This house was originally built by Prophet Abraham and serves as the focal point for all prayers however itself is not the object of worship as God Almighty is the only one worthy of worship.

Hajj literally means ‘to set out for a place’. Islamically however it refers to the annual pilgrimage that Muslims make to Makkah with the intention of performing certain religious rites in accordance with the method prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam).  Hajj and its rites were first ordained by Allaah in the time of the Prophet lbrahIm [Abraham] (AS) and he was the one who was entrusted by Allaah to build the Ka’ba – the House of Allaah – along with his son Ismaa’eel [Ishmael] at Makkah.

Allaah described the Ka’ba and its building as follows:

“And remember when We showed Ibrahim the site of the [Sacred] House [saying]: Associate not anything [in worship with Me and purify My House for those who circumambulate it [i.e. perform tawaaf] and those who stand up for prayer and those who bow down and make prostration [in prayer etc.].”  [Surah Al-Hajj 22:26]

After building the Ka’ba, Ibrahim (AS) would come to Makkah to perform Hajj every year, and after his death, this practice was continued by his son. However, gradually with the passage of time, both the form and the goal of the Hajj rites were changed. As idolatry spread throughout Arabia , the Ka’ba lost its purity and idols were placed inside it. Its walls became covered with poems and paintings, including one of Jesus and his mother Maryam and eventually over 360 idols came to be placed around the Ka’ba.

During the Hajj period itself, the atmosphere around the sacred Ka’ba was like a circus. Men and women would go round the Ka’ba naked, arguing that they should present themselves before Allaah in the same condition they were born. Their prayer became devoid of all sincere remembrance of Allaah and was instead reduced to a series of hand clapping, whistling and the blowing of horns. Even the talbeeyah was distorted by them with the following additions:
‘No one is Your partner except one who is permitted by you. You are his Master and the Master of what he possesses’. Sacrifices were also made in the name of Allaah. However, the blood of the sacrificed animals was poured onto the walls of the Ka’ba and the flesh was hung from pillars around the Ka’ba, in the belief that Allaah demanded the flesh and blood of these animals.

Singing, drinking, adultery and other acts of immorality occurred amongst the pilgrims and the poetry competitions which were held were a major part of the whole Hajj event. In these competitions, poets would praise the bravery and splendor of their own tribesmen and tell exaggerated tales of the cowardice and miserliness of other tribes. Competitions in generosity were also held.  Thus the people had totally abandoned the teachings of their forefather and leader Ibrahim (AS). The House that he had made pure for the worship of Allaah alone, had been totally desecrated by the pagans and they had com rites which he had established were completely distorted . This sad state of affairs continued for nearly two and a half thousand years.

But then after this long period, the time came for the supplication of Ibrahim to be answered:

“Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall recite unto them your aayaat (verses) and instruct them in the book and the Wisdom and sanctify them. Verily you are the ‘Azeezul-Hakeem [the All-Mighty, the All-Wise].”
[Surah Al-Baqarah 2:129]

Sure enough, a man by the name of Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullaah (SAWS) was born in the very city that Ibrahim (AS) had made this supplication centuries earlier. For twenty-three years, the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) spread the message of Tawheed [true monotheism] – the same message that Ibrahim and alI the other Prophets came with – and established the law of Allaah upon the land. He expended every effort into making the word of Allaah supreme and his victory over falsehood culminated in the smashing of the idols inside the Ka’ba which once again became the universal center for the worshippers of the one True God.

Not only did the Prophet rid the Ka’ba of all its impurities, but he also reinstated all the rites of Hajj which were established by Allaah’s Permission, in the time of Ibrahim (AS).  Specific injunctions in the Qur’aan were revealed in order to eliminate all the false rites which had become rampant in the pre-Islamic period.  All indecent and shameful acts were strictly banned in Allaah’s statement:

“There is to be no lewdness nor wrangles during Hajj.”
[Surah al-Baqarah 2:197]

Competitions among poets in the exaltation’s of their forefathers and their tribesmens’ achievements were all stopped. Instead, Allaah told them:

“And when you have completed your rites [of Hajj] then remember Allah as you remember your forefathers; nay with a more vigorous remembrance.”
[Surah al-Baqarah 2:200]

Competitions in generosity were also prohibited. Of course, the feeding of the poor pilgrims was still encouraged as this was done in the time of Ibrahim (AS) but Allaah commanded that the slaughtering of the animals which was done for this purpose should be done seeking the pleasure of Allaah rather than fame and the praise of the people.  He said:

“So mention the name of Allaah over these animals when they are drawn up in lines. Then, when they are drawn on their sides [after the slaughter], eat thereof and feed the beggar who does not ask, and the beggar who asks.”
[Surah al-Hajj 22:36].

As for the deplorable practice of spattering blood of the sacrificed animals on the walls of the Ka’ba and hanging their flesh on alters, Allaah clearly informed them that:

“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allaah, but it is Taqwaa (piety) from you that reaches Him.”
[Surah al-Hajj 22:37]

The Prophet (SAWS) also put a stop to the practice of circling the Ka’ba in a state of nudity and the argument that the pagans put forward to justify this ritual was sharply rebutted in Allaah’s question:

“Say: Who has forbidden the adornment [i.e. clothes] given by Allaah which He has produced for His Slaves?”
[Surah al-A’raaf 7:32].

Another custom which was prohibited through the Qur’aan was that of setting off for Hajj without taking any provisions for the journey. In the pre-Islamic period, some people who claimed to be mutawakkiloon (those having complete trust in Allaah) would travel to perform Hajj begging food the whole journey. They considered this form of behaviour a sign of piety and an indication of how much faith they had in Allaah. However Allaah told mankind that to have sufficient provisions for the journey was one of the preconditions for making Hajj.  He said:

“And take a provision [with you] for the journey, but the best provision is at-Taqwaa (piety).”
[Surah al-Baqarah 2:197].

In this way, all the pre-Islamic practices which were based in ignorance were abolished and Hajj was once more made a model of piety, fear of Allaah, purity, simplicity and austerity. Now, when the pilgrims reached the Ka’ba, they no longer found the carnivals and the frolic and frivolity that had once occupied the minds of the pilgrims there before. Now, there was the remembrance of Allaah at every step and every action and every sacrifice was devoted to Him alone. It was this kind of Hajj that was worthy of the reward of paradise, as the Prophet (SAWS) said:

“The reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing less than paradise.”[10].

May Allaah grant us all the ability to visit His House and perform the Hajj in the manner of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS).
Aameen.

LECTURE LINK

I hope many people take the time to watch or listen to this lecture.  It is about an hour long but so worth the time and effort.  This Scholar is just so humble and close to the hearts of people.  Most of all – what he says makes so much sense.  Please let me know what you think after listening to this.  For those who are not Muslim, there is much in this for any God fearing people.  Just keep in mind what most people do not know,  “Allah” is the Arabic word translation for “God” in English.  Allah is not some odd unknown god, He is the same God of Abraham Issac Jacob, Noah and all other known prophets and messengers sent before.  Enjoy!

A friend sent me this link today and I checked it out to find a wonderfully simple site which a variety of information on Islamic teachings.  The best part were downloadable books and videos which cover a wide range of topics; some for the educated Muslim and some for beginners and new converts.  I hope that you will find this site beneficial and easy to use.

Kalamullah

]]> https://islamzpeace.wordpress.com/2013/07/13/books-videos-lectures-and-more/feed/ 0 2596 Sakina https://islamzpeace.wordpress.com/2013/07/06/fasting-is-not-a-diet/ https://islamzpeace.wordpress.com/2013/07/06/fasting-is-not-a-diet/#respond Sat, 06 Jul 2013 13:16:11 +0000 http://islamzpeace.com/?p=2592

“FASTING is not about a diet of burning calories, rather a burning or pride, ego and sins”.

1. We need to live mindful of how brief our life is — there is but a step between us and death.

2. Most of us spend our lives as if we had another one in the bank — the highest value of time is found in the stewardship of time.

3. The most important thing in our lives is what we are doing now — wasted time means wasted lives.

4. Know the true value of time — no idleness, no laziness, no procrastination, never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

5. Time is a very precious gift of God — so precious that it’s given to us moment by moment.

6. As every thread of gold is valuable, so is every moment of time — spend it wisely.

7. Dollars cannot buy yesterday, lost time is never found — time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.

8. Time is the substance of life — when anyone asks you to give your time, they are really asking for a chunk of your life.

9. Don’t be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of — one man gets only a week’s value out of a year while another man gets a full year’s value out of a week.

10. Have a time and place for everything, and do everything in its time and place, and you will not only accomplish more, but have far more leisure than those who are always hurrying.

11. The one who dares to waste one hour of life has not discovered the value of life.

Mufti Menk speaks about surah Al Kahaf which is good to be read on Fridays. He discusses the many lessons that can be learned from this surah.

Recently life has sent me many blows, one after the other, and seeking guidance and mercy from God became a daily action.  It is often said that in ease we forget our worship and in hardship we turn to God.  Unfortunately this is true for many of us.  So during my hours of seeking relief and to ease my heart I came across very nice paragraphs in a book of supplications.  I would like to share this with you now, hoping that you will also benefit from these points.

The well known scholar Ibn Al Qaiyim in his book of athkar mentioned many benefits of supplications.  The process of prayer and dua drives away Shaytan, pleases God and replaces pain and sorrow of the heart with peace, happiness and contentment.  It strengthens the heart and body, illuminates the countenance and heart, and leads one to prosperity.  Thikr, or remembrance of God nurtures the love of Allah in the hearts of the believer and draws him or her closer whereby God opens the doors of understanding.

Thikr invigorates the heart, cleanses it, washes away transgressions, and it closes the gulf between the worshiper and the Creator.  Worship and supplication cause a feeling of assurance and well being – sakinah- as the angles sit with those who quietly recite the praises of God…. There is a want and a need of the human heart that can not be satisfied except with Thikr.  It brings order out of chaos, relieves the believer of the twin burdens of anxiety and wrong doing, relieves the indolent heart, and restrains the tongue from gossip and idle chatter.  There is a knot in the heart which is undone by making supplication and giving thanks to the Creator and is a balm for the heart and a cure for its ailments.  Nothing can bring blessings nor deflect affliction like it.  It smooths out difficulties and eases hardship, lightens burdens and banishes fear and anxiety.  Thikr, or remembrance of Allah nurtures confidence and reliance upon Allah and eliminates pessimism and cynicism.  It supports the believer with the stamina and strength to do what would other wise be difficult.

Finally, thikr is a mighty barrier between the believer and the fire of Hell.  The angels seek forgiveness on behalf of those who rehearse the praises of God.  It is a mighty fortress against the trials and tribulations of this world and the hereafter.

Adapted from Al Wabil As-Saiyib, Ibn Al Qaiyim.

Yasir Qadthi offers a lecture regarding dua and its importance. Those who really want to worship God should continually make supplications and increase it during times of ease, not just when we are faced with calamities and troubles. The lecture is really good and Yasir really brings up some good and important points.

Yasmin Mogahed offers an AMAZING lecture about this life and how deceived we are living a rat race. When we really love someone we honor them with special care and attention, but do we offer God our love and honor? Are we fulfilling those things that God has requested of us? Are we following our own whims or making an effort to live a pure life and worship God without it feeling like a burden? Do we see the storm coming?

Such a wonderful short lecture on how a believer should be truthful between himself and God

This is a combination of lectures regarding women in Islam.  They are very informational and motivational.. I hope you like it.  A nice reminder is that Islam elevates the status of women through the hadith in which a companion came to the prophet pbuh asking:  Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: A person came to Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) and said: Who among the people is most deserving my companionship (of a kind treatment from me?) He said: Your mother. He, again, said: Then who (is the next one)? He said: It is your mother (who deserves the best treatment from you). He said: Then who (is the next one)? He (the Holy Prophet) said: It is your mother. He (again) said: Then who? Thereupon he (The Prophet (peace be upon him)) said: It is your father.

1-  Wife beating is not allowed in Islam!
2-  Noble Verses and Sayings that support the prohibition of any type of
wife beating.
3-  The Prophet forbade striking on the face.
4-  What about the saying about striking the wife lightly on her hand with a siwak?
This saying doesn’t belong to Prophet Muhammad. 
5-  More proofs about the translation of Noble Verse 4:34.
6-  Conclusion.

Wife beating anytime and for any reason is never allowed in Islam.  There is however a questionable condition where Allah Almighty seems to allow the husband to beat his wife, and that is after he gives her two warnings to stop showing ill-conduct and disloyalty.

Let us look at Noble Verses 4:34-36 “(34). Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband’s) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all).

(35). If ye fear a breach between them twain, appoint (two) arbiters, one from his family, and the other from hers; if they wish for peace, Allah will cause their reconciliation: For Allah hath full knowledge, and is acquainted with all things.

(36). Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good- to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious;”

The Arabic word used in Noble Verse 4:34 above is “idribuhunna”, which is derived from “daraba” which means “beat”.  The issue with all of the Arabic words that are derived from the word “daraba” is that they don’t necessarily mean “hit”.  The word “idribuhunna” for instance, could very well mean to “leave” them.  It is exactly like telling someone to “beat it” or “drop it” in English.

Allah Almighty used the word “daraba” in Noble Verse 14:24 “Seest thou not how Allah sets (daraba) forth a parable? — A goodly Word Like a goodly tree, Whose root is firmly fixed, And its branches (reach) To the heavens”.  “daraba” here meant “give an example”.  If I say in Arabic “daraba laka mathal”, it means “give you an example”.

Allah Almighty also used the word “darabtum”, which is derived from the word “daraba” in Noble Verse 4:94, which mean to “go abroad” in the sake of Allah Almighty:

“O ye who believe! When ye go abroad (darabtum) In the cause of Allah, Investigate carefully, And say not to anyone Who offers you a salutation: ‘Thou art none of a Believer!’ Coveting the perishable good Of this life: with Allah Are profits and spoils abundant.  Even thus were ye yourselves Before, till Allah conferred On you His favours: therefore Carefully investigate.  For Allah is well aware Of all that ye do.   (The Noble Quran, 4:94)“

So “daraba” literally means “beat”, or “go abroad”, or “give” but not in the sense to give something by hand, but rather to give or provide an example.

Important Note:  Notice how Allah Almighty in Noble Chapter (Surah) 4 He used “daraba (4:34” and “darabtum (4:94)”, which are both derived from the same root.  He used both words in the same Chapter, which tells me that “daraba” in Noble Verse 4:34 means to desert or leave, since that’s what its derived word meant in Noble Verse 4:94.   The next section below will further prove my point.

I am sure there are more Noble Verses that used words derived from “daraba” in the Noble Quran, but these are the only ones I know of so far.  In the case of Noble Verse 4:34 where Allah Almighty seems to allow men to hit their wives after the two warnings for ill-conduct and disloyalty, it could very well be that Allah Almighty meant to command the Muslims to “leave” the home all together and desert their wives for a long time in a hope that the wives would then come back to their senses and repent.

Noble Verses and Sayings that support the prohibition of any type of wife beating:

The following Noble Verses and Sayings from the Noble Quran and Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him respectively seem to very well support the above interpretation:

“…Do not retain them (i.e., your wives) to harm them…(The Noble Quran, 2:231)“

Narrated Mu’awiyah al-Qushayri: “I went to the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) and asked him: What do you say (command) about our wives? He replied: Give them food what you have for yourself, and clothe them by which you clothe yourself, and do not beat them, and do not revile them.  (Sunan Abu-Dawud, Book 11, Marriage (Kitab Al-Nikah), Number 2139)“

Narrated Mu’awiyah ibn Haydah: “I said: Apostle of Allah, how should we approach our wives and how should we leave them? He replied: Approach your tilth when or how you will, give her (your wife) food when you take food, clothe when you clothe yourself, do not revile her face, and do not beat her.  (Sunan Abu-Dawud, Book 11, Marriage (Kitab Al-Nikah), Number 2138)“

Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Apostle (may peace be upon him) as saying: “He who believes in Allah and the Hereafter, if he witnesses any matter he should talk in good terms about it or keep quiet. Act kindly towards woman, for woman is created from a rib, and the most crooked part of the rib is its top. If you attempt to straighten it, you will break it, and if you leave it, its crookedness will remain there. So act kindly towards women.  (Translation of Sahih Muslim, The Book of Marriage (Kitab Al-Nikah), Book 008, Number 3468)“

“O ye who believe! Ye are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should ye treat them with harshness, that ye may take away part of the dower [money given by the husband to the wife for the marriage contract] ye have given them, except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If ye take a dislike to them it may be that ye dislike a thing, and God brings about through it a great deal of good.  (The Noble Quran, 4:19)” 

“And among God’s signs is this: He created for you mates from amongst yourselves (males as mates for females and vice versa) that you might find tranquillity and peace in them. And he has put love and kindness among you. Herein surely are signs for those who reflect. (The Noble Quran 30:21)”  

“Women impure for men impure. And women of purity for men of purity. These are not affected by what people say. For them is forgiveness and an honorable provision. (The Noble Quran 24:26)“

Narrated Abu Huraira: “Allah’s Apostle said, ‘The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger. (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab), Volume 8, Book 73, Number 135)“

Narrated Abu Huraira: “A man said to the Prophet , ‘Advise me! ‘The Prophet said, ‘Do not become angry and furious.’ The man asked (the same) again and again, and the Prophet said in each case, ‘Do not become angry and furious.’   (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab), Volume 8, Book 73, Number 137)“

Abu Huraira reported: “I heard Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: One is not strong because of one’s wrestling skillfully. They said: Allah’s Messenger, then who is strong? He said: He who controls his anger when he is in a fit of rage.  (Translation of Sahih Muslim, The Book of Virtue, Good Manners and Joining of the Ties of Relationship (Kitab Al-Birr was-Salat-I-wa’l-Adab), Book 032, Number 6314)“

Allah Almighty loves those who restrain anger: “Those who spend (freely), whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon (all) men; for Allah loves those who do good.  (The Noble Quran, 3:134)“

The Prophet forbade striking on the face:

Let us look at the following narrations about Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him:

Narrated Salim: “….Umar said: ‘The Prophet forbade beating on the face.‘  (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Hunting, Slaughtering, Volume 7, Book 67, Number 449)“

Narrated AbuHurayrah: “The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: When one of you inflicts a beating, he should avoid striking the face.   (Sunan Abu-Dawud, Book 38, Prescribed Punishments (Kitab Al-Hudud), Number 4478)” 

These narrations do not prove the interpretation that wife beating being ok as long as it is not done on the face, because the narrations are general and do not mention any wives.  The striking could be done on our children when we discipline them.  In this case, the above two narrations would fit perfectly with the situation, because while we can still physically discipline our children, we are not allowed to hit them on the face.

What about the saying about striking the wife lightly on her hand with a siwak?

There is not a single Saying or Noble Verse from Prophet Muhammad or the Noble Quran respectively that mentions any such beating.

A siwak is a small piece of wood that is approximately twice as long as an index finger and as thick as a thumb, which was used 1400 years ago to brush the teeth and the bad breath.

This saying actually belongs to Imam Shafie, and not to Prophet Muhammad.  Imam Shafie or Minister Shafie is a popular Muslim scholar that came 100s of years after Prophet Muhammad.  I used to have the reference information to his saying about this subject, but unfortunately I lost it.  When I find it insha’Allah (if Allah Almighty wills it) I will post it.

More proofs about the translation of Noble Verse 4:34:

The following is an email that sent to me by brother A. Tilling; may Allah Almighty always be pleased with him.

From:    ARJTilling@aol.com
To:    ISLM4EVR1@aol.com
Subj:    Another Reply to Mr O Abdallah
Date:    3/28/02 3:16:15 AM Central Standard Time

Peace,

I have visited the link and it was what I expected.  But the question I am asking is a linguistic one, not one based on interpretations and jurisprudence.  Here again is the extract I provided:

>>>>>>>
(4:34) […]as for those women on whose part ye fear rebellion (nushuz), admonish them and banish them to beds apart, (and last) beat (adriboo) them. Then, if they obey you, seek not a way against them.

Note from me Osama Abdallah:   Actually the Arabic word is not “adriboo” which is a plural for beating men.  It is “idribuhunna” which is a plural for beating women.  But the two Arabic words mean the same thing, which is “beating”.

Continuing with brother A. Tilling email….

The key to the problem is the mistranslation of the two key words nushuz and adriboo. Some of the possible meanings for both the words, according to the lexicon,3 are given below. Again, the appropriate meaning will depend on the context of the verse.

Nushuz: Animosity, hostility, rebellion, ill-treatment, discord; violation of marital duties on the part of either husband or wife.

Adriboo (root: daraba): to beat, to strike, to hit, to separate, to part.

In the context of the above verse the most appropriate meaning for nushuz is ‘marital discord’ (ill-will, animosity etc), and for adriboo is ‘to separate’ or ‘to part’.   Otherwise, it is inviting the likelihood of a divorce without any reconciliation procedure.  Such a step would blatantly contravene the Qur’anic guidance shown in verse 4:35 below.  Therefore, a more accurate and consistent translation of the above verse would be:

(4:34) […]as for those women whose animosity or ill-will you have reason to fear, then leave them alone in bed, and then separate; and if thereupon they pay you heed, do not seek a way against them.

The separation could be temporary or permanent depending on the reconciliation procedure.  Such as construction is legitimate within the terms of the language and fits in very well with the divorce procedure outlined in the Qur’an (see 8.5).

The verse following the above verse gives further weight to the above translation.

(4:35) And if ye fear a breach between them twain (the man and the wife), appoint an arbiter from his folk and an arbiter from her folk. If they desire amendment Allah will make them of one mind. Lo! Allah is ever Knower, Aware.

Added weight to the meanings outlined above is given by verse 4:128 quoted below.   Here, in the case of a man, the same word nushuz is used, but it is rendered as ‘ill-treatment’ as against ‘rebellion’ in the case of a woman as shown earlier in the traditional translation of verse 4:34.  One find oneself asking whether since the ill-treatment is on the part of the husband, a process of reconciliation is here to be encouraged!

(4:128) If a wife fears ill-treatment (nushuz) or desertion on her husband’s part, there is no blame on them if they arrange an amicable settlement between themselves; and such settlement is best[…]

This, obviously, is a double standard and the only way to reconcile the meanings of the two verses, in the contexts they are being used, is to accept the meaning of adriboo as: ‘to separate’ or to ‘part’.  In this connection I would like to refer the reader to an excellent article by Rachael Tibbet from which I quote:

(a) Qur’anic commentators and translators experience problems with the term Adribu in the Qur’an not just in this verse but in others, as it is used in different contexts in ways which appear ambiguous and open to widely different translations into English.   ‘Daraba’ can be translated in more than a hundred different ways.

(b) The translation of adribu as ‘to strike’ in this particular verse (4:34) is founded upon nothing more than:

(i) The authority of hadiths (Abu Daud 2141 and Mishkat Al-Masabih 0276) that this is what Adribu means in this context.

(ii) The prejudices and environment of the early commentators of the Qur’an which led them to assume that ‘to strike’, given the overall context of the verse, was the most likely interpretation of the many possible interpretations of adribu.
>>>>>>>>>

Thanks
A Tilling

Conclusion:

According to the Noble Quran and the Sayings of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him above, wife beating in Islam is definetly prohibited, possibly even in the case where the wife fails after she was warned twice for her ill-conduct and disloyalty.

It is definetly a valid interpretation for Noble Verse 4:34 that Allah Almighty commanded the Muslim men to desert and leave their wives, and not to physically beat them as many scholars believe.

I personally favor this non-violent interpretation, because (1) It is very well supported in Islam as clearly and unquestionably shown above; and (2) It makes more sense and seems more practical in dealing with the bad wife who insists on showing ill-conduct and disloyalty toward her husband and family.

And Allah Almighty knows best, and may He forgive me if I made any mistake here.

Please email me at   Osama Abdallah

this content was reposted from http://www.islamawareness.net/Wife/beating1.html ]]> https://islamzpeace.wordpress.com/2012/11/26/beating-the-wife-in-islam/feed/ 0 2541 Sakina https://islamzpeace.wordpress.com/2012/09/08/paying-it-forward-helping-those-in-need/ https://islamzpeace.wordpress.com/2012/09/08/paying-it-forward-helping-those-in-need/#respond Sat, 08 Sep 2012 14:10:01 +0000 http://islamzpeace.com/?p=2538 Continue reading →]]>

One day a man saw an old lady, stranded on the side of the road, but even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her. Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn’t look safe; he looked poor and hungry.

 He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fear can put in you.

 He said, ‘I’m here to help you, ma’am. Why don’t you wait in the car where it’s warm? By the way, my name is Bryan Anderson.’

Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt.  As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn’t thank him enough for coming to her aid.

 Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk. The lady asked how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. Bryan never thought twice about being paid. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty, who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way. He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance they needed, and Bryan added, ‘And think of me.’

 He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.

 A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn’t erase. The lady noticed that the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan..

 After the lady finished her meal, she paid with a hundred dollar bill. The waitress quickly went to get change for her hundred dollar bill, but the old lady had slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. The waitress wondered where the lady could be. Then she noticed something written on the napkin.

 There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote: ‘You don’t owe me anything. I have been there too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I’m helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you.’

 Under the napkin were four more $100 bills.

 Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard…. She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, ‘Everything’ s going to be all right. I love you, Bryan Anderson.’

• Sunnah/Superegatory Prayers
• Great Reward – Preserve These Eight Rak’ah and Stay Out Of Hell – By the Will of Allaah!
• Great Reward – The superiority of the voluntary prayer in the house
• Great Reward – Excellence of the Twelve Units of Voluntary Prayers

Wonderfully said: the Prophet peace be upon him instructed men to be best to their women, and that he was the best example of being best to his women.  Today we can see that this advice has been tossed by the wayside and ignored. However this skeikh calls our attention to the result which will be for sure and a guarantee on the day of judgement for those who oppress and abuse others, especially women and children.  The protection of women as mentioned in this video is an obligation on the community (Fard Kafaya).

NEARLY four thousand years ago, in the Sumerian town of Ur in the valley of the river Euphrates, lived a young man named Abraham. The people of Ur had once worshipped Allah but as time passed they forgot the true religion and started praying to idols, statues made of wood or clay and sometimes even of precious stones.

 Even as a small child Abraham could not understand how his people, and especially his father, could make these images with their own hands, call them gods, and then worship them. He had always refused to join his people when they paid respect to these statues. Instead he would leave the town and sit alone, thinking about the heavens and the world about him. He was sure his people were doing wrong and so alone he searched for the right way.

 One clear night as he sat staring at the sky he saw a beautiful shining star, so beautiful that he cried out: ‘This must be Allah!’ He looked at it in awe for some time, until suddenly it began to fade and then it disappeared. He turned away in disappointment saying: I love not things that set

(Quran vi.77)

 On another night Abraham was again looking at the sky and he saw the rising moon, so big and bright that he felt he could almost touch it. He thought to himself:

This is my Lord.

(Quran vi.78)

 But it was not long before the moon set as well. Then he said,

Unless my Lord guide me, I surely

shall become one of the folk who are astray.

(Quran vi.78)

 Abraham then saw the beauty and splendor of the sunrise and decided that the sun must be the biggest and most powerful thing in the universe. But for the third time he was wrong, for the sun set at the end of the day. It was then that he realized that Allah is the Most Powerful, the Creator of the stars, the moon, the sun, the earth and of all living things.

Suddenly he felt himself totally at peace, because he knew that he had found the Truth.

 When he said unto his father and his folk:

What do you worship?

They said: We worship idols, and are ever devoted to them.

He said: Do they hear you when you cry?

Or do they benefit or harm you?

They said: Nay, but we found our fathers acting in this manner.

He said: See now that which you worship, You and your forefathers!

Lo! they are (all) an enemy to me, except the Lord of the Worlds.

Who created me, and He guides me, And Who feeds me and waters me.

And when I sicken, then He heals me. And Who causes me to die,

then gives me lift (again) And Who, I ardently hope, will forgive me

my sin on the Day of judgment.

(Quran xxvi.70-82)

 One day, while all the townspeople were out, Abraham angrily smashed all the idols with his right hand except for one which was very large. When the people returned they were furious. They remembered the things Abraham had said about the idols. They had him brought forth before everyone and demanded, ‘Is it you who did this to our gods, O Abraham?’ Abraham replied, But this their chief did it. Ask them, if they are able to speak.’ The people exclaimed, ‘You know they do not speak.’

‘Do you worship what you yourselves have carved when Allah created you and what you make?’ Abraham continued, ‘Do you worship instead of Allah that which cannot profit you at all, nor harm you?’

(Quran xxxvii.95-6)

 Finally, Abraham warned them,

Serve Allah, and keep your duty unto Him; that

is better for you if you did but know.

You serve instead of Allah only idols, and you

only invent a lie. Lo! those whom you serve instead

of Allah own no provision for you. So seek your

provision from Allah, and serve Him, and give thanks

unto Him, (for) unto Him you will be brought back.

(Quran xxix. 16-17)

The people of Ur decided to give Abraham the worst punishment they could find: he was to be burnt to death. On the chosen day all the people gathered in the center of the city and even the King of Ur was there. Abraham was then placed inside a special building filled with wood. The wood was lit. Soon the fire became so strong that the people were pushed back by the flames.

 But Allah said:

O fire, be coolness and peace for Abraham.

(Quran xxi.69)

 The people waited until the fire had completely died down, and it was then that they saw Abraham still sitting there as though nothing had happened! At that moment they were utterly confused. They were not, however, moved by the miracle that had just happened before their very eyes. Still Abraham tried to persuade his own dear father, who was named Azar, not to worship powerless, un-seeing, un-hearing statues. Abraham explained that special knowledge had come to him and implored his father, ‘

 ‘So follow me and I will lead you on the right path. O my father! Don’t serve the Devil.’ But Azar would not listen. He threatened his son with stoning if he continued to reject the gods of Ur. He ordered Abraham to leave the city with these words: ‘Depart from me a long while.’ Abraham said, ‘Peace be upon you! I shall ask my Lord’s forgiveness for you. Surely He was ever gracious to me.’

(Quran xix.43-7)

 Imagine how terrible it must have been for him to leave his home, his family and all that he knew, and set out across the wilderness into the unknown. But at the same time, how could he have remained among people who did not believe in Allah and who worshipped statues? Abraham always had a sense that Allah cared for him and he felt Allah near him as he traveled. At last, after a long hard journey, he arrived at a place by the Mediterranean Sea, not far from Egypt. There he married a noble woman by the name of Sarah and settled in the land of Palestine.

 Many years passed but Abraham and his wife were not blessed with any children. In the hope that there would be a child, and in keeping with tradition, Sarah suggested that Abraham should marry Hagar, her Egyptian handmaid. Soon after this took place, Hagar had a little boy named Ishmael. Some time later Allah promised Abraham another son, but this time the mother of the child would be his first wife, Sarah. This second son would be called Isaac.

 Allah also told Abraham that from his two sons-Ishmael and Isaac-two nations and three religions would be founded and because of this he must take Hagar and Ishmael away from Palestine to a new land. These events were an important part of Allah’s plan, for the descendants of Ishmael would form a nation from which would come a great Prophet, who would guide the people in the way of Allah. This was to be Muhammad (pbuh), the Messenger of Allah (pbuh).

 From the descendants of Sarah’s child, Isaac, would come Moses and Jesus.

 So it was that Abraham, Hagar, and Ishmael left Palestine. They traveled for many days until finally they reached the arid valley of Bacca later to be called Mecca), which was on one of the great caravan routes. There was no water in the valley and although Hagar and Ishmael only had a small supply of water left, Abraham left them there knowing Allah would take care of them.

 Soon all the water was gone. The child began to grow weak from thirst. There were two hills nearby, one called Safa and the other Marwah. Hagar went up one hill and looked into the distance to see if she could find any water, but found none. So she went to the other hill and did the same. She did this seven times. Then sadly she returned to her son, and to her great surprise and joy she found a spring of water bubbling out of the earth near him. This spring, near which the mother and child settled, was later called Zamzam.

 (read more)

Virtues of ZamZam Water

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoveIslam_LiveIslam/message/464

 The area around it became a place of rest for the caravans traveling across the desert and in time grew into the famous trading city of Mecca. From time to time Abraham traveled from Palestine to visit his family and he saw Ishmael grow into a strong young man. It was during one of these visits that Allah commanded them to rebuild the Kabah-the very first place where people had worshipped Allah.

They were told exactly where and how to build it. It was to be erected by the well of Zamzam and built in the shape of a cube. In its eastern corner was to be placed a black stone that had fallen to earth from heaven.

An angel brought the stone to them from the hill of Abu Qubays.

 Abraham and Ishmael worked harbah and as they did so they prayed to Allah to send a Prophet from among their descendants.

 And when Abraham and Ishmael were raising

the foundations of the House, (Abraham prayed):

‘Our Lord! Receive this from us;

Thou, only Thou, art the All-hearing, the All-knowing;

Our Lord! And make us submissive unto

Thee and of our seed a nation submissive unto

Thee, and show us our ways of worship, and turn

toward us. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the

Relenting, the Merciful.

Our Lord! And raise up in their midst

a messenger from among them who shall recite unto

them Thy revelations, and shall instruct them in

the Scripture and in wisdom and shall make them

grow. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Mighty, Wise.

(Quran ii.127-9)

 When the Kabah was completed, Allah commanded Abraham to call mankind to pilgrimage to His Holy House. Abraham wondered how anyone could hear his call. Allah said, ‘You call and I will bring them.’

 This was how the pilgrimage to the Kabah in Mecca was established and when Muslims make the pilgrimage today they continue to answer the age-old call of Abraham.

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam.  It has been mentioned, along with daily Prayers (Salaat / Namaz), over seventy times in the Quran.  Allahs word commanding “…..and establish regular Salaat and GIVE regular Zakat…..” are referred to in many parts of the Quran.  From this we can conclude that after Salaat, Zakat is the most important act in Islam. Just as Salaat is the most important act of worship which has to be performed bodily, so is Zakat the main act of worship which has to be performed monetarily. Those who fulfill this duty have been promised abundant reward in this world and hereafter.

 Whoever evades Zakat has been sternly warned in the Quran and Hadith of the consequences.

 Linguistically, ZAKAT has two meanings: purification and growth. Technically, it means to purify ones possession of wealth by distributing a prescribed amount to the poor, the indigent, the slaves or captives, and the wayfarer. There are many major benefits of giving Zakat:

It reminds Muslims of the fact that whatever wealth they may possess is due to the blessings of Allah and as such it is to be spent according to the His commands.

Zakat functions as a social security for all. Those who have enough money today pay for what they have. If they need money tomorrow they will get what is necessary to help them live decently.

Zakat payer pays his dues to Allah as an act of worship, a token of submission and an acknowledgment of gratitude. The receiver of Zakat receives it as a grant from Allah out of His bounty, a favor for which he is thankful to Allah.

Economically, Zakat is the best check against hoarding. Those who do not invest their wealth but prefer to save or hoard it would see their wealth dwindling year after year at the rate of the payable Zakat. This helps increase production and stimulates supply because it is a redistribution of income that enhances the demand by putting more real purchasing power in the hands of poor.

 Zakat is obligatory upon a person if :

He or she is an adult, sane, free and Muslim.

He/she must possess wealth in excess of specified minimum (Nisaab) excluding his or her personal needs (clothing, household furniture, utensils, cars etc. are termed article of personal needs).

It should be possessed for a complete lunar year.

It should be of productive nature from which one can derive profit or benefit such as merchandise for business, gold, silver, livestock etc.

The amount of wealth which makes one liable for Zakat is called Nisaab.

Gold 87.48 Gram 7.50Tolas 1350Grains 2.8125Troy Oz.

Silver 612.36Gram 52.50Tolas 9450Grains and 19.6875 Troy Oz.

Nisaab of cash, stock or bonds, other cash assets is the equivalent amount of Gold or Silver. Nisaab is calculated by adding up the cash value of all the assets such as gold, silver, currency etc. and if it is equal TO or in excess of the minimum Nisaab as specified in the above table, the Zakat is due at the rate of 2.5%.

The payment of Zakat is compulsory on the excess wealth or effects which is equal to or exceeds the value of Nisaab, and which is possessed for a full Islamic year. If such wealth decreases during the course of the year and increases again to the value of Nisaab before the end of the year, the Zakat then must be calculated on the full amount that is possessed at the end of the year.

TYPES OF WEALTH ON WHICH ZAKAT IS IMPOSED:

Gold and silver, in any form.

Cash, bank notes, stocks, bonds etc.

Merchandise for business, equal to the value of Nisaab.

Live stock.

On income derived from rental business.

DISTRIBUTION OF ZAKAT:

Zakat should be given as soon as possible after it becomes due.

All of the Zakat can be given to one person or to several persons.

A poor man cannot be paid for his work from Zakat nor can Zakat be given in payment of services, except to the people appointed by the Islamic government to collect Zakat.

Zakat will only be valid if the recipient is made the owner of that amount. If, for example, a few needy persons are fed a meal from Zakat money, then Zakat will not be fulfilled as they were not made owners of the food.

Zakat cannot be given for the construction of Masjid, Madrasah, Hospital, a well, a bridge or any other public amenity.

Zakat can be paid in kind from the same merchandise on which it is due, or alternatively, it could be paid in cash.

TYPES OF WEALTH ON WHICH ZAKAT IS NOT IMPOSED:

On any metals other than gold or silver.

Fixtures and fittings of a shop, car, trucks or any delivery vehicle etc., which is used in running business.

Diamonds, pearls, other precious or semi precious stones which are for personal use.

There is no Zakat on personal residence, household furniture, pots and pan, personal clothing, whether they are in use or not.

There is no Zakat on a person whose liabilities exceed or equal his assets. (Home Mortgage in this country is not to be counted as personal liability for the Zakat purpose).

RECIPIENTS OF ZAKAT:

The recipients of Zakat, according to Quran are as follows: “Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer (the funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to truth); for those in bondage and in debt; and for the wayfarer: (Thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom.” (Quran 9:60)

FUQARA: people who are poor and who possess more than their basic needs but do not possess wealth equal to Nisaab.

MASAKEEN: people who are destitute and extremely needy to the extent they are forced to beg for their daily food rations.

AL-AMILEEN: people appointed by an Islamic Government to collect Zakat.

MU-ALLAFATUL-QULUB: persons who have recently accepted Islam and are in need of basic necessities who would benefit from encouragement by Muslims which would help strengthen their faith.

AR-RIQAAB: slaves who are permitted to work for remuneration and have an agreement from their masters to purchase their freedom on payment of fixed amounts.

AL-GHAARIMEEN: persons who have a debt and do not possess any other wealth or goods with which they could repay that which they owe. It is conditional that this debt was not created for any un-Islamic purpose.

FI-SABILILLAH: persons who have to carry out an obligatory deed which has become obligatory on them and subsequently (due to loss of wealth) are unable to complete that obligation.

IBN-US-SABEEL: persons who are travelers and during the course of their journey do not possess basic necessities, though they are well to do at home. They could be given Zakat in order to fulfill travel needs to return home.

PERSONS WHO CANNOT BE GIVEN ZAKAT:

Zakat cannot be given to the descendants of Muhammad (P.B.U.H);

Zakat cannot be given to parents and grandparents. In the same manner one’s children and grandchildren cannot be given Zakat. A husband and wife cannot give Zakat to each other.

VIRTUES OF ZAKAT: Allah says in the Quran: “The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn. It grows seven ears and each ear has hundred grains. Allah increases manifold to whom He pleases.” (Quran 2:261)

It is stated in the Hadith that by giving Zakat the following benefits are derived:

Gain the pleasure of Allah.

Increase in wealth and protection from losses.

Allahs forgiveness and blessings.

Protection from the wrath of Allah and from a bad death.

A shelter on the Day of Judgment;

Security from seventy misfortunes.

THE PUNISHMENT FOR NOT GIVING ZAKAT:

Allah says in the Quran: “And there are those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah, announce to them a most grievous penalty (when) on the Day of Judgment heat will be produced out of that wealth in the fire of Hell. Then with it they will be branded on their forehead and their flanks and backs. (It will be said to them) This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves, taste then the treasure that you have been hoarding.” (Al-Quran 9:34-35)

http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/6499663-concept-of-zakat-in-islam

As a sample, the photo below shows a type of hijab which is very colorful, has added decorations, does not cover the sides of the face, and the woman had matching loud eye shadow and lipstick.  Sadly to say, such hijab is not within the definition of the requirements of hijab. The other photo does not cover the hairline properly and is folded in such a way which shows the neck and jaw line which falls under the definition of the verse below; juyubihinna refers to the “neck slit” of a dress, so that if this is covered it will also cover the neck and bosom.

If we go to the verse in the Quran, Allah has specifically stated that the beauty of the women which is allowed to show is that which appears naturally, in otherwords any shape which may show due to the wind blowing her outer garment against her, or for those who allow the face to appear, the natural skin tone without make up or jewelry.

The hijab is an act of obedience to Allah and to his prophet (pbuh), Allah says in the Qur’an: `It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His messenger have decreed a matter that they should have an option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, has indeed strayed in a plain error.’ (S33:36).

Allah also said: ‘And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things) and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc) and not to show off their adornment except what must (ordinarily) appear thereof, that they should draw their veils over their Juyubihinna.'(S24:31).

Although it is a normal process for those who recently don wearing hijab to start with baby steps and make continuous adjustments as their comfort and iman grow, it is vital that we educate our brothers and sisters about what hijab really means.  Briefly, hijab should meet these criteria:

• Complete Body should be covered. -Except the hands and face. Some scholars believe that the face and hands should be covered. i.e the niqab.

• The chest should be covered. You can find the evidence on Surah Noor (24) Verse 31. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms

• The clothes should not be see through or transparent.

•  Clothes should not resemble the unbelievers, for example other religious artifacts.

•  The clothes should not be too tight that it reveals the figure. The clothes should be “roomy” It should not describe your body figure.

• Do not add perfume to your Hijab or clothing. There is actually a Hadith on perfume: Allah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: Every eye is lustful and when a woman applies perfume and then goes about in an assembly, she is like such and such, i.e. an adulteress. (Mishkat Hadith1065) 

• Hijab should not attract attention, display, or fame. It should not be an adornment itself.

• Should not be so glamorous that attracts the opposite sex.

• A Muslimahs’ clothing, dress should not resemble the clothing of men. ie. the opposite sex. (This also goes for men, they should not imitate women’s dress).

List is from Muslima Matters

by Asma bint Shameem [iloveAllaah.com Exclusive Writer]

What if you hire someone to do something for you, but they only do part of the job and leave the rest incomplete? Will you recompense them fully for a job completed?

And what do you think a teacher would say if a student turns in only some of his homework and fails to do the rest of it? Will he get full marks for it?

And what about a child who is supposed to clean his whole room, but he only cleans HALF of it? Do you think he did what was required of him? Would you reward him for a job well done?

The answer to all of the above is an obvious NO.

That’s because they did not complete what they were supposed to do and only did part of it. And thus they do not deserve to be fully rewarded.

Similarly, my dear sister, is the case when you fast but you don’t wear hijaab.

Yes, that’s right.

Do you realize, dear sister, that by not wearing hijaab, you are only doing part of the job and not doing whole of it?

You see, just as much as fasting is a fard (obligation) on you, in like manner, the hijab is also, just as equally, fard on you.

The One Who made the FAST an obligation on you and me is the same Lord Who also made the HIJAAB an obligation on you and me.

Allaah says: “And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. over themselves) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women, or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigor, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allaah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful” [al-Noor 24:31]

And there are so many other ayaat and ahaadeeth that clearly order believing women to cover themselves.

Do you not want to be one of them?

Don’t you want to obey the One who created you, gave you life, food, health, family, friends and everything that you know and don’t know of ??!!

Masha Allaah, you work so hard in Ramadhaan.

You wake up for suhoor, you fast all day, you take care of your family. You cook, you clean, you do all your chores. You are tired yet you stand at night for Taraaweeh. You’re exhausted, yet you take time out to read the Qur’aan. May Allaah accept all your good deeds and sincere effort.

But, my dear sister, do you realize that by not observing hijaab, you only get part of the reward of all your hard work and not 100 percent of it?

The scholars tell us: “If a woman does not wear hijaab, then she is disobeying her Lord thereby, but her fast is still valid, because sins, including not wearing hijaab, do not invalidate the fast, but they detract from its reward, and may cause it to be lost altogether.”

Realize, dear sister, that not wearing hijaab is a sin and sins may take away some or all of the reward, and the fasting person may be left with nothing from his fast apart from hunger and thirst.

Rasul Allaah (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“It may be that the fasting person gets nothing from his fast apart from hunger, and it may be that the one who prays qiyaam at night may get nothing from his qiyaam but a sleepless night.” (Ibn Majah-authentic)

And he (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: “Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allaah has no need of his giving up his food and drink.” (Bukhaari)

Imagine! All that hard work…..all that effort you put into fasting, and some or even all of it may be lost!
What a terrible loss indeed!

And just because you didn’t cover yourself the way your Rabb, your Creator, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, orders you to.

Do remember, that the purpose of fasting is not just to give up food and drink, but to attain piety. The real aim is to stay away from sins and those deeds that displease Allaah. And to train oneself to obey Allaah and submit to Him.

“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain piety” [al-Baqarah 2:183]

So submit to Allaah fully. Obey Him in wearing hijaab, just like you obey Him in fasting and praying.

Don’t let the Shaytaan keep you away from getting full reward for all your hard work in Ramadhaan. Let your fasting motivate you to obey Allaah and keep away from that which He has forbidden.

Use this perfect chance for you to start wearing hijaab….

no, not from tomorrow…..but from today.

“And whosoever obeys Allaah and His Messenger, he has indeed achieved a great achievement (i.e. saved from Hell‑fire and admitted to Jannah)” (al-Ahzaab 33:71)

For more excellent articles by this and other authors please visit iloveAllah.com