Raising tomorrow's leaders Today by Mufti Ismail Menk.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Love of Children
بسم الله الرحمان الرحيم
In the Name of Allah,
the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Love of Children is Natural to Parents
It is natural for parents to love their children, to look after them
and to be kind and compassionate to them. Without this motivation
human beings could have been wiped off the face of the earth. The
Noble Qur'an has categorised children as the adornment of the world
(Surah 18: 46). Children are a great blessing of Allah Ta'ala for which
we must thank Him (Surah 17:6). Further, if children are pious and
Allah-fearing, then they are the delight of the eyes (Surah 25:76).
Poets have composed very high calibre poetry on the subject of love
for children; these are very moving and heart-warming and brim with
sentiment and feeling. The poetry of Umayyah bin Abis Sault, Abu Bakr
Tarsuu-see, and Ustaadh Umar Bahaa-ul-Amii-rii, are very touching and
highlight the love and compassion innate in parents. The result of the
love and compassion that Allah Ta'ala, has put into the hearts of the
parents ensures that children are properly trained and that their needs
are met.
Love of Children and being
affectionate to them is a divine gift
Love of children, affection and tender and kind feeling for them are unique
sentiments. They are a determining factor in their guidance and training,
care and nourishment. One who is bereft of mercy has the characteristics
of a surly, stone-hearted, cruel person. Such attributes have an adverse affect
on children; they tend to become lost in the deep maze of ignorance, villainy
and wretchedness. Therefore, Islam urges us to develop the sentiments of
love and mercy. It warns us against being deficient in these qualities.
A person was embracing his child. Rasulullahصلى الله عليه وسلم ,asked him, ''Do
you feel compassion for the child?''
''Yes, I do'', was the polite reply.
Heصلى الله عليه وسلم said, ''Allah is merciful to you more than you are to the
child. He is the most Merciful (of those who show mercy).''
Our beloved Nabiصلى الله عليه وسلم , severely admonished those who were not
merciful to their children.
Once, when heصلى الله عليه وسلم kissed Hassan bin Aliرضى الله عنهما, someone
observed,''I have ten children and I have never shown love to any of them.''
Heصلى الله عليه وسلم looked at the speaker with astonishment and said, ''He
who is not merciful will not be shown any mercy.''
(Bukhari)
When a woman visited Aishaرضى الله عنها she gave the woman three dates.
The woman gave her two sons a date each and kept one for herself. Both
the boys ate their share and then looked towards their mother with expec-
tant eyes for more. She halved the date that she kept for herself and gave
them a piece each. When Aishaرضى الله عنها , related this to Rasulullahصلى الله عليه وسلم
he said, ''Why does this amaze you? Her tenderness towards her children
has earned her the mercy of Allah Ta'ala.''
(Bukhari)
Rasulullahصلى الله عليه وسلم was very soft-hearted. His grandson was at the
point of death; he took him in his lap and tears rolled down his eyes. Sa'd
رضى الله عنه asked, O Rasul of Allah(صلى الله عليه وسلم)! What's the matter?''
He said: ''This is the mercy of Allah that he has put into the hearts pf men.''
In another version : ''Of His bondsmen. Allah Ta'ala, puts mercy into the
heart of whom He will. Allah Ta'ala, is merciful to those of His bondsmen
who are merciful to others.''
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Bringing up Children in Islam by
Moulana Habiibullaah Mukhtaar
In the Name of Allah,
the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Love of Children is Natural to Parents
It is natural for parents to love their children, to look after them
and to be kind and compassionate to them. Without this motivation
human beings could have been wiped off the face of the earth. The
Noble Qur'an has categorised children as the adornment of the world
(Surah 18: 46). Children are a great blessing of Allah Ta'ala for which
we must thank Him (Surah 17:6). Further, if children are pious and
Allah-fearing, then they are the delight of the eyes (Surah 25:76).
Poets have composed very high calibre poetry on the subject of love
for children; these are very moving and heart-warming and brim with
sentiment and feeling. The poetry of Umayyah bin Abis Sault, Abu Bakr
Tarsuu-see, and Ustaadh Umar Bahaa-ul-Amii-rii, are very touching and
highlight the love and compassion innate in parents. The result of the
love and compassion that Allah Ta'ala, has put into the hearts of the
parents ensures that children are properly trained and that their needs
are met.
Love of Children and being
affectionate to them is a divine gift
Love of children, affection and tender and kind feeling for them are unique
sentiments. They are a determining factor in their guidance and training,
care and nourishment. One who is bereft of mercy has the characteristics
of a surly, stone-hearted, cruel person. Such attributes have an adverse affect
on children; they tend to become lost in the deep maze of ignorance, villainy
and wretchedness. Therefore, Islam urges us to develop the sentiments of
love and mercy. It warns us against being deficient in these qualities.
A person was embracing his child. Rasulullahصلى الله عليه وسلم ,asked him, ''Do
you feel compassion for the child?''
''Yes, I do'', was the polite reply.
Heصلى الله عليه وسلم said, ''Allah is merciful to you more than you are to the
child. He is the most Merciful (of those who show mercy).''
Our beloved Nabiصلى الله عليه وسلم , severely admonished those who were not
merciful to their children.
Once, when heصلى الله عليه وسلم kissed Hassan bin Aliرضى الله عنهما, someone
observed,''I have ten children and I have never shown love to any of them.''
Heصلى الله عليه وسلم looked at the speaker with astonishment and said, ''He
who is not merciful will not be shown any mercy.''
(Bukhari)
When a woman visited Aishaرضى الله عنها she gave the woman three dates.
The woman gave her two sons a date each and kept one for herself. Both
the boys ate their share and then looked towards their mother with expec-
tant eyes for more. She halved the date that she kept for herself and gave
them a piece each. When Aishaرضى الله عنها , related this to Rasulullahصلى الله عليه وسلم
he said, ''Why does this amaze you? Her tenderness towards her children
has earned her the mercy of Allah Ta'ala.''
(Bukhari)
Rasulullahصلى الله عليه وسلم was very soft-hearted. His grandson was at the
point of death; he took him in his lap and tears rolled down his eyes. Sa'd
رضى الله عنه asked, O Rasul of Allah(صلى الله عليه وسلم)! What's the matter?''
He said: ''This is the mercy of Allah that he has put into the hearts pf men.''
In another version : ''Of His bondsmen. Allah Ta'ala, puts mercy into the
heart of whom He will. Allah Ta'ala, is merciful to those of His bondsmen
who are merciful to others.''
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Bringing up Children in Islam by
Moulana Habiibullaah Mukhtaar
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
The Day of Aashoora (10th day of Muharram)
بسم الله الرحمان الرحيم In the Name of Allah,
the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Virtues of Muharram
Muharram is the best month of the year to fast after Ramadhan.
The best salah offered after Fard salah is Tahajjud salah.
Abdullah Ibn Abbasرضى الله عنهما relates that when Rasulullahصلى الله عليه وسلم
entered Madina, he saw the Jews fasting on the day of Aashoora,
then Rasulullahصلى الله عليه وسلم asked," Why is this?" they replied,
' It is a virtuous day. On this day Allah saved Bani Israel from the
enemy. Musaعليه السلام fasted on this day to thank Allah. Heصلى الله عليه وسلم
said : I have more rights to Musaعليه السلامthan you Jews. Rasulullahصلى الله عليه وسلم
fasted on that day and commanded others to fast on that day.
(Bukhari)
Abdullah Ibn Abbasرضى الله عنهما says that Rasulullahصلى الله عليه وسلم himself
observed he fast on the Day of Aashoora (Tenth day of Muharram), and
he exhorted others to fast on that day.
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Abu Qatadahرضى الله عنه relates that Rasulullahصلى الله عليه وسلم was asked about
fasting on the Day of Aashoora. Heصلى الله عليه وسلم answered : It atones for
the sins of the preceding year.
(Muslim)
Ibn Abbasرضى الله عنهما relates that Rasulullahصلى الله عليه وسلم said : If I survive
till the next year, I shall fast on the ninth day (of Muharram).
(Muslim)
Note : You can either fast the 9th and 10th of Muharram or fast
the 10th and 11th of Muharram.
Click here to read more
the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Virtues of Muharram
Muharram is the best month of the year to fast after Ramadhan.
The best salah offered after Fard salah is Tahajjud salah.
Abdullah Ibn Abbasرضى الله عنهما relates that when Rasulullahصلى الله عليه وسلم
entered Madina, he saw the Jews fasting on the day of Aashoora,
then Rasulullahصلى الله عليه وسلم asked," Why is this?" they replied,
' It is a virtuous day. On this day Allah saved Bani Israel from the
enemy. Musaعليه السلام fasted on this day to thank Allah. Heصلى الله عليه وسلم
said : I have more rights to Musaعليه السلامthan you Jews. Rasulullahصلى الله عليه وسلم
fasted on that day and commanded others to fast on that day.
(Bukhari)
Abdullah Ibn Abbasرضى الله عنهما says that Rasulullahصلى الله عليه وسلم himself
observed he fast on the Day of Aashoora (Tenth day of Muharram), and
he exhorted others to fast on that day.
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Abu Qatadahرضى الله عنه relates that Rasulullahصلى الله عليه وسلم was asked about
fasting on the Day of Aashoora. Heصلى الله عليه وسلم answered : It atones for
the sins of the preceding year.
(Muslim)
Ibn Abbasرضى الله عنهما relates that Rasulullahصلى الله عليه وسلم said : If I survive
till the next year, I shall fast on the ninth day (of Muharram).
(Muslim)
Note : You can either fast the 9th and 10th of Muharram or fast
the 10th and 11th of Muharram.
Click here to read more
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
8 Duties
بسم الله الرحمان الرحيم
In the Name of Allah,
the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
The Ulama has set aside these 8 duties for women to perform daily
in their homes. If we do and act upon these duties, InshaAllah it will
be equivalent to 70 amals of the Sahabahs.
These 8 duties are also know as 'Amal Nurani' which will lighten our
hearts with the light (Noor) of Deen. Our homes will become like
Madarasahs, when we practice these Nurani Amals.
When our homes have this kind of surrounding and atmosphere, then
our children will grow up in an atmosphere of Deen. In this way, Deen
can easily penetrate their hearts and gradually will grow up to become
good children. Iman and Amal will become an everyday way of life.
When Iman and Amal exists in a house then - Barakah, Rahmah, Sakinah
and understanding will emerge.
With these 8 duties a woman can guard her Iman from getting weak.
The 8 Duties are :-
1. Awal Namazi ( perform salah at its first time)
2.Reading the Qur'an
3.Zikr
4.Home Taleem
5.Obedience to Husband
6.Mujahaddah
7.Simple life
8.Bringing up children in an Islamic way
1. Awal Namazi :-
When we recite the kalimah, we must have full yaqeen in Allah Ta'ala,
that Allah Ta'ala has the absolute power over all His creation and the
Greatness of Allah Ta'ala must always be in our hearts.
Therefore in order to show our obedience to Allah Ta'ala, the First
submission to Allah Ta'ala - is Salah i.e. Awal Nawaz. Our duty is to
check our daily 5 times salah. Set aside a timetable so that our house-
hold chores will be completed by the time of Salah, or better still, 10-
15 mins before Salah. Try to increase our Nafl Salah everyday. When
performing our fard Salah we must try to improve the quality of our
Salah constantly - this requires some effort and concentration. We
must be aware of our Salah time everyday. Try not to miss these nafl
Salahs of Israq, Dhuha, Awwarbeen, Thahajjud and Witr.
We must also be aware and see that our Muhrims performs their fard
Salah in the Masjid in Jammah. If our husbands perform their Salah
in the Masjid with Isthiqamah, we too will get the same rewards as
our husbands.
2. Reading the Qur'an (with Isthiqamah)
Qur'an is the Kalam of Allah Ta'ala. It is a perfect Kitab(book) sent by
Allah Ta'ala. It is no ordinary book, it is the Words of Allah Ta'ala and
the Words of Allah Ta'ala is above all words. Therefore the first words
we should teach are children are the words of Allah Ta'ala. We must
read the Qur'an everyday, as much as we can, because the Nur of the
Qur'an will soften our hearts, and thereby making it easy for us to
learn and obey the commandments of Allah Ta'ala. The houses where
Al-Qur'an are being read, will shine brightly like the stars at night.
The Haq (right) of Al-Qur'an that we must fulfill, is to complete
reading it, at least, twice in a year (i.e. once in Ramadhan and once
rest of the year).
3. Zikr ( Remembrance of Allah)
We must at all times and situations moistened our tongue with Zikrullah.
Salah and Qur'an alone is not enough, because by making Zikr we will be
closer to Allah Ta'ala and Zikr keeps away the shaitan and weakens his
strength. It produces joy and happiness in the heart. If one remembers
Allah Ta'ala in happiness, almighty Allah remembers him in afflictions.
It saves the tongue from indulging in backbiting, loose talk, lies and
abuses. It is common experience that a man whose tongue remains
engaged in Zikr does not commit these absurdities. On the other hand,
the tongue that is not used in Zikr, falls an easy prey to all kinds of
useless talk. When we make Zikr our hearts soften and the greatness
of Allah Ta'ala will enter our hearts and it will make it easy for us to
take out the greatness of the dunia (world) from our hearts.
In the morning and evening say :-
100 times ''Laa ilaaha illallaah
100 times ''Durood''
100 times ''Isthiqfar''
After we become isthiqamah (constant) in the above, we can increase it
with the masnoon duas and the other Zikrs.
4. Home Taleem
Virtues of doing Taleem is so great and to have Taleem in the house is
very important. This is the duty of the woman, to make sure that Taleem
is done everyday, at the same time and place without fail. Even when no
one else is present, it must be done because in this way, Allah Ta'ala will
send His Blessings and Mercy (Barakah and Rahmah). The Barakah and
Rahmah not only falls on our house, but also to 40 houses around us. The
source of Hidayat comes from the houses that have Taleem. The First
impression on a person entering a house wherein Taleem is being held
will be the atmosphere of peace and tranquility (Sakinah) and a sense of
Islamic surrounding. This can only exist by having Taleem and the mutual
Fikr (worry) of Deen by both the husband and wife of that household.
5. Obedience to the Husband
Obey your husband with a willing heart and feel pleasure and satisfaction
in being faithful to him. This is what Allah Ta'ala commands a wife to do
and the believing woman who acts according to the will of Allah Ta'ala
wins His favour. The Holy Qur'an affirms:
''The pious wives are those who show obedience to their husbands.''
The Prophet of Allahصلى الله عليه وسلمhas affirmed :
''If a woman offers prayers five times a day, protects her honour and
chastity, remains faithful to her husband, she may enter Paradise by
whichever gate she likes.''
The Prophet of Allahصلى الله عليه وسلمhas affirmed :
''The woman who dies in such a state that her husband was entirely
satisfied and in concord with her, will certainly enter Paradise.''
(Tirmizi)
We extend our khidmat to our husbands according to the commands
of Allah Ta'ala and to seek His pleasure, then all these will be considered
as Ibadat and will earn rewards from Allah Ta'ala.
Give him all the encouragement and moral support. Have mashwarah
with him everyday regarding mutual work and household duties. Only
by this way the relationship between the husband and wife together with
the family will obtain peace and barakah.
6. Mujahadah
Only when we send our men in the Path of Allah Ta'ala, we will have the
strength to practice these 8 duties, because, men as head of the family
have Deen within them, and as a result, InshaAllah the whole family can
accept Deen easily.
By encouraging our Muhrim in the Path of Allah Ta'ala, Allah Ta'ala will
grant us with great Niymat and rewards in the Akhirah....
7. Simple Life
The beauty of Islam is in its Simplicity. There are wonderful Blessings
(Barakah) in simplicity. In order to achieve success in this world and
the hereafter, we must follow the lifestyle which was shown to us by
Our beloved Nabiصلى الله عليه وسلم . There is no other alternative way
that will lead us to success. If we love dunia, then we cannot get
Akhirah. We have to follow the sunnah of Nabiصلى الله عليه وسلم, then
we will reach our aim i.e. Paradise (Jannah).
In our everyday lives, we must live as simply as possible. Do not make
demands on our husbands to acquire worldly things which they cannot
afford. Avoid becoming the slave of Dunia. Always look upon those
who are less fortunate, then only we will feel grateful (Shukar) to
Allah Ta'ala for what He has given us.
When we lead a simple lifestyle, a lot of time and effort can be saved
in order to concentrate on our Ibadat and other good deeds, especially
the said 8 duties.
8. Bringing up Children in an Islamic way
We must fulfill our rights towards our children by teaching them Deen
and bringing them up according to the Sunnah of Nabiصلى الله عليه وسلم.
Children are an Amaanat(trust) from Allah Ta'ala. They are born pure
and clean, so it is our duty to keep them so. If our lives and our houses
have an Islamic surrounding, then we can easily teach Deen to our
children. It is our duty as mothers to shape our children according
to Sunnah.
We must train our children to be true Muslims, so that the 6 points
become a way of life. InshaAllah if only the mothers have this Fikr
(worry) in their hearts, the next generation will be a better generation
and Islam will be a upgrading Religion.
In the Name of Allah,
the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
The Ulama has set aside these 8 duties for women to perform daily
in their homes. If we do and act upon these duties, InshaAllah it will
be equivalent to 70 amals of the Sahabahs.
These 8 duties are also know as 'Amal Nurani' which will lighten our
hearts with the light (Noor) of Deen. Our homes will become like
Madarasahs, when we practice these Nurani Amals.
When our homes have this kind of surrounding and atmosphere, then
our children will grow up in an atmosphere of Deen. In this way, Deen
can easily penetrate their hearts and gradually will grow up to become
good children. Iman and Amal will become an everyday way of life.
When Iman and Amal exists in a house then - Barakah, Rahmah, Sakinah
and understanding will emerge.
With these 8 duties a woman can guard her Iman from getting weak.
The 8 Duties are :-
1. Awal Namazi ( perform salah at its first time)
2.Reading the Qur'an
3.Zikr
4.Home Taleem
5.Obedience to Husband
6.Mujahaddah
7.Simple life
8.Bringing up children in an Islamic way
1. Awal Namazi :-
When we recite the kalimah, we must have full yaqeen in Allah Ta'ala,
that Allah Ta'ala has the absolute power over all His creation and the
Greatness of Allah Ta'ala must always be in our hearts.
Therefore in order to show our obedience to Allah Ta'ala, the First
submission to Allah Ta'ala - is Salah i.e. Awal Nawaz. Our duty is to
check our daily 5 times salah. Set aside a timetable so that our house-
hold chores will be completed by the time of Salah, or better still, 10-
15 mins before Salah. Try to increase our Nafl Salah everyday. When
performing our fard Salah we must try to improve the quality of our
Salah constantly - this requires some effort and concentration. We
must be aware of our Salah time everyday. Try not to miss these nafl
Salahs of Israq, Dhuha, Awwarbeen, Thahajjud and Witr.
We must also be aware and see that our Muhrims performs their fard
Salah in the Masjid in Jammah. If our husbands perform their Salah
in the Masjid with Isthiqamah, we too will get the same rewards as
our husbands.
2. Reading the Qur'an (with Isthiqamah)
Qur'an is the Kalam of Allah Ta'ala. It is a perfect Kitab(book) sent by
Allah Ta'ala. It is no ordinary book, it is the Words of Allah Ta'ala and
the Words of Allah Ta'ala is above all words. Therefore the first words
we should teach are children are the words of Allah Ta'ala. We must
read the Qur'an everyday, as much as we can, because the Nur of the
Qur'an will soften our hearts, and thereby making it easy for us to
learn and obey the commandments of Allah Ta'ala. The houses where
Al-Qur'an are being read, will shine brightly like the stars at night.
The Haq (right) of Al-Qur'an that we must fulfill, is to complete
reading it, at least, twice in a year (i.e. once in Ramadhan and once
rest of the year).
3. Zikr ( Remembrance of Allah)
We must at all times and situations moistened our tongue with Zikrullah.
Salah and Qur'an alone is not enough, because by making Zikr we will be
closer to Allah Ta'ala and Zikr keeps away the shaitan and weakens his
strength. It produces joy and happiness in the heart. If one remembers
Allah Ta'ala in happiness, almighty Allah remembers him in afflictions.
It saves the tongue from indulging in backbiting, loose talk, lies and
abuses. It is common experience that a man whose tongue remains
engaged in Zikr does not commit these absurdities. On the other hand,
the tongue that is not used in Zikr, falls an easy prey to all kinds of
useless talk. When we make Zikr our hearts soften and the greatness
of Allah Ta'ala will enter our hearts and it will make it easy for us to
take out the greatness of the dunia (world) from our hearts.
In the morning and evening say :-
100 times ''Laa ilaaha illallaah
100 times ''Durood''
100 times ''Isthiqfar''
After we become isthiqamah (constant) in the above, we can increase it
with the masnoon duas and the other Zikrs.
4. Home Taleem
Virtues of doing Taleem is so great and to have Taleem in the house is
very important. This is the duty of the woman, to make sure that Taleem
is done everyday, at the same time and place without fail. Even when no
one else is present, it must be done because in this way, Allah Ta'ala will
send His Blessings and Mercy (Barakah and Rahmah). The Barakah and
Rahmah not only falls on our house, but also to 40 houses around us. The
source of Hidayat comes from the houses that have Taleem. The First
impression on a person entering a house wherein Taleem is being held
will be the atmosphere of peace and tranquility (Sakinah) and a sense of
Islamic surrounding. This can only exist by having Taleem and the mutual
Fikr (worry) of Deen by both the husband and wife of that household.
5. Obedience to the Husband
Obey your husband with a willing heart and feel pleasure and satisfaction
in being faithful to him. This is what Allah Ta'ala commands a wife to do
and the believing woman who acts according to the will of Allah Ta'ala
wins His favour. The Holy Qur'an affirms:
''The pious wives are those who show obedience to their husbands.''
The Prophet of Allahصلى الله عليه وسلمhas affirmed :
''If a woman offers prayers five times a day, protects her honour and
chastity, remains faithful to her husband, she may enter Paradise by
whichever gate she likes.''
The Prophet of Allahصلى الله عليه وسلمhas affirmed :
''The woman who dies in such a state that her husband was entirely
satisfied and in concord with her, will certainly enter Paradise.''
(Tirmizi)
We extend our khidmat to our husbands according to the commands
of Allah Ta'ala and to seek His pleasure, then all these will be considered
as Ibadat and will earn rewards from Allah Ta'ala.
Give him all the encouragement and moral support. Have mashwarah
with him everyday regarding mutual work and household duties. Only
by this way the relationship between the husband and wife together with
the family will obtain peace and barakah.
6. Mujahadah
Only when we send our men in the Path of Allah Ta'ala, we will have the
strength to practice these 8 duties, because, men as head of the family
have Deen within them, and as a result, InshaAllah the whole family can
accept Deen easily.
By encouraging our Muhrim in the Path of Allah Ta'ala, Allah Ta'ala will
grant us with great Niymat and rewards in the Akhirah....
7. Simple Life
The beauty of Islam is in its Simplicity. There are wonderful Blessings
(Barakah) in simplicity. In order to achieve success in this world and
the hereafter, we must follow the lifestyle which was shown to us by
Our beloved Nabiصلى الله عليه وسلم . There is no other alternative way
that will lead us to success. If we love dunia, then we cannot get
Akhirah. We have to follow the sunnah of Nabiصلى الله عليه وسلم, then
we will reach our aim i.e. Paradise (Jannah).
In our everyday lives, we must live as simply as possible. Do not make
demands on our husbands to acquire worldly things which they cannot
afford. Avoid becoming the slave of Dunia. Always look upon those
who are less fortunate, then only we will feel grateful (Shukar) to
Allah Ta'ala for what He has given us.
When we lead a simple lifestyle, a lot of time and effort can be saved
in order to concentrate on our Ibadat and other good deeds, especially
the said 8 duties.
8. Bringing up Children in an Islamic way
We must fulfill our rights towards our children by teaching them Deen
and bringing them up according to the Sunnah of Nabiصلى الله عليه وسلم.
Children are an Amaanat(trust) from Allah Ta'ala. They are born pure
and clean, so it is our duty to keep them so. If our lives and our houses
have an Islamic surrounding, then we can easily teach Deen to our
children. It is our duty as mothers to shape our children according
to Sunnah.
We must train our children to be true Muslims, so that the 6 points
become a way of life. InshaAllah if only the mothers have this Fikr
(worry) in their hearts, the next generation will be a better generation
and Islam will be a upgrading Religion.
Friday, October 26, 2012
بسم الله الرحمان الرحيم
In the Name of Allah,
the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Eid Mubarak to all my Readers!
اللّهُم مَغْفِرَتُكَ أَوْسَعُ مِنْ ذُنُوبِى وَرَحْمَتُكَ أَرْجِى مِن عَمَلِى
''O Allah! Your forgiveness is so much more bountiful than my sins,
and I have so much more hope in Your Mercy than in my good deeds.
A beautiful dua taught to us by our beloved Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم which gives
''O Allah! Your forgiveness is so much more bountiful than my sins,
and I have so much more hope in Your Mercy than in my good deeds.
A beautiful dua taught to us by our beloved Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم which gives
hope and trust that Allah Ta'ala will accept our deeds.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
The true aim of Hajj
بسم الله الرحمان الرحيم
In the Name of Allah,
the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Once one of the mureeds of Shaikh Shibliرحمة الله عليه ; the great saint,
came to visit him after having performed Hajj. The Shaikh asked him
some questions. The mureed continues the story :
The Shaikh asked me : ''Did you make a determined niyah for Hajj?''
I replied : ''Yes i made a firm intention for performing Hajj.''
Shaikh : ''Together with having made a firm intention for Hajj; did you
also have firm niyah of forever giving up doing all those things you did
since you were born that are opposed to the spirit of Hajj?''
I replied : ''No, I did not.''
Shaikh : ''In that case you had no niyah for Hajj.'' Then he said : ''At the
time of entering into the Ihraam; did you remove your clothing?''
I replied : ''Yes, I did.''
Shaikh : ''At that time did you pledge to remove from you everything
save Allah?''
I replied : ''No, I did not.''
Shaikh : ''In that case you did not remove your clothing. Did you cleanse
yourself by means of ghusl and wudhu?''
I replied : ''Yes, I did clean myself in that manner.''
Shaikh : '' At that time did you become cleansed from all evil and faults?''
I replied : No, that I cannot say.''
Shaikh : In that case you did not cleanse yourself. Did you recite lab'baik?''
I replied : ''Yes, I did recite lab'baik.''
Shaikh : ''Did you at that time hear the answers of lab'baik from Allah?''
I replied : ''No, I received no reply.''
Shaikh : ''In that case what kind of lab'baik did you recite?''
Did you enter the Holy Haram?'' (i.e. the area around Makkah.)
I replied ; ''Yes, I did.''
Shaikh : ''Did you at that time pledge to leave aside every Haraam(prohibited)
act forever?''
I replied : ''No, I did not.''
Shaikh : ''Then you did not enter the area of the Haram Sharief at all. Did you
visit Makkah?''
I replied : ''Yes, I did.''
Shaikh : ''When you did, did you also see the Hereafter?''
I replied : ''No, I did not see anything.''
Shaikh : ''Then you did not visit Makkah. Did you enter the Holy Masjid?''
I replied : ''Yes, I did.''
Shaikh : ''Did you then, on entering feel the nearness of Allah?''
I replied : ''No, I did not.''
Shaikh : ''Then you never actually entered the Masjid. Were you present
at the Ka'bah?''
I replied : ''Yes, I was.''
Shaikh : ''Did you then see that entity; due to which the Ka'bah is visited?''
I replied : ''No, I saw nothing.''
Shaikh : '' Then you never saw the ka'bah. Did you perform ramal at the
time of tawaaf around the ka'bah?''(Ramal signifies a running motion.)
I replied : ''Yes.''
Shaikh : ''Did you at that time flee from this world in such a manner that
you felt you were completely out of this world?''
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : ''In that case you did not perform ramal. Did you place your hands
on the black stone and kiss it?''
I replied : ''Yes, I did.''
The Shaikh then became very pale and greatly frightened, so much so that a
shriek passed from him and he said; ''Woe unto you : Rasulullahصلى الله عليه وسلم
has said : ''Whoever places his hands on the black stone, is like him who actually
shook hands with Allah; and whoever shake the hand of Allah shall in every way
remain safe from all things'. Did you then feel anything about that security?''
I replied : ''No, I did not.''
Shaikh : ''Then you did not touch the black stone. Did you perform two rak'ahs
at the Maqaam-e-Ibrahim?''
I replied : ''yes. I did.''
Shaikh : You were at that particular time placed on a high rank by Allah; did you
carry out what is due for that high rank; for which you stood there?''
I replied : ''No, I did nothing.''
Shaikh : ''In that case you did not perform salah at the Maqaam-e-Ibrahim. Did
you perform Sa'ee between Safaa and Marwa; and did you ascend the Safaa?''
I replied : ''Yes.''
Shaikh : ''And what did you do there ?''
I replied : ''I recited takbeer, thrice; prayed to Allah to accept my Hajj.''
Shaikh : ''Did the angels also recite the takbeer with you, and did you have
any knowledge of the significance of your own takbeer?''
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : ''Then you actually did not recite the takbeer. Did you descend
from Safa?''
I replied : '' Yes.''
Shaikh : ''When you descended; did you feel all evil and every weakness
departing from you, and inner cleanliness entering yourself?''
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : Then you never ascended Safa nor descended from it. Did you
run between Safa and Marwa?''
I replied : '' Yes.''
Shaikh : ''At that time of running, did you feel yourself running away from
everything else; besides Allah; and reaching Him?''
(Referring to the Qur'anic verse; Surah Shu'ra;
فَفَرَرْتُ مِنْكُم لَمَّا خِفْتُكُمْ
'And I fled from You when I feared You'
and Allah in another place also says:
فَفِرُّوا إلَى اللهِ
'And flee towards Allah'.)
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : ''Then you never ran. Did you ascend Marwa?''
I replied : ''Yes.''
Shaikh : ''While on Marwa, did you perceive the great inner calmness
and peace, that descended upon you?''
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : ''Then you never ascended Marwa. Tell me, did you proceed to
Mina?''
I replied : ''I did.''
Shaikh : ''While you were there did you attain such hopes in Allah that
have nothing to do with evil?''
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : ''Then you never went to Mina. Did you visit Masjid-ul Khaif?''
I replied : ''Yes.''
Shaikh : ''And did you then experience such fear for Allah that you have
never ever experienced before?''
I repilied : ''No.''
Shaikh : ''Then you never entered Masjidul Khaif?''Did you reach the plain
of Arafah?''
I replied : ''Yes.''
Shaikh : ''And on Arafah, did you recognize the cause for your coming
into this world, what you are doing here and where you shall proceed
to afterwards; and did you recognize the thing that points towards these
things?''
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : ''Then you never visited Arafah. Did you visit Muzdalifah?''
I replied : ''Yes.''
Shaikh : ''And did you remember Allah there; so much so that everything
else was forgotten; as Allah has mentioned?''
(Referring to the Qur'anic verse:
فَاذكرُا اللهَ عِندَ المَشعَرِ الحَرامِ
'And remember Allah at the Mash'arul Haraam- plain of Muzdalifah').
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : ''In that case you never reached Muzdalifah. Did you perform
Qurbani at Mina?''
I replied : ''Yes.''
Shaikh : ''Did you then sacrifice your own self?''
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : '' Then you performed no Qurbani. Did you perform Rami?''
(Pelting the Shaytaan).
I replied : ''Yes.''
Shaikh : ''With every stone you threw, did you feel your knowledge
increasing?''
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : ''Then you did not actually perform Rami. Did you perform
the tawaaf-uz-Ziyaarah?''
I replied: ''Yes.''
Shaikh : ''Did you experience any spiritual enlightenment at that time,
and from Allah did honour and respect descend upon you? for Rasulullah
صلى الله عليه وسلم said : 'One who performed Hajj, or one who performs
Umrah is Allah's guest; and when a visitor visits someone it is only correct
that he should be honoured'.''
I replied : ''I experienced nothing.''
Shaikh : ''Then you never actually performed Tawaaf-ul- Ziyarah. Did you
release yourself from Ihraam?''
I replied : ''Yes.''
Shaikh : ''Did you at that time promise to adhere to strictly Halaal earnings
at all times?
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : ''In that case you did not become Halaal (released from Ihraam).
Did you perform the farewell tawaaf?''
I replied : ''Yes.''
Shaikh : '' Did you then say a complete farewell to your whole self, your
desires and passions?''
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : ''Then you did not perform Tawaaful Widaa. Go back and perform
Hajj again; and perform it in the manner which I have described to you.''
I have related this lengthy conversation to illustrate what type of Hajj
the saintly ones do perform. May Allah in His infinite grace and mercy
grant us all that type of Hajj. Aameen.
Virtues of Hajj
by Shaikhul Hadith Moulana
Muhammed Zakariyah Kaandhlawiرحمة الله عليه
In the Name of Allah,
the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Once one of the mureeds of Shaikh Shibliرحمة الله عليه ; the great saint,
came to visit him after having performed Hajj. The Shaikh asked him
some questions. The mureed continues the story :
The Shaikh asked me : ''Did you make a determined niyah for Hajj?''
I replied : ''Yes i made a firm intention for performing Hajj.''
Shaikh : ''Together with having made a firm intention for Hajj; did you
also have firm niyah of forever giving up doing all those things you did
since you were born that are opposed to the spirit of Hajj?''
I replied : ''No, I did not.''
Shaikh : ''In that case you had no niyah for Hajj.'' Then he said : ''At the
time of entering into the Ihraam; did you remove your clothing?''
I replied : ''Yes, I did.''
Shaikh : ''At that time did you pledge to remove from you everything
save Allah?''
I replied : ''No, I did not.''
Shaikh : ''In that case you did not remove your clothing. Did you cleanse
yourself by means of ghusl and wudhu?''
I replied : ''Yes, I did clean myself in that manner.''
Shaikh : '' At that time did you become cleansed from all evil and faults?''
I replied : No, that I cannot say.''
Shaikh : In that case you did not cleanse yourself. Did you recite lab'baik?''
I replied : ''Yes, I did recite lab'baik.''
Shaikh : ''Did you at that time hear the answers of lab'baik from Allah?''
I replied : ''No, I received no reply.''
Shaikh : ''In that case what kind of lab'baik did you recite?''
Did you enter the Holy Haram?'' (i.e. the area around Makkah.)
I replied ; ''Yes, I did.''
Shaikh : ''Did you at that time pledge to leave aside every Haraam(prohibited)
act forever?''
I replied : ''No, I did not.''
Shaikh : ''Then you did not enter the area of the Haram Sharief at all. Did you
visit Makkah?''
I replied : ''Yes, I did.''
Shaikh : ''When you did, did you also see the Hereafter?''
I replied : ''No, I did not see anything.''
Shaikh : ''Then you did not visit Makkah. Did you enter the Holy Masjid?''
I replied : ''Yes, I did.''
Shaikh : ''Did you then, on entering feel the nearness of Allah?''
I replied : ''No, I did not.''
Shaikh : ''Then you never actually entered the Masjid. Were you present
at the Ka'bah?''
I replied : ''Yes, I was.''
Shaikh : ''Did you then see that entity; due to which the Ka'bah is visited?''
I replied : ''No, I saw nothing.''
Shaikh : '' Then you never saw the ka'bah. Did you perform ramal at the
time of tawaaf around the ka'bah?''(Ramal signifies a running motion.)
I replied : ''Yes.''
Shaikh : ''Did you at that time flee from this world in such a manner that
you felt you were completely out of this world?''
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : ''In that case you did not perform ramal. Did you place your hands
on the black stone and kiss it?''
I replied : ''Yes, I did.''
The Shaikh then became very pale and greatly frightened, so much so that a
shriek passed from him and he said; ''Woe unto you : Rasulullahصلى الله عليه وسلم
has said : ''Whoever places his hands on the black stone, is like him who actually
shook hands with Allah; and whoever shake the hand of Allah shall in every way
remain safe from all things'. Did you then feel anything about that security?''
I replied : ''No, I did not.''
Shaikh : ''Then you did not touch the black stone. Did you perform two rak'ahs
at the Maqaam-e-Ibrahim?''
I replied : ''yes. I did.''
Shaikh : You were at that particular time placed on a high rank by Allah; did you
carry out what is due for that high rank; for which you stood there?''
I replied : ''No, I did nothing.''
Shaikh : ''In that case you did not perform salah at the Maqaam-e-Ibrahim. Did
you perform Sa'ee between Safaa and Marwa; and did you ascend the Safaa?''
I replied : ''Yes.''
Shaikh : ''And what did you do there ?''
I replied : ''I recited takbeer, thrice; prayed to Allah to accept my Hajj.''
Shaikh : ''Did the angels also recite the takbeer with you, and did you have
any knowledge of the significance of your own takbeer?''
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : ''Then you actually did not recite the takbeer. Did you descend
from Safa?''
I replied : '' Yes.''
Shaikh : ''When you descended; did you feel all evil and every weakness
departing from you, and inner cleanliness entering yourself?''
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : Then you never ascended Safa nor descended from it. Did you
run between Safa and Marwa?''
I replied : '' Yes.''
Shaikh : ''At that time of running, did you feel yourself running away from
everything else; besides Allah; and reaching Him?''
(Referring to the Qur'anic verse; Surah Shu'ra;
فَفَرَرْتُ مِنْكُم لَمَّا خِفْتُكُمْ
'And I fled from You when I feared You'
and Allah in another place also says:
فَفِرُّوا إلَى اللهِ
'And flee towards Allah'.)
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : ''Then you never ran. Did you ascend Marwa?''
I replied : ''Yes.''
Shaikh : ''While on Marwa, did you perceive the great inner calmness
and peace, that descended upon you?''
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : ''Then you never ascended Marwa. Tell me, did you proceed to
Mina?''
I replied : ''I did.''
Shaikh : ''While you were there did you attain such hopes in Allah that
have nothing to do with evil?''
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : ''Then you never went to Mina. Did you visit Masjid-ul Khaif?''
I replied : ''Yes.''
Shaikh : ''And did you then experience such fear for Allah that you have
never ever experienced before?''
I repilied : ''No.''
Shaikh : ''Then you never entered Masjidul Khaif?''Did you reach the plain
of Arafah?''
I replied : ''Yes.''
Shaikh : ''And on Arafah, did you recognize the cause for your coming
into this world, what you are doing here and where you shall proceed
to afterwards; and did you recognize the thing that points towards these
things?''
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : ''Then you never visited Arafah. Did you visit Muzdalifah?''
I replied : ''Yes.''
Shaikh : ''And did you remember Allah there; so much so that everything
else was forgotten; as Allah has mentioned?''
(Referring to the Qur'anic verse:
فَاذكرُا اللهَ عِندَ المَشعَرِ الحَرامِ
'And remember Allah at the Mash'arul Haraam- plain of Muzdalifah').
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : ''In that case you never reached Muzdalifah. Did you perform
Qurbani at Mina?''
I replied : ''Yes.''
Shaikh : ''Did you then sacrifice your own self?''
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : '' Then you performed no Qurbani. Did you perform Rami?''
(Pelting the Shaytaan).
I replied : ''Yes.''
Shaikh : ''With every stone you threw, did you feel your knowledge
increasing?''
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : ''Then you did not actually perform Rami. Did you perform
the tawaaf-uz-Ziyaarah?''
I replied: ''Yes.''
Shaikh : ''Did you experience any spiritual enlightenment at that time,
and from Allah did honour and respect descend upon you? for Rasulullah
صلى الله عليه وسلم said : 'One who performed Hajj, or one who performs
Umrah is Allah's guest; and when a visitor visits someone it is only correct
that he should be honoured'.''
I replied : ''I experienced nothing.''
Shaikh : ''Then you never actually performed Tawaaf-ul- Ziyarah. Did you
release yourself from Ihraam?''
I replied : ''Yes.''
Shaikh : ''Did you at that time promise to adhere to strictly Halaal earnings
at all times?
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : ''In that case you did not become Halaal (released from Ihraam).
Did you perform the farewell tawaaf?''
I replied : ''Yes.''
Shaikh : '' Did you then say a complete farewell to your whole self, your
desires and passions?''
I replied : ''No.''
Shaikh : ''Then you did not perform Tawaaful Widaa. Go back and perform
Hajj again; and perform it in the manner which I have described to you.''
I have related this lengthy conversation to illustrate what type of Hajj
the saintly ones do perform. May Allah in His infinite grace and mercy
grant us all that type of Hajj. Aameen.
Virtues of Hajj
by Shaikhul Hadith Moulana
Muhammed Zakariyah Kaandhlawiرحمة الله عليه
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Perfect Days for Perfect Ibaadah
بسم الله الرحمان الرحيم
In the Name of Allah,
the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Alhamdulillah......the blessed days are here one more time !
The glorious days when rewards are multiplied many times, and sins
are forgiven much more...
the days in which Allah gives us yet another change to worship Him,
to ask for forgiveness and correct our faults and make up for our
shortcomings...
the blessed days that the Sahabah waited for and prayed for...
the beautiful days in which they strived long and hard in worship,
until they could do no more....
What are these magnificent days?
These blessed days are the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
Just like the last ten nights of Ramadhan are the best ten nights
out of the whole year,
the Ulama tell us that out of the 365 days of the year, these first
ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are the best days of the year and the most
beloved to Allah Ta'ala as they combine acts of worship in a way
unlike any other times. The Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم testified to that,
Heصلى الله عليه وسلم said : '' There are no days in which righteous
deeds are more beloved to Allah Ta'ala than these ten days.'' The
people asked, ''Not even Jihaad for the sake of Allah?'' Heصلى الله عليه وسلم
said : '' Not even Jihaad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a
man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the
cause, and came back with nothing.'' (Bukhari)
Subahaan Allah wal- Hamdulillah!
What a blessing!
The question is ... what do I do on these magnificent days and how I
can I make the most of this perfect, golden opportunity to earn rewards
and Jannah ?
Obviously Hajj is one of the best deeds that one can do during these ten
days. However for those of us who were not invited to His House this year,
there are still many, good deeds that one can do and earn the Pleasure of
Allah. Some of these are :
1) Fast all nine days and especially fast
the Day of "Arafah
The Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم said : ''Anyone who fasts for one day for
Allah Ta'ala's pleasure, Allah Ta'ala will keep his face away from the
(Hell) fire for (a distance covered by a journey of) seventy years.''
(Bukhari, Muslim)
Just imagine... if you fast these nine days (fasting on the day of Eid is
haraam), how far your distance will be from hell!
The Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم used to fast on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah
and heصلى الله عليه وسلم said : ''Fasting the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah)
is an expiation for (all the sins of) the previous year and an expiation for
(all the sins of) the coming year.'' (Muslim)
2) Do Lots of Dhikr and Takbeer
The Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم said: '' There are no days on which good deeds
are greater or more beloved to Allah than on these ten days, so recite much
Tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill Allah), Takbeer (saying Allahu akbar)and Tahmeed
(saying al hamdu Lilllah).'' (Ahmad-Saheeh)
Ibn Umar and Abu Hurayrahرضى الله عنهما used to go out in the marketplace
during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, and the people would
recite Takbeer when they heard them. (Bukhari)
Takbeer at this time is a Sunnah that has mostly been forgotten, especially during
the first few days. So say it in the Masjid, in your home, on the street and every
place where it is permitted to remember Allah. Revive the Sunnah that have been
virtually forgotten and earn great rewards for doing so.
The Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم said: ''Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that
is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people
who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward.''
(Tirmidhi- a hasan hadith)
Obviously, men should recite these phrases out loud, and women should recite
them quietly.
3) Stand in Night Prayers
Remember the virtues of spending the night in prayer, and its sweetness in
Ramadhan?! Why not revive this beautiful act of worship during these nights
as well?
Remember, how in the last third of every night, Allah Almighty calls out to us,
His servants:
Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to his invocation? Is there
anyone to ask Me, so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone seeking
My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him? (Bukhari and Muslim)
Why do we miss this golden opportunity? So, seize the chance Now and expose
yourself to His Divine Generosity and Mercy, ask Him to forgive you and guide
you and set things aright. He will surely listen.
4) Make Sincere Repentance
One of the best and most important things to do during these ten days is to repent
sincerely to Allah and give up all kinds of disobedience and sin right away because
we do not know when we will die, and also because one evil deeds leads to another.
5) Come back to the Qur'aan
It is time now to dust off your copy of the Qur'aan and return to its refuge. Make
it a daily habit, using these 10days the beginning of a strong and beautiful relationship
with it. Read it with meaning, understand it, and then implement it and change your
lives for the better, as much as you can. Remember that reading one letter of the
Qur'aan earns you 10 rewards. In this way, reading Surat Al-Fatihah, which doesn't
take more than two minutes will give you more than one thousand rewards! This is
on ordinary days, so what about these magnificent days! Certainly the rewards will
be far greater, InshaAllah.
6) Generally increase in doing All good deeds
We should strive in doing more good deeds in general, because good deeds are
beloved by Allah and will bring us closer to Him. So if we are not able to go to
Hajj this year, we should occupy ourselves during these blessed days by
worshiping Allah, praying extra prayers, reading Qur'aan, remembering Allah,
sending Salaams on the Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم making dua, giving charity,
honoring our parents, upholding ties of kinship, enjoining what is good and
forbidding what is evil, and other good deeds and acts of worship.
''So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it :
And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it.''
(Surah Al-Zalzalah 99: 7-8)
7) Get the reward of Hajj wherever you are
You may be unable to do Hajj this year, and you may feel sad because you are
deprived of the great reward of Hajj. But you can achieve a similar reward in
whatever place you may be.
The Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم said: ''Whoever prays Fajr Prayer in congregation,
and then sits and remembers Allah until the sunrises, then (after a while) prays
two rakahs, he will gain a reward equal to that of making perfect Hajj and Umrah''
(He repeated the word ''perfect'' thrice) (Tirimizi)
Isn't that easy, Alhamdulillah?
8) Slaughter an animal and distribute the meat
Ibn Umar said: The Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم lived inMadinah for 10 years and
every year he slaughtered an animal.'' (Ahmad)
9) Attend Eid Prayers
But remember that Eid prayer is a form of worship and we shouldn't be doing
things that are unIslamic (especially) during these times, such as listening to music,
women going out for prayer without proper Hijaab, mixing of men and women, etc.
10) Thank Allah
One of the biggest forms of worshiping Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala is to thank Him,
deeply, sincerely and continuously. After all, it is He who gave every single thing that
is in you, on you or around you. In fact, you wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for the
Mercy of your Creator. So thank Him for ALL that He gave you, the Islam that He
gave you, the very life He gave you. And thank Him for the chance that He gives you
in these ten days, to ask for forgiveness and guidance.
Alhamdulillah, there is much to be gained in these coming days. So make the most of
this perfect opportunity offered by these invaluable and irreplaceable ten days. Hasten
to do good deeds and appreciate this blessing and make the most of it, striving hard in
worship.
''And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty (death).''
(Surah al-Hijr 15:99)
Sacrifice
The act of sacrificing the animal in Allah Ta'ala's name is in submission to His will
and if ever required, we shall readily sacrifice even our own life in the way of Allah.
Sacrifice, as practiced by Prophet Muhammadصلى الله عليه وسلم is an essential religious
rite in memory of the sacrifice performed by Prophet Ibrahimعليه السلام. Allah Ta'ala
put Ibrahimعليه السلام to a most difficult trial, the details of which are described in the
Qur'aan. ''O my lord! Grant me (Ibrahim) a righteous (son)!'' So We gave him the
good news of a boy ready to suffer and forbear. ''Then when the son reached the
age to work with him, he said: ''O my son! I see in a vision that I offer you in
sacrifice: Now say what is your view! ''(The son) said: ''O My father! Do as you
are commanded: You will find me if Allah so wills, one praciting patience and
faithfulness!'' So when they had both submitted their wills (to Allah), and he
had made him prostrate on his face (for sacrifice), We called out to him:
''O Ibrahim! You have already fulfilled the vision!'' Thus indeed do we reward
those who do right. ''For this was obviously a trial and We ransomed him with
a momentous sacrifice: and We left (this blessing) for him among generations
(to come) in later times: (37 :100-109).
This is the origin of the Islamic precept of sacrifice in fulfillment of Allah's command.
The aim of sacrifice, like all other fundamentals of Islam, is to absorb piety and self
righteousness. It also promotes the spirit of sacrifice for a right cause. To explain its
purpose, Allah says in the Qur'aan. ''It is not their meat, nor their blood, that
reaches Allah, It is their piety that reaches Allah.'' (22:37)
Prophet Muhammadصلى الله عليه وسلمsaid : ''On the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, there is no
better act in the view of Allah than shedding the blood (of slaughtered animals). And
verily sacrifice earns the approbation of Allah even before the drop of blood (of the
slaughtered animal) falls on the ground. Hence you should offer it in good spirit. For
every hair of the sacrificial animal, there is a blessing.''
Click here
How to perform Eid Prayers
Click here
In the Name of Allah,
the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Alhamdulillah......the blessed days are here one more time !
The glorious days when rewards are multiplied many times, and sins
are forgiven much more...
the days in which Allah gives us yet another change to worship Him,
to ask for forgiveness and correct our faults and make up for our
shortcomings...
the blessed days that the Sahabah waited for and prayed for...
the beautiful days in which they strived long and hard in worship,
until they could do no more....
What are these magnificent days?
These blessed days are the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
Just like the last ten nights of Ramadhan are the best ten nights
out of the whole year,
the Ulama tell us that out of the 365 days of the year, these first
ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are the best days of the year and the most
beloved to Allah Ta'ala as they combine acts of worship in a way
unlike any other times. The Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم testified to that,
Heصلى الله عليه وسلم said : '' There are no days in which righteous
deeds are more beloved to Allah Ta'ala than these ten days.'' The
people asked, ''Not even Jihaad for the sake of Allah?'' Heصلى الله عليه وسلم
said : '' Not even Jihaad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a
man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the
cause, and came back with nothing.'' (Bukhari)
Subahaan Allah wal- Hamdulillah!
What a blessing!
The question is ... what do I do on these magnificent days and how I
can I make the most of this perfect, golden opportunity to earn rewards
and Jannah ?
Obviously Hajj is one of the best deeds that one can do during these ten
days. However for those of us who were not invited to His House this year,
there are still many, good deeds that one can do and earn the Pleasure of
Allah. Some of these are :
1) Fast all nine days and especially fast
the Day of "Arafah
The Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم said : ''Anyone who fasts for one day for
Allah Ta'ala's pleasure, Allah Ta'ala will keep his face away from the
(Hell) fire for (a distance covered by a journey of) seventy years.''
(Bukhari, Muslim)
Just imagine... if you fast these nine days (fasting on the day of Eid is
haraam), how far your distance will be from hell!
The Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم used to fast on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah
and heصلى الله عليه وسلم said : ''Fasting the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah)
is an expiation for (all the sins of) the previous year and an expiation for
(all the sins of) the coming year.'' (Muslim)
2) Do Lots of Dhikr and Takbeer
The Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم said: '' There are no days on which good deeds
are greater or more beloved to Allah than on these ten days, so recite much
Tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill Allah), Takbeer (saying Allahu akbar)and Tahmeed
(saying al hamdu Lilllah).'' (Ahmad-Saheeh)
Ibn Umar and Abu Hurayrahرضى الله عنهما used to go out in the marketplace
during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, and the people would
recite Takbeer when they heard them. (Bukhari)
Takbeer at this time is a Sunnah that has mostly been forgotten, especially during
the first few days. So say it in the Masjid, in your home, on the street and every
place where it is permitted to remember Allah. Revive the Sunnah that have been
virtually forgotten and earn great rewards for doing so.
The Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم said: ''Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that
is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people
who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward.''
(Tirmidhi- a hasan hadith)
Obviously, men should recite these phrases out loud, and women should recite
them quietly.
3) Stand in Night Prayers
Remember the virtues of spending the night in prayer, and its sweetness in
Ramadhan?! Why not revive this beautiful act of worship during these nights
as well?
Remember, how in the last third of every night, Allah Almighty calls out to us,
His servants:
Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to his invocation? Is there
anyone to ask Me, so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone seeking
My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him? (Bukhari and Muslim)
Why do we miss this golden opportunity? So, seize the chance Now and expose
yourself to His Divine Generosity and Mercy, ask Him to forgive you and guide
you and set things aright. He will surely listen.
4) Make Sincere Repentance
One of the best and most important things to do during these ten days is to repent
sincerely to Allah and give up all kinds of disobedience and sin right away because
we do not know when we will die, and also because one evil deeds leads to another.
5) Come back to the Qur'aan
It is time now to dust off your copy of the Qur'aan and return to its refuge. Make
it a daily habit, using these 10days the beginning of a strong and beautiful relationship
with it. Read it with meaning, understand it, and then implement it and change your
lives for the better, as much as you can. Remember that reading one letter of the
Qur'aan earns you 10 rewards. In this way, reading Surat Al-Fatihah, which doesn't
take more than two minutes will give you more than one thousand rewards! This is
on ordinary days, so what about these magnificent days! Certainly the rewards will
be far greater, InshaAllah.
6) Generally increase in doing All good deeds
We should strive in doing more good deeds in general, because good deeds are
beloved by Allah and will bring us closer to Him. So if we are not able to go to
Hajj this year, we should occupy ourselves during these blessed days by
worshiping Allah, praying extra prayers, reading Qur'aan, remembering Allah,
sending Salaams on the Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم making dua, giving charity,
honoring our parents, upholding ties of kinship, enjoining what is good and
forbidding what is evil, and other good deeds and acts of worship.
''So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it :
And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it.''
(Surah Al-Zalzalah 99: 7-8)
7) Get the reward of Hajj wherever you are
You may be unable to do Hajj this year, and you may feel sad because you are
deprived of the great reward of Hajj. But you can achieve a similar reward in
whatever place you may be.
The Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم said: ''Whoever prays Fajr Prayer in congregation,
and then sits and remembers Allah until the sunrises, then (after a while) prays
two rakahs, he will gain a reward equal to that of making perfect Hajj and Umrah''
(He repeated the word ''perfect'' thrice) (Tirimizi)
Isn't that easy, Alhamdulillah?
8) Slaughter an animal and distribute the meat
Ibn Umar said: The Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم lived inMadinah for 10 years and
every year he slaughtered an animal.'' (Ahmad)
9) Attend Eid Prayers
But remember that Eid prayer is a form of worship and we shouldn't be doing
things that are unIslamic (especially) during these times, such as listening to music,
women going out for prayer without proper Hijaab, mixing of men and women, etc.
10) Thank Allah
One of the biggest forms of worshiping Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala is to thank Him,
deeply, sincerely and continuously. After all, it is He who gave every single thing that
is in you, on you or around you. In fact, you wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for the
Mercy of your Creator. So thank Him for ALL that He gave you, the Islam that He
gave you, the very life He gave you. And thank Him for the chance that He gives you
in these ten days, to ask for forgiveness and guidance.
Alhamdulillah, there is much to be gained in these coming days. So make the most of
this perfect opportunity offered by these invaluable and irreplaceable ten days. Hasten
to do good deeds and appreciate this blessing and make the most of it, striving hard in
worship.
''And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty (death).''
(Surah al-Hijr 15:99)
Sacrifice
The act of sacrificing the animal in Allah Ta'ala's name is in submission to His will
and if ever required, we shall readily sacrifice even our own life in the way of Allah.
Sacrifice, as practiced by Prophet Muhammadصلى الله عليه وسلم is an essential religious
rite in memory of the sacrifice performed by Prophet Ibrahimعليه السلام. Allah Ta'ala
put Ibrahimعليه السلام to a most difficult trial, the details of which are described in the
Qur'aan. ''O my lord! Grant me (Ibrahim) a righteous (son)!'' So We gave him the
good news of a boy ready to suffer and forbear. ''Then when the son reached the
age to work with him, he said: ''O my son! I see in a vision that I offer you in
sacrifice: Now say what is your view! ''(The son) said: ''O My father! Do as you
are commanded: You will find me if Allah so wills, one praciting patience and
faithfulness!'' So when they had both submitted their wills (to Allah), and he
had made him prostrate on his face (for sacrifice), We called out to him:
''O Ibrahim! You have already fulfilled the vision!'' Thus indeed do we reward
those who do right. ''For this was obviously a trial and We ransomed him with
a momentous sacrifice: and We left (this blessing) for him among generations
(to come) in later times: (37 :100-109).
This is the origin of the Islamic precept of sacrifice in fulfillment of Allah's command.
The aim of sacrifice, like all other fundamentals of Islam, is to absorb piety and self
righteousness. It also promotes the spirit of sacrifice for a right cause. To explain its
purpose, Allah says in the Qur'aan. ''It is not their meat, nor their blood, that
reaches Allah, It is their piety that reaches Allah.'' (22:37)
Prophet Muhammadصلى الله عليه وسلمsaid : ''On the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, there is no
better act in the view of Allah than shedding the blood (of slaughtered animals). And
verily sacrifice earns the approbation of Allah even before the drop of blood (of the
slaughtered animal) falls on the ground. Hence you should offer it in good spirit. For
every hair of the sacrificial animal, there is a blessing.''
Click here
How to perform Eid Prayers
Click here
Friday, October 12, 2012
The Effort of Iman - Part 1 - Importance
The Effort of Iman - By Maulana Saad Kandhlawi, Translated by
Maulana Sulaiman Khatani on 31 March 2008 in South Africa Ijtima.
Part 2- Importance
Part 3- Iman
Part 4 -Means
Part 5 - Signs of Iman
Part 6 - Taqwa
Part 7 - Sabr and Taqwa
Part 8 - Sunnah
Part 9 - Ibadah
Part 10 - Dawah
Click here to Read on Hajj
Monday, October 8, 2012
Women's Islaahi Majlis
Islaahi Majilis by Sheikh Mufti Desai, who is from South Africa.
Sheikh Mufti Ebrahim Desai is known to give thought provoking speeches
and his fatwas are accepted as authentic all around the globe.
His fatwa website's are: www.askimam.org, idealwoman.org,
daralmahmood.org, daruliftaa.net
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Patience and Gratitude
بسم الله الرحمان الرحيم
In the Name of Allah,
the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Ibaadat of Allahسبحانه و تعالى at all times
My respected mothers and sisters, Allah سبحانه و تعالى has blessed the believers
with various forms of Ibaadat (worship) and in this way Allah سبحانه و تعالى has
made it extremely easy for us to be engaged in Ibaadat of Allah سبحانه و تعالى at
all times. We normally regard Namaaz(prayers), Roza (fasting) and Zakaat as
great forms of Ibaadat and undoubtedly they are. Imaan itself is a very great
Ibaadat. As long as a person is with Imaan and is a believer, Allahسبحانه و تعالى
keep us with Imaan all the time so that we are in Ibaadat all the time as long as
we have got Imaan.
We can clearly understand that if a person is unfortunately in Kufr, is in Shirk,
he is in grave sin. The curses of Allah سبحانه و تعالى are descending on him all
the time because of his great sin of disbelief. Therefore, it is quite clear that if
a person has got Imaan, he is also in Ibaadat all the time. So, as long as a
person is with Imaan he is in Ibaadat. We can understand this from the Ayat
(verse) of the Qur'aan Shareef wherein Allah سبحانه و تعالى says,
اللهُ وَ لِّىِ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا
''Allah is the friend of those who have brought Imaan.''
Friendship With Allah سبحانه و تعالى
The friendship, the Wilaayat, this being a Wali (friend) of Allah سبحانه و تعالى starts
from the point where a person brings Imaan. Normally and technically we call that
person a Wali. A friend of Allah سبحانه و تعالى who has reached a very high stage of
Imaan, his Wilaayat, his friendship with Allah سبحانه و تعالى is also very great and he
is very close to Him.
As is normally the case with us, one is just an ordinary acquaintance while another
is a person whom we know quite closely and one, is one whom we call a true
friend of ours. Similarly, when a person becomes closer to Allahسبحانه و تعالى , he
is now technically known as a friend, as a Wali of Allahسبحانه و تعالى . Otherwise
every person who has brought Imaan has passed through the doors and entered
the realm of friendship of Allahسبحانه و تعالى . From this too, it is quite clear that
when a person has brought Imaan he is very close to Allahسبحانه و تعالى , he is in
great Ibaadat and is in close proximity to Allahسبحانه و تعالى .
Sabr and Shukr
(Ibaadat of the Heart and Mind)
From this brief introduction let us now understand that Sabr and Shukr are also
two great forms of Ibaadat granted to us by Allahسبحانه و تعالى . It is not a physical
Ibaadat. Namaaz(prayer/salah) is a physical Ibaadat and Roza is also a physical
Ibaadat in the sence that we abstain from food and drink. Haj is a physical Ibaadat,
Zakaat is a monetary Ibaaadat but these Ibaadat have to do with the condition of
our heart and with the condition of our mind. Imaan is in the heart. Our quality of
Sabr (patience or steadfastness) as it is normally translated in English is the
condition of the heart which involves physical attitude as well.
Shukr is also a condition of the heart and it also includes physical attitude. So
these are also two great Ibaadaat and it was the kindness and mercy of Allahسبحانه و تعالى
that He has blessed the believers with these two great Ibaadaat. In a Hadith
Nabi-e-Kareem صلى الله عليه وسلمsaid :
اَجِبَا اَمْرَ الْمُؤمِنْ اِنَّ اَمرَهُ كُلَّهُ لَهُ خَيرٌ
''Very fascinating is the matter of a believer. All these matters
are only goodness for him.''
No matter what aspect of life or condition one is passing through, one is
pleasing to him or one is displeasing to him no matter what it is, it is only
goodness for him.
وَلَيسَ ذالِكَ لِاَحَدٍ اِلَّا لْمُوْمِنْ
''This is for nobody but a believer.''
And why is this so?
اِنْ اَصَابَهُ الْخَيرُ شَكَرَ فَكَانَ خَيراً لَهُ
''If some goodness comes to him then he makes Shukr
of Allahسبحانه و تعالى and this is good for him.''
On this Shukr of his he is going to gain closeness to Allahسبحانه و تعالى.
He is going to gain Thawaab and reward from Allahسبحانه و تعالى.
وَاِنْ اَصَابَهُ الضَّرُّ صَبَرَ فَكَانَ خَيراً لَهُ
''And if something evil, something displeasing comes to him
then he makes Sabr and this is good for him.''
By making Sabr he is acquiring closeness to Allahسبحانه و تعالى. So
this is the condition of a believer. Something good comes to him, he
makes Shukr and gains the pleasure of Allahسبحانه و تعالى. Something
which displeases him comes to him, he makes Sabr on this condition.
When he makes Sabr Allahسبحانه و تعالى is pleased with him and he
gains the closeness of Allahسبحانه و تعالى. He gains the pleasure of
Allahسبحانه و تعالى.
Patience and Gratitude
Hazrat Moulana abdulHamid Is'haq Sahebدامت بركاتهم
In the Name of Allah,
the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Ibaadat of Allahسبحانه و تعالى at all times
My respected mothers and sisters, Allah سبحانه و تعالى has blessed the believers
with various forms of Ibaadat (worship) and in this way Allah سبحانه و تعالى has
made it extremely easy for us to be engaged in Ibaadat of Allah سبحانه و تعالى at
all times. We normally regard Namaaz(prayers), Roza (fasting) and Zakaat as
great forms of Ibaadat and undoubtedly they are. Imaan itself is a very great
Ibaadat. As long as a person is with Imaan and is a believer, Allahسبحانه و تعالى
keep us with Imaan all the time so that we are in Ibaadat all the time as long as
we have got Imaan.
We can clearly understand that if a person is unfortunately in Kufr, is in Shirk,
he is in grave sin. The curses of Allah سبحانه و تعالى are descending on him all
the time because of his great sin of disbelief. Therefore, it is quite clear that if
a person has got Imaan, he is also in Ibaadat all the time. So, as long as a
person is with Imaan he is in Ibaadat. We can understand this from the Ayat
(verse) of the Qur'aan Shareef wherein Allah سبحانه و تعالى says,
اللهُ وَ لِّىِ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا
''Allah is the friend of those who have brought Imaan.''
Friendship With Allah سبحانه و تعالى
The friendship, the Wilaayat, this being a Wali (friend) of Allah سبحانه و تعالى starts
from the point where a person brings Imaan. Normally and technically we call that
person a Wali. A friend of Allah سبحانه و تعالى who has reached a very high stage of
Imaan, his Wilaayat, his friendship with Allah سبحانه و تعالى is also very great and he
is very close to Him.
As is normally the case with us, one is just an ordinary acquaintance while another
is a person whom we know quite closely and one, is one whom we call a true
friend of ours. Similarly, when a person becomes closer to Allahسبحانه و تعالى , he
is now technically known as a friend, as a Wali of Allahسبحانه و تعالى . Otherwise
every person who has brought Imaan has passed through the doors and entered
the realm of friendship of Allahسبحانه و تعالى . From this too, it is quite clear that
when a person has brought Imaan he is very close to Allahسبحانه و تعالى , he is in
great Ibaadat and is in close proximity to Allahسبحانه و تعالى .
Sabr and Shukr
(Ibaadat of the Heart and Mind)
From this brief introduction let us now understand that Sabr and Shukr are also
two great forms of Ibaadat granted to us by Allahسبحانه و تعالى . It is not a physical
Ibaadat. Namaaz(prayer/salah) is a physical Ibaadat and Roza is also a physical
Ibaadat in the sence that we abstain from food and drink. Haj is a physical Ibaadat,
Zakaat is a monetary Ibaaadat but these Ibaadat have to do with the condition of
our heart and with the condition of our mind. Imaan is in the heart. Our quality of
Sabr (patience or steadfastness) as it is normally translated in English is the
condition of the heart which involves physical attitude as well.
Shukr is also a condition of the heart and it also includes physical attitude. So
these are also two great Ibaadaat and it was the kindness and mercy of Allahسبحانه و تعالى
that He has blessed the believers with these two great Ibaadaat. In a Hadith
Nabi-e-Kareem صلى الله عليه وسلمsaid :
اَجِبَا اَمْرَ الْمُؤمِنْ اِنَّ اَمرَهُ كُلَّهُ لَهُ خَيرٌ
''Very fascinating is the matter of a believer. All these matters
are only goodness for him.''
No matter what aspect of life or condition one is passing through, one is
pleasing to him or one is displeasing to him no matter what it is, it is only
goodness for him.
وَلَيسَ ذالِكَ لِاَحَدٍ اِلَّا لْمُوْمِنْ
''This is for nobody but a believer.''
And why is this so?
اِنْ اَصَابَهُ الْخَيرُ شَكَرَ فَكَانَ خَيراً لَهُ
''If some goodness comes to him then he makes Shukr
of Allahسبحانه و تعالى and this is good for him.''
On this Shukr of his he is going to gain closeness to Allahسبحانه و تعالى.
He is going to gain Thawaab and reward from Allahسبحانه و تعالى.
وَاِنْ اَصَابَهُ الضَّرُّ صَبَرَ فَكَانَ خَيراً لَهُ
''And if something evil, something displeasing comes to him
then he makes Sabr and this is good for him.''
By making Sabr he is acquiring closeness to Allahسبحانه و تعالى. So
this is the condition of a believer. Something good comes to him, he
makes Shukr and gains the pleasure of Allahسبحانه و تعالى. Something
which displeases him comes to him, he makes Sabr on this condition.
When he makes Sabr Allahسبحانه و تعالى is pleased with him and he
gains the closeness of Allahسبحانه و تعالى. He gains the pleasure of
Allahسبحانه و تعالى.
Patience and Gratitude
Hazrat Moulana abdulHamid Is'haq Sahebدامت بركاتهم
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