The Beauty of Iman

EVENT: Surah Yusuf Tafseer- PART 2

2012-01-29T12:16:00.002Z

UCLU ISLAMIC SOCIETY PRESENTS
ONE DAY INTENSIVE - PART 2 OF THE TAFSEER OF SURAH YUSUF

SATURDAY 4TH FEBRUARY 2012
10AM-5.30PM

Shaykh Abdus-Subhan Dalvi (Graduate of Jamia Siraj ul Uloom)

TICKETS: £5 FOR COURSE MATERIALS & LUNCH

LIMITED SPACES LEFT!!! ONLY A WEEK LEFT!!
REGISTER TICKETS BY E-MAILING UCLU ISLAMIC SOCIETY: mail@uclisoc.com OR ALTERNATIVELY PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE FROM THE LINKS PROVIDED BELOW.

Come to the final session of the tafseer of Surah Yusuf; with only 40 verses done, there are 71 verses left of this enthralling surah to be completed. There are still many lessons of patience, love, marriage, trust, envy etc. to be learnt!

Tickets to the Tafsir of Surah Yusuf Part 2 are now available to buy from the link below:

For those that attended the first part of the course it will cost you only £2.50 to cover lunch. Please buy from the following link: http://uclu.org/shop/product_info.php?cPath=36&products_id=1944

For those that did not attend the first part of the course it will cost you only £5 for course material + lunch. Please buy from the following link: http://uclu.org/shop/product_info.php?cPath=36&products_id=1942

JazakAllahu Khair
--
UCLU Islamic Society

Contact: mail@uclisoc.com Website: www . uclisoc . com

Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye!

2012-01-15T00:54:00.002Z

I am sure at some point in your life, you have met a person who you felt was a well wisher; only to have your trust in them obliterated. Perhaps you have been ‘that person’ in the past who betrayed the trusts of people who trusted you most. Maybe you still are that person, from whose tongue every person is wary.

Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said in one hadith related in Al Adabul Mufrad, "The worst person is someone who is two-faced. He is the person who comes to one group of people with one face and another group of people with another face."

This hadith highlights the situation of a person who transforms and changes his colours like a chameleon. An example of this could be of a person whom you consider to be your friend; he constantly says well to you and does good to you and as soon as he has left your company, he tells other people things which you would not like them to hear whether it be abuse, secrets, lies etc.

Such people are transformers! There is more to them than meets the eye. A person should remain vigilant as to who these people are in his life. And as soon as he finds out who they are, he should keep his distance from them. This is not to say that he totally breaks off connection from him but rather that he remains prudent in relation to himself i.e. he does not go and tell that ‘transformer’ all of his secrets and have a deep, heart warming conversations with him.

Every person knows the state of their own Iman. A person may appear pious or sinful in front of the people but only Allah Ta’ala and that individual knows the state of his belief. We may be able to deceive the people and at times we may even be able to deceive ourselves in relation to piety but we can never deceive Allah Ta’ala.

It is thus important to peer into one’s own life and try finding instances where he has ‘transformed’ into a two faced person and has spread lies to cause hurt and disunity. Malik Ibn Dinar rahimahullah would say, “When you see that your heart has become hard, your body has become weak and that your sustenance has become Haram; know that you have spoken in regards to those matters which did not concern you!”

Likewise, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam has mentioned a great caution for that person who likes to push his foul speech around like an Asda trolley! Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam has mentioned, "The person who has two faces in this world will have two tongues of the Fire on the Day of Rising.”

Thus there are many things we can do to save ourselves from falling into this category:

1. Stop betraying trusts

2. Stop spreading rumours

3. Stop spreading lies

4. Stop causing disunity/fights between two people

5. Staying away from such situations

6. Ponder over our speech

7. Apologise to those people whom we have hurt

8. Try to fix relations we have broken

9. Fix a penalty of some sadaqah every time we happen to slip up

10. Seek forgiveness from Allah Ta’ala.

Just don’t be that person who causes hurt wherever he goes; who disunites people by the weight of his tongue; who lies to satisfy his itching and devours the respect of people in the manner a serpent savages its prey. You are not that person; so don’t be. Be free from hate and cooled by patience, calm in disposition and aware of speech; be forgiving and shine with humility. All you need to do is put a full stop on your last evil speech and place a line under it. Now begin a new chapter and fill it with goodness.

May Allah Ta’ala protect us and give us the ability to use our tongues correctly. Ameen.

Shaykh-al-Hind rahimahumullāh and his Simple Lifestyle

2012-01-09T23:21:00.004Z

Taken from At-Tazkiyah

Shaykh Mahmūd-al-Hasan rahimahumullāh, commonly known as Shaykh-al-Hind, had earned great fame throughout India. Subsequently an ‘Ālim from Ajmer, Shaykh Mu‘īn-ad-dīn Ajmerī rahimahumullāh, decided that he would travel to Deoband to visit him. Reaching Deoband by rail, he informed a dog-cart driver that he wished to meet Shaykh-al-Hind rahimahumullāh. (Although acclaimed with the title of Shaykh-al-Hind throughout the world, in Deoband he was simply known as the Big Shaykh.) The driver ascertaining that the newcomer wanted to meet the Big Shaykh, drove him up to the door of Shaykh-aI-Hind rahimahumullāh.

It was the hot season at the time, and when Shaykh Ajmerī rahimahumullāh knocked a man in a vest and loincloth answered the door. The guest said. ‘I have come from Ajmer to meet Shaykh-al-Hind. my name is Mu‘īn-ad-dīn.’

‘Please come in and sit down,’ came the reply. After being seated the guest said, ‘Go and inform Shaykh Mahmūd-al- Hasan that Mu‘īn-ad-dīn Ajmerī has come to meet him.’

The man said, ‘You have arrived at a very hot time of year,’ and proceeded to fan the guest. After some time, Shaykh Ajmerī rahimahumullāh made his request again. The man replied, ‘Indeed I shall inform him,’ and went in, only to return with a meal. The guest again said, ‘Brother, I have not come here to eat but to meet Shaykh-al-Hind. Introduce me to him.’

'Please eat,’ came the reply, ‘You shall very soon meet him.’

Shaykh Ajmerī rahimahumullāh ate and drank until finally he started to get angry. ‘I’ve been telling you over and over again but you just won’t go and inform the Shaykh!’ he retorted.

Thereupon the man said, ‘The fact is there is no Shaykh-al- Hind residing here, however Mahmūd (i.e. Shaykh-al-Hind) is the name of this humble one.

Picture of the Month - January 2012

2012-01-04T04:49:00.001Z

Dear readers,
Assalamu Alaykum

I thought it would be nice to put pictures up on a monthly basis of things which have caught my eye on the internet or things which I have taken photos of myself (Deen related obviously). Sometimes, reading and writing can get tiresome.

The following picture caught my eye and brought about a few chuckles, may it make you smile also. Ameen.

Caption: The above is a Indo-Pak tajweed lesson!

Tajweed should be learnt properly and we should always try to recite it in the manner it was revealed. As one of my respected teachers once said, "The hadith tells us to recite the Qur'an in 'lisaanul 'arab' (the tongue of the Arabs) and not in lisaanul punjab (the tongue of the Punjabis)".

We should try our best to read the Qur'an in the correct way; the main objective is to try. A person who is studying hard to learn tajweed but still cannot get to grips with it is rewarded double in comparison to the person who knows how to read the Qur'an. The aim is to try; not to just read it in any old fashion and if you cannot read it properly despite your hardships then despair not, for Allah Ta'ala will still reward you.

May Allah Ta'ala give us the ability to fulfill the rights of the Qur'an. Ameen.

Do The Pious Still Exist?

2011-12-30T18:34:00.000Z

Taken from Ashrafiya

Sayyidi wa sanadi Shaikh Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve him) said,

‘My respected father (Mufti Mohammad Shafi’,Allah have mercy on him) used to say in context of the Quranic verse:

[O you who believe, fear Allah, and be in the company of the truthful.]

In his tafsir Imam Razi (Allah have mercy on him) said that there is a prophecy in it for the future generation to come until the Day of Judgment.

The explanation is that it is our fundamental belief that the injunctions of Quran are to be followed in all environments and circumstances till the very last day. Then how is it possible that the Quran will order us to do something that is not possible. If the pious ceased to exist then how their company can be achieved. This proves that the truthful and pious (sadiqeen) will always exist so their company is available to achieve taqwa.

He further added that it may be possible that they are less in number and difficult to discover. However, this does not negate their existence. Just take the every day examples. These days corruption and contamination of food is rampant. It is difficult to find unadulterated common day items such as sugar and flour. In spite of this none of us have abandoned their use and settled for substandard alternatives. We actively search for places from where good quality stuff can be purchased.

Similarly, search actively for pious and inshaAllah you will find them.

However, do not set your standards very high. For people of our caliber pious individuals like Shaikh Junaid Baghdadi or Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani or Shaikh Moin ud Deen Chishti (Allah have mercy on them) are not essential. Our islah (spiritual reformation) can be effectively done by the pious present in our era.

Waaz, Ramadan 1432

The Sinister...'Far Away, Distant' Feeling

2011-12-19T01:51:00.000Z

That ‘far away, distant' feeling is something that comes to us all every now and then. This is that feeling, where everything feels blurred and everything seems distant. It seems that everybody is getting on with something or the other and you seem to be standing still; it just feels that you are stuck in a time and place from which you can’t get out of! An example of this to a lower degree can be seen in a student who is sitting in an exam hall; he sees everybody around him doing something but his brain feels to blunt to think of something and his stomach begins to churn as he sees his time is running out.

The reality of this all is that different incidents in a person’s life can trigger of this feeling. Sometimes, an abundance of work and pressure could be the cause; at other stages panic and anxiety could be a reason. Sometimes desperation could settle into oneself and many times, all these factors come together to hit insaan for a six! He then becomes like that cricket ball which has been hit out of the stadium and is sitting outside in the car park all by itself, waiting for somebody to pick it up and bring it back to its rightful place (i.e. the pitch). Similarly, when life is moving so fast around us and we feel completely dazed, we too need someone to take us by the hand and put our hearts’ at ease.

This feeling is an emotion that comes to us regularly and perhaps more so as we grow up and less so as we reach an elderly age. As a person grows, his responsibilities increase and he finds himself juggling between those actions which he must do (whether he likes it or not) and those actions which he likes to do (as a hobby). During his life, he will find himself constantly balancing between the two. When a person starts taking too much on, he finds himself bewildered at the sheer pace of life. There seems to be too many things happening and too little time to analyse them all.

In some instances, an issue of great magnitude such as a person’s death is placed in front of us which totally sweeps our feet from beneath us. Another example could be of a person who is planning to get married; he may be preparing for months on end but as the time to tie the knot approaches, he begins to feel that there are many things which he hasn’t dealt with! In both situations, a person is left befuddled and perplexed.

And in some instances, a person can want to feel far away from everything! When a person constantly sees ‘snakes’ from amongst his dear ones and dark evil in his surroundings, one naturally wants to curl up into a ball and stay in one corner. Sometimes sadness comes to us in abundance and the only reprieve seems to be in the darkness of a silent room. Thus, the far away feeling occurs because a person doesn’t want to feel close to the action.

Finally, you have others who experience the far away feeling because they are quite simply potty! This is when a person is just to foolish to do what is good for himself and continues doing stupid things which prove to be a hindrance to his existence! An example I hear you say? Take the example of a person who wastes his life in a shisha cafe; everyday he wakes up, he does the same thing. He brushes his teeth, wears his jacket, takes money from his parents and follows his friends (who may also be potty) into a shisha cafe. He thereafter wastes pound after pound in buying drinks, coals, snacks etc. The most bizarre thing of all is that this very same person has a career defining exam the following day and he should be revising! As a result, he sits in the exam hall the next day and all he can do is squirm in his chair when he sees his classmates around him pencilling in their exam papers at speed.

So how can a person stop this feeling or get out of it? There are a variety of things he can do. Below are just a few:

Stop feeling sorry for yourself – sometimes a person needs to slap himself (not literally) and pull his socks up. For how long will a person feel sorry about himself and watch the people around him be successful and not be a part of that success himself? A person must produce unyielding efforts to break away from the vicious cycle of self pity and sorrow.

Grab hold of a good friend to help you – sometimes we can’t see how deep we are in a situation. At times we exaggerate our problems and at other times, we play matters which are of huge relevance down. When we have the ‘far away feeling’ we should confide this matter in a close, loving, knowledgeable friend. We should explain to him, “I need you to help me pick myself up and make use of my time.” This feeling can bring much sadness to a person which in turn brings a fatigued, lazy ethos. We need to tell our close friend, “When you see me wasting my life away, pull me together and slap me (literally)!”

Get up and go – have some ‘get up and go’ about yourself. You may find that nobody can help you; that should not send you into a murky abyss. Rather, fortify your intentions and make something of yourself.

Take the advices from the Qur’an and the Hadith - While the Qur’an cheers up a saddened soul, it also has great advices to push a person in the right direction. Similarly, the words of our Nabi salallahu alayhi wasallam have great blessings; he himself would say, ‘I am a source of peace for my companions’. Thus, if we engross ourselves by becoming his companions (i.e. by studying his words), his invigorating shadow will extend over us also.

Make lots of dua – only Allah Ta’ala is the One who can take us out of the darkness we see before us. Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’an, “When My servants ask you about Me, then (tell them that) I am near. I respond to the call of one when he prays to Me; so they should respond to Me, and have faith in Me, so that they may be on the right path.” The court of Allah Ta’ala isn’t like a shop which has opening and closing hours; it is open all hours. The court of Allah Ta’ala is like that shop which has everything a person could need and more; he just needs to pre-order through his dua and Allah Ta’ala will send him what he requires. The postage, packaging and delivery depends on that person’s sincerity in his dua but when does eventually receives it, five star customer satisfaction is guaranteed!

May Allah Ta’ala grant us all aafiyat and make our hardships easy for us. Ameen, ya Rabbal ‘Aalameen.

Lessons from Hadith #7 - Speaking The Truth

2011-12-11T23:22:00.001Z

انّي لا اقول إلاّ حقّا

“I do not say anything except the truth.” (Al Adab Al Mufrad)

Once the Prophet salallahu alayhi wasallam joked with the Companions radiallahu anhum. They were amazed that the Prophet salallahu alayhi wasallam was joking with him due to his lofty status so they enquired, “Ya Rasulullah! You make jokes with us?” It was then he replied, “I do not say anything except the truth.”

This hadith indicates towards speaking the truth even in joking. Many people engage themselves in joking which is not true just to make the other person laugh. This is a lie and should be abstained from; rather jokes can be funny as long as they are of a truthful nature. Some wish to be the joker among a group of people but while he is causing others pleasure by laughing, he is causing the displeasure of Allah to descend upon him.

From this hadith we also see the soft and playful nature of the Prophet salallahu alayhi wasallam. Many people feel that a practising person cannot be of a funny and joyful nature. Many people who are of a religious nature dislike to be of a jubilant nature and feel that they should always have a rigid, serious outlook about themselves. This could not be further away from the Sunnat of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam. It is mentioned in Shamail Tirmidhi on the authority of Abdullah ibn Haarith (may Allah be pleased with him), “I did not see anyone who smiled more than Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam.”

When Desire Takes Over

2011-11-30T20:32:00.003Z

When Desire Takes Over

Available at Azhar Academy & all good book shops!

Introductory offer: 15% off retail price. (£2.55) original price (£3.00)

An engaging book covering the pressing issue of illicit relationships, that are growing popular amongst Muslim youth. The author succesfully explores the deadly cocktail of sins that are prevalant in colleges and universities. He provides useful, practical solutions, enabling them firstly, to recognise what is harmful to them as students and more so as Muslims, and secondly, to courageously say 'no' to partaking from the cocktail's poisoned chalice.

Issues convered include love, lust, secret lovers and marriages, loneliness, infatuation etc.

"This book can be described as the "need of the times" as it highlights the harms of moral decadence. It provides a rare insight into the nature of the various forms of relationships and the disastrous consequences which then follow. It gives guidance to help a person abandon a life of sin and become a pious Muslim." - Sheikhul Hadith Maulana Abdur Rahim Sahib

Extract from Book: "....Many people are of a beautiful nature, great conduct and of religious insight, yet still they fall into the snares of Shayṭān. This is not because they are evil people or that they have bad hearts. It is quite simply down to the fact that they are lonely! As mentioned before, a person constantly needs a hand to hold, a pair of eyes to look into, and quite simply, a person to love. Many people can live without this partner until a certain age but as soon as they reach the limit, the mind becomes infatuated on having a partner.

Cover: Paperback

Author: Abdus Subhan Dalvi

Publisher: Lantern of Knowledge Publications

Pages: 119

Size: 21 cm x 15 cm

Weight: 190(Gram)

Surat Yusuf Tafseer

2011-11-27T20:26:00.005Z

UCLU ISLAMIC SOCIETY PRESENTS

ONE DAY INTENSIVE - TAFSEER OF SURAH YUSUF

SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2011

10AM-5PM

Shaykh Abdus-Subhan Dalvi (Graduate of Jamia Sirajul Uloom)

TICKETS: £5 FOR COURSE MATERIALS & LUNCH

BUY TICKETS HERE

OR ALTERNATIVELY,

REGISTER TICKETS BY E-MAILING UCLU ISLAMIC SOCIETY: mail@uclisoc.com or d.sassa1@gmail.com

An indepth look and discussion into the Quranic Chapter: Surah Yusuf. This chapter of the Qur’aan allows one to recall the story of the great Prophet of God, Yusuf/Joseph (a.s), and holds host to a whole range of lessons, meanings and emotions for the keen of mind. Dreams, interpretations, slavery, kinship, and forbearance are just a few of the insights in this not to be missed course.

EVENT: 1st Khatme Bukhari Jalsa - Jamia Siraj ul Uloom

2011-11-08T20:38:00.002Z

Scribbling a Masterpiece

2011-11-03T00:13:00.002Z

Hazrat Maulana Saleem Dhorat Sahib DB said,

“It is easy to fall prey to the deception of Shayṭān that we are performing much more worship than those around us. What we need to understand is that quantity is not everything.

Consider the example of a toddler who spends hours scribbling on a piece of paper. Even though the child has spent much time and effort, his writing is of no real value.

On the other hand, in five minutes of inspiration, a professional author is able to craft an article that goes on to become a masterpiece. The toddler however will not be able to understand the difference between his work and the work of the professional.

When it comes to practising Dīn we are also like toddlers in comparison to the pious servants of Allāh ta’ala whose short devotions are far greater than our lengthy devotions. This is why we think that we are performing so much. Shayṭān plays on this misconception and thus we do not reflect.

This is the reason why we need to spend time in the company of the pious. Through their company, we will begin to master the art of worship and ultimately, inshā’allāh, turn our scribbles into priceless gems.”

taken from Shaykh.org

Khidmah (service) of Deen

2011-10-23T20:05:00.000+01:00

Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam has mentioned in a hadith, “Allah Ta’ala will strengthen His Deen, even if it be by the means of a sinful person.”

To be given the ni’mah and bounty of serving the Deen of Allah Ta’ala is not something which we should consider to be small. Nor should we consider those who are offering some sort of khidmah (service) to be small. Rather, these people are special as Allah Ta’ala has handpicked them to do good while He has left other people in misguidance and without an objective.

Sometimes we tend to gain some ‘ujb (self admiration) when we do some khidmah and we feel that we are superior to others. The reality is that this feeling of ‘ujb has made us less favourable unto Allah Ta’ala than that person who has sat out altogether. When Allah Ta’ala wants something to be done, He is in need of nobody; thus when we do receive the opportunity to help this religion in some way, we should take it as a great honour from Allah Ta’ala.

Many people are such that while doing khidmah, they may feel bored and fed up. This is a characteristic that man has within himself. He only feels interested in doing those things in which he will be given some type of material gain. When a person does khidmah of Deen, he doesn’t necessarily see this profit but by Allah, it is stored from him in the hereafter. One thing is to feel bored within your heart and while this is understandable, to openly make a face and sulk only reflects arrogance. Sometimes this can even be seen in those who consider themselves to be of a religious nature.

A person must ponder over the aforementioned hadith. If Allah Ta’ala wanted, He would flip the heart of a sinful person and take huge work of Deen from; and that person who was sulking and being patronising will be left stripped of all reward. Thus, when we are given an opportunity to do some khidmah, even though we may not like it, we should not moan and groan about it. This is just our nafs speaking and it is necessary to swallow this thought.

Verily, a minute in the service of Allah Ta’ala is not left ignored by Allah Ta’ala. Surely He deposits something for His slave and waits to give it to him at its appointed time. There are some bounties that we see in front of us in this life and there are others that we will ogle in amazement in the hereafter. It just requires us to pull our socks up and work with sincerity and humility.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the ability to do khidmah of Deen with patience, perseverance and humility. Ameen.

Glad Tidings For The One Who Is Ill

2011-10-09T00:45:00.000+01:00

Illness is something which we quite simply have no control over. Depending on the severity of the illness, a person can range from being merely annoyed to utterly distraught. However, let there be glad tidings for that slave who falls ill as Allah Ta’ala uses this illness as an excuse so as to expiate the sins of His slave.

How amazing is it that Allah Ta’ala has given us something positive in something which we dislike. There are many such examples in our Deen where Allah Ta’ala has exalted our status through something which is normally perceived as being disliked and petty. For example, if a person was to prostrate to another man, this would be a complete and utter disgrace. It would show the weakness, frailty and feebleness in a person that he is taking his forehead and placing it at the feet of another person. This idea of lowering one’s head for another can seem quite disgraceful however we prostrate towards Allah Ta’ala by taking the most honoured place of our body (i.e. our forehead from where we thinks and understand) and we place it on the floor by which Allah Ta’ala honours us with Jannah. Allah Ta’ala has made honour for us in something which people would normally perceive as being wrong. In the same way, Allah Ta’ala has favoured us and honoured us even when we are ill. Being ill is something that we obviously do not like but even whilst being ill, our sins are wiped away and our rewards are increased.

Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “A Muslim does not encounter fatigue, tiredness, concern, sorrow, injury or grief, or even a thorn which pricks him without Allah expiating his errors for him by that." Subhanallah! Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam has mentioned several odd problems that could befall a Muslim and in every single one of them there is forgiveness from sins. The general idea here is that anything which displeases a Muslim is a source of mercy for him. Likewise, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam also said, “Affliction will continue to trouble the believers, men and women, in their bodies, their families and their property until they meet Allah Ta’ala purified of every wrong action."

Furthermore, illness is a sign of a person’s belief in Allah Ta’ala. Once, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was discussing illness when a person asked, “What is illness? For I swear by Allah, I have never been ill!” Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Leave us! For indeed you are not one of us!” This is said because Allah Ta’ala gives illness to a person in order to wipe away his sin. In a narration mentioned in Abu Dawud, it is indicated that when a slave does not have the ability to do good deeds which will enter him into Jannah, Allah Ta’ala afflicts him with some temporary sadness or illness through which his sins will be erased and his good deeds increased. As a result, he is entered into Jannah. Again, Allah Ta’ala is looking excuse to forgive us. Thus, if a person falls ill, he should praise Allah Ta’ala in his heart and be happy that he has some sign of Iman within him.

One a Bedouin came into the company of Rasulullah salalallahu alayhi wasallam; Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam asked, “'Has Umm Mildam (fever) got hold of you?” The Bedouin replied, “What is Umm Mildam?” Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “It is the heat between the skin and the flesh.' The Bedouin said, “No.” Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Have you got a headache?” “What is headache?” the Bedouin asked. Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam replied, “It is wind which gets into the head and beats the veins.” The Bedouin replied, “No (I have not experienced this). When he stood up, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Whoever wants to look at a man who is one of the people of the Fire (i.e. let them look at that man.)”

In fact, on a side note, one hadith related in Tabrani, “Never does a Muslim get a headache except that Allah Ta’ala expiates his sin, writes for him rewards and elevates his rank.”

The bottom line here is that we should always ask Allah Ta’ala for security in our life. We should always make the dua, “O Allah, I ask you for forgiveness and security, in my religion, worldly life and hereafter.” Likewise, “O Allah, I ask you for to safe-keep my ears, my eyes and my body.” We should not hope for illness, rather we should take its coming as a sign of forgiveness from Allah Ta’ala.

Finally, my eyes fell over a nice piece on visiting the sick person written by Sheikh Fadhl ullahi Al-Jeelaani in his commentary Fadhl Allahi As-Samad fi Towdeehi Al-Adab Al Mufrad. If we visit a sick person, we should try to adhere to the following 10 points:

1. He does not face the door directly when asking for permission to enter. (i.e. he is not trying to be nosy and see what is going on inside).

2. He opens and closes the door softly. (i.e. He doesn’t start banging doors and disturbing people.)

3. He does not try to remain anonymous. (i.e. When a person is asked, “Who is it?” he doesn’t respond by saying, “Me!”. This brings no clarity and is a source of annoyance to the sick person as well as those around him).

4. He should not come at an inappropriate time. (i.e. he should not come when it is obvious the sick person needs feeding etc).

5. He should not sit for too long except when it pleases the sick person. (i.e. sometimes, people overstay their visit and this over burdens the sick person but he may feel too shy to say anything. He may need some rest in order to preserve his energy but sometimes, useless chatter diminishes this. However, the case of a person who pleases the heart is different. Generally, when the beloved is near, the heart forgets all of it's sorrows. On a side note, I remember one brief story of Layla & Majnoo. Majnoo was so infatuated on Layla that news of this came to the Qadhi (judge) who immediately stipulated 100 lashes (whipping, pitai) for Majnoo. As a result, Majnoo was hit 100 times but to the amazement of the people, he did not let out a single yell. It was as if he was in a trance; however, when he was hit with the last lash, he let out an almighty yell! The people were amazed and thus asked him, "You received 99 lashes and did not utter even whimper but on the 100th lash, you screamed so loud?! Why is this?!" He replied, "My beloved Layla was watching me from her balcony and I was looking at her. Whilst she was there, I was lost in her and so I did not feel any pain; on the 99th whip, she turned and left as the punishment was to end. When she left, I came back to reality." Thus, it is always nice to have the beloved visit when one is sick.)

6. He should lower his gaze from the sick person (i.e. if the person has some apparent illness on the body, the visitor should not fix his eyes upon it as if to show some shock. :-| <-- like that)

7. He should not question the sick person excessively. (i.e. this can become tiresome).

8. He should show sympathy. (i.e. sympathy shows softness and care).

9. He should make sincere dua.

10. He should give him some words of encouragement so it strengthens the ill person’s resolve. (i.e. many people go and visit the sick people and instead of giving them encouragement, they say, “Oh dear! You look terrible!” This doesn’t do any good to the moral of the ill person; rather it convinces him that he is in a truly poor state. This in effect gives a huge psychological blow to the ill person and at times can break his resolve. Thus we should give words of encouragement to build the resolve of the sick person).

May Allah Ta’ala give us all good health. Ameen.

Being Gentle...like a butterfly

2011-09-27T01:43:00.000+01:00

The idea of being a stoned face, mysterious individual with a sense of firmness sounds appealing to some; when this type of character exudes from a person, a sense of dominance can emanate from within the heart. This eventually leads one to become ill mannered and arrogant which in turn changes a person into a prideful being. As a result, this firmness which seemed to be awe inspiring has now taken a person to the banks of Jahannam. It is for this reason that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, "Harshness does not exist in something except that it makes it repulsive. Indeed Allah is compassionate and He love compassion.”

Unfortunately, we live in very rough society; such an environment has almost nurtured us to be hostile naturally. I understood this perfectly when I recently went to Madinah. I had left the hotel to go to the Prophet’s salallahu alayhi wasallam Mosque for Iftar when a brother suddenly grabbed my arm 20 meters away from the mosque. I instantly took him to be a trouble maker but I soon realised he was actually calling me to sit and break my fast with him. I watched him and found his courteous behaviour to be ever so pleasant. I then began to question myself as to why I had been so firm with him. I realised that it was the society that I had come from which told me to be defensive and sceptical as opposed to being gentle and friendly.

The sunnah or Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam teaches us differently. It teaches us to be gentle and soft to every living and lifeless thing. During the battle of Uhud, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam commanded the archers to remain on a hill close to the battle until the war was won. Due to a misunderstanding, they left their positions which resulted in the death of 70 companions. However, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was not harsh to them, nor was he aggressive. Rather, he was understanding and sympathetic; he accepted their reasons and pardoned them. He himself states in one hadith, “Forgive right-acting people for their mistakes.” Such behaviour brought about the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and He notably mentions in the Qur’an,

“It was a mercy of Allah that you were soft and gentle with them. If you were rude, harsh, hard hearted, then they would have fled away from you. Pardon them, seek forgiveness from Allah for them and in future, consult them in the matter”

Softness is truly a characteristic which we must inculcate into our life. However, this does not mean that we become naive. If we live in such a place where there is much trickery and deceit, then it is not an act of piety to be forbearing. On the other hand, this is foolishness as a person is asking to be hoaxed.

Being gentle should be within us naturally. When a person is gentle, it beautifies him as a person and also wins the heart of people. Rasulullah salalallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Softness does not exist in anything except that it beautifies it.” However, in order to bring this characteristic within ourselves, we must aim to become tolerant. A person can only learn to forgive and be soft to others once he has subdued his nafs to such an extent that he does not become angry at petty things. When a person is able to blow away his annoyance, signs of compassion may then prevail in him.

Showing kindness to animals is enough for Allah Ta’ala to forgive a person. Imam Bukhari rahimahullah relates a narration in which a person fed a thirsty, ailing dog water which cured him. As a result, Allah Ta’ala forgave his sins. On the other hand, the hadith that Imam Bukhari rahimahullah brings thereafter shows the state of a woman who treated her pet so poorly that it was completely malnourished. As a result of her hard heartedness, Allah Ta’ala entered her into the fire. If this is the case with regards to animals, then what can be said for humans and especially our Muslim brothers and sisters?

There are some misinformed people who try to use Hadhrat Umar radiallahu anhu as their justification to being harsh. Such people quite simply do not know who Hadhrat Umar radiallahu anhu was. He was a soft, loving, caring man who shed tears for the sake of this Ummah. Such people who claim that he was harsh and stern know very little of him. His firmness was to those who had disobeyed Allah Ta’ala and caused pain to the Muslimeen but besides that, he was merciful to the believers as well as the non believers. Many narrations can be put forth of his softness. Let it be remembered, that he was a person about whom people used to say prior to his acceptance of Islam, “There is more chance of Umar’s donkey accepting Islam!” However, his heart was thereafter nurtured by the one who has been titled as the Mercy to Mankind; surely then, such characteristics would have been found in him also. Finally, I conclude with the hadith:

"Whoever has been given his portion of compassion has been given his portion of good. Whoever is denied being given his portion of compassion has been denied his portion of good. Good character will be the weightiest thing in the believer's balance on the Day of Rising. Allah hates a coarse, foul-mouthed person."

May Allah Ta'ala bless us with such characteristics. Ameen.

Post Ramadhan Effort

2011-09-23T00:34:00.002+01:00

Taken from Ashrafiya

For development and maintenance of reverence of God (taqwa) in our post-Ramadan life sayyidi wa sanadi Shaikh Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve him) said,

1.Leave sinful activities:

Be strict on holding your lower (nafsani) desires. Make a firm determination. Do not yield to these sinful desires easily. These desires and Satan are our two arch enemies.

2. Change the thought pattern.

The mind is constantly occupied with thoughts. There is no gap or vacuum in this process. These thoughts are either of worldly matters or useless issues or sinful activities. It is essential to intervene and develop a spiritually healthy though pattern. We have to actively think about hereafter, heavens, thankfulness of Allah for the innumerable bounties and blessings bestowed upon us, asking refuge for anticipated calamities, repenting from sinful activities, etc.

3. Adopt pious company

This is the most effective way to achieve the change of thought pattern. It leads to absorption, assimilation and implementation of the Divine teachings in our life. Without the company of the the pious the Deen remains limited to superficial level.

4. Make remembrance of Allah

Set up a daily routine of making remembrance of Allah. There are three categories of remembrance of Allah. First is that it is done with the tongue without presence of mind. Second is when tongue is silent and there is mindfulness. Finally, when both tongue and mind are making the remembrance together. Do not under evaluate even the first category. It is a stepping stone for the rest of the categories. Moreover, with consistency it eventually engulfs the mind also.

Make a daily time table for this. The daily activities done in an organised method creates barakah in time. More things are done in the same period of time. Include in it these four things, recitation of Holy Quran atleast two pages daily, durood, third kalima and istegfar. Fix a specific time for them. In other times recite whatever form of remembrance comes to mind.

The remembrance of Allah (dhikr) is a form of energy and power. It assists in development of determination to fight the lower desires.

5. Make supplication (dua)

Set a specific time for this. Like prior to sleeping, after esha. For few minutes sit and supplicate.

Say, ‘O Allah I want to follow the path You are pleased with. I want to control my thoughts, aspirations and desires as per Your desires. You have repeatedly instructed us in the Holy Quran to do so. How can I do it? I am weak. My determination and effort are feeble. Provide from Your benevolence and mercy the determination, power and motivation so I can control my desires and make them totally subservient to Your commands.’

Make this supplication daily without any gap. It is impossible that Allah will reject this supplication indeed.

29th Ramadan 1432/30th August 2011, Darul Uloom masjid, after duhur bayan.

Video - Sending Blessings on Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa sallam

2011-09-15T23:44:00.001+01:00

The Importance of Du'a

2011-09-07T22:24:00.000+01:00

By Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah
Source: Islamic Dawah Academy

Du'ã is asking Allah for help or for the fulfilment of a particular need. It expresses a slave's helplessness and dependence on Allah, the All-Powerful and Merciful. It is the channel through which one gets directly in touch with one's Creator.

The purpose of man's creation is worship and according to a Hadeeth, 'Du'ã is the essence of worship'. (Tirmizi) And according to another Hadeeth, 'Du'ã is the worship'. (Tirmizi)

Just as Salãh, Sawm, Zakãh, Hajj etc. are acts of worship, du'ã too is an act of worship. Therefore just as one takes out time to pray Salãh or to recite the Qur'ãn or make zikr, similarly, according equal importance to du'ã, one should also take out sufficient time for the sake of du'ã.

The objective behind every act of worship is the Recognition of Allah as the Creator and the All-Powerful, and that one acts according to His Will and not as one likes. A Servant of Allah accepts his weaknesses and recognises his need for Allah. Out of all devotions, this humbleness and total submission is best expressed in du'ã. Furthermore, other acts of worship can become a source of pride whilst du'ã is an act which is usually free from any trace of pride.

Nowadays, du'ã has become a mere ritual. It has become a routine practice which one is accustomed to perform at certain times of the day. People raise their hands for a few moments at the time of du'ã, uttering a few words, some consciously, and some without even realising what they are asking for.

Today hardly anybody resorts to du'ã for solutions to their problems. For most people du'ã is a devotion which is the most difficult to practise. Even at the blessed places and in the blessed moments, a short while occupied by du'ãs will seem like hours. By and large, we find that the engagement in Salãh or the recitation of the Qur'ãn is relatively easier than making du'ã. This only reflects our distance from the Being of Allah, as du'ã is the only act of worship which provides us with the opportunity to communicate with Allah in the manner we wish. Lack of concentration in this act of worship shows that the performance of other acts of worship are also customary and superficial, and lacking the true essence. If we truly enjoyed the Proximity of Allah, we would inevitably have found enjoyment in confiding in Him and beseeching Him. We would have always felt an eagerness to turn to Him, in open and in solitude.

Many of us make du'ã half-heartedly, not convinced whether our demands will be answered or not. We should know that Allah always answers the du'ãs of people. However, it may not always seem so and many people, failing to experience the effects immediately, begin to feel dejected and put off. This, however, should not be the case, as Allah, the All-Hearing, undoubtedly hears and accepts the supplications of people, only that the du'ãs of some are answered immediately, whilst those of others are deferred for their own benefit.

One should keep in mind that the acceptance of du'ãs also depends on the expectations of a person. Allah deals with people in accordance with what they expect of Him. In one Hadeeth, the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam has related the following Statement of Allah: 'I treat my servant as he expects of me…' (Bukhãri, Muslim)

The Ahãdeeth also tell us that du'ãs (provided that their requisites have been fulfilled) are accepted invariably, but their acceptance is manifested in either of the three below-mentioned ways: Sometimes, Allah immediately answers them and blesses the seekers with what they have asked for; sometimes He substitutes what they have asked for with something that in His Knowledge was better for them; or alternatively, through the blessings of the du'ã, He removes an impending calamity that was to befall them. At times, neither of the above may transpire, but on such occasions, the du'ã is treasured for the Hereafter. These unanswered du'ãs will bear so much reward that a person, on the Day of Qiyãmah, will wish that none of his du'ãs were accepted in the world. (Kanzul 'Ummãl)

Abstaining from harãm (clothing, food, income, etc.) is another essential requisite for the acceptance of du'ã. The Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam once made mention of a person who travels widely, his hair dishevelled and covered with dust. He lifts his hands towards the sky (and thus makes the supplication): "O Lord, O Lord," then the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, "But his diet is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothes are unlawful and his nourishment is unlawful. How then can his supplication be accepted?" (Muslim)

By keeping the following few points in mind concerning du'ã, inshã'allah, one will benefit greatly. Firstly one should remember that du'ã is an act of worship and should be given an independent status of its own. It should not remain a mere ritual.

Secondly, one should make du'ã after performing all good deeds such as Salãh, recitation of Qur'ãn, zikr etc., and also fix a specific time especially for du'ã. In du'ã, one should adopt humility and ensure that one understands what is being asked. The time spent in du'ã should be gradually lengthened. In the initial stages, the same du'ãs can be repeated over and over, and in the meantime more and more du'ãs should be memorised. An effort should be made to learn those du'ãs in particular which encompass the general need of all the Muslims.

Thirdly, when making du'ã, a person should have a firm faith that he is asking from Allah the All-Powerful, and He is able to fulfil every need of ours. The chances of being cured from a fatal illness, for instance, may seem remote but it should be believed from the depths of the heart that Allah is able to cure any illness if He so wished. Dr. 'Abdul Hay 'Ãrifi rahmatullahi alayh (a renowned saint) used to say, 'Does there exist any problem that cannot be solved through du'ã?', and then he would say 'How can there, when du'ã is a request made to Allah for the removal of problems and there is no problem on earth whose removal is beyond His ability.'

One should ask Allah for both worldly needs and those of the Hereafter. Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam has instructed us to ask Allah for all our needs, however petty they may seem to be. He sallalahu alayhi wasallam mentioned that even if a person's shoelaces break, he should ask Allah before embarking to obtain new ones.

Finally, one should not ask for anything unlawful. Many young people do not realise this and by asking for impermissible things incur the displeasure of Allah.

May Allah give us all the tawfeeq to turn to Him for all our needs and may He fulfil all our lawful needs of this world and the Hereafter. Ãmeen

Jamia Sirajul Uloom Alimiyyah Course - Now Enrolling

2011-09-01T15:19:00.001+01:00

7 Tips to Control Our Appetites in Ramadan

2011-08-17T16:28:00.004+01:00

the following has been written by Naiyerah Kolkailah

It’s time to break your fast. Isn’t it a wonderful feeling? Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace and blessing be upon him) says, “The fasting person experiences two joys: one when he breaks his fast, and one when he meets His Lord” (Muslim). That first joy is something we can all attest to. Especially with the long, 16 hour fast, it feels great to finally quench your thirst and get some satisfying food in your tummy. Ok, well, some might not be the right word. For many of us, when sunset rolls around, we eat like there’s no tomorrow. Or, should I say, to stock up for tomorrow? Whatever the reason – being tempted by delicious food, compensating for feeling deprived during the day, storing energy for the next day’s fast, or just plain old social eating – we struggle repeatedly with over-eating at iftar time.

Subhan’Allah (Glory to God), the Prophet ﷺ said: “The worst container to be filled to its utmost capacity is the stomach. It is enough for people to eat what will suffice to keep them standing, but if that is not attainable, then one third for food, one third for drink, and one third empty for air” (Tirmidhi). Most of us know the Prophet’s Sunnah (practice), but how many of us continue to eat until we’re 5/3rds full, to the point where we can’t breathe and feel uncomfortably stuffed, lethargic, sleepy, and not as energized for prayer and worship as before we broke our fast? It’s amazing how we can practice complete self-restraint with food while we’re fasting, but we struggle to apply it even partially when we have the green light to eat.

We are now in the second half of Ramadan, and before we know it, the month will be over. Let’s make it one of our goals (and insha’Allah [God-willingly] commit to it for good) to minimize over-eating so we can maximize the benefits of this blessed month. Here are seven tips to help develop a more mindful approach to eating:

1. Think of the Purpose. One of the benefits of fasting is that it makes you appreciate the blessing of food. Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala (exalted is He) says, “So eat of the sustenance which Allah has provided for you, lawful and good; and be grateful for the favor of Allah, if it is [indeed] Him that you worship” (Qur’an, 16:114). Your ultimate purpose in life is to worship Allah (swt), so food provides you the energy and strength you need to worship Him with more devotion, concentration, and reverence. As you have iftar every day, ask yourself: are my eating habits hindering me, or helping me increase the ihsan (excellence) in my worship?

2. Remember the Source. If friends or relatives shower you with gifts, it is common courtesy to thank them and show appreciation. Allah (swt) provides you with sustenance on a daily basis, so remembering Him when you eat is a thoughtful way to express gratitude. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Allah is pleased with His slave when he eats something and praises Him for it, or drinks something and praises Him for it” (Muslim). When you take the time to remember Allah, mindfully and with contemplation – before, during and after you eat – it is more likely that you will be satisfied with less food.

3. Start Small. Break your fast with something light (i.e. dates and water), then pray Maghrib (evening prayer) before having the rest of your meal. That should take the edge off your hunger, which makes you less susceptible to binging and ravenous eating. Also, when you serve the food, serve it in a small plate, then go for seconds if you feel the need. Keep the main dishes away from sight and not where you’re sitting. The more food you see in front of you, the more you will eat without thinking about it first. If you’re having trouble holding back, think of Allah’s rewards, “And eat and drink but do not be wasteful, certainly He does not like those who are wasteful” (Qur’an, 7:31). Remember that waste is not just what goes in the trash, but also what we consume in excess.

4. Hydrate. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water when you break your fast. You’ll be less likely to eat too much afterward because that hunger sensation (which is often mistaken for thirst) can partly subside with hydration. Also, sip the water slowly and smile with thanks as you feel it tingling down your body. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Do not drink in one gulp like a camel, but in two or three (gulps). Mention the Name of Allah (say Bismillah) when you start drinking and praise Him (say Al-hamdu lillah) after you have finish (drinking)” (At-Tirmidhi).

5. Share with People. Ramadan is a beautiful time because it brings family and friends together, and strengthens the bonds of kinship and brother/sisterhood. Part of that bond is built when you share food together. Sharing not only increases the blessing in your food, but also makes you realize how little you can be satisfied with. Some of the Companions came to the Prophet ﷺ once and said, “We eat but are not satisfied.” He ﷺ said, “Perhaps you eat separately.” The Companions affirmed that. He then said, “Eat together and mention the Name of Allah over your food. It will be blessed for you” (Abu Dawud). If you’re at home, make sure you don’t eat alone, and invite people to eat with you. If you’re eating out in a group, partner up with someone and order a dish together. You will be surprised how filling it will be. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Food for one person suffices for two, and food for two people suffices for four, and food of four people suffices for eight” (Muslim).

6. Go Super Slow. Eating too much can sometimes be a result of eating too fast. It takes a mindful, conscious effort to actually slow down your body’s motions while you’re eating. Try to be aware of every piece of food you eat; raise it to your mouth slowly, chew it slowly, and swallow it slowly. That will give you time to enjoy the food, savor every bite, and be thankful for it. It will also give your body time to process the food you ingest, and give you time to listen to your body when it tells you it’s satisfied.

7. Plan Ahead and Get Cracking! One way to avoid over-eating is by shortening the meal time, and not making the evening revolve around food. Besides planning and making simple meals, every day before iftar, have a plan set that specifies how you will spend the rest of the night. Every moment is precious in Ramadan, so bring that to mind often, and plan accordingly. As soon as you feel satisfied with what you eat, consciously stop eating. Don’t eat more just because there’s food on your plate! It’s better to save leftovers than stuffing yourself so food doesn’t get thrown away. Then, after you finish eating, get moving; help clean the kitchen, go for a walk, read Qur’an. If you can, leave the area where food is visible so eating more isn’t an option. And whatever you do, don’t linger around the sweets and desserts for too long because that’s just asking for trouble!

What tips do you have on how to eat less at iftar time? Share with us!

We ask Allah (swt) to grant us the ability to always be grateful for His blessings, and to utilize His blessings in a way that is most pleasing to Him.

Taken from SuhaibWebb.com

Effectively Planning Your Du`a’

2011-08-05T18:42:00.003+01:00

the following has been written by Abu Yusuf Ismail

If I told you that I could give you whatever you wished and allowed you to have one week’s time to decide what you wanted, would you plan for it? I believe you would.

We plan for the things that are important in life, for the things we want most. From job interviews, to choosing spouses, to picking out furniture for the house, we plan for things that are important.

So what about our du`a’ (supplication)?

Is not our du`a’ a way to receive what we ask for? Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He) is the One that provides everything in our lives and asking Him is the most important thing we can do, but how often do we actually plan for it? Du`a’ too often becomes only a spur of the moment thing rather than a comprehensive list of things we wish for the most.

With Ramadan upon us, now is the best time to really put our minds to what we wish to ask the Creator of the heavens and the earth. I would like to share some ways to do so most effectively from my own personal experience.

Others have playlists, Muslims have praylists

For the past 4 years, before the beginning of every Ramadan, I have made a special, organized, and comprehensive list of du`a’. The list would consist of 8 to 10 things that I desired the most, both in dunya (world) and in the akhirah (Hereafter). Every day of Ramadan, I would pray for them at the times that du`a’ are most likely to be accepted. I call these my praylists.

As Muslims, we make du`a’ to Allah (swt) everyday. We make du`a’ right when we wake up, before every meal, every time we raise our hands and recite Surah Fatiha, and so much more. Why then make a special list of du`a’? Developing a praylist helps one focus and reflect.

Focusing on a specific list of du`a’ helps remind oneself of his/her needs and ambitions. By listing and repeating the items on the list, every single day, it not only assures that one does not forget all his wishes but it reinforces the pursuit of each one. For example, if I have always wanted to improve my tajweed (recitation of the Qur’an), by asking for help from Allah to do so everyday encourages me to put my words into practice.

Reflection of du`a’s allows one to appreciate what Allah (swt) has granted them. I can personally attest to this. There have been items on my past praylists that have been answered in ways that I could never imagine. It’s incredible. I look back and cannot believe I have received so many of the things I asked so desperately for. Allah (swt) truly does not leave the hands of a believer empty when raised to Him.

The time is now

Now that Ramadan is upon us again, I am excited to develop another praylist for the blessed month and I would love to encourage you all to do the same.

As an incentive, I remind myself and others, that our Prophet ﷺ (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Allah is angry with those who do not ask Him for anything” (Tirmidhi). Why make Him mad?

Here are effective ways to plan your du`a’ to make the best out of your praylist:

1. Write it all down

Take some time to actually write out your praylist. Do so in a format which is most accessible for you to review. You can write them on a small piece of paper to place in your wallet or purse, or if you’re like me, you can type them into your phone’s notes application.
There shouldn’t be any limit on the size of the list, as long as it is manageable. If the list is so long that it becomes a burden to repeat more than once a day, it’s then best to shorten it.
If you are weary of writing out your praylist because you wish to keep some or all of the items private, you should still write it out but then only list keywords that remind you of each item.

2. Ask anything & everything that is good

When choosing your items, imagine that Allah is asking you to ask Him for anything and everything you’ve ever wanted! Imagine the possibilities. From self improvement, to material things, to bettering relationships in your life, write down everything you want to ask Allah with no limitations other then keeping each item halal. Remember, you’re asking Al-Mujeeb! The One Who Responds and is the Supreme Answerer.
Learn Prophetic and Qur’anic du`a’s to include as well.

3. Organize

Organize items in your praylist into different categories. I use the categories: dunya, akhirah, `ibadah (worship), the ummah (Muslim community), and relationships. Once each item is sorted, you’ll notice that some categories may be lacking than others. Adjust and add du`a’s where necessary. This will ensure that your praylist is all encompassing of your needs.

4. Make du`a’ when they are most likely answered

These times include right before breaking the fast, during your salah (prayer) in sujood (prostration), after the obligatory prayers, Qiyam ul-layl (night prayer), and the last 10 nights. At the least, everyday of Ramadan, I always make sure to make du`a’ before breaking my fast during iftaar.

5. Remember the etiquettes of du`a’

There is a right and proper way to make du`a’. Remember that we must praise Allah (swt) first, ask for peace and blessings upon our Prophet ﷺ and then make our du`a’.

So go on, take some time to think of what things you want the most. This time next year, you’ll be surprised how many items on your list Allah has directly or indirectly granted you insha’Allah (God-willing).

If you have any tips you’d like to share, please provide them in the comments.

I pray we all have a meaningful and successful Ramadan full of barakah (blessings). May Allah (swt) preserve us all to reap the benefits of such a Holy month and bring us closer to Him. May He give us all strength, knowledge, patience and humility. Ameen.

Taken from SuhaibWebb.com

We Are Taking A Ramadhan Break!!!

2011-07-28T14:23:00.004+01:00

Assalamu Alaykum,

Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Allah Ta'ala, I have been given the opportunity to visit the Holy Lands during Ramadhan. I will therefore not be able to update the website but I will definitely remember all our beloved readers in my duas (not that my duas are worth anything). None the less, my beloved friends Maulana Haroon and Muhammad Umer has taken charge of the website and he will update it as he feels appropriate. I will inshallah come back with kodak moments to share with those of you who are hoping to go there some day. Here are some posts which can help you with Ramadhan:

Your Guide to a Successful Ramadhan

Ramadhan Break

One Umrah Everyday in Ramadhan

Health Benefits of Fasting

Preparing for Ramadhan

How did Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam receive Revelation?

I urge you all and myself first to make the most of this month. These days are so blessed that a person who has been committing major sins all his life can free himself from the chains of disobedience simply by strengthening his resolve and turning towards Allah Ta'ala with a heart of sincere repentance. If you strengthen your resolve now, you will be happy forever.

Please kindly remember me, my family and us all in your humble duas.

Wassalamu Alaykum

I pray to Allah Ta'ala that He makes this month a means of guidance and forgiveness for us all. Ameen.

Commentary on Hadith: How Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam received revelation - part 3

2011-07-28T14:06:00.002+01:00

Following on from the first post which can be viewed here, and the second post which can be viewed here we continue with the commentary of the third hadith of Bukhari sharif which describes the manner in which Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam received Revelation.

فَجَاءَهُ المَلَكُ فَقَالَ: اقْرَأْ، قَالَ: " مَا أَنَا بِقَارِئٍ "، قَالَ: " فَأَخَذَنِي فَغَطَّنِي حَتَّى بَلَغَ مِنِّي الجَهْدَ ثُمَّ أَرْسَلَنِي، فَقَالَ: اقْرَأْ، قُلْتُ: مَا أَنَا بِقَارِئٍ، فَأَخَذَنِي فَغَطَّنِي الثَّانِيَةَ حَتَّى بَلَغَ مِنِّي الجَهْدَ ثُمَّ أَرْسَلَنِي، فَقَالَ: اقْرَأْ، فَقُلْتُ: مَا أَنَا بِقَارِئٍ، فَأَخَذَنِي فَغَطَّنِي الثَّالِثَةَ ثُمَّ أَرْسَلَنِي، فَقَالَ: { اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ . خَلَقَ الإِنْسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ . اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الأَكْرَمُ } ،

“And then an angel came to him and said, ‘Read!’ Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam replied, ‘I am not one who can read!’ Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “The angel then grabbed hold of me and squeezed me until I felt that I was going to become unconscious, he then released me and said, ‘Read!’ I replied, ‘I am not one who can read!’ The angel then grabbed hold of me again and squeezed me until I felt that I was going to become unconscious, he then released me and said, ‘Read!’ I replied, ‘I am not one who can read!’ The angel then grabbed hold of me and squeezed me a third time until I felt that I was going to become unconscious, he then released me and said, ‘Read!’ I replied, ‘I am not one who can read!’ Then he said, ‘Read with the name of your Lord who created (everything); He created man from a clot of blood, Read! And your Lord is Most Gracious.’”

Commentary

“And then an angel came to him” – A question which arises here is that how did Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam know that he was conversing with an angel?

Answer 1: Imam Isma’eely rahimahullah states that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was not aware that he was conversing with an angel at the time but as they continued to meet, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam understood that it was an angel he spoke too . This is why when Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam spoke about this incident at a later time, he used the term ‘angel’.

Answer 2: Sirajud Deen Balqeeni relates that it is possible that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam remembered the incident that occurred in his childhood (i.e. when the angels opened his chest and cleansed his heart). However, this answer is not weighty as we still don’t know how Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam knew his heart was being cleansed by angels in his childhood.

Answer 3: Aishah radiallahu anha is the narrator of this hadith and it is possible that she used the term ‘angel’ to describe what had happened. (Fathul Baari)

Out of all these explanations, the first answer is the best. (Kashful Baari). This angel was Hazrat Jibraeel alayhissalaam.

When did the angel come, what was the month and how old was Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam at that time?

It is an agreed matter that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam received the revelation on a Monday. However, there are three opinions in relation to the month in which it happened. 1) The famous opinion is that it happened in the month of Rabee’ ul Awwal either on the 1^st or 8^th day (2) 2^nd of Rajab (3) This happened in Ramadhan. There is a difference of opinion in relation to the actual date; 7^th, 17^th,24^th have all been mentioned.

Hafiz ibn Hajr al Asqalani rahimahullah says that the third opinion is the most accepted opinion as Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam would be doing I’tikaf during this time.

There has been some discussion with regards to the age of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam. It is quite famous that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was 40 when he received revelation for the first time however there are many opinions in what his exact age was. From amongst them are: (1) 40 yrs and 10 days (2) 40 yrs and 40 days (3) 40 yrs and 2 months (4) 42 yrs (5) 43yrs (6) 45 yrs.

The most accepted opinion here is that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was around 40 years of age. The extra days or months are just a subject of discussion.

“Read!” – An objection arises here that why was Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam asked to read when it was known that he was unlettered? It seems as if this is giving pain whilst knowing that the person being tested has no ability.

The answer given by Hafiz ibn Hajar rahimahullah is that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam wasn’t being given pain (takleef) but he was being given encouragement to read (talqeen). For example, when a teacher tells his student to read, his objective is to have the student read in his (the teacher’s) tone and style i.e. the student will not know how to read it properly at first but by practising behind the teacher, he will learn. So here, when Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was given the command to ‘Read!’ he understood it in accordance to its apparent meaning and that is why he said, “I am not one who can read.” The objective of Jibraeel alayhissalaam was not to have Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam read by himself but to have him repeat after Jibraeel alayhissalaam.

“I am not one who can read!” – Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was unlettered but despite this, his use of language in speech was of an extremely high calibre. He is the most eloquent person to have ever descended on to this earth. However, one question arises as to why he was not able to repeat the words of Jibraeel alayhissalaam despite the words being so small in nature. Maulana Saleemullah Khan sahib (DB) gives the answer that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam had been in astonished as he had been in the mountain for a long time, he was alone and all of a sudden an angel appears in front of him and commands him to read. It is obvious that this would have a startling effect on anyone. An example of this could be seen in our institutions, a student of knowledge could be extremely sharp but when is called in front of his ustaad to read and be tested, he is completely dumbfounded out of awe.

“The angel then grabbed hold of me and squeezed me until I felt that I was going to become unconscious” - Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was squeezed in a strong embrace by Jibraeel alayhissalaam and this happened three times. What was the wisdom in doing this?

1) It was to make sure that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was completely free from any worldly thoughts. It was done to make his heart completely alert to the situation at hand.

2) Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was being cautioned that a big responsibility will also be put on him (much weightier than this embrace) in the form of revelation.

3) It was to highlight that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam would not be able to read except by the leave of Allah Ta’ala. This is why when told to ‘Read’ the first few times, he was not able to.

4) It was to highlight to Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam that what he was experiencing was in fact a reality. (For example, people say today ‘Pinch me! Am I dreaming?!’ when they experience something amazing. So here, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was being squeezed to indicate to him that this occurrence is a reality.)

5) It was done to put some revelation in to Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam through Jibraeel alayhissalaam.

Why did this embrace have to happen three times? Why was it not possible to have everything done at once?

1) Allama Qastallani rahimahullah mentions that when Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was squeezed the first time, worldly thoughts were removed from his mind so that his mind and body would be free to accept the revelation. The second and third time were done to ensure this happens.

2) Some have said that the first squeeze was to clear Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam’s thoughts, the second time was to prepare him for what was to be revealed to him and third squeeze was in order to create affection and acceptance for revelation.

3) Some have said that along with intellect, man has been created with three other entities. One is the nafs (carnal desires), tab’ee (inherent disposition i.e. inner characteristics) and shaytan. The objective of the nafs is to incline a being towards his desires. The natural disposition of a person is inclined towards forgetfulness and lethargy and finally, shaytaan beckons a person towards transgression. Thus each squeeze given by Hazrat Jibraeel alayhissalaam was to remove these characteristics if they had existed.

4) Some have said that he was squeezed severely three times in order to prepare him for three calamities he will face in his life. The first squeeze was to prepare him for the disrespect he will suffer from the people after he emerges as a prophet. The very people who called him ‘The Trustworthy’ will disrespect him. The second squeeze was to prepare him for the pain he will have to endure from the very same people who loved him. They will hit him, abuse him and all sorts of harm will be directed towards him. The third squeeze was to prepare him for the pain that he will feel when he is forced out of Makkah. The Makkans had gathered to eventually kill him and he had to leave the city. Whilst looking back, he himself stated that if he was not forced out, he would never leave. I have heard this explanation directly from my own Ustaadh may Allah Ta’ala preserve him.

There are approximately 13 opinions but to list them here would not be warranted due to the (already) lengthy post.

A strange incident is related about Allamah Shabbir Uthmani sahib rahimahullah. He once went for some treatment in a hospital in Hyderabad. The physician had told him that they would use electricity to treat him of his illness and they would pass it through his body. Allamah Shabbir sahib was very frightened at first but the doctor consoled him and told him not to worry. He sat on a chair and the electricity was put into his body. After a while, the doctor told him that there is much electricity in his body and Hazrat Allamah was astonished as he did not feel a thing (it must be noted that this was at a time when such medical treatment was not profound). The doctor told him touch Maulana Yahya sahib who was with him on that occasion and as a result, a spark came out when their skin met which resulted in both parties feeling some pain. However, the current had now passed on to Maulana Yahya sahib and thus they both had this electric current within themselves. Then a third man came and he also experienced the same occurrence!

Hazrat Allamah Shabbir sahib rahimahullah whilst reflecting on the incident stated at that juncture, “A very big masalah (Islamic ruling/question) has been answered today. It has been understood that in some special circumstances, it is completely possible to pass some feature on to another person just by touching them. When Jibraeel alayhissalaam had gripped Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam tightly, light was joined on to light and the angelic characteristics were passed onto Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam who had the ability to withstand its heavy load.”

This is incident is a very key lesson in many ways. Firstly, it shows how an Alim or a student of knowledge should always busy his mind in assessing Islamic rulings etc. Another matter it highlights is that there are many things which we will not be able to understand for years but one day, Allah Ta’ala may create something which gives us the knowledge and understanding need to comprehend a matter. For example, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam ascended to the heavens via a ladder. In previous years, this would be something completely unheard off because Allah Ta’ala didn’t give those generations the particular understanding needed to comprehend the matter. However, this is very easy to comprehend in our times; just think of an enormous escalator!

“‘Read with the name of your Lord who created (everything); He created man from a clot of blood, Read! And your Lord is Most Gracious.’” – Hazrat Jibraeel alayhissalaam read the first five verses of Surah Alaq and Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam also read them. The verses recited are a summary of the entire Qur’an. The Qur’an is divided into three topics. The first topic is in relation to Tawheed (the fact that Allah Ta’ala is one); the second one is in relation to rulings (ahkam) and the third topic is in relation information about the unseen and stories of the past etc.

Thus the revelation of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam had begun and the coming years would change the world forever. We are very fortunate that we are a group of people who have the best Prophet (salallahu alayhi wasallam) and we have the most guidance-filled book. The month of Ramadhan is the month of the Qur’an. It is now upon us to act upon the first verse that was revealed in this Glorious Book – ‘read!’ and this was revealed in the month of Ramadhan.

May Allah Ta’ala give us the ability to fulfil the rights of the Qur’an and spend the month of Ramadhan properly. Ameen.

Inshallah, we will continue with the commentary of the hadith at some point after Ramadhan. There is still a bit more of the actual hadith left.

Preparing for Ramadhan

2011-07-20T11:43:00.003+01:00

the following has been written by Hazrat Maulana Abdur Raheem sahib

Ramzan is a month of remembering Allah swt, turning towards him, repenting from past sins, major and minor, making a firm resolution never to lead a sinful life in future,

Ramzan is month of remembering the poor and destitute among the society, a time to think of those poor souls who could barely manage a loaf of bread. We will have plenty of food at Iftar but their iftar never comes. Bishr haafi, a great buzrug, was once lying in the masjid, it was cold, he had a blanket by his side but he was shivering, someone asked him 'why don't you cover yourself with the blanket? He replied 'Many poor people are shivering in the cold, I don't have enough money to buy them warm clothing, the least I can do is shiver a little bit so I can feel for them and maybe pray for them,

Ramzan is a month of patience, especially this year and the next few years. Especially for those who smoke as they will feel the crave but they will have to resist. It's a good time to give up this bad habit.

Ramzan is full of Noor, the Noor of the day is due to the fasting and it is different from the Noor of the night which is due to taraweeh and recitation of the Qur'an. A mu'min should take his fare share of both Noors,

Hadith: 'Whosoever fasts Ramzan with Iman and hope of reward, will have his past sins forgiven and whosoever stands up at night in Ramzan with belief and conviction will have his sins forgiven'

Hadith:'Every good deed of the son of Adam is multiplied, one hasana by tenfolds and upto 700 times, Allah says ' Except for Sawm, as it is for me and I will personally give it's reward, he/she leaves food and shahwat for my sake' For the fasting person there are two joys, one when he/she opens the fast and the other when they meet their Lord'

Hadith: Ramzan has come upon you,it is a great blessed month, In it is a night better than a thousand months, whosoever is deprived of it, is deprived of all good,

Hadith: A great month has come upon you, Allah covers you in it, He sends down His mercy, and wipes out the sins, and he accepts the duas, Allah looks at your competing with one another then He boasts over the angles, so, show Allah your good deeds, because a shaqiy (wretched) is he/she who is deprived of the mercy of Allah even in this month'
By Abdul Rahim

Lessons from Hadith #6–Anger

2011-07-13T02:10:00.000+01:00

عن أبي هريرة . ( أن رجلاً قال للنبي صلى الله عليه وسلم أوصني ، قال : لا تغضب ، فردد مراراً ، قال : لا تغضب ) رواه البخاري

Hazrat Abu Hurayrah radiallahu anhu relates that a man said to Rasulullah salalallahu alayhi wasallam, “Counsel me.” Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Do not get angry!” The man repeated this again and Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Do not get angry!” (Bukhari)

This hadith shows how enthusiastic the Sahabah radiallahu anhum were on receiving knowledge and advice in order to better themselves. In this hadith, a man has openly gone in the company of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam and has highlighted that he would like to be counselled. This shows us that we too should seek advice from our elders and should get out of this mentality of being independent on one’s own analysis. Almost always, the advice given by pious, trustworthy and knowledgeable people will be of great benefit.

First and foremost, it is important to understand what anger is. Sheikh Sulaiman ibn Muhammad al Humaydee in his Sharh of Arba’een Nawawi explains that “Anger is that poison that Shaytaan puts into the heart of a human being so that it (the heart) boils up.” Meaning Shaytaan khabees looks to provoke a reaction from the human being so that it triggers rage which will lead to much wrong.

Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam is forbidding us from getting angry but anger is a disease from within and for every disease there is a cure. Sheikh Sulaiman al Humaydee continues to explain how one can treat such a spiritual ailment. He says (from here on my words will be written in red italics):

1. Seek refuge from Allah Ta’ala from Shaytaan. It is related in a hadith narrated by Sulaiman ibn Sard radiallahu anhu that two men were swearing at each other in front of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam. One of them got so angry that his face began to turn red. Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “I know such a phrase that if you were to recite them, the thing which has taken you (anger) will go away. (The words are) A’uzoo billahi min ash-shaytaanir rajeem (I seek refuge in Allah from Shaytan the accursed.) (Just on a side note, in the narration mentioned in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, the man got up and said to Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam, “What did you say? Do you see me as being mad?!” Hafiz ibn Hajar Al Asqalani rahimahullah says that he does not know who these two men were but Imam Nawawi rahimahullah mentions in Sharh Muslim that this man who got up must have been a Munafiq (hypocrite) due to his behaviour. The sahabah radiallahu anhum would always accept advice and the Munafiqeen wouldn’t).

2. Change your position – It is related by Abu Darr radiallahu anhu that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “When one of you is angry then he should sit down and the anger will go away from him, if this is not the case then he should lie down.” (Abu Dawud) (The reason for this is that when a person is standing up, he is more likely to hit somebody and create hungama. When a person is lying down, he is less bothered.)

3. Perform wudhu – Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Indeed anger is from Shaytaan and Shaytaan has been created from fire. Fire is extinguished by water so whenever of you gets angry, let him perform wudhu.” (Abu Dawud)

4. Remain Silent – Ibn Abbas radiallahu anhuma relates that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Teach and spread glad tidings, and whenever one of you gets angry then let him remain silent, let him remain silent, let him remain silent.” (Abu Dawud) (When a person is angry he can break people’s hearts and say things which can destroy friendships. With the tongue a husband can be sweet and say ‘I love you’ a thousand times but in the state of anger, he only needs to utter ‘Talaaq’ once and he has destroyed an entire marriage! This is why the poem is mentioned in Kashful Baari, “The wound which is made by a spear will heal but the wound which is made by the tongue won’t.” In one hadith, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Whomsoever believes in Allah and in the last day, let him speak good or remain silent!” this can translate into the modern day language as, “If you haven’t got anything good to say then keep strum (silent)!”

5. Whomsoever supresses his anger, he will be granted Jannah – this is in the hadith related by Tabrani, “Do not get angry and you will receive Jannah.”

6. Understand the virtue Allah Ta’ala has given to those who supress anger – Allah Ta’ala says, “Those who supress their anger and forgive people. Verily, Allah loves those who do good.” (Surah Aale Imran) Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam has said, “The strong person is not he who is a wrestler but the strong person is he who controls himself when is angry.” Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam also said, “A slave does not swallow anything more virtuous in the eyes of Allah Ta’ala than swallowing his anger and suppresses it for the please of Allah Tabaraka wa Ta’ala.”

Thus anger is of two types;

1. Disgraceful – this anger is for worldly things and it is what Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam has warned us against.

2. This is praiseworthy and it is for the truth and for Allah Ta’ala. Aishah radiallahu anha relates that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam never took retribution for himself except when someone transgressed the rights of Allah.” (This shows that anger is permissible in the correct situation. Allah Ta’ala has given us this anger so that we can protect ourselves and our family. It should not be the case that somebody is trying to hurt our dear ones and we sit their like a laloo panjoo and do nothing.)

It has been related that Ali radiallahu anhu had a slave girl who once came back with hot water in a container and she dropped it on his head by accident. He was harmed by this and he looked up at her angrily. She said, “Allah Ta’ala says, ‘.Those who suppress their anger…” so Ali radiallahu anhu said, “I have suppressed my anger.” So she said, “Allah Ta’ala says, ‘…Those who forgive people...’ so Ali radiallahu anhu said, “I have forgiven you.” his slave girl said, “…Indeed, Allah loves those who do good. (Surah Aale Imran)” so Ali radiallahu anhu said, “Go, for you are now free for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala (i.e. I have freed you from being a slave).” (This is the end of Humaydee’s dialogue).

Lastly, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam had repeated the words “Do not get angry!” The question arises that why did he repeat this? It is mentioned in Fathul Bari that this was done for emphasis. The man who asked Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam the question was quite angry and so Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said this to keep him calm.

Allama Khattabi mentions that this is to highlight to a person that he should not go towards those things which take a person towards anger. If a person knows he is going to get angry due to something, he should not hang around and wait for it to happen but rather, he should move away from that place. (Kashful Baari).

On a side note, the Sheikh Sulaiman ibn Muhammad Al Humaydee’s Sharhul Arba’een An Nawawiyah is an excellent book for those who are learned in Arabic. It is detailed, straight to the point and well set out.

May Allah Ta’ala give us the ability to act upon what we write and give us the ability to control our anger. Ameen.

2 Year Islamic Studies Course for Brothers

2011-07-03T20:46:00.004+01:00

Brothers can download an application form by clicking here
All forms must be handed in before 15th July 2011 as induction/enrollment will take place on 21st & 23rd July 2011

Lantern of Knowledge Educational Institute Present:

2 Year Islamic Studies Course for Brothers

Taught by qualified Ulamah

Study:

Tajweed (how to recite the Qur'an properly)
Tafseer (commentary of the Qur'an)
Aqeedah (beliefs)
Hadith (the traditions of the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam)
Fiqh (jurisprudence)
Arabic
Seerah (the life of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wassallam)

Attendance: 2 days a week for two hours.

Cost: £5 a session or payable in instalments.
Venue: Jamia Siraj ul Uloom, 30-36 Lindley Road, Leyton, London, E10 6QT

Enrolment and Enquiries:

Please ring: 020 8539 5183
or e-mail: info@jamia.co.uk

www.jamia.co.uk

Bidayatul Hidayah: Chapter on Staying Away from Sins - Part 1

2011-07-02T12:27:00.005+01:00

I have translated the following from 'Bidayatul Hidayah' of Imam Abu Hamid al Ghazali rahimahullah. It is a very nice book, I think it has published in English recently aswell. Here is a chapter on staying away from sins. I will divide it into two posts due to its length.

Know that religion has two conditions:

1) To leave that which is forbidden
2) To do actions of obedience

The leaving of that which is forbidden is harder to do. This is because obedience is carried out by everyone (to some extent) but only the pious leave their desires. This is why Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam, “The Muhajir (one who migrates) is he who migrates from evil and the Mujaahid (warrior) is he who fights against his desires.”

Know! That you will only disobey Allah Ta’ala with your limbs and your limbs are only a bounty from Allah Ta’ala upon you! They are a trust given to you so seek help in the bounties of Allah Ta’ala against His disobedience which is the utmost snub. To behave treacherously with a trust that Allah Ta’ala has given you is an extreme form of haughtiness (arrogance)!

Your limbs will look after you make sure you look after them. It comes in a hadith, “You all are guardians and you all will be questioned over those things that you looked after.”

Know that your limbs will bare testimony against you in a presentation given by a eloquent tongue on the day of Qiyamah. You will be led by it at the forefront of all the creations. Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’an, “On that day, their tongues, hands and feet will bare testimony against them as to what they used to do.” (Surah Nur) and He further states, “On the day there will a seal on their mouth and their hands and legs will testify against them as to what they used to earn.”

Therefore look after your body and especially look after 7 parts of your body; for Jahannam has seven doors and for every door there is a part categorised. And these doors are not specified for any person except that person who disobeys Allah Ta’ala with these seven body parts. They are:
1. The eyes
2. The ears
3. The stomach
4. The tongue
5. The private parts
6. The hand
7. The legs/feet

Inshallah we will continue with this in the next post...

Lesson from Hadith #5

2011-06-22T21:58:00.004+01:00

اذا كانوا ثلاثة فلا يتناجى اثنان دون الثّالث
“When there are three people, two should not converse together at the exclusion of the third.” (Adabul Mufrad: Hadith #1166 pg 722)

This is straight forward, two people should not exclude the third and speak because this will make him feel unwanted and lonely. Sometimes, two people sit together and begin a conversation in such a manner that the other feels that they are talking about him. The behaviour of a group of Muslims should be such that they make everybody feel wanted. In the modern day, this can also apply to the usage of mobile phones. For example, if two people are sitting and one of them gets a phone call, he should not have a half an hour discussion with the person on the phone and discard his friend in that period. Rather he should host the person whom he is with.

In the same manner, it is not permissible for a person who sees two people talking and then butts into their conversation. Once Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was speaking to a man privately when Sa’eed al Maqbari (may Allah have mercy upon him) entered upon them. Ibn Umar pushed him away and said, “When you see two men talk to each other, you should neither stand near them, nor should you sit there unless you have their permission to do so.

Quran on iPhone (or any other smartphone)

2011-06-15T21:04:00.004+01:00

The following has been taken from our sister site: Imaan Boost

Salaam,

I'm often asked by brothers for "The name of that app" when reciting the quran from my iPhone in the masjid.

It's not always easy to explain it as it's not as simple as that, so here I will explain how you can get it for yourself!

Firstly let me show you what it looks like:

and here's an actual screenshot taken with my iPhone:

..of course it works well on an iPad too, or any other smartphone/tablet device:

There are 2 simple steps really:

1. Get the pdf files.
2. View in a pdf reader on your device.

You can get the quran as a set of 30 pdf files from here.

Unzip the file to create a folder called Quran which has all the PDF files in it.

Then just get any app that can read PDF files from the app store.

I use "GoodReader". - Perhaps the best app on the iPhone in my opinion. It's not free though, so if you want a free PDF reader I would recommend "Files Lite"

You'll need to set up the app with your pc/mac to transfer files. It shouldn't be too difficult, just follow the instructions that come with the app.

Let me know if you have any probs.

Happy reading, and pass it on...

EDIT: I Have included surah yaseen + surah khaf inside the zipped folder

Part 8 - Walking

2011-06-10T00:03:00.002+01:00

When a student first begins his/her (Islamic) studies, the first thing which is taught to them is that they cannot expect to learn everything by simply reading a textbook. Many of the things which a student picks up comes from observing his teacher. Thus, when it comes to the time of graduating, a student has many sifaat (characteristics) which are incredibly similar to his teacher(s). This can be in the manner of dress, smiling, speaking, walking, talking and the list goes on. It is thus noticeable that those students who are extremely close to their teachers are the ones who are able to mirror their ways in totality and this is praiseworthy. So then what can be said in relation to the Sahabah radiallahu anhum who noted every movement and characteristic of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam? The reason they were so great was down to the fact that they spent their entire life reflecting the ways of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam. If you follow a great person then you too will become great.

With regards to the walking of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam; his movement was very swift and smooth. Hazrat Abu Hurayrah radiallahu anhu says, "I did not see anyone more handsome as Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam. It was as if the brightness of the sun had shone from his auspicious face. I did not see anyone walk faster than him, as if the earth folded for him. A few moments ago he would be here, and then there. We found it difficult to keep pace when we walked with him, and he walked at his normal pace." This hadith highlights a great lesson for us; many people loiter the streets so that they may be seen or walk in such a way that attracts attention. This was far from the ways of our beloved Nabi salallahu alayhi wasallam. His walk was immensely humble and he did not walk with his chest pushed outwards as many arrogant people do today. From reading the ahadith in relation to the walking of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam it can picked up that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam had a sense of calm to his walking, his body emitted a feeling of detachment from worldly interests.

Many people today like to take their time lingering up the road and enjoy having a good ogling session as they do so. Others like to stamp their feet to connote a sense of power and intimidation so that they can be observed and seen as people of dominance! Then there are some bechare, who like to walk up the street with a particular ‘bop’ and that is to make them look ‘gangster’. It is unfortunate that such characteristics have seeped into the lives of many Muslims! What makes it even worse is the fact that we have the example of the greatest man to have ever walked the earth (salallahu alayhi wasallam) yet we still remain heedless.

Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam would lift his legs off the ground with vigour which would highlight that there is vitality in his body and he would not resort to dragging his legs on the ground. His head and shoulders would be slightly tipped forward and he would be swift in his movement. Those who saw him would say it is as if he was descending from a high place. The hadith mentioned above also highlighted that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam would walk so quickly that if a person was to look away from him for a mere second, he would look back only to find Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam at a greater distance. This highlights the fact that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam didn’t hang around but he would get on with his business. In the other narrations it is mentioned that his eyes would be lowered and this too points towards the fact that he did not continuously stare at people. This is very beneficial for our times, we live in such a time that if we look at someone in the wrong way, it could result in a fight! May Allah Ta’ala protect us!

May Allah Ta’ala give us the ability to follow the Sunnah of our beloved Nabi salallahu alayhi wasallam meticulously. Ameen.

Signs of Arrogance

2011-06-03T01:02:00.000+01:00

Source: Ashrafiya

The arrogance (kibr) means that an individual considers himself superior to others regarding the excellent (and desired) qualities.

It is expected that when an individual has such an allusion about his grandeur the nafs bloats up and starts to manifest the signs (of kibr). They include,

1. Trying to be ahead of everyone while walking with others.

2. Preferring to be seated in a prominent place in a gathering.

3. Looking down on others with despise.

4. Being angry if others do not initiate to greet and welcome.

5. Being upset if others do not respect him/her.

6. Being visibly annoyed if others offer advice (nasiha).

7. Not accepting the truth even after being convinced.

8. Looking at the general public as though they are donkeys.

Allah save us all from these.(Amin!)

Taharat e qalb, page 165

How to Deliver a Good Bayaan (Islamic lecture)–10 Tips

2011-05-24T01:39:00.003+01:00

Many brothers and sisters who are more religiously inclined than others are always held in high regard in university/college Islamic societies etc. As a result, they are relied upon to give Islamic talks/lecture/advice etc. And so it should be! However, to stand in front of one hundred people is incredibly scary! Sometimes, a person has good knowledge but as soon as he stands up in front of a group of people, the legs begin to become like jelly! At other times, a person repeats his talk 100x to himself in private but when he stands in front of the audience, he goes completely blank! Whatever the case may be, the following is mere advice on how to deliver a good talk:

1) Be Sincere – this particular point is repeated all the time! Many people become sick of hearing it again and again but it is of the utmost importance. Many people are such that they look forward to giving a talk so that people will say, “Vah vah! Shaabaash! (Well done!” and that they will be labelled with the glorious title of being, ‘knowledgeable’. This is not something that we should want, our main objective should be the happiness of Allah Ta’ala. In one Qudsi Hadith, Allah Ta’ala says, “That person who joins Me with someone else (in his intention) when doing any action, then I separate myself from that person as well as the work he is doing. I accept only those actions which are done solely for Me.” When a person performs an act for only Allah Ta’ala, then Allah Ta’ala will fill that act with blessings and He will make that person a beacon of hope and knowledge for others. When a person performs an act in the hope of then Allah Ta’ala leaves his speech void of blessings and that person is disgraced. Hazrat Fudhail ibn Iyaadh rahimahullah mentions, “If you can get by without being known, then do so. What does it bother you that people will not praise you, and what does it bother you that you may be blameworthy in the sight of people if in the Sight of Allah you are praiseworthy?” Likewise, Bishr ibn al-Harith rahimahullah would say, “I do not know a single man who loves fame except that he loses his religion and becomes disgraced. No-one who has fear of Allah, loves to be known amongst the people.” Much more could be said about this topic but it is enough to simply say, a person will go as far as his intention. If his intention was strong, he will sore and reach the heights of the stars and if his intentions was corrupt, he will crumble at the first hurdle.

2) Prepare well – it is highly important to prepare well when giving talks! When a person prepares well, confidence exuberates through his speech and body gestures. There is no stemmer in his speech but rather, there is a sense of solidity and cleverness. Many people feel that they have learnt enough and they can simply sit on the chair and waffle away. This isn’t correct, a person might sit on a chair and be able to waffle away but there will be mistakes in what he is saying as it has not been revised over. When dealing with Qur’an and Hadith, a person has to be very careful! A person who relates from these sources incorrectly with a muddled translation and explanation will be treading along the banks of Jahannam. Thus, when preparing a talk the following must be done:

3) Prepare your opening Arabic khutba correctly. This can be very embarrassing when you don’t know the meaning of the Arabic but are just saying it for the sake of it and there is a person in the audience who catches your mistakes! This can happen to anyone but mistakes help a person become better. The manner in which the Arabic should be is as follows: Praise of Allah Ta’ala, Durood on Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam, Qur’anic verses pertaining to your topic, Ahadith pertaining to your topic.

4) Practise all the Arabic Qur’anic verses and Ahadith you will be using before hand so your tongue becomes use to it.

5) Try to reference all your work as much as you can as we live in a time where people want proof as soon as possible.

4) Have a proper structure – an introduction where you introduce the topic, a main body where you discuss the possible harms etc and always try to provide a remedy. Many people are good at saying, “This is haraam! And that is too!” but that is of no benefit to a person who is addicted to cannabis! Provide some good advice on how a person can be remedied. Finish with a piercing message.

5) Make abundance of dua – a person who is speaking to a group of people must make dua for their guidance! The dua of a sincere person can at times be more affective than his speech. Before and after you have delivered the talk, make dua to Allah Ta’ala that He accepts your efforts, helps your speech, guides your tongue and makes you a means of guidance for the people. This is incredibly important!

6) Be confident and charming – a person should not be hesitant and ‘stuttery’. This makes it seem as if the speaker doesn’t really know what he’s talking about. A person should be confident and firm upon what he is saying. Sometimes, the audience can seem bored but liven it up with some nice, funny and halal comments. Try to bring smiles on the face of the people and not to scream too much. I know of one person who was screaming in his bayaan and the people said to him, “bhaisaab! We are not deaf!” Also, it should not be so jokey that it becomes stand up comedy. Keeping a balanced approach is imperative. Smile at times and be serious at times.

7) How to deal with a mistake – if you make a mistake, immediately correct it. Don’t ever feel that people will think you are stupid. If you do not correct yourself when you know you are wrong out of pride and arrogance, you will be considered stupid by your Lord! However, always be mindful of making a mistake but at the same time, don’t worry about making mistakes. This is to say, don’t be so nervous that you force yourself into making mistakes. Sometimes if you have not prepared properly, it is good to read 2 raka’ah nafl salaah before your talk and then beseech Allah Ta’ala for His help and guidance.

8) Use a paper & Don't be nervous – there is no shame in using a paper. If you feel that there is much to say then use a script. This is not shameful, all the big politicians and people of the world today read from a script. Never feel nervous! If you do, then take a few deep breaths and speak slowly at first. If you speak to fast at first, you will confuse yourself. Be calm and in control of what you say. Always look to Allah Ta'ala as the provider of your strength. Keep Him in your heart always and use Him as a means of spurring you on. When you speak then imagine the room is empty and that only Allah Ta'ala is there with you, listening to you and being proud of you.

9) Look at your audience – Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam would advise people to speak to others in accordance to their intellect. If you are speaking to a group of young people, then speak to them in ways they can relate to you. Thrown in a few slang words here and there. Don’t try to sound too eloquent and flowery to the extent that the only person in the room that understands you is yourself. Similarly, when speaking to an elderly audience, speak to them with respect and humility. No slang words should be used! It is really embarrassing coming out with statements such as, “You mans gotta be propa on salaah get me?!” when there is a seventy year old chacha with a white beard sitting right in front of you.

10) Choose the right topic – choose a topic which is appropriate for the time. If you have been invited to a marriage to deliver a talk, then deliver a talk on the benefits of marriage etc. Do not talk about the coming of death and how to perform a Janazah!

May Allah Ta'ala give us all the ability to speak what is true for His sake and make us a means of guidance for others. Ameen.

Crossword 3: Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam

2011-05-16T01:24:00.003+01:00

Assalamu Alaykum,

I have made another crossword for you to do in your free time! Here is the third of our puzzle games. It is very easy and you can also benefit by learning new things perhaps. Answers are at the bottom, no peeping!

Note: Do not use a marker on your computer screen!!

Mawlana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi's following of the Sunnah

2011-05-11T01:39:00.001+01:00

Hakim al-Ummah Mawlana Ashraf ‘Ali Thanawi (may Allah shower His mercy upon him) wrote:

‘‘One fine, excellent quality that I found in Mawlana [Rashid Ahmad Gangohi], may Allah sanctify his secret, is that he was never heard laughing, nor was he seen to be laughing heartily.

Similarly, he was never found to be overwhelmed by anger. These two qualities indicated that following the sunnah had permeated his nature.

We witnessed the similitude of the Noble Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) conduct with Bedouins, as indicated in hadith, in [the practise of] Mawlana Gangohi, may Allah sanctify his secret.”

Taken from Zakariyya Wordpress

Poetry: It will all be alright in the end

2011-05-06T00:32:00.004+01:00

It will all be alright in the end,
Your tears will begin to dry.
You’re life will be on the mend,
There will be no need to cry.

How many times have you been in pain,
To notice that sympathy seems to sound the same.
The clouds always seems to drizzle with rain,
Yet there is nobody to withstand the burden of blame.

The heart begins to cry, searching for someone to implore,
In every direction you walk, there seems to be a locked door.
The eyes begin to burn, a river of desperation wanting to trickle,
When loneliness becomes a companion, the mind becomes fickle.

Lift up your hands and use them as a key,
Cry, beseech, request – you will be showered in mercy.
Your Lord knows very well of your immense sadness,
If you do not ask of Him, it is your own madness.

How many a time before, have you lost all hope,
With feelings of despair, more than you can cope?
Yet He helped you then, and He helps you now,
By ways and means which left you asking how.

Use not your hands for sins but raise them to converse,
When you reveal the contents of your heart, you need not rehearse.
He hears what you ask for and sees what you make apparent,
You cannot hide your feelings, your heart becomes transparent.

Your tears will being to dry, when His light illuminates your life,
You will find an escape, you can bid farewell to your strife.
But first, recognise Him; let not your intelligence rot,
He was always caring for you, you were never forgot.

"Whoever fears Allah, He brings forth a way out for him, and provides him (with what he needs) from where he does not even imagine. And whoever places his trust in Allah, He is sufficient for him. Surely Allah is to accomplish His purpose. Allah has set a measure for everything." [Surah Talaq 65:2,3]

Royal Characteristics After Marriage

2011-04-30T02:08:00.004+01:00

Due to the Royal Wedding which has occured, I felt it ideal to post something in relation to wedlock. Once a person is married, he will have to adapt his ways in order to get along with his partner. It is for this reason that I have translated a few chapters from Tuhfatuz Zawjayn by Hazrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi rahimahullah. He mentions some really nice and beautiful points. The last part is a brief account of Hazrat Maulana Thanwi's own behaviour inside his household.

Speaking to your wife and keeping her happy is also her right

Some people are such that they are referred to as respected elders or obedient followers of a respected elder. They are fully engiaged in prayer, fasting, zikr etc and it is as if they are purchasing their place in Jannah through their worship. However, these people are such that they remain ignorant of the rights of their wife.

Remember! It is also the right of your wife that you fix a time for her in which you can speak to her in order to listen to her problems and her joys. It is also her right that you have heart to heart with her so that she remains happy but it is unfortunate that many religious and less religious people remain ignorant with regards to this and thus do not fulfil this right of the spouse. These people are such that they think the only thing that they have to do is provide food and clothing for their wife!

Buying gifts for your wife without reason and feeding her with your hands

If a person purchases something for his wife without any reason to do so then that will not be considered to be extravagance. This is because making the heart of your wife happy is what is needed. However, there is also the condition that a person doesn’t incur a debt upon himself greater than he can satisfy.

And to feed the wife some food is also good, Allah Ta’ala places reward in this.

Hazrat Thanwi and his beautiful conduct with the women of his house

“It is not something which should be mentioned but out of necessity I will tell you as to how I run my household and how I take assistance from the people of my house.

Alhamdulillah, I am not suppressed and nor do I suppress anyone in my household and still, I live the life of a king. My habit is this that when I go home, I check if there is fresh chapatti; if it hasn’t been made, I eat the stale chapatti. Many a times I see that my wife is busy with something so I take the chapatti with my own hands and I take some water with me also. I then take a plate and poor curry into the plate and sit down to eat. If she is making chapatti, I ask her if she needs anything as sometimes, water is needed. If this is the case, I go to the sink or well and fill a bucket of water for her. Sometimes, if she is free, I ask her to bring me the food and that poor girl brings it for me (i.e. Hazrat Thanwi is showing his compassion for his wife that she assists him without making any complaint). It is important for a person to see whether she is busy or not as a person does not remain in the same state all the time.

I tend to get less sleep at night and so after observing my wife for a while, I get up and make thanks to Allah Ta’ala that at least He gave her sleep. Otherwise two sadness’s would be joined together (i.e. one sadness for me not being able to sleep and one sadness for her not being able to sleep).

Then when I am leaving my house, I ask her if there is anything she would like me to do for her. If she says that there is nothing for me to do, I go about my business and if she tells me that there is some work that needs taking care of, I do it. For example, if she wants me to write a letter, I will finish this job and then leave.

Nowadays, many people in our society say that having a wife means a life of friendship! O naive people! Do you even fulfil any rights of friendship or do you just use this term as a (flowery) word? It is only shown by your actions whether or not you have taken that poor girl to be your friend."

May Allah Ta'ala give us the ability to inculcate within ourselves beautiful characteristics which perfume the houses we live in and bring joy to the people we spend time with. May He give us the ability to cherish one another. Ameen, ya Rabbal 'Aalameen.

Commentary on Hadith: How Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam received revelation - part 2

2011-04-20T19:28:00.004+01:00

Following on from the first post which can be viewed here, we continue with the commentary of the third hadith of Bukhari sharif which describes the manner in which Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam received Revelation.

ثم حُبِّبَ إِلَيْهِ الخَلاَءُ ، وَكَانَ يَخْلُو بِغَارِ حِرَاءٍ فَيَتَحَنَّثُ فِيهِ - وَهُوَ التَّعَبُّدُ - اللَّيَالِيَ ذَوَاتِ العَدَدِ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَنْزِعَ إِلَى أَهْلِهِ، وَيَتَزَوَّدُ لِذَلِكَ، ثُمَّ يَرْجِعُ إِلَى خَدِيجَةَ فَيَتَزَوَّدُ لِمِثْلِهَا، حَتَّى جَاءَهُ الحَقُّ وَهُوَ فِي غَارِ حِرَاء
“Then seclusion was made dear to Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam. He would remain in solitude in the cave of Mount Hiraa where he would worship (Allah Ta’ala) for a number of nights before returning to his family. He would take provision for this stay and then (when it would finish) he would return to Khadija radiallahu anha who would make restock his supplies. This happened until the Truth (revelation) came to him whilst he was in the cave of Mount Hiraa.”

“Then seclusion was made dear to Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam. He would remain in solitude in the cave of Mount Hiraa...” – The people of Makkah were living in an incredibly poor and immoral way; there were many wrongs in the society which led to various people being oppressed. The Arabs of the time held great pride in their male progeny and they would consider their male children to be their heir. If a female was born, they would kill her by burying her alive. Females were considered to be inferior and they had no worth in society. There was much prejudice against other races and society was such that the rich were oppressing the poor. In the midst of all of this, the Ka’bah was surrounded with idol gods; the people had diverted away from the religion of Ibrahim alayhis salam and they opted to worship idols once again. There was no sense of humanity within these people and the situation became increasingly worrying.

Hazrat Miqdad ibnul Aswad radiallahu anhu comments on the situation of the people at the time, “I swear by Allah, that Allah sent the Messenger of Allah salallahu alayhi wasallam as Prophet during a time that was more difficult than any other time in which Allah had sent Ambiya (prophets). It was a time when the succession of Ambiya had long been paused and when people were steeped in ignorance. People saw no religion better than idol worship. Rasulullah (May Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) arrived with a standard (the Qur’an) that differentiated between truth and falsehood...”

It is important to remember at this juncture that whilst Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was going to the cave of Hiraa he was not a prophet. Prophethood was to come to him soon as we will discuss in coming posts inshallah.

It was due to the poor state of society that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam would go to Mount Hiraa. He would spend his time in solitude and Hazrat Maulana Saleemullah Khan sahib (DB) speaks of the virtues of solitude and seclusion. He says;

“There are many benefits of seclusion;
• A persons heart becomes free
• A person finds ease in remembering things
• A person is able to stay away from evils.
• By sitting in seclusion, peace and tranquillity descends into the heart of a person. When a person is alone, he realises his entire reality.
• A person is cut off from those things which he naturally loves and desires.” (Kashful Bari)

Another reason why seclusion was made beloved to Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was due to the fact that Revelation (wahi) was soon to be bestowed upon him. His heart and his mind needed to be free in order for the weight of Revelation to be placed upon Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam, he needed to be mentally and physically relaxed and at peace.

A question now arises that why did Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam choose Mount Hiraa for seclusion?

In relation to the above question, Ibn Abi Jamrah rahimahullah gives a very nice answer. He says, “Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam chose Mount Hiraa for seclusion because the Ka’bah could be seen from that mountain. As a result, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam would be doing three types of worship: 1) seclusion 2) his normal worship 3) visiting the house of Allah Ta’ala (Ka’bah).”

Allama Aynee rahimahullah also gives a very weighty answer. He says, “To adopt seclusion was from the shari’ah (law) of Ibrahim alayhis salam. This means that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was following some of the rulings of Ibrahim alayhis salam which were still unaltered (by the society). And before Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam, his grandfather would also visit this mountain and remain in seclusion therein. Thus when Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam came of age, he also went to the same place and adopted solitude. As a result, Rasulullah’s salallahu alayhi wasallam tribesmen and uncles had no objection to him going to this place as they all had respect for him.”

When would Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam go to Mount Hiraa?

Ishaaq rahimahullah mentions that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam would go there during the month of Ramadhan. In the narration of Muslim sharif it is mentioned that he would perform jawaar (stay there) there. Jawaar is basically the same as I’tikaf and Hafiz ibn Abdil Barr rahimahullah mentions that the only difference between the two is that I’tikaf is performed in a masjid and Jawaar is done in the same manner but in a place other than a masjid.
Just on a side note, Mount Hiraa is approximately three miles from Makkah on the way to Mina on the right.

“...where he would worship (Allah Ta’ala)...” – A question now arises that what type of worship is this? This was prior to any form of salah so what type of worship was Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam doing?

There are four opinions with regards to this matter; 1) He was feeding the poor who would be passing by. 2) He was staying in seclusion away from the evils. 3) He was contemplating. 4) Hazrat Aishah radiallahu anha has kept this general. From among these opinions, the third is the weightiest. However a question does arise that did Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam follow the worship of the prophets who came before him?

Did Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam follow the worship of the prophets who came before him?

The majority of the scholars are against this notion however but some scholars such as Ibn Hajib rahimahullah etc are of the opinion that he did. If the latter opinion is taken then the question arises that which prophet did he follow? There are several possible answers; 1) Adam alayhis salam as has been mentioned by ibn Burhan rahimahullah. 2) Nuh alayhis salam as has been related by Al Aadimee rahimahulullah. 3) Ibrahim alayhis salam which a whole group of scholars have favoured. 4) Musa alayhis salam. 5) Eesa alayhis salam. 6) Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam would do all those things which were practised by the prophets before him. 7) There is no specifying and thus we remain silent.

If we accept that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam followed one of the prophets before him then out of all the opinions mentioned above, the third opinion is the strongest.

“...for a number of nights before returning to his family.” – What is meant by a number of nights? Allamah Teebi rahimahullah mentions that a small number of nights is intended but the likes of Allamah Kirmani and Allamah ibn Abi Jamrah rahimahumullah have said that a number of nights means many nights.

He would return to his wife Khadija radiallahu anha when his heart would yearn for his family and wife Khadija radiallahu anha. The word in the hadith used for return is ‘يَنْزِعَ’ and this means to yearn and be enthusiastic in returning. The point being made here is that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam would continue to worship and stay in seclusion in Mount Hiraa until he would begin to miss and desire his family. When this would happen, he would then return. This also proves that there is no such thing as being a monk in Islam. A person is entitled to be in solitude and peace but here we find that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam would still come home to his family.

"He would take provision for this stay and then (when it would finish) he would return to Khadija radiallahu anha who would make restock his supplies.” – From this statement we can see that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam would make preparation for his stay in the mountain. Some Ulama are of the opinion that this was a porridge type of food. He would make use of the things he had available to him. Many people make no preparation and then say ‘we place our trust in Allah Ta’ala!” but this is not correct. In one hadith in Tirmidhi Sharif, we find a sahabi who came inside the masjid for prayer but failed to tie his camel. When he was asked about his camel, he said that he places his trust in Allah Ta’ala that Allah Ta’ala will keep it secure. Upon this Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Tie it up (secure it) and then place your trust in Allah Ta’ala.”

“This happened until the Truth (revelation) came to him whilst he was in the cave of Mount Hiraa.” – Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam continued to live in this manner until the Truth came to him.

What is meant by ‘the Truth’?

Allamah Teebi rahimahullah mentions that Revelation (wahi) is meant by ‘the Truth’ or “The Messenger of the Truth’. By the ‘Messenger of Truth’ Hazrat Jibraeel alayhis salam is intended.

Inshallah in the next post we will discuss how the first words of the Revelation (Qur’an) were bestowed upon Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam and his reaction to it.

May Allah Ta’ala accept our efforts. Ameen.

Following any old ISOC fruitcake in matters of Deen

2011-04-16T11:51:00.003+01:00

Sometimes a person loves another person so strongly that they listen to their every word and follow their every command. If we look into the life of the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam, we see that the Sahabah radiallahu anhu would be ready to relieve any duty that was placed on them. Hazrat Mu’adh ibn Jabal radiallahu anhu once accompanied Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam on a journey and during this journey Rasul e Paak salallahu alayhi wa salam called out “Ya Mu’adh!” three times and every time,Hazrat Mu’adh radiallahu anhu replied with, “Labbayk Ya Rasulullah wa Sad’ayk!” (I am present O Rasulullah and this is a privilege upon me!). So it is established from this that when a person loves another person, he is ready to listen to their every word and follow him in all ways.

Then the second example is of a person who loves someone so strongly that they listen to their word and follow their every command however, that person is not the type of person to follow and by taking his counselling, a person is at risk of becoming misguided. In my humble opinion, this is portrayed very well in Surah Khaf. Allah Ta’ala relates the story of Hazrat Musa and Kazir alayhimasalam in which the latter kills a young boy. Hazrat Musa alayhisalam is stunned by this deed but later, Hazrat Kazir alayhisalam justifies his act by revealing the intention of Allah Ta’ala for this child. He says, “As for the boy, his parents were believers. We were concerned that he would force rebellion and disbelief upon them. We, therefore, wished that their Lord would replace him with someone better than him in piety, and more closer to affection.” When parents love their child so much, they will instantly do anything for them and if the child has become misguided, he possesses the power of misguiding his parents and forcing them into misguidance also by the way of this love. Thus it is established that it is important whom we give our hearts to.

Shah Waliullah Dehlwi rahimahullah narrates a hadith in his Arba’in, “Your love for someone can blind you and deafen you.” So naturally, it is common sense; if we are going to love a person to this extent, we must make sure that person is of a pious nature so that he can blindly help us in to Jannah. Similarly, if we are going to love a person to this extent, we must make sure that the person is not of a foul nature, otherwise he will continue to misguide us and we will blindly follow him into destruction. The above is a mere introduction to what I want to discuss. It seems that many people who are new to practising Islam go to university and instantly become overtaken by the services made available by Islamic societies.

Sometimes, there may be brothers who speak so very eloquently that the heart becomes pierced instantly by their words. As a result, flocks of people instantly take a great liking towards this person and fall in love with him (out of respect) and follow his every suggestion; to the extent that if this speaker beautified a sin, the common folk would commit it thinking it to be correct. A person is in his rights to go to talks, listen to them, engage in them and begin to understand them. However, a person must be most wary of loving a person so strongly that he takes his deen from them without questioning whether it is right or wrong. This type of love should be reserved only for a person who is a kaamil sheikh (complete sheikh) in every sense of the word and is known for his righteousness and knowledge.

It is completely absurd that a person who is weak in faith can go to university and take knowledge without question from a person who is neither an ‘Alim nor a kaamil sheikh without questioning. And questioning does not mean, “Why should I follow this?” “Because it is in the Hadith!” by doing this a person is setting himself up for an answer to which he will not have the ability to reply. Rather, he should take his matters of deen from a person who is an ‘Alim so that he is practising in accordance with the consultation of a scholar. A person will not take medication from a half baked doctor so why should one take medication for his Iman for a person who is not qualified in anyway dispense medicine?

Caution is needed in all walks of life, especially when we are not learned or firm in our practice of our faith; otherwise a person will begin to blow like ashes in the wind, if the wind sways in one direction, he will sway with it and if it begins to sway in the other direction, he will go with it too. By the end, his thoughts will be so muddled up that he is not following the religion of Nabi e Kareem salallahu alayhi wa salam but he will be following the religion of his own logic and understanding which is equal to zilch. It is for this reason Rasul e Paak salallahu alayhi wa salam said, “A man will follow the religion of his friend, so be careful whom you make friends with.”

May Allah Ta'ala give us the ability to look after our Iman and take from people who are of a sound nature. Ameen.

Here is video I recently came across by Molvi Abdul Majid saab which is brilliant in speaking about this matter to some extent:

EVENT: Youth Programme 2011

2011-04-15T00:05:00.006+01:00

Jamia Siraj ul Uloom Youth Programme 2011

Sunday 1st May 2011(5.30pm)

1) The Fitnah of Social networking websites & the Internet
2) Surviving Relationships in University & College
3) Protect Your Youthful days Qiraat & Nasheeds by Students.

Food will be served after the event.

Brothers only. There will be live online streaming for sisters on the Jamia website.
Venue: Jamia Siraj ul Uloom, 30-36 Lindley Road, Leyton, London, E10 6QT.

020 8539 5183 http://www.jamia.co.uk/

Be A Family Man

2011-04-05T23:58:00.001+01:00

It is clear to see from the blessed lifestyle of Rasulullah Salallahu alayhi wasallam that he was family man. He had a deep and profound love for the people of his household and he would regularly enjoy spending time with them. Hazrat Aishah radiallahu anha says, “Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was a human being from amongst the human beings. He would stay in the service of his family, he would mend his slippers, he would patch up his clothes, he would milk the goat and he would do his own work himself. He would work in the house just as a normal person would work however, when it was time for salah, he would get up and rush to the masjid to perform his prayer.”

This type of mentality is slowly being taken away from many youth today. Unfortunately, according to some, the most boring and lifeless place in the entire world is home. As a result, many people prefer to spend time outside and thus away from family members. There are others who have no need to go out however they find satisfaction in loitering around the locality waiting for something to happen. Then there are those who spend their time in cafes, clubs etc; a place where people can sit and socialise. The outcome of all of this is that our life at home becomes damaged. The house becomes a hotel, you meet others in the corridor at random times but never actually sit down to talk. This is not the way of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam. He would mention, “The best from amongst you is he who is best to his family.” The only time a person can serve his family is when he is regularly with them; a person recognises their needs and the problems that are going on in their life.

It is sometimes sad that people take more interest into the affairs of their friends when their own brothers and sisters need a shoulder to lean on. We should do our best to serve our family members first before anyone else, it is important to become a ‘family man’ like Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam was. Our parent should be our best friends, their company should feel extremely sweet to the heart to the extent that a person cannot wait to go home and see them. Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam had prohibited nonsensical talk after Isha yet we find many people congregated outside the masajid talking about all sorts of things. After Isha, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam would immediately return home and would spend the remainder of the night with his family members.

It is incredibly important that we create strong bonds at home with our family members. Our time should revolve around them because at the end of the day, the only people who will always be there for us (no matter what) are our family. Thus it is important for us to spend time and this need not be strictly inside the house. Try taking your parents out for ice-cream, your child out for a game of football; enjoy rowing a boat with your wife on a pond or taking an afternoon off to bake a cake or paint a picture with her. If a person becomes playful with all the people in his house, he realises that they aren’t boring after all.

Event: Dars of Shama'il Tirmidhi - A Lesson on the ahadith which describe the attribute of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam

2011-03-11T21:33:00.005Z

Dars of Sham'ail at Tirmidhi
A Lesson on 1 Chapters from Shama'il Tirmidhi

With Sheikh Irfan Sidyot
(Principal & Senior Lecturer of Hadith, Jamia Siraj ul Uloom)

Saturday 2nd April 2011
10am - 4pm
London Metropolitan University
Calcutta House,
Old Castle Street,
London, E1 7NT

Closest Tube: Aldgate East

1)Chapter on the speech of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa sallam
2)Chapter on the laugh of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa sallam
3)Chapter on the story telling of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa sallam at night
4)Chapter on the worship and devotion of rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa sallam
5)Chapter on the modesty of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa sallam
6)Chapter on the seeing of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa sallam in a dream
7)Chapter on the noble features of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa sallam
8)Chapter on the noble character and habits of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa sallam
9)Chapter on the weeping of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa sallam
10)Chapter on Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa sallam using 'itr

ourse material and light refreshments will be provided. Tickets can be purchased through the Islamic Society."This event is open to all. However people entering the university externally must register their tickets with the ISOC by e-mailing calcuttabros@googlemail.com

Tickets cost only £5 so please book early to avoid disappointment!

Hazrat Sheikh's rahimahullah advice on a simple marriage

2011-03-07T23:23:00.002Z

The following is an extract taken from the autobiography (Aap Beti) of Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya rahimahullah:

Nikkah is a form of worship but people have made it into a museebat (calamity). The Ulama say, “There are two worships which started with Nabi Adam alayhis salam and will remain till the day of Qiyamat; the first is Iman and the second is marriage. Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam considred marriage as one of his sunnats and said, “Nikkah is of my sunnat, so whoever turns away from my sunnat is not from me.”

But what have we done? We have added so many nonsensical things to it and made it into a great burden and calamity upon ourselves! During the time of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam and the Sahabah radiallahu anhum after hi, it had the label of sunnat thoroughly attached to it. These nonsensical customary things which we had attached to it were not even thought of in those days.

The love which the Sahabah radiallahu anhum had for Rasulullah salallahu alyhi wa salam was such that nobody can deny it. A few examples of this have been quoted in the book ‘Stories of the Sahabah’.

Hazrat Abdur Rahman ibn Owf radiallahu anhu was a very well known sahabi, and is one of the ten who were promised entry into Jannah. He was a very faithful follower of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam but in spite of all that, not only did he not invite Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam to his wedding but also did not even inform him thereof. When Rasulullah salallahu alyhi wa salam saw some yellow mark on his clothing which denoted a kind of scent used at weddings, he asked him, “What is this, O Abdur Rahman? Did you get married?” He replied that he had indeed married a girl from among the Ansaris.

Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam also said, “That nikkah has more blessings in it, in which least expenditure is incurred.” It is a pity that we have through our customs made it the most difficult thing. No one knows how many salaahs are left unperformed because of it. Sometimes a greater museebat (calamity) is that the bride’s party is sent of just at a time when salaah is to be performed, as a result of which the bride, bridegroom and the whole party miss the salaah. When that is the beginning of the union, is it any wonder that the end of it is arguments, disputes and corruption?

Ulama have written that the child that is conceived out of conjugal relations at a time of salaah (which is not performed) will tend to be disobedient to parents and troublesome to them. May Allah guide us and set us aright!

A worse museebat is this that as a result of our customs, girls remain unmarried till late in life, the reason being that financial arrangements cannot be made. Even worse that this – often, money has to be borrowed on interest, about which the Qur’an has passed a verdict that it is tantamount to a declaration of war from Allah and His Rasul salallahu alayhi wa salam.

Who is there that can survive a battle against Allah and His Rasul salallahu alayhi wa salam? Often the excuse is brought that if all these things are not done, then our honour and dignity will be lost. I have seen many Elders have their marriages and the marriages of their loved ones performed according to the sunnat in utmost simplicity, without all this nonsensical rigmarole but without any dishonour at all!

Read A Book On Your Travels

2011-02-22T00:32:00.002Z

Today I sat on the train and observed something quite amazing. I noticed that the majority of the people on the train were reading some form of literature. Some were reading huge novels, others were reading fashion magazines and some were reading newspapers. I then thought of how wonderful it would be if Muslims began to pick up Islamic literature and then take it along with them on travels etc.

How many times have we found ourselves twiddling around with our thumbs while we are sitting on the bus or train with nothing to do. Strangely enough, when we are at home in the warmth of our house, it is very hard to pick up a book and read it from cover to cover simply because of the temptation to sleep or indulge in other things. However, when we are in trains, buses or waiting rooms, we instantly become interested in reading something or the other. It is for this reason that we should keep an interesting Islamic book in our bags that we take a long especially for our travels. By doing this, we will be benefitting enormously in our knowledge of Islam and we will also be getting reward for seeking knowledge.

Then when it is time to get off the train, you can put your book back into your bag only to continue another day. Slowly but surely, a person will be able to get through many books. It is thus important for us to go to our local Islamic shops and pick out a nice book that will be an interesting read, thereafter, it is up to us individually to make an effort in reading them.

So next time the person on your left is reading a Metro and the person on your right is reading the Twilight series, you can take out a nice Islamic book and fit right in.

The following are some books in English that I have found extremely beneficial to read and are easy to understand for the common person also:

Shamail Tirmizi by Imam Tirmizi rahimahullah - This is an excellent book for everybody who wants to know about the characteristics of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam. It has his a description of how he looked, smiled, sat, ate, walked etc. It is available in English with a commentary written by Hazrat Sheikh Zakariyya rahimahullah to help you understand better.
The Sealed Nectar by Sheikh Saifur Rahman Mubarakpuri - This is a great biography of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam. It highlights all the important occurrences that took place in the blessed life of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam right upto his passing away.
The Islamic Conquest of Syria by Imam Waqidi rahimahullah and this is has been translated into English by Maulana Sulayman al Kindi sahib.This book is exceptional! It tells of how life continued for the Muslims after the passing away of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam. It shows how the Islamic empire grew and tells stories of effort, struggle, courage, bravery, love, compassion and much more. It truly is a great read.
Hayaatus Sahaba by Maulana Yusuf Khandalwi rahimahulah - This book is three volumes and relates various stories in relation to the sahaba radiallahu ahum. It is highly recommended for people who are looking to see the beautiful nature of the companions of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam.
Manners in Islam by Imam Bukhari rahimahullah - This is a book of hadith on manners which has been compiled by Imam Bukhari rahimahullah.
Ashraf's Blessings of Marriage - this is perhaps one of the best books on the topic. It deals beautifully in regards to a topic which concerns many people. A very important book in general.
Ahsan al Qasas by Sheikh Abdur Raheem sahib - This is a tafseer of Surah Yusuf which is written in a very attractive way. It deals in depth with regards to the story of Yusuf alayhis salam whilst diverting the reader's attention towards various lessons which can be learnt.
Chosen Souls by Sheikh Irfan Sidyot sahib - This book provides short one-page-biographies on many splendid Islamic personalities who have passed. It highlights their efforts and love for Islam.
The Ideal Muslim(ah) by Muhammad Ali al Hashimi - This book helps a person to realise how he/she should be. It has various chapters which pertain to the different aspects of a Muslim's life and how he/she should deal with them.
The Wisdom Behind The Commands of Islam by Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi rahimahullah - this book is a great piece of work which explains all those niggling questions that a person has. It explains all those commands that we have been given as Muslims which do not seem to conform with our logic. It answers many of the 'Why?' questions and removes many misconceptions.

May Allah Ta'ala give us all the ability to benefit from the correct literature and give us beneficial knowledge. Ameen.

The Humility of Hazrat Shah Isma'il Shahid sahib

2011-02-09T07:48:00.002Z

Taken from Zakariyya Wordpress

Hakim al-Ummah Mawlana Ashraf ‘Ali Thanawi (may Allah shower His mercy upon him) relates:

[…] The state of the Molwis (‘ulama’) is such that Shah Isma‘il Shahid would press the legs of the guests of Sayyid [Ahmad Shahid] at night (for their relief). If someone asked, ‘‘who are you?’’, he would reply, ‘‘I am the servant of Sayyid [Ahmad Shahid].’’ Hearing this, the guests would be silent. It became known after a very long time that Mawlana Isma‘il presses the legs [of the guests].

Ashraf al-Jawab (Karachi: Idarah Da‘wat-e-Islam, 1st edition) p.189

Commentary on Hadith: How Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam received revelation - part 1

2011-01-25T02:38:00.013Z

The following is a commentary I have compiled by using Fathul Baari and Kashful Baari in relation to the third hadith or Bukhari Sharif which deals with the manner in which Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam received revelation from Allah Ta'ala. There are many narrations which describe this matter but I felt that this hadith is amazing as it takes a person back to the very beginning of Rasulullah's salallahu alayhi wa salam prophethood. The hadith in itself is quite long but I have decided to break it up bit by bit in order to give a somewhat detailed but succinct commentary of it. Inshallah, I intend to continue to write more of the hadith with its commentary as time progresses. I have begun first by mentioning extremely brief notes on the people who have narrated this hadith.

حدثنا يحيى بن بكير قال: حدثنا الليث عن عقيل، عن ابن شهاب، عن عروة بن الزبير، عن عائشة أم المؤمنين أنها قالت: أول ما بدىء به رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم من الوحي الرؤيا الصالحة في النوم، فكان لا يرى رؤيا إلا جاءت مثل فلق الصبح

Yahya ibn Bukayr narrates to us, he says: Layth has narrated to us on the authority of Uqayl from Ibn Shihaab from Urwah ibn Zubair from Aishah the Mother of theBelievers radiallahu anhum that she said “The first thing by which Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam would receive revelation would be through good dreams. He would never see any dream except that it would become as clear as daylight (i.e. it would occur).”

Yahya ibn Bukayr – His full name is Abu Zakariyyah Yahya ibn Abdullah ibn Bukayr al Qurashee al Makzhoomi al Misri. Some have said he is from Egypt, Imam Bukhari rahimahullah is of the opinion he was from Syria (Tareekhul Kabeer).

Layth – His full name is Abul Harith Layth ibn Sa’d ibn Abdur Rahman Fahmi. He was from Qalqashandah or Qarqashanda which is close to Egypt. He was born in 94 AH. He was a great scholar and Imam Shafi rahimahullah says about him, “He was more learned than even Imam Malik but his students did not spread his works (by which he would be recognised further).”
Uqayl – His full name is Uqayl ibn Khalid ibn Aqeel. He was a trustworthy narration of hadith. He passed away in Egypt in the year 144AH.

Ibn Shihaab – His full name is Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Muslim ibn Ubaydullah ibn Abdullah ibn Shihaab ibn Abdullah ibn al Haarith ibn Zuhrah ibn Kilaab ibn Murrah ibn Ka’ab ibn Lu’ee az Zuhri al Madani. He is more famously known by the name Ibn Shihaab az Zuhri. He is from the Tabi’een and his virtues are numerous. He was born in 50AH and passed away in 124AH.

Urwah ibn Zubair – He was the son of the great sahabi Zubair radiallahu anhu and Asma bint Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu. He was the only one from amongst his brothers who was a tabi’ee and not a sahabi.

Aishah, The Mother of the Believers radiallahu anha – She was the daughter of Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu and the most beloved wife of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam.

Now moving on to the hadith at hand, Aishah radiallahu anha mentions, “The first thing by which Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam would receive revelation would be through good dreams."

The dreams Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam saw were there in order to ready him for Prophethood and the Qur'an which was to be revealed to him soon. As a result of these dreams, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam would know that something extra ordinary is occurring and thus, the coming of Jibraeel alayhis salam in Mount Hiraa would not be such a massive shock. Many things besides true dreams occurred prior to Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam embracing prophethood. In some narrations related by Imam Bayhaqi it is mentioned that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam would be walking in Makkah and he would hear somebody greeting him with ‘salaam’ He would turn around and except stones and trees, there was nothing else there. Another narration in Muslim Sharif mention, “I recognise the stone that would greet me in Makkah before my prophethood. I can still recognise it even now.”

The point made here is that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam was being prepared for the prophethood which was to come his way. The example of this is perhaps like a job. A person will not be thrown into the middle of the work floor straight away and be expected to deal with customers instantly but rather, he will be given some brief training and indications as to what he should be doing so that he will not get a shock when he is in on duty. Over here, we have Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam, who was coming to the age of 40; this is the age in which prophets are given their prophethood. Soon Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam would have the words of the Qur’an revealed to him by an angel in the darkness of Mount Hiraa; for this to happen straight away with no warning would leave a person stunned and thus Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam was the recipient of some extra ordinary occurrences which in turn would make him aware that something remarkable is on its way. It is for this reason Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam would be shown good dreams and would be given greetings by inanimate objects.

A Good Dream

In two different places in Bukhari Sharif (Kitab at Tafseer, Kitab at Ta’beer) The word ‘salihah (good)’ has been substituted for the word ‘saadiqah (true)’. In fact, the dreams of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam were of three types: 1) Salihah (good) 2) Saadiqah (true) 3) Waazihah (clear).

The meaning of number 3 (waazihah) is this that when Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam would have a dream it would be clear in its meaning without any ambiguity. It was completely clear and explicit in its meaning and there would be no difficult in recalling it.

In relation to number 1 & 2, the Ulama have mentioned that the true dream (saadiqah) is more general than the good dream (saalihah). This is because the dreams of all the prophets are true but not every dream would be a good dream. For example, in Bukhari Sharif it is mentioned Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam had a dream during the period of the battle of Uhud in which he saw himself making movements with a sword but that sword would break and likewise he would see that a cow was being sacrificed. Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam then gave the interpretation that both dreams meant the death and martyrdom of some of the Sahabah radiallahu anhum. Now, the dream in itself was a true dream which did occur but it is obvious, to see the Sahabah radiallahu anhum in such pain is not a good and happy dream. Thus it is established that a dream can be of a true nature but at the same time it can also be good or bad.

Imam Bayhaqi rahimahullah mentions that these dreams were continuous for the period of 6 months.

He would never see any dream except that it would become as clear as daylight (i.e. it would occur).”

The word ‘falaq’ فلق used in this hadith literally means to split, rip or tear something. For example, in the Qur’an it comes that “Verily, Allah is the One who splits seeds...” (Surah An’aam)

However the word in this hadith فلق الصبح which I have translated as ‘daylight’ is used in order to explain the clarity by which Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam would see his dreams. There would be no ambiguity, vagueness or confusion in them. The opposite to ‘daylight’ is darkness and during this time, it is hard to see anyone. Many people think that they have seen something but this is with much doubt and there is no such certainty about it. On the contrary, when something is seen in daylight, a person is certain that his eyes have not deceived him. This is what is being mentioned in this hadith that whatever Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam saw in his dream, its meaning was apparent. It was for this reason that the Sahabah radiallahu anhum mention that they would abstain from waking Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam up in his sleep because it may be the case that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam was receiving revelation.

Hazrat Maulana Saleemullah Khan sahib has given an excellent opinion as to what is mentioned by this entire statement of Aishah radiallahu anha. He says that this entire statement is in line with the way prophethood had come to Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam and it is shown by the example of the sun rising in the morning to produce clear daylight. In the beginning there was total darkness but the rays of the sun were beginning to be seen and this is similar to the prophethood that the stones and trees were saying “Peace be upon you O Messenger of Allah” but the revelation was soon to come. Then the light of the sun became increased in its visibility and in the same way, the dreams of Rasulullah became extremely clear and positive. Then when the sun actually rises to its fullest, Muhammad alayhis salatu was salam will also emerge as the clear Prophet of Allah Ta’ala. It is for this reason Allah Ta’ala calls Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam ‘Assiraajum Muneera’ A bright, guiding light which is similar to daylight.

2 Year Islamic Studies Course For Sisters

2011-01-19T11:17:00.004Z

Lantern of Knowledge Educational Institute Present:

2 Year Islamic Studies Course for Sisters

Taught by a qualified Alimah

Study:

Tajweed (how to recite the Qur'an properly)
Tafseer (commentary of the Qur'an)
Aqeedah (beliefs)
Hadith (the traditions of the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam)
Fiqh (jurisprudence)
Arabic
Seerah (the life of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam)

Attendance: 2 days a week for three hours.
Cost: £5 a session or payable in instalments.
Venue: Jamia Siraj ul Uloom, 30-36 Lindley Road, Leyton, London, E10 6QT

Enrolment and Enquiries:

Please ring: 020 8539 5183
or e-mail: info@jamia.co.uk

www.jamia.co.uk

Dhikr of Allah Ta'ala

2011-01-16T15:11:00.000Z

Do not abandon Dhikr on account of lack of concentration. Abandoning Dhikr is worse than lack of concentration while making Dhikr. It is not far fetched to say that Allah Ta'ala may develop your Dhikr devoid of concentration to Dhikr with alertness and your Dhikr with alertness to Dhikr in the divine presence and from this Dhikr to the most lofty state of Dhikr in which everything besides Allah Ta'ala (the true object of remembrance) is annihilated. Nothing is difficult for Allah Ta'ala.

Source: Ikhmaalush Shiyam
The 7th chapter on Dhikr of Allah

How to Keep a Low Profile & Keeping Away Unwanted Attention

2011-01-07T02:10:00.003Z

Many people want to keep a low profile with regards to themselves but they simply do not know how to. Some people make sincere intentions that they will keep themselves unknown only to reappear a few months later and become well-known once more. A person can get attention for a variety of reasons; sometimes a person could have done something amazingly praiseworthy which attracts the admiration of his peers and the jealousy of others. Sometimes a person could have done something shockingly inappropriate which attracts the attention of everybody around him. Similarly, a person who wears trendy and stylish clothes is immediately recognised and likewise, a person who smells and dresses up badly also gains some recognition for the wrong reasons. The basic point made here is that attention comes through various ways and finds its way to the door of a person sooner or later.

How can a person maintain a low profile? Different things apply to the two genders. Below is a list of ways a person can keep himself ‘off the radar’ so as to speak.

- Make a strong intention that you want to keep yourself to yourself and not be known among the people. The stronger your intention is, the more Allah Ta’ala will help you attain your goal.

- Get rid of your Facebook! As soon as a person signs up to Facebook, he instantly brings himself attention. It is amazing how people are willing to share there every action with people whom they may not even know properly. How is it possible that a person announces to the entire world ‘Fulan is now going to the toilet’?! And then not expect attention? It is shameful for a person to write acts about his every action! It is needless telling people all these things. If a person is going to share his life with the entire world, what remains for himself and his loved ones? Some people who have these applications on their phones then send messages from the most inappropriate of places! Is it really appropriate to write a Facebook status whilst attending somebody’s Janazah? It is for this reason one of my friends tends to call this type of behaviour ‘Shamebook’. Facebook may have benefits but its negatives are far greater. For some, closing their Facebook may be a bit extreme but for those whose hearts have been opened by guidance from Allah Ta’ala, they will immediately recognise their Facebook to be a waste of time. Note: Once it is closed, keep it that way. It can be tempting to return to it and see the latest gossip but a person must have self discipline. Constantly remind yourself what your aim is. Also, there is no need to announce on Facebook that you are leaving. Some people forget that their aim is to keep attention away from them and before deactivating their account they write a big message saying, “Fulan is now leaving Facebook! Goodbye all, it was nice knowing you!” There is no need for an announcement! This will cause a person to delay and wait to see what people have to say. When people become alerted, they will rush to send a message. The basis of all this is unwanted attention that could have been avoided. If deleting Facebook is totally out of the equation then at least limit those with whom you speak to through it. If you are using it to keep in touch with a few special friends then keep it that way. There is no need to keep 277 friends when you speak to only a handful.

- Limit your use of MSN Messenger. Sometimes, people genuinely need to use MSN to speak to family members or loved ones who may be in different countries and this is fine. However, it is important to limit the contacts who are available. Sometimes people have 200 contacts but only speak to 10. If this is the case then only keep 10. If we just sat back and had a look at our MSN Messenger contacts list, we will notice that the majority of those who we have on our account are barely spoken to anyway. If this is the case, then get rid of the excess.

- Keep your voice down when you are around others. Sometimes people are loud by tendency but caution should be taken with this. Some people on the other hand are loud because they want to be heard. How many times have we walked down a road or sat on a bus only to hear the conversation of another person without even wanting to? A person should try their utmost to socialise in a modest and humble manner. Aishah radiallahu anha would mention that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam was not rude or vulgar and he didn’t pretend to be immoral either; neither did he shout in market places. This is a great example for us, we walk up and down the road screaming and hollering but respect is when a person is quiet. The louder a person is, the more he is considered to be bizarre by the people around him.

- The above point is especially useful for women. There are many women who tend to be loud and bubbly and as a result, they cause a lot of unneeded attention towards themselves. There was once a time where the tongues of women were eloquent and free from swearing and vulgarity. It is unfortunate to see young Muslim women openly screaming all sorts of abuse in colleges and universities. That is not to say all women are like that, there are still women today who are role models for even men because of their beautiful characteristics. A woman is most attractive when her words are of a soft and sweet nature. It does not befit a rose that it gives of stench so then how is it possible for a woman that she spits out abuse?

- Avoid going into places which will cause recognition. Many people like to go to Shisha cafes and specific clubs but what this can bring unwanted attention. Many people who go to places like these are determined to mingle with others. These places are best left alone.

- Keep a small amount of pious friends. Many people like to mix with different groups of friends during different days of the week. This is incorrect as his name becomes famed. It is better to keep a small group of friends who will come to a person’s aid. A person who is married should especially limit his friends. His best friend should be his wife. In a prior post (Click Here) we spoke of the husband being the mureed of his wife; and rightly so, it is better to be the mureed of lifelong friend than a whole host of friends. Also, when a person keeps friends who are idiots, they tend to spill his secrets and make him well known.

- Limit your time out of the house. Some people go out and loiter around shopping malls and parks just to see what is going on. This again is unnecessary and should be avoided.

- Don’t wear dazzling clothes. As a Muslim we are encouraged to dress well and wear nice clothes if we are able to do so. Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty. However, there is a huge difference between elegance and show-stopping glitz! We should be elegant in our clothing but not glamorous. Many people want to be seen as they cross the road so they will wear a shocking blue t-shirt or more jewellery then people keep in the shops! This again is incorrect. Beauty is in simplicity and we see this in the life of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam. His attire was elegant but it was simple at the same time. It was not heavily designed but rather it was kept plain and clean. Many people will now say that they didn’t have fashionable and heavily designed material in those times but this is totally incorrect. The merchants of Arabia would constantly trade with the Romans and Persians in order to bring beautiful clothing to Arabia but this would never tempt Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam. Once Umar radiallahu anhu saw Rasulullah’s salallahu alahyhi wa salam state and began to weep. When asked as to why he cries he said, “I swear by Allah! I do not cry except that because I know that you are more exalted in the sight of Allah then the emperor of Persia and the Caesar of Rome. And they are both are enjoying in the pleasures of the world, whilst you, O Rasulullah are in this state that I am seeing you in.” Upon this Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam said, “What is with me and this world? (i.e. what do I care about this world?)”

- Sisters are also encouraged to not wear clothes which can bring attention to their beauty. Men are naturally rugged and sometimes, a person needs to look for a long time to see any beauty. On the other hand, women are naturally created with attractive features and can instantly catch eyes if attention is brought to them. This is not to say that women should not dress up and remain in a filthy state. Rather, a women should dress up well but should not make herself alluring by wearing colours which make her more luminous than the lollipop lady.

- Conceal your good deeds like the way you would conceal your bad deeds.

Our pious predecessors and elders disliked fame and glory. They were very simple people; there aim was to live a simple life on this planet and then return to Allah Ta’ala. There walking, talking and living in general was very basic and they did not have any desire to be known and celebrated. Hazrat Bishr ibn al Harith rahimahullah would say, “I do not know of a single man who loves fame except that he loses his religion and becomes disgraced. No-one who has fear of Allah, loves to be known amongst the people.” Let us ponder carefully over this statement. When a person begins to love fame and popularity, he thrives on serving the people in all affairs. When he speaks, he speaks for their praise; when he prays, he hopes for the approval; when he does any good, it is for their admiration. It is better to keep low profile and remain unknown. The more fame a person gets, the more opposition he gets. Every person would like to make the person beside him think in a similar way but this is not possible.

There are many more ways to keep low profile but the post is already long as it is. Inshallah if time permits, I will continue with this at another time.

May Allah Ta’ala give us the ability to become sincere servants of His. Ameen.

What to do upon an eclipse - Salatul Kusoof

2011-01-04T00:59:00.003Z

The following has been compiled by Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Shoyaib Nurgat Sahib (DB) and this article is also available on the Masjid e Umer website.

There will be a partial solar eclipse on Tuesday 4th January 2011, Insha-Allah. In UK, the eclipse will start before sunrise (07:01 GMT) and will be seen from the eastern horizon just after 08:00 GMT. It will continue until 09:34 GMT. Below are some details as regards to Solar/Lunar Eclipse:

Hadhrat Nu'maan Ibn Bashir (Radhiyallahu unhu) narrates that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam said: The people of Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic era) used to say that the solar and lunar eclipse takes place upon the death of a great person. (Mishkaat pg. 131 - Qadimi). Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam corrected this misconception and said: Solar and lunar eclipse does not take place upon the life or death of any person, but they (solar and lunar eclipse) are creations from His creation. Allah Ta'ala changes in His creation whatever He wishes. So whichever of the two (sun or moon) eclipse, perform Salah until it (sun or moon) brightens up, or Allah Ta'ala brings forth a big matter (Qiyaamah). (Ibid.)

Hadhrat Abu Bakra (Radhiallaahu Anhu) narrates: We were with Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam, and then the sun eclipsed. Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam got up dragging his clothes until he entered the Musjid so we also entered. Then Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam performed two Rakaats of Salah with us until the sun revealed itself. Then Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam said, 'Verily, the sun and moon do not eclipse due to the death of anyone, so when you seen an eclipse (solar or lunar), then perform Salaat and make Du'aa until the eclipse ends. (Bukhari pg.205; Darus salaam)

When Solar or Lunar Eclipse takes place What should one do?
1) It should be regarded as a manifestation of Allah Ta'ala's power.
2) Ponder upon the Greatness and Majesty of Allah Ta'ala.
3) Fear Qiyaamah (the Day of Judgement) being imminent and make Tauba (repent for one's sins).

4) It is Sunnah to offer 2 Rak’aat Salah during a solar eclipse.
 Salaatul Kusuf has to be performed in congregation on the condition it is led by the Imam of the Jumu’ah Salah. It is also permissible for the Imam of every Musjid to perform this Salah in his Musjid.
 The Qiraat should be made silently; however, it is also permissible to make it audibly.
 There is no Azaan or Iqaamah for Salaatul Kusuf.
 It is Sunnah to lengthen the Recitation in both the Rak’aats and to lengthen the Ruku and Sajdah.
 In each Rak’aat there is only 1 Ruku and 2 Sajdahs (like in a normal Salah)
 After the Salah, the Imam should occupy himself in Dua and the Muqtadi’s (those performing Salah behind him) should say Aameen. This should continue till the eclipse disappears. However, if the time of the next Salah settles in, then the Dua should be stopped and the Salah should be performed.
 Care should be taken that this Salah should not be performed in the Makrooh Times.
 If the Imam does not attend this Salah, the masses should perform their Salah individually.
(Bahishti Zewar vol.1 pg 222)

5) It is sunnah to offer 2 Rak’aat Salaah during the Lunar Eclipse. Salaatul Khusoof.
 For Salaatul Khusoof congregation is not Sunnah.
 People should perform this Salah individually in their homes.

Poetry: Family

2010-12-31T00:44:00.001Z

Dear to me are my family,
With them I live happily.

Whenever problems begin to appear,
They are the first to show their care.

I love my family more than a million words could ever say,
And our bonds are strengthened when we stand together and pray.

My best friends are my parents to whom I am in debt,
They are better than the tons of people that I have met.

My siblings make my heart blossom with immense joy,
We laugh when we remember the past and all the broken toys.

I still think about and miss those who have left,
How strange it is that pleasant memories leave us bereft.

Our families will be there for us before any old or new friend,
They love us unconditionally and will always have time to lend.

How foul are we to our families who only wish for our protection,
Yet we curse them and wish that we could have made the selection.

Be happy with who your mother, father, brother sister and family are,
And hold your tongue back before you utter words that will leave a scar.

Keep ties with those who break ties from you and be kind,
They may not know but you do, so do not walk around blind.

And if you still don’t understand the worth of those who inhabit your house,
Then you have lost all respect and have become even smaller than a mouse.

Ask the orphan with regards to the virtue of a family,
For he has nobody to live with happily.

Don't Be A 'Quitter'

2010-12-27T00:56:00.002Z

Different people are affected mentally by different things. Different situations bring out different characteristics from within a person. Sometimes people are presented with a task which they are not comfortable with but they still dig deep (make huge efforts) in order to complete it. On the other hand there are other people who maintain a ‘give up’ mentality; and that is when a difficult situation is presented before them, they immediately feel it is impossible and beyond the boundaries of reality. As a result, they quit at the first hurdle and decide not to push themselves towards the attainment of their goals. This mentality can be simply put as, “When the going gets tough... I quit.”

As Muslims, when we do not understand how to do something our mentality should not be ‘I quit’. Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam and the Companions radiallahu anhum were presented with the severest of tasks. They were presented with tasks of huge magnitude but they did not carry this ‘I quit’ perception in their pockets. Rather, they had unerring fortitude and belief that they will complete their goals. Had they quit at the first hurdle, then how would this deen come to us? Likewise, it is seen over the period of history that the religion of Allah ‘azza wa jal has not been carried by people who had low self esteem and will power. Rather Allah Ta’ala has specifically chosen special souls to do the service of His religion because of their resolute nature. The greatest honour a person can have in this world is to serve this faith we have been gifted with in whatever way possible; whether it be that a person becomes a doctor and helps humanity or that he becomes a scholar and guides people towards the straight path, the basis of our existence is to serve the deen and this can only be done by men and women of strong, resolute, pioneering character.

When a person is presented a task which is outside of his ‘comfort zone’ he immediately begins to think about all his weaknesses. For example, sometimes a person may be asked to read a book out aloud to his class as part of class reading. As soon as this task has been delegated to him, he immediately begins a conversation within his own self along the lines of, “What if I make a mistake? People will laugh at me and think that I am stupid. Some of these English words are looking really big, what if I say it funny and people giggle?” These types of thought are all fuelling and whisperings from shaytaan khabees and should be ignored (say a’uzoo billahi min ash shaytaanir rajeem). When a person begins to think too much about a specific task, he makes it more complex than it really is. One dear friend of mine once advised me to make big things appear to be small so that the pressure is also reduced.

If we are struggling to perform a certain task than our state should not be that we hold our hands up and say, “I can’t do this!” Rather we should look at the task and say, “I do not have the knowledge on how to do this properly just yet but I will learn very quickly and then attempt to do this again.” It is very important to be optimistic at all times as opposed to being pessimistic and negative. When a person is optimistic and hopeful, he begins to brim with confidence and self belief. This will aid him hugely in completing his difficult task as he has already won half the battle which is within his mind. If our condition is such that we begin shaking at the mere possibility of each task then we will run away from it for as long as we live and we will never gain the experience to overcome our ‘teething troubles’ so as to speak.

Sometimes, to produce a resolute and stalwart characteristics within oneself is really hard, especially if the person is a soft person by nature. In situations such as these, my humble advice would be to use my ‘goli maro bhai’ (fire a bullet to the world) method. A person should not think too much and work by the spur of the moment. It is like when we get an injection from the nurse. We look at the needle and begin to get so scared. Sometimes people begin to cry just by seeing the needle that Allah bachai, this nurse is going to do my zabah (sacrifice)! Then when the time comes we know we can’t get away from it so we close our eyes and hope for the best but as soon as the needle comes in and out, the first words we say are, “That didn’t hurt you know.” This is spur of the moment ‘goli maro’ theory.

May Allah Ta’ala give us all the ability to strengthen our resolve and be from those people who achieve our ambitions. May He take great service of deen from us. Ameen.

Salaat ut Tasbeeh - The Prayer of Forgiveness

2010-12-22T23:58:00.007Z

From among the statements of the ulama, this prayer has different names. Some call it Salaatut Taubah (repentance), others call it Salaat ut Tasbeeh (praise) and others call it Salaatul Gufraan (the prayer of forgiveness). Whatever the name, one thing which is established is that this prayer is extremely effective in removing the sins of a person. Sheikh Adnan Ali Uroor comments on this prayer by saying, "It is a cleansing for whomsoeever wants to be cleansed and success for whomsoever seeks salvation."

The Ulama of the past also used to hold this prayer with high regards. Hadhrat Abdul Azeez al Azdi rahimahullah would state, "Whoever desires paradise should perform Salaat ut Tasbeeh." and likewise, Abu Uthman Sa'eed ibn Isma'eel an Naysaapoori has stated, "I have not seen anything which is removes calamaties and afflictions like the way Salaat ut Tasbeeh does."

With regards to its authenticity, Ibn Aabideen has stated, "The hadith which in relation to it are reliable because of its many chains and those who consider it to be weak, then it is mere proposition which is unproved. It contains in it a reward which shoul not be left and thus, based on this, some of the Ulama say, 'No-one hears of blessing and leaves it except that he is negligent in regards to his religion."

Thereafter, the great commentator of hadith, Ibn Hajar rahimahullah has stated that the likes of Abdullah ibn Mubarak rahimahullah would pray this prayer and that it has been passed down from the elders.

Abdullah ibn Abbas radiallahu anhu has narrated that he was once informed by Rasulullah, "O Abbas, Should I not present to you? Should I not confer to you? should I not inform you of such an act, which if you practice, Allah will forgive all your sins, whether old or new, intentional or unintentional, minor or major, open or secret. (After describing the method of performing this salaah) Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam stated, ”If possible, you should offer this salaah once everyday, and if you cannot perform it daily, then offer it on every Friday (weekly), or once a month, or once a year or at least once in your lifetime.” (Abu Dawud Sharif)

The Method

After reciting thanaa and before reciting Surah Fatihah repeat these words (the third Kalimah)

‘Subhanallahi Walhamdulillahi wa laa ilaa ha illallahu wallaahu akbar’ (Glory be to Allah, all praise is to Allah and there is no god but Allah and Allah is the Greatest).

fifteen times.

Then read Surah Fatihah and another surah, these words (above mentioned) should be repeated ten times before the ruku, ten times during the ruku, ten times after standing up from the ruku, ten times in each sajdah and ten times while sitting between the two sajdahs. All four rakaats should be performed in this manner, thus completing seventy five times (tasbeehs) in each rakaat and 300 times (tasbeehs) in four rakaats.

I have made a little picture chart showing the steps on how to pray this prayer. Please take a look if you get confused. Finally, it should be understood that it is not permissible to count the tasbeehaat with one's fingers! Rather it is permissible according the Ulama to use your fingers to press lightly against your body in order to keep count of your tasbeeh.

A Wife's Certificate

2010-12-21T00:55:00.001Z

Taken from: Ashrafiya

'Arif billah Dr. Abdul Hayy ‘Arifi (Allah have mercy on him) said;

“Brethren! If you want to get a certification and approval for your knowledge obtain it from a Darululoom (maderassa) but for the achievements in tareeqat (i.e. getting rid of blame worthy moral traits like anger, pride, show off etc. & acquisition of praiseworthy moral traits like sincerity, humility, patience, etc.) get it from your wife, because she really knows you (inside out).”

Malfoozat-e-Arifi page 216

WOMENS EVENT: SCIENCE - THE WITNESS OF HADITH

2010-12-14T21:14:00.002Z

Lantern of Knowledge Educational Institute/Jamia Siraj ul Uloom present

Science: The Witness of Hadith

Sunday 19th December 2010

1pm - 4pm

Sisters only event

Presentations and talks delivered by qualified Alimahs

Food will be served at the event

Lantern of Knowledge/Jamia Siraj ul Uloom, 30-36 Lindley Road, Leyton, London, E10 6QT.

Tel: 020 8539 5183 Web: www.jamia.co.uk

The Greatness of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam

2010-12-12T22:08:00.006Z

Note: The following is a transcript of a bayaan given by one of our authors when a group of misinformed people began to draw sketches of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam on Facebook etc.

In recent times, we have seen many people attempt to ridicule Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam in many ways. The recent attempts that we have seen in relation to Facebook is only another endeavour to tarnish the blessed name of Muhammad salallahu alayhi wa salam. A name which can never be tarnished for as long as the tongues of mankind continue to sound and the pens of mankind continue to etch his praise.

The reason that these efforts have been made is due to a lack of understanding with regards to whom Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam is. This ignorance is not just prominent within the non Muslims but it has seeped its way into the Muslims today. Many of our hearts today are still asleep in relation to the conduct and character of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam. The reason that his love has not penetrated our hearts is due to our negligence in learning about him. The more we learn about Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam, the more our hearts will be filled with admiration, awe, love and affection for him. The abuse that has been targeted to him in recent times is not something new but rather this is something old and ancient. Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam was made to suffer abuse much worse than what we see today. The people of his time would label him as being insane and this was so disliked in the eyes of Allah Ta’ala that Allah Ta’ala made radd and refuted these people and their like till the day of Qiyamah, He says in the Qur’an

نٓ‌ۚ وَٱلۡقَلَمِ وَمَا يَسۡطُرُونَ مَآ أَنتَ بِنِعۡمَةِ رَبِّكَ بِمَجۡنُونٍ۬ وَإِنَّ لَكَ لَأَجۡرًا غَيۡرَ مَمۡنُونٍ۬ وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ۬
“Nūn. By the pen and what people note down. By the favours of your Lord, You are not a mad man or insane as (people claim). Surely you will get your reward that will never cease, (your rewards is endless which has no limits). Surely, you are of sublime character.”

People will come and they have been coming from the beginning of Rasulullah’s salallahu alayhi wa salam prophethood and these people will continue to come. They will slander and speak falsely about Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam but their words will be like the ashes in the wind. When the wind blows, there words too will be blown and nobody will remember what they had to say. But the Qur’an is the Book of Allah Ta’ala and this means that it is the Word of Allah Ta’ala. And this Word will remain and continue to exist right up to the final hour and until then the statement will remain for the entirety of mankind that

وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ۬
Surely, you are of sublime character.

When it came towards caring and loving those people who were around him, then no person can match Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam with regards to the care and love he showed his ashaab radiallahu anhum. He once said in a hadith,

وأنا أمنة لأصحابى
I am a source of safety for my companions.

The attention and care he would show these blessed souls was unimaginable. He would give time and love to everybody and would not make anybody feel out of place. Hazrat Amr ibn al Aas radiallahu anhu narrates,

كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلّم يُقبِلُ بوجهِهِ و حديثهِ على اشرِّ القوم
Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasalam 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.

The love he would give to people in general would be unimaginable. Today, we cannot even give time to our family members or to our spouses and Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam was such a man, that whomsoever would meet him would feel accepted straight away. Today, we only like to speak to those people whom we feel are on the same wavelength as us or on the same level of piety. This is incorrect, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam was such that in the hadith it comes,

و يجيب دعوة مملوك
“He would accept the inivitation of a slave.”

A servant or slave would have only had a few pennies and so if he invited people for food, what would he cook? But Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam would not refuse, he would go and accept the invitation of a slave aswell and like his, he would care for everyone.

When it came to bringing an aura of happiness and cheerfulness to the people. He would always be smiling and would be cheerful. Abdullah ibn Haarith says,

ما رايت احدا اكثر تبسُّماً من رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلّم
“I did not see anyone smile more than Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam.”

Hazrat Aishah radiallahu anha says,

لم يكن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلّم فاحشا و لا متفحّشا و لا صخّابا فى الاسواق و لا يجزى بالسيئة السيّئة و لكن يعفو و يصفح ،
“Rasulullah was not foul mouthed, nor would he pretend to be foul mouthed, nor would he shout loudly in the market, nor would he repay evil with evil, however, he would pardon and overlook”

Today, we are the opposite. Our tongues have become so foul that every sentence we utter contians swear words. We use our tongues to break of relations and be so rude to people who are not deserved of it. Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam would never shout loudly in the market. In those regards, he would never shout out and cause attention to come his way unecessarily. There are some people who have loud tendencies, whenever you see them they are shouting and hollering.

He would never shout loudly, nor would he rebuke people, he would never be rude or vulgar. He would always forgive people and would always overlook their mistakes. Today we catch people on their every fault and mistake. Sometimes we hold bitter rivalries with people because of the most silliest reasons. Over secrets which have been kept and over small things.

He always showed extreme modesty, he would never stretch his legs facing someone in a gathering. When he would arrive in a gathering, he would sit wherever there was an empty space. He would not look for the best spot nor would he make someone get up from their place in order to take theirs. Today we are the opposite, whenever we come into a gathering, we want to make sure people stand up for us and that they give us their seat!

He would look down most of the time and would never stare at the skies. He was cheerful, always smiling, even though he might be hiding many agonies. The muhaditheen mention that he would be in a constant state of worry out of fear of what will happen to his ummah in the akhirah but he would always put on a smile in order to bring comfort to the people around him. Sometimes people need to be optimistic and happy in order to keep the people around them in the same manner.

He had a beautiful fragrance that would emit naturally from his body. Sayyidina Abu Ya’laa radiyallahu anhu and others relate that in whichever alley Sayyidina Rasulullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam passed, others who passed later knew immediately that Sayyidina Rasulullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam had just passed there. Once Sayyidina Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasalam blew (made damm) on his palm and wiped it over the back and stomach of Sayyidina Uqbah radiyallahu anhu. It became so fragrant, and as he had four wives, every one of them put on so much itr, to equal that fragrance, but it could not overcome the fragrance Uqbah radiyallahu anhu had.

When it came to his humility, it is recognised that there is nobody more humble than he is. When he would walk, he would swiftly walk from one place to another. The sahabah radiallahu anhum relate how they sometimes would find it difficult to keep pace with him. He would be in once place at one time and then move very quickly. And during this walk, he would always maintain humility. He would never walk in a manner which showed boasting. Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’an,

وَلَا تَمۡشِ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مَرَحًا‌ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخۡتَالٍ۬ فَخُورٍ
Do not walk on the earth with conceit, verily Allah does not love any self conceited boaster.

His humility was such that he would not be bothered with the material wealth of the world, he would be satisfied with what he had and would not try and force the issue of wealth. From amongst his dua’s would be,

اللهم قنعني بما رزقتني
O Allah, make me content on what you have provided for me.

His behaviour was such that once, Umar radiallahu anhu entered the house of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam. And he saw that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam was sleeping on the floor upon a mat made out of reed. Try it out some day, you will find a mat of this nature will scar your body and cause you pain... Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam is lying on this mat... Umar radiallahu anhu sees the state of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam and

فبكى عمر
Umar began to cry

ما يبكيك يا عمر؟
What makes you cry O Umar?

والله! ما ابكى الاّ اكون اعلم أنّك أكرم على الله من كسرى و قيصر ، و هما يعيشان في الدنيا فيما يعشان فيه ، و انت يا رسول الله فى المكان الذي أرى!
I swear by Allah! I do not cry except that because I know that you are more exalted in the sight of Allah then the emperor of Persia and the Caesar of Rome. And they are both are at ease in the world and you, O Rasulullah are in this state that I am seeing you in.

What was the response of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam?

ما لي و للدنيا؟
What is with me and the world?...

Today we find that people are running around after this world. I am not saying abandon it, that is incorrect. Take what you need and live but it is completely absurd that a person would want to spend £600 on a pair of jeans or £500 for his police man goggles. Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam was extremely simple in the manner he lived.

When it came to his relationship with Allah Ta’ala. His fear, reliance, trust in Allah Ta’ala was unparalleled. As for his fear of Allah Ta’ala, he would say “O Allah! Make Your love the most beloved of all things to me, and make Your fear and reverence the most fearful thing in my mind.” Sometimes during his night prayers, he would weep so bitterly that his chest would sound like a boiling kettle.

Today, we cannot even cry, our hearts have become so hard that we find it hard to cry.
As for his reliance, we recall the episode of Ta’if... The situation was such that he had been calling the people of Makkah to Islam but only some would listen. When it seemed that they would not listen anymore, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam went to Ta’if where again he called people towards Islam.

For ten days he stayed there delivering his message to several people, one after another, but all to no purpose. The people of the Taif did not like this message, the people rushed him through the alley-ways, pelted him with stones and forced him to flee from the city pursued by a relentless mob all hurting him. Blood flowed down both his legs; his slippers were stuck to his Mubarak feet...such was the pain he had to suffer. The mob did not desist until they had chased him two or three miles across the sandy plains to the foot of the surrounding hills. There, wearied and exhausted, he took refuge in one of the numerous orchards, and rested against the wall of a vineyard.

At a time when the whole world seemed to have turned against him, Muhammad salallahu alayhi wa salam. He salallahu alayhi wa salam turned to his Lord and beseeched him. He is the messenger of Allah and he would have been justified if he had asked Allah Ta’ala to destroy these people yet look at the dua’a he prays...

“O Allah! To You do I relate the weakness of my strength, and lack of my planning and my low status in the eyes of people, O the Most Merciful from amongst those who are merciful! You are the Lord of those who are weakened, You are my Lord - to whom do You hand me over? To someone distant? One who will attack me? Or to some enemy in whose hands You have put my affairs? But if Your wrath does not fall on me, there is nothing for me to worry about., however, Your ‘aafiyat (security) is more encompassing for me. I seek refuge of the nur of Thy countenance with which all darkness lightens up, and upon which depends the matters of the world and the Hereafter. May it never be that I should incur Your wrath, or that You should be wrathful to me. It is Your right that forgiveness is sought from You until You are pleased. There is neither power to turn away from evil nor any strength to do good except with Your tawfiq.”

The effect of this powerful dua’a was such that Allah Ta’ala immediately sent an angel to the mountains which surrounded Taif. The angel asked Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam for permission to crush Taif between these two mountains but even then, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam said,

بل ارجو أن يخرجَ من اصلابهم يعبدُاللهَ وحدَه لا يُشرِكُ به شئا
“No, rather I hope that such people will come from their offspring who worship Allah and do not associate partners to him.”

It is for this reason Allah Ta’ala has said in the Qur’an

لَّقَدۡ كَانَ لَكُمۡ فِى رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسۡوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ۬ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرۡجُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلۡيَوۡمَ ٱلۡأَخِرَ وَذَكَرَ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرً۬ا
“There is indeed a good model for you in the Messenger of Allah - for the one who has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah profusely.”

If we were to adapt to his lifestyle, and inculcate the same qualities within us, we would also become beloved to Allah . It is important for us to hold on to the outward and inward characteristics of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam. If we do not follow his sunnah in following him and changing our appearance to look like him, who will?

Relief & Protection from Jinn Problems

2010-11-30T13:17:00.002Z

Read the following dua after salah and whenever you feel their effects.

أَعُوذُ بِوَجْهِ اللَّهِ الْكَرِيمِ وَبِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ اللاَّتِى لاَ يُجَاوِزُهُنَّ بَرٌّ وَلاَ فَاجِرٌ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا يَنْزِلُ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ وَشَرِّ مَا يَعْرُجُ فِيهَا وَشَرِّ مَا ذَرَأَ فِى الأَرْضِ وَشَرِّ مَا يَخْرُجُ مِنْهَا وَمِنْ فِتَنِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ وَمِنْ طَوَارِقِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ إِلاَّ طَارِقًا يَطْرُقُ بِخَيْرٍ يَا رَحْمَنُ ماخوذ من موطأ مالك كتاب الشعر باب ما يؤمر به من التعوذ ص950 قديمى كتب خانه

You should also recite the following after Salaah and before sleeping:

•Surah Fatihah 3 times
•Ayat-ul-Kursi 3 times
•The four surahs beginning with قل
3 times
Insha’allah Allah will remove this calamity from you.

taken from Tafseer Raheemi

Being Down To Earth & Knowing One's Worth

2010-11-28T00:11:00.002Z

Hazrat Maulana Zakariyya sahib would often say, “Know your worth.” In today’s society, that basically translates to “be down to earth”. Different people have different things to boast about. Some people take pride in worldly gains, cars, money etc and then others take pride in religious gains such as knowledge, worship etc. When a person begins to accumulate things which he considers to be extra ordinary, he convinces himself that he is in fact, extra ordinary. When such thoughts and ideas flow through the veins of a person, he begins to feel that every act he does is pioneering. Such a person is in need of becoming down to earth. His ideas in regards to himself has made his two feet leave the ground and he no longer lives on the same planet as everybody else. He feels that different rules apply to him due to his superiority and as a result of these nasty characteristics, people will look at him as being arrogant, haughty and conceited. The reality is, that is precisely what he has become. Once a person becomes known as arrogant and haughty, it is extremely hard for him break this image and become known as a humble person. On the contrary, a person who is ‘down to earth’, who understands ‘his worth’ and meets with people in such a manner that they see him as equal to themselves despite his superiority in worldly/religious gains; he becomes loved by all.

The great Imam Malik rahimahullah was once questioned by a person who had travelled at great lengths to meet him. Imam Malik rahimahullah responded to his question with the answer, “I do not know the answer to your question.” The man was in shock exclaimed, “What will I tell my people?!” and Imam Malik rahimaullah merely finished the conversation with, “Tell them that Malik has admitted to his ignorance.”

This is the humility of a man who was the Imam of Madinatul Munawwara! Despite his vast array of knowledge and his incredible intellect, he still claimed that he didn’t know anything! This was because he learnt knowledge and that knowledge taught him to become humble. There are others who learn knowledge and then use that knowledge to become arrogant. Just look at Shaytan khabees, he learned knowledge with regards to the elements and with regards to fire and clay; he then used that arrogantly and he became mal’oon (one who is cursed).

Be down to earth and a person will be walking on the footsteps of the pious predecessors of this nation like Imam Malik and on the other side, a person can convince himself that he is something and as a result he will be walking on the same path as Shaytan towards the fire.

May Allah Ta’ala give us all the ability to know our worth and give us the ability to become down to earth. Ameen.

EVENT: CHOSEN SOULS PART 2 - ONE DAY INTENSIVE AT LONDON MET

2010-11-14T22:19:00.001Z

LONDON METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY ISLAMIC SOCIETY PRESENTS:

Chosen Souls - PART 2
Valuable Chapters From Splendid Lives

A Study of Great Islamic Personalities

A deep study of the lives of past scholars who endeavoured to dedicate their lives to piety, righteousness and great worship.

With Sheikh Irfan Sidyot
(Principal & Senior Lecturer of Hadith, Jamia Siraj ul Uloom)

Saturday 27th November 2010
10am - 4pm
London Metropolitan University
Calcutta House,
Old Castle Street,
London, E1 7NT

Lecture Room CM4-05 (4th Floor)
(Further details will be given to participants upon registration)

Closest Tube: Aldgate East

The book, course material and light refreshments will be provided. Tickets can be purchased through the Islamic Society. Tickets can also be registered by e-mailing: calcuttabros@googlemail.com. This event is open to all

TICKETS COST £5, REGISTER TODAY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT. THOSE WHO ATTENDED PART ONE ONLY NEED TO REGISTER, ENTRY WILL BE FREE.

Two South Africans pedal their way to Hajj

2010-11-02T22:42:00.001Z

Taken from Arab News

Two young South Africans have pedaled their way to Saudi Arabia to perform this year’s Haj. Nathim Cairncross, 28, and Imtiyaz Ahmad Haron, 25, both from Cape Town, said on arrival at the Saudi border before reaching Tabuk that they felt happy they were fulfilling their dream of performing Haj. “Pedaling our way to the Kingdom from Cape Town was a grueling experience. We wanted to travel this way so that we are prepared to experience the rigors of performing the pilgrimage,” Cairncross, a town planner by profession, told Arab News over the telephone on Monday night.

Both set out on their journey for the annual pilgrimage on Feb. 7 on their bicycles. They pedaled through Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Turkey, Syria and Jordan before reaching the Saudi border. “This is our first Haj. We could have come for Haj by plane, but it was our cherished desire to travel differently, so we chose to use our bicycles, as cycling is what we both love the most,” Cairncross said.

Both pedaled 80 to 100 km daily and took rest in mosques or tents after dusk and set out again after dawn. “People have been very cooperative and courteous. At every place that we passed through, they welcomed us and were happy to know that we were going for Haj. Food was never a problem as people took delight in offering us the choicest dishes. Of course, it was tiresome to pedal throughout the journey, especially when negotiating mountainous regions,” Cairncross added.

Language was a big problem for both of them. “Once we entered the Arab countries, we decided to pick up Arabic, especially while traveling through Syria and Jordan. This suited us well when we reached the Saudi border where the security officials were very friendly and welcomed and greeted us. They were also happy to know that we have undertaken this arduous journey to fulfill our Haj dream,” Cairncross said. “We came with a very small budget and we found to our delight there were people readily prepared to offer us the local cash and meet our needs.”

Both did not encounter any serious problem on their way through nine countries in the course of their nine-month journey. “All we did was to change tires and tubes, and fix the pedal chain from time to time.

Asked why they chose to ride bicycles, Cairncross said: “This gives us a lot of opportunity to meet and interact with different people in different countries. Additionally, we continued with our Dawa work wherever we stopped for our overnight stays.”

Both Cairncross and Haron are students of Islamic law and have studied Shariah. “I joined a university and completed a course in town planning and am working in the field of construction,” Cairncross said.

Both of them are single and love sports. While Cairncross is interested in wind surfing along beaches and seas, Haron, an economics graduate, excels in kickboxing and mountain climbing.

After the pilgrimage, both propose to return home via West Africa.

The Rights of Your Neighbours

2010-10-26T22:41:00.000+01:00

Taken from Inter Islam

If one wants to live in peace and harmony in his home, he should find a house where there are good neighbours in a safe neighbourhood and decent society.

Allah informed us that neighbours are an important part of society. Without having good neighbours, people can have a difficult and miserable life. Accordingly, Allah Taa'la informed us to look after our neighbours, to care for them, to keep good relationships with them and to ensure that we have good neighbours. In taking care of our neighbours, Allah Taa'la associated them with the categories of parents, relatives, orphans, poor and needy. In Surah An-Nisa, Allah Taa'la says:

“Serve God, and join not any partners with Him, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companions by your side, the way-farer and what your right hand possesses: for God loveth not the arrogant, the vain glorious. ( 4:36 )

In this verse, Allah Taa'la categorised for us three types of neighbours that we should take care of. They are:

1) A relative neighbour

2) A strong fellow neighbour

3) A friend neighbour

All of these neighbours, be they Muslim or non-Muslim, are to be taken care of in the best form and in the best manner.

Our beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam informed us that the best person is the one who is good to his neighbour. It is narrated by Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said:

“The best friend in the sight of Allah is the one who is good to his companions, and the best neighbour in the sight of Allah is the one who is good to his neighbours.” (Tirmizi)

We are living in a rat-race society with very few people who are concerned for others, a society where people are treating one another without due respect, where neighbours don't know one another. Neighbours in the same building may not even know one another . People are scared of one another and the rate of crime has increased tremendously. People may see one another being abused, hurt and even killed but their answer would be, ‘It's not my business to get involved.' They may hear someone screaming for help and no one would respond; everyone will only selfishly think of themselves.

If we wish to reduce the rate of crime in society, then we should establish a neighbourhood where everyone knows one another. We should get together with our neighbours to protect our society, our families and our properties. We should protect our children from drugs, alcohol, rape, adultery and other vices. It is high time that we take the initiative to correct vice in society. There are enough people from the silent majority who would be willing to help and work together to protect society from harm. Neighbourhood watch schemes are a prime example

In a car driven society we tend to drive past our neighbours, parking as close to our houses as possible without taking a moment to greet and talk to our neighbours. Let us help each other and be sociable without contravening Allah's commands. May Allah guide us. Ameen.

EVENT: The Da'wah Conference

2010-09-28T21:44:00.000+01:00

Respect for Islamic Books

2010-09-19T04:14:00.003+01:00

Many of us have Islamic books in our houses and rooms. We find that as we get more interested in Islam, the literature we purchase also increases. However, many of us lack the correct etiquettes on how to behave witch such books and sadly we see them lying around the house, next to the toaster in the kitchen or used as a coaster in the living room.

The reality is that these books are of great importance and deserved of enormous respect due to the writings within them. Often we will find the blessed name of Allah ‘azza wa jal and Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam written inside. Many books have Qur’anic verses and ahadith and thus are books of a venerated nature. The more respect we show these books, the more we will be able to benefit from them. The more disrespect we show them, the less we will gain from them. It does not befit a book of such a stature that it be left next to the toaster in the kitchen, rather it should deserve a place on a accessible, clean shelf. Such books should be handled with care.

The books which are studied in classical madressas usually have the main text in the center of the page and the commentary/footnotes are carefully etched all around the sides of the page. These annotations are sometimes upside down and at angles which are hard to read. Allamah Anwar Shah Kashmiri rahimahullah would have such respect for his books that in order to read these annotations, he would never move the book that was in front of him but rather he would move himself around the book if he wanted to read something which was written upside down. Such respect for his books contributed highly into making him one of the greatest scholars to have ever emanated from the sub continent.

Similar is the case of the king Bahadur Shah Zafar. After his death, somebody saw him in a dream and asked him, “O King! How did you fare in front of Allah Ta’ala?” He said, “Allah Ta’ala forgave me and he was very kind to me.” The person asked, “Is the reason because you were a very just king and ruler?” The king replied, “No, it was because of one incident that Allah Ta’ala liked so much. I was on a journey and I came to a resting place and we stopped there and when I was about to sleep on my bed, I noticed that on the shelf there was a Qur’an and I couldn’t spread my legs towards the Qur’an. I immediately stood up and sat straight. Now I thought that I would move the Qur’an from there and put it somewhere else but I thought no, I should not do that for the sake of my own rest. So, I tried to turn around and slept the other way but I couldn’t sleep. Sometimes I was sitting down; sometimes I was in some other posture until I spent the whole night in a sleepless state because of the respect of the Qur’an. I did not move the Qur’an for my own sake and I couldn’t sleep on the other side. So Allah Ta’ala said to me, “O Zafar! I liked this deed of yours so much that because of that, I am forgiving you.”

Today we consider such things such a trivial matter but when we look at our elders, we see an intense and burning love for books which are of a deeni nature. It is very important to become humble in front of such books. Many of us out of ignorance and disrespect sleep with our feet pointing towards Islamic books. There was a time where sleep in this manner would be unbearable but today, we are happy to place our feet towards deeni books and then sleep like a grizzly bear with full on snoring.

Similar is the case of sleeping in a high position whilst the books are lower than the feet of a person. It should not be the case that a person sleeps on such a high bedding that there are books on his shelf/desktop etc which are lower than his feet. If possible, he should lower his bed so that he is closer towards the floor and if he cannot do this, then he should look to sleep in another room. If that is really hard then he should ensure that the books are kept in another place where they will not be disrespected.

The following bullet points will inshallah be of benefit:

Keep your Islamic books in high, dust-free shelves.
Keep them nicely arranged starting with Qur'anic related books, Hadith related books then Fiqh related books and so on.
Keep them in good condition.
Do not use them for any other purpose other than what they are meant for. No 'coaster-ing!'
Do not keep them in places which denote disgrace, i.e. below the feet.
Do not point your feet towards Islamic books when you sleep.
Hold the Islamic books with your right hand as this is the hand of respect.
Try to maintain wudhu when reading such books. Although it is not necessary, it will be better and respectful. (Note: it is compulsory for one to have wudhu before physically handling the Qur'an)
When you are carrying a book, carry it above your waist.
Use nice bags when carrying Islamic books, not just a ripped Tesco bag!
If one has many books and shelves in proportion to them, then make sure the room in which they are kept is clean and fragranced well.

Finally, I finish on a statement that our teachers would tell us, "Whomsoever acquired anything in this world did so by respect (adab). And whomsoever lost something in this world did so because of (a lack of) respect."

May Allah Ta'ala give us the ability to revere everything which is deserved of respect. Ameen.

Infatuation in Islam (Part 2) - Curing the Problem

2010-09-14T03:12:00.005+01:00

The topic of infatuation is a very strange matter. I have already highlighted the problem and the illness which branch out from this feeling (this article can be read by clicking here). Sometimes, the hardest obstacle to overcome is the mind. When the mind has conceded that the body has a problem, man has already lost half the battle. Janan Begum rahmatullahi alayha was a great poet, her husband died at quite a young age and she led the rest of her life as a widow. She never forgot her beloved and was always in his remembrance. About infatuation she once wrote,

“How can a lover conceal his infatuation from the eyes of people,
when both of his eyes are bleeding to disclose his secret love.”

When the mind has conceded that it has been taken over by the remembrance of the beloved, it is really hard to break this train of thought. It requires a person to dig deep inside of himself and strengthen his resolve. I have decided to counter the illnesses that I wrote towards the end of the last article; then wherever necessary, I will add whatever else needs to be mentioned inshallah.

Strengthening one’s resolve

For any difficult goal to be achieved, a person needs to have determination.

Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam said, “Actions are by intentions, and for every man is what he intended.” A person will go as far as his intention; if his intention was one of huge determination, then he will continue to reach the goal despite facing various hardships along the way. On the contrary, if a person’s intention was weak, his determination and resolve will crumble at the first hardship faced in reaching his goal. As a result, he will be left unsuccessful and will continue to try finding new ways of attaining his intended target. The reality is, when battling diseases of the mind and heart, nothing is easy. There is no shortcut, there is no side road which a person can use during testing times, rather everything is done by clenching the fists and getting on with the job. They key principle is, “Never lose courage”. Always keep on going even if it feels a mountain trek in the beginning. Sooner or later, the tawajjuh (attention) of Allah Ta’ala falls upon His slave which results in mass progress. In our context, this means that a person should immediately slap himself (not literally) and leave the thoughts surround the desired one. During times of frustration, such strong feelings may come back but a person should not feel hopelessness, rather he should pick himself up and try again. The resolve should be such that a person feels inside of his heart, “Even if I die, I am going to get this khabees out of my mind and heart!” Such strong resolve is loved by Allah Ta’ala who in turn sees the mujjahadah (effort and struggle) of His slave. Consequently, Allah Ta’ala gives the slave the ability to fulfil his task.

Remedies to the illness mentioned in the previous article:

Constantly being self conscious – The remedy to this is to avoid trying to look good. One who is suffering from this ailment should wake up and roll out of his house without over elaborating his looks. This doesn’t mean he goes to college, university, work with a creased up khurta pyjama! Rather, he wears whatever he finds in his hand. He should not think to himself, “I am going to wear a dark colour because it makes me look mysterious!” The main objective here is not to make much of an effort, after continuously doing this he will not care whether he looks ugly or not as he has nobody to impress. Thus, by not impressing the beloved, he begins decrease in love and concentration for her.

Feeling of being unattractive if ignored – feeling unattractive can be from the Mercy of Allah Ta’ala especially in our day and age. Sometimes when people know that they are appealing to the other gender, they tend to go by the proverb, “If you’ve got it, then flaunt it!” and thus a person will wear his/her clothing in a manipulative way. When a person feels unattractive, it can prevent him into going into illicit relationships. His esteem is fragile with regards to interacting with the opposite sex and before he even begins to be flirtatious, he will remind himself, “Yaar..you are the ugly duckling, why would a girl of her calibre be interested in you?!” As a result, this mindset will overpower the want of doing haraam. When a person starts feeling unattractive due to being ignored, he should constantly remind himself, “This person is not my spouse and my beauty will only be for her. What difference does it make to me if this person doesn’t think I am attractive, it is not like I am going to spend the rest of my life with them.” Thus when a person doesn’t receive the attention he was hoping for, he should not feel lowly but should rather pass it off and feel that the only opinion worthy of his time is that of the one he will marry and remain with.

Depression – Depression often stems from loneliness and isolation. Depression feeds on the frailties of the mind and the weaknesses of the heart. As a result, a person finds solitude only in his sorrow. It is a vicious circle which revolves around anguish. It is important to spend as much time with good friends, going out and playing football and having a general laugh. If a person finds that he is constantly falling into sorrow and his eyes are burning with tears, he should do things which cheer him up even if it means forcing oneself. Sometimes, a person finds such happiness in his friends, our friends are always people we look to and smile with. It is important to be with them. Another way is to spend time in dua’a, speaking to Allah Ta’ala about your problems. Explain the contents of your heart by telling Allah Ta’ala the story from the beginning to the end. He hears and understands everything, even the whispers of the heart. Reading Qur’an and Islamic literature can also prove to be beneficial.

Sleepless nights – please read the article Goodnight, Sleep Tight.

Unstable thoughts – These thoughts are from Shaytaan. Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam has given us the remedy for such thoughts. We must say Ta’wuz (A’uzu billahi min ash shaytaanir rajeem) and then change our thoughts. This can be done best by engaging in zikr. Let a person constantly say “Astagfirullah” (O Allah! Forgive me). One should also reflect on his selfishness which is being portrayed by his desire to cause unrest in the lives of others. More details can be read by viewing the following article: Origins of Evil Thoughts

Mood Swings - This is perhaps one of the hardest ailments to get rid off due to the unpredictable nature of a person. Imam Shafi’ rahimahullah would write, “The heart is only called the heart because of its rapid change.” Different things that happen in our life change us. Sometimes this is caused due to factors within our control (such as our own actions) and at other times these changes are caused by factors which are outside of our control (such as actions of others or environmental changes). As mentioned in the other post, sometimes the attention of the beloved can send one into ecstasy and likewise a cold look can send one into deep sorrow. The best way to avoid these mood swings is to avoid the beloved altogether. Some people are such that even though they are not in contact with their desired one, they will speak to those who are in an attempt to find out any news about their life. The best thing to do at this juncture is to ignore and leave everything connected to the person at hand. However, it is also important to try one’s best to leave those things which make a person angry, sad or frustrated. These feelings are such that they provoke the feelings of want and miss. A person then goes into a frenzy and due to missing and wanting the beloved, the mood swings occur. When a person feels he is going into a strop, then he must try his best to avoid the people who are dear to him, in such instances, a person can cause damage to the hearts of others and then regret it later. The bottom line here is, one needs to be patient and slowly over time, these mood swings will occur less. When one is frustrated and then begins to miss the beloved, it is important to busy the mind with something else...go play a nice golf game on Playstation.

Anger – Anger is such a thing which can emanate from mood swings. My respected ustaadh Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Sahib once mentioned,

غصہ کا آنا برا نہيں – غصہ کو لانا اور غصہ نکالنا برا ہے
“The coming of anger is not a bad thing... bringing anger (by force) and then taking it out (on others) is bad”

He then continued, “Anger is sometimes good. Allah Ta’ala gave it to us so we can protect ourselves otherwise we wouldn’t care about what happened to us or our families. So as long as a person is late in getting angry and quick in returning to his normal state he is fine. Also, as long as his anger is not for personal and worldly matters then it and it is for deen, then he is fine too. Remember, “sorry” is the hardest word to say but we should not hesitate to say it when we realise our mistake.”

The advice to a person who is angry is mentioned in the hadith, he should recite Ta’wuz and then do wudhu to cool himself down. If he is standing up then he should sit down and if he is sitting down he should lie down. It is also useful to take deep breaths and blow the matter off. Sometimes, we get annoyed by little things but the main reason of our anger is our infatuation. Then when someone asks, “What is the matter?” we mention the little thing because we are too ashamed to say, “I am more infatuated then Majnoo was on Laila.” Just the way we consider it to be shameful and pitiful when asked about our anger, we should also consider this infatuation to be something lowly and not worthy of getting angry over when we are in a state of calmness. Let’s not blow things out of proportion, that’s one of the greatest crimes a person can do. Though this infatuation maybe something big in your life, nobody other than yourself really cares about it. By constantly remembering this, a person will be able to take a huge weight off of his shoulder and turn it into a feather.

Loss of appetite – Sometimes this can be a great ni’mat of Allah Ta’ala, especially when a person is a bit podgy and has a Krispy Kreme doughnut addiction. The main thing over here is not to starve oneself to the brink of exhaustion but to take healthy amounts of food. Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam would eat moderately himself so this is not a bad thing. However, sometimes we hear stories of sisters who become anorexic due to this and refuse to eat. This is not right, Allah Ta’ala has given the body to insaan (mankind) as an amanat (trust). If our friends were to give us a fragile diamond necklace, we would take care of it and polish it every day so that it returns to its rightful owner in a good state. In the same way, we have to look after our body and condition it well so that when we give our body back to Allah Ta’ala, it is not in a bad condition. It being in a bad state reflect the ingratitude of a person. If a person is really struggling, then he/she should try to eat many khujoor (dates) and drink water in abundance too. Inshallah there will be great barkat in this.

Remedies to spiritual ailments:

Laziness in worship – In such a situation, a person has to force himself onto the prayer mat and pray. He has to constantly make the dua, “O Allah Ta’ala, whether I want to or not, pull me by my forehead onto the prayer mat. O Allah, whether I want to or not, pull me towards the Qur’an and make me read it. O Allah, whether I want to worship You or not, make Your worship compelling upon me.” It is also good to find some pious friends and build up a relationship with the mosque. The more a person goes to the mosque for prayers with congregation, the more he builds up an attachment to the house of Allah Ta’ala and the Qur’an itself mentions that such prayer stops a believer from indulging in immoral activities. If a person has a pious, best friend, it is important for him to trust his friend and explain his situation. By seeking his help, he will have someone to help him who is not blinded by love or by the constant natter of shaytaan with regards to the beloved. When a person is infatuated, his eyes are hazed but a person who is not infatuated will see a situation for what it really is; in effect he will be able to come to the right decisions and provide the right help inshallah.

Increase in disobedience – this is similar to laziness in worship however a person may embark on all sorts of immoral activities if this state comes over a person. It is important to force oneself into the company of the pious or the people of the household. Sometimes, a person only gets into bad things because the people around him are behaving in the manner of shayaateen. If a person can stay away from such people, it would be good for him. I once wrote a poem about this:

If a raindrop falls into the ocean, it is catergorised as part of the ocean,
When insaan falls into bad company, then insaan surely becomes known as bad company.
All the negative attributes that you gain thereafter, will cover you like a coat,
Duplicity, audacity and insolence is what your name will be known to connote.
So save yourselves from this complete and utter foppery,
For it is better to be alone than to have evil company.

Staying away from bad company means staying away from drugs, alcohol etc. Staying in good company means staying in the masjid.

Heavy heart – if a person finds that he has a heavy heart then he should make lots of zikr. Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’an, “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find peace.” It is easy to zikr, a person can say laa ilaha illallah and astagfirullah whilst walking. The greatest remembrance is the Qur’an. The more a person reads it, the more its nur (light) enters his heart and destroys the darkness which surrounds it. Also, a person should be punctual on his prayers and try to increase his nafli (extra) worship. Tahajjud is something that can draw a person closer to Allah Ta’ala. Once this closeness is found, a person should make dua from the bottom of his heart and cry profusely. If a person cannot cry, then he should make the face of a person who is crying and be in anguish. By enjoying a good old sob, the heart feels light and happy.

Change in personality – it is always important to read about the characteristics of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam. He is our role model and his nature was sublime. His conduct was impeccable and he has set for us a shining example. When a person’s characteristics become so foul, it is best to look towards the characteristics of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam. Purchase books such as Shamail Tirmizi which is available widely with commentary Khasail Nabawi or the Sublime Conduct of Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam. A person should also look to get Bay’ah with a Sheikh who can then guide him on the path to perfection. For more information on this, please read the book “Path to Perfection” which has been compiled by Maulana Maseehullah Khan sahib rahimahullah.

Loss of trust in Allah Ta’ala – This is one of the greatest sins a person can do. When a person gets to such a state he should immediately seek repentance, do ta’wuz and slap himself (literally this time). It is important to wake up and smell the coffee. Just because a person does not get his desired object does not give him the right to lose trust in Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala mentions, “It could be that you like something which is bad for you and that you dislike something which is good for you but Allah knows best and you do not.” The reality is, Allah may have better things in store for us which are far greater and virtuous but what He needs from our side is patience and reliance upon Him. Allah Ta’ala is not out to hurt the believers, He is our Friend and Guardian. Never will there be such a day where Allah Ta’ala turns His Countenance away from us and leaves us in despair. This will only happen if we turn our backs on Allah Ta’ala. May Allah Ta’ala protect us from the fitnah of ourselves and never let us be in charge of our own selves for the blink of an eye. Ameen

The ailments are many and the remedies are many. The above is just a feeble attempt to help those whose hearts may be in peril. If there are others who know of methods and solutions that are far more beneficial, then it is my humble request to be shown towards a better advice.

May Allah Ta’ala guard the gates of our heart and fill our hearts only with the love of Allah Ta’ala, His Rasul salallahu alayhi wa salam and those who it is permissible for us to cherish. May He, out of His Benevolence and Kindness help all those who are mystified by this ailment. Ameen.

Ramadhan Break

2010-08-16T15:20:00.007+01:00

Assalamu Alaykum,

We are taking a break during this blessed month in order to engage in our own worship respectively. Therefore we shall not be writing any articles as such during this month unless one of our authors feel an itch in their fingers. There are some nice talks and videos for you to listen to from our respected and beloved Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim sahib. Please click on the banner above to be directed towards them. May Allah 'azza wa jal reward you all. Ameen.

EXCLUSIVE: Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim - I'tikaf 2009 CD - Buy Now

2010-07-26T23:18:00.004+01:00

Alhamdulillah by the grace of Allah Ta'ala, exclusive to Jamal ul Iman is the sale of Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Sahib's I'tikaf programme 2009. During the last 10 days of Ramadhan, Hazrat Maulana lit up Masjid e Quba (Cazenove Road) with his passionate and enthralling Tafaseer & Islahi lectures. People from all over London would come just to listen to Hazrat. The CD is now available for purchase at the cheap price of only £10. If you would like to purchase a copy or make an enquiry, please email jamaluliman@hotmail.co.uk and we will take it from there!

Please note: SOLD OUT!

CD1 - English Tafseer

Track 1 - Day 1 – Surah Ahzab, Surah Saba, Surah Fatir
Track 2 - Day 2 – Surah Yasin, Saaffat, Surah Saad
Tract 3 - Day 3 – Surah Zumar, Surah Ghafir, Surah Haa Meem Sajdah
Track 4- Day 4 – Surah Ash Shura, Surah Zukhruf, Surah Dukhan, Surah Jathiyya
Track 5 - Day 5 – Surah Ahqaaf, Surah Muhamad, Surah Fath, Surah Hujuraat, Surah Qaaf
Track 6 - Day 6 – Surah Dhariyaat, Surah Tur, Surah Qamar, Surah Najm, Surah Rahman, Surah Waqiah, Surah Hadeed
Track 7 - Day 7 – Surah Mujadalah, Surah Hashr, Surah Mumtahanah, Surah Jummuah, Surah Munafiqun, Surah Taghabun
Track 8 - Day 8 – 29th Juz
Track 9 - Day 9 – Qur’an Khatam

CD 2 - Urdu Bayaan

Track 1 - Day 1 – Ramadhan ki fazeelat
Track 2 - Day 2 – Durud Sharif ki fazeelat aur ita’at e rasul salallahu alayhi wa salam
Track 3 - Day 3 – Qur’an parne ki fazeelat
Track 4 - Day 4 – Da’wat ki wazaahat
Track 5 - Day 5 – Dua ki ehmiyat
Track 6 - Day 6 – Dua ka tareeqa aur masnoon dua’ayein
Track 7 - Day 7 – Surah Shams ki tafseer
Track 8 - Day 8 – Mashaikh ki suhbat
Track 9 - Day 9 – Saadiqeen ke saat raho
Track 10 - Day 10 – Aakhri naseehat

CD 2 - Specials

Track 11 - Etiquettes of I’tikaf
Track 12 - Jummuah Bayaan – Jummuah ki fazeelat
Track 13 - Bayaan for Women 1 (English)
Track 14 - Bayaan for Women 2 (Urdu)
Track 15 - Bayaan for Women 3 (English)
Track 16 - Dhikr Majlis Reasoning
Track 17 - Jummuah Khutba (Arabic)
Track 18 - Special Programme for Ulama
Track 19 - Special Q&A for the Youth
Track 20 - Naat – Abd e Bekar – Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Sahib (DB)
Track 21 - Naat – Dil badal dei - Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Sahib (DB)
Track 22 - Naat – Ma’bood Haqeeqi - Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Sahib (DB)
Track 23 - Naat – Jee chata hai – Rajeshtani Scholar
Track 24 - Naat – Zikr – Rajeshtani Scholar

Important Advice for Sisters Attending Uni & The Niqab

2010-07-25T11:21:00.003+01:00

Here are two extremely important answers given by most beloved and dear Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim sahib with regards to the status of Niqab in Islam and the wearing of it in university.

Tafseer Raheemi

Question 1:
Assalamu-alaikum. A teacher of mine is of the opinion that veil/niqaab is optional. He says: this is to cater for those women who want to adopt such professional fields which may involve relating with others e.g. Doctors, dentists a business woman etc hence it is optional. As a result the vast majority of people here do not where veil. Furthermore, whenever i would attempt to speak on the issue of veil and its obligation , i am often attacked with comments such as : you are being fanatical or that is not within hanafi teachings and the face is no part of the awrah . Can you please comment on this?

Answer:

The veil is indeed obligatory in Islam. There is no doubt about it. A verse was revealed about it:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُلْ لِأَزْوَاجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَاءِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلَابِيبِهِنَّ ذَلِكَ أَدْنَى أَنْ يُعْرَفْنَ فَلَا يُؤْذَيْنَ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَحِيمًا 59
O Prophet! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks round them. That will be better, so that they may be recognised and not annoyed. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.

The event behind this revelation was when Umar Radhiyallahu Anhu requested the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam to order women to wear the veil. This hadith is in Bukhari:

عَنْ عَائِشَةَ أَنَّ أَزْوَاجَ النَّبِىِّ – صلى الله عليه وسلم – كُنَّ يَخْرُجْنَ بِاللَّيْلِ إِذَا تَبَرَّزْنَ إِلَى الْمَنَاصِعِ – وَهُوَ صَعِيدٌ أَفْيَحُ – فَكَانَ عُمَرُ يَقُولُ لِلنَّبِىِّ – صلى الله عليه وسلم – احْجُبْ نِسَاءَكَ . فَلَمْ يَكُنْ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ – صلى الله عليه وسلم – يَفْعَلُ ، فَخَرَجَتْ سَوْدَةُ بِنْتُ زَمْعَةَ زَوْجُ النَّبِىِّ – صلى الله عليه وسلم – لَيْلَةً مِنَ اللَّيَالِى عِشَاءً ، وَكَانَتِ امْرَأَةً طَوِيلَةً ، فَنَادَاهَا عُمَرُ أَلاَ قَدْ عَرَفْنَاكِ يَا سَوْدَةُ . حِرْصًا عَلَى أَنْ يَنْزِلَ الْحِجَابُ ، فَأَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ آيَةَ الْحِجَابِ بخارى – كتاب الوضوء – باب خُرُوجِ النِّسَاءِ إِلَى الْبَرَازِ – حديث 146 – ص 26 ج1 – قديمى كتب خانه

Likewise, there are other verses of the Quran and ahadeeth which show that the veil was to be worn and that all the Sahabiyyaat practised upon it: The women wore it and the men encouraged it. And this practice has been adopted from Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam’s era through the centuries until this age. Therefore, this is also classed under Ijmaa’ (the type of evidence where something has been agreed upon by all the learned people).

Even if a command is not given in the Quran, we must still act upon it because Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam has commanded so, and Allah has instructed us to obey His messenger’s every command:

قُلْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ آل عمران:31
Say, (O Muhammad, to mankind): If ye love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

وَمَا آَتَاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانْتَهُوا وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ الحشر:7
And whatsoever the messenger giveth you, take it. And whatsoever he forbiddeth, abstain (from it). And keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is stern in reprisal.

وَحَدَّثَنَا نَصْرُ بْنُ عَلِىٍّ الْجَهْضَمِىُّ وَإِسْحَاقُ بْنُ مُوسَى الأَنْصَارِىُّ قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا مَعْنٌ عَنْ مَالِكٍ عَنْ يَحْيَى بْنِ سَعِيدٍ عَنْ عَمْرَةَ عَنْ عَائِشَةَ قَالَتْ إِنْ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ -صلى الله عليه وسلم- لَيُصَلِّى الصُّبْحَ فَيَنْصَرِفُ النِّسَاءُ مُتَلَفِّعَاتٍ بِمُرُوطِهِنَّ مَا يُعْرَفْنَ مِنَ الْغَلَسِ. وَقَالَ الأَنْصَارِىُّ فِى رِوَايَتِهِ مُتَلَفِّفَاتٍ. (مسلم – كتاب المساجد – باب اسْتِحْبَابِ التَّبْكِيرِ بِالصُّبْحِ فِى أَوَّلِ وَقْتِهَا وَهُوَ التَّغْلِيسُ وَبَيَانِ قَدْرِ الْقِرَاءَةِ فِيهَا – حديث 1491)
المتلفعات : مستترات الوجوه والأبدان
المروط : جمع المرط وهو الكساء من صوف وغيره

To say ‘that is not within hanafi teachings’ and other similar comments, disproving what Islam has said is totally wrong. One needs to be very careful in these matters, particularly when refuting what has been said in the Quran as this could lead to one losing his faith in Allah. It is important for us to remain steadfast on deen and endeavour to have faith like that of the Sahabah, who would say:

سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا البقرة:285
We hear, and we obey.

With regards to the face, it is not considered part of the ‘awrah. This is due to the mas’alah of salah, as she is allowed to keep her face and hands up to the wrists open during salah. The rest of her body is awrah and thus if any part of it is exposed the salah will be void.

But this does not mean that it is lawful to expose it in front of non-mahram males. To put it in an easier perspective, according to the laws of our countries the two main private parts and breasts for women are considered to be part of the ‘awrah. But you don’t see women going to work or other public places in a bikini on a daily basis. It is still considered inappropriate and most women would still feel ashamed to expose themselves that much. The reason why the face must be covered is that it is the most handsome and attractive part of the body and as such revealing it could lead to temptation, resulting in adultery.

( وَتُمْنَعُ ) الْمَرْأَةُ الشَّابَّةُ ( مِنْ كَشْفِ الْوَجْهِ بَيْنَ رِجَالٍ ) لَا لِأَنَّهُ عَوْرَةٌ بَلْ ( لِخَوْفِ الْفِتْنَةِ ) كَمَسِّهِ وَإِنْ أَمِنَ الشَّهْوَةَ لِأَنَّهُ أَغْلَظُ (الدر المختار)
الشَّرْحُ
قَوْلُهُ وَتُمْنَعُ الْمَرْأَةُ إلَخْ ) أَيْ تُنْهَى عَنْهُ وَإِنْ لَمْ يَكُنْ عَوْرَةً ( قَوْلُهُ بَلْ لِخَوْفِ الْفِتْنَةِ ) أَيْ الْفُجُورِ بِهَا قَامُوسٌ أَوْ الشَّهْوَةِ ).
وَالْمَعْنَى تُمْنَعُ مِنْ الْكَشْفِ لِخَوْفِ أَنْ يَرَى الرِّجَالُ وَجْهَهَا فَتَقَعُ الْفِتْنَةُ لِأَنَّهُ مَعَ الْكَشْفِ قَدْ يَقَعُ النَّظَرُ إلَيْهَا بِشَهْوَةٍ رد المحتار

Question 2:
Can you shed some light on the need for our Muslim sisters to go more into the field of higher education in universities, to have Muslim women doctors, midwives, dentists and teachers in all subjects?

Answer:
Jazakallah for your detailed question which I have summarised. Please bear in mind that a lady is a wife and mother first and everything else second. Today we need good wives and mothers who care for their husbands and children fully and reap the rewards from Allah.

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam once saw some ladies approaching with children. He said:

حَامِلاَتٌ وَالِدَاتٌ رَحِيمَاتٌ لَوْلاَ مَا يَأْتِينَ إِلَى أَزْوَاجِهِنَّ دَخَلَ مُصَلِّيَاتُهُنَّ الْجَنَّةَ ابن ماجه ،كتاب النكاح، باب فِى الْمَرْأَةِ تُؤْذِى زَوْجَهَا، ص١٤٥، قديمى كتب خانه
“These ladies bear the child, give birth, then have mercy upon the children. If it was not for what they do to their husbands, they would definitely enter Jannah.”

In another hadith he, Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said:

المرأة إذا صلت خمسها وصامت شهرها وأحصنت فرجها وأطاعت زوجها فلتدخل من أي أبواب الجنة شاءت حلية الاولياء ، الربيع بن صبيح ، ص٣٠٨ ج٦
“When a woman prays five times a day, fasts through the month of Ramadhan, is obedient to her husband and protects her modesty, then she may enter Jannah from whichever gate she wishes.”

Her kingdom is in her house. She should be provided with her basic needs and taken good care of. This is what Shari’ah teaches us. She should never be forced to earn livelihood or be put in a position where she has to do so.

Now, going into a professional field is of personal interest. Whoever wants to pursue a particular career will definitely do so. We would never discourage any individual from entering the field of her interest. There have been professional ladies in the past, they are available today and they will remain in the future.

What we do need to encourage is for them to study while guarding their modesty. There are limits to everything. They should study while holding onto those limits. Alhamdulillah many young women are doing this.

I once went to the University of Toronto, where I saw many girls in their hijab come to the prayer facilities, perform salah, do their Iftar and go back to the lessons.

Once, a girl who was punctual of her niqab sent in a question. Her superiors were extremely kind. They let her wear the niqab while studying medicine. She was a very bright student. When the time came to go on hospital rounds, the professor called her in office and explained, “I don’t mind you wearing niqab. However, all patients are not the same and some may cringe at seeing you in the niqab, so you should consider your position.” She was reluctant from removing the niqab as she had never opened her face in front of a non mahram.

After some consultation with my colleagues, I gave the answer that, when on hospital rounds, she should remove her black niqab and put on a facial mask. This way, her face will be covered and the patients won’t feel bad either.

The conclusion is that ladies should pursue with the course of their interest and stay within the limits. If unable to cover the face with niqab, they should at least avoid heavy make-up and avoid revealing parts of the body and hugging the opposite gender or any other kind of intimate contact with male students.

Aalimiyya at Jamia Siraj ul Uloom - Enrol Now

2010-07-22T22:20:00.002+01:00

2010-07-19T13:48:00.002+01:00

Jamia Siraj ul Uloom Annual Jalsah 2010

Dars e Hadith:

First Lesson of Sahih al Bukhari

Guest Speakers:

Hazrat Mufti Saeed Ahmad Palanpuri Sahib Damat Barakatuhum
(Sheikhul Hadith Darul Uloom Deoband)

Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Sahib Damat Barakatuhum
(Senior Lecturer of Hadith, Darul Uloom Al Arabiyya Al Islamiyya, Bury)

Also, Student Qiraat, Bayaan, Naat, Nasheed

Food will be served after the event inshallah.

Jamia Siraj ul Uloom, 30-36 Lindley Road, Leyton, London, E10 6QT.

020 8539 5183 - www.jamia.co.uk

Explanation of the 12 Imams Hadith

2010-07-16T23:01:00.002+01:00

Question:
Jazakallah for the post, plz brother can u answer a very important question i have, do sunni's believe in the 12 imams? from what i know there is a hadith on that on the net but im not sure if we should believe in it or not...

Answer:
Assalamu Alaykum dear reader,

You have asked a very good question. The Hadith you have mentioned with regards to the Twelve Imams does exist. It is a Hadith which is agreed upon and Ahadith upon this particular topic are also recorded in both Bukhari & Muslim.

و عن جابر بن سمرة رضى الله عنه قال سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم يقول لا يزال الإسلام عزيزا إلى اثني عشر خليفة كلهم من قريش (متفق عليه – مشكوة المصابيح - باب مناقب قريش و ذكر القبائل

It is reported by Hazrat Jabir ibn Samurah radiallahu anhu, he states that he heard Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam saying, “The strength of Islam will not diminish until (after) the (emergence) of the Twelve Imams. They all will be from the Quraish.”

I have compiled for you the explanation of this Hadith from Mirqaatul Mafateeh, Sharh at Teebi and Mazaahirul Haqq. However, it is important to know that the article at hand is one which delves deep into the interpretation and explanation of Hadith. The simple answer to your question would be, “Yes, we do believe in the Twelve Imams but not as the Shi’ah do.” However, this answer in itself is one which is far too casual and requires much more commentary.

The reality of this issue is that there are many opinions in relation to its actual meaning and the Ulama have shown their reservation for it. It is evident that the summarised meaning of this hadith is, “After Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam, Twelve Imams will consecutively emerge in whose generation Islam will prosper and gain strength. Due to their existence (in society) Islam will regain its grandeur (magnificence) and power. And this is not to say that those leaders will be firm and obedient on Deen but rather it is to say that their leadership will be one of justice and fairness in matters of authority (i.e. they may be sinful in terms of obedience but in terms of their leadership, they are create fairness in society).”

However, whatever has presented itself so far in history has not bore testament to this. Through the establishing of Khilafat by Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam, Bani Marwaan (this is the name of a tribe) can claim success to the various leaders they produced. They had leaders who lived their lives in such a manner which did not conform to the principles of Deen. In fact, the believers were troubled hugely by their oppressive rule. There is also an authentic Hadith in which Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam has stated, “After me, the manner of a (proper) Khilafat will be established for thirty three years. After this, leadership will be based upon transgression and disobedience.” It is the agreed opinion of all the Ulama that after Khilaafatur Raashidah (which ended thirty three years after the death of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam), the manner of leadership which was undertaken would not be called a Khilaafat but rather it would be called a monarchy or general leadership. And it is due to this that Ulama have interpreted the hadith in different ways. From amongst those opinions is:

1. The term “Twelve Imams” is in reference to those Khulafa (Muslim Leaders) who came after Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam in whose reign the appearance of the Muslims, their transactions, their looking after and their benefits were strengthened. The state of the Muslims was fortified despite some of the leaders being sinful, unfair and unjust. The emergence of this frightful state and detriment came during the leadership of Waleed ibn Yazeed ibn Abdul Malik ibn Marwan. He was the twelfth from the Imams (i.e. the Khulafa who succeeded Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam starting with Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu). He came in to power when his uncle Hisham ibn Abdul Malik passed away. In the beginning of his reign, people were united in supporting Waleed ibn Yazeed and this lasted for four years. However, after four years there was an uprising amongst the people and as a result, Waleed ibn Yazeed was killed. Since that day, Fitnah and Fasad (trials and tribulation) have increased and the firm leadership that was once enjoyed has weakened immensely (there has not been such a strong Khilafat since then.) This opinion has been attributed to Qazi Iyaaz Maliki rahimahullah and Hafiz ibn Hajar Asqalani rahimahullah has also inclined to this explanation. He said, “Out of all the explanations and opinions given in relation to this matter, this opinion (of Qazi Iyaaz) is the most acceptable and most preferred.”

2. The second opinion is that the term “Khalifah” has come for those leaders who are fair, impartial but also pious and righteous. They will be called “Khalifah” due to their praiseworthy nature and they will be people who will erect governments. It can also be said that meaning of this Hadith is not that they will appear one after the other consecutively but rather, they will each come at different times. The point of this Hadith was only to highlight their number, not their order in arrival. It is possible that the Twelve will come any time before Qiyamat. Hazrat Imam Turpushti rahimahullah has said that this opinion is better and more acceptable in light of the Ahadith and explanations given.

3. The third opinion is that that these Twelve Imams are those leaders who will erect their leadership after the time of Imam Mahdi alayhis salam. Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam had said whilst talking about the future, “In the final era, those who have correlating lineage with the Quraish will enjoy such peace under the leadership of Twelve individuals (from them) that the Deen will be elevated and Islam will become magnificent.” In another hadith it is related that ‘After the passing away of Imam Mahdi alayhis salam, five individuals will become leaders one after the other. They will be from the offspring of Imam Hassan radiallahu anhu and after they pass, the leadership will come to five individuals from the offspring of Imam Hussain radiallahu anhu. Then the fifth individual from the offspring of Hazrat Hussain radiallahu anhu will give the leadership back to one of the offspring of Hazrat Hassan radiallahu anhu (again). In this manner, the number of Khulafa will reach eleven (one short of the number mentioned in the Hadith). Then, when the eleventh leader has fulfilled his reign as the Khalifah and passed away, his son will be appointed as Khalifah thus completing the number of Imams prophesised by Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam. Each one of these Twelve will be just, pious and spiritual leaders by whose justice, popularity and righteousness Islam will gain enormous respect, power and magnificence.’ If this hadith is considered to be authentic, then this explanation will be considered to be a better explanation of the hadith. In another hadith reported by Hazrat ibn Abbas radiallahu anhuma about the characteristics and beauty of Imam Mahdi alayhis salam, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam also stated, “Allah Ta’ala will remove every sadness and distress by his (Imam Mahdi alayhis salam) presence. By him, every door of evil and transgression will be closed. After his era, the leadership will come into the hands of those Twelve individuals who will come one after the other and they will look after the leadership for 150 years.”

4. The fourth opinion is that the Twelve Leaders will be present in one era but in different areas where different people will follow them in different ways. This opinions is strengthened by the Hadith in which Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam said, “That time will soon come after me when there will be many leaders.” The point wanting to be made by Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam is that new trials, disagreements and fights will break out to such an extent that it will result in twelve different leaders emerging in different places (during the same era) and each one will make a claim for leadership. The meaning of the Hadith in discussion could possibly mean be that things will be at peace until the era of these Twelve (scattered) leaders. The Muslims will remain impressively united, organise, fortified, strong and will have much respect however, when the Twelve Imams will appear (all in one era), fights, disagreements, trials and tribulations will spread and the Muslims will become disunited and divided.

The Shi’iah have explained this hadith to mean that the leadership will fall upon the Ahlul Bayt (the Members of the House of Rasulullah alayhimus salatu wat tasleem). Some of these leaders were such that even though they were in reality deserved of being the Khalifah, they were not able to due to some occurrence. According to the Shi’ah the Twelve Imams are: Hazrat Ali, Hazrat Hassan, Hazrat Hussain radiallahu anhum, Hazrat Zaidul Aabideen, Hazrat Muhammad Baaqir, Hazrat Ja’far Sadiq, Hazrat Musa Kaazim, Hazrat Ali Raza, Hazrat Muhammad Naqee, Hazrat Ali Naqee, Hazrat Hussain Askaree and lastly, Hazrat Muhammad Mahdi.

Lastly, I would urge you not to search the internet with matters regarding your faith. Do go to your local scholar in your local Masjid.

And Allah Ta’ala knows best.

Long Hair - Part 7

2010-07-11T01:26:00.004+01:00

It only takes a glance out of the window to notice that different people like different hairstyles. Sometimes these hairstyles are influenced by role models, celebrities, fashion or friends etc. The bottom line however is that many people consider their hair to be of great importance and rightly so. A Muslim endeavours to look handsome, clean and distinguished (from other trends) in his appearance. The hair for many is part of their beauty. However, even within these hairstyles Islam has set the boundary.

First and foremost, haircuts which are against the Sunnah method and against what Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam has advised are forbidden. Many youth are involved with many different ways to style their hair. Some have their hair wedged in different directions, others have short back and sides etc. The styles vary but from the narrations found in the ahadith it is found that such hairstyles are forbidden. Though it may confirm with modern fashion, styling the hair in such ways gives a person a dishevelled, untidy outlook Islamically. Thus we should abstain from the various haircuts we see donned by sports stars and celebrities. Rather, we should look towards the hair style of our beloved Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam who was the most handsomest of men and he has left for us the most beautiful and elegant of dress codes. Hazrat Maulana Zakariyya rahimahullah summarises the hairstyle of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam in a short passage in his famous commentary, Khasail e Nabawi. He says,

“There are many narrations on the length of the hair of Sayyidina Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam as has been mentioned before. There is no contradiction as the hair is the thing that grows. If at one time his hair reached the lobes of the ears, then another time it was longer. It also has been proved that Sayyidina Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam shaved the hair of his head several times. A person who relates about his mubarak hair at an earlier time states he had short hair. The one that relates it at a time later than that, states he had longer hair. Some of the ulama have concluded that the mubarak hair of Sayyidina Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam, above the forehead used to reach till half his ears, and the hair of the middle of his mubarak head was longer than that, and the hair of the back of the head reached till near his shoulders.”

The hair of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam was long. It was not so curly and neither was it so straight. It was wavy and in some narrations it is mentioned that the hair would curl up at the back. When he salallahu alayhi wa salam would the comb his hair, he would part in the middle. In some narrations it comes that Hazrat Aishah radiallahu anha would comb his hair for him which also points towards the closeness of the blessed couple. This too should be practised by Muslim spouses in reflection of Rasul e Paak salallahu alayhi wa salam.

Lastly, I would like to mention the shaving of the head. Many people incorrectly deem the shaving of the head to be an Islamic hairstyle. This was only done by Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam when he would perform Hajj or Umrah. He had performed Hajj once in his lifetime and Umrah was performed four times. In total, the shaving of the head was done five times and there are no narrations to suggest otherwise. In fact, it is mentioned in Mazahirul Haqq that it was against the persona of the Sahabah radiallahu anhu that they shaved their heads bald. There are some narrations of Hazrat Ali radiallahu anhu shaving his hair off (to be bald) but this was due to his fear that the water was not touching his scalp during ghusl. This was his heightened level of Taqwa but generally, the bald head was not a hairstyle kept by Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam or the Sahabah ridwanullahi alayhim ajma’een. In fact, in one hadith, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam was describing the leader of the Khawarij (they were were a foul, manipulative group who maintained characteristics to disunite the Muslims) who was described as being ‘mahluqur ra’s’ (bald). Some of the Muhaditheen mention that the fact Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam mentioned that his head was bald shows that this is something which is not common amongst the Muslimeen. Had his hair been normal there would be no need to mention it but due to it being against the norm of the Sahabah radiallahu anhu, it was highlighted. However, all this does not mean that a person is not allowed to be bald. It has only been mentioned to highlight and emphasise to the Muslimeen that the only time Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam would shave his head would be during pilgrimage. Besides these times, he would keep long hair. However, if a person wanted to go bald, there is no great problem in him doing so as long as he understands that it is not “Islamic”.

May Allah Ta’ala give us the ability to act upon the blessed Sunnah. May He send countless blessings upon our Master, Sayyidul Kownayn, Hazrat e Muhammad Mustafa salallahu alayhi wa tasleem.

Split Personality

2010-06-28T05:09:00.003+01:00

Sometimes a person can perhaps have a split personality. A person can have an appearance which reflects piety but inside his heart, he may be as rotten as a banana. On the other hand, a person may appear to be very sinful but perhaps he keeps within his heart certain principles that render him to be pious. The examples on this particular matter are vast. The underlying theme is that we know what our minds conjure behind words of piety and we most assuredly know what our limbs commit behind closed doors. A person has two personalities; a pious one and a sinful one.

It is for this reason that Allah Ta’ala mentions in Surah Baqarah, “Did I not tell you, verily I know what is hidden between the Heavens and the Earth. And I know what you make apparent and what you may conceal.” Allah Ta’ala has mentioned the two sides of a person. A person’s internal appearance and his external appearance. The aim for a Muslim is to make both of these sides submit to Allah Ta’ala. It is almost as if we have two lives and the objective of both is to please Allah rabbul ’izzah. Only once both the external and internal sides conform to Allah’s Ta’ala rulings and commands, we attain this submission and balance.

In order to attain this spiritual excellence, a person must always be aware of his deeds. Thus the split personality of a person can be seen in different ways :

1. Some people are such that in their regular day to day business they live with a split personality. A classic example would be of that person who sees a beautiful, young lady crossing the road. In his appearance he is lowering his gaze which suggests that he is pious but in his mind he is conjuring immoral thoughts. Similar is the case of a sister who may appear to be God-fearing by her firm words and persona but in her heart she may be conceal intense love for a boy whom it is not permissible for her to love. Thus there is a double life being led simultaneously.

2. The second example is of that person who splits when the opportunity presents itself and discards his pious side and turns to his sinful nature. An example of this person may perhaps be of that person who is a pious and maintains great righteousness; however, if he goes to a person’s house where music is being played and movies are being watched, his demeanour will change rapidly and he will joyfully partake in such actions. Similarly, a sister may be pious but if she is sitting with a group of girls who are gossiping and backbiting; she too will ‘split’ as the opportunity presents itself and begin backbiting and gossiping. It is seen in these examples that a person becomes taken over by this sinful personality inside, once the sin he has partaken in is over, he returns to his normal state.

3. The third type of person is that Muslim who momentarily looses control of himself and shows his sinful nature. This is typically seen in all Muslims in the state of anger when it is unnecessary. For example, a person is of a pious nature and very rarely gets angry. However, one day he comes home one day after a long days work and he is hoping for a nice, hot, dish of daal, chawal and subzi. However, when he gets home, he finds his wife has been sitting on the phone all day long and as a result, he implodes and lets out ‘maa ben’ swearwords. However, after a few minutes he calms down and realises he is wrong and goes back to his own self. Similarly, there is a sister who may have a sibling who happens to be a bit mischievous. One day the sibling may perhaps take the GHD hair straightener and as a result, the elder sister becomes extremely angry. Once again, after a few seconds, she realises that such argument is petty and best avoided; thus she returns to her usual self.

4. The final example is of that person who remains at a pious level all the time and when the thought of rebelling comes into his mind, he suppresses himself or he teaches himself not to be agitated by trivial things. For example, a brother is a really pious sufi saab. He does not get into sins and is constantly in the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala internally and externally. However, one day he is extremely tired and he sees that prayer time is departing without him having prayed. He struggles internally because his nafs does not want to pray and he struggles externally because he is tired. He has pressure from both sides.The thought passes his mind to read Qaza later on however, his constant level of piety prevails and his regular practices come to his aid. Thus he is easily able to ignore the wrong and continue to live righteously.

How does a person get to this stage? The answer is in the Jibril Hadith, “Worship Allah as if you can see him and if you cannot, then truly He sees you.” A person has to continually work his mind to a state where he knows that Allah Ta’ala is watching him and that he must refrain from wrong. It is like the situation of a parent and a child. A child will be instructed from a tender age not to use swear words otherwise he will get beaten with a cricket bat. Then, due to this firm warning, he will not swear due to remembering the words of his parents subconsciously. As a result, even when a person grows into a man, he will never swear in front of his parents. In the same way, we must grow a consciousness over the commands of Allah Ta’ala. If we continually keep them in our mind, we will be able to suppress our other side. To do this, we must sit and analyse our sins and recognise where we lapse the most. Then, we must continually drill it into ourselves that it is wrong. At first we may continue to sin, however gradually we will recognise the wrong we are doing and be able to diverge from it. A person should never feel down, things like this do not happen over night (sometimes they do but this is Allah's fazl, He gives it to whom He wants). We must remember that Rome was not built over night. Or in Islamic terms, the extension of Masjidul Haram in Makkah wasn't built over night!

May Allah Ta’ala give us the ability to rectify ourselves in order to conform with His commands. Ameen ya Rabbal aalameen.

Q&A: I am waiting for exam results. Is there anything I can do/pray so that I can get good results?

2010-06-23T01:29:00.002+01:00

Source: Tafseer Raheemi

The following question has been taken from the website of Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Sahib. Inshallah this will be of benefit to many people:

Question

Assalamu alaykum,

I have just done my exams and I am waiting for the results. Please Shaykh Moulana Saheb I humbly request you to make dua for me that I get good results. Is there anything I can do/pray so that I can get good results?

Jazakallah. May Allah reward you, your family, your teachers and everyone involved with this website abundantly in this world and in the hereafter…Ameen. You are doing a great job and you have benefited me a lot. May Allah give you the strength to carry on this great work for many years… Ameen

Answer

In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.

Read two rak’ats of Salat ul-Hajat everyday until you get your results. I am making dua for you. May Allah give you the highest grades in this world and the loftiest ranks in the hereafter. Ameen.

2010-06-16T00:13:00.003+01:00

Here are a list of previous posts which may be of benefit:

Short Articles:

Jealousy - This article is about being jealous of a person and its remedy.

Diamond Under The Hijab - This article is about the great virtue of a person who wears hijab.

The Father, The Son & The Donkey - This article is about the ways people may be affected by what their friends may say about them.

Be Happy & Not Grumpy - This article is about those people who always wish to be grumpy and never cheeful.

Longer Articles:

Let's Leave It In The Past - This article is about the way people abuse others who have lived a life of sin then changed.

Environmental Issues - This article is about how our day to day lives can change us.

Goodnight, Sleep Tight - This article is about sleeping at correct times and overcoming insomniac nights.

Poetry:

My Friend & Me - This poem is about friendship.

Anger - This poem is about the anger a person feels.

To The One Who Bears Me In His Heart - This is poem is about the faults of a person.

Cheering Up A Sinful, Sorrowful Heart

2010-06-12T03:59:00.004+01:00

Being conscious of the sins that we commit is a great ni’mat and bounty of Allah Ta’ala. We all commit sins on a regular basis and we all see these sins in different ways. However, recognition of a sin is a great characteristic a Muslim should have within himself. By being able to recognise one's disobedience, a person builds up a desire inside of himself to correct things. One of the worst feelings a Muslim can feel is the sorrow of a heart which has disobeyed the commands of Allah Ta’ala. Thus, a concious Muslim will always want to cheer his heart up.

Our hearts have a deep connection with Allah Ta’ala. It is a connection which is deeper and stronger than anything else. Our bodies have been created and fashioned by Allah Ta’ala and naturally there is a connection between the two. The body consciously or subconsciously immediately recognises Allah Ta’ala. For example, a person can be the biggest sinner in the world but when he hears the Qur’an, his heart will immediately be impacted in some way. This impact can be of different degrees. Some people will hear the recital and be wonderstruck; others may hear the Qur’an and may pause for a few seconds before continuing with their day to day matters. The basic point made here is that the body which was created by Allah Ta’ala will always recognise Allah Ta’ala whether we like it or not.

Our every limb has a connection with its Creator and at different times they begin to recognise this. When we are running away from something frightening and come to a dead end, our legs then turn to run towards the safety of Allah Ta’ala. When tears are pouring out of our eyes due to helplessness, we immediately raise these eyes towards the heavens in order to attract the mercy of Allah Ta’ala. When our hands are failing to provide us with good food, we cup our hands in order to supplicate to Allah Ta’ala. When our hearts are in panic and are restless due to various difficulties, we let our hearts be fed with the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala by which it then finds tranquillity. The reality is, deep down inside, our body knows only Allah azza wa jal and our intellect only comprehends this when we are in times of need.

The greatest organ in the body which recognises Allah Ta’ala is the heart. It feels sorrow when we disobey Allah Ta’ala and it feels great joy when we obey Him. In the same manner, Allah Ta’ala has a connection with our hearts. When we do good deeds, He sends mercy down upon it and when we disobey Him, He stains it with a dark dot as mentioned in Surah Mutafiffeen, “But on their hearts is the stain of the (ill) which they do!” When we commit many sins, our hearts become heavy and tainted. This is the reason to the sorrow that we feel. This staining that Allah Ta'ala has given itself is a ni'mat from him. When we see a person doing something wrong, we may tap him on the shoulder by which he understands his actions are incorrect. In the same way, Allah Ta'ala taps us on our heart by which we feel and recognise our actions are wrong.

This sorrow is one of the worst feelings a person can feel. It is such a feeling which can drive a person into depression if he does not understand how to fight it away with good deeds. In turn, this depression leads a person into a state of hopelessness. Allah Ta’ala is so close to His slaves that He comforts the believers in the Qur’an and consoles them so that they do not fall into despair. He says, “Say to those believers of Mine who have transgressed against themselves, despair not the mercy of Allah. Verily, Allah forgives all sins.” In this verse, Allah Ta’ala has indicated that the cause of hopelessness is transgression and disobedience of Allah Ta’ala. And the remedy of this hopelessness is in the forgiveness of Allah Ta’ala. Therefore, if a person would like to wipe away the sorrow of his heart, he must make sincere repentance to Allah Ta’ala and in this way, his heart will begin to polish away the darkness which it accommodates.

Other ways to cheer the heart up:

Read Qur'an regularly.
Pray on time and avoid missing prayers intentionally.
Do not spend too much time watching th TV.
Make use of time by reading good Islamic books.
Spend time in the Masjid, go regularly for prayers and build a connection with the Masjid.
Make dua to Allah Ta'ala, pouring out the contents of your heart.
Make constant zikr. Zikr gives the heart peaces as mentioned in the Qur'an and cleans up any filth therein.
Most importantly, ask Allah Ta'ala for forgiveness.

May Allah Ta'ala grant us all the ability to rectify ourselves and may He grant our hearts eternal happiness. Ameen.

Infatuation in Islam - Identifying the Problem

2010-06-03T00:42:00.005+01:00

Recently, I have heard the word infatuation being used a lot. I began thinking about what ‘infatuation’ exactly is from an Islamic point of view. I then thought about the difference between infatuation and a mere liking of someone. Slowly but surely, by the grace of Allah Ta’ala, I began to write this article. This article will largely deal with the feeling of infatuation upon the other gender.

According to the dictionary, the word infatuation is defined as ‘an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone or something’. In many cases however, such infatuation is not short-lived but remains present in a person’s life. It can hide itself within the breasts of mankind for a long period and just when a person thinks it has gone, it can resurface. This will be explained further in due course insha Allah.

It is important at this stage to recognise the difference between merely liking and admiring someone and become infatuated upon someone. When a person merely likes another person, it is just a way of expressing his fondness towards the characteristics or beauty of the person whom he is keen upon. This is quite normal and is felt in many people whether they like to admit it or not. For example, a person may have a work colleague who is really helpful and as a result, that person develops a liking for his colleague's kind nature. Also, a person may have a classmate who is extremely beautiful and by acknowledging her beauty, he may begin to develop a liking for her too. However, this liking remains at a very mellow stage and becomes a ‘want’ rather than a ‘need’.

A ‘want’ is simply something a person would like to have; if he receives it then he is happy and makes use of it till he renders it useless and if he does not receive it, he is briefly disappointed but moves on. A ‘need’ however is something a person must have in order to give himself raahat and peace; if he receives it then he does not want to let it go and if he does not receive it, his heart is in constant ache.

This second type is primarily what ‘infatuation’ is. It is an obsession of such a nature that it traumatises the mind and punishes the heart inhumanely. When a person is ‘infatuated’ upon something, his life becomes unbearable until his obsession is acquired. It is true enough to say that infatuation has different degrees. Some people are affected by it greatly to the extent that there entire life revolves around their fixation and others are affected for only a specific portion of their life and as soon as that time has departed, so too has the fixation. The latter can be exemplified by the situation of a person who is popular in college. Girls may be fixated upon his flash style and his handsome face all year round but as soon as he departs, the fascination these girls felt will also go. This is because he is no longer in view.

Shah Waliullah Dehlwi rahimahullah narrates a hadith in his Arba’in, “Your love for someone can blind you and deafen you.” Infatuation can be on many things. It can be upon following life in certain ways, using specific methods, it can be an intense interest in an enemy etc. Here we will take about the infatuation which is felt in a person when he likes another.

For a person to be infatuated on another person, love and admiration must have entered his heart at some point which stops him from moving on. This is seen quite explicitly in the story of Hazrat Yusuf alayhis salam which is mentioned in the Qur’an. The story is a long, detailed one but in brief, Hazrat Yusuf alayhis salam was a man of immense beauty and great conduct. The wife of the leader of Egypt (Zuleikha is her name) at that time became infatuated upon Hazrat Yusuf alayhis salam and loved him dearly. She was so adamant in starting a relationship with him that she sought to seduce him into committing fornication. Being such a great Nabi of Allah Ta’ala, Hazrat Yusuf alayhis salam refused. These events somehow spread throughout the land and the women began gossiping and ridiculing Zuleikha. Zuleikha felt hard done by as nobody except her had witnessed the great beauty and jamaal of Hazrat Yusuf alayhis salam. As a result, she organised a banquet wherein Yusuf alayhis salam was put forth in front of the women. They were also given knives and fruit in their hand but when they saw the beauty of Hazrat Yusuf alayhis salam, they cut their hands. As a result, Hazrat Yusuf alayhis salam was falsely dubbed as a menace to society and was consequently put into prison. He stayed in prison for seven years. It is mentioned by Maulana Hifzurrahman Syuhari rahimahullah, “Once Yusuf alayhis salam was taken into prison, Zuelikha totally took him out of her mind.” For several years, Zuleikha continued with her life and it appeared that she had moved on during this time. The flame of intense love and affection she had for Yusuf alayhis salam appeared to have burnt out. However, after seven years, his name was mentioned in her presence and the infatuation she had rekindled itself and the flame of her love once more began to burn brightly in her heart.

The leader of Egypt began an inquiry as to see what really happened with regards to Yusuf alayhis salam. He wanted to clear Hazrat Yusuf’s alayhis salam name and so he began his ‘trial’. When his name was mentioned in front of Zuleikha, the truth of her infatuation became apparent and she crumbled. After years of being so distant from the one she loved the most, the pangs of separation could no longer be hidden. She immediately admitted her fault and that she was to blame. The Qur’an mentions,

قَالَ مَا خَطۡبُكُنَّ إِذۡ رَٲوَدتُّنَّ يُوسُفَ عَن نَّفۡسِهِۦ‌ۚ قُلۡنَ حَـٰشَ لِلَّهِ مَا عَلِمۡنَا عَلَيۡهِ مِن سُوٓءٍ۬‌ۚ قَالَتِ ٱمۡرَأَتُ ٱلۡعَزِيزِ ٱلۡـَٔـٰنَ حَصۡحَصَ ٱلۡحَقُّ أَنَا۟ رَٲوَدتُّهُ ۥ عَن نَّفۡسِهِۦ وَإِنَّهُ ۥ لَمِنَ ٱلصَّـٰدِقِينَ
He (the king) said, “What was your case, O women, when you seduced Yusuf?” They said, .God forbid, we know of no evil in him.” The governor‘s wife said, “Now the truth has come to light. I did seduce him, and he is surely truthful.”

My most dearest and most beloved Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Sahib (May Allah Ta'ala preserve him and reward him in abundance) writes a beautiful explanation to this verse in his tafseer Ahsan al Qasas. He says,

“Zuleikha stood on one side and listened to the replies of the women and acknowledged the innocence and high principles of Yusuf alayhis salam. When they finished, she began, “Now the truth has come to light”. She did not mince her words. Rather she accepted her guilt freely and frankly. She adored Yusuf alayhis salaam in every sense, in words and deed and she wanted the truth to be proclaimed in the open court, before all. So what had happened to her then? She had learnt a lot in sorrow, pain and humiliation. She had learnt the vanity of carnal love. Yusuf alayhis salam, true of heart, calm in every turn of fortune, had taught her to question herself whether, in spite of all her sins she could yet be worthy of him? Perhaps when her husband was dead, and she was a widow. However, she must see whether she could understand love in the sense in which Yusuf alayhis salam would have her understand it, that pure surrender of the self, which is not tainted by earthly matters.”

Thus as I mentioned before, infatuation is not short lived but can resurface at any time. Over here, we have the case of Zuleikha who has gone without Yusuf alayhis salam for years but at his mere return, she once again became dominated by feelings of burning love.

It is about this the poet says,

“Love refuses to hide, although I have tried to conceal it at countless times.
It just returns and settles itself in my courtyard.
When my yearning intensifies, my heart revolves around his remembrance.
Then when I want to get closer to my beloved, he himself draws closer to me.”

Yusuf alayhis salam was the ‘need’ that Zuleikha felt and by being in his company or around his matters, she felt great solace.

Now the question arises that in our day and age, is this type of infatuation on the opposite gender a good thing?

The simple answer is no. It does not befit the characteristics of a Muslim that he places matters of happiness and sadness upon the attention of a person whom he may not even spend the rest of his life. The effects of infatuation can cause many problems both spiritually and mentally. With regards to mentally, here are some;

· Constantly being self conscious – when a person becomes obsessed with someone, he naturally wants to look good in order to catch their eye. Thus he will always try to dress up and look good just in case he bumps into them.

· Feeling of being unattractive if ignored – when a person is ignored or not acknowledged by the person for whom they dressed up, they often feel very low in self esteem and feel unattractive. Sometimes a person may feel that he made such effort only to be blown away.

· Depression – when a person cannot even gain the attention of the person that they are infatuated upon, they begin to live a life of sorrow. Nothing feels worth doing if it is not done with the ‘beloved’.

· Sleepless nights – when a person is infatuated upon a person, he may often suffer sleepless nights just thinking about the other person. He may spend hours upon hours devising plans to be noticed or perhaps fantasize of a day when he is enjoying himself with his fixation.

· Unstable thoughts – A person may think up many ways of perhaps acquiring his obsession. This may lead to unstable and impure thoughts. A person may consider plotting against people or doing absurd things just in order to attain their desired one.

· Mood swings – when a person does not know what to think, he begins to have mood swings. Sometimes when things are going fine, he is in the happiest of moods but at other times he may be extremely depressed. This can perhaps be sparked by small gestures from their ‘beloved’. For example, if the ‘beloved’ merely glances with a smile at them, it may send them in to ecstasy. On the other hand, if the ‘beloved’ glances at them coldly or speaks sharply, they may feel extreme sorrow.

· Anger – when things are not going right and all else is failing. A person tends to get frustrated and begins to bish, bash, bosh.

· Loss of appetite – a person cannot eat despite being hungry. He is constantly in thought of his ‘desired one’. For as long as he feels the pains of separation, he cannot enjoy the other ni’mats and bounties of life.

From among the spiritual ailments are the following:

· Laziness in worship – when a person hits such a sorrowful state, he just does not like to do anything. It is easier to lie down on the bed then to make dua to Allah Ta’ala and thus there will be much negligence in prayer and Qur’an. Sometimes, when a person does not have thing he wants most, everything else feels useless to perform.

· Loss of trust in Allah Ta’ala – when a person does not get what he wants, he begins to question Allah Ta’ala and feel that Allah Ta’ala has deprived him. When his entire life is being shattered, he begins to question what Allah Ta’ala has done for him! May Allah Ta’ala protect us all.

· Increase in disobedience – as a result of this loss of trust, a person begins to commit sins and feels more inclined towards disobedience. A sister who may not be getting noticed by the person whom she is infatuated upon may take off her hijab in order to lure him to her. Due to the pain the heart is feeling, a person may find solace in smoking, drugs, alcohol as it can temporarily numb the pain.

· Heavy heart – as a result of all this disobedience, the heart becomes stained and becomes heavy. A person feels constantly guilty with himself for the constant sin he has gotten himself into.

· Change in personality - when infatuation has affected a person so greatly, his personality begins to change. He become different to the man he once was in many ways. Many negative traints come inside him and his akhlaq (mannerisms) are hugely transformed. A person who was always bashful and cheerful may become miserable. One who was kind may feel stingy. One who always had time for others may push people away from him and the examples go on..

All the aforementioned point to one thing – such infatuation in Islam is forbidden. In no way is it correct for a Muslim to bear all these characteristics with himself. Such foul qualities negate the essence and aura of a Muslim. I have highlighted the problems and in the next post, I will insha Allah write the remedy as I have not thought about it greatly as yet. If anybody has any ideas, please feel free to put your ideas forth. Jazak Allah

May Allah Ta’ala strengthen the doors of our heart and keep the clean with His religion. May He out of His infinite blessings reward all the authors on this blog and those who inspire us to write. May He reward all you for taking time out to learn about His deen. Ameen

The Origins of Evil Thoughts & How To Defend Oneself

2010-06-01T02:31:00.005+01:00

Evil thoughts are natural to mankind. Before every intentional sin is carried out, a person has the scope to sit down and think about it. Many people keep questioning themselves as to why they keep on committing various sins but fail to find a reason. This is because they are looking at the sin itself along with its magnitude and not at the manner in which it materialised. For example, when we look at successful footballers, we look directly towards their success and fancy skills; we do not look at the hardship and sacrifice which they perhaps endured to reach that level and as a result, the struggles that they tolerated prior to their success is forgotten. In the same manner, we commit great sins but we are so distracted by the magnitude of the sin that we forget the initial stages that led up to it. Hence, it is important to know the routes of these thoughts.

Ibn Allaan Siddiqi mentions in ‘Riyadus Saliheen li Tareeq Daleel al Faliheen',

واعلم أن ما يقع في النفس من قصد المعصية على خمس مراتب: الأولى: الهاجس وهو ما يلقى فيها. ثم جريانه فيها وهو الخاطر. ثم حديث النفس وهو ما يقع فيها من التردد هل يفعل أو لا. ثم الهمّ وهو قصد ترجيح الفعل. ثم العزم وهو قوة ذلك القصد والجزم به

“Know that the intention to sin which is felt by the inner self is of five stages:

The first is a mere uncertainty (haajis) which is placed there in.

Then comes the passing of this uncertainty (into a proper idea) and that is known as katir (risk).

Then it is the conversation of the inner self (hadeethun nafs) and its hesitation in whether deciding to do the sin or not.

Then is the intention (hum) and that is an intention which is inclined to the deed.

And the final step is determination (azm) and that is a firm resolution to carry out the intention and assertiveness upon it.”

It is important to recognise the thought during the early stages. It is important to remove these thoughts while the intention and attraction of the sin is weak. During the first two stages, the thoughts should be ignored and cast away. A person at this stage should seek refuge in Allah Ta’ala by ‘a’udhu billahi min ash shaytaanir rajeem’ and then should ignore the deed.

When it gets to the third stage, a person should try to move away from the place which may be a means of him committing sin. For example, if a person is hesitant as to whether or not he should flirt with a girl he is attracted to, he should move away from that place so the choice of doing the sin is no longer the there. Whenever we are presented with a 50/50 choice in doing something sinful, we should try our utmost to remove this choice and push the possibility of sin out of the way.

At this juncture, it is useful to mention that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam said, “Allah has forgiven my Ummah of the whisperings of their souls so long as they do not talk about it or act accordingly.”

The first three stages are forgiven and there is no accountability with regards to them. Now remains the last two stages.

The stage of inclination towards the deed is a very difficult one. This is that time when a person’s mind and heart is taken over with a strong desire to do the sin but there is still an inkling of wanting to ignore it. For example, a person may be so angry with another that he wants to hit them and he cannot get on with his life until he says or does something to cause pain. However, in his heart there is an understanding that it would be incorrect to carry out the deed but this is overpowered by the desire of committing the sin. Quite simply, this could be described as when the inner self is inclined 80/20 in doing the sin. This state will only become sinful when a person take is to the final stage which will soon be discussed.

Due to the need of our times, it is important to note that the shamelessly fantasizing and conjuring illicit thoughts of the other sex also falls into this category and a person will be at sin if he/she continues to dwell on such lustful thoughts. Though this is a thought, it is still deemed sinful due to the haram desires which are fulfilled by it. It is important to keep the mind clean and this can be done by making zikr.

In general, when a person gets to this 80/20 stage, he should try do perform wudhu and make constant zikr. It is a necessity for him to move away from the sin and he should beseech Allah Ta’ala to protect him by the way of dua or by calling out to Allah Ta'ala through his heart. By making wudhu, a person can sometimes snap himself out of the hypnotic trance which may be dominant over him. This will bring him to reality and understand the scale of the sin he is about to commit.

Finally is the stage where a person becomes determined to commit the sin. This is a stage where we should try our best to not even reach. We should try stopping our thoughts before they get to this stage. It is like a person who is tip toeing around the banks of destruction, sooner or later he wil fall in. It is the hardest stage to stop. The strength of wanting to succumb to our evil thoughts becomes so strong that a person is no longer able to stop it from happening. He is as good as committing the sin. Mankind will not be held culpable until he reaches this final stage.

A person should constantly make dua’a to Allah Ta’ala to keep him steadfast and strong, especially in defending himself from sin. The heart is unpredictable, sometimes it will make a person feel as if he is as firm as the likes of Umar radiallahu anhu and at other times, the heart will tear his spirituality into pieces until he is left shattered like broken glass. The reality of this is that the heart fluctuates in accordance to the deeds that we do. Whilst our heart is clean and adorned with the worship of Allah Ta’ala, it will feel light and jolly. When sins becomes dominant and our heart constantly acquiesces and surrenders to evil, then our spirituality will be sent plummeting and we will feel the burden of sadness and low esteem. Due to the unpredictable nature of the heart, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam taught his Ummah supplications in order to keep them aright. For example,

يَا مُقَلِّبَ القُلُوْبِ ثَبِّتْ قَلْبِيْ عَلى دِيْنِك
“O Turner of the hearts, make my heart firm on Your religion.”

We should make dua in abundance, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam has mentioned that the dua is the weapon of a believer. Evil thoughts bring harm and problems to a believer so it would make complete sense that in order to fight these thoughts, one should make constant dua to Allah Ta’ala to strengthen his/her resolve.

May Allah Ta’ala give me the ability to act upon what I have said and may He give us all the ability to refrain from surrendering to our evil thoughts. Ameen.