Importance of Keeping Good Company

ASSALAMUALAIKUM,

All praise is to ALLAH. May ALLAH shower his blessings and mercy on the seal of the prophets salallahu alayhi wa salam and muslim ummah who follow in his blessed footsteps.

The common problem amongst the youth of the current society is that they dont keep good company. It is very important that we keep good company. Ive seen personally the importance of keeping good friends, the effects of keeping good company will have a positive impact on your life. The hadith is on the authority of Abu Musa al-Ash'ari radiallahu anhu, the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam
said:
A good friend and a bad friend are like a perfume-seller and a blacksmith: The perfume-seller might give you some perfume as a gift, or you might buy some from him, or at least you might smell its fragrance. As for the blacksmith, he might singe your clothes, and at the very least you will breathe in the fumes of the furnace. (Bukhari)
　
Brothers and sisters we can see from the hadith that the Prophet Muhammad salallahu alayhi wa salam showed the importance of keeping good friends and also the effect of it. We can see this for oursleves if we stay with some one for a long period of time, after some time, the quality of that person that we are with will be reflected in ourself.

Today alhumdullilah I am writting this article by ALLAH's will and mercy upon me because alhumdullilah I have been lucky enough to have the companionship of friends that have reminded me of what this world is about, they have helped me by ALLAH's mercy to show me what really needs to be done in order to achieve success in this world and the hereafter.

We should pray that ALLAH provides us with friends who want us to be amongst the dwellers of Jannah. So my brothers and sisters, I would like to remind you that a real friend is the one that wants you to be successful . We should choose who we make friends with, find people in whom you see the attributes of the sahabas radiallahu anhum. And know, It is better to remain alone than to be in bad companionship

My brothers and sisters, as Imam Shafi rahimahullah said, "this world is for a moment, so make that moment a moment of obedience." Human being always need to be reminded of what our purpose is in this world for ALLAH says in the Quran "I HAVE CREATED MANKIND AND JINNS ONLY TO WORSHIP ME", this ayah of the Quran shows us clearly what we must do in order to achieve Jannah. This is why it is very important to be in the company of the people that reminds us of our aim in this world. Brothers and sisters we need to make dua that ALLAH the Most Merciful bestowes His blessings on us by allowing us to be in the company of those people that are in His worships and that will remind us of what needs to be done in order to achieve success in this world and the hereafter.

I make dua that ALLAH gives jannah to that person who gave the opportunity to write this article and may ALLAH guide each and every one of us on the right path and may ALLAH give us friends that will help us to become good and pious muslims. AMEEEN

RAMADHAN MUBARAK brothers and sisters and do remember me in your duas Inshallah.

A strange story of Hazrat Nuh Alayhis Salam

When the nation of Hazrat Nuh alayhis salam was afflicted by a storm, they all were destroyed as a result. So after this, Allah Ta’ala gave Hazrat Nuh alayhis salam the command through wahi (revelation) that you are now to make some plates out of mud. And so, in accordance with Allah Ta’alas command, Hazrat Nuh alayhis salam began making the plates and he would be engrossed in this work day and night. After a few days had passed and the number of plates had increased in bulk, the command came from Allah Ta’ala,

“Break all the plates, one by one.”

Hazrat Nuh alayhis salam pleaded with Allah Ta’ala,

“O Allah! I had made these plates with so much effort at Your command and now You are giving me the command to break it?”

Allah Ta’ala replied,

“Our command still remains that you break them.”

And so Hazrat Nuh alayhis salam broke them but it broke his heart to do this because he had made the plates with so much effort and then he had to destroy them. At this Allah Ta’ala said,

“O Nuh! You had made these plates with your hands at My command. You had so much love for these plates that when I had given you the command to break it, you were not willing to do so. Your heart was telling you, ‘These are plates that I had made with my own hands through much effort! I have to save them somehow.’ You had this feeling because you fell in love with these plates. But you did not look towards the fact that the entirety of humanity is My creation and at one point you made the dua’a:

رَّبِّ لَا تَذَرۡ عَلَى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مِنَ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ دَيَّارًا

‘My Lord, do not leave on earth even a single inhabitant (surviving) out of the disbelievers.’

At this one utterance of yours, I had destroyed my creation! You had made these plates not on your own accordance, rather you had made it because of My instructions to you. Even then, you fell in love with them so if this is your case, would not I fall in love with My creation? So if I have love for them, then you must love them to if you have love for Me.”

Translated from the book 'Allah Ta'ala bando sai kitni muhabbat karte hai' by Hazrat Maulana Shah Hakeem Akhtar sahib. This is a book I recommend all to buy.

For more on Hazrat Nuh alayhis salam, click here

Ramadhan Mubarak to you all. May Allah give us all the ability to fulfill the rights of this month. May He make it a means of all of us to attain His pleasure and Jannah. Ameen.

Do remember me for a few seconds in your dua'as closer to iftar time. Iftar mai yaad.

Advices from the Qur'an - Mocking and Abusing people

"But your fat though", "They dress like tramps" and "Did you hear who she went out with!"... Things like these have become all too common for us to hear, it is time that we take a step back and look at mockery through the glorious eyes of Islam. Surah Hujuraat, Verse 11

"O believers, one group of men should not mock another group of men:it may be that they (the mocked) are better than them. Nor should one group of women mock another group of women: it may be that they are better than them. And do not find fault with each other, nor use offensive nicknames for each other. How bad is (it to be given) the name of sinfulness after accepting faith. And those who do not repent- they are the wrongdoers".

Firstly the ayah (verse) emphasises the importance of unity between Muslims and the need to make reconciliation if a dispute arises between two parties. The first cause of dispute is making fun of each other, to mock someone, highlighting their faults for the amusement of one's self and others. This is haram and it is clear from other verses of the Qur'an that mockery is a sign of ignorance. Usually, what entices someone to make fun of another person is an existing opinion that the victim is inferior, the person mocking the victim looks down at the victim. This is expressed when a respected person does something embarassingly funny no one would dare to laugh. The Qur'an supplies a cure for this illness, when feeling the desire to mock someone you should consider the possibility that they are more beloved and hold a higher status to Allah Ta'ala than you, and by mocking them you yourself become further detached from Allah Ta'ala.

Become like the people of ilm and taqwa that do not dare to mock anyone for Allah may resort to them being the position like that of the person they were once mocking. Islam is a religion for everyone, it has no imperfections, strict it may seem to someone but one MUST remember that they should not be confused with Muzah. Muzah means to converse light heartedly and humorously with someone. To joke with someone is different that making fun of a person. Muzah could be rewarding if done with intention of making a fellow Muslim happy and to develop mutual love and affection. Rasulullah sallallahu alaihy wasallam would engage in Muzah, but his light hearted conversations had truth at heart and is not meant to be taken seriously, this brings laughter, enjoyment and smiles all round, making us fulfill another sunnah of the beloved Prophet sallallahu alaihy wasallam.

May increase our knowledge and make us one of the inhabitants of Jannah. Ameen

Jealousy

Jealousy can be defined as a state of anger, grief and misery upon witnessing the successes of another person, accompanied by hope and desire for the person’s failure. This is haram and condemned strongly in Islam. Jealousy implies displeasure at the decree and distribution of Allah Rabbul-Izzat and questioning His wisdom and authority of granting whom He desires and how He desires. If this feeling is experienced without desiring the failure of the other person but hoping that the blessing remains with the envied one and granted to the envier also, then such a feeling is termed as “Ghibtah” which is permissible.

The religious harm of jealousy is the destruction of righteous deeds; its worldly harm is the perpetual state of grief, sorrow and heartache experienced by the jealous one.
“Jealousy devours good deeds just as fire devours dry wood.” (Hadith)

A Wonderful Remedy

Hazrat Moulana Thanwi Rahimahullah prescribed the following remedy (to be acted upon for 3 weeks at least) to a person who complained of suffering this destructive spiritual malady:

1. Dua to be made on behalf of the object of jealousy at least once daily
2. Praising him verbally amongst one’s associates
3. To occasionally invite him home for a meal
4. Occasionally to bless him with a gift
5. Meeting him before departing on a journey and bringing him a gift upon the return.

After three weeks of applying this remedy, he wrote back stating that half of his illness had disappeared. He was asked to continue for another three weeks. This time his reply was that all feelings of hared and malice had changed to love and compassion. Undoubtedly, he remedy is bitter, but the peace of mind and happiness that is acquired through meticulous application of this bitter remedy is unsurpassable and incomparable to the continuous heartache and destruction that was experienced hitherto.

Who Was...? #1 Abu Ubaydah ibn al Jarrah radiallahu anhu

Sahabah radiallahu anhum Series

A sad reality - Many have neglected the rights of the Sahabah radiallahu anhum. The in depth personalities and spiritual states of those men and women who once roamed around the world with the proclaimed banner of “The Best of Nations” above their heads have become mere historical figures. Our own ignorance towards their existence has left us falling into a bottomless pit of darkness; as without them, we have no role model to kindle the fire of inspiration. Thus, our life becomes void of a guiding light and a template. Without the Sahabah radiallahu anhum, none would know how to love Allah Ta’ala or Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam. We would plummet into a type of ignorance that would have no bounds. It is for this reason, I have decided to write succinct biographies in relation to these wonderful people radiallahu anhum. I will write on those companions who have undeservedly been forgotten by many. Many are aware of the Khulafa e Raashideen and the Ummuhaatul Mu’mineen but not many know of others whose sacrifices we would never be able to equal, even if we try our entire lives. And so I begin with a Sahabi who was colossus in his Islam.

May Allah Ta’ala shower endless blessings upon the Sahabah radiallahu anhum and count us with them on the Day of Qiyamah. Ameen.

رَّضِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَنۡہُمۡ وَرَضُواْ عَنۡهُ‌ۚ
“Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him.”

His name and lineage:

His real name was Aamir ibn Abdullah ibn al Jarrah ibn Hilal ibn Uhaib ibn Dabbah ibn al Harith ibn Fihr ibn Malik. His lineage meets with the Prophet’s salallahu alayhi wa salam with their ancestor Fihr.

Prior to Islam, he was called by his name ‘Aamir’. However, he was soon given the nickname Abu Ubaydah.

Among his other nicknames is ‘Ameenul Ummah - The Trustworthy of the Ummah’. This was given to him by Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam.

His Features:

He was tall, slender and he had a sparse beard. He was handsome, pleasent and bright, sharp eyes. He had no front teeth (which were lost in Uhud) and he dyed his hair with henna and Katm (a reddish black dye). He was extremely soft in his speech.

His Reversion:

Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu was of those who had responded to Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul salallahu alayhi wa salam immediately. He was one of the first 10 to accept Islam and thereafter, sustain much persecution during the early days. He was one of the five who reverted to Islam in a single day at the hands of Hazrat Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu.

Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu thereafter became an exemplary model to the Muslims for his piety, good characters, strength of belief and firmness in being truthful.

His Emigration:

During a period enormous hardships for Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam and the Sahabah radiallahu anhum, the Muslims became extremely weak due to the constant persecution. They were resigned to eating bones and leaves. When Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam saw the severe state of the Muslims, he sent them to Abyssinia. Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu felt it improper to leave Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam alone to face the enemies of Islam and thus remained in Makkah with him. Thereafter, when the people made emigration to Madinah, Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu was with them.

Episodes from his life:

1. The title given to Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu was one of a huge rank. This was due to an affair that rose up between the rulers of Najran. To settle this affair, the people of Najran requested a just man and so Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam said to them, ‘Come tomorrow and I will send the strong and trustworthy with you.”Hazrat Umar radiallahu anhu states,

“I never liked authority except on that day when I hoped to be the one worthy of that title. So, I went to perform Zuhr early. When Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam completed his prayer, he turned to the right and to the left, and I wanted him to see me but he only looked at the people. When he saw Abu Ubaydah, he called him. Then he said, ‘Go with them, and judge between them with justice.’ So, Abu Ubaydah won the title.”

2. After the death of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam, the Muslims were discussing who would then take on the leadership of the Muslims. Hazrat Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu was in favour of Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu for he said,

“I have heard the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam say: Every nation has an Ameen (the most trustworthy, honest man), and the Ameen of this nation is Abu Ubaydah ibn al Jarrah.”

3. On another occasion, Hazrat Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu would send people to have their questions answered by Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu due to his vast knowledge. He would say,

“Go to Abu Ubaydah, the one who is good hearted and lenient. The one who when he is oppressed, does not oppress; when he is treated harshly, he pardons; when he is severed, he joins; and he is merciful to the believers and hard to the unbelievers.”

4. Those who become firm in matters of religion due to the establishment of pure belief, love of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul salallahu alayhi wa salam suddenly find the world less important. Thereafter, the believer loves for the sake of Allah Ta’ala and hates for the sake of Allah Ta’ala. He gives in the way of Allah Ta’ala and withholds for the sake of Allah Ta’ala. Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu was a prime example of this. The following narration is taken from Hayaatus Sahabah:

Hazrat ibn Showdhab reports that the father of Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu kept confronting him during the Battle of Badr and Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu continued avoiding him. However, when his father’s confrontation became too persistent, Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu severed his father’s head from his body. It was then Allah Ta’ala revealed

لَّا تَجِدُ قَوۡمً۬ا يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ يُوَآدُّونَ مَنۡ حَآدَّ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ وَلَوۡ ڪَانُوٓاْ ءَابَآءَهُمۡ أَوۡ أَبۡنَآءَهُمۡ أَوۡ إِخۡوَٲنَهُمۡ أَوۡ عَشِيرَتَہُمۡ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ ڪَتَبَ فِى قُلُوبِہِمُ ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنَ وَأَيَّدَهُم بِرُوحٍ۬ مِّنۡهُ‌ۖ وَيُدۡخِلُهُمۡ جَنَّـٰتٍ۬ تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِہَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا‌ۚ رَضِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَنۡہُمۡ وَرَضُواْ عَنۡهُ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ حِزۡبُ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ أَلَآ إِنَّ حِزۡبَ ٱللَّهِ هُمُ ٱلۡمُفۡلِحُونَ

“You will not find those who believe in Allah and in the Hereafter having friendship with those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, even though they may be their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their clan. They are such that Allah has inscribed faith on their hearts, and has supported them with a spirit from Him. He will admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow, in which they will live forever. Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Allah. Those are the party of Allah. Be assured that it is (the members of) the party of Allah that are the successful.” Surah Mujaadalah 58:22

5. Once, Hazrat Umar radiallahu anhu sent to Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu 40,000 dinar and 4,000 dirham with a servant messenger and told the messenger to see what Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu would do with the wealth. Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu distributed the whole amount among the poor and he sent a similar amount to be distributed except for a little amount for his wife. When Hazrat Umar radiallahu anhu was told about that he said, “Praise be to Allah who preserved for Islam men like this man.”

His Piety:

Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu was known for his piety and his asceticism. He understood very clearly the statement of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam in which he said, “The world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the disbeliever.” As a result, he had no desire to gain worldly possessions.

Urwah ibn az Zubair radiallahu anhu said: When Umar ibn al Khattab radiallahu anhu returned from Syria, the public figures and commanders went out to received him. Umar radiallahu anhu said, “Where is my brother?” It was said, “Who?” He said, “Abu Ubaydah.” They said, “He will soon come.” When Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu came, Umar radiallahu embraced him, then he went to his house. Umar radiallahu anhu saw nothing in his house except for his sword, armour and saddle. Umar radiallahu anhu said, “Why didn’t you possess what your friends possessed?” Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu said, “This is sufficient to help me reach my destination.”

His humility:

After the death of Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu. Hazrat Umar radiallahu anhu gained authority and removed Khalid ibn al Waleed radiallahu anhu as the leader of the army. He gave the leadership to Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu through a letter which read,

“I have appointed you over Syria and made you commander of the Muslims. Khalid is dismissed. Wassalam”

During the conquest of Damascus, the Muslims had besieged a fort. Hazrat Khalid ibn Walid radiallahu anhu and a part of the army were stationed at the back entrance of the fortand Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu was stationed at the front gate. The siege lasted a while and Hazrat Khalid radiallahu anhu did not know that he had been dismissed as Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu was too humble to tell him. And so, Hazrat Khalid radiallahu anhu and co planned a night raid which proved to be successful. They scaled the walls of the fort and got into the town, thereupon they began to wreak havoc with their swords. On the other side of the settlement, the leaders and commanders were unaware of this and began consulting one another as to what they should do. They resolved to go speak to Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu for they knew his heart to be soft, they would enter a pact with the Muslims. And so they approached him in this state that they were unaware of what was happening inside. They made a pact and brought Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu into the city. Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu was walking with the priests in a very peaceful manner having agreed good terms for the Muslims whilst Hazrat Khalid ibn Walid radiallahu anhu stormed through the city until they both came face to face in the centre. Hazrat Khalid ibn Walid radiallahu anhu found out that Hazrat Ab Ubaydah radiallahu anhu had entered a pact with the disbelievers, he was greatly displeased as the entering of the pact can only be done by the leader of the Muslim Army (which he still thought he was). A feud broke out at that moment in which Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu was being reprimanded for making a pact without the consultation or approval of the leader. His humility was such that even though he was the leader in reality, he did not say anything lest it may demoralise Hazrat Khalid ibn Walid radiallahu anhu. He would have been full and well in his right to show them the letter of Hazrat Umar radiallahu anhu yet his humility was such that he did not want to embarrass his brother and so, he took some light criticism.

Hazrat Khalid radiallahu anhu did not know anything about this until 20 nights later when Hazrat Umar radiallahu anhu found out about Hazrat Abu Ubaydah’s radiallahu anhu humility. So Hazrat Umar radiallahu anhu sent a letter directly to Hazrat Khalid radiallahu anhu telling him about his removal. He (Hazrat Khalid radiallah anhu) said to Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu,

“May Allah show you mercy! The letter of the Commander of the Faithful making you the leader of the army reached you, and while the power was yours, you performed prayer behind me?!”

Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu said, “May Allah forgive you. It was I who did not inform you of this and I was not to interrupt your mission until you completed it. I do not care for worldly power or worldly delights. You will see one day that we are but brothers who must adhere to the Commandments of Allah Ta’ala.”

Even soon after, Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu was too shy to command Hazrat Khalid ibn Walid radiallahu anhu and even said on one occasion, “O Abu Sulayman (this is the nickname of Hazrat Khalid radiallahu anhu), I was shy to order you..” Hazrat Khalid radiallahu anhu gave a breathtaking response. He said,

“By Allah! Were a small child to order me, I would obey! That being the case, how can I oppose you when your Faith is older than mine and you preceded me in Islam along with those who preceded. You hastened to bringing Faith along with those who hastened. How can it be possible for me to reach you or attain your loft status with all that to your credit and with Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam naming you as, “The Trustworthy One?” I make you my witness that I have given my life in the Path of Allah and will never oppose you, nor will I ever accept a command post again.”

The love Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam had for him:

On the authority of Shaqiq who said: I asked Aishah radiallahu anha, “Who among the companions of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam was most beloved to him?” She said, “Abu Bakr.” I asked, “Who then?” She said, “Umar.” I asked, “Who then?” She said, “Abu Ubaydah.” I said, “Who then?” She kept silent.

The love of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam for Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu was not only down to his huge sacrifices for the deen but for his great manners. As the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam once said, “The best of you are those who have the best manners.” And so the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam said,

“There is only one from my companions that if I wanted to blame any them for a mistake, I could not do so to Abu Ubaydah ibn al Jarrah.”

On another occasions he salallahu alayhi wa salam said, “How excellent Abu Ubaydah is!”

It is for this reason on the battle of Uhud, when the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam was in a very constraint situation did Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu come to his aid. The Sahabah radiallahu anhum were all dispersed and Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam and two rings from the chainmail (the armour of the face) were embedded into the blessed face of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam. Hazrat Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu tried to take them out but was not able to do so, thereafter Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu bited into the chainmail and pulled it out with his teeth. He had the blood of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam in his mouth which he then swallowed. Upon this, the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam remarked, “The one whose blood is mixed with mine will not enter Jahannam.” In this effort, Hazrat Abu Ubaydah’s radiallahu anhu front two teeth fell out but the Sahabah radiallahu anhu mention that when he would smile, he would be the envy of the people.

His Fear of Allah Ta’ala:

He would advise the soldiers under his command, “Take note, how many people clean their garments yet stain their religion? And how many people dignify themselves yet disgrace their religion. Wipe out evil deeds by performing good ones. For if anyone commits an evil deed larger than the distance between heaven and earth, the one good deed might overpower his evil one!”

His passing away:

Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu and his soldiers were marching through Syria and surrounding lands whey they were inflicted by a plague. Hazrat Umar radiallahu anhu felt upset as he knew Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu was ill and immediately requested him to come back to Madinah Munawwarah. Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu knew that his death was approaching and wrote a letter to Hazrat Umar radiallahu anhu saying,

“I have known the need of the Ameerul Mu’mineen, he wants to keep alive that which is perishable.” Then he wrote: “Indeed, I have come to know your need for me, so set aside your desire. O Ameerul Mu’mineen, because I am among the Muslim army, and I will not put myself before them.”

When his death became imminent, he said,

“Give my greetings to the Ameerul Mu’mineen and tell him that I have fulfilled my obligations.”

Some days later, Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu passed away in Jordan. He had died at the age of 58. Prior to his death he gave his parting words to the Ummat of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam. He said,

“I leave you some advice. If you accept it, you will live a good life. Establish prayer, observe fasting in the month of Ramadhan, give in charity, perform Hajj, perform Umrah and advise each other. Advise your rulers and do not defame them. Let not the delights of life destroy you because if a person lives for 1000 years, certainly he will face what I am facing (death). Allah Ta’ala has preordained death on the sons of Adam, so everyone must die. Thus, the most prudent among you are those who will be obedient to the Lord, and he who works diligently for the day of Qiyamah. Assalamu Alaykum.”

Moments after, Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu breathed his last. 'To Allah we belong and to Him we return.'

Hazrat Mu’adh ibn Jabal radiallahu anhu who was present spoke to the people and said,

“Indeed, you have been afflicted with the death of a man, by Allah, I have never seen a slave of Allah with a more pure heart, further away from idle talk and more ardent in giving advice to people than him. So, pray unto Allah Ta’ala to shower His mercy on him.”

Hazrat Mu’adh ibn Jabal, Amr ibn al Aas and ad Dahak ibn Qays radiallahu anhum lowered him into his grave. After they covered him with sand, Mua’adh radiallahu anhu said,

“O Abu Ubaydah! Indeed I will appreciate you all my life uttering no falsehood, since uttering falsehood against you incurs Allah’s wrath. By Allah, I have come to know about one who mentions Allah much. One of those who walk on the earth in humility and when the foolish address them, they reply back with mild words. One of those when they spend, they are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but they hold a medium between the two extremes. By Allah, you were one of the humble among the true believers who show mercy to the orphans and the poor and detest the traitors and the haughty!”

O Allah shower upon Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu perpetual blessings, water the grave of Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu with Your unique mercy. O Allah, it is your beloved Rasul salallahu alayhi wa salam who said, “Man will be with those whom he loves.” So raise me with these people hand in hand and all those who bare love for these exceptional souls. O Allah, embed into us these distinguished characteristics and make of us and from our offspring the likes of Hazrat Abu Ubaydah radiallahu anhu and reunite us with those upon who Your favour is in the Hereafter. Ameen.

The above article has been extracted from ‘Ad Dharru Ath Thamaneeyatu Taraajimu Al Asharatul Al Mubasharatu bil Jannah, Futuhusham, Seeratus Sahabah and Hayatus Sahabah’

Next: Dirar ibn al Azwar radiallahu anhu and Khaula bint al Azwar radiallahu anha

Burying The Past And Moving On

Recently Shaykh Mawlana Mohammad Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him) advised a murid to bury the past and make a fresh start.

Burying the past may sound a simple thing but in reality it is a big spiritual struggle (mujahidah) with many benefits.

For all of us it is a common event to slip and commit mistakes. These mistakes may be in exoteric (dhahiri) or esoteric (batini) works. Sometimes we are cognizant of our mistakes and at others oblivious. However, a true seeker is very much disturbed by these mistakes. He is ashamed infront of Allah, disheartened on his ability to control his desires, disillusioned by the effectiveness of the path in preventing this disaster and anxious about the future similar mishaps.

These are the moments when the need of a perfect spiritual mentor – the Shaykh-e-kamil, is essential to save the seeker from falling further in to the trap of Satan and lower self (nafs). It is he who guides the murid out of this depressive and self-destructive attitude and puts him back on the path towards Allah.

He does so by;

a. Giving the seeker hope. That is, it is human to err and Allah is Most Merciful to those who acknowledge their short comings.

b. Instruction to forget the past. Bury it. If this is not done, its dead body will rot and the stench emanating from it will spoil the best aroma of sincere good acts done in future. Also, remembering the sins after sincere repentance is wrong and leads to decreasing relationship with Allah.

c. To be concerned with improving the present condition right now. For this today will tomorrow become yesterday. A thing of past.

If handled in this way each and every mistake and fall of the sincere seeker results in increasing relationship with Allah, enhanced humility and complete dependence on His kindness and mercy.

A seeker should remember that these falling episodes are not uncommon and continue until a permanent spiritual serenity (tamkeen) is achieved (which usually happens after years of sincere effort by method described above). Until then he/she has to bury the past with sincere repentance and move forwards on the path with renewed vigor.

And its facilitation is surely from Allah, Most High.


Taken from Ashrafiya

Flower vs The Pearl

Flower Vs. The Pearl... Source: LSC ISOC

By Sister Mehak

Asalaamu'alaikum Warahmatulahi Wabarkatahu dear respected brothers and sisters, insha'Allah this post is more aimed towards the sisters, but the brothers can apply this to their own hijaab and whether they'd rather follow the sunnah or the society (i.e. covering for their Awrah [navel to knees]).

"One day, a brilliantly beautiful and fragrant flower with attractive colors met a pearl that lives far in the bottom of the sea and has none of these characteristics. Both got acquainted with each other.

The flower said: "Our family is large; roses and daisies are members of the family. And there are many other species that are various and countless; each has a distinctive scent, appearance etc."

Suddenly, a tinge of distress appeared on the flower.

"Nothing accounts for sorrow in your talk; so why are depressed?" The pearl asked.

"Human beings deal with us carelessly; they slight us. They don't grow us for our sake but to get pleasure from our fragrance and beautiful appearance. They throw us on the street or in the garbage can after we are dispossessed of the most valuable properties; brilliance and fragrance."

The flower sighed. And then the flower said to the pearl: "Speak to me about your life! How do you live? How do you feel it? You are buried in the bottom of the sea."

The pearl answered: "Although I have none of your distinctive colors and sweet scents, humans think I am precious. They do the impossible to procure me. They go on long journeys, dive deep in the seas searching for me. You might be astounded to know that the further I lay, the more beautiful and brilliant I become. That's what upraises my value in their thought. I live in a thick shell isolated in the dark seas. However, I'm happy and proud to be in a safe zone far from wanton and mischievous hands and still the humans consider me highly valuable."

Do you know what the flower and the pearl symbolize? Think, Think, Think... You will find that: The flower is the unveiled woman (who shows her charms) and the pearl is the veiled woman (who conceals her beauties).Who would you like to be my dear sisters?????

Wasalaamu'alaikum Wa'rahmatulahi Wa'barkatahu.

Our Visit to Turkey - Istanbul

Alhamdulillah by the grace of Allah Ta'ala, I was recently able to travel to Turkey and discover alot with regards to our heritage. There are many monuments and objects of great importance in Turkey. Alhamdulillah, we have a special place for our readers in our hearts and thus you were remembered when these pictures were taken. There are many, many more pictures of other monuments which are of less importance; If there is intrest, we will put up a second part to this particular post inshallah. All the info have been taken from wikipedia (apart from some which are obvious).

Our Safar begins

Heathrow Terminal 5

Masjid Sultan Ahmed (Blue Mosque)

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is the national mosque of Turkey, and is a historical mosque in Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the capital of the Ottoman Empire (from 1453 to 1923). The mosque is one of several mosques known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior.It was built between 1609 and 1616, during the rule of Ahmed I. Like many other mosques, it also comprises a tomb of the founder, a madrasah and a hospice. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul.

Masjid Abu Ayyub al Ansari radiallahu anhu

Here in lies the grave of Hazrat Abu Ayyub al Ansari radiallahu anhu. Outside the Masjid there is a mausoleum which has been adorned with him. Also, there are two trees outside the main jamaat khana which have been there since the time of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam. Lastly, there is a well outside the mausoleum of Hazrat Abu Ayyub radiallahu anhu. It has been narrated that many people in the locality of Eyyup had a dream in which water was flowing from under the hands of Hazrat Abu Ayyub radiallahu anhu in his grave. Thus a well was made close to it which takes this water, Alhamdulillah it was nice and sweet.

Suleymanie Masjid

The Süleymaniye Mosque was built on the order of Sultan Suleiman I (Suleiman the Magnificent) and was constructed by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. The construction work began in 1550 and the mosque was finished in 1557.

The mosque is extremely beautiful and has calligraphy outside which is open to the public to view.

Ortakoy Mosque

Ortaköy Mosque, officially the Büyük Mecidiye Camii (Grand Imperial Mosque of Sultan Abdülmecid) in Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Turkey, is situated at the waterside of the Ortaköy pier square, one of the most popular locations on the Bosphorus.

The original Ortaköy Mosque was built in the 18th century. The current mosque, which was erected in its place, was ordered by the Ottoman sultan Abdülmecid and built between 1854 and 1856.

Topkapi Palace Museum

This museum was really one of the highlights of our trip. Herein there are many relics of the Ottoman Era. Inside there are numerous artifacts which have been attributed to even Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam and the Sahahaba radiallahu anhum. The blessed hair, teeth, bow, sword, stamp, letters and belongings of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam are kept here. The swords of many Sahabah radiallahu anhum such as Hazrat Abu Bakr, Hazrat Umar, Hazrat Uthman, Hazrat Ali, Hazrat Khalid ibn Walid, Hazrat Zubair ibn al Awwam radiallahu anhum are all on display here. The Amamma of Hazrat Yusuf alayhis alaam and the rod of Musa alayhis salaam are also on display. This truly is a must see place. Unfortunately, no pictures are allowed so I took pictures of the trees and snails for you instead :)

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is a former patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Famous in particular for its massive dome, it is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. The current building was originally constructed as a church between 532 and 537 A.D. on the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, and was in fact the third Church of the Holy Wisdom to occupy the site (the previous two had both been destroyed by riots). It was designed by two architects, Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles. The Church contained a large collection of holy relics and featured, among other things, a 15m (49 foot) silver iconostasis. It was the patriarchal church of the Patriarch of Constantinople and the religious focal point of the Eastern Orthodox Church for nearly one thousand years.

In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks and Sultan Mehmed II ordered the building to be converted into a mosque. The bells, altar, iconostasis, and sacrificial vessels were removed, and many of the mosaics were eventually plastered over. The Islamic features — such as the mihrab, the minbar, and the four minarets outside — were added over the course of its history under the Ottomans. It remained as a mosque until 1935, when it was converted into a museum by the Republic of Turkey.

Miscellaneous

Here are some pictures that are just miscellaneous. The first is a fountain which sits opposite the Blue Mosque. The next is a plaque which is self explanatory if you read it. The third is a hippodrome which was brought to Constantinople. The fourth is a Turkish University and the last picture is Abdul Baasit :D