Fear of Allah

Allah is both merciful and forgiving. He forgives the sins on repentance and shows the right path. A person should keep Allah’s forgiveness in mind and do righteous deeds. However, an equally important thing is to keep within context is fear. Hope of mercy and fear of Allah’s wrath are like the wings of a bird, and a believer has to keep them balanced. The messenger of Allah and Quran told about stories and events that not only bought good tidings but also fear and dread of Allah’s rage on those who disobeyed Him. A person must be expectant when he reflects on the Mercy of Allah, and likewise be apprehensive of Allah’s wrath when reflecting on his own sins. Mans faith is in a constant state of rebellion to the orders of Allah and his own desires. A believer’s faith strengthens and his certainty increases with the fear of Allah. In Quran Allah has promised paradise and luxuries for those who follow him and has threatened with hell and hardships to those who disobey Him.  

The most sensitive time in a believer’s age is youth. This is the time of adolescence in which they can be lead astray from seerat-e-mustaqeem (the right path) easily and vulnerably. Thus a person should fear Allah so as to be saved from sins. On the contrary, a person should turn hopeful of Allah’s mercy and forgiveness when getting old because death is looming near. The person should turn to repentance and hence be desirous of Allah’s forgiveness. One should remember Allah all the time that is in times of happiness, celebrations and sadness etc. Emotions run high and often people act against the will of Allah. 

Fear prevents a person from committing sins. Today, hearts are rusting due to the height of evils a man does. A state comes when hearts die out completely and nothing can make them alive except Allah if he wishes to do so. Good and bad deeds cannot go hand in hand. Good deeds and sins are taking place side by side for example it’s a good deed to offer prayer but on the way back home a person starts looking at forbidden things. Thus a good deed is wasted.   People engaged in both good and bad at the same time? This is because we don’t fear Allah as they should. Allah says in the Holy Quran: 

"O you who believe! Have Taqwa (fear) of Allah and always speak the truth. He will direct you to do righteous and correct actions and will forgive you your sins and whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has indeed attained a great achievement." [Soorah al-Ahzaab (33): 70]

and 

"Verily Allah accepts only from those who are the muttaqoon (those who posses Taqwa)." [Soorah al-Maaidah (19): 71-72]

Finally a Muslim should fear Allah the right way. He should not commit sins on the basis of asking mercy from Allah later on. Indeed Allah is the merciful and he forgives minor to major sins but that doesn’t mean we should test His temper because if He the Almighty decides to punish you then nothing in the world can save you. So fear him and avoid all those acts that He has forbidden.  

Rewards of Fasting

There are many virtues and rewards of fasting in ramzan. Many ahadith and Quranic ayahs can b found regarding this subject. These rewards are necessary to acknowledge in order for perfecting our fasting and seeking Allah’s pleasure and mercy.

Taqwa

Fasting is the best way to attain taqwa. Taqwa comes through utmost excellence in the worship of Allah. The reward of taqwa is paradise. People of taqwa are successful in this life and hereafter where they would dwell in paradise for eternity. Allah says in the Holy Quran:

Allah says [meaning]: "O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it has been prescribed for people before you so that you will (learn how to) attain Taqwa" [al-Baqarah, 2:183]

Allah recommends Fasting

"and fast, it is better for you, if only you knew" [al-Baqarah, 2:184]

Indeed if Allah says that something is better of us, it is really better for us and we should strive to perfect it.

Practices of the prophets

Fasting has been recommended not only to the ummah of the last prophet Muhammad (saw) rather it been the practice of all the previous prophets and their races.  Hence if fasting has been made fard then it means it really does hold something precious in itself with endless rewards.

The actual reward

There are many ahadith regarding the rewards and virtues of fasting in Ramadan. Here are some narrated by Abu Huraira (RA)

The Prophet said that your Lord said, "Every (sinful) deed can be expiated; and the fast is for Me, so I will give the reward for it; and the smell which comes out of the mouth of a fasting person, is better in Allah's Sight than the smell of musk." [Bukhari]

The Prophet said, "Allah said: The Fast is for Me and I will give the reward for it, as he (the one who observes the fast) leaves his sexual desire, food and drink for My Sake. Fasting is a screen (from Hell) and there are two pleasures (moments of happiness or joys) for a fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord. And the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better in Allah's Sight than the smell of musk." [Bukhari]

The Prophet said, "(Allah said), 'Every good deed of Adam's son is for him except fasting; it is for Me. and I shall reward (the fasting person) for it.' Verily, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to Allah than the smell of musk." [Bukhari]

He also said: "Every action of the son of Adam is given manifold reward, each good deed receiving ten times its like, up to seven hundred times. Allah the Most High said: 'Except for fasting, for it is for Me and I will give recompense for it, he leaves off his desires and his food for Me'. For the fasting person there are two times of joy; a time of joy when he breaks his fast and a time of joy when he meets his Lord, and the smell coming from the mouth of the fasting person is better with Allah than the smell of Musk." [Muslim]

The greatest reward is, of course, Paradise. this will be covered under the section "Ramadan; a way to Paradise".

Smoking is Haram

Islam is a complete code of life. It teaches a person from right and wrong and difference between good and evil. Allah has not only created man to worship him but He created him with free will; and this free will could be used in good and bad way. It’s our will either to follow the commands of Allah and his Prophet or to follow what our heart desires regardless of the destructive consequences. Among the many things that Allah has forbidden to do, smoking is one of them. It’s often debated whether it is haram or halal. The answer is simple: since it causes more harm than benefit it is haram. Have a look at this ayah:

“And do not kill yourselves.” (Quran 4/29)
“ And do not throw yourselves into destruction.” (Quran 2/195)

Smoking is a killer. It causes lung cancer, tuberculosis, heart dieses and much more. So if it’s this much destructive then how can it be halal? Smokers inflict harm on themselves along with the people who are around them. Non smokers are affected by smoke which is dangerous to their health’s. Moreover many disastrous fires are the result of cigarettes been thrown away carelessly. Islam prohibits such things that so harming and disparaging. The Messenger of Allah said: “There should be neither harming, nor reciprocating harm.” [Saheeh al-Jaami # 7517]

Smoking causes spread of sin and evil. A smoker can never be a regular salah prayer or a keep fasts. Many smokers dislike fasting and sitting in Islamic study circles, LECTURES, because they constantly crave cigarettes. The smoker is an addict, both physically and psychologically. Hence it can be concluded thatr smoking is haram and human’s esp. Muslims should quit smoking.

Deeds to be performed in the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hajjah

Imam Ahmad narrated from Ibn Umar, from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that he said: "There aren't any days greater, nor any days in which deeds done in them are more beloved to Allah Most High, than these ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah). So, increase in them the saying of Tahleel (Laa-ilaaha-ill-Allah), and Takbeer (Allahu-Akbar) and Tahmeed (al-hamdu-lillaah)." 

The deeds that should be performed in the first ten days of Dhul-Hajjah are:

Hajj and Umra: The performance of hajj and umrah are the best deeds that must be performed during these days because the Prophet Muhammad (saw) informs about these deeds as:

"Performance of Umrah is an expiation of the sins committed between it and the previous Umrah, and the reward of the Hajj which is accepted by Allah Most High is nothing but Paradise." (Bukhari)

Fasting:  Fasting in the ten days and especially on the day of Arafah is of great significance. Fasting is done for the sake of Allah and He alone would give his reward. Muslim narrated from Abu Qutaadah that the Prophet (PBUH) said: "Fasting the Day of Arafah will be credited with Allah by forgiving one's sins of the previous year and the following year." 

At-Takbeer and Adh-Dhikr: The starting hadith outlines the importance of increasing the zikr in these days. At-Takbeer (saying: Allah-Akbar) and adh-Dhikr (remembrance of Allah, the Most High) in these (ten) days, because of the saying of Allah in Soorah al-Hajj verse 28: "...And mention the name of Allah on the appointed Days..." 

Repentance: Repenting for the sins committed in the past and asking for forgiveness from Allah.

Deeds: Doing a lot of voluntary (Nafl) worship such as prayer, charity, jihad, reciting Quran, staying away from evil etc, and the reward of these deeds id multiplied several times their reward during these days of dhuul-hajj.

Sacrifice: The slaughtering of a sacrificial animal (Adhiyyah) is also legislated for the Day of Sacrifice (10th) and the Days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th and 13th). This is the Sunnah of our father Ibrahim (May Allah be pleased with him) - from when Allah, the Most High redeemed his son by the great sacrifice (of an animal in his place).

Eid: Performing the eid prayer and celebrating eid.

Choosing a Marriage Partner in Islam

"Women of purity are for men of purity, and men of purity are for women of purity."(Quran 24:26)

Marriage is a relationship where each matrimonial partner should be able to fulfill his/her responsibility to religion and society equally.  They should share the common goal of building a well-integrated Muslim community and be able to work harmoniously towards it. Marriage is one of the most highly recommended acts in Islam.

 

The Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH) says “The person who marries, safeguards half of his religion.” He (PBUH) also assured the bounty of Allah to those who wish to get married and live a pure and clean life. "Three groups of people Allah obliged Himself to help them: Mujahid in the cause of Allah, a worker to pay his debt, and the one who wants to marry to live a chaste life". (Tirmidhi)

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended Muslims to select those partners who are best in religion (Deen) and character. He said: "A woman may be married for four reasons: for her property, for her rank, for her beauty, and for her religion (and character), so marry the one who is best in the religion and character and prosper."(Bukari and Muslim)

Islam has given freedom of choice to those who wish to get married. The mutual choice of the bride and groom to be is given the highest consideration.  Islam does not allow anyone to be forced into a marriage. Since a marriage is a union between two people and their families, it is important for parents to understand the needs of their children and allow them to be with suitable spouses of their choice. Furthermore Islam also gives the permission to look at the women whom a man intends to marry. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "When one of you seeks a woman in marriage, and then if he is able to have a look at whom he wishes to marry, let him do so." (Abu Dawood)

Tarawih

Tarawih is an optional (nafli) prayer offered after Isha in the month of Ramzan.  This prayer cab be offered individually or in congregation. Hazrat Muhammad never offered tarawih regularly in Ramzan because he was afraid it would become obligatory by Allah. During Hazrat Umar caliphate Tarawih was made a regular in the mosque after the Isha prayer. He fixed the ra’kah as twenty for tarawih. Some of the companions did not join in the congregational tarawih, preferring to do them at home individually during the last third part of the night. During the time of Imam Malik however 36 Rak`ah was offered in the Madinan Mosque. It is said about the eight Rak`ah tarawih of the modern times as “mukhtasar al-mukhtasar” i.e. abridgment of the abridged.

Last ten days of Ramadan

The last ten days of Ramadan are very special. These last days should be spended with as much worship as possible. The first of these nights occurs on the eve of 21st day of Ramadan. Our Holy Prophet used to dedicate himself entirely to worship in these ten nights as compared to any other night of the year. Among the last ten days the holy night of Layla tul Qadr (the night of Power) occurs. It is a night more blessed than a thousand months.

Aisha (RA) tells us: "During the last ten nights of Ramadan, the Prophet (PBUH) would tighten his waist belt and spend the night in worship. He would also wake up his family." (Al Bukhari)
Aisha also says: "I had never known Allah's Messenger to read the entire Quran in a single night, or to spend the whole night in prayer up until the morning, or to spend a whole month in fasting - except in Ramadan."

Spending the whole night in prayer means he would spend some time in eating dinner, pre-dawn meal , doing the regular chores along with spending most of the night in worship and supplication. He would not worship alone but also wake up his wives to pray for much longer portion of the night in these ten days.

Umm Salamah, the Prophet's wife, relates that the Prophet  woke her up one night and said: "Glory be to Allah. What has been sent down of trials during this night? What has been sent down of treasures, so that the denizens of the bedchambers will be awakened? O Lord! To be clothed in this world by naked in the Hereafter." (Al Bukhari)

The great jurist, Al-Shafi'i, declares: "It is Sunnah for one to exert greater efforts in worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan."

One of the greatness of these nights is that in these special nights one of them is Laylat-al-Qadr. The rewards of worship earned in this night are more than any if a Muslim spends worshipping whole life.

Imam Ibrahim Al-Nakha`i says: "Good works performed on this night are better than those performed consistently for a thousand months."

Abu Hurayrah relates that the Prophet said:

"Whoever spends Laylat al-Qadr in prayer, believing in Allah and seeking His reward, will be forgiven all of his past sins." (Al Bukhari& Muslim)

"Believing in Allah", in this hadith, means not only to believe in Allah, but to believe in the reward that we are promised for observing prayer on this night.

Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) is on one of the odd nights. Aisha relates that Prophet Muhammad  said: - "Seek out Laylat al-Qadr in the odd nights during the last ten nights of Ramadan." (Al Bukhari & Muslim) -

Patience in Islam

A famous English proverb says “God helps those who help themselves” but being a Muslim I would mould the proverb into “Allah helps those who are patient”.

Islam attaches great importance to patience. There are many verses in the Holy Quran and ahadith that emphasize the importance and virtues of patience. Islam and patience go hand in hand; every attribute of Islam has an element of patience associated with it. Humans are faced with difficulties and challenges now and then. Struggle is important to overcome them but patient is the key to success.  If people start wrangling on such occasions then advancement in human progress would become intricate. Therefore Islam has placed great emphasis on patience, so that by avoiding all unpleasantness, man may continue his onward journey towards the higher goal.

The holy Quran stresses the need for patience in the following ayahs:

“Indeed Allah is with those who are patient.”

 “Endure with fortitude whatever befalls you.”

“.. have patience. God is with those that are patient.”

Allah chooses whether good or evil befalls a person. What we fail to realize in the whole situation is that whatever occurred could have been in our support or in opposition. But what lies in the end is the reward and it is only for those who are patient with the Decree of Allah. The Quran has to about this is:

“...and it may be that you dislike a thing that is good for you and that you like a thing that is bad for you.  God knows but you do not know.” (Quran 2:216)

Human nature is spontaneous and abrupt. We panic and become impatient. A small affliction occurs and we start complaining i.e. shakwah appears on our tongues within seconds. Shakwa is contrary to sabr (patience). If Allah can send miseries in our lives, He can also protect us from them. Patience is mandatory exercise in trying situations. . It is a virtue, which enables the individual to proceed towards worthy goals, undeflected by adverse circumstances or repeated provocations. If he allows himself to become upset by opposition, taunts or other kinds of unpleasantness, he will never reach his goals. He will simply become enmeshed in irrelevancies. Stick with patience and the reward is yours.

Hazrat Umar (RA)

Hazrat Umar (RA) was one of the great Muslim Khalifa in history. H was also the best companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He was born in a respectable Quraish family which was known for in depth knowledge of genealogy. Hence from childhood to manhood he became quite proficient in this branch of knowledge along with several other skills of swordsmanship, wrestling, and art of speaking. He chose to become a merchant like many other Arabs. The experience in trade gave him a keen insight into the affairs of men and ways to handle them. Umer (RA) personality was vibrant, self-assertive, frank and straight forward. He always spoke whatever was in his mind even if it displeased others. Because of these and many other eminent qualities he became the successor to Caliphate after Abu Bakr (RA).

Like many other Makkans, Umar was also against the spread of Islam. It enraged him so much one day that he swore to kill the Prophet. On his way he was informed that his own sister Fatima and her husband had accepted Islam too. He went straight to her house and beat her up. Her sister had been reading Quran before that. After the beatings subdued she said, “Umar (R.A), you can do what you like, but you cannot turn our hearts away from Islam.” These words had a strange effect on him and he demanded to hear what she had been reading. He was moved to the core by the words of the Qur’an and immediately grasped their truth. He went straight to the house where the Prophet was staying and vowed allegiance to him.

During his Khalifate Islamic state went through a vast expansion. Islam flourished and spread to Egypt, Iraq, Palestine and Iran. The greatness of Umar’s lied in his quality of leadership and expertness on Islamic jurist. He earned him the title Al-Faruq ("the one who distinguishes between right and wrong"). He was valiant and a strong disciplinary. Umar (R.A) gave his government an administrative structure. In a short period of 10 years he had many achievements and reforms done.

Hazrat Umar Farooq (R.A) breathed his last on 26th Dhul-Hajj, 23 Hijri. He is buried next to the side of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). 

Hazrat Uthman (RA)

Hazrat Uthman (RA) belonged to the “Ummayah” family of Quraish. It was a noble and reputed family of Makkah. The descendants of this family are known as as "Banu Umayyah" or "Umawwin". Hazrat Uthman (RA) was among those few people in Makkah who knew how to read and write. He grew up and started his own business of cloth and became very rich. His kind and helping nature earned him a great respect among the Makkahans. He did not hesitate to accept Islam and acknowledged the prophet hood of Prophet Muhammad (saw). The Quraish became his enemies after his acceptance of Islam. They tried to rebuke and chastise him severely. The Holy Prophet (saw) married one of his daughters to him after she was divorced by Abu Lahb son. When the hardships of the evil Quraish began to become unbearable Uthman (RA) along with his wife migrated to Abyssinia. He was the first Muslim to migrate. Uthman (RA) married the second daughter of Prophet when his wife died hence he was given the title of “Dhun-nurain" i.e., the man with two lights. 

Hazrat Uthman (RA) served Islam by all means. His services are prominent and inspiring. He fought in all the battles of Islam except Badr. He bought a well for free use of Muslims of Madinah at the cost of twenty thousand dhirams from a Jew. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave his the tidings of paradise for this kind act. He also extended the mosque of Madinah to accommodate the increasing population by buying a land. His other services include for bearing the expenses of one third army (10000 men) in the expedition of Tabuk. The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu'alaihi wa Sallam) remarked on this, "Nothing will do any harm to Uthman from this day, whatever he does." Hadrat Uthman (R.A.) was one of the scribes of the “Wahy" (Revelation) and also used to write other documents (letters and messages etc.) of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi wa Sallam).

He became the third Muslim Khalifa. Muslims conquered a number of new areas under his regime. They took over Antalya and Asia Minor in the west including Cyprus. Afghanistan, Samarkand, Tashkent, Trukmennistan, Khurasan and Tabrastan in the East and North East; and Libya, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco in North Africa. In this way Muslims were ruling over a vast part of Asia and Africa viz. Afghanistan, Turkmennistan, Uzbekistan, Persia or Iran, Iraq, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Cyprus, Syria, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and of course Arabia (now Saudi Arabia) and Yemen including the Gulf states. Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu) himself was made Shaheed by rebels while he was reading the Holy Quran inside his house. This happened on Friday, the 17th of Zil Hajj in 35 A.H.. He was 84 years old. 

Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA)

Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was born in 573 A.D at Makkah in a very nobel and respectable family of Bani Tamim, a branch of Quraish. His real name was Abdullah and Abu Baqr was his patronymic name. Islam gave him the title of ‘As-Siddiq’ which meant ‘the truthful’. He was known for his honesty, truth and sincerity. Among the many esteemed qualities that he possessed, he was also the best friend of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). His profession was trade. Because of his noble character, he had many profit in trade. Being the best friend of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH); Hazrat Abu Bakr readily accepted Islam without hesitation. After accepting Islam he started preaching it secretly. Eight prominent figures accepted Islam at the hands of Hazrat Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (R.A.). He went to ‘Uthman, Talha, Zubair and Said (Ridwanullah 'alaihim 'Ajma'in). They accepted Islam on his preaching. Next day he went to 'Uthman bin Maz'un, Abu'Ubaidah, Abdur Rahman bin 'Auf and some other prominent Quraish, who also accepted Islam at his hands.

Many hardships fell on him when the Makkans came to know of his preaching’s about Islam. Even his noble character did not facilitate him in this matter. But the faithful servant of Allah kept on spreading Allah’s word despite the hardships and difficulties. He spent enormous money to set free Muslim slaves who were under non-Muslim masters. Hazrat Bilal (RA), a Negro, was among those whom the Abu Bakr had set free. When Holy Prophet (PBUH) decided to migrate to Madina, Abu Bakr (RA) was the only companion whom he trusted enough to migrate with. The Holy Qur'an describes it as follows: "When the disbelievers drove him out; he had no more than one companion. They were two in the cave. And he said to his companion: "Have no fear for Allah is with us". Then Allah sent down His peace upon him". (9:40)

Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) fought along with Prophet in almost all the important battles. He was brave man. On the occasion of Tabuk expedition Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A.) brought everything that he possessed. When the Holy Prophet asked him, "What did you leave for your family?" Abu Bakr (R.A.) said, "I have left for them Allah and his Prophet". Even Hazrat Umar (R.A.) admitted that he could never hope to surpass Abu Bakr (R.A.) in his sacrifice for the cause of Allah and Islam. After the death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he became the first khalifa. During his khalifate he had to face many hardships. It was a very sensitive time. Many people refused to pay zakat and the Eastern Roman and Persian were threatening the new born Islamic state. Under these circumstances Hazrat Abu Baqr did not lose hope and fought the situations with valor and courage. Abu Bakr died on 21 Jamadi-al Akhir, 13 A.H. (23 August 634 A.C.), at the age of sixty-three, and was buried by the side of the Holy Prophet. His caliphate had been of mere twenty-seven months duration. In this brief span, however, Abu Bakr had managed to strengthen and consolidate his community and the state, and to secure the Muslims against the perils which had threatened their existence.

Hazrat Ayesha (RA)

Hazrat Ayesha (RA) was the third wife of Holy Prophet (PBUH) and daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (RA). She was the only virgin wife of Prophet Muhammad while the others were mostly widows before coming into his nikkah. Historical records show that Aisha was a genius and great scholar of Islam. She is a proof of the fact that a woman can be learned and educated like any other man along with being a source of joy and pleasure for her husband. Her marriage to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) holds significant aspect in Islamic history. Her striking beauty, eminent qualities and formidable memory were under the direct care and attention of the Prophet. As his wife and close companion she acquired from him knowledge and insight such as no woman has acquired. She had ample opportunities to penetrate into the innermost recesses of the sacred heart of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). She shared his company and thus was able to develop her potentialities and refine her taste perfectly in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

Hazrat Aisha was born Muslim. Her parents had converted to Islam before her birth therefore right from birth not a brink of kufr shadowed upon her. She came under the nikkah of Prophet at the age of six but her wedding did not take place until the second year of hijrah. About her wedding, she related that: "Shortly before she was to leave her parent's house, she slipped out into the courtyard to play with a passing friend. I was playing on a see-saw and my long streaming hair was disheveled." She further says: "They came and took me from my play and made me ready.". Her childish behavior and playful ways did not change after the wedding. Her friends use to visit her regularly in her home. She was so attached to Prophet Muhammad that one night when she did not find him, she started searching for in the darkness. Finally her hand touched his while he was in prostration, she was relieved.

Her treasure of knowledge was immense. About 2210 ahadith were narrated from her. She had approximately two hundred students of which Hazrat Abu Hurairah, Hazrat Abu Musa Ashari, Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas and Hazrat Abdullah ibnZubair .

At the time of death Prophet Muhammad’s head was in her lap. She was just eighteen at that time and lived on almost fifty years. She passed away in the year 58 A.H. in the month of Ramadaan and was buried in Baqi al-Garqad of Madinatul.

Golden Sayings of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

~“The best of friends is he who is best in behavior and character.“

~ “He who wishes to enter Paradise must please his father and mother.“

~ “Whoever loves to meet God, God loves to meet him.“

~ “God is not merciful to him who is not so to humankind. He who is not kind to God“s creation and to his own children, God will not be kind to him.“

 ~All children of Adam are sinners, but the best among the sinners are those who constantly repent.

~ If someone wants to know what position he enjoys in the eyes of God, he has only to look at what place he gives to God (in his heart and life).

 ~A Muslim is a Muslim's brother; he does not wrong him, nor desert him, nor look down upon him. Remember piety lies here! (and he pointed his fingers to his heart three times.) To belittle one's Muslim brothers (in thoughts or treatment) is enough of evil for a person to do.

~Three characteristics are the signs of a hypocrite, even if he fasts, performs the Prayers and claims that he is a Muslim: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is trusted, he betrays his trust.

~God has laid down certain duties, so do not neglect them; He has set certain boundaries, so do not overstep them; He has prohibited certain things, so do not violate them; about the rest of the things He has kept silent - out of compassion for you, not because He has forgotten (or made a mistake) - so leave them alone and refrain from questioning about them.

 ~That Muslim is guilty of the most serious offence who enquires about something which is not forbidden for men, but is declared forbidden because of his questioning.

Inspirational Islamic Quotes

~"Don’t be sad by what you see
It’s true life has it’s miseries
But one thing’s always worked for me
Worry ends when faith begins." 

~“Every time you feel hunger, thirst or a headache while fasting remind yourself and verbally say ‘Oh Allah, this is for you’.”

~Don’t think for a moment that your heart is “strong”. The heart is a vulnerable fool; it turns more than you turn your head that is it is called “qalb” (that which it turns). Protect it with layers upon layers of guards and the only guard is constant remembrance of Allah.

~When we go through grief, just remember that Prophets went through sadness; the righteous people go through sadness. Sadness is a part of life and reality. The Quran is not there to eliminate sadness. It’s there to navigate it in a healthy way.

~"I looked at all friends, and did not find a better friend than safeguarding the tongue. I thought about all dresses, but did not find a better dress than piety. I thought about all types of wealth, but did not find a better wealth than contentment in little. I thought of all types of good deeds, but did not find a better deed than offering good advice. I looked at all types of sustenance, but did not find a better sustenance than patience." Umer (R.A)

~Prayer For Life: My dear ALLAH when I lose hope, Help me to remember that, your love is greater than my disappointments & your plans For my life are better than my dreams.

Remembrance of Allah

Zikrin Arabic means to remember Allah either by salah, tasbeeh, recitation of Quran, darud shareef, kalma-e-tayyeba etc. The heart and soul along with the tongue submit to the remembrance of Allah wholly.  One should remain fully concentrated while doing zikr because mindlessness would deviate from the actual purpose of zikr.  Zikr purifies the heart and creates love for Allah while eradicating all types of errors and evils. It brings divine peace and satisfaction. The Holy Quran says:

” Behold in the Remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.” (13-28)

” O ye who believes remember Allah very often and glorify Him morning and evening.” (33:41-2)

From the above verse it’s clear that Allah himself asks his servants to remember him morning and evening for it brings satisfaction to hearts. One should not engage in worldly manias to such an extent that they forget to do zikr. Family and wealth are dear to every one yet they should not be a hurdle in Allah’s zikr. Love for Allah should be greater than anything in the world. Zikr not only brings great satisfaction to hearts but also enormous rewards. The bounties of Allah which He has for his men who do zikr day and night are unlimited.  

” And when Salaat is finished then ye may disperse through the land and seek of the Bounty of Allah and celebrate the Praises of Allah much and often; they ye may prosper (here as well as in the next world.)  (62-10)

Its common sense that if you remember someone then only that particular person would remember you. Same is the case with Allah. He never forgets his pious people who remember him on daily basis.

” Then do ye remember Me I will remember you.” (2-152)

To quote a few Hadith about zikr, the Holy Prophet (SAW) says:

” There is a polish for everything, for the hearts it is zikr of Allah.”

He has also said:

“Those who remember Allah and those who do not are like those who are alive and those who are dead.” (i.e. who remember Allah and celebrate, His praises are alive and those who do not are dead.)

 The Holy Prophet (SAW) was once asked who would be the most exalted among the servants of Allah on the Last Day, He (SAW) replied “Those who remember Allah, be they men or women.”

“Keep your tongue always employed in repeating the name of Allah.”

The Story of Prophet Yusuf (AS) [Part5]

Soon Prophet Ya’qub (AS) family ran out grain. But the brothers could not go back to Egypt without taking their brother Binyamin along with them. They requested and pleaded their father about it and finally managed to convince him with many promises. When they reached Egypt they presented their brother to Prophet Yusuf. He was extremely happy to see him and invite all of his brothers to dine with him. Later he also gave them accommodation but made his little brother to sleep in his room. In the night he revealed his true identity to Binyamin but forbade him to tell his brothers. As the brothers prepared to leave for Kanaan Prophet Yusuf secretly put a golden cup belonging to the king in Binyamin baggage. The Quran says:

“When he (Yusuf) had furnished them with provisions, (someone) placed the (king's) drinking cup in his brother's baggage. Then someone shouted, "People of the caravan, you are most surely thieves."” [Surah Yusuf, 12:70]

The brother returned home and told the horrible incident to their father. The father was heartbroken and wept dearly for the loss of his two sons. He ordered his sons to return to Egypt and plead for the release of Binyamin as well as grain for food.

Prophet Yusuf (AS) reminded them of how badly they had treated their brother Yusuf, and caused separation between him and his father. The brothers were amazed to hear their secret from the Aziz, who now spoke in the language of the people of Kanaan. They asked him, "Are you Yusuf?"

He replied, "Yes, I am Yusuf, and this is my brother. Allah has been gracious to me. One who is pious and patient against hardships is always rewarded by Allah for his virtues." On hearing this, the brothers hung their heads in shame and asked him for his forgiveness. He said, "You need not be frightened of me. Allah may forgive you your sins. Now take my shirt and cover my father's face with it, so that he may regain his lost sight. Then return to me with all your family."

The Holy Qur'an says:
When the caravan had left the town (from Egypt), their father (in Kanaan) said, "I smell Yusuf's fragrance. I hope you will not think that I am weak in judgement (due to my love for him). They said, "By Allah ! You are still making the same old error. When someone brought him the glad news, Yusuf's shirt was placed on his face and his eyesight was restored. He said, "Did I not tell you that I know about Allah that which you do not know?"
[Surah Yusuf, 12:94-96]

After getting his eyesight back Prophet Ya’qub (AS) decided to leave for Egypt with his whole family. Prophet Yusuf (AS) was delighted to see his father and mother. Thus the long awaited union came to an end. The parents and all his brothers bowed before him in fulfillment of the dream Prophrt Yusuf haf once seen about eleven stars and the sun and the moon in prostration in front of him. After many trial Allah had given him a reward of glory and highest rank in the land.

Prophet Ya’qub (AS) lived for about seventeen years in Egypt. After his death he was buried in Kanaan according to his request. Prophet Yusuf (AS) breathed his last some years later at the age of 110 years, and his kingdom passed into the hands of rulers whose titles were Fir'aun.

The Story of Prophet Yusuf (AS) [Part4]

The Holy Quran says:
“The king ordered his men to bring Yusuf before him; he wanted to grant him a high office. The king said to him, "From now on you will be an honored and trusted person amongst us." Yusuf said, "Put me in charge of the treasuries of the land, I know how to manage them.”
[Surah Yusuf, 12:54, 55]

As the verse relates the King of Egypt Prophet Yusuf (AS) as the in charge of treasury of finance and food. He also gave Prophet Yusuf as his ring to show him as his equal and testify his authority on his behalf. The king also ordered his ministers and officials to treat Yusuf’s command as his own. As soon as Prophet Yusuf (AS) was handed over the office, he went straight to work and formulated ways to enhance productivity and growth of food. During the first seven years he supplied grains to the people according to their needs and stored the surplus in huge granaries. By the end of seven years, the granaries were full. Then came the time of drought and the water level of river Nile began to fall and the country was hit by a terrible drought. But nothing was to worry about because of Prophet Yusuf’s foresight and planning. The famine extended to the lands of Palestine and Kanaan where Prophet Ya’qub lived with his family. One day he called them and said, "My sons! We are in great distress due to the famine. You may go to the Aziz of Egypt whose reputation as a kind and just person has spread everywhere in the country. Leave Binyamin with me for company so that I may not be lonely." As commanded by their father, the brothers of Prophet Yusuf (AS) set off for Egypt to purchase grain and bring it back to Kanaan.

The brothers arrived in Egypt. Prophet Yusuf was pleased to see them but the brothers were unable to identify him. He gave them food and shelter and asked them to tell him about their family. Prophet was revealed to hear about his father and mother but disappointed that they had brought their younger brother Binyamin with them. As the brothers prepared to go Prophet Yusuf gave them enough wheat and also put their money back into their packs secretly. He also asked them to bring their other brother the next time as proof that they were speaking the truth about their family. The Holy Qur'an narrates this episode in the following words:

“Yusuf's brothers came to him and when they entered his court, he recognized them. They did not know him. And when he gave them the provisions, he said, "Next time, bring me your other brother from your father. As you can see, I give each of you a certain amount of grain, I am a polite host. If you do not bring him, do not come to us for we shall not give you any more grain.”
[Surah Yusuf, 12:58- 60]

How to perform Wudu

Wuhu is an essential part of Muslim hygiene. It is necessary for a Muslim to be in a state of wudu before performing salat or reciting Quran. It is an act of washing exposed body parts using clean water. It is often translated as ‘partial ablution’ as opposed to ghusl or “full ablution”.

The Qur'anic mandate for wudhu comes in the sixth ayat of sura 5 (Al-Ma'ida):

 "O you who believe! when you rise up to prayer, wash your faces and your hands as far as the elbows, wipe your heads and your feet to the ankles; and if you are under an obligation to perform a total ablution, then wash (yourselves) and if you are sick or on a journey, or one of you come from the privy, or you have touched the women, and you cannot find water, betake yourselves to pure earth and wipe your faces and your hands therewith, God does not desire to put on you any difficulty, but He wishes to purify you and that He may complete His favor on you, so that you may be grateful."

Steps

1-Make the neeyat (intention) to perform wudhu

2 - Pray Bismilla-hirrahmaan-nirraheem

3 - Wash the hands up to and including the wrists - also wash between the fingers

4 - Wash your mouth 3 times by using your right hand to put water in your mouth and rinsing (try to gargle also allowing the water to reach the throat)) - between rinsing brush your teeth with miswaak or your right index finger. Miswaak will be more beneficial as this is a sunnah of prophet Muhammad (saw)

5 - Wash the nose 3 times. Each time, gently place water into the nose with the right hand, and exhale by placing left at the top of your nose (releasing anything in the nose).

6 - Wash the entire face three times (from the top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin, and from earlobe to earlobe), Place water in your hands by holding both hands together and then gently pour the water over your face making sure you rub the face from he top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin, and from earlobe to earlobe - try not to splash the water too harshly.

7 - Wash both arms up to the elbow 3 times. Pass fingers of both hands through each other.

8 - Wet hands and starting with your hands flat on the top of your head near the hairline, wipe them to the back of the neck. This is only done once. This act is called masah of the head.

9 - With wet fingers, place thumbs at backs of ears, use index finger on curves of ear and middle finger to wash the ears (front and back). Then the back of the neck is wiped with the reverse of your hand. This is only done once. This is called making masah the ears.

10 - Run all fingers through the beard

11 - Wash both feet up to the ankles. Start with right foot and make sure you clean in between the toes using figures from your left hand.

Rinse your hands when finished

The Story of Prophet Yusuf (AS) [Part3]

The Holy Quran says:

“The king dreamt that seven lean cows were eating seven fat ones and that there were seven green ears of corn and seven dry ones. He asked the nobles to tell him the meaning of his dream if they were able to. They replied, "It is a confused dream and we do not know the meaning of such dreams." [Surah Yusuf 12:43,44]

The king of Egypt was quite worried about the dream. He had sought the interpretation of his dream with wise men and astrologers. But they seemed to render no help. When the wine server about the issue, he was minded about Prophet Yusuf and his request for liberation from the prison. He approached the king and told him about Prophet and his ability. The king sent for this man. Prophet Yusuf interpreted the dream by the power of Allah vested in him. He said, “For seven years the crops will yield abundant food-grain for the people of Egypt. After that there will be a famine for seven years during which all the food-grain lying in the storehouses will be finished and people will starve. Therefore, the people should try to grow as much extra grain as possible so that it would stand them in good stead during the time of famine”

The king became quite impressed by Prophet Yusuf ability and ordered to bring him to the court so that he could use of his wisdom in solving problems of the country. Prophet Yusuf (AS) refused to leave the prison until he proved his innocence. He said to the courtiers, "I will not come out of the prison until the king makes enquiries about my case. Tell the king to ask the wives of the noble men about the time when they cut their fingers on seeing me".

The courtiers passed on this message to the king who called the concerned women to him for an explanation. They all confessed the truth and Zuleikha, the wife of the Aziz, also testified that Prophet Yusuf (AS) was innocent of any guilt. Thus, Prophet Yusuf (AS) was released from the prison with his dignity and honor restored.

The Holy Quran says:
The king ordered his men to bring Yusuf before him; he wanted to grant him a high office. The king said to him, "From now on you will be an honoured and trusted person amongst us." Yusuf said, "Put me in charge of the treasuries of the land, I know how to manage them."
Surah Yusuf, 12:54,55

The Story of Prophet Yusuf (AS) [Part2]

Zuleikha was completely mesmerized by Yusuf’s beauty that she thought to have an illegal association with him. At one occasion she was able to trap in a room so that she could be alone with him. Yusuf on realizing the woman’s evil intentions tried to run but she attacked him from behind and was able to grab his shirt from behind. The shirt got torn. At the door Yusuf bumped into Aziz himself. Realizing the stickiness of the situation Zuleikha blamed Yusuf that he was trying to lay hand on her. Yusuf pleaded his case. A witness from her own household testified, "If his shirt is torn from the front, then she speaks the truth and he is of the liars. And if his shirt is torn from behind, then she lies and he is of the truthful ones.” Aziz was ashamed of his wife and asked her to stay away from him. He requested Yusuf to forget the incident too. However the story of the scandal got out of the palace, and spread far and wide.  Women of other nobles maliciously gossiped about this happening. 

Zuleikha arranged a party and invited the women of nobility to her palace.  As they were busy cutting and eating fruits, she summoned Yusuf into her audience.  As he arrived in their presence, the women got totally stunned by his beauty, and many cut their fingers instead of the fruits in their hands and exclaimed.”This is not a human being, he must be an angel”.  They were now convinced over what they had heard about Yusuf and his beauty. Yusuf prayed to Allah to save him from the wickedness of the queen and other women of Egypt. Zuleikha was furious with Yusuf because he had caused her to be ridiculed. In her anger and frustration, she caused him to be imprisoned on false charges of assault.

Yusuf was thrown into prison. The prisoners noted his purity of character and good conduct and elected his as the deputy in managing the affairs of the prison. On the day Yusuf came into prison, two other prisoners were also imprisoned. One was a wine server and other was a cook, both had been accused of poisoning the kind. One day they came to him and told of their weird dreams. They requested him to interpret the dreams. Prophet Yusuf (AS) not only interpreted the dreams but also preached them the religion of Allah Almighty. Finally he said, "O my prison-mates! The man who dreamt that he was crushing grapes will soon be released from here and will go back to his previous post. The second one, who carried the bread on his head in the dream, will be executed and the birds will start to eat his brain." Prophet Yusuf (AS) thought of getting himself released from prison through the wine-server, and told him to remind the king of his innocence when he saw him. The dreams of both men came true just as he had foretold. One of the captives was released while the other was hanged. Unfortunately, the wine-server forgot all that Prophet Yusuf (AS) had told him to convey to the king.

The Story of Prophet Yusuf (AS) [Part1]

Prophet Ya’qub (AS) had twelve sons out of which Yusuf (AS) was the youngest. This youngest son was remarkably handsome, attractive and possessed with excellent character and manners. Such qualities had gained him deep affection and love from his father. Thus he occupied a rank of outstanding distinction among his brothers. Yusuf’s bothers began to get jealous of him soon. Once Yusuf saw a dream that eleven stars, the sun and moon were prostrating to him. He related the dream to his father. Prophet Ya'qub realized that the dream outlined his son’s destiny and greatness and cautioned him not to tell anything about the dream to his brothers. Since his brothers were already jealous of him and were thinking to get away with him had already devised a ploy. His brothers often used to ask their father to take Yusuf out for grazing the goats but the father would always deny. When Yusuf turned sixteen, the brothers finally managed to extract permission from their father. As soon as they were far away from the home they plotted to dispose of him for good. They threw him in a dry well and brought his shirt; smothered sheep’s blood. They put on a show in front of their parents about a wolf that had killed their brother. Prophet Ya’qub did not believe their story and was saddened by the story that he wept profusely all day and night. He remained patient and waited for the day Allah will unite him with son.

Meanwhile a caravan of traders passing by the well stopped to draw some water. They were surprised to see Yusuf come up holding the bucket. They were stunned at his beauty and saw that potential of higher salve value because of it. So they hid him with their merchandise and sold him to some slave traders for a few pieces of silver.  Upon arriving at Egypt Yusuf was put to display in a slave market. His value because of his breath taking beauty increased every day. News of him reached the ears of the Aziz (Governor of Egypt and Chief Officer of the King) named Fotifaar. Fotifaar offered a huge price that was highest among the bidders. He brought Prophet Yusuf (AS) home and told his wife Zuleikha that they would adopt him as their son.

Three Ashra’s of Ramadan and there dua’s

Ramadan is a month of blessing, supplication, spiritual reflection, devotion, worship and improvement. It is divided into three parts called as ‘ashra’s’ in Arabic. The word ashr’a means 10. So each ashr’a of Ramadan consists of ten days. Each ashr’a has its own religious significance and blessings. The first Ashra is from 1 to 10 Ramadan, second Ashra is from 11 to 20th Ramadan, while the third one is from 21 to 30 Ramadan. There are specific dua’s that need to be recited during the day of each ashr’a.

FIRST ASHRA

The first ten days of the blessed month of Ramadan are the days of Mercy. We should seek Allah's Mercy in these days by reciting these dua’s.

Rab-bigh-fir war-ham wa Anta Khair-ur-Raahimeen. (Surah Al Muminun:118)

Ya Rabb, Allahumma arhamni Ya Arham-mar-Rahimeen.

Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyumu Birahmatika asta-ghee-thu

SECOND ASHRA

The second ten days of Ramadan are the days of Forgiveness. Seek Allah's forgiveness and repent form all sins.

Allahum-magh-fir-li dhunoobi Ya Rabbal Alameen

Astagfirullah-rabbi-min-kulli-zambiyon-wa-atoobuilaiyh

Rabbana Fagh-fir-lana dhunoobana wa kaf-fir-'anna sayyi-aatina wa ta-waf-fana ma-'al abraar. (Surah Al-Imran:193)

THIRD/LAST ASHRA

The last days of Ramadan are to seek Refuge in Allah from the Hellfire.

Allahumma Ajirna min-an-naar.

Importance of Hijab in Islam

'O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) over their bodies (when outdoors). That is most convenient that they should be known and not molested.' (S33:59).

Hijab (veil) is a dress for an Islamic woman that is used to cover her adornment. It’s of utmost significance for muslim women to wear hijab when she goes out of her house so that she may remain protected from praying eyes of non-related evil men. It acts as a shield and a security for her. To observe proper hijab is to dress modestly and appropriately covering all parts of her body including her face and hands. By dressing up modestly a women can come closer to Allah because modesty is an essential element of faith. A woman without veil has no modesty and dignity hence she is void of faith which ultimately results in no position for her in front of Allah. In Islam a woman has a very important role to play whether as a wife, a sister or daughter. Islam provides her all sorts of liberation in terms of education, job or household. The hijab gives her a sense of authority and freedom, facilitating her freedom and protecting her against any kind of assault and provocation of bad men. By wearing veil a woman can go out of her house to acquire knowledge, do house hold chores and even work to earn for her family. She will not be confined within the four walls of her house. Today’s Muslim woman is following the western trend of fashion and she thinks wearing hijab is an old approach and an unnecessary requirement imposed by her parents on her. She is deliberately allured by media and fashion industry towards stunning and dazzling dresses, cosmetics, jewelry and shoes that misguide her into believing that wearing such outfits would make her look more breathtakingly beautiful and gorgeous. Sadly that’s how she becomes an object that is being put to display and looked upon by people for the sake of pleasure. Quoting a reference of the holy Quran here: 

“The best of your women is the affectionate, the fertile, the comforting, and the agreeable— if they fear Allah. The most evil of your women are those who expose and display themselves, and those who strut (to show off) and they are the hypocrites. Those who enter al-Jannah (the Paradise) are like the red beaked crow.” [Al-Bayhaqi].

From the above Aayah it is quite apparent that displaying oneself is indeed unlawful. Further, it is a quality of the most evil and disbelieving women. They only have this life to enjoy, while the believing women will have Paradise. Hence the importance of Hijaab is clear. It is the only hijab that would bring a Muslim women respect, authority and honor irrespective of latest trends of fashion in clothing that would simply display her body and disgrace her. There is nothing in hijab to be ashamed of, as it is the garment of the righteous and pious female worshippers of Allah. Are you ashamed that you worship Allah, than why you avoid the use of HIJAB???

Music and Islam

The worst sin is the one committed and refusing to believe it to be unlawful. In the opposite situation however a person commits a sin believing that a sin is being committed and feels regret and remorse in the heart. The case with music and unlawful singing is the same. In recent years the issue of Music has been the subject of grave importance and extremely significant issue. It has been strictly prohibited in Shariah, yet there are Muslims who deny believing that it is haram. Many Muslims are afflicted with music and are daily confronted by a situation where they are forced to listen to music whether by choice or without it. Music is being played everywhere: the malls, markets, cars blaring music, universities, homes. This increasing popularity of music poses a threat to the Muslims who are clearly asked not to listen to it. Music is a useless source of entertainment. It’s a ploy by the non-Muslims to deviate Muslims from their religious beliefs. The western society has engaged itself in this rubbish activity and they want to take others along with them too. One hadith confirms unlawfulness of music and singing: 

“There will be people of my Ummah who will seek to make lawful; fornication, wine-drinking and the use of ma`aazif (musical instruments).”

The arabic word `ma`aazif ` shows that it refers to musical instruments, the sounds of those musical instruments and singing with the accompaniment of instruments.  Closer analysis of the wordings of the Hadith establishes the prohibition of music. Firstly, the words `seek to make lawful ` shows that music is not permissible, as logically one can only seek to make lawful that which is not allowed. Secondly, if music was not prohibited, then it would not have been brought within the same context as fornication and wine-drinking. Islam totally forbids adultery and also those things that lead to it. Allah Most High says: “And do not come near to adultery, for it is a shameful deed and an evil, opening the road (to other evils)” (al-Isra, 32). Islam does not only prohibit adultery and fornication, but also those things that may lead to it.

There are great harms and ill-effects of music on the person listening to it. Research and experimental studies have shown that not only music directly affects the brain but other organs of the body as well. Music and bodily movements are closely associated. People listening to music automatically start tapping their fingers and feet, as if the music is permeating in their blood. Music also effects the emotions like it causes alertness, excitement and depression. Music is often perceived as a form of pleasure and time pass but rather it teaches the message of love, fornication, drugs and freedom.