!
Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Read the Qur'an regularly. By the One in Whose Hand Muhammad's soul is, it escapes from memory faster than a camel does from its tying ropes’’
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
To safeguard the Qur'an means to recite it regularly, because if one fails to do so, he tends to forget it quickly. In the absence of regular recitation, one is bound to forget it more quickly than a camel breaks loose bound with. The breaking loose by the camel to liberate itself is a simile for the quick process of forgetting.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "The parable of one who knows the Qur'an by heart is as the parable of an owner of hobbled camel. If he remains vigilant, he will retain it; and if he neglects it, it will go away''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
The above Hadith repeats the subject mentioned above. The person who memorizes the entire Qur'an or a portion of it, if he recites it regularly, he will retain it; otherwise, it will start slipping from his memory.
Jazakallahu Khairahn Khateerahn!
Have you heard the Glorious Qur'an recited in the way it has to be recited?
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, "Allah does not listen so attentively to anything as He listens to the recitation of the Qur'an by a Prophet who recites well with a melodious and audible voice’’
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
"Allah does not listen so attentively'' has two- fold meanings. First, Allah's acceptance and pleasure. Second, His attribute of Hearing. One must have to believe in it although we can neither describe it nor compare it with anything else.
The word "Ghina'' is ordinarily used for singing but here it means the recitation which is done in accordance with the principles of Tajwid and in a beautiful voice.
Thus, this Hadith induces us to recite the Qur'an properly with nice feeling and voice.
Alhamdulilah, here are the most wonderful links that one can follow:
The Following are the most valuable links that can be followed:
http://www.tanzil.net/
http://www.bait-ul-quran.org/
http://www.islamicity.com/QuranSearch/
Learn the Tajwid of the Glorious Al-Qur'an..
Abu Lubabah Bashir bin `Abdul-Mundhir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, He who does not recite the Qur'an in a pleasant tone is not of us.''
[Abu Dawud]
The words "is not of us'' mean that he is not following the way of the Prophet (PBUH) with regard to the recitation of the Qur'an. This Hadith also induces us to recite the Qur'an with a sweet and touching voice because the recitation of the Qur'an in this manner enhances its effect.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Believers! Who will be your saviour on the day of resurrection? Mother, Father, Sister/Brother, Husband/Wife Children? None is the answer!
Believers! Its only the Glorious Qur'an.. which is your world and the hereafter, the book which is your strength, pillar and escort when you stand helpless in front of your Lord!
What hasn't Allah taught us in the Qur'an, He has taught us "What is Life on this Earth" and "What is life hereafter" it clearly states that Life on this earth is an amusement, an exam to pass, for the reward lies in the Heareafter!
Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, “Read the Qur'an, for it will come as an intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection”
[Muslim]
The Hadith above tells the excellence of reciting the Qur'an and acting upon its injunctions. Intercession (in this Hadath) means that the Qur'an will be endowed with the power of speech by Allah and it will request Allah to forgive the sins of its reciters who acted upon its teachings. Allah will accept the request of the Qur'an.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Who will fight for you in your defence with Allah to save you on the Day of Resurrection? None! They are the two wonderful Surahs Surah Al-Baqarah and Surah Al-Imran..
An-Nawwas bin Sam`an (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, “The Qur'an and its people who applied it, will be brought on the Day of Resurrection preceded with Surat Al-Baqarah and Surat Al-`Imran arguing on behalf of those who applied them”
[Muslim]
The above Hadith means that on the Day of Requital, the Qur'an, with Surat Al-Baqarah and Al-`Imran in the forefront, will intercede before Allah for those who used to recite and act upon them in the life of the world.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur'an and teaches it.''
[Al-Bukhari]
Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “The one who is proficient in the recitation of the Qur'an will be with the honourable and obedient scribes (angels) and he who recites the Qur'an and finds it difficult to recite, doing his best to recite it in the best way possible, will have a double reward”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Proficient here means one who reads the Qur'an in accordance with the rules of "Ilm At-Tajwid'' (the science of the recitation of the Qur'an)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recite Qur'an and act upon it, Allah grants you the Highest Ranks among his slaves.
Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said “The believer who recites the Qur'an is like a citron whose fragrance is sweet and whose taste is delicious. A believer who does not recite the Qur'an is like a date-fruit which has no fragrance but has a sweet taste. The hypocrite who recites the Qur'an is like a colocynth whose fragrance is so sweet, but its taste is bitter. The hypocrite who does not recite the Qur'an is like basil which has no fragrance and its taste is bitter”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
This Hadith tells us that a believer who recites the Qur'an and acts upon it, Allah will grant him a high rank. He is loved by Allah and also enjoys public esteem. The believer who does not recite it but acts upon its teachings is also loved by Allah and people. The hypocrite who recites the Qur'an to have a good show has an evil and dark mind. The last one states that the hypocrite who does not recite the Qur'an and has a dark mind and appearance.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Al-Bara' bin `Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: A man was reciting Surat Al-Kahf, and a horse was tied with two ropes beside him. As he was reciting, a cloud overshadowed him, and as it began to come nearer and nearer, the horse began to trample violently. The man came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) in the morning and mentioned the incident to him. He (PBUH) said, “That was tranquility which descended as a result of the recitation of the Qur'an”
The above Hadith brings out two points. Firstly, the excellence of Surat Al-Kahf (The Cave, No. 18). Secondly, the descending of tranquility from Allah on the pious persons. The appearance of a cloud for the tranquility of heart on the recitation of the Qur'an is a supernatural event (miracle) to which a pious man does not make any contribution. It entirely depends on the Will of Allah.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recite the Glorious Al-Qur'an and gather good deeds as much as you can, for you never get good deeds in your pocket easily!
Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah, he will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a ten-fold reward. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is one letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter”
[At-Tirmidhi]
The above Hadith urges us to recite the Qur'an and also mentions the great reward for reciting it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Believers! Do not ruin your houses because of arrogance!
Recite and learn Qur'an by heart when Allah has given you the strength to learn so much of duniya, you tend to learn the good and the bad, you grasp things so easily when it comes to learning movie dialogues to the lyrics of songs, which are Haraam on you, try to read the book, by heart the portions of Qur'an and keep reciting them for the Ajr is always Multifold!
Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "He who does not memorize any part from the Qur'an he is like the ruined house’’
[At-Tirmidhi]
The above Hadith means that the heart of that Muslim is devoid of grace of spiritualism and Grace of Allah who does not remember by heart any portion of the Qur'an, in the same way as a deserted house is deprived of inhabitants and Blessings of Allah. What we learn from this is that every Muslim must remember some portion of the Qur'an so that he is safe from the admonition mentioned in this Hadith.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Treasure the Gift Allah has blessed you with! How many among us all, become a Huffaz, it is only the very few whom Allah blesses with the Gift of Ilm that they learn the Glorious Qur'an:
Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "The one who was devoted to the the Qur'an will be told on the Day of Resurrection: `Recite and ascend (in ranks) as you used to recite when you were in the world. Your rank will be at the last Ayah you recite”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi]
The above Hadith mentions the merit of those who commit the Qur'an (whole or part thereof) to memory (Huffaz). The word `ascend' here means to rise in ranks in the Jannah. The more one remembers the Qur'an, the more clear and distinct is his recitation of it, the higher would be the status that he will go on attaining through its blessings. Thus, this Hadith provides inducement for the remembrance of the Qur'an and tells us that its frequent recitation is a means to attain higher ranks in Jannah.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Safeguard the most valuable gift Allah has blessed Human Beings with!
Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Read the Qur'an regularly. By the One in Whose Hand Muhammad's soul is, it escapes from memory faster than a camel does from its tying ropes’’
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
To safeguard the Qur'an means to recite it regularly, because if one fails to do so, he tends to forget it quickly. In the absence of regular recitation, one is bound to forget it more quickly than a camel breaks loose bound with. The breaking loose by the camel to liberate itself is a simile for the quick process of forgetting.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "The parable of one who knows the Qur'an by heart is as the parable of an owner of hobbled camel. If he remains vigilant, he will retain it; and if he neglects it, it will go away''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
The above Hadith repeats the subject mentioned above. The person who memorizes the entire Qur'an or a portion of it, if he recites it regularly, he will retain it; otherwise, it will start slipping from his memory.
Jazakallahu Khairahn Khateerahn!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
An Orphans Eid
It was the day of celebration and a day of rejoicing. There was an air of festivity in the streets of Medina. All the people, both young and old were dressed in their best clothes, especially for this special day of Ramadhan Eid.
As it was time for early morning Ramadan Eid prayers everyone made their way to an open piece of land on the outskirts of the city of Medina.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) arrived and led the prayers. After they had finished they all greeted each other and everyone was walking back home. The children running and playing in excitement, smiling and laughing, without a care in the world.
As Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) walked back home, he suddenly became aware of a little boy sitting by himself on the side of the path.
The little boy was crying and looked very sad.
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) bent down and patted him on the shoulders and asked "why are you crying?"
"Please leave me alone" sobbed the little boy.
The boy didnt even see who was talking to him.
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) ran his fingers through the boys hair and very gently and kindly asked him again why he was crying.
This time the boy said, "My father was martyred fighting, and now my mother has married again and my stepfather does not want me to live at home any more. Today is Ramadan Eid and everyone is happy. All the children have new clothes and nice things to eat, but I don't have any clothes except what I am wearing. I have no food and I dont even have a place to live"
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said to him, "I know how you feel, I lost both my mother and father when I was a little boy."
The boy was surprised to hear that it was an orphan who was comforting him, and when he looked up to his great surprise it was the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and he immediately jumped up to his feet out of love and respect.
Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) was the benefactor of mankind. He felt sorrowful on listening to the pitiable tale of the boy.
He patted him affectionately and asked, “Would you like to have me as your father, Aisha (R) as your mother, Ali (R) as your uncle and Hasan (R) and Husain (R) as your brothers?”
The boy was dumb-founded for a moment.
Then he said, “Why not, Oh Rasoolullah?”
After that, Rasoolullah (Pbuh) took the boy to his house. Hazrat Aisha (R) felt happy to see the boy. She gave him a cold water bath, dressed him up in new clothes and fed him to his heart’ content.
The boys happiness knew no bounds. He ran out of the house to join and play with other children. The boys quizzed him, “You were so dirty a short while ago. How come you are so well-dressed and happy now.”
The boy replied! “I was hungry and thirsty. Rasulullah (Pbuh) fed me. I was an orphan, but now, Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) is my father and Hazrat Aisha is my mother. I am no longer an orphan.” When the boys listened to his detailed account, they gasped and exclaimed with one voice, “Oh lord! Had our parents got killed in the Jihad, we would have also got such humane parents.”
Really, Eid seemed to be much more pleasant to the boy, who had got new parents.
Moral: We should think of others that are less fortunate than ourselves on this beautiful day of Ramadan Eid.
Not everyone has such a wonderful day.
It is a day of celebration, but take a moment to stop and think of those who are less fortunate than ourselves by following the Sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
As it was time for early morning Ramadan Eid prayers everyone made their way to an open piece of land on the outskirts of the city of Medina.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) arrived and led the prayers. After they had finished they all greeted each other and everyone was walking back home. The children running and playing in excitement, smiling and laughing, without a care in the world.
As Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) walked back home, he suddenly became aware of a little boy sitting by himself on the side of the path.
The little boy was crying and looked very sad.
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) bent down and patted him on the shoulders and asked "why are you crying?"
"Please leave me alone" sobbed the little boy.
The boy didnt even see who was talking to him.
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) ran his fingers through the boys hair and very gently and kindly asked him again why he was crying.
This time the boy said, "My father was martyred fighting, and now my mother has married again and my stepfather does not want me to live at home any more. Today is Ramadan Eid and everyone is happy. All the children have new clothes and nice things to eat, but I don't have any clothes except what I am wearing. I have no food and I dont even have a place to live"
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said to him, "I know how you feel, I lost both my mother and father when I was a little boy."
The boy was surprised to hear that it was an orphan who was comforting him, and when he looked up to his great surprise it was the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and he immediately jumped up to his feet out of love and respect.
Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) was the benefactor of mankind. He felt sorrowful on listening to the pitiable tale of the boy.
He patted him affectionately and asked, “Would you like to have me as your father, Aisha (R) as your mother, Ali (R) as your uncle and Hasan (R) and Husain (R) as your brothers?”
The boy was dumb-founded for a moment.
Then he said, “Why not, Oh Rasoolullah?”
After that, Rasoolullah (Pbuh) took the boy to his house. Hazrat Aisha (R) felt happy to see the boy. She gave him a cold water bath, dressed him up in new clothes and fed him to his heart’ content.
The boys happiness knew no bounds. He ran out of the house to join and play with other children. The boys quizzed him, “You were so dirty a short while ago. How come you are so well-dressed and happy now.”
The boy replied! “I was hungry and thirsty. Rasulullah (Pbuh) fed me. I was an orphan, but now, Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) is my father and Hazrat Aisha is my mother. I am no longer an orphan.” When the boys listened to his detailed account, they gasped and exclaimed with one voice, “Oh lord! Had our parents got killed in the Jihad, we would have also got such humane parents.”
Really, Eid seemed to be much more pleasant to the boy, who had got new parents.
Moral: We should think of others that are less fortunate than ourselves on this beautiful day of Ramadan Eid.
Not everyone has such a wonderful day.
It is a day of celebration, but take a moment to stop and think of those who are less fortunate than ourselves by following the Sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Attention People! Somalia
Use this time to donate as much as possible, InshAllah.. Ajr will be multifold InshAllah..
http://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/East_Africa_Crisis_Appeal.aspx
Somalia and other African lands need the help of the international community. It is the need of every country to consider them as their brothers and sisters in humanity. It is possible to share food. All that they want is food; not the cars and bungalows. People are dying, while people around the globe are having fun. Every drop makes an ocean. It's WE the people who need to make a difference!!!
We..., the Rich nations: Saudi Govt, the lands of Dubai, Bahrain, Malaysia etc must join hands and take up the issue of helping those stricken by drought in Africa, as their top priority in the month of Ramadan. If the leaders of countries realize the importance of helping them, then there would be a great difference. REACH THE LEADERS with the message. You can reach them inshaallaah! My Gmail Friends I have sent out a mail, Share this message
http://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/East_Africa_Crisis_Appeal.aspx
Somalia and other African lands need the help of the international community. It is the need of every country to consider them as their brothers and sisters in humanity. It is possible to share food. All that they want is food; not the cars and bungalows. People are dying, while people around the globe are having fun. Every drop makes an ocean. It's WE the people who need to make a difference!!!
We..., the Rich nations: Saudi Govt, the lands of Dubai, Bahrain, Malaysia etc must join hands and take up the issue of helping those stricken by drought in Africa, as their top priority in the month of Ramadan. If the leaders of countries realize the importance of helping them, then there would be a great difference. REACH THE LEADERS with the message. You can reach them inshaallaah! My Gmail Friends I have sent out a mail, Share this message
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
A Girl in your Life - Your Better Half!
Tomorrow you may get a working woman, but you should marry her with these facts as well.
Here is a girl, who is as much educated as you are;
Who is earning almost as much as you do;
One, who has dreams and aspirations just as
you have because she is as human as you are;
One, who has never entered the kitchen in her life just like you or your
Sister haven't, as she was busy in studies and competing in a system
that gives no special concession to girls for their culinary achievements
One, who has lived and loved her parents & brothers & sisters, almost as
much as you do for 20-25 years of her life;
One, who has bravely agreed to leave behind all that, her home, people who love her, to adopt your home, your family, your ways and even your family name
One, who is somehow expected to be a master-chef from day #1, while you sleep oblivious to her predicament in her new circumstances, environment and that kitchen
One, who is expected to make the tea, first thing in the morning and cook
food at the end of the day even if she is as tired as you are maybe more
and yet never ever expected to complain; to be a servant, a cook, a mother,
a wife, even if she doesn't want to; and is learning just like you are as
to what you want from her; and is clumsy and sloppy at times and knows that you won't like it if she is too demanding, or if she learns faster than you;
One, who has her own set of friends, and that includes boys and even men at her workplace too those who she knows from school days and yet is willing to put all that on the back-burners to avoid your irrational jealousy, unnecessary competition and your inherent insecurities;
One, who can be late from work once in a while when deadlines, just like yours are to be met;
One, who is doing her level best and wants to make this most important,
relationship in her entire life a grand success, if you just help her some and trust her;
One, who just wants one thing from you, as you are the only one she knows in your entire house - your unstinted support, your sensitivities and most importantly - your understanding or love if you may call it.
But not many guys understand this......
Please appreciate "HER" Allah's Delicate and Beautiful Creation she is!!!
Here is a girl, who is as much educated as you are;
Who is earning almost as much as you do;
One, who has dreams and aspirations just as
you have because she is as human as you are;
One, who has never entered the kitchen in her life just like you or your
Sister haven't, as she was busy in studies and competing in a system
that gives no special concession to girls for their culinary achievements
One, who has lived and loved her parents & brothers & sisters, almost as
much as you do for 20-25 years of her life;
One, who has bravely agreed to leave behind all that, her home, people who love her, to adopt your home, your family, your ways and even your family name
One, who is somehow expected to be a master-chef from day #1, while you sleep oblivious to her predicament in her new circumstances, environment and that kitchen
One, who is expected to make the tea, first thing in the morning and cook
food at the end of the day even if she is as tired as you are maybe more
and yet never ever expected to complain; to be a servant, a cook, a mother,
a wife, even if she doesn't want to; and is learning just like you are as
to what you want from her; and is clumsy and sloppy at times and knows that you won't like it if she is too demanding, or if she learns faster than you;
One, who has her own set of friends, and that includes boys and even men at her workplace too those who she knows from school days and yet is willing to put all that on the back-burners to avoid your irrational jealousy, unnecessary competition and your inherent insecurities;
One, who can be late from work once in a while when deadlines, just like yours are to be met;
One, who is doing her level best and wants to make this most important,
relationship in her entire life a grand success, if you just help her some and trust her;
One, who just wants one thing from you, as you are the only one she knows in your entire house - your unstinted support, your sensitivities and most importantly - your understanding or love if you may call it.
But not many guys understand this......
Please appreciate "HER" Allah's Delicate and Beautiful Creation she is!!!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Ramadan Kareem - The Quran and Hadith on Ramadan
"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious).
(Fasting) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (i.e. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a poor person (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know." (2:183-84)
"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan), he must fast that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number (of days which one did not fast must be made up) from other days.
Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him" (2: 185)
THE HADITH ON FASTING
Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. And he who passes Lailat al-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven (Bukhari, Muslim).
Abu Huraira related that Rasulullah said: If anyone omits his fast even for one day in Ramadan without a concession or without being ill, then if he were to fast for the rest of his life he could not make up for it (Bukhari).
Abu Huraira related that the Prophet said: Allah the Majestic and Exalted said: "Every deed of man will receive ten to 700 times reward, except Siyam (fasting), for it is for Me and I shall reward it (as I like). There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts: one when he breaks the fast and the other when he will meet his Lord" (Muslim).
When to start fasting
Ibn Umar related that the Prophet said: Do not start fasting unless you see the new moon, and do not end fasting until you see it. If the weather is cloudy then calculate when it should appear (Bukhari, Muslim).
The Suhoor meal (which is eaten before dawn)
Anas related that Rasulullah said: Take the Suhoor meal, for there is blessing in it (Bukhari, Muslim).
Breaking your fast
Salman ibn Amir Dhabi related that the Prophet said: Break your fast with dates, or else with water, for it is pure (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi).
Fasting during a journey
Aisha related that Rasulullah was asked whether one should fast when on a journey, and he replied: Fast if you like, or postpone it if you like (Bukhari, Muslim).
Behavior while fasting
Abu Huraira related that the Prophet said: If a person does not avoid false talk and false conduct during Siyam, then Allah does not care if he abstains from food and drink (Bukhari, Muslim).
Forgetfully eating or drinking while fasting
Abu Huraira related that Rasulullah said: If anyone forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks he should complete his Siyam, for it is Allah who has fed him and given him drink (Bukhari, Muslim).
Providing for those who are breaking the fast
Zaid ibn Khalid Juhni related that the Prophet said: He who provides for the breaking of the Siyam of another person earns the same merit as the one who was observing Siyam diminishing in any way the reward of the latter (Tirmidhi).
Lailat al-Qadr
Aisha related that the Prophet said: Look for Lailat al-Qadr on an odd-numbered night during the last ten nights of Ramadan (Bukhari).
Anas ibn Malik related that Rasulullah said: When Lailat al-Qadr comes Gabriel descends with a company of angels who ask for blessings on everyone who is remembering Allah, whether they are sitting or standing (Baihaqi)
“O Allah! Guide me to have beautiful manners and characteristics, no one can guide me to beautify them except You. And turn me away from all evil actions and characteristics, no one can turn them away from me except You.”
Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us: For you are the All-Hearing, the All-knowing. (Al Qur'an 2:127)
O people just see this opreesed kids when they shout in pain:
"I am the orphan of Gaza. I am the deformed of Iraq. I am the violated of Afghanistan. I am the bombarded of Pakistan. I am the martyr of Uzbekistan. I am the catalyst of Tunisia. I am the hope of Egypt. I am the courage of Syria. I am the determination of Yemen. I am the martyr of Libya. I am the freedom of Palestine. I am the hunger striken child of Somaila!
Does anyone pray for me while celebrating Ramadan?? Let's remember them in our Duah..
JazakAllahu Khairahn Khateerahn! Ramadan Kareem to all friends/brothers/sisters/mothers/fathers and the entire Muslim Ummah :)
(Fasting) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (i.e. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a poor person (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know." (2:183-84)
"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan), he must fast that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number (of days which one did not fast must be made up) from other days.
Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him" (2: 185)
THE HADITH ON FASTING
Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. And he who passes Lailat al-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven (Bukhari, Muslim).
Abu Huraira related that Rasulullah said: If anyone omits his fast even for one day in Ramadan without a concession or without being ill, then if he were to fast for the rest of his life he could not make up for it (Bukhari).
Abu Huraira related that the Prophet said: Allah the Majestic and Exalted said: "Every deed of man will receive ten to 700 times reward, except Siyam (fasting), for it is for Me and I shall reward it (as I like). There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts: one when he breaks the fast and the other when he will meet his Lord" (Muslim).
When to start fasting
Ibn Umar related that the Prophet said: Do not start fasting unless you see the new moon, and do not end fasting until you see it. If the weather is cloudy then calculate when it should appear (Bukhari, Muslim).
The Suhoor meal (which is eaten before dawn)
Anas related that Rasulullah said: Take the Suhoor meal, for there is blessing in it (Bukhari, Muslim).
Breaking your fast
Salman ibn Amir Dhabi related that the Prophet said: Break your fast with dates, or else with water, for it is pure (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi).
Fasting during a journey
Aisha related that Rasulullah was asked whether one should fast when on a journey, and he replied: Fast if you like, or postpone it if you like (Bukhari, Muslim).
Behavior while fasting
Abu Huraira related that the Prophet said: If a person does not avoid false talk and false conduct during Siyam, then Allah does not care if he abstains from food and drink (Bukhari, Muslim).
Forgetfully eating or drinking while fasting
Abu Huraira related that Rasulullah said: If anyone forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks he should complete his Siyam, for it is Allah who has fed him and given him drink (Bukhari, Muslim).
Providing for those who are breaking the fast
Zaid ibn Khalid Juhni related that the Prophet said: He who provides for the breaking of the Siyam of another person earns the same merit as the one who was observing Siyam diminishing in any way the reward of the latter (Tirmidhi).
Lailat al-Qadr
Aisha related that the Prophet said: Look for Lailat al-Qadr on an odd-numbered night during the last ten nights of Ramadan (Bukhari).
Anas ibn Malik related that Rasulullah said: When Lailat al-Qadr comes Gabriel descends with a company of angels who ask for blessings on everyone who is remembering Allah, whether they are sitting or standing (Baihaqi)
“O Allah! Guide me to have beautiful manners and characteristics, no one can guide me to beautify them except You. And turn me away from all evil actions and characteristics, no one can turn them away from me except You.”
Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us: For you are the All-Hearing, the All-knowing. (Al Qur'an 2:127)
O people just see this opreesed kids when they shout in pain:
"I am the orphan of Gaza. I am the deformed of Iraq. I am the violated of Afghanistan. I am the bombarded of Pakistan. I am the martyr of Uzbekistan. I am the catalyst of Tunisia. I am the hope of Egypt. I am the courage of Syria. I am the determination of Yemen. I am the martyr of Libya. I am the freedom of Palestine. I am the hunger striken child of Somaila!
Does anyone pray for me while celebrating Ramadan?? Let's remember them in our Duah..
JazakAllahu Khairahn Khateerahn! Ramadan Kareem to all friends/brothers/sisters/mothers/fathers and the entire Muslim Ummah :)
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Daughters: A matter of pride
Bringing up children with proper care is the primary duty of Muslim parents. Parents should not distinguish in a discriminatory manner between their male and female children when bringing them up. However, the fact remains that girls in many Muslim communities are the victims of their parents’ bias against them.
If parents have any right to be biased, it should be in favor of girls. Almighty Allah mentioned girls first before mentioning boys while referring to His sovereign control over the universe and creation of human beings in the chapter Al-Shura (Poets).
“To God belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He creates what He wills (and plans). He bestows female (offspring) upon whom He wills, and bestows male (offspring) upon whom He wills. Or He bestows both males and females, and He leaves barren whom He wills: for He is full of Knowledge and Power.” (Verses 49 & 50)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), has clearly demonstrated that a girl is not a matter of humiliation to a family. On the other hand, she is a matter of pride. A man who brings up his daughters in a proper way will be among those who have the honor of standing close to the Prophet (pbuh) on the Day of Judgment.
“Anas bin Malik reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying, ‘He, who brought up two girls properly till they grew up, he and I would come (together) (very closely) on the Day of Resurrection, and he interlaced his fingers (for explaining the point of nearness between him and that person).’” (Al-Bukhari)
In spite of such clear texts, a considerable section of Muslims in many parts of the world believe that spending money on the proper upbringing of girls, including educating them, is a waste of money.
It is also unfortunate to note that mothers in many Muslim societies, apart from aborting a female fetus, are reluctant to feed their girls properly. On the contrary, the parents struggle hard to feed their boys. Parents are also not keen to take sick girls to hospitals as they do with their sons. But this kind of discrimination between boys and girls is a gross injustice and a violation of the teachings of Islam.
In an incident narrated by Mother of Believers Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) the spiritual benefits of feeding and taking care of girl children are unequivocally clear.
“Ayesha reported: A poor woman came to me along with her two daughters. I gave her three dates. She gave a date to each of them and then she took up one date and brought that to her mouth in order to eat that, but her daughters expressed a desire to eat it. She then divided the date that she intended to eat between them. This action of the woman impressed me and I mentioned what she did to Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him). Thereupon he said: Verily Allah has assured Paradise for her, because of (this act) of her, or He has rescued her from hellfire.” (Al-Bukhari)
This Hadith shows how important girls are to parents, particularly as a means to escape the hellfire.
The sayings of the Prophet should be the only guideline for any Muslim community in any part of the world. There is no justification for any Muslim community to be influenced by any other cultural sentiments that drive people to neglect and abuse girls.
In fact the model for the relationship between a father and daughter should be the sayings of the Prophet (pbuh).
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Fathima is a part of me, so whoever angers her angers me.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)
O people Fear Allah, Life on thie earth is just an amusement and an exam to pass! To Him is your finale return.. Ever and Ever and Ever...
If parents have any right to be biased, it should be in favor of girls. Almighty Allah mentioned girls first before mentioning boys while referring to His sovereign control over the universe and creation of human beings in the chapter Al-Shura (Poets).
“To God belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He creates what He wills (and plans). He bestows female (offspring) upon whom He wills, and bestows male (offspring) upon whom He wills. Or He bestows both males and females, and He leaves barren whom He wills: for He is full of Knowledge and Power.” (Verses 49 & 50)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), has clearly demonstrated that a girl is not a matter of humiliation to a family. On the other hand, she is a matter of pride. A man who brings up his daughters in a proper way will be among those who have the honor of standing close to the Prophet (pbuh) on the Day of Judgment.
“Anas bin Malik reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying, ‘He, who brought up two girls properly till they grew up, he and I would come (together) (very closely) on the Day of Resurrection, and he interlaced his fingers (for explaining the point of nearness between him and that person).’” (Al-Bukhari)
In spite of such clear texts, a considerable section of Muslims in many parts of the world believe that spending money on the proper upbringing of girls, including educating them, is a waste of money.
It is also unfortunate to note that mothers in many Muslim societies, apart from aborting a female fetus, are reluctant to feed their girls properly. On the contrary, the parents struggle hard to feed their boys. Parents are also not keen to take sick girls to hospitals as they do with their sons. But this kind of discrimination between boys and girls is a gross injustice and a violation of the teachings of Islam.
In an incident narrated by Mother of Believers Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) the spiritual benefits of feeding and taking care of girl children are unequivocally clear.
“Ayesha reported: A poor woman came to me along with her two daughters. I gave her three dates. She gave a date to each of them and then she took up one date and brought that to her mouth in order to eat that, but her daughters expressed a desire to eat it. She then divided the date that she intended to eat between them. This action of the woman impressed me and I mentioned what she did to Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him). Thereupon he said: Verily Allah has assured Paradise for her, because of (this act) of her, or He has rescued her from hellfire.” (Al-Bukhari)
This Hadith shows how important girls are to parents, particularly as a means to escape the hellfire.
The sayings of the Prophet should be the only guideline for any Muslim community in any part of the world. There is no justification for any Muslim community to be influenced by any other cultural sentiments that drive people to neglect and abuse girls.
In fact the model for the relationship between a father and daughter should be the sayings of the Prophet (pbuh).
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Fathima is a part of me, so whoever angers her angers me.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)
O people Fear Allah, Life on thie earth is just an amusement and an exam to pass! To Him is your finale return.. Ever and Ever and Ever...
Monday, June 27, 2011
Because Khadijah asked: Alternative path to meeting Mr. Right
Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) sent someone to speak with the Prophet (peace be upon him) about marriage. She took the initiative. This also shows that a woman is strong and willing to take charge when needed. The sister has to be a real, genuine person, down to earth (for it to work).
“In general, the idea of you sending someone, respectably speaking, to inquire with tactfulness, and in a good manner – not a “I-have-a-friend-who-likes-you” mentality – with maturity and modesty, is something a mature man, ready for marriage, will appreciate.”
So why not pursue Mr. Right like Khadijah? Sadly, we have ignored this example (and others) from Islam of women sending a “messenger” to inquire on their behalf about marriage and that they were proactively involved in the marriage process.
Sisters accuse others of being desperate when they let others know they are looking to get married. Families believe that a daughter must be sought after and it is shameful for a daughter and her family to approach a man for marriage.
And so, many beautiful, smart, educated, and talented women are waiting and waiting for Mr. Right to knock on their father’s door. It’s time to re-examine our value system, and not forbid or look down upon something approved of and practiced by the best man on the face of the earth and one of the best women in human history, mother of the believers, Khadijah.
If you are ready to consider an alternative option for seeking out Mr. Right, then first, I want to mention that there are rules to this pro-active approach. Here are some guidelines to follow:
1) Never initiate something without your Wali or Mahram having complete knowledge of what is going on. This protects you and the potential Mr. Right from ending up in a situation not pleasing to Allah. You want to go through this process in a Halaal and dignified manner.
2) Send someone you trust to ask on your behalf, without initially revealing your identity. This way, you know if the brother is even available before revealing your personal information. Ask the brother how you and your Wali can contact him. But communication should always go back to your Wali or Mahram.
3) Pray Istikharah. We ask Allah to guide us multiple times everyday in our Salah. But we are blessed to have a special Du’a for decisions.
The reality is that many brothers out there do want to get married, but feel there are so many hurdles to overcome to get there. The first hurdle is fearing rejection.
Women tend to think men always have their act all put together, but they have their own batch of insecurities and fears. It may make things easier for a man to consider you when he already knows you are interested. And if he isn’t, he will be more confident in pursuing the right person for him in the future.
But what about you? Doesn’t this put you on the line to face rejection? Of course it does. You have two choices: Do nothing, and wait, and handle the challenges of just waiting, which is fine if this is the path you want to take. Or be pro-active in searching your Mr. Right and handle the challenges of asking.
We don’t sit and wait for things to come to us in any other aspect of life or worship. Marriage doesn’t have to be an exception. Because Khadijah asked, so can you.
“In general, the idea of you sending someone, respectably speaking, to inquire with tactfulness, and in a good manner – not a “I-have-a-friend-who-likes-you” mentality – with maturity and modesty, is something a mature man, ready for marriage, will appreciate.”
So why not pursue Mr. Right like Khadijah? Sadly, we have ignored this example (and others) from Islam of women sending a “messenger” to inquire on their behalf about marriage and that they were proactively involved in the marriage process.
Sisters accuse others of being desperate when they let others know they are looking to get married. Families believe that a daughter must be sought after and it is shameful for a daughter and her family to approach a man for marriage.
And so, many beautiful, smart, educated, and talented women are waiting and waiting for Mr. Right to knock on their father’s door. It’s time to re-examine our value system, and not forbid or look down upon something approved of and practiced by the best man on the face of the earth and one of the best women in human history, mother of the believers, Khadijah.
If you are ready to consider an alternative option for seeking out Mr. Right, then first, I want to mention that there are rules to this pro-active approach. Here are some guidelines to follow:
1) Never initiate something without your Wali or Mahram having complete knowledge of what is going on. This protects you and the potential Mr. Right from ending up in a situation not pleasing to Allah. You want to go through this process in a Halaal and dignified manner.
2) Send someone you trust to ask on your behalf, without initially revealing your identity. This way, you know if the brother is even available before revealing your personal information. Ask the brother how you and your Wali can contact him. But communication should always go back to your Wali or Mahram.
3) Pray Istikharah. We ask Allah to guide us multiple times everyday in our Salah. But we are blessed to have a special Du’a for decisions.
The reality is that many brothers out there do want to get married, but feel there are so many hurdles to overcome to get there. The first hurdle is fearing rejection.
Women tend to think men always have their act all put together, but they have their own batch of insecurities and fears. It may make things easier for a man to consider you when he already knows you are interested. And if he isn’t, he will be more confident in pursuing the right person for him in the future.
But what about you? Doesn’t this put you on the line to face rejection? Of course it does. You have two choices: Do nothing, and wait, and handle the challenges of just waiting, which is fine if this is the path you want to take. Or be pro-active in searching your Mr. Right and handle the challenges of asking.
We don’t sit and wait for things to come to us in any other aspect of life or worship. Marriage doesn’t have to be an exception. Because Khadijah asked, so can you.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Judging Others
As Muslims, the default assumption we should have about other people in any matter is that they are free of blame. Islam demands fairness and impartiality when it comes to judging others.
Allah says:
"And when you speak, then be just, though it be (against) a relative."
[Noble Quran 6:152]
He also says:
"O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of any people make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do." [Noble Quran 5:8]
It is wrong for a person to accuse anyone else of something wrong except with full knowledge and tangible proof.
It is forbidden to base a judgment against someone on hearsay, conjecture or suspicion.
Allah says:
"O you who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest you harm people unwittingly, and afterwards become full of repentance for what you have done." [Noble Quran 49:5]
He also warns us:
"O you who believe! Shun much suspicion; for lo! Some suspicion is a sin."
[Noble Quran 49:12]
In those cases where one is compelled to mention another persons faults, it is best to mention that persons good points as well. It is wrong to exaggerate the importance of the persons error or stress the fault too much, especially if it is possible that the error was an honest mistake or in a matter where the truth is not 100% clear.
If a persons error is clearly manifest and established by solid evidence, then it is not wrong to warn people against the error and clarify the truth. However, that correction must be carried out appropriately, in a gentle manner that does not drive people away. The mistake itself should be corrected without delving into anything beyond that. For example, the person who made the mistake should not be accused of having bad intentions or an evil motive.
Adth-Dthahabi, speaking about the mistakes of the scholars, said the following: [Siyar al-Alam al-Nubala' (14/374)]:
If we were to discredit every person who made mistake in judgment or declare those people as innovators - people who are essentially of good faith and sincerely seek the truth - then scarcely would any of our scholars be spared.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Sadness Grief Misery and Sorrow
Sadness, grief, misery and sorrow are feelings which are a part and parcel of this life. When we look around us we see poverty and suffering, death and catastrophes and even in personal lives there is grief and sadness and setbacks and failures, loss of loved ones and heartache. In short this life is full of problems and is not as perfect as we want it to be.
These problems, tests and trials of this world may lead someone to think that God is unkind. People usually say what kind of a God lets people die in a tsunami or why God did this to us when we dont like this and that.
However this is not the case at all. God is not unkind. This world is like an exam for each one of us. Just like we give exams in schools and colleges - we may find the exam hard and difficult but that does not mean that the examiner is unkind. The exam is just to test our skills and abilities to award us accordingly. We need to pass many exams to become successful in this world and to have a good career and a job.
Similarly, this entire life is a test- so we will have to work really hard just like we work hard to pass our school exams or to get any degree and we will have to be patient as Allah says in the Quran:
“Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere,” (Quran 2:155)
Even the wealth and possessions given to a person are a trial for him or her. If some one is rich that does not at all mean that Allah is happy with such a person and therefore has bestowed him with wealth.
“And know that your possessions and your children are a test…” Quran 8:28
Also even our friends and family and people around us may be a test for us. Their injustice or hatred or their bad behavior towards us may be a test for us as well to see if we are steadfast and patient.
Allah subhanawata says:
“And we have appointed some of you a test for others. Will you be patient?” (Quran 25:20)
Similarly while giving the exam we are not awarded immediately for our correct answers and we are not punished for our wrong answers there and then. We need to wait for the exam to be over and for the papers to be checked and the result to be announced. In the same fashion, this life is an exam - but we don’t know when the exam will get over. As soon as we die our exam would be over and we will have to wait for the result which will be announced on the day of Judgement.
Allah says:
“Every soul shall have a taste of death: and We test you by evil and by good by way of trial. To Us must ye return.”(Quran 21:35)
When we are faced with difficulties, problems, sorrow and grief in this world we should realize that this is only a temporary passing phase where Allah is testing us to see if we still are thankful to Him and if we still obey Him. This does not mean that Allah is unkind. We must remember that He is our examiner.
If we do not like the questions in our college exam - does that mean we should give up and leave the paper and start hating the examiner? NO not at all. We should persevere and be patient and continue asking for Allahs help and mercy and do our best to solve that difficult question.
Allah says that those who when faced with difficulties and problems lose heart and quit will be the worst losers in this world as well as the hereafter.
“There are among men some who serve Allah, as it were, on the verge: if good befalls them, they are, therewith, well content; but if a trial comes to them, they turn on their faces: they lose both this world and the Hereafter: that is loss for all to see!” (Quran 22:11)
These problems, tests and trials of this world may lead someone to think that God is unkind. People usually say what kind of a God lets people die in a tsunami or why God did this to us when we dont like this and that.
However this is not the case at all. God is not unkind. This world is like an exam for each one of us. Just like we give exams in schools and colleges - we may find the exam hard and difficult but that does not mean that the examiner is unkind. The exam is just to test our skills and abilities to award us accordingly. We need to pass many exams to become successful in this world and to have a good career and a job.
Similarly, this entire life is a test- so we will have to work really hard just like we work hard to pass our school exams or to get any degree and we will have to be patient as Allah says in the Quran:
“Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere,” (Quran 2:155)
Even the wealth and possessions given to a person are a trial for him or her. If some one is rich that does not at all mean that Allah is happy with such a person and therefore has bestowed him with wealth.
“And know that your possessions and your children are a test…” Quran 8:28
Also even our friends and family and people around us may be a test for us. Their injustice or hatred or their bad behavior towards us may be a test for us as well to see if we are steadfast and patient.
Allah subhanawata says:
“And we have appointed some of you a test for others. Will you be patient?” (Quran 25:20)
Similarly while giving the exam we are not awarded immediately for our correct answers and we are not punished for our wrong answers there and then. We need to wait for the exam to be over and for the papers to be checked and the result to be announced. In the same fashion, this life is an exam - but we don’t know when the exam will get over. As soon as we die our exam would be over and we will have to wait for the result which will be announced on the day of Judgement.
Allah says:
“Every soul shall have a taste of death: and We test you by evil and by good by way of trial. To Us must ye return.”(Quran 21:35)
When we are faced with difficulties, problems, sorrow and grief in this world we should realize that this is only a temporary passing phase where Allah is testing us to see if we still are thankful to Him and if we still obey Him. This does not mean that Allah is unkind. We must remember that He is our examiner.
If we do not like the questions in our college exam - does that mean we should give up and leave the paper and start hating the examiner? NO not at all. We should persevere and be patient and continue asking for Allahs help and mercy and do our best to solve that difficult question.
Allah says that those who when faced with difficulties and problems lose heart and quit will be the worst losers in this world as well as the hereafter.
“There are among men some who serve Allah, as it were, on the verge: if good befalls them, they are, therewith, well content; but if a trial comes to them, they turn on their faces: they lose both this world and the Hereafter: that is loss for all to see!” (Quran 22:11)
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Allow your women to visit the MAsjid
Hadith stating that your Believing women when seek permission to go to Masjid, do not forbid or hold them:
1.sahih bukhari vol 1. book 12. Number 832: Narrated Salim bin 'Abdullah:
My father said, "The Prophet said, 'If the wife of any one of you asks permission (to go to the mosque) do not forbid her.
2.Number 829: Narrated Um Salama:
Whenever Allah's Apostle completed the prayer with Taslim, the women used to get up immediately and Allah's Apostle would remain at his place for someone before getting up. (The sub-narrator (Az-Zuhri) said, "We think, and Allah knows better, that he did so, so that the women might leave before men could get in touch with them)
3.Number 827: Narrated 'Abdullah bin Abi Qatada Al-Ansari:
My father said, "Allah's Apostle said, "Whenever I stand for prayer, I want to prolong it but on hearing the cries of a child, I would shorten it as I dislike to put its mother in trouble
and number 824, 825, 826 etc
Number 822: Narrated 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Abis:
A person asked Ibn Abbas,"Have you ever presented yourself at the ('Id) prayer with Allah's Apostle?" He replied, "Yes." And had it not been for my kinship (position) with the Prophet it would not have been possible for me to do so (for he was too young). The Prophet went to the mark near the house of Kathir bin As-Salt and delivered a sermon. He then went towards the women. He advised and reminded them and asked them to give alms. So the woman would bring her hand near her neck and take off her necklace and put it in the garment of Bilal. Then the Prophet and Bilal came to the house
sahih bukhari volume 1 Book 8, Number 347: Narrated Um 'Atiya:
We were ordered to bring out our menstruating women and veiled women in the religious gatherings and invocation of Muslims on the two 'Id festivals. These menstruating women were to keep away from their Musalla. A woman asked, "O Allah's Apostle ' What about one who does not have a veil?" He said, "Let her share the veil of her companion
1.sahih bukhari vol 1. book 12. Number 832: Narrated Salim bin 'Abdullah:
My father said, "The Prophet said, 'If the wife of any one of you asks permission (to go to the mosque) do not forbid her.
2.Number 829: Narrated Um Salama:
Whenever Allah's Apostle completed the prayer with Taslim, the women used to get up immediately and Allah's Apostle would remain at his place for someone before getting up. (The sub-narrator (Az-Zuhri) said, "We think, and Allah knows better, that he did so, so that the women might leave before men could get in touch with them)
3.Number 827: Narrated 'Abdullah bin Abi Qatada Al-Ansari:
My father said, "Allah's Apostle said, "Whenever I stand for prayer, I want to prolong it but on hearing the cries of a child, I would shorten it as I dislike to put its mother in trouble
and number 824, 825, 826 etc
Number 822: Narrated 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Abis:
A person asked Ibn Abbas,"Have you ever presented yourself at the ('Id) prayer with Allah's Apostle?" He replied, "Yes." And had it not been for my kinship (position) with the Prophet it would not have been possible for me to do so (for he was too young). The Prophet went to the mark near the house of Kathir bin As-Salt and delivered a sermon. He then went towards the women. He advised and reminded them and asked them to give alms. So the woman would bring her hand near her neck and take off her necklace and put it in the garment of Bilal. Then the Prophet and Bilal came to the house
sahih bukhari volume 1 Book 8, Number 347: Narrated Um 'Atiya:
We were ordered to bring out our menstruating women and veiled women in the religious gatherings and invocation of Muslims on the two 'Id festivals. These menstruating women were to keep away from their Musalla. A woman asked, "O Allah's Apostle ' What about one who does not have a veil?" He said, "Let her share the veil of her companion
Monday, April 18, 2011
Being Good to Parents and Parents In Law
What can we do, to our parents? What can we do for them? What can we do to make them happy? If your parents are alive, first and foremost thank Allah `azza wa jel for this opportunity. Thank Him; rejoice that there is still chance and hope! THANK Allah that Allah has blessed you to be an adult while your parents are still alive. Do for them everything that is humanly possible.
Financially Many of us think that financially, our wives or children take precedent - no! Islamically speaking, first on the list is: your mother and t father and second are your wife/wives and kids. We have a responsibility to take care of ALL of them - it is our obligation as men, we have to take care of a lot of people, but number one on that list is mother and father - and that is why, when a man came to the Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wasallam complaining, "Oh ya rasool lillah, my father takes this, my father takes that," complaining that his father would take some things of his possession. After ALL that the father has done for this son, after ALL the money and time and effort and sweat, this man came and complained that he took bits and pieces - he took trinkets from his wealth? And he's complaining, "My father takes money without asking me?"
Do you know the response of the Rasool salla Allahu alayhi wasallam?
"Anta wa maaluka li abeek." "You and your wealth - all of it - belongs to your father."
You're now getting angry that he's taken a hundred dollars? A thousand dollars? After ALL that he's done? ALL that you own belongs to your father - you and ALL of your possessions. "Anta wa maaluka li abeek." Who are you now to come and complain that he takes a little bit from you?
And from this, scholars of fiqh have derived many, many rulings:
that the father owns the property of the son, some of the fuqahaa' said.
And others disagreed with this. The point being, from this, they took many rulings of fiqh.
If they're alive, financially, number one - it is not possible for you to eat a full meal, and your parents don't have that. Take care of them, in any way possible.
Spiritually. Make du'aa for them.
Do what you can to show your love to them. If they're with you, alhamdulillah. If they're in another country, make sure they are taken care of. Calling them up - simple phone call – and I do that very often, do not underestimate the joythat you will bring your mother by calling her up on the phone. Do not underestimate that. The love that she will feel, talking to her regularly. Do not underestimate the power of a conversation, and being in touch.
Make sure that you do anything -
Every one of us comes from a culture and civilization - there are things that we do in that culture, to show respect to them - do those things. It is a part of your religion - it is a part of your duty to Allah, that you do this.
But if it so happens that they are no longer with you - if Allah `azza wa jel has willed that they have moved on to the next life - then still, there are things that can be done.
First and foremost: du'aa. Du'aa for them. Du'aa that Allah forgives them, raises their ranks, blesses them. The Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wasallam told us, that of the best thing we can do when somebody dies is to make du'aa for them - when the parent dies, we make du'aa for them. Allah commands us in the Qur'an: make du'aa for them. The Prophet Nooh made du'aa for his parents. The Prophet Ibrahim made du'aa for his parents. All of this is in the Qur'an. Continual du'aa.
One of the sahabah, when his father died, he said: for one year, I could not think of anything to make du'aa, except for my father. ONE YEAR, every time I raised my hand, all I could do was make du'aa for him. This is a part of being a good son. Make du'aa for them.
Another thing you can do: give charity on their behalf.
Give money- and as do you say, "Oh Allah, may the reward of this go to my mother and father."
Go for Hajj and Umrah– and as you do say, "May the reward of this go to my mother and father."
Sacrifice an `udhiya – and as you do say, "May the reward of this go to my mother and father."
You do what you can, financially, and you expect the reward to go to your parents, and not to yourself.
Also, you can visit their relatives, and visit their friends that they used to visit when they were alive. Visit their circle of friends, that they used to visit. And you do what you can, to bring about their memory, in that sense.
Because when you go to their gatherings - your parent's relatives, your parent's friends - what will happen? The topic of conversation will always be your mother and father. And when that brings about, you will remember them with good, and you will pray for them.
So this, too, is part of being a dutiful son.
Basically, brothers and sisters, do what you can before it is too late. Do what you can, ALL that you can do, and there is no good deed after the worship of Allah that is more beloved than being good to the parent.
In the authentic hadith of the Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wasallam when a man came to him, wanting to do good, the Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wasallam asked, "Is your mother alive?" He said: "Yes." The Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wasallam said: go to her, and stick to her feet (an Arabic expression, meaning: submit yourself to her), because at her feet is jannah." Jannah is around her feet. That's what the Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wasallam said.
Permit to bring this khutbah to closure with one hadith of the Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wasallam. Where, he was climbing up the minbar, and when he got up to the last minbar [step?], he said, "Ameen." And, when he said Ameen, the sahaba asked him, "why are you saying Ameen?" He said:
Jibreel came to me and said, "Make du'aa that any man who finds his parents alive at an old age, and still does not manage to get his sins forgiven, make du'aa that he is never forgiven."
Meaning, there is no hope for the man who reaches old age with his parents, and yet does not gain the forgiveness of Allah. If you can't be a good son, you cannot be a good Muslim. It's that simple.
Allahum inee daa'in fa amminno. [du'aa]
Rabbana aatina fid dunya hasanatan wafil aakhirati hasanatan waqeena athaaban naar!
O My Lord, give us good in this world, and good in the life to come, and keep us safe from the torment of the fire.Rabbana la tuzigh quloobanaa ba'da ith haday tanaa, wahablanaa milla dunka rahma. Innaka antal wah-haab.O My Lord, do not let our hearts deviate from the Truth now that we have been guided, but grant us Mercy from Your very Presence; for You are the grantor of bounties without measure.Rabbi ja'alnee muqeemus salaati wamn thur-riy-yatee Rabbana wata qab-bal du'ah. ......O My Lord, make me one who offers prayers perfectly, and also my offspring. Our Lord and accept this prayer!Rabbigh firlee wali waalidayya, walil mu'mineena yawma yaqoomul hisaab...... .O My Lord, forgive me and my parents, and all believers on the day of Judgement.Subhaanaka Rabbika Rabbil izzati 'ammaa yasifoon, wasalaamun alal Mursalaleen, wal hamdu lillaahi Rabbil `aalameen! Glory be to the Lord, the Lord of Majesty and Honour! He is free from what they ascribe to Him! And Peace on the Messengers! And Praise to Allah, the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds!
Financially Many of us think that financially, our wives or children take precedent - no! Islamically speaking, first on the list is: your mother and t father and second are your wife/wives and kids. We have a responsibility to take care of ALL of them - it is our obligation as men, we have to take care of a lot of people, but number one on that list is mother and father - and that is why, when a man came to the Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wasallam complaining, "Oh ya rasool lillah, my father takes this, my father takes that," complaining that his father would take some things of his possession. After ALL that the father has done for this son, after ALL the money and time and effort and sweat, this man came and complained that he took bits and pieces - he took trinkets from his wealth? And he's complaining, "My father takes money without asking me?"
Do you know the response of the Rasool salla Allahu alayhi wasallam?
"Anta wa maaluka li abeek." "You and your wealth - all of it - belongs to your father."
You're now getting angry that he's taken a hundred dollars? A thousand dollars? After ALL that he's done? ALL that you own belongs to your father - you and ALL of your possessions. "Anta wa maaluka li abeek." Who are you now to come and complain that he takes a little bit from you?
And from this, scholars of fiqh have derived many, many rulings:
that the father owns the property of the son, some of the fuqahaa' said.
And others disagreed with this. The point being, from this, they took many rulings of fiqh.
If they're alive, financially, number one - it is not possible for you to eat a full meal, and your parents don't have that. Take care of them, in any way possible.
Spiritually. Make du'aa for them.
Do what you can to show your love to them. If they're with you, alhamdulillah. If they're in another country, make sure they are taken care of. Calling them up - simple phone call – and I do that very often, do not underestimate the joythat you will bring your mother by calling her up on the phone. Do not underestimate that. The love that she will feel, talking to her regularly. Do not underestimate the power of a conversation, and being in touch.
Make sure that you do anything -
Every one of us comes from a culture and civilization - there are things that we do in that culture, to show respect to them - do those things. It is a part of your religion - it is a part of your duty to Allah, that you do this.
But if it so happens that they are no longer with you - if Allah `azza wa jel has willed that they have moved on to the next life - then still, there are things that can be done.
First and foremost: du'aa. Du'aa for them. Du'aa that Allah forgives them, raises their ranks, blesses them. The Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wasallam told us, that of the best thing we can do when somebody dies is to make du'aa for them - when the parent dies, we make du'aa for them. Allah commands us in the Qur'an: make du'aa for them. The Prophet Nooh made du'aa for his parents. The Prophet Ibrahim made du'aa for his parents. All of this is in the Qur'an. Continual du'aa.
One of the sahabah, when his father died, he said: for one year, I could not think of anything to make du'aa, except for my father. ONE YEAR, every time I raised my hand, all I could do was make du'aa for him. This is a part of being a good son. Make du'aa for them.
Another thing you can do: give charity on their behalf.
Give money- and as do you say, "Oh Allah, may the reward of this go to my mother and father."
Go for Hajj and Umrah– and as you do say, "May the reward of this go to my mother and father."
Sacrifice an `udhiya – and as you do say, "May the reward of this go to my mother and father."
You do what you can, financially, and you expect the reward to go to your parents, and not to yourself.
Also, you can visit their relatives, and visit their friends that they used to visit when they were alive. Visit their circle of friends, that they used to visit. And you do what you can, to bring about their memory, in that sense.
Because when you go to their gatherings - your parent's relatives, your parent's friends - what will happen? The topic of conversation will always be your mother and father. And when that brings about, you will remember them with good, and you will pray for them.
So this, too, is part of being a dutiful son.
Basically, brothers and sisters, do what you can before it is too late. Do what you can, ALL that you can do, and there is no good deed after the worship of Allah that is more beloved than being good to the parent.
In the authentic hadith of the Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wasallam when a man came to him, wanting to do good, the Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wasallam asked, "Is your mother alive?" He said: "Yes." The Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wasallam said: go to her, and stick to her feet (an Arabic expression, meaning: submit yourself to her), because at her feet is jannah." Jannah is around her feet. That's what the Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wasallam said.
Permit to bring this khutbah to closure with one hadith of the Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wasallam. Where, he was climbing up the minbar, and when he got up to the last minbar [step?], he said, "Ameen." And, when he said Ameen, the sahaba asked him, "why are you saying Ameen?" He said:
Jibreel came to me and said, "Make du'aa that any man who finds his parents alive at an old age, and still does not manage to get his sins forgiven, make du'aa that he is never forgiven."
Meaning, there is no hope for the man who reaches old age with his parents, and yet does not gain the forgiveness of Allah. If you can't be a good son, you cannot be a good Muslim. It's that simple.
Allahum inee daa'in fa amminno. [du'aa]
Rabbana aatina fid dunya hasanatan wafil aakhirati hasanatan waqeena athaaban naar!
O My Lord, give us good in this world, and good in the life to come, and keep us safe from the torment of the fire.Rabbana la tuzigh quloobanaa ba'da ith haday tanaa, wahablanaa milla dunka rahma. Innaka antal wah-haab.O My Lord, do not let our hearts deviate from the Truth now that we have been guided, but grant us Mercy from Your very Presence; for You are the grantor of bounties without measure.Rabbi ja'alnee muqeemus salaati wamn thur-riy-yatee Rabbana wata qab-bal du'ah. ......O My Lord, make me one who offers prayers perfectly, and also my offspring. Our Lord and accept this prayer!Rabbigh firlee wali waalidayya, walil mu'mineena yawma yaqoomul hisaab...... .O My Lord, forgive me and my parents, and all believers on the day of Judgement.Subhaanaka Rabbika Rabbil izzati 'ammaa yasifoon, wasalaamun alal Mursalaleen, wal hamdu lillaahi Rabbil `aalameen! Glory be to the Lord, the Lord of Majesty and Honour! He is free from what they ascribe to Him! And Peace on the Messengers! And Praise to Allah, the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Farewell Sermon of Prophet Muhammed (pbuh)
All praise be to Allah. We glorify Him and seek His help and pardon; and we turn to Him. We take refuse with Allah from the evils of ourselves and from the evil consequences of our deeds. There is none to lead him astray whom Allah guides aright, and there is none to guide him aright whom He leads astray. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone, having no partner with Him, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His bondman and His Messenger. I admonish you, O bondmen of Allah! To fear Allah alone and I urge you to His obedience and I open the speech with that what is good.
O people! Listen to my words: I will deliver a message to you, for I know not whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you here again. O people! Verily your blood, your property and your honour are sacred and inviolable until you appear before your Lord, as this day and this month are sacred for all. Verily you will meet your Lord and you will be held answerable for your actions. Have I not conveyed the message? O Allah! Be my witness. He, who has any trust with him, should restore it to the person who deposited it with him. Beware; no one committing a crime is responsible for it but he himself. Neither the son is responsible for the crime of his father, nor the father responsible for the crime of his son.
O people! Listen to my words and understand them. You must know that a Muslim is the brother of the Muslim and they form one brotherhood. Nothing of his brother is lawful for a Muslim except what he himself allows willingly. So you should not oppress one another. O Allah! Have I not conveyed the message?
Behold! All practices of paganism and ignorance are now under my feet. The blood-revenges of the days of ignorance are remitted. The first claim on blood I abolish is that of Ibn Rabilah Ibn Harith who was nursed in the tribe of Saad and whom the Hudhail killed. Usury is forbidden, but you will be entitled to recover your principal. Wrong not and you would not be wronged. Allah has decreed that there should be no usury and I make a beginning by remitting the amount of interest which Abbas b. Abd al-Muttalib has to receive. Verily it is remitted entirely.
O people! Fear Allah concerning women. Verily you have taken them on the security of Allah and have made their persons lawful unto you by words of Allah. Verily you have certain rights over your women and your women have certain rights over you. It is incumbent upon them to honor their conjugal rights and not commit acts of impropriety which, if they do, you have authority to chastise them, yet not severely. If your wives refrain from impropriety and are faithful to you, clothe and feed them suitably. Behold! Lay injunctions upon women, but in a kind manner.
O people! Listen and obey though a mangled Abyssinian slave is your Amir (ruler) if he executes the ordinances of the Book of Allah among you.
O people! Verily Allah has ordained for every man the share of his inheritance. The child belongs to the marriage-bed and the violator of wedlock shall be stoned. He who attributes his ancestry to other than his father or claims clientship to other than his master, the curse of Allah, that of the angels, and the people will be upon him. Allah will accept from him neither repentance nor righteousness.
O people! Listen, O listen! Verily the Satan despairs of ever being worshipped in this land of yours, but he will be pleased even if you follow him in matters which you regard as trifles. Therefore, you abstain from obedience to Satan.
Verily, I have left amongst you the Book of Allah (Quran) and the Sunnah of His Apostle (Hadith) which if you hold fast, you shall never go astray. And if you were asked about me, what would you say? They (companions) replied: We bear witness that you have conveyed the message and discharged your ministry.
O people! Verily the intercalation (of a prohibited month) aggravates infidelity. Thereby the unbelievers are led to wrong. For they make it lawful one year and forbid it in another year to be in conformity with the number (of months) which Allah declared to be unlawful; so they consider violable that which Allah declared to be inviolable and they consider inviolable what Allah declared to be violable.
Verily the time has revolved in its own way from the day when the heavens and the earth were created. The number of months to Allah is twelve of which four are sacred; three are consecutive–Dhil QaÕdah, Dhil Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab which is between Jamadah and ShaÕban. So I apprise you that your lives, your property and your honor must be as sacred to one another as this sacred day, in this sacred month, in this sacred town.
And your slaves; see that you feed them with such food as you eat yourselves; and clothe them with the clothes that you yourselves wear. And if they commit a fault which you are not inclined to forgive, and then part with them for they are the servants of Allah and are not to be chastised.
Behold! Listen to me. Worship your Lord; offer prayers five times a day; observe fast in the month of Ramadan; make pilgrimage to the House (Kabah); pay readily the Zakat on your property and obey whatever I command you; only then you will get into heaven.
O people! Verily your Lord is one and your father is one. All of you belong to one ancestry of Adam, and Adam was created out of clay. There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab and for a non-Arab over an Arab; or for white over the black or for the black over the white except in piety. Verily the noblest among you is he who is the most pious.
The one who is present here should convey the message to the one who is absent. I have conveyed the message.
Then looking up to the heaven, he said: O Lord! I have delivered the message and discharged my ministry.
O Lord! I request Thee, bear Thou witness unto it. It was at this time that the verse regarding the completion of religion was revealed to him: This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. [Al-Maidah 5:3]
O people! Listen to my words: I will deliver a message to you, for I know not whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you here again. O people! Verily your blood, your property and your honour are sacred and inviolable until you appear before your Lord, as this day and this month are sacred for all. Verily you will meet your Lord and you will be held answerable for your actions. Have I not conveyed the message? O Allah! Be my witness. He, who has any trust with him, should restore it to the person who deposited it with him. Beware; no one committing a crime is responsible for it but he himself. Neither the son is responsible for the crime of his father, nor the father responsible for the crime of his son.
O people! Listen to my words and understand them. You must know that a Muslim is the brother of the Muslim and they form one brotherhood. Nothing of his brother is lawful for a Muslim except what he himself allows willingly. So you should not oppress one another. O Allah! Have I not conveyed the message?
Behold! All practices of paganism and ignorance are now under my feet. The blood-revenges of the days of ignorance are remitted. The first claim on blood I abolish is that of Ibn Rabilah Ibn Harith who was nursed in the tribe of Saad and whom the Hudhail killed. Usury is forbidden, but you will be entitled to recover your principal. Wrong not and you would not be wronged. Allah has decreed that there should be no usury and I make a beginning by remitting the amount of interest which Abbas b. Abd al-Muttalib has to receive. Verily it is remitted entirely.
O people! Fear Allah concerning women. Verily you have taken them on the security of Allah and have made their persons lawful unto you by words of Allah. Verily you have certain rights over your women and your women have certain rights over you. It is incumbent upon them to honor their conjugal rights and not commit acts of impropriety which, if they do, you have authority to chastise them, yet not severely. If your wives refrain from impropriety and are faithful to you, clothe and feed them suitably. Behold! Lay injunctions upon women, but in a kind manner.
O people! Listen and obey though a mangled Abyssinian slave is your Amir (ruler) if he executes the ordinances of the Book of Allah among you.
O people! Verily Allah has ordained for every man the share of his inheritance. The child belongs to the marriage-bed and the violator of wedlock shall be stoned. He who attributes his ancestry to other than his father or claims clientship to other than his master, the curse of Allah, that of the angels, and the people will be upon him. Allah will accept from him neither repentance nor righteousness.
O people! Listen, O listen! Verily the Satan despairs of ever being worshipped in this land of yours, but he will be pleased even if you follow him in matters which you regard as trifles. Therefore, you abstain from obedience to Satan.
Verily, I have left amongst you the Book of Allah (Quran) and the Sunnah of His Apostle (Hadith) which if you hold fast, you shall never go astray. And if you were asked about me, what would you say? They (companions) replied: We bear witness that you have conveyed the message and discharged your ministry.
O people! Verily the intercalation (of a prohibited month) aggravates infidelity. Thereby the unbelievers are led to wrong. For they make it lawful one year and forbid it in another year to be in conformity with the number (of months) which Allah declared to be unlawful; so they consider violable that which Allah declared to be inviolable and they consider inviolable what Allah declared to be violable.
Verily the time has revolved in its own way from the day when the heavens and the earth were created. The number of months to Allah is twelve of which four are sacred; three are consecutive–Dhil QaÕdah, Dhil Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab which is between Jamadah and ShaÕban. So I apprise you that your lives, your property and your honor must be as sacred to one another as this sacred day, in this sacred month, in this sacred town.
And your slaves; see that you feed them with such food as you eat yourselves; and clothe them with the clothes that you yourselves wear. And if they commit a fault which you are not inclined to forgive, and then part with them for they are the servants of Allah and are not to be chastised.
Behold! Listen to me. Worship your Lord; offer prayers five times a day; observe fast in the month of Ramadan; make pilgrimage to the House (Kabah); pay readily the Zakat on your property and obey whatever I command you; only then you will get into heaven.
O people! Verily your Lord is one and your father is one. All of you belong to one ancestry of Adam, and Adam was created out of clay. There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab and for a non-Arab over an Arab; or for white over the black or for the black over the white except in piety. Verily the noblest among you is he who is the most pious.
The one who is present here should convey the message to the one who is absent. I have conveyed the message.
Then looking up to the heaven, he said: O Lord! I have delivered the message and discharged my ministry.
O Lord! I request Thee, bear Thou witness unto it. It was at this time that the verse regarding the completion of religion was revealed to him: This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. [Al-Maidah 5:3]
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Namaz- Offer Salah- Its your key to Jannah!
The elderly have not abandoned it
Women have not abandoned it
Children have not abandoned it
On the roads, they have not abandoned it
In corrupt countries, they have not abandoned it
In the forests and jungles, they have not abandoned it
In the midst of ruins and destruction, they have not abandoned it
Under the bombings, they have not abandoned it
Under the rain, they have not abandoned it
On the stairs, they have not abandoned it
On top of car roofs, they have not abandoned it
In train stations, they have not abandoned it
In planes, they have not abandoned it
On the snow ,they have not abandoned it
On the beaches, they have not abandoned it
Divers-UNDER WATER, they have not abandoned it: He can’t leave his job undone…but he can’t lose the FAJAR PRAYER… so he prayed underwater’ SubhanAllah !!!
Guatnamao Bay- Before they are captured, they have not abandoned it, And after they are captured, they have not abandoned it
The disabled have not abandoned it
So why would you??
WHY?? YOU HAVE ABONDONED IT ??
Didn’t you know that this is the most
loved deed by Allah, and the greatest ibadah?
If you do not observe prayer as you are ordered to then there will come a day when you will be prayed upon
You will then be unable to make up what you’ve missed
You shall then enter alone…
No companions except your deeds
And what you have presented forward
Pray before you are prayed upon!!!
Do not miss a prayer Do not die a loser’s death!
Women have not abandoned it
Children have not abandoned it
On the roads, they have not abandoned it
In corrupt countries, they have not abandoned it
In the forests and jungles, they have not abandoned it
In the midst of ruins and destruction, they have not abandoned it
Under the bombings, they have not abandoned it
Under the rain, they have not abandoned it
On the stairs, they have not abandoned it
On top of car roofs, they have not abandoned it
In train stations, they have not abandoned it
In planes, they have not abandoned it
On the snow ,they have not abandoned it
On the beaches, they have not abandoned it
Divers-UNDER WATER, they have not abandoned it: He can’t leave his job undone…but he can’t lose the FAJAR PRAYER… so he prayed underwater’ SubhanAllah !!!
Guatnamao Bay- Before they are captured, they have not abandoned it, And after they are captured, they have not abandoned it
The disabled have not abandoned it
So why would you??
WHY?? YOU HAVE ABONDONED IT ??
Didn’t you know that this is the most
loved deed by Allah, and the greatest ibadah?
If you do not observe prayer as you are ordered to then there will come a day when you will be prayed upon
You will then be unable to make up what you’ve missed
You shall then enter alone…
No companions except your deeds
And what you have presented forward
Pray before you are prayed upon!!!
Do not miss a prayer Do not die a loser’s death!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Verily Death is full of Agonies
Madina was totally engulfed in confusion and anxiety. The Companions of the Prophet PBUH had assembled around his house with tearful eyes and grieving hearts. The reports pouring out from the house revealed that his condition was extremely precarious and there was very little optimism in his recovery. It culminated that only a few moments of his precious life remained.
The Companions of the Prophet were yearning of have a glimpse of their beloved Prophet PBUH from close, but situation demanded that none except the members of the family visit him. The Prophet PBUH kissed his grandsons, Al-Hasan and Al-Husain and recommended that they be taken care of. He advised his wives to remain steadfast in their remembrance of ALLAH. As the relentless pain kept torturing, He turned to wife Aisha and said: “I feel as if death is approaching.” He ordered the people to perform the prayers and be good to slaves. He repeated it several times. The misery of our times is that we are callous with this advice.
The honoured daughter Hazrath Fatimah RA was sitting beside her father’s bed. She kept gazing at his illuminated face and witnessed that the perspiration of death was flowing down his face and forehead. With a heavy heart, tearful eyes, and choked throat, she was reciting the following verse which Abu Talib had recited in praise of the Prophet: “The luminous face in whose honour rains are sought from the clouds. The person who is the asylum for the orphans and the guardian of the widows”.
At this moment the Prophet PBUH, opened his eyes and said to his daughter in a low voice: “This is a verse which Abu Talib recited about me. It will, however, be better if, instead of the same, you recite this verse of the Holy Qur’an: “Muhammad is but a messenger. The messengers have already passed away before him. Will it be that, when he dies or is slain, you will turn back on your heels? He who turns back does no hurt to ALLAH, and ALLAH will reward the thankful.” [Al Imran 3:144]
The Prophet’s love for his only surviving child was one of the most sublime manifestation of human sentiments, so much so that he never proceeded on a journey without bidding farewell to his daughter and upon his return he first sought her audience. He accorded her great respect as compared with his wives and used to tell his Companions: “Fatimah is a part of my body. Her pleasure is my pleasure and her anger is my anger.” (Bukhari)
Throughout the Prophet’s illness Fatimah remained beside him. The Prophet PBUH signalled her to speak to him. She brought her head close to her father’s head and conversed with him in low tones. The people around were unaware of what transpired between them. When the Prophet PBUH ceased talking, Hazrath Fatimah RA wept bitterly. However, soon after this the Prophet made a sign to her again and spoke to her in low tones. This time she raised her head in a pleasant mood with smiling lips. Those present were amazed to observe these two antithetical conditions, and requested Fatimah RA to enlighten them. She replied: “I am not going to divulge the secret of the Prophet of ALLAH”.
After the passing away of the Prophet PBUH, on the insistence of Hazrath Aisha RA, Hazrath Fatimah RA broke her silence and said “In the first instance my father informed me about his death and stated that he was not likely to recover from his illness. Hence, I began weeping profusely. However, when he talked to me for the second time he told me that I would be the first person from amongst his Ahl-al-Bayt who would join him. This made me happy and I understood that I would be joining my dear father very soon”. [Tabaqat Ibn Saad].
When the pang of death initiated, Aisha RA leant Prophet PBUH against her. She mentioned: It was a great Divine favour on me that the Prophet PBUH breathe his last in my room, while I am still alive. He departed between my chest and neck whilst leaning against me. ALLAH SWT enjoined his saliva with mine at his demise. ‘Abdur-Rahman Ibn Abu Bakr came in with a Siwak (tooth stick) in his hand, while the Prophet’s head was in my lap. I noticed that he was looking at the Siwak. So I asked him: “Would you like me to have it?” He nodded in the affirmative. I took it and gave it to him. As it was too hard for him, I asked him again: “Shall I soften it for you?” Again, he nodded in the affirmative. So I softened it with my saliva and he passed it (on his teeth). There was a water container available at his hand with some water in. He put his hand in it and wiped his face with it and said: “There is no God but ALLAH. Verily, death is full of agonies.” (Bukhari)
The Companions of the Prophet were yearning of have a glimpse of their beloved Prophet PBUH from close, but situation demanded that none except the members of the family visit him. The Prophet PBUH kissed his grandsons, Al-Hasan and Al-Husain and recommended that they be taken care of. He advised his wives to remain steadfast in their remembrance of ALLAH. As the relentless pain kept torturing, He turned to wife Aisha and said: “I feel as if death is approaching.” He ordered the people to perform the prayers and be good to slaves. He repeated it several times. The misery of our times is that we are callous with this advice.
The honoured daughter Hazrath Fatimah RA was sitting beside her father’s bed. She kept gazing at his illuminated face and witnessed that the perspiration of death was flowing down his face and forehead. With a heavy heart, tearful eyes, and choked throat, she was reciting the following verse which Abu Talib had recited in praise of the Prophet: “The luminous face in whose honour rains are sought from the clouds. The person who is the asylum for the orphans and the guardian of the widows”.
At this moment the Prophet PBUH, opened his eyes and said to his daughter in a low voice: “This is a verse which Abu Talib recited about me. It will, however, be better if, instead of the same, you recite this verse of the Holy Qur’an: “Muhammad is but a messenger. The messengers have already passed away before him. Will it be that, when he dies or is slain, you will turn back on your heels? He who turns back does no hurt to ALLAH, and ALLAH will reward the thankful.” [Al Imran 3:144]
The Prophet’s love for his only surviving child was one of the most sublime manifestation of human sentiments, so much so that he never proceeded on a journey without bidding farewell to his daughter and upon his return he first sought her audience. He accorded her great respect as compared with his wives and used to tell his Companions: “Fatimah is a part of my body. Her pleasure is my pleasure and her anger is my anger.” (Bukhari)
Throughout the Prophet’s illness Fatimah remained beside him. The Prophet PBUH signalled her to speak to him. She brought her head close to her father’s head and conversed with him in low tones. The people around were unaware of what transpired between them. When the Prophet PBUH ceased talking, Hazrath Fatimah RA wept bitterly. However, soon after this the Prophet made a sign to her again and spoke to her in low tones. This time she raised her head in a pleasant mood with smiling lips. Those present were amazed to observe these two antithetical conditions, and requested Fatimah RA to enlighten them. She replied: “I am not going to divulge the secret of the Prophet of ALLAH”.
After the passing away of the Prophet PBUH, on the insistence of Hazrath Aisha RA, Hazrath Fatimah RA broke her silence and said “In the first instance my father informed me about his death and stated that he was not likely to recover from his illness. Hence, I began weeping profusely. However, when he talked to me for the second time he told me that I would be the first person from amongst his Ahl-al-Bayt who would join him. This made me happy and I understood that I would be joining my dear father very soon”. [Tabaqat Ibn Saad].
When the pang of death initiated, Aisha RA leant Prophet PBUH against her. She mentioned: It was a great Divine favour on me that the Prophet PBUH breathe his last in my room, while I am still alive. He departed between my chest and neck whilst leaning against me. ALLAH SWT enjoined his saliva with mine at his demise. ‘Abdur-Rahman Ibn Abu Bakr came in with a Siwak (tooth stick) in his hand, while the Prophet’s head was in my lap. I noticed that he was looking at the Siwak. So I asked him: “Would you like me to have it?” He nodded in the affirmative. I took it and gave it to him. As it was too hard for him, I asked him again: “Shall I soften it for you?” Again, he nodded in the affirmative. So I softened it with my saliva and he passed it (on his teeth). There was a water container available at his hand with some water in. He put his hand in it and wiped his face with it and said: “There is no God but ALLAH. Verily, death is full of agonies.” (Bukhari)
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