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 

hope and trust that Allah Ta'ala will accept our deeds. 

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
 
 

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 

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

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