The Month Of Muharram

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic, Hijrah calendar. It is one of the four sanctified months about which Allah Ta'ala says, 'The number of months in the sight of Allah are twelve (in a year) - So ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth; Of them four are sacred: That is the right religion. So wrong not yourselves therein.' (Surah Taubah).

The four months, according to authentic Ahaadith, are the months of Zul-Qa`dah, Zul Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. The sanctity of these four months was observed in the Shari'ah of all the Ambiyaa (AS).

'Allah Ta'ala made them (i.e. the four months) sacred and increased their sanctity. Hence declared a sin therein more severe and increased the virtue of good deeds and (also) the reward thereof.' (Ibn Katheer).

The Ulama have stated that the actions performed in these months have an effect on what a person does in the remaining months of the year.

THE MONTH OF MUHARRAM

The best of fasts besides the month of Ramadhaan is the fast during Allah's month of Muharram and the best of Salaats besides the Fardh (obligatory Salaat) is the Tahajjud Salaah (performed
after midnight). (Sahih Muslim).

THE DAY OF AASHURA (10th OF MUHARRAM)

The tenth of Muharram, known as the day of Aashura, is a very significant day in the Islamic calendar. Nabi (SA) has exhorted the Ummah to fast on this day. Hadhrat Aaisha (RA) reports that Nabi (SAW) ordered the observance of the fast of Aashura. However, when the fast of Ramadhaan became compulsory, Nabi (SAW) left the fast of Aashura (i.e. the compulsion).

Thereafter, whosoever desired kept this fast and whosoever desired, (not to keep it) did not observe this fast'. (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 1).

Hadhrat Ibn Abbaas (RA) says, 'I did not see Rasulullah (SAW) anxiously await the fast of any day, which he gave preference to over other days, but this day (of Aashura) and the month of Ramadhaan (Sahih Bukhaari, Vol. 1).

VIRTUE OF THE FAST OF AASHURA

With regard to the blessing of this fast, Nabi (SAW) was asked regarding it's virtue. He answered, 'It is a compansation for the sins of the past year.' i.e. the sins of one year that has just gone by will be forgiven. (Sahih Muslim, Vol. 1).Note: Only minor sins are forgiven. For the forgiveness of major sins, Towbah is a prerequisite.

THE FAST OF AASHURA

Hadhrat Ibn Abbaas (RA) narrates that when Nabi (SAW) came to Madinah and found the Jews fasting on the day of Aashura, he inquired, 'What is the significance of this day on which you fast?' They replied, 'This is the day Allah saved Nabi Moosa (AS) and his followers and drowned Fir'oun and his army, thus Moosa (AS) fasted on this day as a token of thanksgiving. Therefore we too fast on this day.' (Sahih Muslim, Vol 1).Rasulullah (SAW) said, 'We are more worthy of Moosa (AS) and nearer to him that you.' Thereafter, he fasted on this day and ordered the Sahaabah to fast on this day. (Sahih Muslim, Vol. 1)

Rasulullah (SAW) is reported to have said, 'Observe the fast of Aashura and oppose (the way of) the Jews. Fast a day before it (also) or a day after it.' (Baihaqi, Vol 4)
Hence, one should fast for two days: Either the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th. To fast only on the 10th of Muharram is MAKROOH (reprehensible) and bears semblance to the Jews.

GENEROSITY TO ONE'S FAMILY

Besides fasting on the day of Aashura, being generous to one's family and spending more than what is normally spent on food, etc. is an act of great merit. It is mentioned in a Hadith, 'He who will be generous to his family on the day of Aashura, Allah will be generous to him for the entire year.'

Taken from Everymuslim.net

P.S: Happy New Islamic Year :D

A Description of Jannah (Qasidah Nuniyyah) - Ibn al-Qayyim Rahimahullah

Ibn al-Qayyim rahimahulllah said, in regards to the description of the Paradise and the delights that it contains:

And if you ask about its ground and its soil, then it is of musk and saffron.

And if you ask about its roof, then it is the Throne of the Most Merciful.

And if you ask about its rocks, then they are pearls and jewels.

And if you ask about its buildings, then they are made of bricks of gold and silver.

And if you ask about its trees, then it does not contain a single tree except that its trunk is made of gold and silver.

And if you ask about its fruits, then they are softer than butter and sweeter than honey.

And if you ask about its leaves, then they are softer than the softest cloth.

And if you ask about its rivers, then there are rivers of milk who's taste does not change, and rivers of wine that is delicious to those who drink it, and rivers of honey that is pure, and rivers of water that is fresh.

And if you ask about their food, then it is fruits from whatever they will choose, and the meat of whatever birds they desire.And if you ask about their drink, then it is Tasneem, ginger, and Kaafoor.

And if you ask about their drinking cups, then they are crystal-clear and made of gold and silver.

And if you ask about its shade, then a fast rider would ride in the shade of one of its trees for a hundred years and not escape it.

And if you ask about its vastness, then the lowest of its people would have within his kingdom and walls and palaces and gardens the distance that would be travelled in a thousand years.

And if you ask about its tents and encampments, then one tent is like a concealed pearl that is sixty miles long.

And if you ask about its towers, then they are rooms above rooms in buildings that have rivers running underneath them.

And if you ask about how far it reaches into the sky, then look at the shining star that is visible, as well as those that are far in the heavens that the eyesight cannot possibly reach.

And if you ask about the clothing of its inhabitants, then they are of silk and gold.

And if you ask about its beds, then its blankets are of the finest silk laid out in the highest of its levels.

And if you ask about the faces of its inhabitants and their beauty, then they are like the image of the Moon.And if you ask about their age, then they are young ones of 33 years in the image of Adam, the father of humanity.

And if you ask about what they will be hearing, then it is the singing of their wives from among the Hoor al-'Ayn, and better than that are the voices of the Angels and the Prophets, and better than that is the Speech of the Lord of the Worlds.

And if you ask about their servants, then they are young boys of everlasting youth who resemble scattered pearls.

And if you ask about their brides and wives, then they are young and full-breasted and have had the liquid of youth flow through their limbs; the Sun runs along the beauty of her face if she shows it, light shines from between her teeth if she smiles; if you meet her love, then say whatever you want regarding the joining of two lights; he sees his face in the roundness of her cheek as if he is looking into a polished mirror, and he sees the brightness from behind her muscles and bones; if she were to be unleashed upon the World, she would fill what is between the Heavens and the Earth with a beautiful wind, and the mouths of the creation would glorifiy, praise, and exclaim greatness, and everything between the East and the West would be adorned for her, and every eye would be shut from everthing but her, and the light of the Sun would be outshone just as the light of the Sun outshines the light of the stars, and everyone on the face of the Earth would believe in the Ever-Living, the One who Sustains and Protects all the exists.

And the covering on her head is better than the World and all that is in it, and she does not increase with age except in beauty; free from an umbilical cord, childbirth and menses, and pure of mucous, saliva, urine and other filthy things; her youth never fades, her clothing is never worn out, no garment can be created that matches her beauty, and no one who is with her can ever become bored; her attention is restricted to her husband, so she desires none but him, just as his attention is restricted to her so she is the sole object of his desire, and he is with her in utmost safety and security, as none has touched her before of either humans or Jinn.

And if you ask about the Day of Increase (in reward) and the visit of the all-Mighty, all-Wise, and the sight of His Face - free from any resemblance or likeness to anything - as you see the Sun in the middle of the day and the full Moon on a cloudless night, then listen on the day that the caller will call:

'O People of Paradise! Your Lord - Blessed and Exalted - requests you to visit Him, so come to visit Him!'

So they will say:

'We hear and obey!'

Until, when they finally reach the wide valley where they will all meet - and none of them will turn down the request of the caller - the Lord - Blessed and Exalted - will order His Chair to be brought there.

Then, pulpits of light will emerge, as well as pulpits of pearls, gemstone, gold, and silver.

The lowest of them in rank will sit on sheets of musk, and will not see what those who are on the chairs above them are given. When they are comfortable where they are sitting and are secure in their places, and the caller calls:

'O People of Paradise! You have an appointment with Allah in which He wishes to reward you!'

So they will say:

'And what is that reward? Has He not already made our faces bright, made our scales heavy, entered us into Paradise, and pushed us away from the Fire?'

And when they are like that, all of a sudden a light shines that encompasses all of Paradise. So, they raise their heads, and, behold: the Compeller - Exalted is He, and Holy are His Names - has come to them from above them and majestified them and said:

'O People of Paradise! Peace be upon you!'

So, this greeting will not be responded to with anything better than:

'O Allah! You are Peace, and from You is Peace! Blessed are You, O possessor of Majesty and Honor!'

So the Lord - Blessed and Exalted - will laugh to them and say:

'O People of Paradise! Where are those who used to obey Me without having ever seen Me? This is the Day of Increase!'

So, they will all give the same response:

'We are pleased, so be pleased with us!'

So, He will say:

'O People of Paradise! If I were not pleased with you, I would not have made you inhabitants of My Paradise! So, ask of Me!'

So, they will all give the same response:

'Show us your Face so that we may look at it!'

So, the Lord - Mighty and Majestic - will remove his covering and will majestify them and will cover them with His Light, which, if Allah - the Exalted - had not Willed not to burn them, would have burned them.And there will not remain a single person in this gathering except that his Lord - the Exalted - will speak to him and say:

'Do you remember the day that you did this and that?'

and He will remind him of some of his bad deeds in the Worldy life, so he will say:

'O Lord! Will you not forgive me?'

So, He will say:

'Of course! You have not reached this position of yours (in Paradise) except by My forgiveness.'

So, how sweet is this speech to the ears, and how cooled are the righteous eyes by the glance at His Noble Face in the Afterlife...

"Some faces that Day will be shining and radiant, looking at their Lord..." (Surah Qiyamah:22-3)

'I was a policeman and would often drink alcohol..."

“I was a policeman and would often drink alcohol. I bought a beautiful slave girl with whom I had a daughter. I loved my daughter greatly and doted on her and when she began to crawl on all fours I grew even more fond of her. Whenever I put an alcoholic drink in front of me, she would come to me and pull me away from it, or she would spill it from me. When she was two years old, she died. I became consumed with grief over her loss.

It was the night before Jummah, I stayed home and drank and I did not pray the ‘Isha prayer. Then I had a dream. I dreamt that the Day of Judgement had begun, the Trumpet was blown, the graves gave up their dead, mankind was gathered up and I was among them. I heard something behind me, I turned around and saw a huge snake of indescribable size, blue-black, rushing for me with wide-open jaws. I fled in terror.

I passed by an old man dressed in spotless clothes, smelling beautiful. I greeted him and he greeted me back. I said to him, ‘O old man ! Protect me from this snake, and may Allah protect you!’ The old man wept and said, ‘I am weak and it is stronger than me, I cannot overcome it. Go quickly, perhaps Allah will grant you something that will save you from it. I climbed up on one of the highest points of the day of Resurrection overlooking the layers of Hell. But someone cried out to me, ‘Go back! You are not one of the inmates of Hell.’ These words calmed by fears and I went back.

But the snake pursued me. I went back to the old man and said, ‘O old man! I begged you to protect me from this snake but you didn’t protect me!’ Again, the old man wept, and said, ‘I am weak, but go to that mountain. In it are kept the stores of Muslims. If there is something in store for you, then it will help you.’

I looked and saw a round shaped mountain of silver topped with domes of hollowed pearls and hanging drapes, and every dome had two large gates of red gold encrusted with emeralds and pearls and overhung with drapes of silk.

When I saw the mountain I ran to it, with the snake in hot pursuit. As I approached the mountain one of the angels cried out, ‘Raise up the veils, open the gates and look out! Perhaps this wretched one has something in store with you that will save him from his enemy.’ At this, the veils were lifted, the gates were opened and out of the palaces came children with faces like full moons. The snake was catching up to me and I was near despair!

One of the children cried out, ‘Woe to you! Come and see all of you! His enemy is very near him.’ At this, the children came, one wave after another, and among them was the dear daughter of mine that had died, two years before. When she saw me she wept and said, ‘my father! By Allah! ’ She leapt into a carriage of light and came near me with the speed of an arrow. She put her left hand in my right hand and I held on to her tight. Then she stretched her right hand in front of the snake, and it turned around and fled.

My daughter bade me sit, then she sat on my lap and began to stroke my beard and said, ‘O my father!’ then quoted from the Quran (57:16), saying, ‘Has not the time come for those who believe, that their hearts become humbled at the remembrance of Allah?’ I began to weep and said, ‘O daughter, you children know Quran?’ She replied, ‘My father! We know it better than you.’ I said to her, ‘Tell me about the snake which wanted to destroy me.’ She replied, ‘Those were your evil deeds that you built up and strengthened, and they wanted to take you to the Hellfire.’ I asked, ‘What about the old man I passed by?’ She replied, ‘O my father, those were your righteous deeds, you made them weak until they were no match for your evil deeds .’
I said, ‘O my daughter! What are you all doing in this mountain?’ She said, ‘we are the children of Muslims, we have been given this dwelling place until the Hour rises. We await whatever you send forth to us, and we intercede for you’.

Then I woke startled and saw that morning had come. I flung the alcohol from me and shattered the drinking cups, and I repented to Allah.”

This person who repented so sincerely was Shaykh Maalik Bin Dinaar(Rahmatullah alaiyhe), who later became one of the renowned Divines of his times. It is said that, in his early life, he was not a pious man and when someone asked him how he came to repent of his sins and abandon his evil ways, he related the above story about himself.

Taken from Al Islaah

Having Time For Others - Part 4

The Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam was a man who was busier than any other person to have stepped foot on the planet. The task that was bestowed upon him contributed significantly to this and one would imagine that a job so daunting would not allow a person to do much else. If we analyse our own schedules, we realise that time is something we hold in high regard. How many a time have we received a phone call and have made excuses in order to pursue another goal? However, the fact remains that our struggles and difficulties do not tantamount even to a single difficulty endured by the Prophet salallahu alahyi wa salam. What man could have been busier than the Prophet salallahu alayhi salam? What student could have more work to do than the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam?

Sometimes we are not even busy, we just be selective with who we speak to. We show kindness to those above us or equal to us in knowledge and actions but feel a need to ignore those wonderful souls who are still struggling on ‘Alif, Baa.’ This should never be the case. We must have time for everyone, even the worst of people. Hazrat Amr ibn al-Aas radiallahu anhu relates,

“The Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam gave attention, spoke and showed love to the worst person of a nation so that, the person may feel he is being given special attention. He used to give me such attentions and spoke to me also in a manner that I began to feel that I was the best among the community.”

It is hard now to get even a handshake or a smile on the road. I find the state of business truly amazing while I am travelling by tube or bus to different destinations. I often peer out of the window and watch how people are running round, each person has a greater worry than the one before and I often wonder how far their awareness of other people is. Some people are so bad that if you greet them at the wrong time, you may end up with a strained relation! The Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam, so beautiful was he, he would never be the first person to remove his hand from a handshake. When he would speak, he would turn his entire being to face that person and would not glance at them side on or show his back towards them. He, salallahu alayhi wa salam, would always have time for them – whoever they were.

May Allah Ta’ala give us all the ability to be considerate, compassionate and caring to others, May He forgive us of our indecencies towards other people and May He instil in us, the character of His Beloved salallahu alayhi wa salam. Ameen.

Sports car and the Qur'an

A young man was getting ready to graduate college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.

As Graduation Day approached, the young man waited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him.

He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box.
Curious, but somewhat disappointed the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Quran. Angrily, he raised his voice at his father and said "With all your money you give me a Quran?" and stormed out of the house, leaving the holy book.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business.
He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day.
Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care things.

When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search his father's important papers and saw the still new Quran, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Quran and began to turn the pages.
As he read those words, a car key dropped from an envelope taped behind the Quran. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words...PAID IN FULL.

How many times do we miss ALLAH's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?

Taken from Al-Islah Publications

Being Accustom To Sin

In this day and age, we as Muslims do not become upset from that which brings displeasure to Allah Ta'ala. The main example is sin. We do not feel hate or disgust for it because we have become used to sin.

We are all Muslims and if we see something happening before our own eyes that we know is Haraam then immediately we should realise that that act will also bring the displeasure of Allah. If we cannot stop the sin with our hands, then we should atleast use our mouths by advising the person involved in the sin to either stop or not to go ahead with the action. If a person cannot do that then he should atleast feel some sort of sadness in his heart.

It has been the practice of the great scholars of the past that if they saw a person involved in a sin then they would never look down on that person or treat him with hate. Instead they would make shukr and give thanks to Allah Ta'ala that He kept them away from such acts of disobedience. They would make dua that Allah Ta'ala removes that sin from that person's life.

A famous saying comes to mind where someone stated that, "An increase in evil occurs when good people fail to speak." Whether you pray 5 times a day or even if you don't pray at all, we as muslims are all equal and brothers to one another and nobody is superior in status. If a person needs to be advised or reminded then we should do so and not think "I'm not pious enough to do so" or "What if they laugh at me?" or "what if they reject me?" Forget about what people think your duty is to remind people especially when Halal and Haraam situations are present before you and you have the correct amount of knowledge to actually get your point across.

I've also noticed that some people have tonnes of knowledge when it comes to topics that are debatable in Islam and ones that cause controversy, but what about the basic topics of day to day life? Forget about all the Madhab issues and whether one is following the Qur'an and Sunnah in Salaah and focus on actually getting the people to pray their salaah!

Just to wrap it up I'll narrate the following analogy taken from Mufti Taqi Usmani's book Discourses on Islamic Way Of Life Volume 9:

Our behaviour may be compared to a bad-smelling house offensive to the mind. If any outsider enters it, he will find it difficult to stay even a while in the house, but anyone already staying in it will not sense the difference because he is accustome to-the smell. He will not understand why anyone should rebuke him for staying in the offensive atmosphere. The other man whom Allah has protected from the bad-smelling house and kept in a fragrant atmosphere will be repulsed from a distance when he gets the bad smell. In the same way, believers whose hearts are devoted to Allah and are clean like a shining mirror are replused from the darkness and abhorrence of sin.

May Allah enable us to enjoin in good and forbid the evil even within our own lives. Ameen.

Poetry: To The One Who Bears Me In His Heart

To The One Who Bears Me In His Heart,

What chance do you have of finding me?

Do not look at them! Surely, you are the body that clothes my existence!

Have you become so ignorant that you help others and exile yourself?

That, my friend is your illness, your constant need to gawk into he or she,

You’ve been observing all else so hard that you have completely forgotten me,

The irony of it all is that I am clearer than that which you breathe,

Although I must say my dear, you have left me lonely since you started to admonish.

Nevertheless I am here! I always will be! Like a moth that harnesses itself to the light,

And when that light ceases to glow... synonymous to your insignificant life, I too will go.

But until then, I will be perched, sitting veiled upon your heart,

And when you gaze in the mirror, I advise you to scrutinise the ‘work of art’.


With love,
Your Faults.

The First 10 Days Of Zhul-Hijjah

Alhamdulillah the new moon was sighted today from South Africa. Hence the Month of Dhul Hijjah has commenced today (28th November after maghrib). The 1st day and fast of Dhul Hijjah will be on Saturday 29th November 2008. Insha Allah Eidul Adha will therefore be on Monday the 8th of December 2008.

An important announcement I would like to make and I personally feel that it is a very important announcement to make simply because of the great virtue and benefit these 10 days and nights contain...

It has been narrated in a famous hadeeth that The Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has said, “One fast during these days is equal to the fasting of one complete year, and the worship of one night during this period is equal to the worship in the “Lailatul-Qadr”. (Tirmidhi)

And the virtues don't end there...

It has also been narrated in a hadeeth to the nearest effect, "No servant fasts on a day in the path of Allah except that Allah removes the hell fire 70 years further away from his face" (Bukhari and Muslim)

It is also narrated from Ibn Abbaas(radhiyallanhu) thatRasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: " No days are as weighty with Allah and so liked by Him for good deeds than the first ten days of Zul-Hijjah ". Therefore in these days increasingly recite: "La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Al-Hamdu-lillah, Sub-hanallah." (Tabraani).

Ibn Abbaas(radhiyallahu anhu) that Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: "There is no day wherein any good action is more beloved to Allah Ta'ala than these ten days (the first ten days of Zul Hijjah)". The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu anhum) enquired: " Not even striving in the path of Allah ?" "Not even Striving in the path of Allah," replied Rasulullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) , " with the exception of that person who left with his life and wealth (in the path of Allah) and did not return with any of it (i.e. he is martyred)". (Bukhari,Tabraani).

Regarding the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (Day Of Arafat)
Abu Qataadah(radhiyallahu anhu) reported that Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: " I have hope in Allah Ta'ala that the fast of Arafaat will be an atonement for the sins of the past and the forthcoming year." (Tirmizi)

A prominant scholar of this day and age, Hadhrat Mawlana Mohammad Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him) said,
‘The first ten days of Zulhijjah are among the most magnificent days in Islamic calendar.
Every Muslim should avail of this wonderful opportunity by performing during this period as much Iba’dah (acts of worship) to Allah as he or she can.’

I STRONGLY advise everyone to atleast read 2 rakaat's of tahajjud in each night. And for those brotheres or sisters or feel that they can't wake up in the last third of the night then please do try and pray your tahajjud salaah straight after your esha salaah as tahajjud can also be prayed at that time too. The virtues of these days is immense and the reward that can be gained from just an extra bit of dhikr and ibadat will inshallah help a person in the long run.

May Allah give me and you the tawfeeq and ability to increase our worship in Allah in these next 10 days. Ameen.

P.S: And please do remember me in your duas :D

Be Happy and Not Grumpy

Many people now point out to the fact that people of knowledge are too boring and grumpy. Others may say that knowledge can change a person and that those who have it become very formal with people. In recent times, I too have felt this feeling of rejection from various people and it creates the sense of resentment and patronisation.

Islam does not say that you need to frown to prove you have knowledge, the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam was the most intelligent from amongst the people and he was the one who smiled the most too. Abdullah ibn Harith radiallahu anhu reports,

"I did not see anyone who smiled more than Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam."

Hazrat Shaykh Muhammad Zakariyyah mentions in his Khasa'il Nabawi,

"This is the pinnacle of humbleness and good character. Hazrat Jarir radiallahu anhu says that whenever Sayyidina Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasalam saw me, he met me with a cheerful smile. There now remains no contradiction with the first hadith (in that the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam was always in sorrow [see previous chapter]). Many times it so happens that a person is sad and worried, but to keep others happy, or for some other reason one has the opportunity to meet them cheerfully. Those who have in their hearts a mark of love, experience this many times. "

Nowadays, everybody wants to be grumpy in an act of piety so much so that they push people away from them. It becomes hard to approach them in future and a feeling of annoyance becomes ascribed to that person. Let us all be happy and smile at one another, it is mentioned in the ahadith as an act of charity and one which is virtuous. It is a Sunnah which many people do not take heed too, a person must be seen in regular deep contemplation to show that he is pious and that he is in the state of muraqabah and ihsaan!

I have seen some people who have been sinners for many years and the second Allah Ta'ala gives them His Guidance, they feel they can patronise others with less knowledge and not sit jovially with them. Let us all revive this Sunnah of being happy with one another and let us smile at one other, it does not mean that you cannot fear Allah in your heart. One final pearl to finish off on - Hazrat Maulana Saleem Dhorat damat barakatahum said,

"In Islam, good character and manners are not only to show good things overtly. Though smiling at someone is a good deed, it is only meritorious when done with sincerity; if this is done while one has hatred for that person in his heart then it is not good manners but nothing but hypocrisy.

Good character is that one intends or works towards cleansing the heart from all bad traits and thereafter demonstrates good character by certain acts like smiling”."

May Allah Ta'ala adorn our faces with smiles and maintain our happiness. Ameen.

The Father, The Son and The Donkey

Once there was a father and his son walking through a town and with them they had a donkey. So on seeing this, the townsfold exclaimed: "Look at these foolish people! They have a donkey yet they do not ride it."

So the son mounted the donkey whilst the father walked by his side.

Upon passing another town the townsmen said; "How disrespectful is the son, he mounts whilst his father strolls along."

So the son dismounted to make way for the father.

Those standing on the street corners of the next town said; "What an oppressor the father is, he mounts whilst his son walks!"

Hearing this, the father and son both sat astride the beast and do you know what the inhabitants of the next village said? They said, "Do these people have no consideration for the donkey? They are burdening him with the weight of two!" So the father and the son had only one last option, which was to carry the donkey! The villagers of the next village jeered at them and said, "How foolish! They have a conveyance yet they become its conveyance!"

In the end, the father and the son became soo frustrated that they threw the donkey into a well! (Note: This site does not encourage throwing donkeys into wells)

(Taken from the book: The World of Teens Book 1, Written by Moulana Muhammad Yahya ibn Faruq)

The moral of this story is that don't always think about what your friends or collegues will say, especially the brothers who start to make a change in their lives. We notice nowadays that times have changed, friends no longer call towards the good and forbid the evil but instead people laugh and mock at the good their mate do and encourage evil. This also provides an obstacle for the people who do wish to make a change in their lives because in the back of their mind they will always have these thoughts that such and such doesn't like me wearing a juba because it doesn't fit in with the rest of the group, so instead lemme just wear a topi instead and settle for the minimum. The thing is, is that some people will never be happy with what you do and sometimes the best thing to do is to leave them to themselves.
One last point to note is that my dear brothers and sisters whenever we carry out any actions or good deeds, like wearing a juba or topi to college and for sisters whenever any of you start wearing the jilbab and headscarf, don't worry about what the people will say or think about you, but instead focus on actually doing the deed properly with sincerity and for gaining the pleasure of Allah. Like my beloved Shaykh mentioned in his talk, "If people call you a millionaire, will that make you a millionaire? If not, then similarly, if people call you silly or stupid for doing some good deeds that doesn't make you silly or stupid? no it doesn't, but instead these remarks should be thought of as just "hollow" and should not be taken heed of."

May Allah give us steadfastness in practising the deen of Islam and in following the Sunnah of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam. Ameen.

Poetry: My Friend & Me

My best friend is always there for me,
He makes dua'a and Istigfaar just for me.
He yells out 'Salaam' when he sees me,
And will always smile as he embraces me.

My best friend always has time for me,
He will always ring and check up on me.
If I haven't spoken to him he will email me,
And if he hasnt seen me he will surely contact me.

My best friend always spends freely on me,
He does not think twice when feeding me.
When we are together he will look after me,
And when it's Eid he will buy gifts for me.

My best friend always prays in Jamaat with me,
He hasn't got time to bun a zoot with me.
He will always have good influence on me,
He will never say anything bad about me.

My best friend is most dear to me,
I stay around him because it is good for me.
I make more dua'a for him than he does of me,
I care for him because hes a part of me...

"A man will follow the religion of his friend, so becareful whom you make friends with." (Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud)

The Branches of Imaan

Recently I heard a statement I found very funny, “Do you think money grows on trees?” I suddenly remembered a time in my childhood when I asked my beloved mother for something extremely expensive to which she replied, “Do you think money grows on trees?!” I became extremely upset and set out to prove her wrong and so I waited for a sunny day and proceeded into my garden with my green plastic shovel that I got from Blackpool beach and a bag full of pennies. I spent many days watering them hoping that a tree would sprout out. I had envisaged myself jumping up and down underneath a tree that would have £50 under each branch. These memories made me think and Allah opened my eyes to the fact there is a tree which has an entity that is more valuable than money. The tree of Islam which consists of 77 Branches of Imaan. Hazrat Hakeemul Ummat (Allah have mercy upon him) mentions them in his Kitaab 'Furu’ ul Imaan':

The Messenger of Allah (May peace and blessings be upon him) said “There are over 70 branches of faith. The highest is to bear witness that ‘There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah’. The lowest is the removal of harm from the road. Modesty is also of faith.” We will therefore mentions these qualities.

30 QUALITIES ARE CONNECTED TO THE HEART

1. Belief in Allah

2. To believe that everything other than Allah was non-existent. Thereafter, Allah Ta'ala created these things and subsequently they came into existence.

3. To believe in the existence of the Angels.

4. To believe that all the divine books that were sent to the different prophets are true. However, apart from the Qur'an, all other books are not valid anymore.

5. To believe that all the prophets are true. However, we are commanded to follow the Prophet Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) alone.

6. To believe that Allah Ta'ala as knowledge of everything from before hand and that only that which He sanctions or wishes will occur.

7. To believe that the Resurrection will definitely occur.

8. To believe in the existence of Heaven.

9. To believe in the existence of Hell.

10. To have love for Allah Ta'ala.

11. To have love for the Messenger of Allah (May Allah peace and blessings be upon him)

12. To love or hate someone solely because of Allah.

13. To execute all actions with the intention of religion alone.

14. To regret and express remorse when a sin is committed.

15. To fear Allah Ta'ala.

16. To hope for the mercy of Allah Ta'ala

17. To be modest.

18.To express gratitude over a bounty or favour.

19. To fulfill promises.

20. To exercise patience.

21. To consider yourself lower than others.

22. To have mercy on the creation.

23. To be pleased with whatever you experience from Allah Ta'ala.

24. To place your trust in Allah Ta'ala.

25. Not to boast or brag over any quality that you posses.

26. Not to have malice or hatred towards anybody.

27. Not to be envious of anyone.

28. Not to become angry.

29. Not to wish harm for anyone.

30. Not to have love for the world.

7 QUALITIES ARE CONNECTED TO THE TONGUE

31. To recite the testimony of faith (kalimah) with the tongue.

32. To recite the Qur'an.

33. To acquire knowledge.

34. To pass on Knowledge.

35. To make dua'a.

36. To make the zikr of Allah Ta'ala.

37. To abstain from the following: lies, backbiting, vulgar words, cursing, singing that is contrary
to the Shariah.

40 QUALITIES ARE CONNECTED TO THE ENTIRE BODY

38. To make wudhu, ghusl, and keep one’s clothing clean.

39. To be steadfast in offering salaat.

40. To pay zakaat and sadaqatul fitr.

41. To fast.

42. To perform Hajj.

43. To make i’tikaaf.

44. To move away or migrate from that place which is harmful for one's deen.

45. To fulfill the vows that have been made to Allah.

46. To fulfill the oaths that are not sinful.

47. To pay the kaffarah for unfulfilled oaths.

48. To cover those parts of the body that are compulsory to cover.

49. To perform the ritual slaughter.

50. To enshroud and bury the deceased.

51. To fulfill your debts.

52. To abstain from prohibited things when undertaking monetary transactions.

53. Not to conceal something true which you may have witnessed.

54. To get married when the nafs desires to do so.

55. To fulfill the rights of those who are under you.

56. To provide comfort to one’s parents.

57. To rear children in the proper manner.

58. Not to sever relations with one’s friends and relatives.

59. To obey one’s master.

60. To be just.

61. Not to initiate any way that is contrary to that of the generality of the Muslims.

62. To obey the ruler, provided what he orders is not contrary to the Shariah.

63. To make peace between two warring groups or individuals.

64. To assist in noble tasks.

65. To command the good and prohibit the evil.

66. If it is the government. it should mete out punishments according to the Shariah.

67. To fight the enemies of deen whenever such an occasion presents itself.

68. To fulfill one’s trusts.

69. To give loans to those who are in need .

70. To see to the needs of one’s neighbour.

71. To ensure that one’s income is pure.

72. To spend according to the Shariah.

73. To reply to one who has greeted you.

74. To say 'Yarhamukallah' (May Allah have mercy upon you) when anyone says 'Alhamdulillah' (All praise be to Allah) after sneezing.

75. Not to cause harm to anyone unjustly.

76. To abstain from games and amusements contrary to the Shariah.

77. To remove pebbles, stones, thorns, sticks, and the like from the road.

May Allah Ta'ala give us the ability to grow this tree in our lives and may He pour enough Guidance over it for it to blossom. May the contents of these 77 branches drop into our lives with great impact. Ameen

Heartbreaking News for Oreo Lovers :(

Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:18:04 +0100>

From: UKConsumerCare@krafteurope.com>

To: ...@hotmail.co.uk>

Subject: Case Ref: 2008501010407614/BG

Dear Abdul Gearay,

Regarding your ongoing query into Oreo biscuits, the entire Oreo product range as sold in the U.K is unsuitable for vegetarians.

Additionally, I´m afraid it is not our policy to provide comprehensive lists of products which are suitable for vegetarians due to the extensive nature of our product range, but if you have a query regarding a specific product or range please let me know and I will be happy to inform you concerning that product.

Kind regards,

Benjamin Green

Consumer Relations Team

Kraft Foods UK Ltd. Registered & Head Office: St George's House, Bayshill Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3AE, Registered London 203663

NOTE: THIS APPLIES TO ALL OREO PRODUCTS (Milkshakes included) MADE BY THE COMPANY KRAFT FOODS UK. OREOS MADE BY NABISCO THE AMERICAN BRAND MAY BE VEGETERIAN (according to what some people have been saying)

Poetry: Fajr

My battle for You has just begun,

A little time left till the Earth smiles at the sun.

The manipulative warmth of a close enemy,

My eyes are closed but my heart can feel the dichotomy.

I know it is time to stand forth as a slave,

But this pressure on my body is like immense tidal waves.

The Accursed begins to polish a perilous desire,

Its under a veil and it is quite evident it leads to the Fire.

A desire to slumber begins to overtake my power,

The feeling of defeat makes my heart feel sour.

It is in the darkness of that hour my soul remembers its time with You,

and with every bit of strength in my body, it sits up with my heart beating...

..Allah Hu..

Importance of Salaat

The Ummah of today have abandoned salah but if we knew what it was worth we would never miss another prayer again, not for any wedding or party.

Ka'b(R.A.) says that he saw in the Taurat that Allah Ta'ala said to Musa(a.a.):

'O Musa! For the two rakaats of Fajr prayer that Ummah of Muhammad (s.a.w) will perform, We will forgive all their sins of the whole day and night and enter them into the fort of Our security.

O Musa! For each of the four rakaats of Zuhr, which the Ummah ofMuhammad perform, the reward is seperate. For the first rakaat, the reward is forgiveness of sins, for the second rakaat, the reward is that his good deeds will be made heavy on the Day of Judgment, for the third rakaat, the reward is the angels making Du'a for their forgiveness and asking My mercy for them; for the fourth rakaat, the reward is the opening of the doors of Heaven and the damsels of Paradise looking at them.

O Musa, when Our last Prophet and his Ummah will pray the four rakaats of Asr salat, there will be no angel on earth and heaven who will not pray for their forgiveness. And we will not punish those for whom the angels pray for forgiveness.

O Musa, when Our last Prophet's Ummah will pray the three rakats at the time of Maghirib, then the doors of the heavens will be opened, and We will fulfill whatever they will ask.

O Musa, the four rakaats of Isha are better than all the earth's kingdom and wealth. After performing this salat, they will be as purified of their sins, as a new born baby.'

Kiss of a Hero

Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) once dispatched a group of people to approach the Romans. There was one man in the group who had the status of a Companion and his name was Abdullah bin Hudhaafa (May Allah be pleased with him). During their journey, the entire Muslim group were captured and held captive by the Romans. The Romans at the time were the superpowers and dominated other nations with their power and prowess. To them belonged the riches of the earth and the wealth of the world.

The Roman Emperor was not too bothered about the captives till he was informed by his guards that there is a man amongst the Muslims who is a companion of Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him). The Emperor recognised instantly that this is a golden opportunity to lure an extraordinary Muslim away from the fold of Islam. If he could do this to Abdullah ibn Hudhaafa (May Allah be pleased with him) then it would bring many other Muslims into disbelief and also justify his rule over the Roman Empire. The Emperor’s mouth watered at this prospect and so he initiated his torture of Abdullah ibn Hudhafaa (May Allah be pleased with him).

Abdullah ibn Hudhafaa (May Allah be pleased with him) was brought before the Roman Emperor and his guards. It was the custom of the Roman’s to give entertainment to their people and their kingdom. The proud Emperor approached Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) in a very eloquent but manipulative way and then made a proposal of a lifetime! With his citizens looking on, he asked Abdullah ibn Hudhafaa (May Allah be pleased with him),

“I shall share my kingdom and my authority with you if you become a Christian.”

The Roman Emperor, the most powerful ruler of the time was offering the riches of the world to Abdullah ibn Hudhaafa (May Allah be pleased with him) but Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) himself was no ordinary man, he was a Companion of the Prophet . He was more interested in building a palace of his own in Jannah than accumulating the kingdom of a superpower. Thus he replied in a nonchalant yet meaningful tone,

“If you offer me your entire kingdom combined with the kingdom of all the Arabs in exchange for leaving the religion of Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) for the duration equal to the blinking of an eye, I would still not do so...”

The Roman Emperor and his entire kingdom were so taken back by the response of Abdullah ibn Hudhafaa (May Allah be pleased with him) that the whole atmosphere maintained a stirring silence. The Emperor had never envisaged such a great offer being rejected and laughed off with the degree of derision given to him by the likes of Abdullah ibn Hudhaafa (May Allah be pleased with him). Infuriated, the Roman Emperor then threatened,

“I shall then have you killed!”

Such was the resilience of Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) that he replied with the most nonchalant of tones. He merely replied,

“My body is at your disposal, do as you please.”

The Roman Emperor ordered his men to grab Abdullah ibn Hudhaafa (May Allah be pleased with him) and tie him upon a cross. The Roman archers were then given the order to fire arrows at Abdullah ibn Hudhaafa (May Allah be pleased with him) but in a way which would injure him and scare him. Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) was not aware of this ploy, he genuinely believed that he was to be killed on the cross and the Roman Emperor gave Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) a final chance to forsake Islam but each time he invited Abdullah ibn Hudhaafa (May Allah be pleased with him) the latter would reject. The arrows were then fired at this resolute Muslim yet the words which reverberated in the palace of Rome were the same words we wear on our sleeves,

“I bare witness that there is no deity worth worship but Allah and that Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) is His Messenger!”

The Roman Emperor and his men were all wonderstruck as to why this man was such a loyal servant of Islam. The Emperor then threw one final roll of the dice and attempted to penetrate the belief of Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) by killing to other Muslims in front of his very eyes.

Two Muslim prisoners were dragged into the court of this ruthless tyrant and handled rigorously. The fuming Roman Emperor demanded a cauldron of boiling hot water be brought forth and when it was presented to the Emperor, he would turn and say to Abdullah ibn Hudaafah (May Allah be pleased with him),

“Renounce your faith or I will kill your Muslim brothers.”

Abdullah ibn Hudhaafa (May Allah be pleased with him) still refused to leave the religion of Allah the Almighty and continued to show inspirational resistance. The Roman Emperor now accepted defeat; he was frustrated with the spirit of Abdullah ibn Hudhaafa (May Allah be pleased with him) and hence ordered his guards to kill Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) also. It was then the guards came and seized him that Abdullah ibn Hudhaafa (May Allah be pleased with him) showed the first signs of wavering. He began to cry copiously and the Roman Emperor’s face lit up with huge satisfaction! He got the reaction that he wanted, he saw tears streaming down the face of his prisoner, and he saw the suffering and agony in his eyes. This was the perfect time to pull Abdullah ibn Hudhaafa away from Islam and so the emperor said,

“O Abdullah! Leave the religion of Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him)!"

Then, from the behind the abundant rivers of sorrow came a thunderous reply that could supersede the sound of a million storms,

“I bare witness that there is no deity worth worship but Allah and that Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) is His Messenger!”

The Roman Emperor was in awe, he was bamboozled as to why he got this roaring reply. He enquired,

“Then...why do you weep?”

The reply of Abdullah ibn Hudhaafa (May Allah be pleased with him) was such that it deserves to be written in the house of every Muslim in gold. He said,

“The reason I cry is because a thought just passed my mind that only now will I be killed and thrown into this cauldron. The reason I weep is because I am upset. I wish that I had as many lives as the hairs on my body so that each one could be given for the pleasure of Allah!”

The Emperor began to tremble in awe of this great man and so he requested in front of his entire palace,

“Would you please kiss my forehead in exchange for your freedom?”

Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) bartered,

“In exchange for all the prisoners?”

“Yes, in exchange for all the prisoners.”

Abdullah ibn Hudhaafa (May Allah be pleased with him) said to himself,

“Although he is an enemy of Allah, I don’t mind kissing his forehead in exchange for my freedom as well as the freedom of all the Muslim prisoners.”

Therefore he drew closer and kissed the forehead of the Roman Emperor, after which all the prisoners were freed.

Abdullah ibn Hudhaafa (May Allah be pleased with him) then brought them all back to Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) and informed him of the happenings of his adventure. The Commander of the Believers then got up and legislated to the masses,

“It is compulsory for every Muslim to kiss the head of Abdullah ibn Hudhaafa (May Allah be pleased with him) and I shall be the first!"

Ammama (The Turban) Sunnah Series – Part 2

In today’s modern society, we see many people adorn themselves with different types of headgear. But should a Muslim really be wearing a New Era cap? In Part 1 we stated that a person can attain salvation for merely resembling the Messenger of Allah salallahu alayhi wa salam. Now let us discuss in a little more detail the various virtues of wearing a turban.

The Ammama

It is mentioned in Fathul Baari, ‘"Tie the turban. It will increase you in forbearance." Similarly, Hazrat Shaykh Rahimahullah has mentioned in his commentary to Shama-il Tirmidhi (Khasaail e Nabawi) that the tying of the turban is ‘Sunnat-e-Mustamirrah’ progressive practice of Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam.

The Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salaam and his turban:

Huraith radiallahu anhu reports that Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam addressed the people while wearing a black turban. (Muslim)

Hazrat Jaabir radiallahu anhu reports that on the occasion of ‘The Conquest of Makkah’, Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam entered Makkah Mukarramah while wearing a black turban. (Muslim)

Ibn Abbas radiallahu anhu reports that during the illness just prior to his passing away, Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam addressed the Sahabah radhiallahu anhum while wearing a black turban. (Muslim)

The Sahaba and the turban:

Imam Nafi’ rahimahullah says: "I saw Ibn Umar radiallahu anhu wearing a turban the tail of which hung between the shoulders."(Ibid)

Sulaiman radiallahu anhu says: "I saw those Sahabah who were from the Muhajireen e Awaleen (those who were among the first to migrate to Madinah) wearing turbans of cotton material." (Musanaf Ibn Abi Shaibah)

Abu Darda radiallahu anhu had a black turban on. (Ibid)

Ibn Zubair radiallahu anhu was seen wearing a turban both ends of which hung at the front. (Ibid)

Hazrat Shaykh rahimahullah writes; "No mention can be found among the reliable traditions concerning the length of the turban of Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam" (Khasaail e Nabawi)

The Colours:

Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam had a white, black, and red Ammama. (Shamaail)

White turban- Ibn Umar radiallahu anhu narrates Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam tied a white turban for Abdur-Rahmaan ibn Awf radiallahu anhu. (Mustadrak al-Haakim)

Black turban- Red turban-Anas ibn Maalik radiallahu anhu narrates seeing Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam making Wudhu whilst wearing a Turban that had red colour on it. (Sunan Abi Dawud)

In other narrations with regards to the Sahabah radiallahu anhum, the colours yellow, green and brown have also been mentioned. However, white is the most virtuous as this was the colour the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam liked most.

It is also reported from Sa'eed Ibn Jubair radiallahu anhu that when Jibraeel alayhis salaam came down to punish Fir’aun, he had on a black turban. (Musanaf Ibn Abi Shaibah)

The virtues:

Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam is reported to have said: "Hold on to the turban as it is a sign of the angels. Also let the loose end hang from the back." (Baihaqi)

"Adopt the turban as it will increase your patience." (Mustadrak of Hakim)

"Some of Allah Ta’âla’s angels stand at the door of the Masjid and seek repentance on behalf of those wearing white turbans." (Al Maqaasidul Hasanah)

"Allah Ta’âla causes His mercy to descend on the people wearing turbans on the day of Jummah and his Angels make du’â for such people." (Dailami)

The Turban In Your Prayer:

The Jumu'ah performed while wearing a turban is 70 times superior to a Jumu'ah without a turban. (Dailami)

Two units of prayer performed while wearing the turban are superior to seventy units performed without a turban. (narrated by Jabir radiallahu anhu)

Hazrat Shaykh Rashid Ahmed Gangohi rahimahullah has written ; "To make Imaamat (lead the congregation) without a turban is completely permissible without any degree of reprehensibility. However, there is no denying of the fact that with a turban, the reward is increased." (Fatawa Rashidiyya)

NOTE: A topi must be worn under the Amamma, the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam has said,

“The difference between us and the Mushrikeen (Polytheists) is that we wear a topee under our turban while the Mushrikeen do not do likewise."

Resemble The Most Beautiful Creation of Allah

Such is the love of Allah the Almighty on His beloved prophet, Muhammad salallahu alayhi wa salam that if a person was to emulate him, Allah the Almighty would begin to love that person too.

Many stories have been related about people who have been granted salvation for merely copying the pious. In the time of Musa alayhis salaam, the accursed Fir’aun would send a jester to ridicule the prophet of Allah. This jester would dress up similarly to Musa alayhi salaam and would then mock him in front of many spectators. Soon after, Allah sent his punishment on the nation of Fir’aun (we shall soon discuss this in our Destruction of Nations series) in which his entire nation perished, apart from one man. When Musa alayhi salaam and the Children of Israel came out of the river Nile, they were amazed to find one survivor out of the wrong-doers – it was the jester! Thereafter Hazrat Musa alayhis salaam became upset and called out to Allah and said,

“"Oh Allah, out of all the people that abused me, that caused me harm, this Jester hurt me the most. He used to deride me in front of the people when I preached and he used to ridicule me. He used to copy my words, copy my speeches, imitate my actions and wear the same clothes as me so that he could make a fool out of me in front of the people. I hated him the most and you let him live?”

Allah the Almighty replied to Musa alayhis salam and said,

"The Lover (Allah the Almighty) does not punish that person who looks (by means of clothing, beard etc.) like the loved one (His Prophet)"

If this was the love Allah showed for a jester who did not even intend reward then what would be the result of a man who strives in his every action to emulate the Beloved of Allah, Muhammad salallahu alayhi wa salam? It is why Allah mentions in the Qur’an,

“Say (O Muhammad salallahu alayhi wa salam): If you want Allah to love you, follow me, then Allah will love you too.”

Infact, the person who upholds the Sunnah in a time of peril for the Ummah, Allah will reward him with the reward of 100 martyrs and the reward of one martyr is that before his blood gushes forth, all of his sins are wiped away.

We will now write a series of posts dedicated to the Sunnah of the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam. We will discuss the virtues of various garments that can grant one salvation.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us to uphold the ways of the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam to its fullest. Ameen.

Giving Up Sins: An Easy Prescription

by Hadhrat Maulana Yunus Patel (Damat Barakaatuhum)

There are many, many Muslim brothers and sisters throughout the world who due to various negative influences and bad elements, find themselves ‘de-railed’ from Deen. Many others sit on the fence, wanting to enjoy or benefit from both sides of the fence – engaging in sins as well as being practical on certain teachings of Deen. However, deep in their hearts is the desire to get back on track, and once again become good, practical Muslims; to jump off the fence and enjoy the green pastures of Islam. So they write, e-mail, phone, fax seeking guidance and direction.

• The main weakness is indulgence in sins; sometimes many sins and excessive indulgence in those sins. A standard prescription that I give as a reply, is as follows. Alhamdulillah, many who followed through with the prescription have found a whole new life – of peace, happiness, blessings and mercy. On tasting the sweetness that comes with obedience, there is no desire to return to any form of disobedience.
• 
  The ideal is that we abstain from sins, out of love for Allah Ta’ala. He has granted us so much – He has granted us everything and it is the nature of human beings that we love the person that is kind and generous to us. Then what of Allah Ta’ala who has provided us with plentiful – with everything? The sight, hearing, speech, the organs that are functioning in such an amazing manner, the limbs - all in our service – for eating, drinking, walking, sitting, etc. The gifts of wealth : the clothing, shelter, transport, food, drink, and so many other comforts. …We use them all, but do we keep in mind, the Generous Benefactor ? Do we give thanks for these bounties or show any appreciation to the Giver ?
• 
  Developing the conscious awareness that Allah Ta’ala is with us : He is watching us, He is hearing us, He knows all and everything about us; We cannot hide from Him; We cannot conceal our actions from Him. Then should we not feel ashamed that in His Presence, we are disobeying Him? Are we not showing ingratitude to the Benefactor, when engaging in sins in His very Presence ?
• 
  Keep in mind that the angels too are witness to all our actions; that the earth is recording our behaviour and that all of it is also noted in our books of deeds – that we are accountable to Allah Ta’ala on the Day of Judgement. Added to this, our actions are also presented to Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), so we should give thought to whether our actions are a source of joy or grief to him. …In this manner, we will develop that shame and modesty which will make it easy to restrain from Haraam.
• 
  Muraqabah is meditating on the actions engaged in during the day : We should reflect over our deeds for the day and seek forgiveness for shortcomings and resolve not to return to those bad deeds. We should also express gratitude on good deeds and make dua for an increase in them.
  Ponder over the fact that the Angel of Death does not give respite. It must not be that whilst obeying the nafs in sinful pleasure, the Angel of death visits; and departure is in disgrace, and return to Allah Ta’ala is at a time when He is angry, and that death is an embarrassment to the person, family and community who find out that death came in sin. May Allah Ta’ala protect us all from death in a state of transgression, but this is very much a reality.…
  
  Death visits – more often, very unexpectedly, and no true Muslim would want to be seized by the Angel of death when Allah Ta’ala is displeased. I often say : We now have instant tea, and instant coffee, and instant cereal and instant pudding and so many other things on the market are instant – we are also living in times when death is just as instant. So any sin is too much of a risk in the face of the reality of death. …The Hadith is explicit : That we will be resurrected on the day of Judgement as we have died and we will die as we have lived. …Would any Muslim want to rise up on the Day of Judgement in sin, for all of mankind to witness what kind of life he led?

• Ponder over the fact that Allah Ta’ala has blessed us with the gift of sight, hearing, health, wealth, and so much else – and has also granted us the gift of respect. However, what He gives, He can also take away. He has explicitly stated that ingratitude for His Gifts will draw very severe punishment. So is sin not abuse and ingratitude for the gifts of sight, of heart, of mind, of limbs ?

• A little contemplation on the consequences of such behaviour and a little bit of mujahada – which entails ‘not doing’ and Alhamdulillah, the sicknesses are cured.
  
  Together with this :
  
  Attend the talks of the learned Scholars of Islam whenever possible, or listen to recordings of their talks and read their books to gain benefit of pious, righteous company. Join and participate in the Deeni activities with those who follow the Qur`aan and Sunnah. On will, Insha-Allah, find a great improvement in one’s condition by keeping the right company.
  Make the effort to read Salaah punctually. Men should make every effort to read their Salaah in Jamaat.

• Read good, Islamic literature. Abstain from magazines or books that have filthy and indecent contents and pictures.
  

• Give up television viewing. …90% of the content is Haraam. If a person offers a full glass of clean and pure water, and mentions that there is just one drop of urine, would any sensible person, drink it ?
  
  …Then when the major content of television is Haraam, what would we then say ? When the gaze, heart and mind are consuming and digesting so much of Haraam viewing, what else would be the end result except indulgence in the same Haraam.

• Lower the gaze from the opposite sex.

• Dress as a Muslim should – Wearing the pants above the ankle and keeping the beard, one fist in length must not be considered as insignificant actions. These are teachings of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) which he has emphasized. Although it is permissible to wear the shirt and pants, the dressing of the righteous (i.e. the kurta) has a speciality which benefits in different ways. A person with this appearance will think a hundred times before engaging in an open sin, when he is being recognized as someone who must be very pious. So this attire and appearance will offer a protection, Insha-Allah. Women too should dress modestly as is prescribed by Shariah.
  

By doing these few things, you have won more than half the battle. And it is not as difficult as Shaytaan and nafs will whisper. A little courage, a little effort and a little sacrifice are all that is required.

Of course, these are just basic aspects of Deen, which everyone can implement immediately and easily. There is a need to fulfill the Obligatory Injunctions such as Salaah, Zakaat, Fasting in the month of Ramadaan, etc. and to fulfill the rights of family, neighbours and others. There is a need to read the Qur`aan Sharief regularly, together with some authentic commentary – a little at a time, as well as giving time to studying some book on Islamic Jurisprudence and reading the life and teachings of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) , etc. A reading of the books of virtues of actions such as Salaah, Fasting, Haj, Sadaqaat, Zikr, etc. by Shaykh Zakariyyah Saheb (Rahmatullah ‘alayh) will create enthusiasm in the heart for action.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us His Love and the Love of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) , such that it becomes easy to give up all sins and submit to His Obedience. May He protect us all from the mischief of nafs and Shaytaan. May He fill our hearts with Love for this beautiful Deen and inspire us in being a practical and good Muslims and be true role-models to our community.

Hadhrat Maulana Yunus Patel (DB)

Your Guide To A Successful Ramadhan

Your Guide to the Month of Mercy

Virtues of Ramadhan

‘The doors of Jannah are opened on the first night of Ramadhan. Not a single door is closed until the last night of Ramadhan.’ (Bayhaqi)

‘When Ramadhan comes, the gates of Jannah are thrown open, the doors of Jahanam are closed and the Shayateen are imprisoned.’ (Bukhari)

‘The fishes in the sea seek forgiveness for those fasting until they break their fast. Allah decorates His Jannah every day and then says, “The time is near when My pious Servants shall cast aside the great trials and come to me.”’ (Ahmad)

‘During each day and night of Ramadhan, Allah sets free a great number of souls from Hell. And for every Muslim, during each day and night, at least one du’aa is certainly accepted.’ (Bazzaaz)

Virtues of Suhoor (sehri)

‘Verily, Allah and His Angels send mercy upon those who eat suhoor.’ (Tabraani)

‘Eat suhoor because in suhoor lies blessings.’ (Mishkaat)

Iftar‘Not a single prayer made by a fasting person at the time of breaking fast is rejected’ (Ibn Majah) (please remember this writer in your humble dua’as at this blessed time)

Nights of Ramadhan

‘Whoever stands in prayer and worship (in the nights of) Ramadhan, with Imaan and with sincere hope of gaining reward, all his previous sins are forgiven.’ (Bukhari and Muslim)

‘For every prayer offered during the nights of Ramadhan (tarawih, tahajjud etc), Allah the Almighty records one and a half thousand good deeds for every sajdah (prostration).’ (Bayhaqi)

‘Allah the Almighty has ordained fasting in Ramadhan compulsory, and I have decreed (by the Command of Allah) wakefulness at night (tarawih etc) sunnah. Whoever in the state of Iman with hope of gaining reward, fasts in Ramadhan and stays awake at night (tarawih), emerges from sin, purified as the day when his mother gave birth to him.’ (Nasa’ee)

Layatul Qadr (Night of Power)

‘Whoever stands in prayer and worship in the night of power with Imaan and with sincere hope of gaining reward, all his previous sins are forgiven.’ (Muslim)

‘Look for Laylatul Qadr among the numbered nights of the last ten days of Ramadhan.’ (Mishkaat)

Last Night of Ramadhan

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘On the last night of Ramadhan the fasting Muslims are forgiven.’ The Sahaabah (may Allah be pleased with them) enquired, ‘O Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is that the night of power?” The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied, ‘No! But it is only right that servant should be give his reward on having completed his duty.’ (Ahmad)

Rules Regarding Fasting

Sunnah’s in the Month of Ramadhan

1. To observe Tarawih.
2. To increase the recitation of the Holy Qur’an.
3. To observe i’atikaf during the last ten days of Ramadhan.

Mustahab (desirable) Acts

1. To eat sehri.
2. To delay the sehri up to a little before subha sadiq (early dawn).
3. To break the fast immediately after sunset.
4. To break the fast with dates. If dates are not available then with water.
5. To recite this dua’aa at the time of breaking fast:

Things that do not break the fast

1. To eat, drink or indulge in cohabitation in forgetfulness.
2. To vomit without intention.
3. To vomit intentionally less that mouthful.
4. To have a wet dream.
5. To oil the hair.
6. To use surma in the eyes.
7. To drop water or medicine in the eyes.
8. To clean the teeth with wet or dry miswak.
9. To apply or smell perfume.
10. To swallow a fly, mosquito, smoke or dust unintentionally.
11. To swallow one’s slaiva or phlegm.
12. Water entering the ears.
13. To take an injection.

Makrooh (detestable) While Fasting

1. To chew items such as rubber, plastic etc.
2. To taste food or drink and spit it out.
3. To collect one’s saliva in the mouth and then swallow it.
4. To clean the teeth or mouth with tooth powder or toothpaste.
5. To complain of hunger or thirst.
6. To quarrel, fight aruge with filthy words.

Things That Break the Fast

1. To eat, drink or indulge in cohabitation intentionally.
2. To burn incense (agarbatti) and inhale its smoke.
3. If water goes down the mouth while gargling.
4. To vomit a mouthful intentionally.
5. To swallow vomit intentionally.
6. To swallow something edible, equal to or bigger than a grain or gram, which was stuck between the teeth.

A Timetable

1. We must wake up for suhoor as is a Sunnah or our Prophet . We should arrange our time for suhoor in such a way that we are also able to perform at least 4 to 8 rak’aat of tahajjud, with dua’aa for about 15 min or more more. The Prophet has said that the dua’aa in the darkness of the night (after tahajjud) is readily accepted by Allah. (Tirmidhi)

2. After tahajjud and suhoor, we must pray our Fajr Prayer with congregation. Ladies should also perform with their obligatory prayer.

3. Every morning after Fajr, remain engaged in ‘ibadaah till 15-20 mins after sunrise and peform 4 rak’aat of ishraaq. This is highly rewarding, in a hadith we are told that whomsoever remains in the remembrance of Allah after Fajr and then performs 2 or 4 rak’aat ishraaq will receive the reward of Hajj and Umrah.

4. Go about our business and stay away from the opposite sex. Fasting is not just of the stomach, it is of the eyes, ears, mouth, hands, legs etc also.

5. Send Durood Shareef (salutations) to the Prophet in abundance whilst in class or at times
when you have nothing to do.

6. Perform Zuhr in congregation.

7. Once college finishes go home straight away and engage in worship unless you are having Islamic talks, Gatherings etc.

8. Perform Asr and Maghrib in congregation. The time between these two prayers are very important, especially for dua’aa. Try to stay in the masjid from Asr to Magrib. (sisters, please do not spend too much time making samosas.)

9. After Maghrib, go home and eat with the family. Sit together and enjoy the company of each other. This way Ramadhan will pass joyfully with an abundance of prosperity in the home.

10. Thereafter return to the Masjid for Isha and tarawih. Do not waste your time in futile talk and don’t lie to your parents with the excuse of tarawih and then go to play pool instead. Sisters must also pray Tarawih at home as it is Sunnat e mu’akkadah.

11. After Tarawih engage in worship or go straight home. Then sleep with the intention of waking up for Fajr and Tahajjud, even this attracts mercy.

Note: Try your upmost best to finish the recital of the entire Qur’an in this month. Increase your worship in the final ten days.

Please remember us in all your du’aas.
http://www.jamaluliman.blogspot.com/

The Destruction of Nations Part 3 - Thamud

THAMUD PART 1

The destruction of ‘Aad is something we ourselves cannot comprehend but we see in a hadith related by ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) the distress it would cause the Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings be upon him). She mentions that whenever the sky was covered (with clouds), his face would change, he would come in and out (of the house) and he would pace up and down. Being the caring and loving wife she was, ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) asked him as to why he does this to which the Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings be upon him) would reply and say,

“It could be what ‘Aad have faced: “So, when they saw it as a cloud proceeding towards their valleys, they said, ‘This is a cloud that will bring us rain!’” (Surah Ahqaf)

And so the people of ‘Aad were destroyed and Allah replaced them with another tribe upon whom He bestowed countless bounties but they to forgot their transgressed. They were the tribe of Thamud and there are two opinions as to why they were labelled with this name. The first opinion is because of the vicinity in which they lived in. In Arabic, the word ‘Thamad’ means a lack of water and the area which was inhabited by the people of Saleh (peace be upon him) had a deficiency in water. The opinion of Ibn Katheer is that the nation were named after their forefather whose name was Thamud.

Like the people of ‘Aad forgot about the punishment suffered by the people of Nuh (peace be upon him), Thamud too forgot about their predecessors (‘Aad) and they too followed in the footsteps of their accursed ancestors. The people of Thamud were similar to the people of ‘Aad in their strength, abilities and arrogance. Allah the Almighty had given them bounty upon bounty and like ‘Aad, Thamud became poisoned by the beauty of this world. They began to feel as if they would never die and they started with the words that brought destruction upon ‘Aad. They would say,

“Who is stronger than us?”

And so they began to make huge palaces (pictured) upon the earth and in the mountains. Their disobedience had no bounds and they would happily work contrary towards the way of Allah. Thus they forgot about Allah and Allah caused them to forget about themselves. They began to oppress themselves in ways their eyes did not perceive and such is the statement of Allah in the Qur’an:

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَظۡلِمُ ٱلنَّاسَ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱلنَّاسَ أَنفُسَہُمۡ يَظۡلِمُونَ ٤٤

"Surely, Allah does not wrong people at all, but the people do wrong their own selves."

It was then that Allah decided to send a mercy to them, a messenger from amongst themselves to guide them towards the truth. Verily, Allah is not pleased by those who spread trouble upon the earth. From amongst the community, He erected a prophet by the name of Saleh (peace be upon him). Saleh (peace be upon him) was a man of a noble lineage, piety, intelligence and when he grew up, Allah blessed him with the wisdom that was needed for Saleh (peace be upon him) to carry out his mission. Prior to becoming a prophet, Saleh (peace be upon him) was a very popular figure in society. He was considered by many as being a luminary, a man who was more articulate and upright in his conduct than any other man from amongst them. When he would walk past people, they would whisper,

“That is Saleh! That is Saleh!”

His people and in particular his father had high aspirations of him and they all dreamt that he would grow up to own palaces with large, beautiful gardens. They envisaged him having servants running back and forth for him but Saleh (peace be upon him) had no interest in the materialistic society he was living in. On the contrary, he was selected to convey the message of His Lord, a status far loftier than anything anybody else could have perceived. He (Saleh (peace be upon him)) then stood up in the midst of his people and said the words which brought all of the Prophets (peace be upon them all) so much anguish, he said,

يَـٰقَوۡمِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنۡ إِلَـٰهٍ غَيۡرُهُ ۥ‌ۖ هُوَ أَنشَأَكُم مِّنَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَٱسۡتَعۡمَرَكُمۡ فِيہَا فَٱسۡتَغۡفِرُوهُ ثُمَّ تُوبُوٓاْ إِلَيۡهِ‌ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى قَرِيبٌ۬ مُّجِيبٌ۬ ٦١

"And to (the people of) Thamud (We sent) their brother, Saleh. He said, 'O my people, worship Allah. You have no god other than Him. He has created you from earth and made you settle therein. So, seek His forgiveness, then turn to Him in repentance. Surely, my Lord is near, responsive to the prayers.'"

And they replied to him,

يَـٰصَـٰلِحُ قَدۡ كُنتَ فِينَا مَرۡجُوًّ۬ا قَبۡلَ هَـٰذَآ‌ۖ أَتَنۡهَٮٰنَآ أَن نَّعۡبُدَ مَا يَعۡبُدُ ءَابَآؤُنَا وَإِنَّنَا لَفِى شَكٍّ۬ مِّمَّا تَدۡعُونَآ إِلَيۡهِ مُرِيبٍ۬ ٦٢

“O Saleh, we had hopes in you before this. Do you ask us not to worship what our fathers used to worship? We have serious doubts that have disturbed us about the faith to which you are calling us.”

After this encounter, the people Saleh (peace be upon him) would socialise with became hugely disrespectful to him. The rich who were in power knew for sure that if Saleh (peace be upon him) would prevail with his mission then they would no longer remain in power and so they launched a scathing attack on Saleh (peace be upon him). They began to defame him amongst his own people and removed their high aspirations of him. This is recorded in the Qur’an, they said,

وَقَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ مِن قَوۡمِهِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَكَذَّبُواْ بِلِقَآءِ ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ وَأَتۡرَفۡنَـٰهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا مَا هَـٰذَآ إِلَّا بَشَرٌ۬ مِّثۡلُكُمۡ يَأۡكُلُ مِمَّا تَأۡكُلُونَ مِنۡهُ وَيَشۡرَبُ مِمَّا تَشۡرَبُونَ (٣٣) وَلَٮِٕنۡ أَطَعۡتُم بَشَرً۬ا مِّثۡلَكُمۡ إِنَّكُمۡ إِذً۬ا لَّخَـٰسِرُونَ (٣٤) أَيَعِدُكُمۡ أَنَّكُمۡ إِذَا مِتُّمۡ وَكُنتُمۡ تُرَابً۬ا وَعِظَـٰمًا أَنَّكُم مُّخۡرَجُونَ (٣٥) ۞ هَيۡہَاتَ هَيۡہَاتَ لِمَا تُوعَدُونَ (٣٦) إِنۡ هِىَ إِلَّا حَيَاتُنَا ٱلدُّنۡيَا نَمُوتُ وَنَحۡيَا وَمَا نَحۡنُ بِمَبۡعُوثِينَ (٣٧) إِنۡ هُوَ إِلَّا رَجُلٌ ٱفۡتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ڪَذِبً۬ا وَمَا نَحۡنُ لَهُ ۥ بِمُؤۡمِنِينَ ٣٨

“Then said the chiefs of his nation who were disbelievers and who denied facing the Hereafter and whom We made affluent in the worldly life, ‘This (man) is nothing but a human being. He eats from what you eat from, and drinks from what you drink. If you obey a human like yourselves, then you will be absolute losers. Does he promise you that, when you die and are turned into dust and bones, you are to be brought forth? Far too improbable is what you are being promised. There is nothing but our worldly life. We die and we live, and we are not to be raised again. He is nothing but a man who has forged a lie against Allah, and we are not going to believe in him.’”

They had really abused Saleh (peace be upon him). They attached many vulgar lies against Saleh (peace be upon him) and they would taunt his family and his father in particular. They targeted his father because they knew of the high hopes he kept with regards to the future of Saleh (peace be upon him) and then they would tell the father that his previously successful son had become of the fruitless. This would truly hurt the feelings of Saleh’s (peace be upon him) mother, father and family. Despite these hardships, Saleh (peace be upon him) would continue to proclaim Monotheism out aloud but the people would look at him and merely say,

إِنَّمَآ أَنتَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُسَحَّرِينَ (١٥٣) مَآ أَنتَ إِلَّا بَشَرٌ۬ مِّثۡلُنَا فَأۡتِ بِـَٔايَةٍ إِن كُنتَ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰدِقِينَ ١٥٤

“You are merely one of those bewitched. You are nothing but a human like us. So, bring a sign if you are one of the truthful.”

The Mufassireen mention that during this assembly Saleh (peace be upon him) admonished his people and warned them of a painful torment. They said to him,

“If you could produce from this rock a she-camel with these qualities (they then mentioned what it should be like.”

Hazrat Saleh (peace be upon him) enquired,

“Tell me, if I responded to your requirement would you believe in what I am asking you to believe and regard me as the Messenger of Allah?”

The people of Thamud replied in the affirmative and so Hazrat Saleh (peace be upon him) offered prayers and then asked Allah to respond to their demand. Thereafter a she-camel came out of the mountain and the people became bewildered and dumbstruck. However, despite the various emotions felt, one emotion that was prevalent that day was arrogance. Even though they witnessed a sign from Allah with their own eyes, they still rejected it and did not believe and Saleh (peace be upon him) would say,

يَـٰقَوۡمِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَڪُم مِّنۡ إِلَـٰهٍ غَيۡرُهُ ۥ‌ۖ قَدۡ جَآءَتۡڪُم بَيِّنَةٌ۬ مِّن رَّبِّكُمۡ‌ۖ هَـٰذِهِۦ نَاقَةُ ٱللَّهِ لَڪُمۡ ءَايَةً۬‌ۖ فَذَرُوهَا تَأۡڪُلۡ فِىٓ أَرۡضِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ وَلَا تَمَسُّوهَا بِسُوٓءٍ۬ فَيَأۡخُذَكُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ۬ ٧٣

“O my people, worship Allah. You have no god other than Him. There has come to you a clear sign from your Lord. This is the she-camel of Allah, a sign for you. So, leave her to eat on the earth of Allah, and do not touch her with mischief, lest a painful punishment should seize you.”

The threat was put forth by Hazrat Saleh (peace be upon him). Nobody was to harm this she-camel and if they did, there punishment of Allah would be let loose upon them. The people understood this until the emergence of Qudar bin Salif...

In the next post we shall discuss how Qudar bin Salif attempted to slaughter the sign of Allah because of his love for a woman... Next Thamud Part 2

Poetry: From Darkness to Light

Darkness & Light are the only true colours in this life,

One day we live in glimmering joy & other days in lonely strife.

Only the Creator can bring one 'From Darkness towards the Light',

And only His guidance lets one soar to new heights.

The Darkness of this world lies in our progressive sins,

Nothing but the Light of the heavens can help the confused Mankind and Jinn.

And thus your life will be written for you in black & white...

And successful will be those who were brought ...

'From Darkness to Light'

مِّنَ الظُّلُمَاتِ إِلَى النُّوُرِ

Allah is the Protector of those who have faith: from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light. Of those who reject faith the patrons are the evil ones: from light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. They will be companions of the fire, to dwell therein (Forever). [Surah Baqarah 2:257]

Hardship In Taqwa, Not In Worship

In worship is lazzat (enjoyment), not hardship. We feel hardship in worship because we are sick, and just as a sick person will not be able to experience enjoyment in biryani due to his illness, in the same way, because of our spiritual sicknesses we do not experience enjoyment in our worship.

Hardship is in refraining from sin i.e. adopting taqwa, and this is what leads us to becoming friends of Allah. We are not told to “bring imaan” and worship Allah in this way or that way, we are told to “bring imaan and adopt Taqwa”. Of course after adopting Taqwa, if we increase our worship then closeness and friendship with Allah will only increase.

Taken from Shaykh.org

Indeed the strongest of people are those who can go against their desires even in the hardest of situations.

A person may be in the market place where he sees a beautiful young woman and his eyes are on her, the words of shaytaan are telling him to keep looking at the woman, knowing that if he keeps on looking eventually his eyes will meet hers. The wild desires within are being soothed by what his eyes are seeing. But a faint whisper in the background can still be heard amongst all this commotion... "Lower your gaze and indeed you will taste the sweetness of imaan" are slowly echoing within.

This is where the real strength is needed. Where the real power is needed to bring control to your mind and soul. Where the person is forced to decide between the pleasure of his Lord or the pleasure of his nafs/desires. Time and time again situations like these arise but time and time again which option do we choose?

The man knows that if he keeps his gaze fixed upon the woman he may get something out of it, a smile, a hug or maybe even a number. But if he lowers his gaze he protects his eyes, his heart and he gains closer to Allah.

We see in the qoute of Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi Rahimahullah where he says that the "One who guards his heart has guarded his Deen" and indeed this is a true statement. The heart has its own sight, where it sees this world and it sees what it wants from this world. Whatever the eyes see the heart sees and what ever the eyes see that the heart likes, the heart saves an image of it.
Mankind has been created with a heart to love. At every moment in a person's life his/her heart will love one thing or another. Whether it is a BMW, GHD hair straightners or even the man at the local corner shop.

The heart is a delicate organ of the muslim body and if it isn't fed the right "food" it will end up dark and unhealthy. Unrestrained glances at the opposite sex is one of the poisons of the heart and it destroys the soul and peace of a person. Whilst in Salaah a man may have the faces of certain women popping up in his mind totally distracting his concentration and leaving him confused over what rakaat hes on.

Shaytaan Will attack mankind from the left, from the right, from infront and from behind, but Shaytaan cannot attack a person from above or below. The reason Shaytaan cannot attack a muslim from above is due to the fact that when a muslim is in need of help all he has to do is raise his hands to the sky up above and beg his Lord for forgiveness and help, and indeed he will recieve it. Shaytaan cannot attack a muslim from below, because when the eyes are lowered then what of the world will the muslim see? Nothing but the dirt of the streets, therefore preventing his heart from getting attached to the glitter and sparkle of this world.

The eyes are indeed a gift that Allah has given to us but with this gift comes great trust and responsibility...