Not many brothers and sisters are aware that inventions by Muslims throughout the ages have made great contributions to progress in science, medicine, arts - well, almost anything and everything that improved peoples lives. Most of these inventions (in some form) are still around to this day but not surprisingly you have to look very hard find any mention of them!
The founding of Islam brought about a great resurgence in scholarship and scientific investigation. The rise of Islam spawned a highly sophisticated civilisation that was to have a profound influence on the development of European culture, and ultimately, the whole world. Islam was (and still is), from its very inception, a bastion of tolerance, social justice and piety.
While Europe was being crushed and brutalised by the Dark Ages, Islam bloomed. Because the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) enjoined followers to study and to revere wisdom, many Greek sciences were protected and investigated by Muslim scholars. But perhaps more tellingly, under Islamic rule and at the height of the Moorish Empire, the three great monotheistic faiths coexisted in relative harmony, enjoying a high degree of religious tolerance in a flourishing intellectual and artistic milieu.
There have been many books and documentories written by muslims and non-muslims outlying our achievements.
One of the best books to read is ...
What Islam Did For Us
Understanding Islam’s Contribution to Western Civilization
By Tim Wallace-Murphy
Here's a book review
Below are a few documentories recently shown on television
If the links to the video's don't work then please search the titles on You Tube/ Video.Google.com
(1) What the ancients did for us – The Islamic World
BBC documentary - presented: Adam Hart-Davis.
Aired: 16th February 2005
You can view it here on google video
The first "What The Ancients Did For Us" programme explores the Muslim contribution to the western world - in art, architecture, astronomy, medicine, science, and learning. The early Muslims are credited with inventing distillation and could distil just about anything - from alcohol to perfume. Hygiene is very important in the Muslim world so they invented and manufactured soap - centuries before the West - and hundreds of bathhouses were built throughout Muslim cities. They understood the fundamentals of light and how we see, and gave us the camera obscura. They invented algebra and worked out the angle of the tilt of the earth. They built the first windmill, pioneered the concept of the crank rod, and designed the first ever torpedo. Muslim creativity also led to the invention of a unique instrument called the astrolabe – it could find the direction of Mecca, tell the time and, with the help of the stars, navigate you across deserts and oceans. But perhaps most important of all they pursued the cause of knowledge, translating and preserving the works of the ancients and building the world's largest libraries – their 'houses of wisdom'.
(2) When the Moors Ruled in Europe
Channel 4 documentary - presenter: Bettany Hughes
Aired: 5th November 2005
You can view it here on google video
As part of the Channel 4's Hidden Civilisation season exploring Islam's rich and significant contribution to western art and culture, historian Bettany Hughes traces the story of the mysterious and misunderstood Moors, the Islamic society that ruled in Spain for 700 years, but whose legacy was virtually erased from Western history. In 711 AD, a tribe of newly converted Muslims from North Africa crossed the straits of Gibraltar and invaded Spain. Known as The Moors, they went on to build a rich and powerful society. Its capital, Cordoba, was the largest and most civilised city in Europe, with hospitals, libraries and a public infrastructure light years ahead of anything in England at the time. Amongst the many things that were introduced to Europe by Muslims at this time were: a huge body of classical Greek texts that had been lost to the rest of Europe for centuries; mathematics and the numbers we use today; advanced astronomy and medical practices; fine dining; the concept of romantic love; paper; deodorant; and even erection creams. This wasn't the rigid, fundamentalist Islam of some people's imaginations, but a progressive, sensuous and intellectually curious culture. But when the society collapsed, Spain was fanatically re-Christianised; almost every trace of seven centuries of Islamic rule was ruthlessly removed. It is only now, six centuries later, that The Moors' influences on European life and culture are finally beginning to be fully understood.
(3) An Islamic History of Europe
BBC documentary - presenter: Rageh Omaar
Aired: 14 February 2007
You can view it here on google video
In this 90-minute documentary, Rageh Omaar uncovers the hidden story of Europe's Islamic past and looks back to a golden age when European civilisation was enriched by Islamic learning. Rageh travels across medieval Muslim Europe to reveal the vibrant civilisation that Muslims brought to the West. This evocative film brings to life a time when emirs and caliphs dominated Spain and Sicily and Islamic scholarship swept into the major cities of Europe. His journey reveals the debt owed to Islam for its vital contribution to the European Renaissance.
The Manner of Performing Prayers
INTRODUCTION
This prayer guide is a step by step guide to learning to pray.
The Muslim prayers are a form of worship which establishes the link between man and his Creator whom we call Allah in Arabic. Through Salah (prayer) a person communes with his Lord, the Creator and the Sustainer of the Universe.
At least five times a day Muslims all over the world face the direction of the first house built for the worship of The One God (Allah) and pray the five daily prayers enjoined on every sane adult Muslim male and female. This house is called the Kabah. It is located in the Holy city of Makkah in present day Saudi Arabia. We do not worship the kabah. We simply worship God while facing the Kabah.
The five daily Prayers become obligatory from the moment a person embraces Islam. This is an extremely important tenet of Islam and has been enjoined with great emphasis both in the Holy Quran and the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). According to one saying of Prophets (peace be upon him), the prayer is the borderline between a Muslim and a non-believer.
Preparation for prayer
Before starting the prayer, a person must perform Wudhu (ablution).
How to perform Ablution and Ghusl (Wudhu guide)
However if a person has had a wet dream or sex then they should perform Ghusl.
GHUSL
Ghusl should also be performed at the end of a women period of menstruation has ended and at the end of 40 days after childbirth (unless the bleeding stops before completing the 40 days period, then she must make the Ghusl as soon as the bleeding stops).
Ghusl in Islam means the bathing of the entire body with water. Proof of its legitimacy is embodied in the Holy Qur'an as follows:"And if ye are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body" (Qur'an 5:6).
How to make Ghusl
PRAYER TIMES
Prayer timings vary throughout the globe and slight variations from day to day due to changes in daylight hours.
There are five obligatory prayers which are performed at five different times of the day.
1 FAJR PRAYER (The Morning Prayer)
It starts at dawn and ends at sunrise. Thus it can be prayed between these points. But it is best to pray at the beginning of its time (i.e. just after start of dawn)
2 DHUHR PRAYER (The Early Afternoon Prayer )
It starts when the sun begins to decline from its zenith and ends when the the size of an object's shadow is equal to the objects size.
3 ASR PRAYER (The Late Prayer )
It starts when an object's shadow is equal to the objects size and ends when just before sunset.
It is better to pray Asr before the sky becomes yellow (even though it is allowed to pray at such a time) because the Prophet ( peace be upon him) disliked Muslims praying at such as time and. He remarked that the the Munafiq (Hypocrite ) offers his pray at this time.
4 MAGHRIB PRAYER (The Sunset Prayer ) .
Its time begins just after sunset and ends when twilight has just disappeared
5 ISHA PRAYER (The Night Prayer )
It starts when twilight has disappeared and ends before midnight
HOW TO PRAY
Stage1
Learning to pray when your language is not Arabic can seem to be a very difficult task. However it is not as difficult as it may appear to you. A certain amount of text is memorized and the same text can be recited in all the 5 daily prayers.
Since a Muslim should pray right away after converting to Islam, it would be reasonable to say that he or she would be unable to memorize the whole text of the prayer in the same day. However, Allah does not put a burden on anyone that they cannot bare.
Therefore the Prophet peace be upon him instructed new Muslims to learn a short supplication (Subhaan-Allaah wal-hamdu Lillaah wa laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wa Allaahu akbar wa laa hawla wa la quwwata illa Billaah) which they can recite in all their 5 daily prayers as you will see in the beginners prayer guides.
It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Abi Awfa said: A man came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said: “O Messenger of Allah, teach me something of the Qur’aan that will suffice me, for I cannot read.” He said, “Say: Subhaan-Allaah wa’l-hamdu Lillaah wa laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wa Allaahu akbar wa laa hawla wa la quwwata illa Billaah (Glory be to Allaah, praise be to Allaah, there is no god except Allaah and Allaah is Most great, there is no god except Allaah and there is no power and no strength except with Allaah).” The man made a grabbing gesture with his hand (indicating that he had learned a lot) and said, “This is for my Lord, what is there for me?” He said, “Say: Allaahumma ighfir li warhamni wahdini warzuqni wa ‘aafini (O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, and grant me provision and good health).” He made another grabbing gesture with his other hand and stood up.
(Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 924; Abu Dawood, 832. Its isnaad was classed as jayyid by al-Mundhiri in al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb, 2/430. al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar indicated that it is hasan in al-Talkhees al-Habeer, 1/236)
So the point is to get started on learning and performing the prayers right away.
If one has a very good memory they should memorise Surah Fatiha, which is longer for some may be to difficult to memorise in in just a few hours. However even Surah Fatiha could be memorised by some people in around 5-6 hours if a person repeats each line over and over again. So memorising the following supplication should take even less time.
Subhaan-Allaah
wal-hamdu Lillaah
wa laa ilaaha ill-Allaah
wa Allaahu akbar
You can also add the following if you wish
wa laa
hawla
wa la
quwwata
illa Billaah
Now lets look at how to pray each of the five daily prayers
Click on the links in the box below to learn how to pray each of the 5 daily prayers
How a New Muslim or Beginner Prayers the:
• 1 Morning (Fajr) Prayer
• 2 Noon (Dhuhr Prayer
• 3 Afternoon (Asr) Prayer
• 4 Evening (Maghrib) Prayer
• 5 Night (Isha) Prayer
Above guides show stage 1 and stage2
Stage 2
After being able to recite the above in your 5 daily prayers you should try to memorize Surah Fathiha and include it in the prayer (as described in the prayer guides for the 5 daily prayers above) and incorporate that as shown in the above diagrams for stage 1.
Please do not skip stages 1 and 2 as you will end up making learning to prayer difficult for you and end up missing some of your prayers as the full text takes quite a while to memorize especially for non-Arabic speakers. But do watch the video and flash movie below to get a further idea of how the movements are preformed and eventual progress to the third stage. If you have any questions please email.
PRAYER MOVIE
The following movie will give you and idea as how the movements are preformed. It is for advanced level but will be helpful for the very beginners too to see the movements in action.
Stage 3 (final stage)
This is the final and complete stage on learning to perform 5 daily Prayers. It is for advanced level students only
How to perform the prayer (Full advanced level prayer guide )
Muslim Prayer guide
produced by
MUSLIMCONVERTS.COM
How a New Muslim or a Beginner Prayers
The Fajr (Morning) prayer
This is the first prayer and it consists of 2 units (rakats). Essentially what is said in all the 5 obligatory prayers is the same. The only difference is the number of units (rakats) performed in each prayer, how long each unit is and whether the first 2 units (rakats) of a prayer are said Audible or silently in ones heart
Thus the FAJR (morning) Prayer consists of 2 units (rakats),
Note
Males garments/pants should be above the ankles (unlike in the picture. InshaAllah better diagrams will be made as soon as possible).
Women's garment should be a forearms lower than her skins (measure your arm length , from elbow to longest finger, if this is say is 45 cm, ) then form your skins and ) thus her feet will be completely covered.
Women are NOT supposed to pray when they are menstruating and experiencing post-childbirth bleeding.
Abstaining from prayers for a women experiencing post-childbirth bleeding is a maximum of forty (40) days. If her bleeding stops before the 40 days she must make ghusl and start praying.
Also at the end of her menstruation she must make ghusl and begin her prayers.
Before prayer one must perform Ablution
How to perform Ablution (Wudhu)
Wear Proper clothing
Establish the Sutrah by placing anything (about the height of a saddle) just beyond the place were you will prostrate so that people walk outside that object. This could be anything from your bag to even a chair
START OF Morning (Fajr) Prayer
1.1
Establish the Sutrah by placing anything (about the height of a saddle) just beyond the place were you will prostrate so that people walk outside that object. This could be anything from your bag to even a chair.
.
Then Stand facing the Kabah in Makka in Saudi Arabia (Qibla).
Your eyes should be looking at the place on the ground were you will prostrate your forehead later on in the prayer
1.2 Make intention by thinking about which prayer you are about to perform (e.g. Fajr (Morning) prayer).
1.3 Saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
(Allah is Great)
Raise both your hands to height that is level with your shoulders or level with top of your ears as shown in the picture
1.4 Place your left hand on your chest. Then place your right hand on the top of the back of your left hand as in the picture
Whilst in this position say the following Dua (supplication):
"Subhaan-Allaah wal-hamdu Lillaah wa laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wa Allaah-hoo akbar wa laa hawla wa la quwwata illa Billaah "
(Glory be to Allaah, praise be to Allaah, there is no god except Allaah, Allaah is Most great and there is no power and no strength except with Allaah)
Note: when you reach intermediate level recite Surah Fathiha in this position (described at bottom of guide)
1.5 After completing the above recitation pause for a moment,
then saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
(Allah is Great)
raise both your hands as in picture and go down to raku (bowing Position).
1.6 Ruku In the bowing position say the following three times
"Subhana rab-bi yal adheem" ( say 3 times)
("Glory be to my Lord who is the very greatest" )
1.7 Next, whilst start straightening up your and raising your hands and say:
Sami Allaah-hoo-liman hamidah,
( Allah hears the one who praises Him )
1.8 In the standing straight position say the following
"Rabbanaa wa lak al-hamd"
(Our Lord, [and] to you be all Praise)
1.9 Then go down to the prostration (sajuud) position whilst saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar" (Allah is Great)
1.10
Sajdah In the prostration say the following 3 times
"Subhana rubbiyal a'ala" ( say 3 times)
( "How perfect is my Lord, the Most High" )
1.11 Next, raise your head from prostration whilst saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
("Allah is Great")
Then assume the sitting position.
Place your left foot along the ground and sit on it, and keep the right foot upright, with the point of the toes towards the qiblah or You can also practice iq’aa (resting on both heels, and the toes ). You should also be relaxed such that every bone is in its proper position. Whilst in this position one should say:
"'Rabb ighfir lee "
("O my Lord, forgive me " )
1.12 Next, saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
(Allah is Great)
Prostrate for the second time.
Whilst in the prostration say again the following
"Subhana rubbiyal a'ala" ( say 3 times)
( "How perfect is my Lord, the Most High"
1.13 Next, raise the head from prostration whilst saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
("Allah is Great")
Then assume the sitting position for a short time
This concludes the First Rakah
From this position stand up straight for the secound Rakah
Start of Second Rakah
2.1
Whilst in this position say the following Dua (supplication):
"Subhaan-Allaah wal-hamdu Lillaah wa laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wa Allaahu akbar wa laa hawla wa la quwwata illa Billaah "
(Glory be to Allaah, praise be to Allaah, there is no god except Allaah, Allaah is Most great and there is no power and no strength except with Allaah)
Note: when you reach intermediate level recite Surah Fathiha in this position (described at bottom of guide)
2.2 Then saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
(Allah is Great)
raise both your hands and go down to the bowing position (called raku). See below
2.3 Ruku In the bowing position say the following three times
"Subhana rab-bi yal adheem" ( say 3 times)
("Glory be to my Lord who is the very greatest" )
2.4 Next, whilst start straightening up your and raising your hands and say:
Sami Allaah-hoo-liman hamidah,
( Allah hears the one who praises Him )
2.5 In this standing position
"Rabbanaa wa lak al-hamd"
(Our Lord, [and] to you be all Praise )
2.6 Then go down to the prostration position whilst saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
(Allah is Great)
2.7 In this prostration say the following 3 times
"Subhana rubbiyal a'ala" ( say 3 times)
( "How perfect is my Lord, the Most High" )
2.8 Next, raise your head from prostration whilst saying
"Allahu Akbar"
("Allah is Great")
Then assume the sitting position and say
"'Rabb ighfir lee "
("O my Lord, forgive me " )
2.9
Sajdah Next, saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
(Allah is Great)
Prostrate for the second time.
Whilst in the prostration say again the following
"Subhana rubbiyal a'ala" ( say 3 times)
( "How perfect is my Lord, the Most High"
2.10 Next, raise the head from prostration while saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
("Allah is Great")
In the the sitting position say:
"Subhaan-Allaah wal-hamdu Lillaah wa laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wa Allaah-hoo akbar wa laa hawla wa la quwwata illa Billaah "
(Glory be to Allaah, praise be to Allaah, there is no god except Allaah, Allaah is Most great and there is no power and no strength except with Allaah)
2.11 Then turning your face to the right. say the following:
"Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah "
(Peace and mercy of Allah be on you).
2.12 Then turning your face to the left. say the following:
"Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah "
(Peace and mercy of Allah be on you).
This completes the Morning (FAJR) prayer
Summary
How a New Muslim Prayers
The DHUHR (Early Afternoon), Asr (late afternoon ) and Isha ( night ) prayer
The Dhuhr prayer is the second prayer of the day. It starts when the sun begins to decline from its zenith and ends when the size of an object's shadow is equal to the objects size.
The Asr prayer is the third prayer of the day.
It starts when an object's shadow is equal to the objects size and ends when just before sunset.
It is better to prayer Asr before the sky becomes yellow (even though it is allowed to pray at such a time) because the Prophet ( peace be upon him) disliked Muslims praying at such as time and. He remarked that the Munafiq (Hypocrite ) offers his pray at this time.
The Isha prayer is the fifth prayer of the day. It starts when twilight has disappeared and ends before midnight
All three of these prayers consist of 4 units each and what is recited in these prayers is exactly the same.
The only difference which occurs is that the first two units (raka'ts) in the Isha Prayer are recited AUDIBLY. But the final two units (raka'ts) are recited silently
However in the Dhuhr and Asr prayer all the units (Raka'ts) are Recited silently in ones heart/mind.
Before prayer one must perform Ablution
How to perform Ablution (Wudhu)
Wear Proper clothing
Just before Prayer
Establish the Sutrah by placing anything (about the height of a saddle) just beyond the place were you will prostrate so that people walk outside that object. This could be anything from your bag to even a chair
START OF A 4 RAKAH PRAYER (ie Dhuhr, Asr or Isha prayer Prayer)
1.1 Establish the Sutrah by placing anything (about the height of a saddle) just beyond the place were you will prostrate so that people walk outside that object. This could be anything from your bag to even a chair.
Then Stand facing the Kabah in Makka in Saudi Arabia (Qibla).
Your eyes should be looking at the place on the ground were you will prostrate your forehead later on in the prayer
1.2 Make intention as to which prayer you are about to perform (e.g. Dhuhr or Asr or Maghrib prayer).
Note!
Intention should be in mind not verbal.That is one should be thinking of which prayer one is about to perform.
1.3 Saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
(Allah is Great)
Raise both your hands to height that is level with shoulders or level with top of the ears as in the picture
1.4 Place left hand on your chest. Then place your right hand on the top of the back of your left hand as in the picture
Whilst in this position say the following Dua (supplication):
"Subhaan-Allaah wal-hamdu Lillaah wa laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wa Allaah-hoo akbar wa laa hawla wa la quwwata illa Billaah "
(Glory be to Allaah, praise be to Allaah, there is no god except Allaah, Allaah is Most great and there is no power and no strength except with Allaah)
Note: when you reach intermediate level recite Surah Fathiha in this position (described at bottom of guide)
1.5 After completing the recitation pause for a moment,
then saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
(Allah is Great)
raise both your hands and go down to raku. Position below
1.6 Ruku In the bowing position say the following three times
"Subhana rab-bi yal adheem"
("Glory be to my Lord who is the very greatest" )
1.7 Next, straighten up the back from the ruku saying:
Sami Allaahu liman hamidah,
( Allah hears the one who praises Him )
and raise both your hands (with palms of hands facing Kabah ) with fingers apart (not spaced out) level with shoulders or level with top of the ears .
And straighten your back
1.8 In the standing position you should be erect so that the joints of your body go back in place. Whilst in this standing position say the following
"Rabbanaa wa lak al-hamd"
(Our Lord, [and] to you be all Praise)
1.9 Then Saying "Allah-hoo Akbar"
(Allah is Great),
separate hands from the side and go down for sajdah (prostration) in picture below
1.10
Sajdah
In this prostration say the following 3 times
"Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"
( "How perfect is my Lord, the Most High" )
1.11 Next, raise the head from prostration while saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
("Allah is Great")
Then assume the sitting position
While sitting between the two sajdahs, place your left foot along the ground and sit on it, and keep the right foot upright, with the point of the toes towards the qiblah or You can also practice iq’aa (resting on both heels, and all the toes). You should also be relaxed such that every bone is in its proper position. Whilst in this position one should say:
"'Rabb ighfir lee "
("O my Lord, forgive me " )
Note. the hands should be close to the knees and fingers spread out. one should look at the site were one will prostrate.
1.12 Next, saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
(Allah is Great)
Prostrate for the second time.
Whilst in the prostration say again the following
"Subhana rubbiyal a'ala" ( say 3 times)
( "How perfect is my Lord, the Most High")
1.13 Next, raise the head from prostration whilst saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
("Allah is Great")
Then assume the sitting position.
This concludes the First Rakah
From this position stand up straight for the secound Rakah
End of First Rakah
2.1 Start of Second Rakah
Place left hand on your chest. Then place your right hand on the top of the back of your left hand as in the picture
Whilst in this position say the following Dua (supplication):
"Subhaan-Allaah wal-hamdu Lillaah wa laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wa Allaah-hoo akbar wa laa hawla wa la quwwata illa Billaah "
(Glory be to Allaah, praise be to Allaah, there is no god except Allaah, Allaah is Most great and there is no power and no strength except with Allaah)
Note: when you reach intermediate level recite Surah Fathiha in this position (described at bottom of guide)
2.2 After completing the recitation pause for a moment, then saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
(Allah is Great)
raise both your hands (with palms of hands facing Kabah ) with fingers apart (not spaced out) level with shoulders or level with top of the ears go down to raku. Position below
2.3 Ruku
In the bowing position say the following three times
"Subhana rab-bi yal adheem"
("Glory be to my Lord who is the very greatest" )
2.4 Next, straighten up the back from the ruku saying:
Sami Allaahu liman hamidah,
( Allah hears the one who praises Him )
and raise both your hands (with palms of hands facing Kabah ) with fingers apart (not spaced out) level with shoulders or level with top of the ears .
And straighten your back
2.5 In the standing position you should be erect so that the joints of your body go back in place. Whilst in this standing position say the following
"Rabbanaa wa lak al-hamd"
(Our Lord, [and] to you be all Praise)
2.6 Then Saying
"Allahu Akbar"
(Allah is Great),
separate hands from the side and go down for sajdah in picture below
2.7 In this prostration say the following 3 times
"Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"
( "How perfect is my Lord, the Most High" )
2.8 Next, raise the head from prostration while saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
("Allah is Great")
Then assume the sitting position
While sitting between the two sajdahs, place your left foot along the ground and sit on it, and keep the right foot upright, with the point of the toes towards the qiblah or You can also practice iq’aa (resting on both heels, and all the toes).
You should also be relaxed such that every bone is in its proper position.
Whilst in this position one should say::
"Rabb ighfir lee "
("O my Lord, forgive me " )
Note. the hands should be close to the knees and fingers spread out. one should look at the site were one will prostrate.
2.9
Sajdah Next, saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
(Allah is Great)
Prostrate for the second time.
Whilst in the prostration say again the following
"Subhana rubbiyal a'ala" ( say 3 times)
( "How perfect is my Lord, the Most High")
2.10
Next, raise the head from prostration while saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
("Allah is Great")
Then assume the sitting position
While sitting place your left foot along the ground and sit on it, and keep the right foot upright, with the point of the toes towards the qiblah or You can also practice iq’aa (resting on both heels, and all the toes).
You should also be relaxed such that every bone is in its proper position.
Place right palm on right thigh/knee and left palm on the left thigh/knee, and place the end of the right elbow on the right thigh. Spread left palm on left knee, clench all fingers of the right hand, point the finger adjacent (index finger) to the thumb towards qiblah, and fix sight on it.
Also when pointing with the RIGHT HAND INDEX FINGER, u can place the thumb on the middle finger
Or you can make a circle with the two fingers Move the RIGHT HAND INDEX FINGER as you supplicate with it from the start till the end of the Tashahud
Then Recite
"Subhaan-Allaah wa’l-hamdu Lillaah wa laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wa Allaahu akbar wa laa hawla wa laquwwata illa Billaah "
(Glory be to Allaah, praise be to Allaah, there is no god except Allaah, Allaah is Most great and there is no power and no strength except with Allaah)
This concludes the Second Rakah Next, get up for the third rakah, supporting yourself off the ground. You can also clench your fist, meaning, supporting yourself with your hands when getting off the ground
End of Second Rakah
3.1 Start of Third Rakah
As soon as get up after completing the second rakaah raise both your hands (with palms of hands facing Kabah ) with fingers apart (not spaced out) level with shoulders or level with top of the ears.
or you may raise the hands whilst still sitting and at the end of position 2.10 and then get up for the third rakah thus missing out position 3.1 and going straight to position 3.2 (Note this is only done after the second rakaah of a three or 4 Rakah prayer. )
3.2 Place left hand on your chest. Then place your right hand on the top of the back of your left hand as in the picture
Whilst in this position say the following Dua (supplication):
"Subhaan-Allaah wal-hamdu Lillaah wa laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wa Allaah-hoo akbar wa laa hawla wa la quwwata illa Billaah "
(Glory be to Allaah, praise be to Allaah, there is no god except Allaah, Allaah is Most great and there is no power and no strength except with Allaah)
Note: when you reach intermediate level recite Surah Fathiha in this position (described at bottom of guide)
3.3 After completing the recitation pause for a moment,
then saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
(Allah is Great)
raise both your hands (with palms of hands facing Kabah ) with fingers apart (not spaced out) level with shoulders or level with top of the ears go down to raku. Position below
3.4 Ruku
In the bowing position say the following three times
"Subhana rab-bi yal adheem"
("Glory be to my Lord who is the very greatest" )
3.5 Next, straighten up the back from the ruku saying:
Sami Allaahu liman hamidah,
( Allah hears the one who praises Him )
and raise both your hands (with palms of hands facing Kabah ) with fingers apart (not spaced out) level with shoulders or level with top of the ears .
And straighten your back
3.6 In the standing position you should be erect so that the joints of your body go back in place. Whilst in this standing position say the following
"Rabbanaa wa lak al-hamd"
(Our Lord, [and] to you be all Praise)
3.7 Then Saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
(Allah is Great),
separate hands from the side and go down for sajdah in picture below
3.8
Sajdah In this prostration say the following 3 times
"Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"
( "How perfect is my Lord, the Most High" )
3.9 Next, raise the head from prostration while saying
"Allahu Akbar"
("Allah is Great")
Then assume the sitting position
While sitting between the two sajdahs, place your left foot along the ground and sit on it, and keep the right foot upright, with the point of the toes towards the qiblah or You can also practice iq’aa (resting on both heels, and all the toes). You should also be relaxed such that every bone is in its proper position. Whilst in this position one should say:
"'Rabb ighfir lee "
("O my Lord, forgive me " )
Note. the hands should be close to the knees and fingers spread out. one should look at the site were one will prostrate.
3.10 Next, saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
(Allah is Great)
Prostrate for the second time.
Whilst in the prostration say again the following
"Subhana rubbiyal a'ala" ( say 3 times)
( "How perfect is my Lord, the Most High")
3.11 Next, raise the head from prostration while saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
("Allah is Great")
Then assume the sitting position.
While sitting place your left foot along the ground and sit on it, and keep the right foot upright, with the point of the toes towards the qiblah
or You can also practice iq’aa (resting on both heels, and all the toes). You should also be relaxed such that every bone is in its proper position.
This concludes the third Rakah
Next, get up for the Fourth rakah, supporting yourself off the ground. You can also clench your fist, meaning, supporting yourself with your hands when getting off the ground
End of Third Rakah
4.1 Start of Fourth Rakah
Place left hand on your chest. Then place your right hand on the top of the back of your left hand as in the picture
Whilst in this position say the following Dua (supplication):
"Subhaan-Allaah wal-hamdu Lillaah wa laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wa Allaah-hoo akbar wa laa hawla wa la quwwata illa Billaah "
(Glory be to Allaah, praise be to Allaah, there is no god except Allaah, Allaah is Most great and there is no power and no strength except with Allaah)
Note: when you reach intermediate level recite Surah Fathiha in this position (described at bottom of guide)
4.2 After completing the recitation pause for a moment, then saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
(Allah is Great)
raise both your hands (with palms of hands facing Kabah ) with fingers apart (not spaced out) level with shoulders or level with top of the ears go down to raku. Position below
4.3 Ruku In the bowing position say the following three times
"Subhana rab-bi yal adheem"
("Glory be to my Lord who is the very greatest" )
4.4 Next, straighten up the back from the ruku saying:
Sami Allaahu liman hamidah,
( Allah hears the one who praises Him )
and raise both your hands (with palms of hands facing Kabah ) with fingers apart (not spaced out) level with shoulders or level with top of the ears .
And straighten your back
4.5 In the standing position you should be erect so that the joints of your body go back in place. Whilst in this standing position say the following
"Rabbanaa wa lak al-hamd"
(Our Lord, [and] to you be all Praise)
4.6 Then Saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
(Allah is Great),
separate hands from the side and go down for sajdah (prostration) in picture below
4.7 Whilst in the prostration say again the following
"Subhana rubbiyal a'ala" ( say 3 times)
( "How perfect is my Lord, the Most High"
4.8 Next, raise the head from prostration while saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
("Allah is Great")
Then assume the sitting position
While sitting between the two sajdahs, place your left foot along the ground and sit on it, and keep the right foot upright, with the point of the toes towards the qiblah or You can also practice iq’aa (resting on both heels, and all the toes).
You should also be relaxed such that every bone is in its proper position.
Whilst in this position one should say::
"Rabb ighfir lee "
("O my Lord, forgive me " )
Note. the hands should be close to the knees and fingers spread out. one should look at the site were one will prostrate.
4.9
Sajdah Next, saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
(Allah is Great)
Prostrate for the second time.
Whilst in the prostration say again the following
"Subhana rubbiyal a'ala" ( say 3 times)
( "How perfect is my Lord, the Most High")
4.10
Next, raise the head from prostration while saying
"Allah-hoo Akbar"
("Allah is Great")
Then assume the sitting position
Your Left buttocks should be on the floor. Your left leg should be bent. Outside of Left Femur should also be on the floor and your inside of your Left Tibia and foot should be protruding underneath the front of your Right Tibia (shin area).
Also the right foot can be placed upright with the toes pointing towards the qiblah or it can be placed on the ground. In this position, you will be leaning heavily on the left hand (but make sure that your left hand is placed on your thigh/knee and not the floor).
Place right palm on right thigh/knee and left palm on the left thigh/knee, and place the end of the right elbow on the right thigh. Spread left palm on left knee, clench all fingers of the right hand, point the finger adjacent (index finger) to the thumb towards qiblah, and fix sight on it.
Also when pointing with the RIGHT HAND INDEX FINGER, u can place the thumb on the middle finger
Or you can make a circle with the two fingers Move the RIGHT HAND INDEX FINGER as you supplicate with it from the start till the end of the Tashahud
Then Recite
"Subhaan-Allaah wa’l-hamdu Lillaah wa laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wa Allaahu akbar wa laa hawla wa laquwwata illa Billaah "
(Glory be to Allaah, praise be to Allaah, there is no god except Allaah, Allaah is Most great and there is no power and no strength except with Allaah)
(end of Tashahud.)
4.11 Having said the above mentioned prayers, turning the face to the right. This following prayer is recited:
"Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah "
(Peace and mercy of Allah be on you).
4.12 Then turning the face to the left, the prayer above is said again:
"Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah "
(Peace and mercy of Allah be on you).
This completes a prayer consisting of 4 rakahs such as Dhuhr, Asr and Isha prayers
1.
For a New Muslim or any Muslim who does not know how to prayer you just need to memorize the following few words.
And this will enable you to pray all the 5 daily prayers.
A) Allah-hoo Akbar
B) "Subhaan-Allaah wal-hamdu Lillaah wa laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wa Allaah-hoo akbar wa laa hawla wa la quwwata illa Billaah "
C) Sami Allaahu liman hamidah
D) Rabbana wa lakaal hamd
E Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah
If you are up to it you can also memorize the following
F) Subhana rab-bi yal atheem
G) Subhana rubbiyal a'ala
H) Rabbi eghfir lee
Once you have memorized these words and you have gone through these prayer guides you will be surprised that the Prayer is not as difficult as it looks.
I suggest you print this out and practice holding the pages and recite what should be recited in each of the body positions.
Going through the motions repeatedly will help you learn quickly. Also look at the video and the flash movie as it will help you see the postures and movements. May Allah make it easy for you.
Once you have learnt the above and are praying confidently.. Try to Memorise Surah Fatiha.as quickly as possible (this is explained below)
Note:
Surah Fatiha should be recited one verse at a time
Surah Fatiha
1 Bismillah hir rahman nir raheem
2 Alhamdu lillahi rabbiL a lameen
3 Ar rahman nir raheem
4 Maliki yawmid deen
5 Iyyaka na'a budu wa-iyyaka nasta aeen
6 Ihdinas sirataal mustaqeem
7 Siratal latheena an a'amta alayhim ghayril maghdoobi alayhim walad daalleen
After reciting Surah Fatiha one says
Ameen
1. In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
2. All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists).
3. The Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
4. The Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense ( i.e. the Day of Resurrection)
5. You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything).
6. Guide us to the Straight Way
7. The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger (such as the Jews), nor of those who went astray (such as the Christians).
Note:
Surah Fatiha should be recited one verse at a time
Listen to the whole of Surah Fatiha
1 Bismillah hir rahman nir raheem
2 Alhamdu lillahi rabbiL a lameen
3 Ar rahman nir raheem
4 Maliki yawmid deen
5 Iyyaka na'a budu wa-iyyaka nasta aeen
6 Ihdinas sirataal mustaqeem
7 Siratal latheena an a'amta alayhim ghayril maghdoobi alayhim walad daalleen
After reciting Surah Fatiha say
Ameen
1. In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
2. All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists).
3. The Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
4. The Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense ( i.e. the Day of Resurrection)
5. You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything).
6. Guide us to the Straight Way
7. The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger (such as the Jews), nor of those who went astray (such as the Christians).
HOW TO Perform Wudhu
Prior to entering Salaat (prayer), the person is required to undertake a certain purification procedure known as "Wudhu" without which, the person's prayer would not be acceptable in the sight of "Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala). This performance is called wudhu and is preferably carried out as follows:
Abu Hurairah (radhiAllaahu'anhu) said: Rasoolullah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: The Prayer of anyone of you breaching purification is not accepted unless he makes wudoo. [Al-Bukhaaree, (Fath ul-Baaree, 1/206), Muslim (no.225) and others].
Ibn 'Umar (radhiAllaahu 'anhumaa) said: Indeed I heard Rasoolullah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) say: Allah does not accept Prayer without purification, nor Sadaqah from illegally attained wealth. [Muslim (1/160) and others].
Narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When the Muslim or believing slave does wudoo’ and washes his face, every wrong thing that he looked at with his eyes comes out from his face with the water or with the last drop of water. When he washes his hands, every wrong thing that he did with his hands comes out from his hands with the water or with the last drop of water. When he washes his feet every wrong thing that he walked to with his feet comes out from his feet with the water or with the last drop of water, until he emerges cleansed of sin.” (Muslim)
Narrated from ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no one among you who does wudoo; and does it well, then says, Ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasooluhu (I bear witness that there is no god except Allaah alone, with no partner or associate, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger) but the eight gates of Paradise will be opened for him and he will enter through whichever one he wants.” Narrated by Muslim, 234.
The Definition of Wudhu
Wudhu in the Arabic Language: Wudoo is the action, and wudhu the water used.
Therefore - and it is also a verbal noun; or they are two forms of the same word, both meaning the verbal-noun and maybe both referring also to the water used.
Wudoo in the Sharee'ah: Wudoo is using clean and cleansing (Tuhoor) water upon certain body parts as Allaah ta'ala has prescribed and explained.
HOW TO PERFORM WUDHU
1 Declare the intention for Wudhu in your heart Rasoolullah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) himself explained in the hadeeth narrated by 'Umar (radhiAllaahu 'anhu) in the Sahihain Verily the actions are by intention and there is for everyone only what he intended... [Fath-ul-Baaree, 1/9, and Muslim, 6/48]. At-Tasmiyyah (Mentioning Allaah's Name)
2 Say Bismillah (In the Name of Allah). Abu Hurairah (radhiAllaahu' anhu) said that Rasoolullah (sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam) said There is no wudoo for him who does not mention Allaah's name upon it. [Reported by Ibn Maajah (no.399), At-Tirmidhee (no.26), Abu Dawood (no.101) and others. Ash-Shaikh al-Albaani says: hadeeth Saheeh (Saheeh ul-Jaarni', no.7444)].
3 Wash the right hand up to and including the wrists. Make sure to while rub and rub between the fingers of the hand. And thus make sure no part of the hand is left dry. Three times
Then do the same with the left hand. (also three times) Humraan (radhiAllaahu'anhu) narrates that 'Uthmaan called for water to make wudoo and washed his hands three times... then said: I saw Rasoolullah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam)make wudoo just as I have made wudoo . [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim, and as preceded].
And in the hadeeth of Abdullaah ibn Zaid (radhiAllaahu'anhu) he was asked about the wudoo of the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam), so he called for a bowl of water and made wudoo from it as the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) made wudoo, and he poured out water from the bowl upon his hand and washed it three times. [Al-Bukhaaree (al Fath, l/255), Muslim, 3/121].
Aus ibn Abi Aus reports from his grandfather (radhiAllaahu 'anhu) who said: I saw Rasoolullah (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) make wudoo washing his hands three times. [Ahmad (4/9), An-Nasaa'ee (1/55) - with saheeh isnaad].
4 Make a cup with the right hand then from this hand take water into your mouth and swirl it inside the mouth and then expel out of mouth. then sniff remaining water from the cupped right hand and sniff water into the nose and then blow the water out and using the left hand remove the water from your nose. Do this three times
Some people rinse the mouth first three times and then rinse the nose three times
However the first method is the most authentic. 'Abdullaah ibn Zaid al-Ansaaree said that it was said to him: Perform for us the wudoo of Rasoolullah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam), so he called for a pot of water. Until he said: So he washed his mouth and nose with a single handful and did that three times. [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim].
In the hadeeth of 'Amr ibn Yahyaa (radhiAllaahu 'anhu) he said: And he washed his mouth and nose using three handfuls of water. [Muslim, 3/123].
Al-Imam an-Nawawi says: And in this hadeeth is a clear proof for the correct opinion that the sunnah in washing the mouth and nose is that it should be with three handfuls of water - washing the mouth and nose [together] with each of them.
Abu Hurairah (radhiAllaahu'anhu) narrates that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said When one of you makes wudoo then let him enter water into his nose, then expel it.[Al-Bukhaaree (al-Fath, 1/229), Muslim (no.237), Abu Dawood (no. 140)].
in the hadeeth of Laqeet (radhiAllaahu 'anhu) who said: O Rasoolullah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam), inform me of the wudoo . He said Complete the wudoo and rub between the fingers and exert in breathing in the water into the nose unless you are fasting. [Abu Dawood, no.l42; At-Tirmidhee, no.38; An-nasaa'ee, no.ll4; IbMaajah, no.407; and others]. (Declared as saheeh by Ibn Hibbaan and al-Haalcim, and adh-Dhahabee agreed to that. Also declared as saheeh by Ibn al Qaataan, An-Nawawi and Ibn Hajr. Refer to the footnote in al-Baghawi's Sharh us-Sunnah: 1/417
'Abd Khair said: We were sitting looking towards 'Alee - as he made wudoo - and he entered into his mouth a handful of water with his right hand and washed his mouth and nose, then expelled it from his nose with his left hand - he did that three times, then said: Whoever would like to see the way of purification of Rasoolullah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) - then this is his purification. [Reported by ad-Daarimee. Ash-shaikh al-Albaanee says in his notes on al-Mishkaat: Its isnaad is saheeh].
5 Wash the face three times, from the hairline to the jawbone and chin, and from start of the ear to start of the ear
A man should wash the hair of his beard by taking a handful of water and entering it below his chin and rubbing it through his beard and passing the wet fingers through the beard. Humraan ibn Abaan narrates that 'Uthmaan (radhiAllaahu 'anhu) called for water to make wudoo and so mentioned the way in which the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) made wudoo . Humraan said: Then he washed his face three times. [Al-Bukhaaree (al-Fath, 1/312), Muslim (no.226)].
'Uthmaan (radhiAllaahu'anhu) narrates that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) used to run his (wet fingers) through his beard. [At-Tirmidhee (no.31), Ibn Maajah (no.430), Ibn Jaarood (p.43) and al-Haakim (1/14~) who declared its isnaad as saheeh as did Ibn Khuzaimah and Ibn Hibbaan. See the note in al-Baghagawi's Sharh us-Sunnah, 1/421].
Anas (radhiAllaahu'anhu) narrates that the Prophet (sallallaahu'alaihi wa sallam), when he made wudoo , used to take a handful of water and enter it below his chin and rub it through his beard and said This is what my Lord - the Great and Exalted - has ordered me to do. [Abo Dawood (no.145), al-Baihaqee (1/54), al-Haakim (1/149). Ash-Shaikh al-Albaani declares it to be saheeh (Saheeh ul-Jaami', no.4572)].
6 Wash the right arm up to and including the elbow. Three times.
The arm extends from the fingertips, including the nails, to the lower part of the upper arm. It is essential to remove anything stuck to the hands before washing them, such as dough, mud, paint, nail polish etc, that could prevent the water from reaching the skin.
Do the same with the LEFT ARM . Three times
Humraan ibn Abaan reports that 'Uthmaan (radhiAllaahu'anhu) called for water for wudoo and mentioned the Prophet's (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) way of making wudoo - and Humraan said: Then he washed his right arm including the elbow three times, then the left in the same way. [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim as has preceded].
Jaabir (radhiAllaahu'anhu) said that when the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallarn) made wudoo , he would pass the water over his elbows. [Reported by ad-Daaraqutnee (1/15), al-Baihaqee (1/56) and others - Ibn Hajr declared it to be hasan. And Ash-Shaikh al-Albaanee declared it to be saheeh (Saheeh ul-Jaami', 4547)].
The proof in this matter is the hadeeth of Nu'aim ibn Mijmar who said: I saw Abu Hurairah make wudoo - he washed his face and completed the wudoo , then washed his right hand until he reached the upper arm, then his left hand till he reached the upper arm" - then in the end of the hadeeth he said: "This is how I saw Rasoolullah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) make wudoo . [Muslim, 1/246]
7 Wet your hands in water, Place both hands at the front of the head (beginning of hairline) and wipe the head backwards until you reach the nape. Then bring them back to the front of the head (beginning of hairline). This is done once only
With regard to a woman’s hair, she should wipe it whether it is loose or braided from the front of her head to the roots of the hair at the nape and then bring forward as above, but she does not have to wipe the entire length of her hair. Al-Bukhaari (185) and Muslim (235) narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Zayd (may Allaah be pleased with him) that he described the wudoo’ of the Prophet [an error occurred while processing this directive] (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): … Then he wiped his head with his hands, front to back. He started at the front of the head and (wiped) until his hands reached the back of the head, then he brought them back to where he started
8 Clean the ears by inserting the tips of the index fingers into the ears. Twist them round the folds of the ears. Then wipe the back of the ears with your thumbs. From bottom of the ear upwards. ONCE ONLY From 'Abdullaah ibn 'Amr - about the way of performing wudoo - he said: Then he (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) wiped his head and entered his two forefingers into his ears and wiped the backs of his ears with his thumbs. [Reported by Abu Dawood (no.135), an-Nasaa'ee (no.140), Ibn Maajah (no.422) and authenticated by Ibn Khuzairnah].
9 Wash the right feet up to and including the ankles, three times,
You should enter the water between the toes with your little finger and then wash the foot (note not wipe feet but wash them) and make sure you wash the sole of the foot and heals. Make sure no parts of the foot is left dry
Wash the left feet same as the right foot also three times.
Ibn 'Umar (radhiAllaahu 'anhumaa) said: Rasoolullah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) fell behind us and then came upon us during a journey, then we found him and it was time for 'Asr - so we began to make wudoo and wipe over our feet, so he (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) called out at the top of his voice Woe to the ankles from the Fire. (two or three times) [Al-Bukhaaree (al Fath, 1/232) and Muslim, 3/128].
'Abdullah b. 'Amr reported: We returned from Mecca to Medina with the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him), and when we came to some water on the way, some of the people were in a hurry at the time of the afternoon prayer and performed ablution hurriedly; and when we reached them, their heels were dry, no water had touched them. The Prophet (may peace be upon him) said: Woe to (dry) heels, because of Hell-fire. Make your ablution thorough.
( Muslim Book 002, Number 0468)
10
The Du'aa After the Wudoo
Ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasooluhu.
( I bear witness that there is no god except Allaah alone, with no partner or associate, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.)
Allaahumm aj’alni min al-tawwaabeena waj’alni min al-mutatahhireena
( O Allaah, make me one of those who repent and make me one of those who purify themselves)
According to another hadeeth narrated in Sunan al-Nasaa’i, one of the things that may also be said after wudoo’ is: “Subhaanaka Allaahumma wa bi hamdika, ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill anta, astaghfiruka wa atoobu ilayka
(Glory and praise be to You, O Allaah, I bear witness that there is no god but You, I seek Your forgiveness and I repent to You).
11 Note. The water must also be pure (taahir), for impure (naajis) water cannot be used for wudoo’. One must also remove anything that could prevent water from reaching the skin and nails, such as nail polish.
In circumstances were water cannot be found, or there is only just enough for drinking, or if water is injurious to health, in such circumstances one can perform Tayammum (dry ablution ).
Allah says:
O you who believe! When you intend to offer As-Salat (the prayer), wash your faces and your hands (forearms) up to the elbows, rub (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to ankles . If you are in a state of Janaba (i.e. had a sexual discharge), purify yourself (bathe your whole body). But if you are ill or on a journey or any of you comes from answering the call of nature, or you have been in contact with women (i.e. sexual intercourse) and you find no water, then perform Tayammum with clean earth and rub therewith your faces and hands. Allah does not want to place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify you, and to complete His Favour on you that you may be thankful. (Quran 5:6)
Instances when At-Tayammum is Permitted
At-Tayammum is permitted only on specific instances as follows:
1. Where the person cannot find water or the amount of water is not sufficient for Wudhu. However, before performing AT-Tayammum, the person is required to look for water earnestly from any possible source.
2. When a person is injured or ill and believes that the use of water will worsen his/her condition, then, At-Tayammum is allowed.
3. When water is too cold such that it may harm the person, AT-Tayammum is allowed if the user cannot find means of heating the water.
4. When water is nearby, but the person is not able to fetch it due to fear for his/her life, family and wealth, (e.g. from an enemy either beast or human in the vicinity) then, At-Tayammum may be performed.
5. When there is not enough water and one is forced to save what is available for drinking and/or cooking, then, At-Tayammum is allowed.
The Earth (Soil) to be used for At-Tayammaum
This should be pure earth or soil and can be sand, stone or gypsum which produce dust when hit with the hands.
How to Perform At-Tayammum
1. Make intension inheart to perform At-Tayammum.
2. Say Bismillah (In the Name of Allah).
3. Strike both palms of hands on clean sand, dust or anything containing these (e.g. wall or stone) .
4. Blow into the palms
5. Wipe the face using both palms.(once)
6. Thereafter using the left palm to wipe over the back of the right hand up to the wrist, and then, uses the right palm to wipe over the back of the left hand up to the wrist.
7. Finish with the Dua as given above for Wudhu.
Matters which Invalidate the Wudhu
The person will remain in a state of Wudhu until any of the following matters is committed:
(1) Anything coming out of the Anus or penis/vagina such as urine, feaces or gas etc.
(2) A person falling sound Sleep
(3) Becoming Unconscious - insanity or fainting or intoxication
(4) Touching the Uncovered Private Parts
(5) Touching a Woman which leads to prostatic fluid or semen being emitted. A man can touch, kiss and hug his wife and his wudhu will still be valid. It will only break if these actions lead to the emmision of prostatic fluid or semen.
GHUSL (Bathing)
In certain cases Wudhu is not suffient such as sexual impurity, impurity due to mentruation or nifaas (post natel bleeding) and some other cases .In such cases a personn is required to make Ghusl
What is ghusl, when is it needed and how to perform Ghusl
Ghusl for women and men
Ghusl is washing the entire body with water.
Allah say:
"O you who believe! Approach not As-Salat (the prayer) when you are in a drunken state until you know (the meaning) of what you utter, nor when you are in a state of Janaba, (i.e. in a state of sexual impurity and have not yet taken a bath) except when travelling on the road (without enough water, or just passing through a mosque), till you wash your whole body. And if you are ill, or on a journey, or one of you comes after answering the call of nature, or you have been in contact with women (by sexual relations) and you find no water, performTayammum with clean earth and rub therewith your faces and hands (Tayammum) . Truly, Allah is Ever Oft-Pardoning, Oft-Forgiving." (Quran 4:43)
Occasions when Ghusl is Required as an obligatory Act
Ghusl is obligatory on a person in the following cases:
1. If there is discharge of semen due to stimulation or because of an erotic dream (wet dream). If a woman finds her self wet due to an erotic dream then Ghusl is obligatory on her because of the hadeeth of Umm Salamah, who reported that Umm Sulaim, the wife of Abu Talha, asked Allah's Messenger (sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam), saying: "Allaah is not shy when it comes to the truth. So is it obligatory for a woman to perform ghusl if she has a wet dream (i.e. seminal fluid comes out)? The Prophet (sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) responded: "Yes, if she sees the fluid." This hadeeth is reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim. However, if one has an erotic dream but no wetness is found then ghusl is not obligatory
2. Ghusl is obligatory for men and women after sexual intercourse performing Ghusl is required regardless of whether the person ejaculated or not. A male is required to perform ghusl if the head of his penis entered the Vagina of the female even if it was for just a secound. Abu Hurairah (radyAllaahu anhu) said: Allah's Messenger (sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: "When a man sits in between the four parts of a woman and enters into her (for intercourse), the ghusl becomes obligatory." Reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim. In Muslim's report, there is the addition: "even if he doesn't ejaculate. The same ruling applies to the woman.
3. Females are required to perform ghusl when their menstruation period end.
4. Females are required to perform ghusl at the end of their post-childbirth bleeding. If she continues to sleep for more than 39 days then she must perform ghusl at the end of the 40th day.
5. It is required to perform ghusl on a Muslim who has died but if the Muslim died in Jihad (i.e as a Shaheed or Martyr) then no qhusl is required.
Occasions for which Ghusl is preferred
Ghusl is recommended in the following cases:
6. Before going to Jummah Congregational (Friday Prayer).
7. Before going to Eid Prayers (Muslim annual feast prayers).
8. Before undertaking Umrah or Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah).
9. Upon washing a corpse. (According to many scholars, the performance of Ghusl is preferred for a person who washes a corpse).
10. When a disbeliever converts to Islam.
How to Perform Ghusl
The Complete Ghusl: which is what has been reported in the hadeeth of "Aishah (radyAllaahu anhaa) in Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim, in which she said: "When Allah'ss Messenger (sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) would perform ghusl due to Janaabah (sexual impurity), he would begin by washing his hands. Then he would pour water from his right hand to his left and wash his private parts with it (i.e. the left hand). Then he would perform wudoo (ablution). Then he would take water and place his (wet) fingers on the roots off his hair. Then he would pour three handfuls of water over his head. Then he would pour water all over the rest of his body. Then he would wash his feet." This wording is from Muslim. The hadeeth is in Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim from the narration of Maymoonah, (radyAllaahu anhaa).
Special Note for women
The Ghusl for men and women is essential same. Women who have braids can do ghusl without having to undo their hair if they are in Jannabah (sexual impurity). However if they are impure due to Menstruation or Nifass (post Natel bleeding ) then they should open their hair before doing ghusl. (see Hadiths Below).
Also if the Muslim female is making ghusl after the end of her Menstruation or Nifass (post Natel bleeding ) then after the ghusl (described Below) she should take a piece a cloth perfumed with musk and clean the private parts with it thrice.
Thus apart from this there is no difference in the way men and women perform Ghusl.
The Ghusl for men and women is as follows:
1 Intention inside ones heart not verbal.
2 Say Bismillah
3 Wash the right hand up to and including the wrists. Make sure to while rub and rub between the fingers of the hand. And thus make sure no part of the hand is left dry. Three times
Then do the same with the left hand. (also three times)
4 Wash off the impurities (off the private parts)
5
Wash the right hand up to and including the wrists. Make sure to while rub and rub between the fingers of the hand. And thus make sure no part of the hand is left dry. Three times
Then do the same with the left hand. (also three times)
6
Make a cup with the right hand then from this hand take water into your mouth and swirl it inside the mouth and then expel out of mouth. then sniff remaining water from the cupped right hand and sniff water into the nose and then blow the water out and using the left hand remove the water from your nose. Do this three times
Some people rinse the mouth first three times and then rinse the nose three times
However the first method is the most authentic.
7 Wash the face three times, from the hairline to the jawbone and chin, and from start of the ear to start of the ear.
After this a man should wash the hair of his beard by taking a handful of water and entering it below his chin and rubbing it through his beard and passing the wet fingers through the beard. (once)
8 Wash the right arm up to and including the elbow Three times.
The arm extends from the fingertips, including the nails, to the lower part of the upper arm. It is essential to remove anything stuck to the hands before washing them, such as dough, mud, paint, nail polish etc, that could prevent the water from reaching the skin
.
Do the same with the LEFT ARM . Three times
9 Pour water over the head Three times down to the roots of the hairs. rubbing the roots of the hair with the wet fingers
10 Pour water liberally over the entire body, beginning with the right side and then the left side. Then pour water over your head. (Ensuring that no part of the body is untouched by water by rubbing the body with your hands)
11 Move away from area were you did ghusl and Wash the right feet up to and including the ankles, three times,
You should enter the water between the toes with your little finger and then wash the feet (note not wipe feet but wash them) and make sure and make sure you wash the sole of the foot and the heals. Make sure no parts of the foot is left dry
Wash the left foot in the same manner as the right foot. Three times
12 Then say the following Duas for Wudhu when outside the bathroom (if bathroom has a toilet inside it)
Ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasooluhu.
( I bear witness that there is no god except Allaah alone, with no partner or associate, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.)
Allaahumm aj alni min al-tawwaabeena waj alni min al-mutatahhireena
( O Allah, make me one of those who repent and make me one of those who purify themselves)
Hadiths regarding women's ghusl:
1. Umm Salamah (may Allaah be pleased with her), who said: "I said, "O Messenger of Allaah, I am a woman who wears her hair in braids. Do I have to undo my braids when I make ghusl because of janaabah? He said, "No, it is enough if you pour water on your head three times, and then over the rest of your body. That will make you clean." (Reported by Muslim, no. 497).
Narrated 'Aisha: In the last Hajj of Allah's Apostle I assume the Ihram for Hajj along with Allah Apostle. I was one of those who intended Tamattu' (to perform Hajj an 'Umra) and did not take the Hadi (animal for sacrifice) with me. I got my menses and was not clean till the night of 'Arafa I said, "O Allah's Apostle! It is the night of the day of 'Arafat and I intended to perform the Hajj Tamattu' with 'Umra Allah's Apostle told me to undo my hair and comb it and to postpone the 'Umra. I did the same and completed the Hajj. On the night of Al-Hasba (i.e. place outside Mecca where the pilgrims go after finishing all the ceremonies Hajj at Mina) he (the Prophet ordered 'Abdur Rahman ('Aisha's brother) to take me to At-Tan'im to assume the lhram for'Umra in lieu of that of Hajj-atTamattu' which I had intended to perform (Bukhari Volume 1, Book 6, Number 313:)
2. Narrated 'Aisha: An Ansari woman asked the Prophet how to take a bath after finishing from the menses. He replied, "Take a piece a cloth perfumed with musk and clean the private parts with it thrice." The Prophet felt shy and turned his face. So pulled her to me and told her what the Prophet meant. (Bukhari Volume 1, Book 6, Number 312:)
Tayammum
In circumstances were water cannot be found, or there is only just enough for drinking, or if water is injurious to health, in such circumstances one can perform Tayammum (dry ablution ).
How to perform Tayammum
In circumstances were water cannot be found, or there is only just enough for drinking, or if water is injurious to health, in such circumstances one can perform Tayammum (dry ablution ).
Allah says:
O you who believe! When you intend to offer As-Salat (the prayer), wash your faces and your hands (forearms) up to the elbows, rub (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to ankles . If you are in a state of Jannaba (i.e. had a sexual discharge), purify yourself (bathe your whole body). But if you are ill or on a journey or any of you comes from answering the call of nature, or you have been in contact with women (i.e. sexual intercourse) and you find no water, then perform Tayammum with clean earth and rub therewith your faces and hands. Allah does not want to place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify you, and to complete His Favour on you that you may be thankful. (Quran 5:6)
Instances when At-Tayammum is Permitted
At-Tayammum is permitted only on specific instances as follows:
1. Where the person cannot find water or the amount of water is not sufficient for Wudhu. However, before performing AT-Tayammum, the person is required to look for water earnestly from any possible source.
2. When a person is injured or ill and believes that the use of water will worsen his/her condition, then, At-Tayammum is allowed.
3. When water is too cold such that it may harm the person, AT-Tayammum is allowed if the user cannot find means of heating the water.
4. When water is nearby, but the person is not able to fetch it due to fear for his/her life, family and wealth, (e.g. from an enemy either beast or human in the vicinity) then, At-Tayammum may be performed.
5. When there is not enough water and one is forced to save what is available for drinking and/or cooking, then, At-Tayammum is allowed.
The Earth (Soil) to be used for At-Tayammaum
This should be pure earth or soil and can be sand, stone or gypsum which produce dust when hit with the hands.
How to Perform At-Tayammum
1. Make intension in heart to perform At-Tayammum.
2. Say Bismillah (In the Name of Allah).
3. Strike both palms of hands on clean sand, dust or anything containing these (e.g. wall or stone) .
4. Blow into the palms
5. Wipe the face using both palms.(once)
6. Thereafter using the left palm to wipe over the back of the right hand up to the wrist, and then, uses the right palm to wipe over the back of the left hand up to the wrist.
7. Finish with the Dua as given above for Wudhu.
Could u please supply me with some qoutes from the Hadith and Quran on the importance of hijab for women.
Published Date: 2004-03-14
Praise be to Allaah.
Verses that have to do with hijab:
1 – Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, headcover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allaah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful”
[al-Noor 24:31]
2 – Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And as for women past childbearing who do not expect wedlock, it is no sin on them if they discard their (outer) clothing in such a way as not to show their adornment. But to refrain (i.e. not to discard their outer clothing) is better for them. And Allaah is All Hearer, All Knower”
[al-Noor 24:60]
“Women past childbearing” are those who no longer menstruate, so they can no longer get pregnant or bear children.
We shall see below the words of Hafsah bint Sireen and the way in which she interpreted this verse.
3 – Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful”
[al-Ahzaab 33:59]
4 – Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“O you who believe! Enter not the Prophet’s houses, unless permission is given to you for a meal, (and then) not (so early as) to wait for its preparation. But when you are invited, enter, and when you have taken your meal, disperse without sitting for a talk. Verily, such (behaviour) annoys the Prophet, and he is shy of (asking) you (to go); but Allaah is not shy of (telling you) the truth. And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts. And it is not (right) for you that you should annoy Allaah’s Messenger, nor that you should ever marry his wives after him (his death). Verily, with Allaah that shall be an enormity”
[al-Ahzaab 33:53]
With regard to the Ahaadeeth:
1 – It was narrated from Safiyyah bint Shaybah that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) used to say: When these words were revealed – “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” – they took their izaars (a kind of garment) and tore them from the edges and covered their faces with them.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4481. The following version was narrated by Abu Dawood (4102):
May Allaah have mercy on the Muhaajir women. When Allaah revealed the words “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)”, they tore the thickest of their aprons (a kind of garment) and covered their faces with them.
Shaykh Muhammad al-Ameen al-Shanqeeti (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
This hadeeth clearly states that what the Sahaabi women mentioned here understood from this verse – “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” – was that they were to cover their faces, and that they tore their garments and covered their faces with them, in obedience to the command of Allaah in the verse where He said “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” which meant covering their faces. Thus the fair-minded person will understand that woman’s observing hijab and covering her face in front of men is established in the saheeh Sunnah that explains the Book of Allaah. ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) praised those women for hastening to follow the command of Allaah given in His Book. It is known that their understanding of the words “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” as meaning covering the face came from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), because he was there and they asked him about everything that they did not understand about their religion. And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And We have also sent down unto you (O Muhammad) the Dhikr [reminder and the advice (i.e. the Qur’aan)], that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought”
[al-Nahl 16:44]
Ibn Hajar said in Fath al-Baari: There is a report of Ibn Abi Haatim via ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Uthmaan ibn Khaytham from Safiyyah that explains that. This report says: We mentioned the women of Quraysh and their virtues in the presence of ‘Aa’ishah and she said: “The women of Quraysh are good, but by Allaah I have never seen any better than the women of the Ansaar, or any who believed the Book of Allaah more strongly or had more faith in the Revelation. When Soorat al-Noor was revealed – “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” – their menfolk came to them and recited to them what had been revealed, and there was not one woman among them who did not go to her apron, and the following morning they prayed wrapped up as if there were crows on their heads. It was also narrated clearly in the report of al-Bukhaari narrated above, where we see ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), who was so knowledgeable and pious, praising them in this manner and stating that she had never seen any women who believed the Book of Allaah more strongly or had more faith in the Revelation. This clearly indicates that they understood from this verse – “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” – that it was obligatory to cover their faces and that this stemmed from their belief in the Book of Allaah and their faith in the Revelation. It also indicates that women’s observing hijab in front of men and covering their faces is an act of belief in the Book of Allaah and faith in the Revelation. It is very strange indeed that some of those who claim to have knowledge say that there is nothing in the Qur’aan or Sunnah that says that women have to cover their faces in front of non-mahram men, even though the Sahaabi women did that in obedience to the command of Allaah in His Book, out of faith in the Revelation, and that this meaning is also firmly entrenched in the Sunnah, as in the report from al-Bukhaari quoted above. This is among the strongest evidence that all Muslim women are obliged to observe hijab.
Adwa’ al-Bayaan, 6/594-595.
2 – It was narrated from ‘Aa’ishah that the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to go out at night to al-Manaasi’ (well known places in the direction of al-Baqee’) to relieve themselves and ‘Umar used to say to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), “Let your wives be veiled.” But the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not do that. Then one night Sawdah bint Zam’ah, the wife of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), went out at ‘Isha’ time and she was a tall woman. ‘Umar called out to her: “We have recognized you, O Sawdah!” hoping that hijab would be revealed, then Allaah revealed the verse of hijab.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 146; Muslim, 2170.
3 – It was narrated from Ibn Shihaab that Anas said: I am the most knowledgeable of people about hijab. Ubayy ibn Ka’b used to ask me about it. When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) married Zaynab bint Jahsh, whom he married in Madeenah, he invited the people to a meal after the sun had risen. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) sat down and some men sat around him after the people had left, until the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) stood up and walked a while, and I walked with him, until he reached the door of ‘Aa’ishah’s apartment. Then he thought that they had left so he went back and I went back with him, and they were still sitting there. He went back again, and I went with him, until he reached the door of ‘Aa’ishah’s apartment, then he came back and I came back with him, and they had left. Then he drew a curtain between me and him, and the verse of hijab was revealed.
Al-Bukhaari, 5149; Muslim, 1428.
4 – It was narrated from ‘Urwah that ‘Aa’ishah said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to pray Fajr and the believing women would attend (the prayer) with him, wrapped in their aprons, then they would go back to their houses and no one would recognize them.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 365; Muslim, 645.
5 – It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “The riders used to pass by us when we were with the Messenger of Allaah (S) in ihraam, and when they drew near to us we would lower our jilbabs from our heads over our faces, then when they had passed we would uncover them again.
Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1833; Ibn Maajah, 2935; classed as saheeh by Ibn Khuzaymah (4,203) and by al-Albaani in Kitaab Jilbaab al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah.
6 – It was narrated that Asma’ bint Abi Bakr said: We used to cover our faces in front of men.
Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah, 4/203; al-Haakim, 1/624. He classed it as saheeh and al-Dhahabi agreed with him. It was also classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Jilbaab al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah.
7 – It was narrated that ‘Aasim al-Ahwaal said: We used to enter upon Hafsah bint Sireen who had put her jilbab thus and covered her face with it, and we would say to her: May Allaah have mercy on you. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And as for women past childbearing who do not expect wedlock, it is no sin on them if they discard their (outer) clothing in such a way as not to show their adornment” [al-Noor 24:60]. And she would say to us: What comes after that? We would say: “But to refrain (i.e. not to discard their outer clothing) is better for them”. And she would say: That is confirming the idea of hijab.
6991: Correct Hijaab
________________________________________
I wanted to know about a matter consurning the RIGHT hijaab
What is the proper hijaab? I mean so many differnt hijaabs are to choose from, And I have this friend from Denmark and she converted to Islam for a while now, and she's pleased ( ALhamduli_Allah) and she want to wear the right Hijaab.
Could you please tell us wear it says that the hijaab SHOULD be LONG (JILBAAB) over the cheas! she really needs this! thank you
Published Date: 1999-12-21
Praise be to Allaah.
Shaykh al-Albaani (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
The conditions of hijaab:
Firstly:
(It should cover all the body apart from whatever has been exempted).
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
This aayah clearly states that it is obligatory to cover all of a woman’s beauty and adornments and not to display any part of that before non-mahram men (“strangers”) except for whatever appears unintentionally, in which case there will be no sin on them if they hasten to cover it up.
Al-Haafiz ibn Katheer said in his Tafseer:
This means that they should not display any part of their adornment to non-mahrams, apart from that which it is impossible to conceal. Ibn Mas’ood said: such as the cloak and robe, i.e., what the women of the Arabs used to wear, an outer garment which covered whatever the woman was wearing, except for whatever appeared from beneath the outer garment. There is no sin on a woman with regard to this because it is impossible to conceal it.
Secondly
(it should not be an adornment in and of itself).
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“… and not to show off their adornment…” [al-Noor 24:31]. The general meaning of this phrase includes the outer garment, because if it is decorated it will attract men’s attention to her. This is supported by the aayah in Soorat al-Ahzaab (interpretation of the meaning):
“And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance” [al-Ahzaab 33:33]. It is also supported by the hadeeth in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are three, do not ask me about them: a man who leaves the jamaa’ah, disobeys his leader and dies disobedient; a female or male slave who runs away then dies; and a woman whose husband is absent and left her with everything she needs, and after he left she made a wanton display of herself. Do not ask about them.”
(Narrated by al-Haakim, 1/119; Ahmad, 6/19; from the hadeeth of Faddaalah bint ‘Ubayd. Its isnaad is saheeh and it is in al-Adab al-Mufrad).
Thirdly:
(It should be thick and not transparent or “see-thru”)
- because it cannot cover properly otherwise. Transparent or see-thru clothing makes a woman more tempting and beautiful. Concerning this the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “During the last days of my ummah there will be women who are clothed but naked, with something on their heads like the humps of camels. Curse them, for they are cursed.” Another hadeeth adds: “They will not enter Paradise or even smell its fragrance, although its fragrance can be detected from such and such a distance.”
(Narrated by Muslim from the report of Abu Hurayrah).
Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr said: what the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) meant was women who wear clothes made of light fabric which describes and does not cover. They are clothed in name but naked in reality.
Transmitted by al-Suyooti in Tanweer al-Hawaalik, 3/103.
Fourthly:
(It should be loose, not tight so that it describes any part of the body).
The purpose of clothing is to prevent fitnah (temptation), and this can only be achieved if clothes are wide and loose. Tight clothes, even if they conceal the colour of the skin, still describe the size and shape of the body or part of it, and create a vivid image in the minds of men. The corruption or invitation to corruption that is inherent in that is quite obvious. So the clothes must be wide. Usaamah ibn Zayd said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) gave me a thick Egyptian garment that was one of the gifts given to him by Duhyat al-Kalbi, and I gave it to my wife to wear. He said, ‘Why do I not see you wearing that Egyptian garment?’ I said, ‘I gave it to my wife to wear.’ He said, ‘Tell her to wear a gown underneath it, for I am afraid that it may describe the size of her bones.’” (Narrated by al-Diyaa’ al-Maqdisi in al-Ahaadeeth al-Mukhtaarah, 1/442, and by Ahmad and al-Bayhaqi, with a hasan isnaad).
Fifthly:
(It should not be perfumed with bakhoor or fragrance)
There are many ahaadeeth which forbid women to wear perfume when they go out of their houses. We will quote here some of those which have saheeh isnaads:
Abu Moosa al-Ash’ari said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Any woman who puts on perfume then passes by people so that they can smell her fragrance, is an adulteress.”
Zaynab al-Thaqafiyyah reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If any one of you (women) goes out to the mosque, let her not touch any perfume.”
Abu Hurayrah said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Any woman who has scented herself with bakhoor (incense), let her not attend ‘Ishaa’ prayers with us.”
Moosa ibn Yassaar said that a woman passed by Abu Hurayrah and her scent was overpowering. He said, “O female slave of al-Jabbaar, are you going to the mosque?” She said, “Yes,” He said, “And have you put on perfume because of that?” She said, “Yes.” He said, “Go back and wash yourself, for I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: ‘If a woman comes out to the mosque and her fragrance is overpowering, Allaah will not accept any prayer from her until she goes home and washes herself.’”
These ahaadeeth are general in implication. Just as the prohibition covers perfume applied to the body, it also covers perfume applied to the clothes, especially in the third hadeeth, where bakhoor (incense) is mentioned, because incense is used specifically to perfume the clothes.
The reason for this prohibition is quite clear, which is that women’s fragrance may cause undue provocation of desires. The scholars also included other things under this heading of things to be avoided by women who want to go to the mosque, such as beautiful clothes, jewellery that can be seen, excessive adornments and mingling with men. See Fath al-Baari, 2/279.
Ibn Daqeeq al-‘Eed said:
This indicates that it is forbidden for a woman who wants to go to the mosque to wear perfume, because this causes provocation of men’s desires. This was reported by al-Manaawi in Fayd al-Qadeer, in the commentary on the first hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah quoted above.
Sixthly:
(It should not resemble the clothing of men)
It was reported in the saheeh ahaadeeth that a woman who imitates men in dress or in other ways is cursed. There follow some of the ahaadeeth that we know:
Abu Hurayrah said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed the man who wears women’s clothes, and the woman who wears men’s clothes.”
‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: ‘They are not part of us, the women who imitate men and the men who imitate women.’”
Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed effeminate men and masculine women. He said, ‘Throw them out of your houses.’” He said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) expelled So and so, and ‘Umar expelled So and so.” According to another version: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed men who imitate women and women who imitate men.”
‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘There are three who will not enter Paradise and Allaah will not even look at them on the Day of Resurrection: one who disobeys his parents, a woman who imitates men, and the duyooth (cuckold, weak man who feels no jealousy over his womenfolk).”
Ibn Abi Maleekah – whose name was ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Ubayd-Allaah – said: “It was said to ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), ‘What if a woman wears (men’s) sandals?’ She said: ‘The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed women who act like men.’”
These ahaadeeth clearly indicate that it is forbidden for women to imitate men and vice versa, This usually includes dress and other matters, apart from the first hadeeth quoted above, which refers to dress only.
Abu Dawood said, in Masaa’il al-Imaam Ahmad (p. 261): “I heard Ahmad being asked about a man who dresses his slave woman in a tunic. He said, ‘Do not clothe her in men’s garments, do not make her look like a man.” Abu Dawood said: “I said to Ahmad, Can he give her bachelor sandals to wear? He said, No, unless she wears them to do wudoo’. I said, What about for beauty? He said, No. I said, Can he cut her hair short? He said, No.”
Seventhly:
(It should not resemble the dress of kaafir women).
It is stated in sharee’ah that Muslims, men and women alike, should not resemble or imitate the kuffaar with regard to worship, festivals or clothing that is specific to them. This is an important Islamic principle which nowadays, unfortunately, is neglected by many Muslims, even those who care about religion and calling others to Islam. This is due either to ignorance of their religion, or because they are following their own whims and desires, or because of deviation, combined with modern customs and imitation of kaafir Europe. This was one of the causes of the Muslims’ decline and weakness, which enabled the foreigners to overwhelm and colonize them. “…Verily, Allaah will not change the condition of a people as long as they do not change their state themselves …” [al-Ra’d 13:11 – interpretation of the meaning]. If only they knew.
It should be known that there is a great deal of saheeh evidence for these important rules in the Qur’aan and Sunnah, and that the evidence in the Qur’aan is elaborated upon in the Sunnah, as is always the case.
Eighthly:
(It should not be a garment of fame and vanity).
Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Whoever wears a garment of fame and vanity in this world, Allaah will clothe him in a garment of humiliation on the Day of Resurrection, then He will cause Fire to flame up around him.’”
(Hijaab al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah, p. 54-67).
And Allaah knows best.
The Friday sermon
Abdullah Ibn Jibreen
Friday sermon, its status, its importance, its ruling, its implications in the hearts of Muslims.
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Friday sermon, its status, its importance, its ruling, its implications in the hearts of Muslims
All the praises and thanks be to Allâh, the Lord of the ‘Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists). Prayers and peace of Allah be upon the most honorable of the Prophets and Messengers, our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.
Every week, Muslims assemble on Friday in compliance to the order of Allah Glorified and Exalted, they listen to the sermon of that great day. Thus, they have the opportunity to listen to what benefit them and reform their beliefs and deeds.
O Honorable Sheikh, we hope that you answer the following questions about this important subject so that it will benefit Muslims.
1. What is the status and importance of the Friday sermon in Islam? What is its ruling?
2. What are effects the sermon can leave in the hearts of the Muslims?
3. What are characteristics and conditions that should be available in the good sermon?
4. Did the Friday sermon have a distinguished role in Islam? Is it possible to mention two examples of it?
5. What are the elements that constitute a successful preacher?
6. What is the condition of the Imam and the follower on Friday during listening to the sermon?
7. What is the virtue reported about Friday?
8. Do you have a final word on this occasion?
His Eminence the Scholar, the Imam Sheikh Abdullah ibn Abdul Rahman Al-Jibrin, may Allah guide him to His satisfaction, said:
All praise and thanks be to Allah, the Walî (Helper, Supporter, Protector, Lord), Worthy of all Praise, the Glorious. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone; with no partner, a Witness to all things. I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him and upon all his family and companions who are faithful in unifying Allah.
Allah is Wise in His laws, fate and destiny. He has obligated assembling, both general and private. On Friday, Allah Almighty has ordered to come to the remembrance of Allâh (Jumu’ah religious talk (Khutbah) and Salât (prayer)) and to leave off any worldly matters that occupy one from remembering Allah. Allah has ordained the sermon delivered by the Imam standing on the pulpit; a lot of people listen to what benefit them and to what they are guided to by the Imam. Hence, the Friday sermon is one of the most important means for calling to Allah Almighty and one of the most outstanding ways of Islamic education. Allah Almighty has invited them to it and ordered them to come to the remembrance of Allah; to what reminds them of their Lord; to what benefits them in their life. Muslims receive preaches, sermons, remembrances and what guide them to reform their life and to know how to worship their Lord.
It was reported in the noble Hadith the urge to listen carefully to the sermon, the forbiddance to engage in idle talks or deeds or to engage in worldly matters. The Hadith even forbade touching pebbles or ordering others to listen. Therefore, all people will listen carefully and benefit greatly. Thus, the sermon is the most affecting thing to the behavior of Muslims. It has the highest and most sublime status in Islam. It is important that attention must be given to the sermon and the selection of important subjects that are needed. The well-informed Imam who is capable of knowing the conditions of people; who knows what is needed and what is to be stressed at, is to be selected. He should be of high efficiency, eloquent, the ability to convey the message and clarify the meanings, the establishment of evidence and to present what is needed in all situations.
There is no doubt that, whenever the wise believer -of Allah as his Lord and of Muhammad, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, as the Prophet and Messenger of Allah- whenever he hears these guidance and sincere pieces of advice he will believe in them and their essence. They will affect his behavior and manners. They will have a significant impact on his deeds and actions. Therefore, he will repent from all acts of disobedience when he is invited to sincere repentance. He will persist in performing acts of obedience when he hears their virtues and good consequences. He will increase performing optional acts of worship that bring him closer to the satisfaction of his Lord and His reward. The Imam has aroused his interest in keeping them. His heart is touched. His faith is renewed and strengthened. The doctrine is stabilized in his heart. He leaves the Friday prayer with a soft heart and a wet eye. He humbles himself to his Lord. He regrets what has passed in his life of negligence. He avows himself to the obedience of his Lord. He replaces sinful assemblies to others. He abandons the companions and colleagues, who hinder him from the remembrance of Allah and from prayers; he replaces them with righteous reforming companions who remind him if he forgets, who aid and strengthen his power when he remembers. They are the companions who fill their assemblies with useful knowledge, righteous deeds, remembrances and pondering on the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah and His creation.
However, such impacts may weaken or be lost for some praying persons. It is either out of heedlessness, inattentiveness or sleepiness during the sermon. Man would be absent-mindedly or careless to what is being preached. It is as if he were absent. Otherwise, it would be because of the Rân (covering of sins and evil deeds) over their heart which prevents him from repentance, being touched and from accepting the advice and guidance. When the heart is controlled by sins and inclined to them, it hardens and it becomes hard to repent. It will be difficult to part with the habits and conventions that have become deep-rooted in the heart. It has become, as impossible, to quit and abandon such solid settlings in the heart, except by the will of Allah.
We may wonder about how many people who flock to the mosques on Friday and then leave to their business and continue in their play and inattentiveness. They remain in their transgression, wandering blindly, due to the weakness of faith. This meeting has become something ordinary. The majority does not think about its wisdom. They do not remember what they have heard. Thus, after the prayers, you find them engaged in their own affairs; speaking about their habits, as if they had not heard a reminder or advice urging them to change and influence.
The characteristics that should be found in a good sermon:
They depend upon the Imam and his ability. He should possess religious Islamic knowledge and the correct belief. He should be well-informed and knowledgeable; proficient in the ability to extract themes, evidences and interesting articles from the books. Through the power of his talent and gift, he can include his sermon with interesting exhortations that move the hearts and feelings, induce determination towards loftiness, suppress the evil souls from sins and bad ethics. They can give rise to the psychic powers towards sublime attributes, and to be adorned with virtues and dignities, to abandon all that undermines religion and all that contrary to virility or brings about bad reputation.
Thus, we can see that such an Imam treats the problems of people. He warns against the calamities, vices and well-established sins that people fall into; such as Al-Fawâhish (shameful sins, illegal sexual intercourse), drugs and violations. He narrates factual stories that give lessons and exhortations. He gives evidence and reasons. He maintains clear statements that illustrate the meanings and fix them in the minds. He does not elaborate on the words that bore the listeners, and eventually make them forget it. To sum up, the good advising Imam is the one who is keen on what benefits the listeners, he follows up the news, asks about the reality of people. His sermon includes sublime meanings and eloquent statements. He does not embark upon trivialities nor does he condemn individuals. He does not scandalize those who fell into acts of disobedience or violations.
The sermon includes praising Allah and thanking Him, the two testimonies (that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger), sending prayers and peace of Allah upon the Prophet, and recommending the piety of Allah, Glorified and Exalted. It includes reciting some Quran, quoting some suitable verses and Hadiths, teaching important provisions and the allowed and the forbidden. The sermon mentions the acts of worship which people perform in ignorant or faulty manner, the violations in transactions, contracts and felonies. It warns against great sins. It calls for Allah Almighty, for being ready for the departure (death). It mentions the promise and the threat, Paradise and Hellfire, the horrors taking place after death and all that which affect the souls. Thus, Allah Almighty benefit by these sermons, those whom He wants to guide.
There is no doubt that Friday sermons have a great part in the Islamic history. The impacts of the Prophetic sermons are still famous among the companions and those who came after them. The most benefits and knowledge that were reserved from the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, was that taken through the sermons delivered on the pulpit. One of the female companions reported that she memorized {Qâf. [These letters (Qâf, etc.) are one of the miracles of the Qur’ân, and none but Allâh (Alone) knows their meanings]. By the Glorious Qur’ân.} [Surat Qâf 50:1]
{ق ۚ وَالْقُرْآنِ الْمَجِيدِ} ق: 1
Transliteration: Qaf waalqurani almajeedi
from the sermons of the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, as he has used to include it in some of his sermons.
It was memorized through the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, that he repeated saying, “The most true talk is the Book of Allah, and the most righteous guidance is the guidance of Muhammad…” [Authenticated by Al-Albani]
«إن أصدق الحديث كتاب الله، وأحسن الهدي هدي محمد...» صححه الألباني
Most Imams are still including this statement in their sermons. They often quote from his sermons; short and long, which have a great effect on the listeners. For example, the sermon he delivered on the Day of Arafat where he abolished the usury and blood-revenge of the pre-Islamic period, where he reminded people of the rights of women. He bid them farewell, ordered them to convey through him and took their witness to that. He reminded them of the sacredness of their blood, money, honors and the like. The sermon of Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, when he became caliph is famous; so is a long sermon by ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, which is reported in the authentic book of Al-Bukhari where ‘Umar mentioned the prescribed punishments for adultery; i.e. stoning. It had a momentous effect on the audience.
The elements that make a successful Imam:
The Imam needs a spiritual or moral preparation. He either reads the books and revise the topic he wants to treat, or that he thinks about them and develops in his memory the evidence and reasons he likes to present. He should not go up the pulpit unless he has well-prepared his subject. He should divide the sermon into elements; starting with praising and thanking Allah; and alluring to the main theme with what is called ‘the skill of introduction’. After praising Allah and verbally utters the two testimonies, he starts addressing the audience with exiting general messages to attract their attention. He recommends them with the piety of Allah; illustrating the type of piety he is going to talk about. Then he makes an introduction to this subject by mentioning the obligation of obeying Allah and His Messenger; the reward of obeying and the punishment of disobeying. Then he states the main topic such as the jihad in the cause of Allah; he mentions its virtues and reward. He should present some evidence from the Quran and Sunnah. He then mentions the jihad with money and that Allah almighty prefers it to the jihad by the soul. He gives examples from the jihad of the companions and the victory and power they attained. He gives the reasons of that from the reformation of the intention; that the Word of Allah become the uppermost; His religion become the most high. The reasons include reforming the deeds and avoiding the sins and violations that may cause failure and the empowerment of the enemies. Thus the Imam will come out with a clear result affecting the souls of the audience.
The conditions of the followers on Friday:
It has been reported what incites the Muslims to good manners and humbleness. The order to total ablution on Friday has been reported, it is said to be obligatory; however it is more likely to be confirmed desirable. The wisdom of total ablution is respecting other praying persons and keeping away from the harm. The Muslim is ordered to go early to the mosque, pray the optional prayers and listen carefully to the sermon. He is ordered to have a present heart, to ponder and elaborate on what he is hearing of exhortations and guidance. He is forbidden to engage in irrelevance, to sweeping the earth or talking with others even in advice. All this is inciting him to listen carefully in order to benefit and attain a clear result which will have an effect over him all his life.
As for the virtue of Friday, it is reported in the authentic book of Hadith the saying of the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, “whoever has total ablution on Friday (Ghusl Aljanabah), and then goes to the mosque in the first hour, it is as if he had offered a she-camel as a sacrifice …” till the end of the Hadith. [Agreed upon]
«من اغتسل يوم الجمعة غسل الجنابة ثم راح، فكأنما قرب بدنة...» متفق عليه
It is also reported, “When it is Friday, the angels stand at every door of the mosque and record the people in the order of their arrival. And he who comes early is like the one who offers a she-camel as a sacrifice, the next is like the one who offers a cow, the next is like the one who offers a ram, the next is like the one who offers a hen, and the next is like the one who offers an egg. And when the Imam sits (on the pulpit for delivering the sermon) they fold up their sheets (the manuscripts where they are recording) and listen to the mention (of Allah).” [Agreed upon]
«إذا كان يوم الجمعة، وقفت الملائكة على باب المسجد، يكتبون الأول فالأول، ومثل المهجر كمثل الذي يهدي بدنة، ثم كالذي يهدي بقرة، ثم كبشا، ثم دجاجة، ثم بيضة، فإذا خرج الإمام طووا صحفهم، ويستمعون الذكر» متفق عليه
In the traceable Hadith of Salman, “Anyone who takes a bath on Friday and cleans himself, puts oil (on his hair) or scents himself; and then proceeds for the prayer and does not force his way between two persons (assembled in the mosque for the Friday prayer), prays as much as is written for him and remains quiet when the imam delivers the sermon, all his sins in between the present and the last Friday will be forgiven.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari]
«لا يغتسل رجل يوم الجمعة، ويتطهر ما استطاع من طهر، ويدهن من دهنه، أو يمس من طيب بيته، ثم يخرج فلا يفرق بين اثنين، ثم يصلي ما كتب له، ثم ينصت إذا تكلم الإمام، إلا غفر له ما بينه وبين الجمعة الأخرى» رواه البخاري
he added in the Hadith of Abu Huraira, “and even of three days more.” [Reported by Muslim]
«...وفضل ثلاثة أيام» رواه مسلم
Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Al-’Aas narrated the traceable Hadith, “whoever has total ablution on Friday, applies some perfume of his wife’s, puts on his best garments, does not trespass over people sitting in the mosque, and does not engage in idle actions during the Friday sermon; this will be an expiation for the sins committed between the two Fridays.” [Reported by Abu Dawud and declared good by Al-Albani]
«من اغتسل يوم الجمعة ومس من طيب امرأته إن كان لها ولبس من صالح ثيابه ثم لم يتخط رقاب الناس ولم يلغ عند الموعظة كانت كفارة لما بينهما» رواه أبو داود وحسنه الألباني
Aws ibn Aws ath-Thaqafi, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that he heard the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, saying, “Whoever has total ablution on Friday, sets out early, walks and does not take a ride, gets closer to the Imam and listens and does not engage in idle talk, he will be given the reward of a year of fasting and performing night prayers for every step he takes.” [Reported by Abu Dawud, Ibn Majjah and authenticated by Al-Albani]
«من غسل يوم الجمعة واغتسل، ثم بكر وابتكر، ومشى ولم يركب، ودنا من الإمام، واستمع، وأنصت، ولم يلغ، كان له بكل خطوة يخطوها من بيته إلى المسجد، عمل سنة، أجر صيامها وقيامها» رواه أبو داود وابن ماجه وصححه الألباني
There are others virtues available for their seeker.
Finally, my advice for every Muslim:
He totally surrenders to Allah Almighty. The effect of this religion which he believes in must be apparent on him. This happens by persisting on performing the congregational prayers in the mosques, maintaining their Sunnah and confirmed Sunnah, their reported invocations and remembrances. All this is evidence of his love to this certain act of worship, his embarking upon it willingly and sincerely. He should get close to his Lord the Almighty by righteous deeds. He increases mentioning and invoking Him in the morning and evening. He should give charity according to his financial ability. He performs what he can from the acts of closeness such as fasting, praying, hajj, ‘umra, Al-Birr (piety and righteousness and each and every act of obedience to Allah), Al-Ihsân (i.e. to be patient in performing your duties to Allah, totally for Allah’s sake and in accordance with the Sunnah (legal ways) of the Prophet (peace be upon him in a perfect manner), giving advice, guiding to righteousness and enjoining Al-Ma’rûf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). We advise the Muslim to keep away from sins and all kinds of evil to preserve his limbs from committing acts of disobedience. He protects his hearing from play, songs and music. He lowers his gaze from looking at afflicting pictures and immoral movies. He protects his sustenance from illegitimate and doubtful gains. He must be keen in accompanying the righteous, sitting with good people and in being close to the scholars. Hence, all the previous will be the means to the acceptance of his acts of worship, preaches and guidance. Let him be from those who listen and obey to escape the anger of Allah and His wrath.
Allah is the One Who guides to success and the straight Path. Prayers and peace of Allah be upon Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.
PROPHET MUHAMMAD’S LAST SERMON: A FINAL ADMONITION
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Description: The last sermon of Prophet Muhammad which he delivered at Hajj, the annual pilgrimage made to Mecca by Muslims all over.
CATEGORY:Articles The Prophet Muhammad Pearls from His Sayings
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Beloved Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia circa 570 C.E. He is an example for all of humanity. He was a remarkable man at all times. He excelled in all walks of life by being a prophet, ruler, orator, soldier, husband, friend, father, uncle, nephew, and a grandfather. He was a man of love, patience, courage, wisdom, generosity, intelligence and magnitude who inspired millions of lives throughout the world.
God says in the Quran that he was sent as a mercy for the people of the world.
"We sent thee not save as a mercy for the peoples." (Quran 21:107)
His Prophetic Mission began at the age of forty, circa 610 C.E., and continued until 632 C.E. From the path of ignorance, mankind was lead to the straight path and was blessed with the guidance of God.
Shortly before his death, Prophet Muhammad delivered a sermon during the Hajj, which came to be known as his "Final Sermon". This final sermon was not only a reminder to his followers, but also an important admonition. The final sermon confirms the end of his Prophetic Mission.
Year 10 A.H. of the Islamic Calendar is considered to be one of the most significant years for three reasons. Firstly, this was the year when the Prophet delivered his Last Sermon during his farewell pilgrimage to Mecca. Secondly, this was the year where a number of deputations came to the Prophet to announce their Islam as well as their tribes. Thirdly, it was the golden period of Islam when multitudes of people embraced the faith by accepting the message of the Prophet.
Prophet Muhammad undertook his farewell pilgrimage in the year 10 A.H. His farewell pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the most significant historical events in the minds of Muslims, for it was the first and last pilgrimage made by Prophet Muhammad, as well as being the model for performing the fifth pillar of Islam, the Hajj.
Prophet Muhammad’s final sermon was delivered during the Hajj of the year 632 C.E., the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the lunar year, at Arafat, the most blessed day of the year. There were countless Muslims present with the Prophet during his last pilgrimage when he delivered his last Sermon.
The Final Sermon:
After praising, and thanking God, the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said "O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.
O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. God has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. God has Judged that there shall be no interest, and that all the interest due to Al-Abbas ibn Abd’el Muttalib shall henceforth be waived...
Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under a trust from God and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God, perform your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and offer Zakat. Perform Hajj if you have the means.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; [none have superiority over another] except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember, one day you will appear before God and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me, and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O people, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my example, the Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and it may be that the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O God, that I have conveyed your message to your people."
Thus the beloved Prophet completed his Final Sermon, and upon it, near the summit of Arafat, the revelation came down:
"…This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My Grace upon you, and have chosen Islam for you as your religion…" (Quran 5:3)
Even today the Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad is passed to every Muslim in every corner of the world through all possible means of communication. Muslims are reminded about it in mosques and in lectures. Indeed the meanings found in this sermon are indeed astounding, touching upon some of the most important rights God has over humanity, and humanity has over each other. Though the Prophet’s soul has left this world, his words are still living in our hearts.
Giving Dawah — inviting people who are non-Muslims or drifting away from Islam to Islam — is an important task and part of practicing Amr Bil Ma’ruf Wan-Nahyi Anil-Munkar (calling to good and forbidding the evil). However, the actual job of teaching and preaching Islam is not for the unqualified and uneducated. Proper training and experience is needed to give Dawah. So, how can you effectively and properly give Dawah?
Method1
Preparing Yourself to Give Dawah
1.
1
Make sure you have the right intentions before giving Dawah. You should have pure and good intentions. Oftentimes, many Muslims decide to tell the world about Islam but do it in a way that causes more damage than good, putting themselves in unfortunate situations.
• Don't give Dawah if your intention is to show off that you are a very knowledgeable person; make sure your intention is to please Allah[1].
• Giving Dawah is essentially a special mission to invite people to worship Allah according to the way that He wants to be worshiped. You are delivering a message of truth and showing others how to follow it.
• The purpose of Dawah is not only to spread the knowledge of Islam but to grow closer to Allah yourself. Take the act of inviting others to Islam as a way to bring yourself closer to Islam as well.
2
Take a short Dawah course to learn how to give Dawah to a variety of different individuals. You can often find organizations or community groups that come together to teach about Dawah. Most of these courses are free.
• Some organizations, like Mission Dawah, offer online training or training apps. You can find courses that come in audio, video, or written format for your convenience.
• Conferences dedicated to teaching how to give Dawah are often held, so be on a lookout in your local area for those. There, you can meet others wishing to give Dawah and learn from educated and experienced teachers and preachers.
3
Learn how to answer frequently asked questions about Islam. If a Dawah course is not doable for you, there are many materials and resources that talk about common questions people may ask about Islam and how to answer them. Search local Islamic centres for books or the internet to learn what others are asking about Islam. Some questions you might be asked are:
• What is the difference between the words Islam and Muslim?[2]
• Who is Allah?[3]
• Who is the Prophet Muhammad? And why do Muslims believe he is the last prophet?[4]
• What do Muslims believe about Jesus?
• What does Islam say about homosexuality, abortion, and marriage?[5]
4
Integrate Islam into your life as much as possible. This means you live and breathe Islam both mentally and physically. You should continue to present yourself as a Muslim as well as bring Islam material into your daily interactions and environments.
• Maintain the physical appearance of a believer by growing and maintaining a beard and wearing your hijab.
• Bring Islamic materials to your workplace or where ever you go. This makes giving Dawah easier, as it may spark conversations or questions from others.
• Bring halal meat to your workplace and share them to others to generate conversations.
• Pray at your workplace or wherever you are. Let people know prayer is very important to you. You may need to arrange a place or room with your employer and employees in order to pray.
5
Pray to God and ask for guidance and a sound mind for you to be able to share your faith according to His holy will. For God to answer your prayers, you must live a righteous life and repent any unlawful things you may have done.
• Truthfulness is one of the most important qualities to have when calling people to Islam. Having this mindset will lead you closer to Allah and also prepare you better for Dawah.
Method2
Speaking About Islam
1.
1
Begin by getting to know the person. Talk to them about themselves, their family, their work, and show that you genuinely care about them. Each person is unique and getting to know them will help you plan the best way to give Dawah to them.
• Try to find out as much as you can what they know about Islam. Some good opening questions are: How did you first hear about Islam? What do you know about Islam? Or bring up some recent news involving Islam.
• Do not speak too much about Islam at one time -- let them set the pace. It is best to give Dawah in small doses. Depending on who you are talking to, you can continue the conversation or give literature for them to go through on their own. Giving Dawah is about simplicity.[6]
• Just be friends with them. Sometimes introducing or reminding someone of the Islam faith is just to be a good friend and show through example. This is especially effective if you know of a Muslim that is straying from Islam.
2
Ask them if there is anything they do not understand about Islam. You can ask, "What do you think is wrong with Islam?" or "What do you think Islam is?" Then clear each misconception with as much knowledge and clarity as you can offer. Or point them to the right direction to obtain these answers.
• Many people will have confused Islam traditions and teachings with ideas that they are already familiar with outside of Islam. For example, people who are familiar with the Christian Bible and its many interpretations may draw the same interpretations when they hear that the Quran mentions Adam and Eve. Some believe that, because of the Bible, society sees women as lesser than men and then have the misconception that women are also oppressed or dominated by men in Islam. Point them towards the Quran and outline the differences between the Quran and the Bible and what these differences mean.
• In the media and popular culture, many Islamic traditions are the subject of heated debates. The hijab worn by Muslim women is a popular debated topic. You should clarify these misconceptions and lead them to view these concepts of Islam in the framework of Islamic thought which sees the wearing of the hijab as honouring purity of both thought and body.
3
Say thank you. Thank the person for giving you the chance to share about Islam to them. You might even want to try saying thank you if someone asks you a rude question or insults Islam, as exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad. By saying thank you in response to abusive statements, you show others that Islam is, indeed, a good faith. It may also surprise them and make them more open to listen to you.
• For example, someone might ask, "Why do Muslim women cover their heads? Isn't this a sign of subjection of women?"[7] Tell them, "Thank you for asking me about my religion" and continue with "You have an interesting question concerning Islam and I congratulate you for seeking correct knowledge about our faith."
4
Be polite and don't argue or debate with who you are giving Dawah to. Arguing and debating is against the teachings by Allah in the Quran; "He who gave up disputing while he is right, a palace of high rank in Paradise will be built for him" (At Tirmidhi). Although your intentions may be good, arguing could lead to disputes and it is best to spread the knowledge in a peaceful way. In Islam, backing down is better than debating.
• Stop looking for "loop holes" in others' beliefs or putting them down for their beliefs. Belittling others is against the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
• Be more inviting and less defensive. Being defensive or argumentative pushes people away from Islam. It may also hurt people such as your family or friends and even you, bringing in frustration caused by these disputes. In the end, God knows your intentions and will work his will.
5
Speak the truth. Islam believes that truthfulness is one of the pillars the world's survival depends on. Since speech or speaking is an exclusive human trait, lying is seen as losing your humanity. So when giving Dawah, not only is it important that you do not lie, but also preach that you cannot lie and the faith of Islam is all about truth. You can give examples from the Quran and Sunnah of what lying means and what its consequences are.
• Some examples of lying are lying when buying and selling, lying about visions and dreams, telling lies as jokes, or being hypocritical.[8] Allah also warns against speaking about everything you hear as you may hear both truths and lies, and speaking about everything could count as lying.
• Do not tell lies about Allah and His Messengers: “Telling lies about me is not like telling lies about anyone else. Whoever tells lies about me deliberately, let him take his place in Hell.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1229.[9]
• When you make a statement about Islam, justify it and reference the Quran or Hadith if necessary.
• If you do not know the answer to a question, say "I don't know". Don't lie about your knowledge or spread misinformation. The best way to go about this is to be truthful and direct the person to another source that may contain an answer to their question.
6
Don't worry if non-Muslims do not accept Islam. The purpose of Dawah is not to convert or convince others to Islam. The decision should be made by the person's own free will.You're duty is to convey the message of truth. Allah guides whom He wills.
• Ask them, even if they do not accept Islam, what they think of Islam now. This can aid you in future attempts at Dawah or even continue the conversation.
Method3
Giving Dawah in Other Ways
1.
1
Hand out materials such as a CD, book, or brochure of other more experienced Da'ee (caller of Islam). One of the easiest ways to give Dawah is to spread the message through another Da'ee, especially if you are still working on acquiring knowledge.
• You can also give a translated version of the Quran. The Quran is your most effective tool in telling others about Islam, as it is the most powerful book at your disposal.
• Give out leaflets or brochures of upcoming conferences to people or to your local Islamic centre.
• If you plan to do Dawah in public to strangers, giving material is the best way to engage others in conversation.
2
Do charity work to help others and also show how Islam has affected your life.Get involved in your local area by helping the old or disadvantaged, or with organizations that help with the environment, community, animals, and much more.
• Engaging in charity work or sadaqah is a very important virtuous deed in Islam and shows Allah and others your faith in Islam. There are no preliminary requirements in order to give sadaqah and you can should give it freely without any limits or expect anything back.[10]
• People touched by your charity work will most likely have a more open mind about you and Islam. This makes the message of Islam much easier for others to accept.
3
Provide materials to your Islamic community by recording lectures, or posting videos. This is especially needed if your community is lacking materials to give to members who have strayed from Islam or cannot attend meetings regularly. It will also bring you closer to others in your local community.
• The Prophet Muhammad encourages that knowledge be shared and not withheld. There will be people in your community that are not willing to share the knowledge.[11]
• Do non-direct dawah by using the internet. For example, post Islamic tweets on Twitter.
Purpose of Life
Page 1 of 2 In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious and The Most Merciful Purpose of Life “And if the people of those towns had believed and had the Taqwa (piety), certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth.” [Qur’an 7:96] What is the purpose of my life? How can I make the best out of it? What happens after death and how to prepare for the after life? From the smallest particles to the big stars and vast galaxies, every thing is running smoothly according to a perfect plan. The universe didn’t come into being by an accident and doesn’t run on its own. Common sense dictates that there must be a Creator behind this great scheme, and there is, (God Almighty, Allah), Who controls everything. How things in the cosmos can run so smoothly for millions of years without a supreme Operator to manage and regulate them. Allah (the supreme Creator) is All Mighty, All Wise, All Powerful and Most Beneficent and Merciful. Whatever has happened in the past, whatever is happing now and whatever is going to happen in future – that is all in the complete control of Allah alone. He is One, worthy of all worship and He has no partners. Time and space belong to Him and the past, present and future is all in His supreme knowledge and control. Allah Almighty is showering countless blessings upon us everyday. His universe and whatever is in there is in constant service to mankind providing him water and food and every thing which is necessary for his survival. So many organs from head to toe are ceaselessly functioning within the human body, and each is indispensable and can’t be replaced. Every heart-beat, every single breath and every eye-blink demands us that we should thank Him, though we cannot thank Him enough for His blessings. The remembrance of the Creator is the very soul of the universe. The purpose of religion is to correct our relationship with our Creator and with the rest of His creation. Islam is the only religion, which truly establishes this relationship. Its simple guidelines are applicable in every walk and every aspect of life; be it belief, worship, individual, collective life and life’s physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects. Allah Almighty sent prophets as guides to teach people the purpose of life and how to lead it. The prophets as role-models for mankind ideally demonstrated how to lead life. They taught how to achieve success in this temporary life and the eternal life of the Hereafter. Muhammad (Peace be upon him, SAW) was the final messenger who was sent as a mercy to the entire mankind. He was a reformer, orator, commander, philosopher, statesman, administrator, and a revolutionary leader. The movement which he started to reform mankind goes on and will go on till the end of this world. His miraculous achievements as a leader have been acknowledged by historians and men of letters by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Even his worst enemies attested to his honesty, and integrity. The Holy Qur’an is a complete code of life and a living miracle across space and time. Hundreds of thousands of people, including small children, have memorized this book from cover to cover. Not a single word or letter in the Qur’an has been changed in the last 14 centuries! The Holy Qur’an mentions facts regarding the creation of the universe, birth of human being, formation of clouds, movement of sun and moon in orbits and other scientific facts which were not known to mankind at the time of its revelation. This proves that it is a direct word of God Almighty Who not only has complete and total knowledge, but is the very source of knowledge. This life is a one-time opportunity to achieve everlasting happiness in the Hereafter. Every moment has a great potential if positively used to raise status and rank in the sight of our Creator. Strong faith and good deeds bring peace and comfort in this life, in the grave and in the Hereafter. This world is but a station, not the destination. It is a place where we are sent to be tested. It is not a place to become lost in its wonders and temptations and be inactive, lazy or lethargic. "So did you think that We created you for nothing, and that you will not be brought back to us?" [23:115] Page 1 of 2 Every action we do and every word we speak is being recorded. For complete success in this world and in the Hereafter, man needs to reform and change his life. He should quit the pursuit of desires and temptations and pursue the life of submission and obedience. Paradise is a reality – with rivers of milk and honey, palaces of gold and silver, delicious food and fruits, beautiful companions, always happy, always young, always healthy – a great kingdom for ever and ever for an unending enjoyment and bliss. Compete with each other to strengthen faith and excel in good deeds and hasten to seize every fleeting moment and turn into gold by a productive activity; sow seeds today to reap a rich harvest tomorrow and rush at the available opportunity before it is lost for good. Convert time into gold. Today is the day of action, rush to do good deeds. Repentance and asking forgiveness could clean up mistakes of the past. Good intentions lead us to a golden future. Even ordinary daily acts like eating and sleeping can become acts of worship if done the way told by Allah and His beloved Prophet (SAW). This is how every single act may bring us closer to our Creator. What a great bargain to earn unimaginable and countless rewards in the everlasting life of the Hereafter. Imagine a believer who always remembers and seeks help from his Creator, praises Allah by his tongue, in his heart, expresses gratitude for His bounties, is patient in hardships. He supplicates in all earnestness and always has good intentions. He follows the ways of the beloved Prophet (Peace be upon him, SAW) in his outward appearance and in his manners, conduct and etiquette. He is getting rewards at every step. Worshipping our Creator, acquiring knowledge to become an ideal believer, serving humanity, making efforts in helping fellow human beings to be loved by Allah should be our mission. Deeds done with a pure heart, sincere intentions, with humility, love and care fulfills the mission of life. Islam teaches universal brotherhood as indicated and expressed in our daily prayers and our pilgrimage to Makkah. “O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into races and tribes, that you may identify one another. Surely, the noblest of you, in Allah’s sight is the one who is most pious of you. Surely, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” [Qur’an 49:13] Islam’s mission is to serve humanity. Islam teaches us to help the needy without any discrimination of color, creed, race, nationality or religion. “The entire humanity is Allah’s family, and Allah loves him most from among His family, who benefits the family most”. [Mishkawt] Islam gives a second chance to every human being to bring his life back on track, find the way to salvation and to prepare for Paradise. Embracing Islam washes away previous sins. Repentance is the way to protect from punishment in the life of the Hereafter. The human heart has hidden treasures of matchless jewels. If found and applied, ordinary people on the street can become means of guidance to their communities, fountains of light, flag-bearers of justice and mercy, making the world a cradle of learning and illuminating the universe with divine knowledge. Our goal is educate people to produce better believers, law abiding responsible citizens with high morals and characters living peacefully in the society as community members having strong faith, performing good deeds, and have a sense of accountability to Almighty Allah. May Allah, the Lord of Honor and Power, guide us all to the right path! Ameen SAW = Sallallaho 'Alaihi-WaSallam Page 2 of 2 Source: http://IslamEasy.org free download for educational use
In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious and The Most Merciful
Cure for Depression
This life is a one-time opportunity to achieve everlasting happiness in the life hereafter. Allah Almighty is showering countless blessings upon us everyday. Every moment has a great potential to achieve high-ranks in the court of our Creator. Every minute is like a gold coin. The heart and tongue are gifts from Allah to earn millions of rewards (Hasanaat) for the Akhirah.
Let’s view and ponder over this chart of good deeds http://www.islameasy.org/pdf/Convert_Time2Gold.pdf
Every particle of the universe will be left behind, but every deed of a human being will be lifted for the life hereafter! Strong faith and good deeds bring peace and comfort in this life, peace in the grave and gardens of Paradise in the hereafter. When people forget the purpose of life, many of them terminate their lives without hope. When the human being realizes the purpose of life, an ordinary person can become a means of spreading guidance to hundreds of thousands of people. There are diamonds, gold, silver and pearls to be discovered inside human heart.
Paradise is a reality – with rivers of milk and honey, palaces of gold and silver, delicious food and fruits, beautiful spouse, always happy, always young, always healthy – a great kingdom for ever and ever for an unending enjoyment and bliss. Compete with each other to strengthen faith and excel in good deeds and hasten to seize every fleeting moment and turn into gold by a productive activity; sow seeds today to reap a rich harvest tomorrow and rush at the available opportunity before it is lost for good.
Only Allah knows what is beneficial for us. He is All Wise, All Merciful. Allah loves us more than seventy mothers do. Difficulties and trials can become a means of raising our status and earn countless reward. Allah says in the Qur’an: (interpretation of the meaning):
“..Truly the steadfast will be paid their recompense without limit“[Az-Zumar, 10].
Abu Saeed Al-Khudri and Abu Hurairah (RA) narrate that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Whenever a Muslim faces fatigue, illness, worry, grief, hurt and sorrow, even gets pricked by a thorn, Allah in lieu of his sufferings removes his sins.” (Bukhari)
"Our anxieties, depression and worries are all created because we first make the decisions and then expect Allah Ta'ala to conform; whereas what we plan and decide is subject to Allah Ta'ala's confirmation." [‘Cure for depression’ by Shaykh Yunus Patel]
Islam is a complete way of life and offers a real solution to every problem. Here are some steps one may take to cure depression and laziness, insha Allah.
Love of Allah:
The human heart is the center of emotions and feelings. It dictates what it desires and works in collaboration with mind to act as a platform of good or evil. The human heart also has hidden treasures of matchless jewels. If found and applied, we can become beloved of Allah. Imagine a believer (sister) who always remembers and seeks help from her Creator, praises Allah by her tongue, in her heart, expresses gratitude for His bounties, is patient in hardships. She supplicates in all earnestness and always has goodintentions.
Our real love should be for Allah. We love someone due to beauty and excellence, perfectness in knowledge and generosity, loving and caring treatment for us. If we look around and think about the blessings Almighty Allah is showering on us, we will love Him.
He is Allah, besides him there is no god, the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. He is Allah, besides him there is no god, the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him. He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.[Al-Qur’an, 59: 22-24]
Tau’bah (Repentance):
Depression is caused by displeasing Almighty Allah. When a person transgresses the Laws of Allah, he/she is inflicted with various types of harms such as depression. It is for this reason Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said Who ever makes Istighfaar in abundance, Allah will make a way out for him from every difficulty, free him from depression and anxiety and Allah will grant him sustenance from avenues he will not imagine.
“Why should Allah punish you if you have thanked (Him) and have believed in Him. And Allah is Ever All Appreciative (of good), All Knowing.” [An-Nisa 147]
Here is an excellent article on "Tawba & Istaghfaar – Repentance and seeking forgiveness"
http://www.islameasy.org/K202_Tawba.php
Therefore, the depressed person should repent for the past and turn his/her attention to Allah. Focus on pleasing Allah by fulfilling all His commands and He will grant you ease, peace and satisfaction of the heart, mind and soul. In the Zikr (obedience) of Allah is complete tranquility and peace. Allah is the controller of all situations. If a person is in any difficulty, Allah is the only being that would assist him in coming out of that difficulty. Therefore, turn to Allah and He will take care of all your problems and misfortunes.
Emaan and righteous deeds:
“Whoever works righteousness — whether male or female — while he (or she) is a true believer , verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)” (al- Nahl 16:97 )
Allaah tells us and promises us that whoever combines faith with righteous deeds will have a good life and a good reward in this world and in the Hereafter.
Seeking help with patience and prayer:
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And seek help in patience and al-salaat (the prayer)…” [al-Baqarah 2:45].
Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “Whenever the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was grieved by something, he used to pray.”
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “How wonderful is the situation of the believer, for all his affairs are good. If something good happens to him, he gives thanks for it and that is good for him; if something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience, and that is good for him. This does not apply to anyone but the believer.” (Narrated by Muslim).
Learn knowledge for the sake of Allah Ta'la:
This will distract one from dwelling on the causes of anxiety.
One of the greatest means of feeling contentment and of acquiring peace of mind is to remember Allah a great deal (dhikr). This has a great effect in bringing contentment, peace of mind, and relieving worry and distress. Allah says:
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest” (al - Ra'd 13:28)
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was distressed by something, he would say: “Yaa Hayyu yaa Qayyoom bi rahmatika astagheeth (O Ever-Living, O Eternal, by Your mercy I seek help).”
Looking for the positive aspects of the events in which one tends to see only the things that he/she dislikes.
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘No believing man should hate a believing woman. If he dislikes one aspect of her character, he will be pleased with another’ (or vice versa )”
Counting one's blessings:
One of the most beneficial things in this regard is to follow the advice of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) given in the saheeh hadeeth reported by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him):
“The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘Look at those who are below you, not at those who are above you, so that you will not think little of the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon you.”
Focusing on the Hereafter:
The concerns of this world overwhelm and confuse people, but if we make the Hereafter our main concern, Allah will help us to focus, as was narrated by Anas (may Allah be pleased with him):
“The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘Whoever has the Hereafter as his main concern, Allah will fill his heart with a feeling of richness and independence; he will be focused and feel content, and this world will come to him in spite of it. Whoever has this world as his main concern, Allah will cause him to feel constant fear of poverty; he will be distracted and unfocused, and he will have nothing of this world except what was already predestined for him.’”
Alhamdolillah, as Muslims and as believers in Allah Ta'ala and Jannah, we know what treasures and pleasures He has in store for us in the hereafter. Insha'allah, in Jannah you will be rewarded for the patience you had in the worldly life. Put your hope, trust and faith in Allah Ta'ala. It helps when you find that you are not the only one who has difficulties. You can get a great deal of support by helping others and building up your self esteem and confidence. If you wish, you could volunteer to help those who are less fortunate than you. In this way you will meet so many warm and wonderful people and this can bring the realization to you that there are many people who also have difficulties. You will learn new and better ways of coping with your difficulties.
You should emphasize your strengths and not your weaknesses. Allah Ta'ala has given each one of us some strong characteristics which we should maximize. You are perhaps very good academically in some subjects. Maybe you are a skilled crafts person or you have some other hidden talent. Use that potential of yours to its maximum. it is not how you look like that is important, it is what your heart is like and the contribution which you can make to your society, family or the Ummah which is important.
The millionaire’s machine:
Consider three stages of using the tongue:
1. Reciting the Noble Qur’an, Salah, making zikr, Da’wah, learning and teaching Islam – like earning gold and diamonds.
2. Unnecessary talks and arguments -- like collecting dust and stones!
3. Telling lies, backbiting, slandering – like entering into fire!
The life is too short to spend time in arguments and quarrel, which are waste of time, energy and resources.
The life is too short to spend time in criticizing others, thinking badly about others – trying to edit other’s book of deeds while we will need to clean up our own book of deeds. We must not die with jealousy, malice, greed, pride, arrogance, Riya and other spiritual diseases in our heart!
Three-directions to invest:
Today is the day for action – engage in worship, Da’wah, learning and serving others.
Turn your time into gold and earn mountains of rewards in a few minutes.
The past – clean it up by making Taubah!
The future – invest by having good intentions.
Du’a (supplication):
Man, in spite of his energy, creativity, intellect, wisdom, conquest of space, thought and action is but a week and powerless creation in Allah’s limitless universe. From youth to old age, from morning to evening, man has hundreds of needs. If we ask people too much about our needs, they may not like it. But, the more we ask from Allah, He becomes happy.
Everyone is in need of success. Du’a (supplication) is the essence of worship, the light of the heavens and the earth. It opens the doors of mercy and is a means to fulfill our needs from the treasures of our Creator and Sustainer. Turn to the One who has solution to all our problems.
Increase time for Du’a, especially if you could wake up during the last part of night. Ask Allah to ease difficulty, clean the heart to focus on good deeds. Here is a startup script and examples of Dua:
Dua from the Core of Heart http://islameasy.org/pdf/Duae_Walihana.pdf
Munajaat-e-Maqbool http://islameasy.org/Dua_MM_2.php
“Ya Allah! I ask You for Your love, the love of the person who loves You, and the love of that deed which would draw me closer to Your love. Ya Allah! Make Your love more beloved to me than myself, my family, and more beloved than cold water [on a hot day]. Ya Allah! Grant me your love and the love of that person whose love will benefit me by you.
O Allah! Just as You bestowed me with that which I love, make it a source of help to me in fulfilling all that which You love. O Allah! Whatever You kept away from me of the things which I love [but were harmful for me], make them a source of freedom for me so that I may be able to fulfill all that which You love.”
May Allah bless you with peace of mind and contentment of heart, grant you steadfastness and give you the ability to convert time into gold!
May Allah Grant the Ummah the ability to convey the message of peace, the sacred and enlightened values of Islam, its rituals and teachings for success in this life and the Hereafter, for the benefit of mankind.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Motivation for those in Hardship and Depression
May Allah bless you with piety (Taqwa) and purity, strong Emaan, forgiveness of sins, have mercy on you, elevate your status, and bless you with knowledge of Deen and generosity…. Ameen! Allah loves a pious believer more than seventy mothers can love! Your parents love you and always wish good for you! The Muslim Ummah loves you.
The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam, May peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“The most miserable man in the world of those meant for Paradise will be dipped once in Paradise (i.e. in the life Hereafter). Then he will be asked, Son of Adam, did you ever face any misery? Did you ever experience any hardship”, so he will say (so happy after seeing a glimpse of Jannah), No my Lord! I never faced any misery and I never experienced any hardship.”
The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) also said:
Whoever makes Istighfaar in abundance, Allah will make a way out for him from every difficulty, free him from depression and anxiety and Allah will grant him sustenance from avenues he will not imagine.
A Muslim, who goes through hardship but endures patiently and still strives to do good deeds, will be awarded Paradise where there is no sickness or pain, no sadness, no old age.
Paradise is a reality – with rivers of milk and honey, palaces of gold and silver, delicious food and fruits, beautiful spouse, always happy, always young, always healthy – a great kingdom for ever and ever for an unending enjoyment and bliss. Compete with each other to strengthen faith and excel in good deeds and hasten to seize every fleeting moment and turn into gold by a productive activity; sow seeds today to reap a rich harvest tomorrow and rush at the available opportunity before it is lost for good.
The lowest ranking person in Jannah will get a kingdom ten times bigger than this world, will have thousands of servants and so many angels will come to believers to make Salam. In Jannah, there will be a bazar where people can change their faces to look like 'any person' they wanted to look like. In Jannah, a believing woman will be sent long time before her husband, she will be decorated with things that no eyes has seen, no ears have heard and no body even thought about that!
This life is a one-time opportunity to achieve everlasting happiness in the life hereafter. Allah Almighty is showering countless blessings upon us everyday. Every moment has a great potential to achieve high-ranks in the court of our Creator. Every minute is like a gold coin. The heart and tongue are gifts from Allah to earn millions of rewards (Hasanaat) for the Akhirah.
Let’s view and ponder over this chart of good deeds http://www.islameasy.org/pdf/Convert_Time2Gold.pdf
Read more about the ‘Purpose of Life’ http://www.islameasy.org/pdf/Purpose_of_Life_flyer.pdf
Allah says in the Qur’an: (interpretation of the meaning):
“..Truly the steadfast will be paid their recompense without limit“[Az-Zumar, 10].
Abu Saeed Al-Khudri and Abu Hurairah (RA) narrate that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Whenever a Muslim faces fatigue, illness, worry, grief, hurt and sorrow, even gets pricked by a thorn, Allah in lieu of his sufferings removes his sins.” (Bukhari)
Remember, a human life is very precious gift from Allah and is not just meant to lose heart for a small issue. Compared to the stages and issues in human journey to life -Hereafter, our worldly worries and problems are a small thing. Only Allah knows what is beneficial for us. If you are a true believer, hope for the best from Allah.
Love of Allah:
The human heart is the center of emotions and feelings. It dictates what it desires and works in collaboration with mind to act as a platform of good or evil. The human heart also has hidden treasures of matchless jewels. If found and applied, we can become beloved of Allah. Imagine a believer (sister) who always remembers and seeks help from her Creator, praises Allah by her tongue, in her heart, expresses gratitude for His bounties, is patient in hardships. She supplicates in all earnestness and always has good intentions.
Seeking help with patience and prayer:
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And seek help in patience and al-salaat (the prayer)…” [al-Baqarah 2:45].
Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “Whenever the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was grieved by something, he used to pray.”
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “How wonderful is the situation of the believer, for all his affairs are good. If something good happens to him, he gives thanks for it and that is good for him; if something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience, and that is good for him. This does not apply to anyone but the believer.” (Narrated by Muslim).
Put your hope, trust and faith in Allah Ta'ala. It helps when you find that you are not the only one who has difficulties. You can get a great deal of support by helping others and building up your self esteem and confidence. If you wish, you could volunteer to help those who are less fortunate than you. In this way you will meet so many warm and wonderful people and this can bring the realization to you that there are many people who also have difficulties. You will learn new and better ways of coping with your difficulties.
You should emphasize your strengths and not your weaknesses. Allah Ta'ala has given each one of us some strong characteristics which we should maximize. You are perhaps very good academically in some subjects. Maybe you are a skilled crafts person or you have some other hidden talent. Use that potential of yours to its maximum. it is not how you look like that is important, it is what your heart is like and the contribution which you can make to your society, family or the Ummah which is important.
Every tear of a believer is precious in the court of Allah. Allah looks at the sincerity of our hearts and our actions. People cannot give respect or honor --only Allah can grant peace, love, and contentment of heart, a blessed life in this world and in Jannah for true believers. Difficulties and trials can become a means of raising our status and can earn countless reward. Even our blessed Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), his family and daughters went though hardships and trials.
Forgiveness and Winning the Heart:
Remember the teaching of the Islam to win the heart:
• Repel evil with good deeds;
• Join relations with the one who cuts it with you;
• Make Salaam to one who does not make Salaam;
• Forgive those who did bad to you;
• Keep politeness in all talk, with respect and love;
Allah says in the Noble Qur’an:
“The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal. Repel (the evil) with one which is better (i.e. Allah ordered the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger, and to excuse those who treat them badly), then verily! he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend.” [41:34].
“But none is granted it (the above quality) except those who are patient, and none is granted it except the owner of the great portion (of the happiness in the Hereafter i.e. Paradise and in this world of a high moral character). “[41:35].
This life is all about controlling desires and protecting from the traps of Nafs (self) and Shaytaan. This is a temporary life where desires and feeling may not be fulfilled completely - the place for enjoyment and desires is Jannah. This life is all about responsibilities, fulfilling others rights and following the commands of Allah and Sunnah.
Problem with Sustenance (Rizq)?
The prophet sallalahu alaihi wasallam said, I know of an ayah that if people were to hold on to it, it would suffice them "He who fears Allah, Allah will make an opening
for him, and grant him sustenance from sources he could never imagine, and Allah is sufficient for the one who puts his trust in him" (Ibne Maajah)
(this refers to a verse of Soorah Talaq)
It is narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA) that the Prophet sallalahu alaihi wasallam said, Allah says ,If my servants are obedient to me, I would send down rain during the
night and spread sunlight during the day and I will not make them hear the sound of thunder." (Ahmad)
Abu Darda (RA) says the Prophet sallalahu alaihi wasallam said, "A persons sustenance searches for him just as his death does" (hilyah)
We understand from the Quran and many Ahadeeth, that trust and obedience of Allah is the key to increasing ones sustenance. This is because Allah is the one who owns the treasures of the skies and earth, it will only make sense to make our lives subservient to his commands.
One should remember that whatever is written for man, will reach him.
We should make sure that all our faraaid (compulsory) acts are in order, further, the best way of asking Allah for assistance is through Salaah. We should try not to become despondent or depressed, instead we should remember that Allah will increase our sustenance when the time is right.
The millionaire’s machine:
Reciting the Noble Qur’an, Salah, making zikr, Da’wah, learning and teaching Islam – like earning gold and diamonds.
Three-directions to invest:
Today is the day for action – engage in worship, Da’wah, learning and serving others.
Turn your time into gold and earn mountains of rewards in a few minutes.
The past – clean it up by making Taubah!
The future – invest by having good intentions.
Du’a (supplication):
Man, in spite of his energy, creativity, intellect, wisdom, conquest of space, thought and action is but a week and powerless creation in Allah’s limitless universe. From youth to old age, from morning to evening, man has hundreds of needs. If we ask people too much about our needs, they may not like it. But, the more we ask from Allah, He becomes happy.
Everyone is in need of success. Du’a (supplication) is the essence of worship, the light of the heavens and the earth. It opens the doors of mercy and is a means to fulfill our needs from the treasures of our Creator and Sustainer. Turn to the One who has solution to all our problems.
Make all your worries, doubts and concerns in the form of Dua to Allah – for example:
Yah Allah, I was astray from straight path for so long, but you have hid my faults and gave me hidayah.
Ya Allah, I tried to do good, but Shaytaan deceived me - only You can show me the path to Jannah!
Ya Allah, I am helpless and distressed and you have all the treasures of comfort, mercy and happiness.
.....
Read Salaatul Haajaat (Prayer of Need)
http://islameasy.org/Dua_Hajat.php
and recite the following Dua.
http://islameasy.org/Dua_MM_2.php
Also ask your parents for their Dua as there is great strength in the Dua of a mother and father.
We would also advise you not to be hasty in expecting your Dua or wishes to be fulfilled. Things happen according to the wish of Allah. If a prayer is delayed in being answered, then that is what is best for us at the time. If it is not answered in this world, then it is kept for the Aakhirah, where its rewards will benefit us.
Recite a Tasbeeh daily:
LA HAULA WA LA QUWATA ILLA BILLAHIL ALIEL AZEEM
“There is no strength (to refrain from sins but with the protection from Allah) and there is no power (to accomplish good deeds) but with the help of Allah, the High, the Supreme”
Daily Taleem - reading a book of good deeds will inshaAllah keep up your motivation. Print a chapter of Muntakhab Ahadith
Note:
SWT = Subhanahu Wa Ta'Ala
SAW = Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam
AS = AlehisSalam
RA = Radhiyallaho anhu
RAnha= Radhiyallaho anha
In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious and The Most Merciful
Tau’bah (Seeking Forgiveness)
Allah (Subhanahu WaTaala), the all-Merciful and all-Forgiving, declares in the Holy Qur’an:
“Say: O My slaves who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah, verily Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Qur’an 39: 53]
It is the nature of mankind to be forgetful and to commit sins. However, Allah has given us the ability to rectify ourselves by turning to Him and begging for His forgiveness. Our mountains of evil deeds are nothing before the vast ocean of the mercy of Allah.
Abu Dhar RadiyAllahu `anhu reports that Rasulullah Sallallahu `alaihi wasallam in a Hadith Qudsi (a hadith in which the Blessed Prophet s quotes Allah) said: “Indeed Allah the Almighty and Majestic says:
“O My slave! Verily, as long as you worship Me and have hope in Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done; O My slave! If you meet Me with an earthful of sins, but do not associate any partner with Me, I would grant you a forgiveness as great as the whole world.” (Musnad Ahmad)
Committing sins may make you sorrowful, depressed and deeply disappointed with yourself. But if you return to Allah with a few tears and beseech Him for mercy, He will certainly forgive you. There is no other door to knock to solve our issues. None can forgive sins except Him. He calls us to the abode of peace (Paradise); He is the Almighty who hides our faults and He alone can replace our bad deeds with good deeds.
The door of repentance is always open for a person until he dies or until the sun rises from the west, whichever comes first. When something is a necessity Allah provides it in abundance like air and water. Since we are always sinful and negligent of Allah and Satan and the self are always inciting us towards evil, therefore tau’bah is provided in abundance so we can turn back to Allah.
Allah has created a solution to every sickness even if it may be the poison of a snake. Satan and sins are a major sickness and the cure for it is in tau’bah and istighfar, crying in front of Allah with deep regret in the heart.
Whenever our tau’bah breaks we should make tau’bah again. Some people despair and think they are sinners and will go to Hellfire. Tau’bah is so powerful that it can take a person from the lowest levels of Hellfire and raise him to the highest levels of Paradise.
Allah (Subhanahu WaTaala), the Lord of Mercy, puts mercy in the hearts of every mother in the world by which they love and care for their children. We make mistakes but Allah overlooks our faults. Our worship and good deeds are not perfect but Allah accepts them and multiplies the reward.
Do not fall into minor sins. Minor sins leads to major sins the way a spark may start a fire and burn down a house. A believer should run away from sin as one runs away from a snake. Even a minor sin makes a true believer restless as if a mountain is above his head and is about to fall on him and crush him.
Make a U-turn in life, wash off your slate of deeds – eliminate the bad deeds and protect your good deeds.
Method of making Tau’bah:
One should make sincere tau’bah to Allah for one's sins. The requisites of tau’bah are the following:
1. To immediately abstain from the sin.
2. To regret and wish one had never indulged in the sin.
3. To resolve to never commit the sin again.
4. If one have violated the rights of another person it is necessary to seek forgiveness from that person.
After making sincere tau’bah be confident in the acceptance of your tau’bah. Allah (Subhanahu WaTaala) is all-Merciful and all-Forgiving. He isalways ready to accept the repentance of His sinful slaves. Allah says in Surah Al-e-Imran:
“And those who, when they have committed Fahishah or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their sins - and none can forgive sins but Allah - And do not persist in what (wrong) they have done, while they know.” [Al-Qur’an 3:135]
After repenting, one should try to live according to the will of Allah u i.e. the Qur’an and Sunnah. This will bring the utmost peace and tranquility into one’s life.
Benefits of Tau’bah:
The Qur’an describes the story of Prophet Nuh (AS),
"I said (to them): Ask forgiveness from your Lord; Verily, He is Oft-Forgiving; He will send rain to you in abundance; And give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers. " [Surah Nooh ,chapter 71:10-12]
One who makes Tau’bah reestablishes his relationship with the Creator of the heavens and earth.
Misconceptions when committing a sin:
1. The person thinks that no one is watching.
Allah (Subhanahu WaTaala), the all-Knower and all-Hearer says in the Qur’an:
“Verily, your Lord is Ever Watchful” [89:14]
2. The person thinks that no one is near him.
Allah (Subhanahu WaTaala), says in the Qur’an:
“Have you not seen that Allah knows whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is on the earth? There is no secret counsel of three, but He is their fourth (with His Knowledge), nor of five but He is their sixth (with His Knowledge), not of less than that or more, but He is with them (with His Knowledge) wheresoever they may be; and afterwards on the Day of Resurrection, He will inform them of what they did. Verily, Allah is the All-Knower of everything. “[58:7]
3. The person thinks that no one can find his action or intent.
Allah (Subhanahu WaTaala), says in the Qur’an:
“Allah knows the fraud of the eyes, and all that the breasts conceal.”[40:19]
4. The person thinks that no one can catch him or punish him.
Allah (Subhanahu WaTaala), says in the Qur’an:
“So on that Day, none will punish as He will punish. “[89:25]
“…Verily, His Seizure is painful, and severe.” [11:102]
Prayer for Taubah (from any act of disobedience and sins): The method is described at http://islameasy.org/images/Treasures-Large/47.htm and the next page.
Salat-ul Hajat. The method is described at http://islameasy.org/Dua_Hajat.php (Ask Allah to ease your difficulty and purify the heart so that you may focus on doing good deeds.)
Increase time for Du’a, especially if you could wake up during the last part of night. Here is a startup script and examples of Dua:
Dua from the Heart http://islameasy.org/pdf/Duae_Walihana.pdf
Munajaat-e-Maqbool http://islameasy.org/Dua_MM_2.php
Steadfastness on Tau’bah:
Environment of pious people:
Find a pious Shaykh near your area and contact him periodically with intention to acquire the love of Allah Almighty. Listen to lectures and read books about how to live as a true Muslim and books on the virtues of repentance, respect and honor of a believer.
Read books of virtues like Muntakhab Ahadith for 5-10 minutes every evening with your family.
Muntakhab Ahadith
http://www.islameasy.org/pdf/Belief_Hereafter.pdf
Try to attend gatherings for taleem (reading sessions) in your area. Your masjid Imam and community may help you find such programs.
Purify Environment in Home:
Make an effort to remove any bad literature, TV, pictures and movies from your home. Bad literature only incites toward immodesty and troubles and complications in this world and the Hereafter.
May Allah protect our Deen and Dunya and grant us piety and patience!
In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Happy Marriage – Living with Peace and Harmony at Home
“And among His Signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find tranquility in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect.” [Al-Qur’an 30: 21]
May Allah bless you and your family to live in peace and harmony!
Marriage is an institute which can be as firm as a rock or weak as a thread, it is up to the partners to make it either one. We have to learn to be tolerant of each other for the pleasure of Allah.
Marriage is a great Sunnah while divorce is disliked by Allah. It is the responsibility of both husband and wife to give 100% effort to make their marriage successful and their home peaceful and Islamic. At the time of concern and tension in domestic affairs, our advice is to review your life pattern and check to see in how many ways you can come closer to Allah. One who corrects his relationship with Allah, Allah will correct his relationship with the rest of the creation.
Looking for rights or love?
“Do not go by the book of ‘My Rights’. Go by the book of Love, Ihsaan and khidmat. In other words, if every person goes out of his or her way to fulfill the rights of others, instead of demanding his or her own rights, or goes a step further than just fulfillment of rights, i.e. he or she goes out of his or her way to be kind, caring, loving and forgiving, then automatically this world will become a paradise.
The unfortunate part is that the husband opens the chapter of his rights and the wife opens the chapter of her rights. The parents open the chapter of their rights, and the children, of their rights. The teacher, his rights and the pupils, their rights, and then everyone demands fulfillment of these rights.
No doubt, rights have been declared so that no person should stop short of their fulfillment, but you cannot have a peaceful society if there is just demand for rights and no fulfillment of corresponding obligations.”
(Hedyatus Saalikeen, selected quotes by Shaykh Yunus Patel, 1998, South Africa)
Manners and protection of tongue:
From our elders we have learned that the best method and the best du’a to increase the love between the husband and the wife is to obtain great morals and etiquettes and to guard our tongue. By doing both of those, one will be able to attract your spouse into a never ending love. Please review the following article on "Protection of tongue".
Resolving mistrust between husband and wife:
Ask yourself the reason of your spouse's mistrust. You should always reassure your spouse of your love. If this is due to a mistake in the past, then seek to regain the love and confidence by displaying your love, regret (on the mistake), and make commitment to the marriage. Be ever cautious of not repeating the same error that had caused the problem. InshaAllah with your effort and good character, your spouse will feel like doing the same.
Please review the following articles on virtues of Tau’bah (Repentance):
Tau’bah
Repentance
Virtues of good deeds:
Imagine a husband making Du’a for his wife after every Salah: May Allah make her a pious woman! May Allah bless her with wisdom and knowledge of Deen! May Allah accept all good deeds and keep Shaitaan away from her!
Pray Salat-ul-Hajat and Istekhara before making important decisions.
Be punctual in your Salah. Brothers should visit a masjid as often as possible.
Give some Sadaqa on behalf of your spouse.
Increase time for Du’a, especially if you could wake up during the last part of night. Here is a startup script and examples of Dua:
Dua from the Core of Heart
Munajaat-e-Maqbool
Make a list of Faraidh (obligatory worship like Salah, Zakah, Fasting, Hajj) due on you and try to make up for any deficiencies and missing parts.
Environment of pious people:
Find a pious Shaykh near your area and contact him periodically with intention to acquire the love of Allah Almighty. Listen to lectures and read books on pious husband and wife.
Read books of virtues (for example, Muntakhab Ahadith) with your family for 5-10 minutes every evening.
Bring some gift of Islamic books of virtues, Du’a and zikr for your family to read at home.
If there is a gathering for Taleem (Islamic knowledge to increase faith and good deeds) encourage your family to attend. Your masjid Imam and community may help you find such programs.
Only Allah knows what is beneficial for us. He is All Wise, All Merciful.
May Allah bless you and your family to live in peace and harmony! Ameen!
In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious and The Most Merciful
Cure for Pre-Marriage Love Relationship which does not lead to a Marriage
Allah Subhanahu WaTaala says in the Holy Qur’an, in Surah An-Noor:
O you who believe! Follow not the footsteps of Shaitan (Satan). And whosoever follows the footsteps of Shaitan (Satan), then, verily he commands Al-Fahsha (i.e. to commit indecency), and Al-Munkar (disbelief and polytheism (i.e. to do evil and wicked deeds; to speak or to do what is forbidden in Islam, etc.)). And had it not been for the Grace of Allah and His Mercy on you, not one of you would ever have been pure from sins. But Allah purifies (guides to Islam) whom He wills, and Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower. [Al-Qur’an 24:21]
Allah Subhanahu WaTaala says in Surah Al-Maedah:
Say "Not equal are AlKhabeeth (all that is evil and bad things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc.) and AtTaiyib (all that is good things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc.), even though the abundance of Al-Khabeeth (evil) may please you. So fear Allah much ((abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)), O men of understanding in order that you may be successful. [Al-Qur’an 5:100]
Islam is the only religion which has given woman the status in accordance to her nature and determined her rights and duties according to her personality. Islam gave woman that dignity which no other ideology or faith has ever given. Islam is a complete way of life and has provided solution to every problem.
It is a great concern that some youth in the Ummah get involved in pre-marriage love relationship, which may not lead to a marriage later. When a sister reaches adulthood and would like to get married, necessary arrangements should be made for a marriage. Nikah has very simple requirements in Islam and is the solution to prevent immorality in the society. However, if the conditions of Nikah are not fulfilled, continued love relationship between a male and female may lead to sins and problems among families. There are limits in Islam regarding love relationships before marriage. A Non-Mahram man and woman seeing each other and talking with lust and desires are not allowed, touching a Non-Mahram with lust and desires is forbidden.
Umar (RA) narrated that the Blessed Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “The man is never alone with a non-mahram woman but the third of them is Shaytan.”
We know that Satan’s objective is to lead people astray. When a man and woman are alone, he excites them and invites them to engage in shameful acts. This is why the Blessed Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) strictly forbade it [being alone with the opposite gender] and why it is necessary to follow this injunction. Be it a teacher, mentor or cousins, women must avoid being alone with non-Mahram and likewise the same applies to men.
Jabir (RA) narrates that the Blessed Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Beware, no one should spend a night alone [in a house] with a single [divorced or widowed] woman unless he is either married to her or is her Mahram.”
Marital relations come with a lifetime responsibility for:
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Financial assistance for family;
Moral support;
Kids support;
Status in society as a respectable married person;
Protections from sins and temptations of Shaytan;
Marriage and serving husband is an ‘ibadah’ and brings rewards from Allah.
What happens when a sister has a relation with a man outside marriage?
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No concept of family or financial assistance;
No moral support;
Fear of disgrace in society (if relatives and neighbors come to know);
Depression and worries ;
Displeasure of Allah - disgrace and punishment in life hereafter, unless one makes Tubah;
Due to the nature of human being, if a man and woman are alone, even if they are pious and have good intentions, Shaytan and Nafs (bad desires) may overpower them. If the conditions of Nikah are not fulfilled, continued love relationship between a male and female may lead to sins and problems among families. There are limits in Islam regarding love relationships before marriage. A Non-Mahram man and woman seeing each other and talking with lust and desires are not allowed, touching a Non-Mahram with lust and desires is forbidden. Observing Hijab brings piety and purity in society. Leaving Hijab leads to sins and shamelessness. To learn more about hijab, review the page http://islameasy.org/hijab.php
Due to the influence of Shaytan and Nafs (bad desires), sometimes a man takes advantage of deceiving an innocent woman with a pre-marriage relationship, but does not have the real intention for a marriage. Such a person would make excuses later and would never arrange a marriage with the same woman. Our sister must not be deceived by the apparent love and care shown by a strange man since he may not be sincere to her, but was just looking for an opportunity to satisfy his bad desires. Such relationship may lead to big sins and may bring disasters in this life and hereafter. May Allah protect everyone in the Ummah from this trap of Shaitan!
Also, in this situation, our sister should not be deceived even if the man prays 5 times a day and observes fasting– it is still not allowed for a strange woman to sit with him alone. The act of sitting alone with non-Mahram is against Islamic practices and this man, however religious in other acts, is not following the command of Allah regarding Hijab and dignity of woman. This very act of getting closer to non-Mahram was not allowed, whether he was a ‘good boy’ or ‘bad boy’! Both the man and woman, should make Taubah, stop meeting alone, and engage their parents or elders if they are sincere in getting married.
Common excuses a bad person makes to avoid a marriage with the woman:
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A man who gets the opportunity to be alone with a non-Mahram woman would never admit he is there to take away the honor and dignity of woman. Instead, he would show love and kindness and make excuses as such as ‘he wants to marry the woman’.
After having a close relation, if the woman is worried, he would be happily willing to continue a hidden relation but not ready for marriage. In reality, he may not even trust this woman for marriage life, since she was careless about protecting her chastity from strange men.
If this man has to end this relation, he would make excuses like ‘we will meet in the heavens’, ‘I am still studying’, ‘my other sisters at home should marry first’ or ‘myparents do not agree for this marriage and I don’t want to disobey parents’, ‘many other people in the world live like this way’ etc.
In summary, such relations may not bring much risk to the man in worldly life but may bring big problems for the woman.
Common Excuses and mistakes which may lead to big sins (traps of Shaytaan and Nafs) ---------------------------------------------------
Some sister may think ‘he’ is just like her husband, or will become soon – treating as husband before Nikah (serving food, gifts). She wants to ‘obey’ the future husband’s desires and do not have courage to stop him when crossing the limits of Hijab.
Thinking ‘he’ will marry her if she fulfills his desires.
Thinking she will ‘lose’ him if she stops meeting him alone.
Some man may take a false verbal oath (or swear) that he will soon marry her, and that he has no evil intention.
Some man may attempt a quick ‘Nikah’ without witnesses, which is not valid according to many scholars. Always check with scholars and involve family elders from both sides.
Meeting fiancé freely before actual Nikah: Even if a man is engaged with a woman, he is still a non-Mahram until the actual Nikah is made. Meeting alone or going out with this person is not allowed for her. It is required to observe complete Hijab with him until Nikah is done.
Remember, a strange man could be an opportunist – looking for ways to get closer to a woman alone, to take away her honor.
Getting close and meeting alone, thinking he is a ‘pious’ Muslim and for Dawah/discussions.
Shaytaan circulates in human blood, with evil temptations and desires.
The Man and woman not understanding the issue of Hijab and its purpose. They may be otherwise ‘religious’ (Salah and fasting, Nafl and Zikr), but do NOT understand the rulings on Hijab.
Some strange man may trick a sister to give him a gift and to deliver it alone (in person), opening the door of hidden relations and sins.
Thinking that having a close relationship is a small sin (‘no body knows’) and soon they will marry.
Emotional pressure on woman – she is soft-hearted and often easily excited by words.
Deceived by logic – Thinking this is a small sin, ‘invest in your future’ and will have a happy marriage life soon’!
Even with ‘false’ love from that man, this woman is easily deceived and starts loving that man with an innocent heart. When Shaytaan and Nafs overpower, her love does not understand the limits and boundaries in Islam and potential sins. Even after committing sins, she may keep hopes that one day he will marry her. Even if he disappears, she still hopes that he may come back one day.
After having an unexpected close relation, if the sister wants to make Taubah and quit, that man may black-mail her to disclose this relation to others and convince her to continue doing sins.
This may lead to such a sin where both of them lose dignity and respect in the eyes of each other.
End-result of starting this hidden relationship – the sister is always the loser, one way or the other!
If Shaytan leads to big sins, what are the risks for the sister and her parents?
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Losing honor and chastity;
Physical affects of pre-marriage relations;
Disgrace in society - among relatives, neighbors and community;
Problems in getting married;
Depression and worries;
Displeasure of Allah - disgrace and punishment in life hereafter, unless one makes Taubah!
What to do if marriage is not possible?
If someone has developed love for a non-Mahram, but a marriage is not possible (one partner deceived after some time, parents do not agree, man or woman was already married to someone else, etc.), then steps must be taken to cure the heart from this love and desires which cannot be fulfilled.
Disassociate from that person and discard anything that reminds you about that person (gifts or letters etc.). Do not go close to any such thing which reminds you about that person. Guard your thoughts as well and keep yourself busy with a positive activity.
Develop love of Allah:
The human heart is the center of emotions and feelings. It dictates what it desires and works in collaboration with mind to act as a platform of good or evil. The human heart also has hidden treasures of matchless jewels. If found and applied, we can become beloved of Allah. Imagine a believer who always remembers and seeks help from her Creator, praises Allah by her tongue, in her heart, expresses gratitude for His bounties, is patient in hardships. She supplicates in all earnestness and always has good intentions.
Our real love should be for Allah. We love someone due to beauty and excellence, perfectness in knowledge and generosity, loving and caring treatment for us. If we look around and think about the blessings Almighty Allah is showering on us, we will love Him.
He is Allah, besides him there is no god, the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. He is Allah, besides him there is no god, the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him. He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.[Al-Qur’an, 59: 22-24]
Get married and fulfill the rights of spouse:
Live a life with happiness, honesty and integrity http://www.islameasy.org/Marriage_Advice.php
“And among His Signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find tranquility in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect.” [Al-Qur’an 30: 21]
When reaching appropriate age and a suitable match (a practicing Muslim), the sister should be married. The elders in the family, the masjid Imam and pious elders in the community may help find suitable matches, meet with the boy/ parents and arrange the marriage for the sister.
Learn the life of piety:
Observe Hijaab completely; protect your honor and the blessings Allah has bestowed upon you. Study the Tafseer of Surah An-Noor and Surah Al-Ahzab to learn how Allah Almighty wants to protect women and how the Qur’an describes the Islamic system to prevent obscene acts.
This life is a one-time opportunity to achieve everlasting happiness in the Hereafter. Every moment has a great potential if positively used to raise status and rank in the sight of our Creator. Strong faith and good deeds bring peace and comfort in this life, in the grave and in the Hereafter.
Paradise is a reality – with rivers of milk and honey, palaces of gold and silver, delicious food and fruits, beautiful spouse, always happy, always young, always healthy – a great kingdom for ever and ever for an unending enjoyment and bliss. Compete with each other to strengthen faith and excel in good deeds and hasten to seize every fleeting moment and turn into gold by a productive activity; sow seeds today to reap a rich harvest tomorrow and rush at the available opportunity before it is lost for good.
Convert time into gold. Today is the day of action, rush to do good deeds.
Repentance and asking forgiveness could clean up mistakes of the past.
Good intentions lead us to a golden future.
Clean home environment:
Make an effort to remove any bad literature/ digests, TV, pictures and movies from your home. Such things only take the Ummah to a path of immodesty and bad desires.
Make Taubah:
It is the nature of mankind to be forgetful and to commit sins. However, Allah has given us the ability to correct our mistakes; we may turn to Allah and beg for his forgiveness.
“Say: "O Ibadee (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah, verily Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Al-Qur’an 39: 53]
One should make sincere taw’bah/ repentance to Allah for one's sins. The requisites of tau’bah are three:
(1) To immediately abstain from the sin.
(2) To regret and wish one had never indulged in the sin.
(3) To make a determined intention not to return to the sin.
(4) If one have violated the rights of another person it is also necessary to ask for forgiveness from that person.
After having made a sincere Taw’bah, have a firm conviction in the acceptance of your Tau’bah. Allah (Subhanahu WaTaala) is all-Merciful and all-Forgiving. He is always ready to accept the repentance of His sinful slaves. Allah says in Surah Aal-e-Imran:
“And those who, when they have committed Fahishah or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their sins - and none can forgive sins but Allah - And do not persist in what (wrong) they have done, while they know.” [Al-Qur’an 3:135]
After repenting, one should try to live in absolute accordance with the Shariah and Sunnah of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa-Sallam). This will bring the utmost peace and tranquility into one’s life.
Dua to cure the heart from illicit desires:
At the time of concern and hardship, our advice is to review your life pattern and check to see in how many ways you can come closer to Allah. One who corrects her relationship with Allah, Allah will correct her relationship with the rest of the creation.
Only Allah knows what is beneficial for us. Pray Salat-ul-Hajat and Istekhara before making important decisions. See the main page at http://islameasy.org/ It is not required to memorize that Dua, as you could recite it from a book or from a printed page.
Read 2 Rakah of Nafl Salah (Namaz) every night, with intention of Taubah, Istekhara and Salatul Hajat. This is performed like any other Salah. After the Salah, you should recite the following Dua. You may print these pages from web and recite from printed pages or from computer after the Salah. It is not required to memorize these Dua or to read those inside Salah.
Taubah (from any act of disobedience and sins). The method is described at http://islameasy.org/images/Treasures-Large/47.htm and the next page.
Istekhara (Is this matter good for me, or there is something better Allah has kept for me?). The method is described at http://islameasy.org/images/Treasures-Large/46.htm
Salat-ul Hajat. The method is described at http://islameasy.org/Dua_Hajat.php (Ask Allah to ease difficulty, clean the heart to focus on good deeds.)
Increase time for Du’a, especially if you could wake up during the last part of night. Here is a startup script and examples of Dua:
Dua from the Core of Heart http://islameasy.org/pdf/Duae_Walihana.pdf
Munajaat-e-Maqbool http://islameasy.org/Dua_MM_2.php
“Ya Allah! I ask You for Your love, the love of the person who loves You, and the love of that deed which would draw me closer to Your love. Ya Allah! Make Your love more beloved to me than myself, my family, and more beloved than cold water [on a hot day]. Ya Allah! Grant me your love and the love of that person whose love will benefit me by you.
O Allah! Just as You bestowed me with that which I love, make it a source of help to me in fulfilling all that which You love. O Allah! Whatever You kept away from me of the things which I love [but were harmful for me], make them a source of freedom for me so that I may be able to fulfill all that which You love.”
Recite several times morning and evening:
“ALLAHUMMA SALLI ALA MUHAMMADI(M) Muatta-rir-Roohe Wa Aale-hit-Tayyebeenat-Tahireena Salatan Tuat-te-runa Biha wa Barik wa Sallim” (note: All ‘t’ sounds are soft, like ‘taleem’ in Arabic/Urdu)
In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious and The Most Merciful
How should every Muslim live through day and night?
(Extracted from the teachings of Shaykh Ashraf Ali Thanvi)
• Learn your religion as much as is needed, either by reading books or by asking scholars.
• Protect yourself from every sin.
• If sin is committed, immediately repent and ask forgiveness (tau’bah).
• Do not violate the rights of others; do not harm others by tongue or hand. Do not say negative things about others.
• Do not keep the love of wealth and the desire of a “big name” in your heart, and do not excessively engage in seeking superior food and superior clothes.
• If someone points out your mistake, do not argue, immediately accept it and repent from it.
• Do not travel, except for a great need, as during travel you decrease in wariness and a lot of undesirable things happen, a lot of good deeds are missed, your daily routine of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) is interrupted and nothing happens on its proper time.
• Do not laugh excessively and do not talk excessively, and take special care to avoid talking with strangers of the opposite gender (ghair-mahram) frankly and freely.
• Do not quarrel or argue with others.
• Be aware of the orders of the Shariah every moment of your life.
• Do not be lazy for worship.
• Spend most of the time alone in solitude.
• If you have to mingle with others then be the most humble to others, serve others, and do not show pride.
• And mingle minimally with the rich.
• Stay away from the irreligious person.
• Do not find faults in others, do not have bad opinion about others, keep your eye on your own shortcoming and try to fix them.
• Try to fulfill your prayers (Salah) in best possible way on the right time with full attentiveness.
• Constantly remember your Lord either through tongue or heart, and do not let any time be wasted.
• If you feel pleasure in remembering Allah, and you feel joy, then thank your Lord for this.
• Be polite.
• Organize a timetable for all your work, and thoroughly stick to it.
• What ever loss or sorrow you come across, believe it is from Allah and do not worry about it and remind yourself that “I will get reward for this difficulty”.
• Do not keep the accounts of worldly affairs in your heart and do not talk and discuss about worldly matters all the time; instead think about your Lord.
• Benefit others as much you can: either worldly benefit or religious benefit.
• Do not decrease your food and drink to such a degree that it will make you sick; on the other hand do not increase it so much that it will make you lazy during worship.
• Do not hope to get benefit/profit from other than Allah; do not let your thoughts wander such that you think “we might get benefit from so and so”.
• Eagerly and restlessly seek your lord.
• For a blessing either small or large, be thankful to your Lord for it, and do not be despaired by poverty.
• Forgive the mistakes and faults of people under your authority.
• Hide the faults of others, but if someone is trying to harm someone, and you happen to know about it, then inform that person (i.e. the one who might get harmed).
• Serve guests, travelers, the poor, scholars and the elderly.
• Keep righteous company.
• Fear you Lord all the time.
• Remember death.
• Ponder and go though the events of your day; if you remember a good deed, thank your Lord for it and if you remember a sin, seek repentance
• Do not tell lies on any condition.
• Do not attend unlawful gatherings.
• Live the life of modesty and forbearance.
• Do not be proud.
BismillahhirRahmannirRahim
SELECTED SUPPLICATIONS FROM THE HOLY QURAN
CLICK HERE FOR .PDF
Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily! You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower [2:127]
..and accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful. [2:128]
Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire! [2:201]
Our Lord! Pour forth on us patience and make us victorious over the disbelieving people. [2:250]
Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us; our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us Forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Maula (Supporter and Protector) and give us victory over the disbelieving people. [2:286]
Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower. [3:8]
Our Lord! Verily, it is You Who will gather mankind together on the Day about which there is no doubt. Verily, Allah never breaks His Promise. [3:9]
Our Lord! We have indeed believed, so forgive us our sins and save us from the punishment of the Fire. [3:16]
..O Allah! Possessor of the kingdom, You give the kingdom to whom You will, and You take the kingdom from whom You will, and You endue with honor whom You will, and You humiliate whom You will. In Your Hand is the good. Verily, You are Able to do all things.
You make the night to enter into the day, and You make the day to enter into the night, You bring the living out of the dead, and You bring the dead out of the living. And You give wealth and sustenance to whom You will, without limit (measure or account). [3:26-27]
O my Lord! Grant me from You, a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation. [3:38]
Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger, so write us down among those who bear witness (to the truth, La ilaha ill-Allah) [3:53]
,.. Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to You! (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners). Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire.
Our Lord! Verily, whom You admit to the Fire, indeed, You have disgraced him, and never will the unjust (wrong-doers) find any helpers.
Our Lord! Verily, we have heard the call of one (Muhammad Sallahu Alayhi Wasallam) calling to Faith: Believe in your Lord, and we have believed. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and remit from us our evil deeds, and make us die in the state of righteousness along with Al-Abrar (those who are obedient to Allah and follow strictly His Orders).
Our Lord! Grant us what You promised unto us through Your Messengers and disgrace us not on the Day of Resurrection, for You never break (Your) Promise."[3:191-194]
Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers. [7:23]
.. Our Lord! Judge between us and our people in truth, for You are the Best of those who give judgment [7:89]
.. You are our Wali (Protector), so forgive us and have Mercy on us, for You are the Best of those who forgive. [7:155]
.. Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the folk who are unjust (i.e. do not make them overpower us). And save us by Your Mercy from the disbelieving folk. [10:85-86]
.. O my Lord! I seek refuge with You from asking You that of which I have no knowledge. And unless You forgive me and have Mercy on me, I would indeed be one of the losers [11:47]
.. My Lord! You have indeed bestowed on me of the sovereignty, and taught me the interpretation of dreams; The (only) Creator of the heavens and the earth! You are my Wali (Protector, Helper, Supporter, Guardian) in this world and in the Hereafter, cause me to die as a Muslim (the one submitting to Your Will), and join me with the righteous [12:101]
O our Lord! Certainly, You know what we conceal and what we reveal. Nothing on the earth or in the heaven is hidden from Allah. [14:38]
O my Lord! Make me one who establishes Salah and (also) from my offspring, our Lord! And accept my invocation. Our Lord! Forgive me and my parents, and (all) the believers on the Day when the reckoning will be established. [14:40-41]
.. My Lord! Let my entry be good, and likewise my exit be good. And grant me from You an authority to help me (or a firm sign or a proof) [17:80]
.. Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Yourself, and facilitate for us our affair in the right way! [18:10]
..O my Lord! Open for me my chest (grant me self-confidence, contentment, and boldness). And ease my task for me [20:25-26] ..My Lord! Increase me in knowledge." [20:114]
.. Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy [21:83]
.. La ilaha illa Anta (none has the right to be worshipped but You (O Allah)), Glorified (and Exalted) are You (above all that (evil) they associate with You). Truly, I have been of the wrong-doers." [21:87]
.. O My Lord! Leave me not single (childless), though You are the Best of the inheritors. [21:89]
..My Lord! Cause me to land at a blessed landing-place, for You are the Best of those who bring to land. [23:29]
.. My Lord! I seek refuge with You from the whisperings (suggestions) of the Shayatin (devils). And I seek refuge with You, My Lord! lest they may attend (or come near) me. [23:97-98]
.. Our Lord! We believe, so forgive us, and have mercy on us, for You are the Best of all who show mercy! [23:109]
.. Our Lord! Avert from us the torment of Hell. Verily! Its torment is ever an inseparable, permanent punishment. [25:65]
.. Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the Muttaqun (pious). [25:74]
.. My Lord! Bestow wisdom (knowledge and sound judgment) on me, and join me with the righteous; And grant me an honorable mention in later generations; And make me one of the inheritors of the Paradise of Delight; [26:83-85]
And disgrace me not on the Day when (all the creatures) will be resurrected; The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, Except him who brings to Allah a clean heart (clean from polytheism and hypocrisy). [26:87-89]
.. My Lord! Inspire and bestow upon me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favors which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me by Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves.[27:19]
.. My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, so forgive me.[28:16]
.. My Lord! Give me victory over the people who are Mufsidun (those who commit crimes and major sins, oppressors, tyrants, the wicked and immoral). [29:30]
.. Our Lord! You comprehend all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who repent and follow Your Way, and save them from the torment of the blazing Fire!
Our Lord! And make them enter the Adn (Eden) Paradise (everlasting Gardens) which you have promised them, and to the righteous among their fathers, their wives, and their offspring! Verily, You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.
And save them from (the punishment, because of what they did of) the sins, and whomsoever You save from (the punishment, because of what they did of) the sins (i.e. excuse them) that Day, him verily, You have taken into mercy. And that is the supreme success. [40:7-9]
.. My Lord! Grant me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds, such as please You, and make my off-spring good. Truly, I have turned to You in repentance, and truly, I am one of the Muslims (submitting to Your Will). [46:15]
.. Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith, and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful. [59:10]
.. Our Lord! In You (Alone) we put our trust, and to You (Alone) we turn in repentance, and to You (Alone) is (our) final Return. Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the disbelievers, and forgive us, Our Lord! Verily, You, only You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise [60:4-5]
.. Our Lord! Keep perfect our Light for us (and do not put it off till we cross over the Sirat (a bridge that runs across the Hellfire) safely and grant us forgiveness. Verily, You are Able to do all things. [66-8]
.. My Lord! Build for me a home with You in Paradise ….... and save me from the people who are unjust. [66-11]
My Lord! Forgive me, and my parents, and him who enters my home as a believer, and all the believing men and women. And do not increase the wrong-doers but in ruin. [71-28]
BismillahhirRahmannirRahim
Islam is Mercy and Blessing
by Shaykh Ahmed Abdul Mujeeb Qasmi Nadvi (translated by Muhammad Owais Jafrey)
Islam is a religion of Mercy, Peace and Blessing. Its teachings emphasize kind heartedness, help, sympathy, forgiveness, sacrifice, love and care. Qur’an, the Shari’ah and the life of our beloved Prophet (SAW) mirrors this attribute, and it should be reflected in the conduct of a Momin. Islam appreciates those who are kind to their fellow being, and dislikes them who are hard hearted, curt, and hypocrite. Recall that historical moment, when Prophet (SAW) entered Makkah as a conqueror. There was before him a multitude of surrendered enemies, former oppressors and persecutors, who had evicted the Muslims from their homes, deprived them of their belongings, humiliated and intimidated Prophet (SAW) hatched schemes for his murder and tortured and killed his companions. But Prophet (SAW) displayed his usual magnanimity, generosity, and kind heartedness by forgiving all of them and declaring general amnesty.
Allah (SAW) is all Merciful, Compassionate and Forgiver. Hence anyone who believes in Him naturally should have the attribute of mercy. The Holy Qur’an time and again mentions Allah’s attribute of mercy.
Aayah 22, Surah Al-Hashr says: “He is the Lord of mercy, the Giver of mercy.”
Aayah 156, Surah Aaraf says: “I bring My punishment on whoever I will, but My mercy encompasses all things.”
Allah (SWT) admired this attribute of mercy in Prophet (SAW) as mentioned in Aayah 107 of Surah Ambia: “It was only a mercy that We sent you (Rasool Allah) to all people.”
Allah (SWT) has identified Qur’an as divine mercy in Aayah 57 of Surah Yunus, which says: “People, a teaching from your Lord has come to you, a healing for what is in [your] heart, and guidance and mercy for the believers.”
Paradise has also been named as divine mercy in Aayah 107 of Surah Aaley Imran: which says: “… but those with brightened faces will be in Allah’s mercy/paradise, there to remain.”
Allah (SWT) has called Muslims as divine mercy for the fellow Muslims in Aayah 29 of Surah Fat’ha: “Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. Those who follow him are harsh towards the disbelievers and compassionate [merciful] towards each other.”
A Momin has been commanded to initiate or begin his or her work glorifying Allah (SWT)’s attribute of Mercy and Compassion by reciting BismillahhirRahmannirRahim. This is recited daily many times from dusk to dawn and late at night in every prayer and outside of prayers. Recitation of this attribute of Allah (SWT) is not only an indication but an assurance that the heart of a Momin is a reservoir for mercy, kindness and compassion for all Allah’s creation.
Prophet (SAW) in his well known tradition said: “Whoever is unkind to others, Allah (SWT) is not kind toward him.” (Bukhari). In another tradition, Prophet (SAW) said: “Unfortunate is the person who is devoid of feelings of mercy and kindness.” And yet according to another tradition Prophet (SAW) said: “Without doubt he is far away from Allah’s mercy, whose is hard hearted.” (Abu Dawood).
Prophet (SAW) also said: Allah (SWT) is kind to him, who is kind to others. You be kind to the people on earth, the One in Heaven will be kind to you.” (Tirmidhi).
Zainab was Prophet (SAW)’s daughter. Her infant son was seriously sick, and he breathed his last in Prophet (SAW) arms. Tears came to Prophet (SAW)’s eyes. Present from among the companions there, Sa’ad bin Ibadah was surprised and submitted to Prophet (SAW): “Ya Rasool Allah, you too…? He perhaps thought that Prophet (SAW), unlike members of the bereaved family, shouldn’t have been moved. On which Prophet (SAW) replied: “Ya Sa’ad, these tears are divine mercy, whomever Allah likes, thismercy is given to his heart. And Allah (SWT) bestows mercy upon him, who is merciful to others. (Bukhari & Muslim).
Similarly when Prophet (SAW)’s infant son Ibrahim passed away in Prophet (SAW) arms, his eyes became wet. Seeing Prophet (SAW) grief stricken, Abdul Rahman bin Auf(RA) submitted: “Even you Ya Rsaul Allah …?..Prophet (SAW) replied: “Ibne Auf, these tears are symbols of divine mercy.” (Muslim).
Sa’ad and Abdul Rahman bin Auf perhaps thought that certainty of death and thus passing on to eternal life in the Hereafter shouldn’t have saddened Prophet (SAW). Prophet (SAW) was a human being, had a family bond with both the infants, and above all he was the very embodiment of love and compassion for all. He felt pain for others and was always generous in consoling and comforting others on such occasions.
Expression of sentiments of mercy, compassion and kindness are directed toward all, but especially the week, the helpless, women, orphans, widows, handicapped and physically challenged members of society deserve them most. Allah (SAW) says in Aayah 9-10 of Surah Ad’duha: “So do not be harsh with the orphan and do not chide the one who asks for help.”
Once Prophet (SAW) joined his two fingers together and said: “The one who looks after an orphan, he and I will be like this in the Hereafter. (Bukhari). At another time he (SAW) said that one who tries to help the widow and the poor is like a person making Jihad in the path of Allah. (Bukhari & Muslim). Prophet (SAW) also advised to pay wages to the laborer before his sweat dries.”
With regards to parents, particularly when they are old and weak, Qur’an in clear terms commands kindness toward them. Allah (SWT) says in Aayah 23-24 of Bani Israel: “Your Lord has commanded that you should worship none but Him, and that be kind to your parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, say no word that shows impatience with them, and do not be harsh with them, but speak to them respectfully, and lower your wing in humility towards them in kindness and say, ‘Lord, have mercy on them, just as they cared for me when I was little.”
Children also deserve love and kindness and they should be treated with utmost care and affection. Prophet (SAW) likened them to “flowers”. He (SAW) was so kind to them that he used to shorten his prayers if he (SAW) heard a child crying. Once he (SAW) kissed his grandson Sayyidina Hasan (RA), Iqra bin Haabis Tamimi, who was present there submitted: “Ya Rasul Allah, I have ten children, but I never kissed any one of them like you have kissed.” Prophet (SAW) replied: “One who is not kind to others doesn’t deserve Allah’s kindness.” On another occasion Prophet (SAW) said: “One who doesn’t love his younger and doesn’t respect his elders, is not from us.”(Tirmidhi)
Upbringing well behaved children, teaching them manners and etiquettes, raising them as good Muslims and making them good community members and citizens is also an important act of love and affection.
Islam teaches us to treat even animals with love and kindness. Once Prophet (SAW) related a story about a thirsty person, who having quenched his thirst saw a thirsty dog by the well. The man realizing his own condition, took pity on the dog, used his sock as a bucket to draw water for the dog. Allah (SWT) liked his act kindness and forgave his sins. (Muslim).
In yet another story, a woman punished his cat which has licked his pot. The angered woman tied the animal with a rope, kept it hungry and thirsty until the poor thing died. The act warranted Allah (SWT)’s displeasure and the woman was sent to Hell. (Bokhari).
The foregoing examples illustrate that Islam is a faith of love, kindness, compassion, and mercy for the entire humanity. Let us be kind, compassionate, useful, and helpful to others, let us be Allah’s blessing to the entire humanity. This is what Allah (SWT) commands us and this is what our beloved Prophet (SAW) taught us. Let us tailor our life according to the dictates of our faith.
BismillahhirRahmannirRahim
Serving humanity - Islam's mission
by Shaykh Ahmed Abdul Mujeeb Qasmi Nadvi (translated by Muhammad Owais Jafrey)
Serving and treating fellow human beings with courtesy and kindness is an essential part of a good moral conduct. All world religions share and support this concept. The Holy Qur’an details the teachings of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and all succeeding prophets from his son, Prophet Ishaque (AS)’s progeny. Their covenant is mentioned in Aayah83-84 of Surah Al-Baqarah in these words:
“Remember when We took a pledge from the Children of Israel: ‘Worship none but one Allah; be good to your parents and kinsfolk, to orphans and the poor; speak good words to all people; keep good words to all people; keep up the prayer and pay the prescribed alms. Then all but a few of you turned away and paid no heed.”
The Holy Qur’an emphasizes two essential principles to live by after charting the course of life according to fundamental Islamic beliefs. First is to have strong relationship with Allah (SWT), and fulfilling those rights which He has upon us. We are required to have firm belief in the monotheistic doctrine and submitting and worshipping Allah (SWT) alone. The second principle is to be good, kind, and helpful to fellow human beings. This entails fulfilling obligations and duties we owe to our parents, relatives, neighbors, orphans, widows, poor, sick and the needy. Aayah 36 of Surah Nisa’ briefly identifies those who deserve help:
“Worship Allah; join nothing with Him. Be good to your parents, to relatives, to orphans, to the needy, to neighbors near and far, to travelers in need, and to our slaves.”
The mission of Islamic life is to be of service and a source of comfort, and not a cause of hardship or discomfort to others. All human beings are not alike; some are well to do while others are under-privileged. Islam demands from the former to serve the latter and provide them what they need for survival. The blessings we enjoy day and night are given by Allah (SWT), and we did not earn, nor did any thing special to deserve them. It is Allah’s mercy for which we should be thankful and the best way to thank Him is to let the “have-nots” share those blessings with those of us who have. No one can claim that he deserves what Allah (SWT) has given him, unless he is an arrogant ungrateful rebel and mentally blind. The man should first look at himself and the miraculous body which he has been given. Each part performs its functions precisely and tirelessly - the eyes, ears, heart, brain, hands and legs to mention a few. Imagine life without them. Then he should look beyond to the world around him which has been made to serve him. And if he does not feel the need to serve and lack the will to help others, he than is a thankless person who does not recognize his Creator. Qur’an warns on such insensitivity, and exhorts Muslims to serve mankind. Aayahs 8-20 of Surah Al-Balad says:
“Did we not give him eyes, a tongue, lips, and point out to him the two clear ways [of good and evil]? Yet he has not attempted the steep path. What will explain to you what the steep path is? It is to free a slave, to feed at a time of hunger an orphaned relative or a poor person in distress, and to be one of those who believe and urge on another to steadfastness and compassion. Those who do this will be on the right-hand side, but those who disbelieve in Our revelations will be on the left-hand side, and the Fire will close in on them.”
Serving and helping others is serving Allah in the sight of Islam. If some one stretches his hand out to you to seek help, and if it returns empty, you than have refused to help Allah. To please Allah is through pleasing His bondsmen. The One in heaven becomes kind to you if you are kind to those who inhabit the earth. As narrated by Abu Hureyrah (RA), Prophet (SAW) said:
“Verily, Allah the Exalted and Glorious will say on the Day of Resurrection: ‘O son of Adam, I was indisposed but you did not visit Me.’ He would say: ‘O my Lord, how could I visit You as You are the Lord of the world?’ Thereupon Allah would say: ‘Did you not know that such and such slave of Mine was ill but you did not visit him? Did you not realize that if you had visited him, you would have found [its reward] with Me? O son of Adam, I asked food from you but you did not feed Me.’ He would submit: ‘My Lord, how could I feed You as You are the Lord of the worlds?’ Allah would say: ‘Did you not know that such and such a slave of Mine asked you for food but you did not feed him? Did you not realize that if you had fed him, you would have found [its reward] with Me? O son of Adam, I asked for water from you but you did not give it to Me.’ He would say: ‘My Lord, how could I give you (water) as You are the Lord of worlds.’ There upon Allah (SWT) would say: ‘Such and such a slave of Mine asked you for water to drink but you did not give it to him. Did you not realize that if you had given him the drink you would have found (its reward) with Me.” [Muslim]
Islam teaches us to open our hearts and minds to help the needy and the destitute without any distinction of color, creed, race or religion. One has to rise above these biases and prejudices. Humanity is just one and one family. We are from one father and one mother. Abdullah bin Masood (RA) relates that Prophet (SAW) said: “The entire humanity is Allah’s family, and Allah loves him most from among this family, who benefits the family most. [Mishkawt]
Jarir bin Abdullah (RA) reported that Allah’s Messenger said: “He who is not merciful to people Allah will not be merciful to him.” [Bukhari & Muslim]
Kind treatment to Allah’s creatures is very much liked by Allah. Even animals and birds are included in this category. Kind treatment with them makes a person eligible to the Mercy of Allah. Decent behavior with people has been specifically mentioned in this tradition although all creatures are covered by it.
Abu Hurairah (RA) says that once Prophet (SAW) approached a group of people sitting around and asked: “Should I tell you as to who is good from among you and who is bad?” He (SAW) repeated the question three times. A companion submitted: “Please advise us Ya Rasul Allah.” He (SAW) said: “The best from among you is the one from whom you expect the good and people are safe from his mischief. And the worst from among you is the one from whom you don’t expect any good and people are not safe from his mischief.” [Tirmidhi]
These traditions highlight that service is the mission of a Muslim without any distinction or discrimination and such a service guarantees Allah’s reward and pleasure. Islam exhorts its followers to be self-motivated to do acts of virtue and goodness not only for the Muslims but to the entire human society. Islam motivates Muslims to extend material and moral support to all those who need it.
According to a tradition Muslims are urged “to speak sweetly” [Muslim].
According to another tradition, they are exhorted to rush to help the one who seeks help and guide him who is lost on his way. [Abu Dawood].
One should go beyond verbal sympathy to help those who experience financial difficulties. Islam wants us spend money on the well being of others. In fact that part of wealth is real saving which is spent to free others from the yoke of debt and economic hardships. It is in this context that Islam has mandated Zakah (poors’ due), which constitutes one of the five pillars of Islam and has been mentioned along with Salah (prayers) in many places in the Holy Qur’an. Aayah 5 of Surah Al-Bayyina says:
“…though all they are ordered to do is worship Allah alone, sincerely devoting their religion to Him as people of true faith, keep up the prayer, and pay the prescribed alms, for that is the true religion.”
In the light of this Aayah, service to humanity is considered as worship. Attribute of Allah conscious people has been mentioned as such in Aayah 19 of Surah Al-Thariyaat.
“…giving a rightful share of their wealth to the beggar and the deprived.”
Prophet (SAW) as reported by Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari (RA) said: “Giving charity is an obligation upon every Muslim.”
At another occasion, Prophet (SAW) said: “Do not belittle any good deed, even meeting you brother (Muslim) with a cheerful face.” [Muslim]
People may have long term needs as well as short term needs. There are always opportunities to help if some one is looking for either of them. There are people all the time in all societies who cannot afford one meal a day not to speak the luxury of 3 meals per day which most of enjoy. To feed a hungry person is a small act, but if everyone can feed one person, no one will go hungry. The Holy Qur’an mentions the attribute of virtuous people in Aayah 8-9 in Surah Ad-Dahr:
“…they give food to the poor, the orphan, and the captive, though they love it themselves, saying, ‘We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: We seek neither recompense nor thanks from you.”
Abdullah bin Salaam (RA) prior to embracing Islam was Christian. He said that I went to see Prophet (SAW) when he immigrated to Madinah. The moment I saw his blessed face, I immediately knew that it cannot be the face of a liar. The first thing that Prophet (SAW) said was:
“O people, exchange greetings of peace (i.e. say: As-Salamu Alaikum to one another), feed people, strengthen the ties of kinship, and be in prayer when others are asleep, you will enter Paradise in peace. [Tirmidhi]
To feed the indigent, meek and poor was the favorite act of Prophet (SAW)’s companions. Abdullah bin Umar (RA) did not eat unless there was person to share food with him. [Bukhari]
There is a great lesson for us in this story:
“Once a man came to Prophet (SAW) and said: “I am hard pressed by hunger.” Prophet found that he had nothing to feed him, so he (SAW) said to his companions: “Who will entertain this (man) as a guest?” One of the Ansars said: “Ya Rasul Allah I will.” So he took him home and asked his wife: “Have you got anything?” She answered: “Nothing, except a little food for the children.” He said: “Keep the children busy with something and when they ask for food put them to sleep. When the guest enters, extinguish the light and give him the impression that we are also eating.” So they sat down and the guest ate and they passed the night hungry. When he came to the Prophet (SAW) in the morning, he said to him, “Allah admired what you with your guest last night.” [Bukhari & Muslim]
Aayah 9 of Surah Al-Hashr relates to this incident:
“Those who were already firmly established in their homes [in Medina], and rooted in their faith, show love for those who migrated to them for refuge and harbor no desire in their hearts for what has been given to them. They give them preference over themselves, even if they too are poor: those who are saved from their own souls’ greed are truly successful.”
The basic human need after food is dress and to provide dress to the one who does not have it guarantees a reward. Among long term needs is to provide shelter, raise and educate an orphan, provide provisions to the widows. Prophet (SAW) joining his two fingers said: “The one who looks after the needs of an orphan will be with me like this [two fingers joined together] in Paradise.”
Prophet (SAW) equated those who look after the needs of widows and the meek women with those who pray the whole night.
These are just a few examples to show the importance which Islam gives to serving, helping and assisting others morally and materially in their hour of need. May Allah enable us to be kind, compassionate, and helpful and perceptive in meeting the needs of fellow human beings and serve Allah’s family selflessly to win His pleasure. Aamin!
BismillahhirRahmannirRahim
The Power of Faith
by Shaykh Ahmed Abdul Mujeeb Qasmi Nadvi (translated by Muhammad Owais Jafrey)
Firm faith in Allah (SWT), in all His attributes and the conviction in His Oneness is the very foundation of Prophet (SAW)’s teachings. Some pre-Islamic religions had similar teachings, but the concept of Allah’s total supremacy, power and unity was ambiguous. It was not as clearly defined and explained as it has been in the teachings of our beloved Prophet (SAW). Criterion of virtue earns recognition only if it springs forth from the belief in One and the Only Creator, Master and Sustainer. The last and final Message, i.e., the Holy Qur’an emphasizes belief in the Unity of Allah (SWT). Aayah 2 of Surah Al-Anfaal says:
“…True believers are those whose hearts tremble with awe when Allah is mentioned, whose faith increases when His revelations are recited to them, who put their trust in their Lord…”
Prophet (SAW) had trained his companions to be happy in their total and complete surrender to Allah (SWT)’s will. Be it war or peace, hardship or ease, their attitude found contentment and pleasure in total servitude to the command of Allah (SWT), and His Messenger (SAW). Aayah 22 of Surah Al-Ahzaab says:
“When the believers saw the coalition forces [of the enemies at the battle of Ahzaab], they said, ‘this is what Allah and His Messenger promised us. The promise of Allah and His Messenger is true’, and this only served to increase their faith and submission to Allah.”
It is the basic faith of a Muslim that this universe and everything in it belongs to none but Allah (SWT) and is governed by Him. His authority is supreme and His control over all that was, is and will ever be is absolute and eternal and nothing happens without His will. Aayah 26-29 of Surah Al-Takweer says:
“So where are you [people] going? This is the message for all people; for those who wish to take the straight path. But you will only wish to do so by the will of Allah, the Lord of all people.”
It is He, Who regulates the universe, the destinies of all that is in there are subject to His will. He (SWT) amends our wrongs, pardons our mistakes, forgives our sin, guides us to righteousness, comes to our rescue, fulfills our needs, and provides us with sustenance. All is within His power. The oft repeated Surah Al-Faatiha teaches us:
“[Allah (SWT)], It is You we worship; it is You we ask for help.”
The Holy Qur’an reminds us time and again that the ignorant and the polytheists depend on deities other than Allah. They are dead wrong as the deities they have carved out of their imagination have no power whatsoever. Aayahs 56-57 of Surah Bani-Isra’il say:
“Say, ‘Call upon those you claim to be deities beside Allah: they have no power to remove or avert any harm from you.”
Islam teaches us to have such an unflinching faith in Allah (SWT)’s sovereignty that all that is non-Allah becomes meaningless. Remember that even a minor flaw in our belief inTawheed, i.e. in the Oneness of Allah spoils our deeds, however good they may be. There is this tradition quoted in Sahih Bukhari:
“Ibn Abbas (RA) reported: Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “I was shown the past nations. I saw a Prophet who had a very small group [less than ten] with him, another Prophet who was accompanied by only one or two men and some did not have even one. Suddenly I was shown a huge crowd and I thought that were my Ummah, but I was told: This isMusa and his people, but I looked towards the other side.’ I looked and beheld a great assemblage. I was told: ‘These are your people and amongst them there are seventy thousand who shall enter Paradise without being taken to account or torment.” Then the Prophet (SAW) stood up and went into his apartment, and the Companions began to guess who may be those people who would enter Paradise without any accountability or torment. Some said: “Probably, they are the ones who kept company with the Messenger of Allah (SAW). Others said: “Probably, they are the ones who have been born as Muslims and have never associated anyone with Allah in worship.” Then the Messenger of Allah returned and said: “They are those who do not blow over themselves after reciting the Qur’an, or some prayers and supplications the Prophet (SAW) used to say, nor seek it, nor perceive omens [they are not pessimistic], but keep trust in Allah.”
Let me add here that although the practice of blowing over someone after reciting the Qur’an or supplications of the Prophet (SAW) for cure from ailments is permissible but they who avoid them because of their extreme trust in Allah (SWT) and save themselves from bad omens and superstitions enjoy a distinguished position. The key point is extreme trust in Allah (SWT).
It is very sad that due to lack of knowledge, our society is a victim of superstitions and whims, and instead of seeking Allah (SWT)’s help refer our problems to those for solutions, who themselves have no power. This results in many moral ills like jealousy, disunity, envy, break up in relationships, and hurting one another. Let us hold each of us accountable and make a self scrutiny of our trust in Allah (SWT). Please help yourself and others in purifying and strengthening the belief in Allah (SWT). Help those, whom you may find in a state of confusion, or who may have lost direction, or who are indulging in acts indicative of a sick mind or a weak faith. The only solution to our difficulties and problems is submitting to Allah (SWT) in all humility and sincerity and in
seeking His help. Solution lies in making earnest repentance. Allah’s help will come and is bound to come. Aayahs 53-55 of Surah Al-Zumar declare:
“Say, [Allah says]. My servants, who have harmed yourselves by your own excess, do not despair of Allah’s mercy. Allah forgives all sins. He is truly the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful. Turn to your Lord. Submit to Him before the punishment overtakes you and you can no longer be helped. Follow the best teaching sent down to you from your Lord before the punishment suddenly takes you unaware…”
And see how Aayahs 57-61 of Surah Al-Momin clearly declare:
“Those who stand in awe of their Lord, who believe in His messages, who do not ascribe partners to Him, who always gives with hearts that tremble at the thought that they must return to Him, are the ones who race toward good things, and they will be the first to get them.”
I conclude today’s Khutbah on a tradition of our beloved Prophet (SAW):
“Ibn Abbas (RA) said: One day I was riding behind Prophet (SAW) and he gave me these instructions:
“Be watchful of Allah’s Commandments, He will preserve you. Safeguard His Rights; He will be ever with you. If you beg, beg of Him Alone; and if you need assistance, supplicate to Allah Alone for help. And remember that if all the people gather to benefit you except that which Allah had foreordained [for you]; and if all of them gather to do harm to you, they will not be able to afflict you with anything other than that which Allah had predestined against you. The pens had been lifted and the ink had dried up.” [At-Tirmidhi]
Another narration is: Messenger (SAW) of Allah said, “Safeguard the Commandments of Allah, you will find Him before you. Remember Him in prosperity and He will remember you in adversity. Be sure that which you miss, was not to hit you; and what hits you, was never to miss you. Remember that the Help of Allah is obtained with patience, and relief emerges after distress, prosperity follows adversity, and hardship is followed by ease.”
May Allah (SWT) bless us with total trust in Him and His Messenger for the good of both the worlds! Aameen!
May Allah enable us to realize the importance of the gift of life and the countless blessings we have been bestowed with and utilize our time prudently and wisely and the way it pleases Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (SAW). Aameen!
BismillahhirRahmannirRahim
The Life Hereafter
by Shaykh Ahmed Abdul Mujeeb Qasmi Nadvi (translated by Muhammad Owais Jafrey)
Everyone in this mortal world is destined to taste death, a bitter truth than no one can deny. Surah Al-Imraan in Aayah 185 says:
“Every soul will taste death and you will be paid in full on the Day of Resurrection. Who ever is kept away from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have triumphed. The present world is only an illusory pleasure…”
This verse reflects an open secret that mankind through death passes on to another phase of life. Death is but a transition from this physical life to another state of life. A day is bound to come when this world and everything in it will be no more. Allah (SWT) will resurrect mankind as mentioned in Surah Mutaffifeen in Aayah 4-6:
“Do these people not realize that they will be raised up on a mighty Day, a Day when everyone will stand before the Lord of the Worlds?”
This will be a different place where everyone will reap the harvest of what he must have sown in this world. This is the place and time of action and as our borrowed time comes to an end, we will find ourselves in “Daar-ul-Jaza”, a world of profit or loss, of honor or humiliation, of reward or punishment. And remember this life is limited, but the life in the Hereafter is eternal and limitless. Mankind has been given full freedom to spend this life as an investment to earn the benefits of the Hereafter, or devote it to indulge in practices warranting punishment and humiliation. Who in the right mind will choose to spoil an eternal life with misdeeds in a temporary life? Allah (SWT) says in Surah Mulk, Aayah 1:
“Exalted is He, Who holds all control in His hands; Who has power over all things; Who created death and life to test you [people] and reveal which of you does best – He is the Mighty, the Forgiving; Who created the seven heavens, one above the other.”
How sad that knowing this world as “Daar-ul-Amal”, place of action, man totally disregards the Hereafter. He willingly becomes a victim of temptations and doesn’t pay any attention to the messages with which Allah (SWT) has sent messengers after messengers. They time and again came to remind us and to warn us that time will run out. They wanted to wake us up before it was too late. Not caring for the Hereafter and showing no concern even after seeing that people are passing away day and night from amongst us is the last and deplorable stage of forgetfulness and carelessness. Our beloved Prophet (SAW) once said that “Someone’s death is an enough advisor for us.” In yet another tradition, he (SAW) advised: “Think more often of death which nullifies all pleasures.” It was Prophet (SAW)’s usual practice that in the last part of night, he (SAW) used to call his house hold people to wake up in these words: “Get up, remember Allah, remember Allah, the time of the big jolt that will topple this world upside down is approaching fast. Death with all its agony and hardship is here, look, it is close by.” [Tirmizi].
It is a fact that this life is the only opportunity to prepare ourselves for the grave and the Hereafter. If we fail to act, be assured that the grave will be dark and narrow. Prophet (SAW) said that the grave is either a garden from among the gardens of Paradise, or it is a pit from among the pits of Hell. In yet another tradition, he (SAW) said that the
grave calls out daily that it is a place of strangeness and loneliness, it is an earthen closet, and a hole filled with worms. He (SAW) added that when a Momin and a puritan is buried, the grave greets and welcomes him with love and extends itself as far as the eye could see, but when a disobedient of Allah (SWT) is buried, the grave treats him as an enemy. It contracts his body to an extent that his ribs change places as compressed by agonizing pressure.
This is the opportunity that Allah (SWT) has given us to wake up from the slumber of
forgetfulness. No one knows when the angle of death may come and we may loose the only chance to act. Those who are careless, forgetful and sinners will experience in the Hereafter a moment of extreme pain, loss, and shame, but repentance will be of no avail as they the opportunity to act, reform and correct will be lost. The Holy Qur’an describes their condition in Surah Sajdah, Aayah 12 in these words:
“[Prophet], if only you could see the wrongdoers hang their heads before their Lord [submitting]: ‘Our Lord, now that we have seen and heard; send us back and we shall do good. [Now] we are convinced.”
Since this wouldn’t be the time of forgiveness, hence repentance and sense of guilt will be of no avail and the sinner will be told in point blank terms what is mentioned in Aayah 14 of the same Surah:
“So since you ignored the meeting on this Day of yours, now We shall ignore you: taste the lasting suffering for all that you have done.”
This world is for both, the Momin as well as the Kaafir. The only difference is that a Momin leads his life in this world in accordance with the commands and will of Allah (SWT), and aKaafir clings to the material world without any moral binding. The only thing one needs for the salvation in the Hereafter is to act according to Allah’s and His Prophet (SAW)’s commands in all spheres of life; be it in food, drink, business, inter-relationships, and social interaction. This is essence of Islamic teachings and tailoring one’s life according to these teachings earns Allah (SWT)’s and His Messenger (SAW)’s pleasure.
It is Allah (SWT)’s infinite mercy that He made us Muslims and bestowed upon us Faith in Him, in His Message and His Messengers, without our doing anything to deserve this favor and blessing. The only thing which distracts our attention from Allah is carelessness and forgetfulness. It is very necessary for us to clean our hearts and focus on what is most important. Please take some time off from your daily engagements and preoccupations to ponder upon His infinite blessings. Deliberate on how much time we have spent in His remembrance and in thanking Him for His favors. Think how much time have we spent in obedience and how much in disobedience? A time will come when we will find standing before Him and be held accountable for all that we have done in
this short life. Our hands, feet, eyes and ears will stand as witness against us for using them against His commands. Pay attention, be vigilant and remain conscious and keep
reminding yourself that each moment is shortening your life. Insha Allah continuous self accountability will instill a sense of obedience and adherence to Allah (SWT)’s command and make you realize of things which please or displease Allah. This state in Qur’anic terminology is called “Taqwa”, or Piety, which forms the very basis of all that is virtue, which in turn takes out the fear of death. On the contrary Allah’s angels will descend with glad tidings to endow you with peace and contentment.
Tafseer-e-Ibn-e-Jareer relates that while approaching a Momin, the angel of death asks: “Should I take you out of this world or leave you in?” The Momin replies: “Please make haste and take me away from this troublesome and worrisome place.”
Poet philosopher Iqbal said:
Shouldn’t I tell you the sign of a Momin?
Smile plays on his lips as he greets death.”
There are always some puritans who are pleased at the time of death because they want to join the world where Prophet (SAW), his companions and former Prophets and Messengers are leading a life of bliss and eternal pleasure. Qazi Ayaz (RehmA) writes that when Sayyidina Bilal (RA)’s lay dying, his wife said in grief: “Sad, what a time of grief has dawned.” Bilal (RA) spontaneously replied in his feeble voice: “No, no, this is a moment of great pleasure, Insha Allah I will join my beloved Prophet (SAW), companions, and friends.”
May Allah (SWT) enable us to think about Hereafter and have concern for it! Aameen!
May Allah enable us to realize the importance of the gift of life and the countless blessings we have been bestowed with and utilize our time prudently and wisely and the way it pleases Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (SAW). Aameen!
BismillahhirRahmannirRahim
What is Islam?
by Shaykh Ahmed Abdul Mujeeb Qasmi Nadvi (translated by Muhammad Owais Jafrey)
The month of Dhul Hijja has a special association with the name of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), whose life teaches us total submission to the commands of Allah (SWT). In today’s sermon, I will throw some light on this subject.
There are two words: Habit and Worship. Habit means an act so frequently repeated in our individual and social life as to become relatively fixed in character and almost automatic in performance like eating, drinking, sleeping, waking up, and meeting with relatives and friends etc. Worship means to practice these same habits in accordance with the Sunnah of Prophet (SAW). Going to the Masjid and engaging in recitation of the Holy Qur’an is worship. Doing things at home as done by Prophet (SAW) is worship. The only difference is that of the intention. If someone keeps himself thirsty and hungry from dawn to dusk, it doesn’t mean anything, but if this act is followed by an intention, he then gets the reward of fasting. According to Prophet (SAW) if someone begins an act with “Bismillah” and concludes it with “Alhamdulillahi Katheerun”, all his former and later sins are forgiven. Intention makes us win both the worlds. Islam wants to make all our worldly acts as practices of Deen. As per another tradition doing miswaak [cleaning the teeth] doesn’t only clean the mouth, but it also pleases Allah (SWT). Prophet (SAW) used to do miswaak more often, like at the time of Tahajjud, and other prayers, after having seen his companions, and before going to bed. He (SAW) looked at the miswaak even while he was at his death bed.
A youth while returning after asking the well being of Sayyidina Umar Farooq (RA) was called back. Sayyidina Umar (RA) told him: “My brother, raise your dress above your ankles as it will keep the dress clean and will also please Allah (SWT).
According to Sahih Muslim Allah (SWT) wouldn’t cast a kind glance on a person who keeps his dress below the ankles as it reflects pride, which warrants Allah (SWT)’s displeasure. Islamic Shari’ah makes certain sins as acts of worship. For example telling a lie is a sin, but if spoken to avoid a fitnah, or to bring peace, it becomes an act of worship. Worship in other words is to carry out an order, to submit to a command, to act in accordance with the will of Allah (SWT). Praying is a worship, but not at forbidden times, fasting is a worship, but not on the day of Eid. Qur’an forbids walking arrogantly as per Aayah 37 of Surah Bani Isra’il, which reads: “Do not strut arrogantly about the earth: you cannot break it open, nor match the mountain in height.”
Man is a slave of Allah, his gait should reflect humility of a slave, but where Allah (SWT) has commanded to walk arrogantly with popped up chest, called Ramal in Arabic is in the first 3 circumambulation at the time of Hajj. The same gait which is forbidden at other times becomes an act of worship by the command of Allah at another occasion.
Islam leads us to a path where every single act can become an act of worship provided it is backed by an intention and is meant to please Allah (SWT). Worship without an intention is a ritual of no significance. Truth behind submitting to the command of Allah
(SWT) is that we have only One Master, Who has created us and to Whom we shall return. He has no partner or partners. He is unique, sovereign, omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient and His Law is Supreme. Worshipping Him has been taught to us by His last and final Messenger, the one who lived Qur’an, the one who translated Qur’an into action, the one who practiced it and the one who is called the walking Qur’an. Following his habits turns our daily acts and habits into worship. If someone with utmost sincerity performs 6 rak’aas of Dhuhr instead of four, his prayers wouldn’t be accepted, because that is not what Prophet (SAW) did. If some one breaks the fast at Isha and not Maghrib, then his fast is invalid, because that is not what has been taught by Prophet (SAW).
It is a great blessing of Allah (SWT) that we have been born in the Ummah of Prophet (SAW). He has left for us complete and total guidance about every single issue or problem we come or may come across in life. His (SAW)’s life and Shari’ah encompasses all that happens or may happen in life from the time Allah (SWT) completed HisDeen on him to the Last Day.
Islam is the name of earnestly and sincerely following what has been commanded by Allah (SWT) and which is reflected in the day to day life of our beloved Prophet (SAW). Imaam Maalik (RehmA) said: “The reform of this Ummah’s last phase will be through the same method which was applied in the first phase.” Companions of Prophet (SAW) were taught and trained by none but Prophet (SAW) himself. Key to their success lied in total submission and adherence to what Prophet (SAW) said or did. Allah (SWT) says in Aayah 208 of Surah Al-Baqarah: “You, who believe, enter whole heartedly into submission to Allah and do not follow in Satan’s footsteps, for he is your sworn enemy.”
For non believers, Aayahs 162-163 of the same Surah say: “They will remain in the state of rejection: their punishment will not be lightened, nor will they be reprieved. Your Rub is the One Rub: there is no Allah except Him, the Lord of the Mercy, the Giver of Mercy.”
The success and salvation of the Millat-e-Ibrahimi, or the followers of Sayyidina Ibrahim (AS) lies in following the footsteps of Prophet (SAW), and that is why he (SAW) was commissioned as a final Prophet as mentioned in Aayah 78 of Surah Al-Hajj:
“Strive hard for Allah as is His due: He has chosen you and placed no hardship in your religion, the faith of your forefather Ibrahim. Allah has called you Muslims – both in the past and in this [Message] – so that the Messenger can bear witness about you and so that you can bear witness about other people. So keep up the prayer, give the prescribed alms, and seek refuge in Allah: He is your Protector – an excellent Protector and an excellent Helper.”
The key to success in here and the Hereafter lies in a total commitment to Allah’s Deen and complete adherence to the method shown to us by Prophet (SAW). Let us make efforts to commit ourselves to the Faith, we claim we follow. We supplicate to Allah (SWT) to enable us to succeed in our efforts. Aamin!
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