"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 :)
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
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 (Eid) 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 Eid 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 (Eid) 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 Eid 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!
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