The Way to Akhirah

The scientific miracles of Islam "FIRE UNDER THE SEA "

2016-03-22T21:05:00.000-07:00

On the authority of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘As that the Prophet (PBUH) said:

“ No one should sail on the sea except the one who is going to perform Hajj or ‘Umrah , or the one who is going to fight in Allah's path for under the sea there is a fire , and under the fire there is a sea ” .

Explanation of the Hadith

This honourable hadith coincides with the Qur'anic oath at the beginning of the chapter of at-Tur (The Mount) in which Allah, the Almighty, swears – in spite of the fact that He has no need to swear – by the burning sea. Almighty Allah says:

﴾ By the Mount . And by the Book Inscribed. In parchment unrolled. And by the Bait-ul-Ma'mur (the house over the heavens parallel to the Ka'bah at Makkah, continuously visited by the angles). And by the roof raised high (i.e. the heaven). And by the burning sea. Verily, the Torment of your Lord will surely come to pass. There is none that can avert it. ﴿ (Surat At-Tur (The Mount): 1-8)

When the Ever-Glorious Qur'an was revealed, the Arabs could not perceive the connotation and the meaning of swearing by the burning sea, for the verb "burn" means to destroy or damage by fire. Furthermore, fire and water are bitter enemies as water extinguishes fire and heat vaporizes water. How is it possible then for such opponents to live together? How is it possible for opposites to unite and none of them overpowers the other?

The Arabs then tended to refer the whole matter to the Day of Judgment in the light of what is mentioned at the chapter of at-Takwir (The Folding Up) in which Almighty Allah says :

﴾ And when the seas shall be burnt ﴿ (Surat At-Takwir ( Wound Round and Lost its Light): 6)

However, this is not true, as the verses at the beginning of the chapter of at-Takwir refer to the future events of the Day of Judgment while the oath at the beginning of the chapter of at-Tur refers to realistic events in our life. Therefore, there is no comparison.

This has led a number of interpreters to look for another meaning of the verb "Sajjar" instead of "burn". They were pleased to know that it has another meaning ; "to swell up" , as they are now able to interpret the verse saying that Allah has told humanity that He has filled oceans and seas with water and prevented them from overflowing over land . Actually, this honourable hadith that in this worldly life, there is a fire under the sea and there is a sea under the fire.

The Prophet (PBUH) never sailed over the sea during his lifetime, that so what obliged him to talk about an unseen matter, except that Almighty Allah ordered him to do so. Almighty Allah knew through His Comprehensive Knowledge that someday man would discover this amazing scientific fact, so He mentioned it in the Ever-Glorious Qur'an and informed His honourable Prophet about it so that it would remain a sign asserting that the Ever-Glorious Qur'an is Allah's Words and His final Prophet's words were revealed to him. Allah, the Almighty, says:

﴾ He (Muhammad ) does not speak of (his own) desire ﴿

(Surat An-Najm (The Star): 3)

Following World War II , scientists roamed oceans and seas searching for some minerals whose reservoirs were near to be exhausted because of the extravagant materialistic human civilization . They were astonished to find that many volcanic mountain chains extended throughout all oceans along thousands of kilometers and they called them the Mid-ocean Mountains. By studying these oceanic mountain chains, it became clear that they were formed as a result of violent volcanic eruptions through a huge net of deep faults that split the rocky crust and completely surrounded it. These faults were mainly centered on the ocean floor. Also, it became evident that this net of faults extends to more than 64.000 kilometres and their depth reaches about 65 kilometres penetrating the rocky crust and reaching the weak layer known as the zone of weakness (the asthenosphere). In the asthenosphere, the rocks are in a partially molten state with relatively high density and viscosity. The hot currents drive these enormous tons of rocks to the ocean floor and to some sea bottoms such as the Red Sea where the temperature exceeds 1000oC. These rocks are estimated to amount to millions of tons pushing the ocean water to the right and left, in a phenomenon known by scientists as "the phenomenon of expanding and re-forming the sea and ocean floors". The areas resulting form the process of expansion are filled with this magma, which leads to fire on the ocean floors and some sea bottoms.

Mid-oceanic faults

This balance between the opposites: fire and water on the ocean floors (including the South Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic Ocean), and some sea bottoms, is a clear witness to the Unlimited Power of Allah.

In a project to employ the mineral wealth at the bottom of the Red Sea, where volcanic eruptions violently take place and enrich the sediments of its sea floor, a research ship threw down a metal hook to obtain samples of the clay. When this metal hook got out of the water, no one could touch it because of its extreme heat. When they opened it, they found that the temperature of the clay and hot vapour exceeds 300o C. Therefore, the scientists came to know that the volcanic eruptions in the ocean floors, and some sea bottoms greatly exceed all those found on land. Also, it was proven with clear-cut evidence that Almighty Allah brought out all water from the land. Moreover, the magma in the asthenosphere, and below it, contains a huge amount of water that exceeds all that is found on the surface of the earth.

Thus, we see the magnificence of this honourable hadith in which the Prophet (PBUH) stated and clarified some facts about our planet. Man was only able to reach these facts a few years ago.

SECRETS OF SURAH AL-KAHF

2016-02-25T21:53:00.000-08:00

═✦════✦SECRETS OF SURAH AL-KAHF✦════✦═

Ever wondered why Prophet Muhammad(SAlal lahu alehi wassalam) asked us to recite Surat Al-Kahf every Friday?
Let’s ﬁnd out today inshaAllah…

This Surah has Four stories in it,having some morals,lets see them and understand what they are saying to us:

1) The People Of The Cave
Its the story of young men who lived in a disbelieving town, so they decided to migrate for the sake of Allah and run away. -Allah rewards them with mercy in the cave and protection from the sun - They woke up and found the entire village believers.
MORAL:TRIAL OF FAITH.

2) The Owner Of Two Gardens
A story of a man whom Allah blessed with two beautiful gardens, but the man forgot to thank the One who blessed him with everything and he even dared to doubt Allah regarding the afterlife.So His garden was destroyed - He regretted ,but was too late and his regret did not beneﬁt him .
MORAL:TRIAL OF WEALTH.

3) Musa(AS) and Khidr(AS)
When Musa(AS) was asked-“Who’s the most knowledgeable of the people of earth?”” Musa(AS) said:Me…,but Allah revealed to him that there’s someone who Knows more than him.Musa(AS) traveled to the man and learnt how the Divine Wisdom can sometimes be hidden in matters which we perceive as bad.
MORAL:TRIAL OF KNOWLEDGE.

4) Dhul-Qarnayn
Its a story of the great King that was given knowledge and power and was going around the world,helping people and spreading all that’s good.He was able to overcome the problem of Yajooj-Majooj and build a massive dam with the help of people whom he could not even understand.
MORAL:TRIAL OF POWER.

In the middle Allah mentions Iblees as the one who stirs these trials:
Behold! We said to the angels “Bow down to Adam”: they bowed down except Iblis. He was one of the Jinns, and he broke the Command of his Lord. Will ye then take him and his progeny as protectors rather than Me? And they are enemies to you! Evil would be the exchange for the wrongdoers!

Now let us see what’s the relationship between Surat Al-Kahf and the Dajjal (Anti-Christ)?

Dajjal will appear before Day of Judgement with the 4 trials:

***He’ll ask people to worship him and not Allah:
Trial of Faith .

***He’ll be given powers to start/stop rain and tempt people with his wealth:
Trial of with his wealth. .

***He’ll trial people with the “knowledge” and news he gives them:
Trial of Knowledge .

He’ll control huge parts of the Earth.
Trial of Power .

How to survive these trials? The answers are in Surat Al-Kahf
Survival Kit 1: Good companionship.
“And keep thy soul content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face; and let not thine eyes pass beyond them, seeking the pomp and glitter of this Life; no obey any whose heart We have permitted to neglect the remembrance of Us, one who follows his own desires, whose case has gone beyond all bounds.” (Surat Al-Kahf, verse 28)
Survival Kit 2: Knowing the Truth of this World .
“Set forth to them the similitude of the life of this world: It is like the rain which we send down from the skies: the earth’s vegetation absorbs it, but soon it becomes dry stubble, which the winds do scatter: it is (only) Allah who prevails over all things” (Surat Al-Kahf, verse 45)
Survival Kit 3: Humbleness.
“Moses said: “Thou wilt ﬁnd me, if Allah so will, (truly) patient: nor shall I disobey thee in aught.””(Surat Al-Kahf, verse 69)
Survival Kit 4: Sincerity.
“Say: “I am but a man like yourselves, (but) the inspiration has come to me, that your Allah is one Allah. whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness, and, in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as partner.” (Surat Al- Kahf, verse 110)
Survival Kit 5: Calling to Allah .
“And recite (and teach) what has been revealed to thee of the Book of thy Lord: none can change His Words, and none wilt thou ﬁnd as a refuge other than Him.” (Surat Al-Kahf, verse 27)
Survival Kit 6: Remembering the HereAfter .
“ One Day We shall remove the mountains, and thou wilt see the earth as a level stretch, and We shall gather them, all together, nor shall We leave out any one of them. And they will be marshalled before thy Lord in ranks, (with the announcement), “Now have ye come to Us (bare) as We created you ﬁrst: aye, ye thought We shall not fulﬁl the appointment made to you to meet (Us)!”: And the Book (of Deeds) will be placed (before you); and thou wilt see the sinful in great terror because of what is (recorded) therein; they will say, “Ah! woe to us! what a Book is this! It leaves out nothing small or great,but takes account thereof !” They will ﬁnd all that they did, placed before them: And not one will thy Lord treat with injustice.” (Surat Al-Kahf, verses 47-49)

Things To Do and Duas Before Sleeping to Earn Great Rewards

2014-12-12T03:06:00.001-08:00

Had a tough and busy day today? Managed to perform only compulsory prayer? Did not get time to touch the Quran, recite few supplications or perform optional prayers? Conquered the world? Now what? Very tired and going to sleep asap without remembering Allah? NO WAY..!

This post contains few good things you can do daily at night just before sleeping to remember Allah SWT and to earn great rewards from Him insha Allah. Doing these good, short yet powerful deeds won’t take much time and once it becomes an habit you will love doing it insha Allah. Remember, these are the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (ﷺ)!

PREPARATIONS BEFORE GOING TO BED

Recite بِسْمِ اللَّهِ Bismillah (In the name of Allah) before closing the doors of the house, before covering utensils with food in them, switch off or turn off fires, light etc. [Bukhari] If one cannot find anything with which to cover the utensil then one should place a stick across the top of the utensil. [Muslim]
Before climbing into bed, dust the bed Thrice with the corner of your clothes. [Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah]
To make Miswaak before retiring to bed even if one has already made it for Isha prayer. [Kitabut Tahaarah and Sunnats]
To sleep in a state of Wudhu [Tabarani, Hakim, Abu Dawood]
To sleep on the Right, facing the Qibla with the right hand underneath the head like a pillow and with the knees slightly bent. [Bukhari]

LITTLE QURAN RECITATION

Recite Ayat- ul-Kursi (Quran 2:255)

Prophet (ﷺ) said, “By reciting it (Ayat- ul-Kursi), there will be a guardian appointed over you from Allah who will protect you during the night, and Satan will not be able to come near you until morning” [Al-Bukhari]
Recite the last two Ayats of Surat Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2 – The Cow)

Abu Mas’ud Al-Badri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, “He who recites the two Ayat at the end of Surat Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him.” [Al- Bukhari and Muslim]

Narrated An-Nu’man bin Bashir: that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Indeed Allah wrote in a book two thousand years before He created the heavens and the earth, and He sent down two Ayat from it to end Surat Al-Baqarah with. If they are recited for three nights in a home, no Shaitan shall come near it.” [Tirmidhi]
Recite Surat Al-Mulk (Chapter 67 – The Sovereignty) – for protection from the punishment of the grave.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Surah al Mulk is the protector from the torment of the grave” [Sahihul Jamiea 1/680, Hakim 2/498 & Nasai]

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “There is a surah in the Quran which is only thirty verses. It defended whoevere recited it , until it puts him into paradise” i.e., Surah al Mulk [Fath al Qadir 5/257, Sahihul Jamiea 1/680, Tabrani inAl-Awsat & Ibn Mardawaith]

Jabir (radiAllahu anhu) said it was the custom of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) not to go to sleep until he had read Tabarakalladhi Biyadihil Mulk and Alif Laam Meem Tanzeel. [Ahmad, Tirmidhi and Darami]

Anas (radiAllahu anhu) reported Rasulullah (ﷺ) as saying, “There is a Surah which will plead for its reciter till it causes him to enter paradise” (Tabarakalladhi Biyadihil Mulk). [Tabrani]
Recite Surat Al-Kāfirūn (Chapter 109 – The Disbelievers)

It was narrated that Nawfal al-Ashja’i (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) said to me: “Recite Qul yaa ayyuha’l-kaafiroon then go to sleep at the end of it, for it is a disavowal of shirk.” [Abu Dawood and al-Tirmidhi]
Recite the last three Soorahs (Quls) of the Quran

It was narrated from Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that when the Prophet (ﷺ) went to bed every night, he would hold his hands together and blow into them, and recite into them Qul Huwa Allaahu Ahad, Qul a’oodhu bi rabb il-falaq and Qul a’oodhu bi rabb il-naas. Then he would wipe them over whatever he could of his body, starting with his head and face and the front of his body, and he would do that three times. [Bukhari]

EXTRA RECITATION:

(once you get used to the above)

Recite Surat Al-‘Isrā’ (Chapter 17 – The Night Journey)
Recite Surat Az-Zumar (Chapter 39 – The Troops)

It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) would not go to sleep until he had recited Bani Israa’eel (Soorat al-Isra’) and al-Zumar.” [al-Tirmidhi]

DUAS BEFORE SLEEPING

If one of you rises from his bed and then returns to it he should dust it with the edge of his garment three times for he does not know what has occurred in his absence and when he lies down he should supplicate:

بِاسْمِكَ رَبِّي وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي، وَبِكَ أَرْفَعُهُ، فَإِنْ أَمْسَكْتَ نَفْسِي فَارْحَمْهَا، وَإِنْ أَرْسَلْتَهَا فَاحْفَظْهَا، بِمَا تَحْفَظُ بِهِ عِبَادَكَ الصَّالِحِينَ

Bismika Rabbee wadha’tu janbee, wa bika ‘arfa’uhu, fa’in ‘amsakta nafsee farhamhaa, wa ‘in ‘arsaltahaa fahfadhhaa, bimaa tahfadhu bihi ‘ibaadakas-saaliheen.
In Your name my Lord, I lie down and in Your name I rise, so if You should take my soul then have mercy upon it, and if You should return my soul then protect it in the manner You do so with Your righteous servants. [Bukhari and Muslim]
The Prophet (ﷺ) would place his right hand under his cheek when about to sleep and supplicate:
اللَّهُمَّ قِنِي عَذَابَكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ

Allaahumma qinee ‘athaabaka yawma tab’athu ‘ibaadaka. (3 times)
O Allah, protect me from Your punishment on the day Your servants are resurrected. [Abu Dawud]

Also read this dua:
بِاسْمِكَ اللَّهُمَّ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا
Bismikallahumma amootu wa-ahya
In Your name O Allah, I live and die [Muslim]
At the time of difficulty when sleeping, Zaid bin Thaabit (RA) complained to Rasulallah (ﷺ) of not being able to go to sleep at times and he advised him to recite the following dua:
اللَّهُمَّ غَارَتِ النُّجُومُ وَهَدَأَتِ الْعُيُونُ وَأَنْتَ حَيٌّ قَيُّومٌ * لَا تَأْخُذُكَ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ أَهْدِئْ لَيْلِي وَأَنِمْ عَيْنِي

Allahummah ghaarithinnujumu wa hadaathil uyoonu wa antha hayyun qayyumulla tha’ khudhu ka sinathuwalaa nawmun yaa hayyun yaa qayyoomu a’hde’ laylee wa anim ‘aynee.
Oh Allah the stars have sunk in and the eyes have become tranquil and quite and You are alive and ever lasting neither does sleep overcome You. Oh the living and ever lasting one make my night my tranquil and give my eyes sleep. [Ibn Sunni, Hisnul Hasin]
If afraid to go to sleep or feeling lonely or depressed then recite:
أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ غَضَبِهِ وَعِقَابِهِ، وَشَرِّ عِبَادِهِ، وَمِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَأَنْ يَحْضُرُونِ

A’oothu bikalimaatil-laahit-taammaati min ghadhabihi wa ‘iqaabihi, wa sharri ‘ibaadihi, wa min hamazaatish-shayaateeni wa ‘an yahdhuroon.
I seek refuge in the Perfect Words of Allah from His anger and His punishment, from the evil of His slaves and from the taunts of devils and from their presence. [Abu Dawud and Tirmithi]
This is to be recited if you turn over in bed during the night:
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ الْوَاحِدُ اْقَهَّارُ، رَبُّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا الْعَزِيزُ الْغَفَّارُ

Laa ‘ilaaha ‘illallaahul-Waahidul-Qahhaaru, Rabbus-samaawaati wal’ardhi wa maa baynahumal-‘Azeezul-Ghaffaaru.
There is none worthy of worship but Allah, the One, the Victorious, Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, the All-Mighty, the All-Forgiving. [An-Nasa’i, ‘Amalul-Yawm wal-Laylah, and Ibn As-Sunni]
If after sleeping one experience a pleasant dream then when ones eyes open then say:
Alhamdulillah
(All Praise be to Allah)

Then the pleasant dream should only be revealed to trustworthy learned ones so that the dream can be interpreted correctly.
If one experiences an unpleasant dream then one should spittle (a form of spitting comprising mainly of air with little spit) three times on the left side and then recitethree times:
Audhobillaahi Minashaythaanirajeem.
I seek refuge with Allah from the evil of shaythan.

Also change one’s position to the other side and sleep. [Muslim]

The dream should not be revealed to anyone then it will bring no harm to the person [Bukhari, Muslim]

REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAH (DHIKR) BEFORE FALLING ASLEEP

The remembrance of Allah just when one is about to sleep shall be a means of that person achieving high stages in Jannah. (Attargheeb)

Isthaghfaar (3 times):
Asthaghfirullah halladhee laa ilaaha ilallahuwal hayyul qayyumu wa athubu ilay.
I seek forgiveness from Allah besides whom there is none worthy of worship, the living, the sustainer of life and to Him I repent. [Tirmidhi]
Before you go to bed perform Wudhu as you would for prayer, then lie down on your right side and recite:
اللَّهُمَّ أَسْلَمْتُ نَفْسِي إِلَيْكَ، وَفَوَّضْتُ أَمْرِي إِلَيْكَ، وَوَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِي إِلَيْكَ، وَأَلْجَأْتُ ظَهْرِي إِلَيْكَ، رَغْبَةً وَرَهْبَةً إِلَيْكَ، لَا مَلْجَأَ وَلّا مَنْجَا مِنْكَ إِلَّا إِلَيْكَ، آمَنْتُ بِكِتَابِكَ وَبِنَبِيِّكَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلْتَ

Allahumma aslamtu nafsee ilayk, wafawwadtu amree ilayk, wawajjahtu wajhee ilayk, wa-alja’tu thahree ilayk, raghbatan warahbatan ilayk, la maljaa wala manja minka illa ilayk, amantu bikitabikal-lathee anzalt, wabinabiyyikal-lathee arsalt.
O Allah, I submit my soul unto You, and I entrust my affair unto You, and I turn my face towards You, and I totally rely on You, in hope and fear of You. Verily there is neither refuge nor safe haven from You except with You. I believe in Your Book which You have revealed and in Your Prophet whom You have sent.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever says this and dies in his sleep has died in a state of the natural monotheism (Fitrah).” [Bukhari and Muslim]

HAVING INTENTION TO PRAY TAHAJJUD

Abu Hurraira (RA) reports that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked, “What prayer is most virtuous, after the obligatory prayers?” He said, “Prayer in the depths of the night.” [Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Nisaa’i, Ibn Majah]

Always sleep with the intention of getting up for Tahajjud and Fajr. We should try and pray Tahajjud every night as it is one of the best and most rewarding Nafil prayers one can possible pray and makes it possible for a person to gain the top ranks of the Jannah. If we can’t pray everyday, then we should at least pray as much as we can.

Narrated Al-Mughira: The Prophet used to stand (in the prayer) or pray till both his feet or legs swelled. He was asked why (he offered such an unbearable prayer) and he said, “should I not be a thankful slave.” [Bukhari]

Rasulallah (ﷺ), to whom the Jannat-ul-Firdouse is guaranteed, prayed Tajajjud with long rak’ahs which caused swelling of his blessed feet. Whilst reciting Quran in Salah, Rasulallah (ﷺ) used to cry excessively and this caused a wheezing sound coming from his blessed chest as if a pot was being boiled. This is due to the fear Rasulallah (ﷺ) had of Almighty Allah. And what’s your reason for missing Tahajjud?

It is recommended to start the night prayer with two short rak’ahs, because of the hadith:

Abu Hurraira (RA) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “If you get up for night prayer, start with two short rak’ahs.” [Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Dawud]

Note: For Tahajjud one should read at least 2 rak’ahs up to 12 rak’ahs. This is Sunnah. However there is no limit for voluntary prayers (Nafil). One may also do a lot of Dhikrullah as well as recitation of the Quran.

The duas at the time of Tahajjud are very readily accepted by Almighty Allah and one should cry and repent to Allah during this time. If one cannot cry due to the hardness of ones heart due major sins then one should at least make a face as if one is crying. Just as a mother tends to her baby quickly and promptly when it cries then in the same way Allah tends to his servant quicker when his servant is crying and sincere.

More Hadiths about the Night Prayer:

Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked: “Which Salat is the best?” He replied, ” The best Salat is that in which Qiyam (the duration of standing) is longer.” [Muslim]

Narrated Hudhaifa:
When the Prophet (ﷺ) (p.b.u.h) got up at night (for the night prayer), he used to clean his mouth. [Bukhari]

Narrated Masruq:
I asked `Aisha “What deed was the most beloved to the Prophet?” She said, “The regular constant one.” I said, “At what time did he use to get up at night (for the Tahajjud night prayer)?’ She said, “He used to get up on hearing (the crowing of) the cock (the last third of the night). [Bukhari]

The Prophet (ﷺ) performed the night prayer in pairs (i.e., Rak’ah) and made it odd number by observing one Rak’ah (as Witr). [Bukhari and Muslim]

Narrated Nafi`: Ibn `Umar said, “While the Prophet (ﷺ) was on the pulpit, a man asked him how to offer the night prayers. He replied, ‘Pray two rak`at at a time and then two and then two and so on, and if you are afraid of the dawn (the approach of the time of the Fajr prayer) pray one rak`a and that will be the witr for all the rak`at which you have offered.” Ibn `Umar said, “The last rak`at of the night prayer should be odd, for the Prophet (ﷺ) ordered it to be so. [Bukhari]

‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: If the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) missed his night (Tahajjud) Salat because of indisposition or the like, he would perform twelve Rak’ah during the day. [Muslim]

Abu Salamah bin ‘Abdur-Rahman narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah say concerning Ramadan: ‘Whoeve spends its nights in prayer (Qiyam) out of faith and in the hope of reward, he will be forgiven his previous sins.” [Darussalam, Sahih]

EXTRA: SHORT DHIKR TO EARN HUGE REWARDS:

These are final few short supplications (almost everyone of us knows these) you can recite when you are on your bed finally. All these are to be recited at least 100 times at any time during a day. You should try to recite during the day whenever you get ‘free time’ and finish the remaining at night after the above acts.

Astagfirullah (100 times)
أستغفر الله
I seek forgiveness of Allah

Your Lord knows best what is in your inner-selves. If you are righteous, then, verily, He is Ever Most Forgiving to those who turn unto Him again and again in obedience, and in repentance. [Al-Isra 17:25]

If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allah), Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not. [Abu Dawud]

Al-Agharr Al-Muzani (May Allah be pleased with him) said:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Sometimes I perceive a veil over my heart, and I supplicate Allah for forgiveness a hundred times in a day.” [Muslim]
SubhanAllahi wa biHamdihi, Subhan-Allahil adheem (100 times)
سُبْحَانَ اللّهِ وَ بِحَمْدِهِ ، سُبْحَانَ اللّهِ الْعَظِيمِ
Glory be to Allah, and Praise, Glory be to Allah, the Supreme

Whoever says (the above) a hundred times during the day, his sins are wiped away, even if they are like the foam of the sea. [Bukhari and Muslim]

Abu Dharr reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Shall I tell you the words that Allah loves the most?” I said: “Yes, tell me, O Messenger of Allah.” He said: “The words dearest to Allah are: subhanAllah wa bihamdihi. [Muslim and Tirmidhi]

A palm tree is planted for the reciter [of the above] in Paradise. [Tirmidhi and al-Hakim]

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Two words are light on the tongue, weigh heavily in the balance, they are loved by the Most Merciful One.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
SubhanAllah, walHamdulilah, wa La illaha ilAllahu, waAllahu Akbar, wa la Hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (100 times)
سُبْحَانَ اللّهِ ، والْحَمْدُللّهِ ، وَ لا اِلهَ اِلَّا اللّهُ ، وَ اللّهُ اَكْبَرُ ، وَ لا حَوْلَ وَ لا قُوَّةَ اِلَّا بِاللّهِ
Glory be to Allah, All Praise is for Allah, There is No God but Allah, Allah is the Greatest, There is no might or any power Except with Allah

La Hawla wa la Quwatta illa Billah a treasure from the treasures of Paradise. [Bukhari, al-Fath al-Bari, Muslim]

Abu Sa`id reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, “Perform the enduring goods deeds (al-baaqiyaat al-SaliHaat) more frequently.” They asked, “What are these enduring good deeds?” The Prophet replied: Takbir (Allahu Akbar), Tahlil (la ilaha illallah), Tasbih (Subhan’Allah), Alhamdulillah, and la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah. [an-Nasa’i and Hakim]

Abd Allah ibn Mas’ud reported that the Prophet said: “During the Night Journey I met Ibrahim (alayhis salam) who said to me: ‘O Muhammad, convey my greetings to your Community, and tell them that the Paradise is of pure land, its water is sweet, and its expanse is vast, spacious and even. And its seedlings are SubhanAllah, walhamdulilah, wa la ilaha ilAllah, waAllahu Akbar.'” [Tirmidhi and Tabarani]
La illaha ilAllahu, waHdahu la shareeka lahu, lahul Mulku, wa lahul Hamd, wa Huwa ala kulli shaiy’in Qadeer (100 times)
لا اِلهَ اِلَّا اللّهُ وَحْدَهُ لا شَرِيكَ لَهُ ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَ لَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَ هُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
There is No God But Allah Alone, who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the raise, and He is Able to do all things

Whoever says the above one Hundred times, has the reward of freeing ten slaves, a hundred good deeds are recorded for him and a hundred bad deeds are wiped away and he has gained refuge from the devil that day until evening and none shall come with anything better except someone who has done more. [Bukhari and Muslim]
Allahumma salli ala muhammadiw wa ala aali muhammadin kamaa sallaita ala ibrahima wa ala aali ibrahima innaka hamidum majid. Allahumma baarik ala muhammadiw wa ala aali muhammadin kamaa baarakta ala ibrahima wa ala aali ibrahima innaka hamidum majid. (100 times)
اَللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلىَ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلىَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَماَ صَلَّيْتَ عَلىَ إِبْرَاهِيْمَ وَعَلىَ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيْمَ إِنـَّكَ حَمِيْدٌ مَجِيْدٌ اَللَّهُمَّ باَرِكْ عَلىَ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلىَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَماَ باَرَكْتَ عَلىَ إِبْرَاهِيْمَ وَعَلىَ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيْمَ إِنـَّكَ حَمِيْدٌ مَجِيْدٌ

O Allah, give Your mercy to Prophet Muhammad and his family as You gave Your mercy to Prophet Ibrahim and his family. You are the Most Exalted, the Most Noble. O Allah give Your blessings to Prophet Muhammad and his family as You gave Your blessings to Prophet Ibrahim and his family. You are the Most Exalted, the Most Noble.

Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [ Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [ Allah to grant him] peace. [Quran 33:56]

Abdullah bin Masood (رضي الله عنه) reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: The one who will be nearest me on the Day of Resurrection will be the one who invoked most blessings on me. [Tirmidhi]

Whosoever recite a durood for me 10 times, Allah will give him 10 blessings, 10 sins of his account deleted, and his rank elevated 10 degrees. [Ahmad, Nasai, and Hakeem]

Don’t make my graveyard a celebration (worship) place, and recite a durood for me, because your recitation will arrive to me wherever you are. [Abu Dawood]

Once Umar bin Khattab (رضي الله عنه) said to his nation: The supplication is stopped between the heaven and the earth and nothing of it ascends, till you invoke blessing on your Prophet. [Tirmidhi]

FINAL REMINDER!

We should make the habit of utilizing maximum the little time before sleeping in the remembrance of Allah as sleep is a form of death. When a person sleeps, his soul is taken.

Allah takes the souls at the time of their death, and those that do not die [He takes] during their sleep. Then He keeps those for which He has decreed death and releases the others for a specified term. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought. [Quran 39:42]

And it is He who takes your souls by night and knows what you have committed by day. Then He revives you therein that a specified term may be fulfilled. Then to Him will be your return; then He will inform you about what you used to do. [Quran 6:60]

On the authority of Ibn ‘Umar, radiyallahu ‘anhuma, who said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) took me by the shoulder and said: “Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a traveler/wayfarer.” Ibn ‘Umar used to say: “When evening comes, do not expect (to live till) morning, and when morning comes, do not expect (to live till) evening. Take from your health (a preparation) for your illness, and from your life for your death.” [Bukhari]

May Allah help us to do these good deeds consistently and give us the ability to wake up regularly for Tahajjud and act upon the Sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Ameen!

Hinduism: One God and no idol worship

2014-12-10T04:15:00.001-08:00

Learned Hindus, who are well versed in their scriptures, insist that a Hindu should believe in and worship only one God.

“Those whose intelligence has been stolen by material desires surrender unto demigods and follow the particular rules and regulations of worship according to their own natures.”[Bhagavad Gita 7:20]

“Ekam evadvitiyam”
“He is One only without a second.”[Chandogya Upanishad 6:2:1]1

“Na casya kascij janita na cadhipah.”
“Of Him there are neither parents nor lord.”[Svetasvatara Upanishad 6:9]2

“Na tasya pratima asti”
“There is no likeness of Him.”
[Svetasvatara Upanishad 4:19]3

“Na samdrse tisthati rupam asya, na caksusa pasyati kas canainam.”
“His form is not to be seen; no one sees Him with the eye.”
[Svetasvatara Upanishad 4:20]4

“na tasya pratima asti”
There is no image of Him.”[Yajurveda 32:3]

“shudhama poapvidham”
“He is bodyless and pure.”[Yajurveda 40:8]

“Andhatama pravishanti ye asambhuti mupaste”
“They enter darkness, those who worship the natural elements” (Air, Water, Fire, etc.). “They sink deeper in darkness, those who worship sambhuti.”
[Yajurveda 40:9]

Sambhuti means created things, for example table, chair, idol, etc.

God is mentioned as Ila (Allah) is the following places:

Rigveda Book 2 hymn 1 verse 11

Rigveda Book 3 hymn 30 verse 10

Rigveda Book 9 hymn 67 verse 30

Amongst the various Upanishads one of the Upanishads is named as ‘Allo’ Upanishad in which God is referred to as “Allah” several times.

Did Mohamed (pbuh) Make Up Quran?

2014-10-18T04:24:00.003-07:00

"Didn't Muhammad make up and write the Quran himself?"

No. Muhammad, peace be upon him, did not write the Quran. He was not able to do so, because he was illiterate. He could neither read nor write and there are many who attested to this fact.

"So, if Muhammad did not write the Quran, then WHO DID?"

No person "made up" the Quran. The Quran came down to Muhammad, peace be upon him, from Almighty God (Allah) by way of the angel Gabriel (Jibril in Arabic) and then it was memorized by him and he then in turn, would teach it orally to his companions.
The word "Quran" actually means the "Recitation" (spoken words). How do you "write sounds" recited sounds? - You actually only write what you hear and represent it with pen and ink on paper. Actually people can only write down words they hear of the "Quran" (Recital) as Muhammad, peace be upon him, recited it to them. The actual tone, pitch and sound are not really captured on paper.
When we have the Quran in written, book form it is usually referred to as 'scripture' ('mus-haf' in Arabic), although it is still Quran to us. So, while it is of course, possible to write down in book form, what we hear in some form or another, the main point is that Muhammad, peace be upon him, did not make up, fabricated or invent the words in the Quran. And there would be no way he could, as he was illerate and unable to read or write.
So, the question would be correct to ask in this way...

--- "OK - Who first recited the Quran?"

Now this question is easy.
According to the Quran's teachings, it came directly to Muhammad, peace be upon him, from the angel Gabriel (Ar. Jibril), who received it from Almighty God (Allah) and then he recited it to Muhammad, peace be upon him, piece by piece, sentence by sentence, revealing small and large portions of it over a period of 23 years.
The actual assembly and order of verses was never changed by Muhammad, peace be upon him. It was Jibril, the Angel of Allah, who instructed as to what should go where every time more of the Quran was revealed.

"If Muhammad didn't know to read/write, then his friends needed to write Quran (like the Bible) -- right?

NO! Again, they didn't need to write it down to preserve it, although they did. They all completely memorized it from what they heard.
Some of them wrote it down on animal skins, others on large stones or palm leaves, because the prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, instructed them to do so. So, they did write down what they had heard and that is Quran in written form. They all memorized the Quran for themselves and passed it down the same way they got it. The mouth to ear method of memorizing is still used the same way today for modern Muslims.

-- Could they have misinterpreted or did they possibly modify or add or delet any verses of Quran?"

NO! Allah tells us in the Quran itself, "If you are in doubt about it, bring a book like it" - So, we see that it is a book, yes. But it is not the same as an ordinary book written or made up by humans and that is our main point here.
Get the facts for yourself - straight from the source - from Allah's Quran (in Arabic)
Then decide what you think about "Allah's Quran"

Question: "May I ask - about the people who wrote the first Quran? (You said Prophet Muhammad didn't know to read/write, and his friends wrote the Quran after his death). "Did they interpret or modify or add or delet any verses of Quran?"

Answer: TEN POINTS OF UNDERSTANDING QURAN'S REVELATION

You are most welcome to review the facts and consider for yourself.

Now here is your chance to verify these claims, as the Quran makes these claims within itself about its own authenticity:

* "This is the Book (Qur'an) wherein there is no doubt"*"Have not the unbelievers considered that if it were from other than Allah, it would contain many contradictions?"
* "Allah shall show them the Signs within themselves and on the farthest horizons."
* "If you are in doubt about it, bring a book like it."

To date, none have been able to produce anything even close to the Quran in beauty, style, meaning and prophecies. The scientific proofs and evidences make the Quran the most talked about book in the intellectual world today.

Shake Hands With Women? What's the Problem?

2014-10-18T04:13:00.002-07:00

Question: Can men and women shake hands together?

NOTE : Respect of women and their rights to their own body and whether or not they allow men to touch them is at the very core of this answer. Keep in mind, Allah is the one who knows best what he has created and what the needs and limits are for each of us.
Shaking hands (and touching) members of the opposite sex when closely related, is not permissable for Muslims according to the teachings of Islam.
Why?

This is to discourage physical contact which could lead to familiarity that is unwarranted or undesired by the lady. It could also be the initial cause for desire within the man.

Is it only Islam that has a problem?

Actually, men shaking hands with women was not totally accepted by society even in the United States less than one hundred years ago.
Unless it was through proper introduction and the woman had first extended her hand toward the gentleman it was considered improper for a man to extend his hand if the lady had not offered hers.
Also, it was only expected the man would hold only the tips of her fingers, and to lower his gaze.

Check it out for yourself and see how much society has deviated away from some of the very basic principles in social interaction between males and females.

Answer - First: It is not permitted for a believing man to touch a woman who is not allowed for him (allowed includeds: mother, wife, sister, daughter, etc.). Whoever does this has wronged himself (sinned).
There is a hadeeth (narration of an event) from Ma'qil ibn Yassar, saying; The prophet, peace be upon him said,

"It is better for you to be stabbed in the head with an iron needle than to touch the hand of a woman who is not permissible to you."[At-Tabarani in "Al Kabir, #486. Shaikh Albani said in Sahih al-Jaami' it is sahih #5045]

This alone should be enough to keep away from this action and to instill obedience to Allah, as it implies touching women may lead to temptation and immorality.
Ayesha, the wife of the prophet, peace be upon him, said:

'When the believing women migrated (to Medina) and came to the prophet, peace be upon him, they would be examined in accordance with the words of Allah (in Quran):

"O Prophet! When believing women come to you to give you the bai'a (pledge of allegience), that they will not associate anything in worship with Allah, that they will not steal, that they will not commit illegal sexual intercourse, that they will not kill their children, that they will not utter slander, intentionally forging falsehood (i.e. by making illegal children belonging to their husbands), and that they will not disobey you in any Ma'ruf (Islamic Monotheism and all that which Islam ordains) then accept their bai'a (pledge of allegience), and ask Allah to forgive them, Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful".
[Quran: Surah Al Mumtahinah 60:12]

Any of the believing women who accepted the conditions of the verse and agreed to live by them were considered to have offered themselves for giving their oaths of allegiance.
When they declared their committment to do so, the prophet, peace be upon him, would say to them,

"You may go. I have confirmed your allegiance."

I swear by Allah, the prophet's hand never touched the hand of a woman. He would receive their oath of allegiance by spoken declaration.
I swear by Allah, the prophet, peace be upon him, never took any vow from women except what Allah had ordered him to take and his palm never touched the palm of a woman.
When he had taken their pledge, he would tell them he had taken their oath from them orally.
(Sahih Al Muslim Book on Government, Hadtih #4602)

Ayesha said:

'Any of the believing women who agreed to that had passed the test, and when the women agreed, the prophet, peace be upon him, said to them: 'Go, for you have given your oath of allegiance.'"No. (I swear) by Allah, the hand of the prophet, peace be upon him, never touched the hand of any woman; instead they would give their oath of allegiance with words only."
And Ayesha said: 'By Allah, the prophet, peace be upon him, only took the oath of allegiance from the women in the manner prescribed by Allah, and the hand of the prophet, peace be upon him, never touched the hand of any woman. When he had received their oath of loyalty and allegiance he would say, 'I have accepted your oath of allegiance verbally."[Sahih Muslim, #1866]

(The prophet of Allah, peace be upon him) did not touch women who were not permissible (shaking hands, etc.). This despite the fact the oath of allegiance was orginally given by hand.
So what about these other men (going around shaking hands)?
Umaymah bint Raqeeqah said:

'The prophet, peace be upon him, said, "I do not shake hands with women (not permissible to touch)."
[An-Nasaai, #4181 and Ibn Majah, #2874; Albani declared it sahih; Al Jami, #2513]

Second:
It's not permissable to shake hands even with a barrier (such as a garment) in between. There is an unacceptable narration (da'eef; not authentic) saying the prophet, peace be upon him, used to shake hands with women from beneath a garment.
(see: At-Tabarani in Al-Awsat, #2855). Al Haythami said: 'This was narrated by At-Tabarani in Al Kabir and Al Awsat. The chain of narrators includes 'Atab ibn Harb, who is da'eef (weak in narrations). [Majam' al-Zawad'id, 6/39]
Wali Ad-Din Al Iraqi said: 'The words of Ayesha, "He used to accept the women's oath by words only" means he did so without taking their hands or shaking hands with them. This indicates the bay'ah (oath) of men was accepted by shaking hands, as well as words, and this is how it was. What Ayesha mentioned was the custom.'
Some mufassireen (type of scholar) mentioned the prophet, peace be upon him, asked for a vessel of water and dipped his hand in it, then the women dipped their hands in it. And some of them said he did not shake hands with them from behind a barrier and had a cloak from Qatar over his hand. And it was said 'Umar, may Allah accept from him, shook hands with them on his behalf.
None of these reports are true, especially the last one. How could 'Umar, may Allah accept from him, have done something the prophet, peace be upon him, would not do?
[Tarh Al-Tathreeb, 7/45]
Sheikh Abdulaziz ibn Baz (Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabi, d. May, 1999), Allah's Mercy on him), said:
'The most correct view is this (shaking women's hands with something in between) is not allowed at all, because of the general meaning of the hadith, wherein the prohet, peace be upon him, said, "I do not shake hands with women (who are not related)" in order to avoid the way leading to evil.
[Adapted from Hashiyat Majmoo'at Rasal'il fil Hijab wa Sufor, p. 69]
Third:
The same rule applies to shaking hands with older women; it is also forbidden due to the general meaning of the texts on the issue. The reports saying it is permissible - are weak (da'eef).
Al-Zayla'i said:
'As for the report saying Abu Bakr used to shake hands with old women, it is ghareeb (strange in its chain of narrators, not acceptable in this case).
[Nasab Al-Rayah, 4/240]
Ibn Hajar said: 'I cannot find this hadeeth."
[Al-Dirayah fil Takhreej Al Hadith al-Hidayah, 2/225]
Fourth:
[We now list the opinions of the four schools of jurisprudence (mathabs)]:
With regard to the views of the four imams, they are as follows:
1 - Hanafiya (Abu Hanifa) The Hanafi madhhab:
Ibn Nujaym said: 'It is not permissible for a man to touch a woman's face or hands even when there's no risk of desire because it is haraam in principle and there is no necessity to allow it.'
[Al-Bahr al-Raa'iq, 8/219]
2 - Maliki (Imam Malik) The Maaliki madhhab:
Muhammad ibn Ahmad ('Ulaysh) said: 'It's not permissible for a man to touch the face or hand of a non-mahram woman (not related), and it is not permissilbe for him to his hand on hers without a barrier. Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: 'The prophet, peace be upon him, never accepted a woman's oath of allegiance by shaking hands with her; instead he would accept their oath of alleginace in words alone.'
According to another report: 'His hand never touched the hand of a woman, instead he would accept their oath of allegiance with words alone.'
[Manh Al-Jaleel Sharh Mukhtasar Khaleel, 1/223]
3 - Shafiy (Imam Muhammad ibn Idris Ash-Shafi) Shafi Mathab:
Imam Al-Nawawi (author of Al-Arba'een and Riyadus Salahin) said, "It is not permitted to touch a woman (not properly related) in any way.
[Al Majmoo' 4/515]
Wali A-Din Al-Iraqi said,
'This indicates the hand of the prophet, peace be upon him, did not touch the hand of any woman except for those permissible to him, whether in the case of accepting their oath of allegiance or in other cases. If he didn't do it in spite of the fact he was far above suspicion, then it is even more essential for others to heed this prohibition. It appears from the texts he didn't do it because it was forbidden for him to do so.
The fuqaha (scholars of jurisprudence) among our companions and others say it is forbidden to touch a non-mahram (not properly related) woman even if it is touching any part of her body that is not a part of her 'awrah (private area between the navel and the knees), such as her face.
But their differences of opinon occured regarding looking (at them) when there is no desire and no fear of fitnah (serious calamity).
The prohibition of touching is stronger even than the prohibition of looking, and it is forbidden when there is no necessity to allow it.
In the case of necessity, such as medical treatment, removing a tooth or treating the eyes, if there is no woman available to do provide the treatment, then it is allowed for a man to do it because of the necessity.
[Tarh At-Tathreeb 7/45 #46]
4 - Hanbali (Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal) Hanbali Mathab
Ibn Muflih said about Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, that he was asked about a man who shakes hands with a woman. His answer was, 'No' and it was emphatically forbidden. When he was asked about shaking hands having some cloth in between he said, 'No'.
Shaikh Taqiy ul-Din also held the view it was prohibited and gave the reason, touching is more serious than looking.Al-Adaab al-Shari'ah, 2/257
And Allahu 'Alim (Allah is the All-Knower)

Dawah - An Obligation - The Way to Akhirah

2014-08-24T09:21:00.002-07:00

An important matter for Muslims to realize is that Dawah is an obligation upon them. Allah (subhanahu wa Ta`ala) says in the Quran:

"Invite to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided." (Quran, an-Nahl: 125)

"Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining al-ma`roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are successful." (Quran, Aal Imraan: 104)

The second verse may seem to be restricting the general obligation given in the first verse, but a close look at the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) reveals that calling to Allah is an individual obligation, rather than a collective one. The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) has said: "Convey from me, even one verse." (Bukhari) Conveying the message therefore does not require a high level of scholarship, it is in fact a responsibility of each and every Muslim, according to his or her ability.

The obligation is further emphasized by the following verse which explains that not conveying the message - hiding knowledge - is disobedience to Allah that causes Allah's curse to descend upon such people, which shows that such a sin leads to the Hellfire.

"Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences and the guidance, which We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, they are the ones cursed by Allah and cursed by the cursers." (Quran, al-Baqarah: 159)

In the same connection, the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) has stated, "Whoever hides knowledge, Allah will brand him with the branding iron from the hellfire." (Ahmad)

Calling people to Allah also means completing our own worship, the reason for which we are created. It is one of the noblest acts that entails a high reward.

"And who is better in speech than he who (says: 'My Lord is Allah (believes in His Oneness),' and then stands straight (acts upon His Order), and) invites (men) to Allah (Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: 'I am one of the Muslims.'" (Quran, Fussilat: 33)

With regards to the reward, the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) has said: "Whoever guides (another) to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it." (Sahih Muslim) Also, "By Allah, if Allah were to guide one man through you it would be better for you than the best type of camels." (Bukhari, Muslim)

Does Islam Allow Wife Beating? -The Way To Akhirah

2014-08-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

Respected scholars! Does Islam allow wife beating? Some husbands are violent and they say that the Quran allows them to beat their wives. Is there any logical explanation given regarding men being allowed to beat their wives, as stated in Surat An-Nisaa, verse 34?

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear questioner, we would like to thank you for the great confidence you placed in us, and we implore Allah Almighty to help us serve His cause and render our work for His Sake.

The verse you mentioned has been greatly misconceived by many people who focus merely on its surface meaning, taking it to allow wife beating. When the setting is not taken into account, it isolates the words in a way that distorts or falsifies the original meaning. Before dealing with the issue of wife-battering in the perspective of Islam, we should keep in mind that the original Arabic wording of the Holy Quran is the only authentic source of meaning. If one relies on the translation alone, one is likely to misunderstand it.

Commenting on this issue, Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, former President of the Islamic Society of North America, states:

"According to Quran the relationship between the husband and wife should be based on mutual love and kindness. Allah says: "And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect." (Quran: Ar-Rum 21)

The Holy Quran urges husbands to treat their wives with kindness. (In the event of a family dispute, Quran exhorts the husband to treat his wife kindly and not to overlook her positive aspects). Allah Almighty says: “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 Allah brings about through it a great deal of good.” (Quran: An-Nisaa 19)

It is important that a wife recognizes the authority of her husband in the house. He is the head of the household, and she is supposed to listen to him. But the husband should also use his authority with respect and kindness towards his wife. If there arises any disagreement or dispute among them, then it should be resolved in a peaceful manner. Spouses should seek the counsel of their elders and other respectable family members and friends to batch up the rift and solve the differences.

However, in some cases a husband may use some light disciplinary action in order to correct the moral infraction of his wife, but this is only applicable in extreme cases and it should be resorted to if one is sure it would improve the situation. However, if there is a fear that it might worsen the relationship or may wreak havoc on him or the family, then he should avoid it completely.

Quran is very clear on this issue. Almighty Allah says: "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 to guard. As to those women on whose part you 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 and Great (above you all). If you 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 has full knowledge and is acquainted with all things." (Quran: An-Nisaa 34-35)

It is important to read the section fully. One should not take part of the verse and use it to justify one's own misconduct. This verse neither permits violence nor condones it. It guides us to ways to handle delicate family situation with care and wisdom. The word "beating" is used in the verse, but it does not mean "physical abuse". The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) explained it "dharban ghayra mubarrih" which means "a light tap that leaves no mark". He further said that face must be avoided. Some other scholars are of the view that it is no more than a light touch by siwak, or toothbrush.

Generally, the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) used to discourage his followers from taking even this measure. He never hit any female, and he used to say that the best of men are those who do not hit their wives. In one Hadith he expressed his extreme repulsion from this behavior and said, "How does anyone of you beat his wife as he beats the stallion camel and then embrace (sleep with) her?” (Al-Bukhari, English Translation, vol. 8, Hadith 68, pp. 42-43)

It is also important to note that even this "light strike" mentioned in the verse is not to be used to correct some minor problem, but it is permissible to resort to only in a situation of some serious moral misconduct when admonishing the wife fails, and avoiding from sleeping with her would not help. If this disciplinary action can correct a situation and save the marriage, then one should use it."

Dr. Jamal Badawi, professor at Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and a cross-appointed faculty member in the Departments of Religious Studies and Management, adds:

"If the problem relates to the wife's behavior, the husband may exhort her and appeal for reason. In most cases, this measure is likely to be sufficient. In cases where the problem persists, the husband may express his displeasure in another peaceful manner, by sleeping in a separate bed from hers. There are cases, however, in which a wife persists in bad habits and showing contempt of her husband and disregard for her marital obligations. Instead of divorce, the husband may resort to another measure that may save the marriage, at least in some cases. Such a measure is more accurately described as a gentle tap on the body, but never on the face, making it more of a symbolic measure than a punitive one.

Even here, that maximum measure is limited by the following:

a. It must be seen as a rare exception to the repeated exhortation of mutual respect, kindness and good treatment. Based on Quran and Hadith, this measure may be used in the cases of lewdness on the part of the wife or extreme refraction and rejection of the husband's reasonable requests on a consistent basis (nushuz). Even then, other measures, such as exhortation, should be tried first.

b. As defined by Hadith, it is not permissible to strike anyone's face, cause any bodily harm or even be harsh. What the Hadith qualifies as "dharban ghayra mubarrih", or light striking, was interpreted by early jurists as a (symbolic) use of siwak! They further qualified permissible "striking" as that which leaves no mark on the body.

c. The permissibility of such symbolic expression of the seriousness of continued refraction does not imply its desirability. In several Hadiths, the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) discouraged this measure. Here are some of his sayings in this regard:

"Do not beat the female servants of Allah";

"Some (women) visited my family complaining about their husbands (beating them). These (husbands) are not the best of you."

In another Hadith the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) is reported to have said: “How does anyone of you beat his wife as he beats the stallion camel and then he may embrace (sleep with) her?”

d. True following of the Sunnah is to follow the example of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) who never resorted to that measure, regardless of the circumstances.

e. Islamic teachings are universal in nature. They respond to the needs and circumstances of diverse times, cultures and circumstances. Some measures may work in some cases and cultures or with certain persons but may not be effective in others. By definition, a "permissible" act is neither required, encouraged or forbidden. In fact it may be to spell out the extent of permissibility, such as in the issue at hand, rather than leaving it unrestricted or unqualified, or ignoring it all together. In the absence of strict qualifiers, persons may interpret the matter in their own way, which can lead to excesses and real abuse.

f. Any excess, cruelty, family violence, or abuse committed by any "Muslim" can never be traced, honestly, to any revelatory text (Quran or Hadith). Such excesses and violations are to be blamed on the person (s) himself, as it shows that they are paying lip service to Islamic teachings and injunctions and failing to follow the true Sunnah of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.)."

Allah Almighty knows best.

The Ideal Muslim and His Community - The Way To Akhirah

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He is truthful
He does not cheat, deceive or stab in the back
He is not envious
He is sincere
He keeps his promises
He has a good attitude towards others and treats them well
He is characterized by shyness
He is gentle towards people
He is compassionate and merciful
He is tolerant and forgiving
He is easy-going in his business dealings
He is of cheerful countenance
He has a sense of humor
He is patient
He avoids cursing and foul language
He does not falsely accuse anyone of fisq or kufr
He is modest and discreet
He dos not interfere in that which does not concern him
He refrains from backbiting and slander
He avoids giving false statements
He avoids suspicion
He keeps secrets
He does not converse privately with another person when there is a third person present
He is not arrogant or proud
He is humble and modest
He does not make fun of anyone
He respects elders and distinguished people
He mixes with people of noble character
He strives for people's benefits and seeks to protect hem from harm
He strives to reconcile between Muslims
He calls people to truth
He enjoins what is good and forbids what is evil
He is wise and eloquent in his Dawah
He is not a hypocrite
He does not show off or boast
He is straightforward and consistent in his adherence to the truth
He visits the sick
He attends funerals
He repays favors and is grateful for them
He mixes with people and puts up with their insults
He tries to make people happy
He guides others to righteous deeds
He is easy on people, not hard
He is fair in his judgment of people
He does not oppress or mistreat others
He loves noble things and always aims high
His speech is not exaggerated or affected
He does not rejoice in the misfortunes of others
He is generous
He does not remind the beneficiaries of his charity
He is hospitable
He prefers others to himself
He helps to alleviate the burden of the debtor
He is proud and does not beg
He is friendly and likeable
He checks his customs and habits against Islamic standards
He follows Islamic manners in the way he eats and drinks
He spreads the greeting of salam
He does not enter a house other than his own without permission
He sits wherever he finds room in a gathering
He avoids yawning in a gathering as much as he can
He follows the Islamic etiquette when he sneezes
He does not look into other people's houses
He does not imitate women

The Ruling on Celebrating the Prophet's Birthday - The Way to Akhirah

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Question: Is it permissible for Muslims to celebrate in the Masjid with dhikr and readings from the Seerah (Biography) of Prophet (r) on the night of the 12th of Rabee'-ul-Awwal, especially on the Prophet's birthday without making it a day of Eid? There is some differing between us as to whether it's Bid'ah Hasanah (good innovation) or not.
Answer: It's not from the way of Muslims to gather to celebrate the Prophet's birthday on the night of the 12th of Rabee'-ul-Awwal or any other night. Likewise, it is not from the way of Muslims to gather for any birthday celebration of any one, including the Prophet (p.b.u.h.). And this affair of celebrating and gathering for the birthday of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) is an innovation and a newly introduced matter in the
Religion. The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) never celebrated his birthday during his lifetime. And he was the one who communicated the Religion to us and legislated its legislation (for us) with Allaah's authority. This affair of celebrating the Prophet's birthday was not practiced by the rightly guided Khaleefahs or his Companions nor by those who preceded them in righteousness because they knew it was an innovation.
The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said:
"He who innovates something in this affair of ours (i.e. Sunnah) that is not part of it, will have it rejected." (Bukhaari and Muslim)
And in another version of the Hadeeth:
"He who does an act which is not in agreement with our affair (i.e. religion), will have it rejected."
This celebrating of the Prophet's birthday is not from his practice but rather it is something that was introduced into the Religion by the later generations of Muslims and so it is to be rejected.
The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) would say in his Friday khutbah (sermon):
"To Proceed. Surely the best speech is the Book of Allaah and the best of all guidance is the guidance of Muhammad. And the worst of all affairs are newly invented things and every newly invented thing is an innovation and every innovation is astray." (Sahih Muslim)
It is also recorded by an-Nasa'i with a good chain of narration with the addition:
"...and every astray is in the Hellfire."

Rights Due to Children - The Way to Akhirah

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The word "children" stands for sons and daughters, who are entitled to indisputable rights of rearing represented in promoting their religious orientation and ethical approach in order to be armed with both merits. Allah, the Almighty, says: "O you who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones..." (The Holy Quran: 66:6)

The Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Everyone of you is a protector and guardian and responsible for your wards and things under your care and a man is a guardian of his family members, and is accountable for those placed under his charge." (Bukhari and Muslim)

Children are a trust put in the hands of parents who will be answerable before Allah on the Day of Judgment about their children as they are enjoined to satisfy their offspring's spiritual and religious urges in order to produce righteous men and women, to be a consolation for the eyes of their parents in both the present

world and Hereafter. Allah, the Almighty says: "And those who believe and whose offspring follow them in Faith, to them shall We join their offspring, and We shall not decrease the reward of their deeds in anything. Every person is a pledge for that which he has earned." (The Holy Quran: 52:21)

The Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) in this context, said: "When a believer dies, his work ceases to be except in three areas: a perpetual Sadaqa (charity), some useful knowledge he leaves and a righteous son praying for him." (Muslim)

However, some parents have paid no heed to their children's rights and shirked away their obligations to them. Consequently the latter have got lost and begun to grope in darkness. Their parents have been too busy in worldly affairs promoting their financial situation and hoarding wealth to enquire about the company in which their children are involved or to guide them to good and make them shun evil, although they are more eligible for parental care, love and attention. Duties of father are not confined to catering for his child's physical well-being, nutritious needs and clothing only; he is rather demanded to care about the spiritual side of his child's character, feeding his heart with knowledge and faith and enveloping his soul with a clad of piety and the fear of Allah.

Children are eligible to be spent on in kindness with neither extravagance nor stint. Spending on one's children manifests deep gratitude to Allah for the wealth, which the Creator has conferred on to the father. He cannot withhold his wealth, nor stint on it; otherwise it will go involuntarily to his children after his death. Should he be stint, although it is the right of the children to acquire adequate money to sustain themselves.

Another right fully due to children is equality in parental treatment. No one should be given preference over the others in gifts or presents. The canonical law of Islam dictates that no child should enjoy privileges to the prejudice of his brothers or sisters; this is injustice on the face of it. Allah forbids injustice because it leads to aversion on the part of the deprived children, and creation of hostility between the ill-treated and the pampered ones or even between the former and their parents. One child could show more honor to his parents than his other brothers or sisters, the thing that invites his parents to single him out for more privileges to the exclusion of the others. This behavior is unjustifiable because the dutiful son is rewarded by his Lord; moreover, a privilege of this sort could on the one hand lead the child to vain glory and on the other, the less fortunate ones could develop a kind of aversion and then overstep the mark and indulge in further disobedience. Life is rich in vicissitudes; the undutiful son could turn into a respectful one and vice versa; after all, hearts are in the grasp of Allah and they could show different emotions as He desires.

Bukhari and Muslim reported a narration from An-Numan bin Bashir that his father Bashir bin Sa'd took him to Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) and said, "I have given this son of mine a slave." The Prophet (peace be upon him) asked, 'Have you given all your sons the like?’ He replied in the negative. The Prophet (peace be upon Him) said, 'Take back your gift then.'"

In another narration, the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Be afraid of Allah, and be just to your children."

And in another narration, he (peace be upon him) said: "Make anyone else a witness upon this because I cannot be a witness on a Zulm (wrongdoing)."

In clear words, the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) described preference of one's child over the others as injustice which is synonymous with Zulm (wrongdoing) and Zulm is Haram (prohibited). However, we must not mix up between preference and making an exception of one child and satisfying his urgent needs; this exception serves special exigencies and runs in the same channel of supporting one's family.

When the parent has discharged his obligations towards his offspring in all aspects including sustenance and upbringing, then the child should certainly manage to observe full obedience and honor to his parent. But when a father fails to fulfill his duties, he is liable to be punished that his son should deny his parental right and let the father be rightly recompensed of what he did.

Best Deeds in Islam - The Way To Akhirah

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It is narrated on the authority of Abdullah bin Mas'ood (may Allah be pleased with him), who observed:
"I asked Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) which deed was the best." He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'The Prayer at its appointed hour.' I (again) asked: "Then what?" He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'Kindness to the parents.' I (again) asked: "Then what?" He replied: 'Earnest struggle (Jihad) in the cause of Allah.' I refrained from asking any more questions for fear of annoying him. (Sahih Muslim: 120)

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) was asked about the best of deeds. He observed: "Belief in Allah." He (the inquirer) asked: 'What next?' He (the Holy Prophet) replied: "Jihad (struggle to the utmost) in the cause of Allah." He (the inquirer) again asked: 'What next?' He (the Holy Prophet) replied: "Pilgrimage accepted into the grace of the Lord." (Sahih Muslim: 118)

Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that I asked the Messenger of Allah: "Which of the deeds is the best?" He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'Belief in Allah and Jihad in His cause.' I again asked: "Who is the slave whose emancipation is the best?" He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'One who is valuable for his master and whose price is high.' I asked: "What if I cannot afford to do it?" He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'Help an artisan or make anything for the unskilled (laborer).' I (Abu Dharr) said: "O Messenger of Allah, you see that I am helpless in doing some of these deeds." He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'Desist from doing mischief to the people. That is your own charity for your self.'
(Sahih Muslim: 119)

SOME OF THE HUMAN QUALITIES ALLAH, THE ALMIGHTY LOVES
"Say (O Muhammad to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic monotheism, follow the Quran and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran: 3:31)

Patience
"And Allah loves as-Sabirun (the patient)." (Quran: 3:146)

Justice and Dealing with Equity
"Be just: that is nearer to piety; and fear Allah." (Quran: 5:8)

Putting Trust in Allah
"Certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)." (Quran: 3:159)

Perfection of One's Work
The Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves that if one does a job he perfects it."

Rescuing
Abu Ya ‘la Dailami and Ibn Asakir narrated: Abu Hurairah and Anas Ibn Malik said: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves rescuing the one who needs rescue."

Being Kind and Gentle to Others
Baihaqani narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah is kind and gentle (to others)."

Kindliness
"Aisha narrated: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves kindliness in all matters." (Bukhari)

Repentance
"Truly, Allah loves those who turn unto him in repentance." (Quran: 2:222)

Piety
"Verily, then Allah loves those who are al-Muttaqun (the pious)."
(Quran: 3:76)

Good-doing
"Truly, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good-doers)." (Quran: 2:195)

Body Purification
"And Allah loves those who make themselves clean and pure [ i.e. who clean their private parts with dust (which has the properties of soap) and water from urine and stools, after answering the call of nature]." (Quran: 9:108)

Humility of the Rich
Muslim narrated: Sa'd Ibn Abi Waqqas said: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves the believer who is pious and rich, but does not show off."

Belief and Work
Al-Tabarani narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves the slave who believes and acquires a career (or work)."

Reflection of Allah's Grace
Al-Tirmidhi narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves from amongst his slaves, the one who has a sense of zeal or honor."

Magnanimity
Al-Hakim narrated: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Allah is All-Generous and He loves generosity in sale, purchase and judgment."

Virtuosity
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: " Allah loves the slave-believer who is poor but virtuous enough to refrain from begging though he has many children." (Muslim and Ahmed)

Loftiness
Al-Tabarani narrated: the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves lofty matters and superiority and hates inferior matters."

Justice
Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves that you be just toward your children even when kissing them." (Ibn Al-Najjar)

Strength
Muslim narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "The strong believer is better and more loved by Allah than the weak one, but they are both good."

Love for the Sake of Allah
Al-Tabarani, Ibn Ya'la, Ibn Hibban and Al-Hakim narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "If two men love each other for the sake of Allah, the stronger in love to his brother will be more loved by Allah."

Forgiveness
Ibn Iday narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah is All-Forgiving and He loves forgiveness."

Continuous Performance of Righteous Deeds
Bukhari and Muslim narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "The best loved deeds to Allah are the ones that are continuous even if they are not very many."

Loving and Visiting Believers
Malik narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah said: My love is due to those who meet for My sake, visit one another and make any effort for My pleasure."

Exhortation and Advising
Abdullah, the son of Imam Ahmed narrated: It was said: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "The best loved slaves to Allah are those who exhort their slaves."

Love of Virtuous Deeds
Ibn Abi Al-Dunya narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "The best loved slaves to Allah are those who are made to love virtue and loving virtuous deeds is made lovely to them."

Good Manners and Conduct
Al-Tirmidhi narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "The best loved by me and the nearest to me on the seats on the Day of Resurrection are those who have the best manners and conduct amongst you, who are intimate, are on good terms with others and are humble, and the most hated by me and who will be on the furthest seats from me are those who are talkative and arrogant."

Love of Allah is the basis of worship that should be directed to Him alone. Any other love should be for His sake too. The real love of Allah is to do whatever He ordained and to abandon whatever He forbade, in addition to following the Prophet's Sunnah.

Whoever obeys someone or something other than Allah and His Messenger, or follows any saying other than theirs, or fears other than Allah or seeks the pleasure of other than Allah, or puts his trust in other than Him, does not love Allah, nor does he love His Messenger. Muslims should also love one another and wish the best for one another. Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said:

"One will not be a true believer unless he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." (Bukhari, Muslim, Nasa'i, Ahmed and Ibn Majah)

Imam Malik and Imam Ahmed narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah said: My love is due to those who love one another for My sake."

The Prophet's Farewell Pilgrimage - The Way To Akhirah

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Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and was made obligatory in the tenth, ninth or sixth year, according to different reports [Ibn Kathir, al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 5/109]. In the tenth year the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) announced that he intended to perform Hajj; this was the only time that he performed Hajj after the Hijrah to Madinah. The Muslims came from all over the Arabian Peninsula to perform Hajj with him. He left Madinah five days before the end of Dhu al Qa'dah (Ibn Hajar, Fath al Bari, 8/104; Ibn Ishaq, with a Hasan isnad (Sirat Ibn Hisham, 4/272). Ibn Kathir, al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 5/111. This is the same as Ibn Ishaq’s report. He said, "Its isnad is jayyid.").
When he halted in Arafat, the following Ayah was revealed to him: "…This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion…" (Al Ma'idah 5:4) (Sahih al Bukhari, Fath al Bari, 8/108)
The Muslims learned the rituals of the Hajj from the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) when he said: "Take your rituals from me." His Hajj was full of laws pertaining to the Shariah, especially matters pertaining to the Hajj, and general advice and laws which were mentioned in the Sermon of Arafat. For this reason, the scholars showed great interest in the farewell pilgrimage and derived many laws from it, dealing with the rituals of Hajj and other matters, of which the books of Fiqh and Hadith explanation are full. Some of the scholars wrote books dealing specifically with the farewell pilgrimage.
A large gathering of Muslims participated in the event. They listened to the farewell sermon Khutbat al Wadaa' which he gave at Arafat in the middle of the Ayyam al Tashriq (three days following the tenth of Dhu al-Hijjah).
"Verily your blood and your property are as sacred and inviolable as the sacredness of this day of yours, in this month of yours, in this land of yours. Behold! Everything pertaining to the days of ignorance is under my feet completely abolished. Abolished are also the blood revenges of the days of ignorance. The first claim of ours on blood revenge which I abolish is that of the son of Rabi'ah Ibn al Harith. And the usury Riba of the pre-Islamic period is abolished, and the first of our usury I abolish is that of 'Abbas Ibn 'Abd al Muttalib, for it is all abolished. Fear God concerning women! Verily you have taken them on the security of God, and intercourse with them has been made lawful unto you by words of God. You too have rights over them, and they should not allow anyone to sit on your bed whom you do not like. But if they do that, you can chastise them but not severely. Their rights upon you are that you should provide them with food and clothing in a fitting manner. I have left among you the Book of God, and if you hold fast to it you would never go astray. And you would be asked about me (on the day of resurrection), (now tell me) what would you say? They (the audience) said: 'We bear witness that you have conveyed (the message), discharged (the ministry of Prophethood) and given wise (sincere) counsel.' He (the narrator) said: 'He (the Prophet) then raised his forefinger toward the sky and pointed it at the people (and said): 'O God, bear witness, O God, bear witness.''" (The report is from Sahih Muslim, 4/38-43, from the Hadith of Jabir Ibn 'Abd Allah. Al Shaikh Muhammad Nasir al Din al Albani made some brief additions to it, from other books of Hadith which narrated the Hadith of Jabir with some Sahih additions (Hijjat alNabi, pp. 71-73). See the report of Jabir in Hadith in Hijjat al-Nabii, 38-41. See part of the khutbah in Sahih al Bukhari, Fath al Bari, 8/108). Ibn Ishaq mentioned the long text of the farewell khutbah without isnad. Imam Ahmad mentioned the long text of the khutbah of the farewell pilgrimage, which was given in the middle of the Ayyam al Tashriq. Its isnad includes 'Ali Ibn Zayd Ibn Jad'aan, who al Hafiz Ibn Hajar, in al Taqrib, said was weak. Al Bannaa said, "Al Bazzar narrated a similar report with the same meaning from Ibn 'Umar with a different isnad." The Imams of Hadith narrated parts of it in their books, in different chapters, through Sahih isnads; and Allah knows best. (Al Fath al Rabbani, 279-281))
He delivered another sermon at Mina, when he said, "Do not return to Kufr, killing one another, after I am gone." (Sahih al Bukhari, Fath al Bari, 8/107; Muslim, Sahih, 1/82)
(End of excerpt from Dr 'Umari's work)
From Benefits of this Great Sermon:
(Adapted from Masaa'il Muhimma 'an il-'Umrah wa'l-Hajj by Muhammad Jameel Zeeno)

Prohibition of shedding innocent blood, and taking of wealth without right, which stresses Islam's protection of souls.

Nullification of validity of actions of Jahiliyyah

Prohibition of taking Riba (usury and interest), which is an increase on the principal, whether small or large. Allah the Most High says: "But if you repent, you may have your capital." (Al Baqarah (2:279))

Admonition to fulfill and give women their rights, and to deal with them in goodness. Many authentic Hadiths have been narrated in this regard, which elucidate their rights and warn against taking them unjustly.

Advice to strongly cling to the Book of Allah, in which lies the honor of Muslims and their victory. Likewise, the order to stick to the Sunnah, which explains the Quran, for verily the reason for Muslims' weakness today is their leaving of judging by the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger. There will be no victory for Muslims except by returning to these two Sources.

Testimony of the Companions that the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) conveyed the message, discharged his trust and counseled the Ummah.

Order to take rituals of Hajj and other rituals from the Prophet's sayings, actions and tacit agreements.

Subtle indication that the Prophet's farewell would soon come.

Warning against fighting and killing among Muslims, which is disbelief in action, which does not take one out of the fold of Islam, as in his (p.b.u.h.) saying: "Cursing a Muslim is fusooq, and fighting him is kufr." (Agreed upon)

HOW TO PRAY THE EID SALAH - STEP BY STEP METHOD - The Way to Akhirah

2014-07-28T15:11:00.000-07:00

Assalamualikum.

This is going to be a very short post, describing or touching through the method of praying the Eid Salah. Please find below the step by step guide in accordance to the sunnah of rasool (s.a.w) and his sahabaas (r.a.a). Also note that i am not including the details of the etiquette of Eid and other similar topics. this is only a document chalking out the method to pray the Eid ul Fitr.

WHEN SHOULD WE START GIVING THE TAKBEER AND WHEN SHOULD IT END?

On Eid ul-Fitr, Takbir starts from the moment of leaving the home to the open field. Az-Zuhri (RA) reported: “Allah’s Messenger (SAW) would heave his house on the day of Fitr, saying takbir until he reached the musalla (in this useage meaning outdoor praying area) to perform the prayer. Once he had performed the prayer, he would stop saying the takbir.

[Recorded by Ibn Abi Shaybah in Al-Musannah and al-Mahamili (in Salat-ul-Eidayn) and verified by Albani in another narration to be authentic (as-Sahihab no. 171)]

Al-Albani said: “this hadeeth provides evidence for the Muslims’ common practice of sayng the takbir aloud en route to the musalla (or outside prayer place) even though many people have now neglected this sunnah, until it is almost totally forgotten.

[As-Sahihah, vol. 1a, p 331.]

When Ibn ‘Umar went out (of his house) on the morning of the day of Fitr and the day of Adha, he would say the takbir aloud until he reached the musalla (or outdoor praying place), then he would say it until the imam arrived (for the prayer)

[Recorded by ad-Daraqu tani, Ibn Abu Shaybah and others (Irwa’ ul-Ghalil no. 650)]

Conclusion : Therefore the general rule for the two Eids is as reported by az-Zuhri (RA): “The people said the takbir on Eid from the time they left their homes until they reached the musalla (or outside praying place), and (said it at the musalla) until the imam arrived. When the imam arrived, they became silent; but if he said the takbir, they would also say it.”

However Imam Al Sha'afi recommends saying the takbeer from the night we have sighted the moon to end the fasting of Ramadan :

Al-Shaafa’i said in al-Umm: I heard from some scholars whom I trust and who are knowledgeable about the Qur’aan:

“(He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is the Most Great)] for having guided you” [Al Baqarah 2:185]

it is completed when the sun sets on the last day of the month of Ramadaan.

Then al-Shaafa’i said:

When they see the new moon of Shawwaal, I like all the people to recite takbeer together and individually in the mosques, the marketplaces, the streets, the houses, travellers and non-travellers in all situations, no matter where they are. They should pronounce the takbeer openly and continue to recite it until they come to the prayer-place the next morning, and after that until the imam comes out to lead the prayer, then they should stop reciting the takbeer.

Then he narrated from Sa’eed ibn al-Musayyib, ‘Urwah ibn al-Zubayr, Abu Salamah and Abu Bakr ibn ‘Abd al-Rahmaan, that they used to recite takbeer on the night before Eid al-Fitr in the mosque, reciting the takbeer out loud.

It was narrated from ‘Urwah ibn al-Zubayr and Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abd al-Rahmaan that they used to recite the takbeer out loud when they came to the prayer-pace in the morning, and that Naafi’ ibn Jubayr used to recite the takbeer out loud when he came to the prayer-place in the morning of the day of Eid.

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that he used to come to the prayer-place on the morning of the day of Eid al-Fitr, when the sun had risen, and he would recite takbeer until he reached the prayer-place, then he would recite takbeer in the prayer-place until the imam sat down and stopped reciting takbeer.

Also see: Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 16/269-272.

WHAT ARE THE WORDINGS OF THE TAKBEER?

The below wordings are reported from the Sahabas so one can choose any of the below.

1. “Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, wa Lillaahi’l-hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god except Allaah, Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, and all praise be to Allaah).

[Recorded by Ibn Abi Shaybah and al-Muhamili from Ibn Mas’ud (RA) authenticated in Irwa ul-Ghalil no. 654)]

2. “Allaho akbar; Allahu akbar; Allahu akbar; la ilaha illa-llah; Allaho akbar; Allahu akbar; Allaho akbar wa-lillah il-hamd - Allah is the Greatest; Allah is the Greatest; Allah is the Greatest there is no (true) god except Allah. Allah is the Greatest; Allah is the Greatest; Allah is the Greatest and to Allah belongs all praise.

[Recorded by al-Bayhaqi from Ibn Abbas (RA) and by Ibn Abi Shaybay from Ibn Mas’ud (RA). Authenticated in Irwa ul-Ghalil no. 654.]

NOTE: The difference between the first takbir and this one is the number of time you say Allaho Akbar – with it being said twice in the first example and three times in this example

3. Allahu akbaru kabira; Allahu akbaru kabira; Allahu akbaru wa-ajall; Allahu akbaru, wa-lillah il-hamd – Allah is the Greatest – Great indeed; Allah is the Greatest – Great indeed; Allah is the Greatest and the Most Majestic; Allah is the Greatest; and to Allah belongs all praise.

[Recorded by Ibn Abi Shaybah from Ibn ‘Abbas (RA). Authenticated in Irwa ul-Ghalil no. 654)]

4. “Allahu Akbar; Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa-lillah ilhamd, Allahu akbaru wa-ajall, Alahu akbaru ‘ala ma hadana – Allah is the Greatest; Allah is the Greatest; Allah is the Greatest; and to Allah belongs all praise. Allah is the Greatest and the Most Majestic; Allah is the Greatest for guiding us

[Recorded by al-Muhamili from Ibn ‘Abbas (RA). Authenticated in Irwa ul-Ghalil no. 654)]

STARTING WITH THE EID PRAYER

No Sunnah/Nafil prayer before the Eid Salah :

Once at the musalla or open prayer area, it is not recommended to precede or follow the Eid prayer with any voluntary prayers. Ibn ‘Abbas (r.a) reported: “The Prophet (s.a.w) went out (to the musalla) on the Day of Fitr and prayed two rak’at (of Eid prayer), not praying before or after them [Recorded by Al-Bukhari, Muslim and others

[(Irwas’ul-Ghalili no. 631)]

It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed said: The Messenger of Allaah SAWS (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to come out on the day of al-Fitr and al-Adha to the prayer place, and the first thing he would do was to offer the prayer.

[Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 956 ]

Ibn Hajar (RA) said: “Ibn al-‘Arabi said, ‘If praying voluntary prayers in the musalla was practiced (by the sahabah), it would have been reported to us. Those who permit it do so because that time is an open time for prayer. And those who avoid it do so because the Prophet (SAW) did not do it. And whoever follows the example (of the Prophet) is guided.’ Therefore, there is no confirmed voluntary prayer before or after the Eid prayer – contrary to those who liken it to the Jumu’ah prayer.” [Fath ul-Bari 2:614]

Furthermore, Shaikh Albani explained earlier that the Prophet (SAW) musalla was an open field at the Baqi’. Thus, it was not a masjid, which means that no tahiyyat ul-masjid (masjid’s greeting prayer) was required before sitting. However, if the Eid prayer is performed in a masjid instead of the musalla, one should pray only two rak’at (tahiyyat ul-masjid) before sitting.

SUNNAH PRAYER AFTER THE EID PRAYER (UPON REACHING HOME) :

it is permissible to pray voluntary prayers after returning from the musalla. Abu SaEid al-Khudri (RA) reported: “Allah’s Messenger (SAW) would not pray any voluntary prayer before Eid prayer. However, when he returned to his house, he prayed two rak’at

[Recorded by Ahmad, Ibn Majah - Book of the establishment of the Prayers, and the Sunnah regarding them: Chapter (160): What occurs regarding Prayer before the `Eid Prayer and after it: Hadith 1293 and others.

[Irwa’ul-Ghalil no. 631 and Sahih ul-Jami no. 4895]

Shaikh Al-Albani (r.h) commented on this: “So the negation (of praying before and after the Eid prayer) referred only to praying at the musalla

[Irwa’ul-Ghalili 3:100]

NO ADHAN OR IQAMAH FOR THE EID PRAYER

The Eid prayer may not be preceded with the announcements of normal prayers: Athan and iqamah. Jabir Bin Samurah (RA) reported: “I prayed the Eid prayer with Allah’s Messenger (SAW) on more than one or two occasions, without athan or iqamah.

[Recorded by Msulim, Abu Dawud and others (Sahihu Abi Dawud no. 1042b]

[Also see the commentary of Ibn Al Qayyum on the above in Zad ul-Ma’ad 1:427 and As San'ani in Subul us-Salam 2:67]

THE SUNNAH IS TO KEEP THE KHUTBAH OF THE EID PRAYER AFTER THE EID PRAYER AND NOT BEFORE

One of the rulings of Eid is that the prayer should come before the khutbah, as is reported in Musnad Ahmad from the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas, who testified that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) prayed before the khutbah on Eid, then he gave the khutbah.”

[Musnad Ahmad, 1905. The hadeeth is also in al-Saheehayn]

Another indication that the khutbah should be after the prayer is the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed (may Allaah be pleased with him): “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to go out to the prayer-place on the day of al-Fitr and al-Adhaa, and the first thing he would do was to pray, then he would stand up facing the people, whilst they were still sitting in their rows, and would advise and instruct them. If he wanted to send out a military expedition, he would decide about the matter then, or if he wanted to issue a command, he would do it then.” Abu Sa’eed said: “This is what the people continued to do until I came out [to the Eid prayers] with Marwaan, when he was governor of Madeenah, on either Adhaa or Fitr. When we reached the prayer-place, we saw the minbar, which had been built by Katheer ibn al-Salt. Marwaan wanted to get on the minbar before the prayer. I pulled on his cloak, and he pulled on mine in return, then he got on the minbar and gave the khutbah before the prayer. I said, ‘You have changed it, by Allaah!’ He said, ‘O Abu Sa’eed, what you know is gone.’ I said, ‘What I know, by Allaah, is better than what I do not know.’ He said, ‘The people will not remain sitting after the prayer, so we made it [the khutbah] before the prayer.’”

[Reported by al-Bukhaari, 956]

DESCRIPTION OF THE EID PRAYER - HOW TO PRAY?

The Eid prayer is similar to the fajr and Jumu’ah prayers. It only differs from them in that it has additional takbirs as described below. And in regards to the Jummah prayer, another difference is that the khutbah is delivered before you prayer and with Eid prayer the khutbah is delivered after the prayer.

THERE IS NO VERBAL INTENTION (NIYAT) REQUIRED FOR EID OR ANY PRAYER

Those who do not utter their niyat (intention) verbally (either loudly or softly) may skip to the next heading, whereas those who do this it is absolutely mandatory that you read the below warning

This is a cursed Bid'ah followed widely in the Indian subcontinent. Not only the concept is Illogical but also it is against the teachings of rasool (s.a.w). This has been explained in detailed in my document "How to pray Salah - Posture and other details" (which hasn't been published as of 18.8.2012, but will be soon In sha Allah) . I shall explain below how the concept of uttering one's verbal Niyat is destroying the Sunnah and a cursed and Illogical Bid'ah

(1) Narrated 'Umar bin Al-Khattab: I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended.

[Ref: Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1 Book #1, Hadith #1]

[Ref: Sahih Bukhari,Volume 1 Book #2, Hadith #51]

[Ref: Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3 Book #46, Hadith #706]

[Ref: Sahih Bukhari, Volume 5 Book #58, Hadith #238]

(1.1) It was narrated that 'Umar bin Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Messenger of Allah said:"Actions are but by intentions, and each man will have but that which he intended"

[Ref: Sunan Al Nasai Vol. 4, Book 27, Hadith 3467]

(1.2) The Niyat to pray Salah, should be within one's heart or mind only. there is not a single Hadith or even an Athar (teaching of a sahabi) which shows that either the Prophet (s.a.w) or the best of Muslims to have ever lived - his companions (r.a.a) ever, in their entire life uttered their Niyat (to pray) VERBALLY in words (either loudly or softly). The sahabas went to different countries wherein different people belonging to different caste and culture and languages came to them (r.a.a) to learn Islam and how to pray. the sahabas never taught anyone to make their niyat verbally in any language. So how can we do something which the Prophet (s.a.w) or his companions never did in Islam? We are neither better than them, nor are our scholars of today or past (All combined) better than them in understanding Islam. hence this action of Doing a verbal niyat (either loudly or softly ) is an innovation (Bid'at) in Islam and there are numerous hadiths warning against any Innovation in Islam. I'l Post 2 of them below :

(i) Narrated Aisha:Allah's Apostle said, "If somebody innovates something which is not in harmony (accordance) with the principles of our religion (Mine and my sahabas), that thing is rejected."

[Ref: Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 49, Hadith 861]

(ii) On the Authority of Ali Ibn Abi Talib (r.a) : The prophet (s.a.w) said " If anyone introduces an innovation, he will be responsible for it. If anyone introduces an innovation or gives shelter to a man who introduces an innovation (in religion), he is cursed by Allah, by His angels, and by all the people

[Ref: Sunan Abu Dawood, Book 39, Hadith 4515]

(1.3) So the act of verbally uttering one's niyat is not only religiously wrong but Also Illogical. e.g : You hear the Asr Adhan and you get up from your bed/office/room/work/desk etc and make wudhu, then you get out of the house, walk or ride towards the masjid. enter the masjid. and get ready to pray asr behind the Imam when the Iqama is heard. Now you did this only because you "INTENDED TO PRAY ASR" and not because "YOU WERE FAKING IT"

(1.4) From 1.3 we learn that our Niyat has been already made logically. and We all know that Allah has been called by the word "Bizatis Sudoor" in the Quran which means "knower of the hearts". So Allah knows what we intend and what we don't. If a person intends to pray asr for the sake of Allah then Allah knows his niyat and if a person is standing to fake his prayer then no matter how good his verbal niyat is, Allah knows what is in his heart.

(1.5) from 1.4 we learn that Allah already knows what we are going to pray or how and etc. so now comes the Point that "if we pray only for the sake of Allah, and if Allah knows what we are going/intend to pray, and if we ourselves also know what we are going/intend to pray" then why are we reciting our niyat verbally? When Allah knows, we know then why to do this simply? is this logical? is it logical to verbally spell out your niyat when Allah and you both know what ur going to pray , what time and where, facing the Qiblah and etc? Ofcrse it isnt. so one should abstain from this for this is a cursed innovation in Islam.

Conlusion : Uttering one's niyat (intention) verbally for any salah is against Islam and logic

Number of Rak'at of the Eid Prayer

The Eid prayer is one where the imam attends and leads the people in praying two rak’ahs. ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The prayer of al-Fitr is two rak’ahs and the prayer of al-Adha is two rak’ahs, complete and not shortened, on the tongue of your Prophet, and the one who fabricates lies is doomed.”

[Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 1420 and Ibn Khuzaymah. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i and also see Irwa ul Galeel no. 638]

THE ADDITIONAL TAKBEER IN THE EID PRAYER

1. First Rak'ah has 7 Additional Takbeer excluding the takbeer given while going and getting up from Rukoo, the takbeer for/ during the sujoods.

i.e In the first rak’ah he should say Takbeerat al-ihraam (say “Allaahu akbar” to start the prayer), after which he should say six more takbeers,

2. The Second Rak'ah has 5 takbeer apart from the above mentioned usual takbeers (rukoo, sujood)

It was reported from ‘Aa’ishah: the Takbeer of (Eid) al-Fitr and (Eid) al-Adhaa is seven in the first rak’ah and five in the second, apart from the takbeer of rukoo’.

[Reported by Abu Dawood; Ibn Majah and others and classified as saheeh in Irwa ul Galeel 639]

THE PLACE OF THE TAKBEER IS BEFORE THE RECITATION OF QURAN

The Takbirs should be uttered before the recitation. ‘Abduallah bin ‘Amr (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: “In (the prayer of) Fitr, there should be seven takbirs in the first rak’ah and five in the second. In both rak’at, recitation (of Qu’ran) follows this (i.e one should recite the Quran after the takbeers ; which is Surah Fatiha and another Surah after it).”

[Recorded by Abu Dawud and Al-Bayhaqi]

Note : the Muqtadi (one following the Imam) should only recite Surah Fatiha and not a surah after it because it is mandatory upon him to keep quiet and listen to the recitation of the Imam when the Imam recites a surah after Al Fatiha

WHAT IF SOMEONE MISSES SOME TAKBEERS OR JOINS THE FIRST RAK'AH LATE?

If a person joining the prayer catches up with the imaam during these extra takbeeraat, he should say “Allaahu akbar” with the imaam, and he does not have to make up any takbeeraat he may have missed, because they are sunnah, not waajib.

RAISING THE HANDS DURING THE TAKBEER?

Shaikh Albani says "There are no authentic reports describing whether or not the Prophet (SAW) raised his hands with these additional takbirs. For this reason, Imam Al-Albani said: “The reports from ‘Umar and his son (RA) do not make this a sunnah, especially when we know that these reports are not authentic. As for the one from ‘Umar, it is recorded by al-Bayhaqi with a weak chain. As for his son’s, I am unable to locate it."

[Tamam ul-Minnah 348 ]

Please note that there are some scholars though, who affirm that Ibn Umar (r.a) used to raise his hands (rafayaden) at every takbeer.

However, based on various general hadiths concerning raising the hands with takbir in the regular prayers, some ‘ulama’ allow raising the hands with these additional tabkirs. Imam al-Baghawi (RA) said: “Raising the hands with the takbirs of Eid is a sunnah according to the majority of the people of knowledge. It is also the opinion of Ibn ul-Mubarak, ash-Shafi’, Ahmad and Ishaq.”

[Sharh us-Sunnah 2:606]

Malik (RA) was asked about raising the hands with the additional takbirs, and he replied: “Yes, raise your hands with each takbir. However, I have not heard anything in this regards (from the Prophet {SAW}).”

[Recorded by al-Faryabi in Al-Eidayn 2:136]

And Al-Albani commented on the similar issue of raising the hands with the takbirs of the janazah prayer: “A person may raise his hands if he believes that Ibn ‘Umar would not do this without an approval form the Prophet (SAW).

[Ahkam ul-Jana’iz p. 148]

Conclusion : Based on the above discussion of the ‘ulama’, it can be said that raising the hands with these takbirs is permissible, but not well substantiated from the Sunnah.

RAISING THE VOICE FOR THE TAKBEER DURING THE SALAH

There are no authentic reports indicating that people raised their voice with takbir when they prayed behind the Prophet (s.a.w) or his Successors. Furthermore, a general rule is that a Muslim should say all Dhikr silently, especially if there are other people around him who may be disturbed by his raised voice. [There is ample proof for this such as the proof in Al-A’raf 7:55]

There are exceptions to this rule, such as the takbir that precedes the Eid prayer, and the talbiyah during hajj and ‘umrah. These exceptions are supported by authentic evidence form the Sunnah.

Conclusion : Since there is no evidence for the takbirs during the Eid prayer, these takbirs should be said silently by EVERYONE except the imam.

WHAT IS TO BE SAID IN BETWEEN THE TAKBEERS

There is no specific report from the prophet (s.a.w) regarding what he recited between the takbeers as Ibn ul-Qayyim (r.h) said: “The Prophet (SAW) used to remain silent between every two takbirs and nothing is reported from him regarding thikr between them. [Zad ul-Ma’ad 1:427]

However, we have a mawqoof report (i.e a saying of a sahaba) in this regard.

Hammaad ibn Salamah reported from Ibraaheem that Waleed ibn ‘Uqbah entered the mosque when Ibn Mas’ood, Hudhayfah and Abu Moosa were there, and said, “Eid is here, what should I do?” Ibn Mas’ood said: “Say ‘Allaahu akbar’, praise and thank Allaah (e.g Sana, or any other kind of dua which praises and thanks Allah), send blessings on the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) (durood e ibrahim or simply sending salutations shortly) and make du’aa’ (any dua'a that pleases you), then Say ‘Allaahu akbar’, praise and thank Allaah, send blessings on the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)…etc.”

[Reported by al-Tabaraani. It is a saheeh hadeeth that is quoted in al-Irwaa’ and elsewhere]

WHAT IS TO BE SAID AFTER THE TAKBEER?

Al-Timridhi narrated from the hadeeth of Katheer ibn ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr ibn ‘Awf, from his father, from his grandfather, that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) recited takbeer in the Eid (prayer), seven times in the first rak’ah before reciting Qur’aan and five times in the second rak’ah before reciting Qur’aan. Al-Tirmidhi said: I asked Muhammad – i.e., al-Bukhaari – about this hadeeth and he said: There is nothing more sound than this concerning this topic. And I say likewise.

It is recommended (mustahabb) that in the Eid prayers the imaam should recite Qaaf [soorah 50] and Aqtarabat al-saa’ah [al-Qamar, soorah 54], as it is reported in Saheeh Muslim that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab asked Abu Waaqid al-Laythi, “What did the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to recite at [Eid] al-Adhaa and al-Fitr?” He said, “He used to recite Qaaf. Wa’l-Qur’aan al-majeed [Qaaf 50:1] and Aqtarabat al-saa’ah wa anshaqq al-qamar [al-Qamar 54:1].

Most of the reports indicate that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to recite Soorat al-A’laa [87] and Soorat al-Ghaashiyah [88], as he used to recite them in the Friday prayer. Al-Nu’maan ibn Bishr said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to recite on the two Eids and on Fridays, Sabbih isma rabbika’l-a’laa [al-A’laa 87:1] and Hal ataaka hadeeth al-ghaashiyah [al-Ghaashiyah 88:1].”

[Saheeh Muslim, 878]

Samurah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to recite on the two Eids, Sabbih isma rabbika’l-a’laa [al-A’laa 87:1] and Hal ataaka hadeeth al-ghaashiyah [al-Ghaashiyah 88:1].”

[Reported by Ahmad and others; it is saheeh. Al-Irwaa’, 3/116]

Note : The muqtadi (one praying behind the Imam) is to recite Surah Fatiha (silently) only and not a surah after it because after Al Fatiha, the muqtadi is commanded to listen to the recitation of the Imam quietly and attentively.

WHAT AFTER THE QURAN RECITATION?

After the above mentioned methods for the first and second rak'ah, continue the usual proceedings carried for any prayer.

Note the only difference between the first and the second rak'ah is that the first one has 7 additional takbeers whereas the second one has 5. Apart from that, you are to carry your rukoo, sujood and etc usually like any other prayer.

WHAT TO DO IF THE IMAM DOESN'T FOLLOW THE SUNNAH METHOD?

There are many masajids or school of thoughts which pray the salah of Eid contrary to the proven sunnah, in such case one can either choose to pray behind the Imam who follows the correct method (and this is recommended) or one if cannot find such a facility then should follow the Imam, for prophet (s.a.w) said " The Imam is to be followed" and he also said " If the Imam makes a mistake, the sin is his and you shall be rewarded for you.

All good is from Allah. All the errors are mine.

Laylatul Qadr - th way to akhirah

2014-07-23T14:35:00.001-07:00

(The Night of Power)
Crowning Glory
Laylatul Qadr is the crowning glory of the holy month of Ramadhaan. It is
associated with the sending down of the Qur’an Majeed, the last Book of Allah
on His last Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), for the guidance
of mankind. The Qur’an Majeed describes this Night.

ﺇِﻧَّﺎ ﺃَﻧﺰَﻟْﻨَﺎﻩُ ﻓِﻲ ﻟَﻴْﻠَﺔِ ﭐﻟْﻘَﺪْﺭِ
ﻭَﻣَﺂ ﺃَﺩْﺭَﺍﻙَ ﻣَﺎ ﻟَﻴْﻠَﺔُ ﭐﻟْﻘَﺪْﺭِ
ﻟَﻴْﻠَﺔُ ﭐﻟْﻘَﺪْﺭِ ﺧَﻴْﺮٌ ﻣِّﻦْ ﺃَﻟْﻒِ ﺷَﻬْﺮٍ
ﺗَﻨَﺰَّﻝُ ﭐﻟْﻤَﻼَﺋِﻜَﺔُ ﻭَﭐﻟﺮُّﻭﺡُ ﻓِﻴﻬَﺎ ﺑِﺈِﺫْﻥِ ﺭَﺑِّﻬِﻢ ﻣِّﻦ ﻛُﻞِّ ﺃَﻣْﺮٍ
ﺳَﻼَﻡٌ ﻫِﻲَ ﺣَﺘَّﻰٰ ﻣَﻄْﻠَﻊِ ﭐﻟْﻔَﺠْﺮِ
“We have indeed revealed this (message) in the Night of Power: And what will
explain to you what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is better than a
thousand months. Therein come down the Angels and the Spirit (Jibraeel) by
Allah’s permission, on every errand: Peace! This until the rise of Morn!” (Surah
97)
The Night of Power is the night of spiritual bliss. Our Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi
Wasallam) is reported to have said concerning Ramadhaan:
“Verily this month has come to you; and therein is a night which is better than
a thousand Months. Whosoever is deprived of it, is deprived of all good; and
none is deprived of its good except a totally unfortunate person”. ( Ibn Majah )
“Whosoever stands up (in prayer) at the Night of Power out of faith and hopeful
of reward, all his past sins will be forgiven.” (Targhib)
Better than a thousand months
A thousand months are equivalent to 83 years and 4 months. Fortunate is the
person who spends this night in prayer. The man or woman, who prays for the
whole night during this Night, will deserve blessings and reward for the period
as if he or she had been praying for eighty three years and four months
consecutively. Since the Night of Power is better than one thousand months no
one can actually measure the extent as to how much better it is.
Exclusive
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: “Laylatul
Qadr has been bestowed by Allah to my Ummah (People). It was not given to
any people before this.” (Dur-Mansoor).
How manifest and replete the special bounties and mercies of Allah Ta’ala are
upon this Ummat is quite really beyond imagination. It will therefore be
extremely foolish to allow ourselves to be deprived of these great blessings at
the expense of sheer laziness and a few hours of extra sleep.
Which Night is it?
Although there are different reports in different traditions regarding the exact
night, it is almost unanimous that the blessed night occurs in one of the last
ten nights of Ramadhaan and more probably in one of the last ten odd nights
i.e. 2lst, 23rd, 25th 27th or 29th night.
The popular opinion is, however, in favour of the 27th Night of Ramadhaan but
that is not absolutely certain. The traditions indicate that it is to be sought in
one of the last ten nights and preferably in the last three odd nights. It was
therefore the practice of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and his
companions to make I’tikaaf in the Mosque for the whole time offering Divine
service during the last ten days of Ramadhaan.
Hazrath Aisha (Radhiallaahu Anha) reported that the Apostle of Allah said:
“Search for the Blessed Night in the odd (nights) from the last ten (nights) of
Ramadhaan” (Bukhari).
Hazrath Aisha has narrated another saying:
“I asked: O Messenger of Allah! Tell me if I were to find a Night of Power, what
should I recite therein?” Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam)
advised her to recite:
Al-laa-hum-ma in-na-ka ‘afoow-wan tu-hib-bul-’af wa fa-fu ‘an-ni.
O Allah! You are Forgiving, You love forgiveness, so forgive me. (Bukhari).
Special attention should therefore be given to the excessive recitation of this
dua on the blessed night. Furthermore one may engage in lengthy rakaats of
Tahajjud salaat, Tilaawat of the Qur’an, Dua, Zikr, etc.
The worship and the vigil of the Night of Power are a treat to the soul. The
heart tends to melt into tears of heartfelt gratitude. The body is in a state of
angelic ecstasy The soul strives to reach nearer to Almighty Allah. In this holy
month of Ramadhaan let us strive to seek the Night of Power and its bliss. May
Allah reward us with His bountiful blessings. Aameen.

Benefits of Bismillah - the way to Akhirah

2014-07-23T14:24:00.000-07:00

If we were to give an exhaustive account of the benefits of the recitation of
“Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” we would need more than a single volume to do
justice to it. Apart from being part of every chapter in the Noble Qur’an (except
the chapter of repentance – surah at-tawba), it is also the most often repeated
verse in the Holy Qur’an.

It is narrated in Tafseere Burhaan that the Holy Prophet ( ﺻﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻠﻪ ﻋﻠﻴﻪ ﻭﺳﻠﻢ )
has said that when a person recites “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” then five
thousand ruby palaces are built for him in Jannah. Each palace has a thousand
chambers made of pearls and in each chamber has seventy thousand thrones of
emerald and each throne has seventy thousand carpets made from special
fabrics and upon each carpet is seated a Hur-ul-Ein. A person asked for the
condition necessary to get this great reward and the Holy Prophet ( ﺻﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻠﻪ
ﻋﻠﻴﻪ ﻭﺳﻠﻢ ) replied that the person should recite the “Bismillahir Rahmanir
Rahim” with conviction and understanding.
The Holy Prophet ( ﺻﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻠﻪ ﻋﻠﻴﻪ ﻭﺳﻠﻢ ) has also said that when a believer will
have to cross the Pul-e-Siraat on the Day of Judgement, and he will say
“Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” then the flames beneath him will start dying down
until Jahannam will cry out, ‘O believer, pass through quickly, your presence is
causing my fire to die out!’
When a teacher teaches a child to recite “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” the child,
his parents and the teacher are all guaranteed freedom from hellfire. It is
narrated that Prophet Isa (alayhis salam) was once passing by a graveyard and
he saw a grave upon which the Wrath and Punishment of Allah (subhana wa-
ta-’alaa) was descending, so he quietly walked past. When he passed the same
place after some time, he noticed that the Mercy and Blessings of Allah
(subhana wa-ta-’alaa) was being showered on the same grave. He was
surprised at this and asked Allah (subhana wa-ta-’alaa) about what has
happened and it was revealed to him that the man inside the grave was a
sinner and was thus being punished for his sins. When he died, his wife was
pregnant and soon gave birth to a son. When the boy grew older, his mother
took him to a teacher who taught him to recite “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim”
and I felt that it would not be justice that this man’s son was calling My Name
and I was punishing his father in the grave.
It is also mentioned that recitation of “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” with a loud
voice is from the signs of a true believer.
May Allah make us all be among those who truly love Him. May He give us
sincerity in both words and deeds Inshallah Ameen.

Who Is Imam al-Mahdi? - The Way To Akhirah

2014-07-08T01:34:00.003-07:00

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Who Is Imam al-Mahdi?

I'm writing this document as a respond to requests from many Muslims and non-Muslims. I found many documents about this subject that contains a lot of false Hadeeths. This document is a result for a long research in evaluating every Hadeeth (true or false).

The term "MAHDI" is a title meaning "The Guided one". Mahdi is a normal man who is going to follow the true Islam. His name will be Muhammad and his father name will be 'Abdullah. He is a descendant from Ali and Fatima (daughter of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh)) so he will be descendant from al-Hasan or al-Husain. Mahdi will be very just and his capital will be Damascus. Allah told us that Jews will master the world two times (we live now 1998 during the first one) and Mahdi will appear between those two periods and will rule through the last one. Mahdi is NOT a prophet but he is the final Rightly Guided Khalifa. Mahdi will lead Muslims to a great victory against the Christian Romans (i.e. All the white Europeans including the Americans). This great war is called al-Malhamah al-Kubrah or Armageddon. It will end up with a great victory to Muslims against Romans after six years. Muslims will take over their capital Rome (this can be any city). In the seventh year, the Anticrist will apear and a greater war will start between Jews and Muslims for 40 days (longer that usual days) and will end when Jesus (pbuh) will come and Muslims will kill all Jews. All people will convert into Islam. Peace will pervade the whole world.
As Muslims, we should remember that the prophecy about Mahdi is one that will come to pass. This prophecy, however, does not absolve the Muslim Ummah from its duty to strive in the cause of Allah, oppose injustice, and seek peace and betterment of human condition. Centuries have passes from the time of the holy Prophet and there is a good possibility that many more will expire before the advent of the Mahdi. Muslims who are negligent in their duty hoping for a savior are committing a grave mistake and are not following the divine decrees ordained in Quran or taught by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

.

Correct Hadeeths (AHadeeth SaHiHa)

Narrated Jabir ibn Samurah:
The Prophet (pbuh) said: The religion will continue to be established till there are twelve caliphs (Khalifas) over you, and the whole community will agree on each of them. I then heard from the Prophet (pbuh) some remarks which I could not understand. I asked my father: What is he saying: He said: all of them will belong to Quraysh.

Disagreement will occur at the death of a caliph (khalifa) and a man of the people of Medina (Madina) will come flying forth to Mecca (Makka). Some of the people of Mecca will come to him, bring him out against his will and swear allegiance to him between the Corner and the Maqam. An expeditionary force will then be sent against him from Syria (Al-Sham) but will be swallowed up in the desert between Mecca and Medina. When the people see that, the eminent saints (Al-Abdal) of Syria and the best people of Iraq will come to him and swear allegiance to him between the Corner and the Maqam.
Then there will arise a man of Quraysh whose maternal uncles belong to Kalb and send against them an expeditionary force which will be overcome by them, and that is the expedition of Kalb. Disappointed will be the one who does not receive the booty of Kalb. He will divide the property, and will govern the people by the Sunnah of their Prophet (pbuh) and establish Islam on Earth. He will remain seven years, then die, and the Muslims will pray over him.

An army would attack this House in order to fight against the inhabitants of this House and when it would be at the plain ground the ranks in the centre of the army would be sunk and the vanguard would call the rear flanks of the army and they would also be sunk and no flank would be left except some people who would go to inform them (their kith and kin).

Narrated Mustawrid al-Qurashi: I heard Allah's Apostle (pbuh) said: The Last Hour would come (when) the Romans would form a majority amongst people (This is exactly the situation today since Europeans and Americans are the largest group). Amr said to him (Mustawrid al-Qurashi): See what you are saying? He said: I say what I heard from Allah's Apostle (pbuh) Thereupon he said: If you say that, it is a fact for they have four qualities. (1) They have the patience to undergo a trial and (2) immediately restore themselves to sanity after trouble and (3) attack again after flight. (4) They (have the quality) of being good to the destitute and the orphans, to the weak and, fifthly, the good quality in them is that (5) they put resistance against the oppression of kings.

"You will invade the Arabian Peninsula and Allah will grant it (to you). Then (you will invade) Persia and Allah will grant it (to you). Then, you will invade Rome (the Romans) and Allah will grant it (to you). Then, you will invade The Dajjal (and Jews) and Allah will grant him (to you)." (So the Dajjal would not appear until Rome is conquered.)
The Prophet (pbuh) said: The time between the great war and the conquest of the city (Constantinople) will be six years, and the Dajjal (Antichrist) will come forth in the seventh.

AbuNadrah reported: We were in the accompany of Jabir and he said: It may happen that the people of Iraq may not send their qafiz and dirhams (their measures of food-stuff and their money). We said: Who would be responsible for it? He said: The non-Arabs would prevent them (this is exactly what happens today). He again said: There is the possibility that the people of Syria may not send their dinar and mudd. We said: Who would be responsible for it? He said: This prevention would be made by the Romans (i.e. All the white Europeans including the Americans).
He (Jabir ibn Abdullah) kept quiet for a while and then reported Allah's Apostle (pbuh) having said: There would be a caliph in the last (period) of my Ummah who would freely give handfuls of wealth to the people without counting it.
I said to AbuNadrah and AbulAla: Do you mean Umar bin AbdulAziz? They said: No. (he would be Imam Mahdi)

Good Hadeeths (AHadeeth Hasana)

If only one day of this world remained. Allah would lengthen that day, till He raised up in it a man who belongs to me or to my family whose father's name is the same as my father's, who will fill the earth with equity and justice as it has been filled with oppression and tyranny. (Abu-Dawud)

The Mahdi will be of my family, of the descendants of Fatimah (the daughter of the Prophet (pbuh) who married Ali and begot Hasan and Hussein). (Abu-Dawud)

The Mahdi will be of my stock, and will have a broad forehead a prominent nose. He will fill the earth will equity and justice as it was filled with oppression and tyranny, and he will rule for seven years. (Abu-Dawud)

Week Hadeeths (AHadeeth Da3ifa, probably they were fabricated)

AbuIshaq told that Ali looked at his son al-Hasan and said: This son of mine is a sayyid (chief) as named by the Prophet (pbuh), and from his loins will come forth a man who will be called by the name of your Prophet (pbuh) and resemble him in conduct but not in appearance. He then mentioned the story about his filling the earth with justice. (Abu-Dawud)

Fabricated Hadeeths (AHadeeth MauDu3a)

A man called al-Harith ibn Harrath will come forth from Ma Wara an-Nahr (Middle Asia). His army will be led by a man called Mansur who will establish or consolidate things for Muhammad's family as Quraysh consolidated them for the Apostle of Allah (pbuh). Every believer must help him, or he said: respond to his sermons.

The Prophet (pbuh) said: "We (I and my family) are members of a household that Allah (pbuh) has chosen for them the life of the Hereafter over the life of this world; and the members of my household (Ahlul-Bayt) shall suffer a great affliction and they shall be forcefully expelled from their homes after my death; then there will come people from the East carrying black flags, and they will ask for some good to be given to them, but they shall be refused service; as such, they will wage war and emerge victorious, and will be offered that which they desired in the first place, but they will refuse to accept it till they pass it to a man from my family (Ahlul-Bayt) appears to fill the Earth with justice as it has been filled with corruption. So whoever reaches that (time) ought to come to them even if crawling on the ice/snow since among them is the Vice-regent of Allah (Khalifatullah) al-Mahdi."

(Armies carrying) black flags will come from Khurasaan (east of Iran). No power will be able to stop them and they will finally reach Eelia' (Baitul Maqdas) where they will erect their flags.

"There will be many armies after me. You must join that army which will come from Khurasaan." (Ibn Adi)

The Prophet (pbuh) said: The greatest war, the conquest of Constantinople and the coming forth of the Dajjal (Antichrist) will take place within a period of seven months. (Actually, it is seven years.)

"At the time when Nafs al-Zakiyya is killed a caller from the heaven will say: 'Your commander is so-and-so.' (announce Mahdi) Following it the Mahdi will emerge and fill the earth with justice and equity." (Ibn Tawus, Kitab al-malahim wa al-fitan, P. 179)

Ramadan, healer of hearts - The Way To Akhirah

2014-07-08T01:10:00.001-07:00

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Ramadan, healer of hearts

I wish to start this piece by remembering Muslims oppressed and exposed to aggression all over the world. Millions of innocent people struggling to survive in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, East Turkestan, Myanmar, Crimea, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Moro, Pattani and many other places are awaiting a helping hand from their Muslim brothers.

Putting ourselves in their position, understanding their circumstances and striving with all our might for their salvation during this holy month is without doubt one of our greatest responsibilities.

We hope that this blessed month will be one when these troubles are lifted from Muslims and when, by Allah’s leave, they will attain bright days filled with peace.

Ramadan being the month when the Holy Quran, which leads people from the darkness to the light of the path of our Almighty and All-Wise Lord, was sent down as guidance, glad tidings and a reminder to those who tremble in awe makes it of enormous importance for all Muslims. Our Almighty Lord says this about the month: “The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down as guidance for mankind, with clear signs containing guidance and discrimination. Any of you who are resident for the month should fast it. But any of you who are ill or on a journey should fast a number of other days. Allah desires ease for you; He does not desire difficulty for you. You should complete the number of days and proclaim Allah’s greatness for the guidance He has given you so that hopefully you will be thankful.” (Surat al-Baqara, 185)

The month of Ramadan is a holy one that also contains the Night of Power. Our Lord describes the Night of Power as “better than a thousand months”.

Ramadan is a month of compassion, forgiveness, cleansing and plenty. This holy month has a unique place in terms of increasing the solidarity of believers, who discharge their fasting obligations in union and unity. As a matter of fact, believers increase their feelings of solidarity, mutual aid and brotherhood and are bound to one another with bonds of love every Ramadan.

Every day of Ramadan is a day of festivity for Muslims; it is a blessing of health and ease for the whole Islamic world and an important opportunity to gain Allah’s good pleasure.

Our Prophet tells believers this in one of the hadiths: “How happy are those who spend this month fasting, worshipping and in doing good deeds!”

The observances that are commanded in the month of Ramadan bestow much spiritual value on believers, help them grow as they restrain their lower-selves and improve their moral values, and keep their religious consciousness fresh. Fasting teaches one to overcome the lower-self and restrain earthly desires; that is why Ramadan can be described as a month of victory over the lower-self.

In the same way that believers do not eat or drink during the hours of fasting, they also avoid poor moral values, such as lying, backbiting, unpleasant speech, giving offense, or anger in the face of events. They do all they can to exhibit good moral virtues.

They reflect on hunger and thirst, remember that the poor and hungry are in need, realise the importance of helping the needy to the extent of their means, spend what they have on good causes and look to help those in difficulties.

Renowned Islamic scholar Bediüzzaman Said Nursi describes how the month of Ramadan trains the lower-self: “The instinctual soul wants to be free and independent and considers itself to be thus. According to the dictates of its nature, it even desires an imaginary dominicality and to act as it pleases. Thus, in the month of Ramadan, the instinctual soul of everyone, from the richest to the poorest, may understand that it does not own itself, but is totally owned; that it is not free, but is a slave. It understands that if it receives no command, it is unable to do the simplest and easiest thing, it cannot even stretch out its hand towards water. Its imaginary dominicality is, therefore, shattered; it performs its worship and begins to offer thanks, its true duty.” (Letters, 29th letter, fourth point)

It is very important that this sincerity acquired during Ramadan, this concentration on training the lower-self and this scrupulousness over moral virtues and remembering Allah and prayer, should not come to an end once Ramadan is over.

Someone with powerful faith must live by the moral virtues he exhibits during Ramadan at all moments of his life. He must avoid evil all his life, heed the voice of his conscience, strive for Allah’s approval with a pure intent and turn to Allah alone. These are the values that will please Allah.

The alternative, in other words, worshiping and praying only during Ramadan and then abandoning the moral values of the Quran after this month, is forbidden by Allah.

I once again sincerely hope that the month of Ramadan will bring goodness, plenty and peace to all my Muslim brothers and sisters. May the spiritual values acquired during Ramadan last a lifetime.

THE BIRTH OF A HUMAN BEING - The Way To Akhirah

2014-07-08T00:40:00.001-07:00

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

THE BIRTH OF A HUMAN BEING

Many diverse subjects are mentioned in the Qur'an while also inviting people to believe. Sometimes the heavens, sometimes animals, and sometimes plants are mentioned as evidence of Allah's existence. In many of these verses, people are called upon to consider their own creation. They are often reminded how man came into the world, which stages he has passed through, and what his essence is:

It is We Who have created you. Why, then, do you not accept the truth? Have you ever considered that [seed] which you emit? Is it you who create it? Or are We the Creator? (Qur'an, 56:57-59)

The miracle of man's creation is emphasised in many verses. Some of the information within these verses is so detailed that it was impossible for anyone living in the 7th century to have known it. Examples of these are as follows:
1. Man is not created from the entire semen, but only a very small portion of it (sperm).
2. It is the male that determines the sex of the baby.
3. The human embryo adheres to the mother's uterus like a leech.
4. The embryo develops in three dark regions in the uterus.
The items of information just quoted were far above the level of learning of the people living at that time. The discovery of these facts could only become possible by the technology attained in the 20^th century.
Now, let us examine these items one at a time.

A Drop of Semen

In the picture to the left, we see semen ejected into the uterus. Only very few sperms out of 250 million sperms emitted from the male can make it to the ovum. The sperm that will fertilise the egg is the only one out of a thousand sperms that have managed to survive.

The fact that man is made not from the entire semen—but only a small part of it—is related in the Qur'an with the expression, "a drop of ejected semen."

Sperm undertake a journey into the mother's body until they reach the ovum. Only a thousand out of 250 million sperm succeed in reaching the ovum. At the end of this five-minute race, the ovum, half the size of a grain of salt, will let only one of the sperms in. That is, the substance of man is not the whole semen, but only a small part of it. This is explained in the Surat al-Qiyama as follows:

Does man reckon he will be left uncontrolled [without purpose]? Was he not once a drop of ejected semen? (Qur'an, 75:36-37)

As we have seen, the Qur'an informs us that man is made not from the entire semen, but only a small part of it. That the particular emphasis in this verse announces a fact only discovered by modern science is evidence that the Qur'an is the Word of Allah.

The Mixture in the Semen

In the Qur'an, it is said that masculinity or femininity are created out of "a drop of semen which has been ejected." Until fairly recently, it was believed that a baby's sex was determined by the mother's cells. Science only discovered this information given in the Qur'an in the 20th century. This and many other similar details about the creation of man were stated in the Qur'an centuries ago.

The fluid referred to as semen, which contains the sperm, does not consist of sperm alone. On the contrary, it is made up of a mixture of different fluids. Seminal fluid is a collection of substances secreted from the testicles, the seminal vesicles, the prostate gland and glands linked to the urinary tract. A detailed analysis of this fluid shows that it consists of a great many separate substances, such as citric acid, prostaglandin, flavin, ascorbic acid, ergothioneine, cholesterol, phospholipids, fibrinolysin, zinc, phosphatase acid, phosphase, hyaluronidase and sperm. These fluids exercise different functions, such as containing the sugar necessary for providing energy for the sperm, neutralizing the acids at the entrance of the uterus, and providing a slippery substance for the easy movement of the sperm.
When semen is mentioned in the Qur'an, this fact, which was discovered by modern science, is also referred to, and semen is defined as a mixed fluid:

We created man from a mingled drop to test him, and We made him hearing and seeing. (Qur'an, 76:2)

In other verses, semen is again referred to as a mixture, and it is stressed that man is created from the "extract" of this mixture:

He Who has created all things in the best possible way. He commenced the creation of man from clay; then He made his progeny from an extract of discarded fluid. (Qur'an, 32:7-8)

The Arabic word "sulala," translated as "extract," means the essential or best part of something. By either meaning, it refers to "part of a whole." This shows that the Qur'an is the Word of Allah, Who knows the creation of man to its minute details.

The Sex of the Child

Until fairly recently, it was thought that a baby's sex was determined by the mother's cells. Or at least, it was believed that the sex was determined by the male and female cells together. But, we are given different information in the Qur'an, where it is stated that masculinity or femininity is created out of "a drop of sperm which has been ejected."

He has created both sexes, male and female from a drop of semen which has been ejected. (Qur'an, 53:45-46)

Was he not a drop of ejaculated sperm, then a blood-clot which He created and shaped, making from it both sexes, male and female? (Qur'an, 75:37-39)

The developing disciplines of genetics and molecular biology have scientifically validated the accuracy of this information given by the Qur'an. It is now understood that sex is determined by the sperm cells from the male, and that the female has no role in this process.

The Y chromosome carries characteristics of masculinity, while the X chromosome carries those of femininity. In the mother's egg, there is only the X chromosome, which determines female characteristics. In the semen from the father, there are sperms that include either X or Y chromosomes. Therefore, the sex of the baby depends on whether the sperm fertilising the egg contains an X or Y chromosome. In other words, as stated in the verse, the factor determining the sex of the baby is the semen, which comes from the father. This knowledge, which could not have been known at the time when the Qur'an was revealed, is evidence to the fact that the Qur'an is the Word of Allah.

Chromosomes are the main elements in determining sex. Two of the 46 chromosomes that determine the structure of a human being are identified as the sex chromosomes. These two chromosomes are called "XY" in males, and "XX" in females, because the shapes of the chromosomes resemble these letters. The Y chromosome carries the genes that code for masculinity, while the X chromosome carries the genes that code for femininity.
The formation of a new human being begins with the cross combination of one of these chromosomes, which exist in males and females in pairs. In females, both components of the sex cell, which divides into two during ovulation, carry X chromosomes. The sex cell of a male, on the other hand, produces two different kinds of sperm, one that contains X chromosomes and the other Y chromosomes. If an X chromosome from the female unites with a sperm that contains an X chromosome, then the baby is female. If it unites with the sperm that contains a Y chromosome, the baby is male.
In other words, a baby's sex is determined by which chromosome from the male unites with the female's ovum.
None of this was known until the discovery of genes in the 20th century. Indeed, in many cultures, it was believed that a baby's sex was determined by the female. That was why women were blamed when they gave birth to girls.
Fourteen centuries before human genes were discovered, however, the Qur'an revealed information that denies this superstition, and referred to the origin of sex lying not with women, but with the semen deriving from men.

The " Alaq" Clinging to the Uterus

In the first phase of its development, the baby in the mother's womb is in the form of a zygote, which clings to the uterus in order to take nourishment from the mother's blood. In the picture above is a zygote, which looks like a piece of flesh. This formation, which has been discovered by modern embryology, was miraculously stated in the Qur'an 14 centuries ago with the word "alaq," which means "a thing that clings to some place" and is used to describe leeches that cling to a body to suck blood.

If we continue to examine the facts announced to us in the Qur'an, about the formation of human beings, we again encounter some very important scientific truth.
When the sperm of the male unites with the ovum of the female, the essence of the baby to be born is formed. This single cell, known as a "zygote" in biology, will instantly begin reproducing by dividing, and eventually become a "piece of flesh," called an embryo. This, of course, can only be seen by human beings with the aid of a microscope.
The embryo, however, does not spend its developmental period in a void. It clings to the uterus, with something like roots that is firmly fixed to the earth by its tendrils. Through this bond, the embryo can obtain the substances essential to its development from the mother's body.85
Here, an important miracle of the Qur'an is revealed. While referring to the embryo developing in the mother's womb, Allah uses the word "alaq" in the Qur'an:

Recite: In the name of your Lord Who created man from alaq. Recite: And your Lord is the Most Generous. (Qur'an, 96:1-3)

The meaning of the word "alaq" in Arabic is "a thing that clings to some place." The word is literally used to describe leeches that cling to a body to suck blood.
Certainly, the use of such a specific word for the embryo developing in the mother's womb, proves once again that the Qur'an is the Word of Allah, the Lord of all the Worlds.

The Wrapping of Muscles over the Bones

Another important item of information provided in the verses of the Qur'an is the developmental stages of a human being in the mother's womb. It is stated in these verses that in the mother's womb, the bones develop first, and then the muscles form which wrap around them.

[We] then formed the drop into a clot and formed the clot into a lump and formed the lump into bones and clothed the bones in flesh; and then brought him into being as another creature. Blessed be Allah, the Best of Creators! (Qur'an, 23:14)

The bones of the baby completing its development in the mother's womb are clothed with flesh during one particular stage exactly as stated in the Qur’an.

Embryology is the branch of science that studies the development of the embryo in the mother's womb. Until very recently, embryologists assumed that the bones and muscles in an embryo developed at the same time. Yet, advanced microscopic research conducted by virtue of new technological developments has revealed that the revelation of the Qur'an is word for word correct.
These observations at the microscopic level showed that the development inside the mother's womb takes place in just the way it is described in these verses. First, the cartilage tissue of the embryo ossifies. Then, muscular cells that are selected from amongst the tissue around the bones come together and wrap around the bones.
This event is described in a scientific publication titled Developing Human in the following words:

… [T]he shape of the skeleton determines the general appearance of the embryo in the bones stage during the 7^th week; muscles do not develop at the same time but their development follows soon after. The muscles take their positions around the bones throughout the body and therefore clothe the bones. Thus, the muscles take their well known forms and structures… The stage of clothing with muscle occurs during the 8^th week…86

In short, developmental stages of man, as described in the Qur'an, are in perfect harmony with the findings of modern embryology.

Many stages of a baby's development in the mother's womb are related in the Qur'an. As described in Surat al-Muminun 14, the cartilage of the embryo in the mother's womb ossifies first. Then these bones are covered with muscle cells. Allah describes this development with the verse: "… [We then] formed the lump into bones and clothed the bones in flesh."

Three Dark Stages of the Baby in the Womb

In the Qur'an, it is related that man is created through a three-stage process in the mother's womb.

... He creates you stage by stage in your mothers' wombs in threefold darkness. That is Allah, your Lord. Sovereignty is His. There is no god but Him. So what has made you deviate? (Qur'an, 39:6)

The expression "fee thulumatin thalathin," translated into English as "a threefold darkness," indicates three dark regions involved during the development of the embryo. These are:
The darkness of the abdomen
The darkness of the womb
The darkness of the placenta
As we have seen, modern biology has revealed that the embryological development of the baby takes place in the manner revealed in the verse, in three dark regions. Moreover, advances in the science of embryology show that these regions consist of three layers each.
The lateral abdominal wall comprises three layers: the external oblique, the internal oblique, and transverses abdominis muscles.87
Similarly, the wall of the womb also consists of three layers: the epimetrium, the myometrium and the endometrium.88
Similarly again, the placenta surrounding the embryo also consists of three layers: the amnion (the internal membrane around the fetus), the chorion (the middle amnion layer) and the decidua (outer amnion layer.)89
It is also pointed out in this verse that a human being is created in the mother's womb in three distinct stages.
Indeed, modern biology has also revealed that the baby's embryological development takes place in three distinct regions in the mother's womb. Today, in all the embryology textbooks studied in departments of medicine, this subject is taken as an element of basic knowledge. For instance, in Basic Human Embryology, a fundamental reference text in the field of embryology, this fact is stated as follows:

The life in the uterus has three stages: pre-embryonic; first two and a half weeks, embryonic; until the end of the eight week, and fetal; from the eight week to labor.90

These phases refer to the different developmental stages of a baby. In brief, the main characteristics of these developmental stages are as follows:
- Pre-embryonic Stage
In this first phase, the zygote grows by division, and when it becomes a cell cluster, it buries itself in the wall of the uterus. While they continue growing, the cells organize themselves in three layers.
- Embryonic Stage
The second phase lasts for five and a half weeks, during which the baby is referred to as an "embryo." During this stage, the basic organs and systems of the body start to appear from the cell layers.
- Foetal Stage
From this stage onward, the embryo is called a "foetus." This phase begins at the eighth week of gestation, and lasts until the moment of birth. The distinctive characteristic of this stage is that the foetus looks much like a human being, with its face, hands and feet. Although it is only 3 cm long initially, all of its organs have become apparent. This phase lasts for about 30 weeks, and development continues until the week of delivery.
Information on the development in the mother's womb became available only after observations with modern devices. Yet, just like many other scientific facts, in a miraculous way, Allah draws our attention to these items of information in the verses of the Qur'an. The fact that such detailed and accurate information was given in the Qur'an at a time when people had scarce information on medical matters is clear evidence that the Qur'an is the Word of Allah.

In Surat az-Zumar 6, it is pointed out that man is created in the mother's womb in three distinct regions. Indeed, modern embryology has revealed that the baby's embryological development takes place in three distinct regions in the mother's womb.

10 DUAS OF PROPHET MOHAMMED (SAW) AFTER TAHJJUD SALAT - The Way To Akhirah

2014-07-08T00:26:00.001-07:00

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

10 DUAS OF PROPHET MOHAMMED (SAW) AFTER TAHJJUD SALAT

Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbās (RA) narrates;

I heard Muhammad ﷺ reciting these du’ās one night, after he had completed his Tahajjud salāt:

١- اللّٰهـُمَّ إِنِّىْ أَسْأَلُكَ رَحْمَةً مِنْ عن عِنْدِكَ بِهـَا قَلْبِىْ ، و تَجْمَعُ بِهـَا أَمْرِىْ، وَتَلُمُّ بِهـَا شَعْثِىْ، وَتُصْلِحُ بِهـَا غَابِىْ، وَتَرْفَعُ بِهـَا سَاهـِدِىْ، و تُزَ كِّىْ نِهـَا عَمَاِىْ، وَتُلْهـِمُنِىْ بِهـَا رُشْدِىْ، وَتَرُ دُّ بِهـَا أُلْفَتِىْ، و تَعْصِمُنِىْ بِهـَا مِنْ كُلَّ سُوْ ءٍ،

1. O Allāh! I ask You of Your Mercy by which You give guidance to my heart, by which You make my work easy, and removed my distressed condition by it, and manage my issues in my absence by it. And give exaltation and honor by Your Mercy; and clean my actions (from hypocrisy and infidelity) by Your Mercy; and put that thing in my heart, which is correct and suitable for me; and whatever I like, grant me by Your Mercy; and protect me from all evil by Your Mercy.
٢- اللّٰهـُمَّ أَعْطِنِىْ، إِيْمَانًاوَيَقِيْنًا لَيْسَ بَعْدَهُ كُفْر، وَرَحْمَةً أَ نَالُ بِهـَا شَرَ فَ كَرَامَتِكَ فِى الدُّ نيا و الاخِرَةِ،

2. O Allāh! Give me that belief and faith which there may not be any infidelity and a Mercy enabling me to achieve the blessings of Your gifts in this world and the Hereafter.

٣- اللّٰهـُمَّ إِنِّىْ أَسْأَ لُكَ الْفَوْ زَ فى الْقَضَاءِ وَنُزُلَ الشُّهـَدَاءِ و عَيْشَ السُّعَدَاءِ، وَالنَّصْرَ على الاعْدَاءِ،

3. O Allāh! I ask of You to give me a conviction that Your Decree is the very fulfillment of my aims, and an entertainment which is offered to martyrs, and a life of the fortunate, and Your help over enemies.
٤- اللهم أنى اند ل بك حَا جتى و ان قصر رأيى و ضعف عملى افتقرت إلى و حمتك، فأسالك يا قاضى الامور، وياشافى الصدور، كما تجير بين البحور، أن تجير نى من عذاب السعير، ومن د عوة الثبور، و من فتنة القبور.
4. O Allāh! I place before You my needs, though my understanding is limited, and my actions are weak, hence I am badly in need of Your Mercy. O the Maker of affairs and Healer of the hearts! As You by Your power keep the oceans (running together) separate from each other (that the saltish remains separate from the sweet and sweet remains separate from saltish); so I request You to keep me away from the punishment of the Hell-Fire, and the lamentations of the one about to perish, and from the punishment of the grave.

٥- اللهم ما قصر عنه رأيى و لم تبلغه نيتى و لم تبلغه مسالتى من خير، و عدته أحدا من خلقك او خير انت معطيه أحدا من عبادك فأنى ارعب إليك فيه و اسالكه بر حمتك و ب العالمين،
5. O Allāh! I ask You of that goodness which is beyond my understanding and intention, and which I did not even ask. However, You promised this to anyone of Your creation, or any goodness which You want to give to any of Your slaves. I desire this and ask You for it by Your Mercy, O Sustainer of the universe!

٦- اللهم ذاالحنل الشديد،والأمر الرشيد، اسالك الامن يَو الوعيد، والجنة بؤ م الخلو د مع المقر بين الشهـود، الركع السجود، المو فين بالعهود، انت رحيم ودور،وانك تفعل ما تريد،
6. O You of firm promises and Master of good deeds! I ask for Your peace on the Day of Judgement, and Paradise on the Day of Eternity, to be among Yours favorites and regular attendants of Your Court; frequently bowing and prostrating and fulfilling their promises. You are Most Kind and Most Loving, and no doubt You do what You will.

٧- اللهـم اجعلنا هـادين مهتدين عير ضالين ولامضلين سلما لاوليانك وعدوالاعداىك نحب بحبك احبك و نعادى بعداواتك من خالفك،
7. O Allāh! Make me one who is guided aright, and guides others aright. Do not misguide me, and do not make me misguide others. I may be in peace with Your friends and enemy of Your enemies. Those who love You, I should love them for that love of Yours, and those who are against You, I should have enmity with them due to their enmity with You.

٨ - اللهم هذا ألدعاءوعليك الاجابةوهـذاالجهـد و عليك التكلان
8. O Allāh! It is for us to supplicate, and for You to accept. This is my effort and reliance is on You.
٩ - اللهم اجعل لى نورا فى قلبى ونورافى قبرى ونورامن بين يدى، ونورامن خلفى، ونورا عن يمينى، وممرا عن شمالى، ونورامن فوقى، ونورامن تحتى، ونورافى سمعى، ونورافى بصرى، ونورافى شعرى، ونورافى بشرى، ونوافى لحمى، ونورافى دمى، ونورافى عطامى، اللهم اعطم لى نوراواعطنى نوراواجعل لىنورا،

9. O Allāh! Put Nūr (light) in my heart, and make my grave illuminated; and grant me Nūr in front of me, Nūr at my back, Nūr on my right, Nūr on my left, Nūr above me, Nūr below me, (Your Nūr be around me), and Nūr in my ears, Nūr in my eyes, Nūr in every hair of mine, Nūr in my skin, Nūr in my flesh, Nūr in my blood, and Nūr in every bone of mine. O Allāh! Make my Nūr enormous, grant me Nūr, and make Nūr for me.

١٠- سبحانالذى تعطف وقال به، سبحان الذى لبس المجد وتكرم به، سبحانالذى لاينبغى التسبيح الاله، سبحانذىالفضل والنعم، سبحان ذى المجد والكرم، سبحان ذىالجلال والاكرام.
10. Unblemished is He Whose covering is Dignity itself and Whose World is Dignified. Unblemished is He Whose dress is Nobility and Honor. Unblemished is He; and none can be appropriately called unblemished besides Him. Unblemished is He Who is of great Excellence and full of Bounties. Unblemished is He Who is of great Dignity and Generosity. Unblemished is He Who is the Possessor of great Power and Respect.

Tirmidhī

25 Ways to Enter Jannah (Paradise) - The Way To Akhirah

2014-07-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

We all want to enter Jannah but are we sincerely striving for it? There are multiple ways to attain the pleasure of Allah SWT and enter His Jannah. Allah SWT has made it easy for us to enter His Jannah but some of us forget this due to an ‘attachment’ to this temporary worldly life!
Following are the 25 ways or good deeds to enter the Jannah. Remember, these are not the ‘only’ 25 ways and there should be ‘sincerity’ and ‘consistency’ in doing these deeds.

Whoever meets Allah without ascribing anything to Him will enter Jannah. (Bukhari)
Whoever believes (has Imaan) in Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him), and establishes the prayer and fasts in the month of Ramadan, it is incumbent upon Allah that He enters him in Jannah. (Bukhari)
Whoever builds a Masjid seeking by it the Pleasure of Allah, Allah will build for him a similar place in Jannah. (Bukhari)
Whoever prays the two cool prayers (Asr and Fajr) will enter Jannah. (Bukhari)
Whoever goes to the Masjid (every) morning and in the afternoon (for the congregational prayer), Allah will prepare for him an honorable place in Jannah with good hospitality for (what he has done) every morning and afternoon goings. (Bukhari)
Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his tongue and his private parts), I guarantee Jannah for him. (Bukhari)
Whoever prays 12 Rak’ah in the day and night, a house in Jannah will be built for him. (Muslim)
Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Jannah. (Muslim)
Whoever repeats after the Mu’adthin (the caller to prayer) from his heart (i.e., sincerely) will enter Jannah. (Abu Dawud)
There is not one of you who perfects his Wudu and prays two Rak’ah setting about them with his heart as well as his face except that Jannah would be mandatory for him. (Abu Dawud)
Whoever says: “I am pleased with Allah as my Rabb, and with Islam as my Deen, and with Muhammad (peace be upon him) as my Prophet, Jannah would be mandatory for him. (Abu Dawud)
Whosoever last words are: La ilaha illa Allah, will enter Paradise. (Abu Dawud, Sahih)
Whoever says “SubhanAllah al-Adthim wa Bihamdihi, Glorified and Exalted is Allah, The Great, and with His Praise”, a date-palm will planted for him in Jannah. (Tirmidhi)
Whoever dies and is free from three: arrogance, grudges and debt will enter Jannah. (Tirmidhi)
Whoever raises two girls, he and I will enter Jannah. (Tirmidhi)
Whoever calls the Adhan for 12 years, Jannah will become mandatory for him. (Ibn Majah)
Whoever asks Allah for Jannah three times, Jannah will say: “O Allah, enter him into Jannah.” (Tirmidhi)
Whoever visits an ailing person or a brother of his to seek the Pleasure of Allah, an announcer (angel) calls out: “May you be happy, may your walking be blessed, and may you be awarded a dignified position in Jannah”. (Tirmidhi)
Indeed, truthfulness leads to righteousness and indeed righteousness leads to Jannah. (Bukhari)
Allah guarantees him who strives in His Cause and whose motivation for going out is nothing but Jihad in His Cause and belief in His Word, that He will admit him into Jannah. (Bukhari)
O people, spread the Salaam (greetings), feed the hungry, and pray while the people are asleep, you will enter Jannah in peace. (Tirmidhi)
(The performance of) Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous Umrah; and the reward of Hajj Mabrur (i.e., one accepted) is nothing but Jannah. (Bukhari)
Allah has ninety-nine Names, one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Jannah. (Bukhari)
I saw a man going about in Jannah (and enjoying himself) as a reward for cutting from the middle of the road, a tree which was causing inconvenience to the Muslims. (Muslim)
O Allah, You are my Lord, none has the right to be worshipped except You, You created me and I am You servant and I abide to Your covenant and promise as best I can, I take refuge in You from the evil of which I committed. I acknowledge Your favor upon me and I acknowledge my sin, so forgive me, for verily none can forgive sin except You. “If somebody recites this invocation during the day, and if he should die then, he will be from the people of Jannah. And if he recites it in the night, and if he should die on the same day, he will be from the people of Jannah.” (Bukhari)

10 Things you are Missing if you don’t Understand the Quran - The Way To Akhirah

2014-07-06T07:53:00.001-07:00

10 Things you are Missing if you don’t Understand the Quran

The Quran is a guide to humanity. Since none of us want to be misguided, it is paramount not only to read or recite the Quran, but to understand and implement it in our lives as well.
Following are the top 10 things you are missing every day in your life if you don’t understand the Quran:

1. The Purpose of Revelation

If you don’t understand Qur’an and keep on reading it, the very purpose of revelation is lost. Allah SWT says: “ (Here is) a Book which We have sent down unto you (O Muhammad!), full of blessings, that they may mediate on its Signs, and that men of understanding may receive admonition [38:29].”
How can we do that if we don’t understand the Qur’an! One cannot and does not carry translation always, especially while listening to it in Salah!

2. The Garden of Mind

The mind is like a garden. If we don’t sow flowers, weeds will grow. Even if we sow flowers, weeds will still grow. We will need to remove the weeds continuously.
Flowers are the Guidance and the weeds are satanic thoughts. Allah SWT sows flower seeds into our brain every time we listen to Qur’an, especially in Salah/Namaz. If we don’t water them (ponder), they will be wasted and weeds may grow.

3. The Objectives of Recitation

There are 5 objectives of Reading Qur’an:

to receive rewards from Allah;
to gain knowledge;
to take action based on what Allah SWT is asking us to do;
to cure our heart and mind; and
to talk to Allah SWT!

How can we achieve all of these, especially the last four, if we don’t understand the Qur’an.

4. The Cleaning of Heart

People know that Fajr is compulsory but very few come to Masjid. Why? Not because they don’t know but because their hearts are rusted. We have a major misconception that Qur’an is a book of commandments only. The verses that deal with commandments constitute less than 10% of the total verses. The rest 90% is for the heart and mind. The heart keeps rusting and deviating because of sins. We need de-rusting and re-alignment.
Adam (A) was asked not to go near the tree. Allah says: “but he forgot; and We did not find in him any determination.” We humans have these weaknesses. We have several fitnahs (trials) surrounding us. We need continuous reminders and warnings which come to us only through daily recitation and listening to the Qur’an. Allah says about the Qur’an: “a healing for the (diseases) in your hearts” [10:57]. Can there be a better cure than what Allah has prescribed for us?

5. The Strengthening of heart

The Qur’an was revealed to the prophet (PBUH) in pieces. “And those who disbelieve say: Why has not the Quran been revealed to him all at once? Thus, that We may strengthen your heart by it and We have arranged it well in arranging. [25:32]. Heart should be firm in belief to His promises and warnings. Continuous pondering of the Qur’an everyday during and after Salahs helps us strengthen our hearts.

6. Daily ‘Talk’ (Munajaat) with Allah SWT

Prophet Muhammed (PUBH) used to interact with the recitation. “And when he recited the Verses which referred to the Glory of Allah, he glorified Him, the Great, and when he recited the Verses that mention supplication, he supplicated, and when he recited the Verses that mention seeking Refuge of the Rubb, he sought (His) Refuge.” [Muslim].
Can we live without talking at least five minutes every day to our near and dear ones? Allah is most beloved to us. He loves us more than seventy times that of our mothers. Still we live without bothering as to what Allah SWT said today to us during Salah!

7. Live Guidance

Whatever we read or listen to the Qur’an, remember that it is a live guidance from Allah SWT to each individual when he or she listens to Qur’an. It is a HUGE loss only if one can appreciates the value of live guidance from Allah, our own Creator. A wise man can never neglect this.

8. Relationship with Allah SWT

There are different dimensions to the relationship with Allah – His Love, Sincerity, Trust in Him, Remembering Him directly and whenever we see His signs in creation, Pondering His creation and in His names, not complaining of Qadaa, etc. This relationship is strengthened over time. It requires slow and steady cooking with regular heat coming from Qur’an.

9. Qu’ranic Character

According to Aisha (R), “His (the Prophet, pbuh) morals were the Qur’an”. The Qur’an is theory and the Prophet’s life was practical demonstration of that theory (thee Qur’an). We need to study the Seerah of the Prophet pbuh and keep relating the verses that we study to his life. This is a project in itself and requires one to ponder the verses every day along with the Seerah of the Prophet, pbuh.

10. Qur’anic Vision

As a patient starts describing his problems, the doctor’s mind starts working on diagnosis and comes up with the relevant medicines. Similary, we come across many situations in our life. We should be able to see solutions in the Qur’an corresponding to these situations. Only through continuous pondering and relating it to the daily life, one can attain this vision.

Will they not then ponder over the Quran, or is it that they have locks on their hearts!? [Quran, 47:24]

(This is) a Scripture that We have revealed unto thee, full of blessing, that they may ponder its revelations, and that men of understanding may reflect. [Quran, 38:29]

Importance of Beard in Islam - The Way To Akhirah

2014-07-06T05:47:00.000-07:00

Importance of Beard in Islam

This post is to emphasize the importance of growing beard in Islam. Many Muslims have queried regarding this point. We also see that people prefer keeping a beard in imitation of what’s in vogue rather than that prescribed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). A compilation of this nature has become important because the impact of the western way of life seems to be luring unwary Muslims into such a craze that the importance of the beard itself is being doubted and scoffed at.
To those who feel the issue is trivial to worry about, may Allah guide them. But to those who genuinely wish to learn and practice what is right, here are sufficient proofs from the Quran, Hadiths and learned scholars.

Concerning Adherence to the Sunnah in the Holy Qur’an:

“O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you.” (Quran 4:59)

“O ye who believe! Obey Allah and His Messenger, and turn not away from him when ye hear (him speak).” (Quran 8:20)

“O ye who believe! give your response to Allah and His Messenger, when He calleth you to that which will give you life; and know that Allah cometh in between a man and his heart, and that it is He to Whom ye shall (all) be gathered.”(Quran 8:24)

“Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah an excellent exempler for him who hopes in Allah and the Final Day, and who remembers Allah.” (Quran 33:21)

“What Allah has bestowed on His Messenger (and taken away) from the people of the townships,- belongs to Allah,- to His Messenger and to kindred and orphans, the needy and the wayfarer; in order that it may not (merely) make a circuit between the wealthy among you. So take what the Messenger gives you, and refrain from what he prohibits you. And fear Allah: for Allah is strict in Punishment.” (Quran 59:7)

Importance of the Beard in the words of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam):

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said “I have no connection iwth one who shaves, shouts and tears his clothing eg. in grief or affication.” – Reported by Abu Darda (R.A.) in Muslim, Hadith no. 501

The teachings of Hadhrat Ammar Bin Yaasir, Abdullah Ibn Umar, Sayyidina Umar, Abu Hurairah and Jaabir (R.A.), indicate that ALL used to keep beards that were one fist length or more. Hadhrat Jaabir (R.A.) had said: “We used to grow long beards and only during Hajj and Umrah did we trim them to the required length (i.e. fist length).”

Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (R.A.) relates that: “He who imitates the kuffar (non-believers) and dies in that state, he will be raised up with them on the Day of Qiyamat (Judgement).”

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) says: “Trim closely the moustache, and let the beard flow (Grow).” – Narrated Ibn Umar (R.A.) in Muslim, Hadith no. 498

“Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) ordered us to trim the moustache closely and spare the beard” says Ibn Umar. – Muslim, Hadith no. 499

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam)said: “Act against contrary to the polythesists, trim closely the moustache and grow the beard.” – Reported by Ibn Umar (R.A.) in Muslim, Hadith no. 500

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said “Trim closely the moustache and grow the beard.” – Reported by Abu Hurairah (R.A.) in Muslim, Hadith no. 501

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: “Anyone who shaves has no claim to the mercy of Allah” – Reported by Ibn Abbas (R.A.) in Tibrabi

Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (R.A.) used to cut that portion (which exceeds the grip of the hand) of the beard. – Tirmidhi

Abu Hurayrah ” reported that the ruler of Yemen,appointed by the Persian emperor Kisra, sent two envoys to the Messenger !. When they came into his presence, he noticed that they had shaved their beards and let their moustaches grow big. Hating their ugly appearance, he turned his face away and said,
“Woe be to you, who told you to do so?” They replied: “Our lord (Kisra) did!”
The Messenger ! responded: “But my Lord, exalted and glorified be He, has commanded me to spare my beard and trim my moustaches.” [Recorded by Ibn Jarir at-Tabari, Ibn Sa’d, and Ibn Bishran. Verified to be hasan (good) by al-Albani (Fiqh us-Sirah by al-Ghazali p. 359)]

The Beard according to the Great Imams of Jurisprudence

Hanafi:
Imam Muhammed (R.A.) writes in his book “Kitabul Aathaar” where he relates from Imam Abu Hanifa (R.A.) who relates from Hadhrat Haytham (R.A.) who relates from Ibn Umar (R.A.) that he (Ibn Umar) used to hold his beard in his hand and cut off which was longer. Imam Muhammed (R.A.) says that this is what we follow and this was the decision of Imam Abu Hanifa. Therefore, according to Hanafies, to shorten the beard less than a FIST LENGTH is HARAAM and on this is IJMA (concensus of opinion).
Shafi’i:
Imam Shafi (R.A.) in his Kitabul Umm states, “To shave the beard is HARAAM.” (Shari Minhaj dar Shara Fasl Aqueeqa).
Maaliki:
Shekh Ahmad Nafarawi Maliki in the commentary of Imam Abu Zayed’s booklet states, “to shave the beard is without doubt haraam according to all Imams.” It is also mention in “Tamheed” which is a commentary of “Muatta” (Sunnan Imam Malik (R.A.)) that to shave the beard is HARAAM and among males the only ones to resort to this practice (of shaving) are the HERMAPHRODITES (persons who possess both male and female features and characteristics).
Hanbali:
The Hanbalies in the famous Al-Khanie’a Hanbali Fatawa Kitab state that “to grow the beard is essential and to shave it is HARAAM.” Also in the Hanbali Mathab books “Sharahul Muntahaa” and “Sharr Manzoomatul Aadaab”, it is stated “The most accepted view is that it is HARAAM (prohibited to shave the beard).”
Also note, according to scholars of Islam: “To shave off the beard is unlawful (haraam) and one who shaves his beard is legally speaking an unrighteous fellow (FASIQ); hence, it is NOT PERMISSIBLE to appoint such a man as an Imam. To say Taraweeh behind such an Imam is MAKRUH-E-TAHRIMI (near prohibition)” (Shami Vol.1, p.523)
The Durre-Mukhtar states: “No one has called it permissible to trim it (the beard) less than FIST-LENGTH as is being done by some westernized Muslims and hermaphrodites.” (Vol. 2, p. 155). Also, “It is forbidden (haraam) for a man to cut off another’s beard.” (Vol. 5, p. 359).

Conclusion

Thus, a Muslim who shaves or shortens his beard is like a hermaphrodite, his Imamate near prohibition, his evidence is not valid, he will not have the right to vote or being voted for. Shaving and shortening the beard is the action of non-believers. Imam Ghazzali (RA) says: “Know that the key to total bliss (Saadah) lies in following the Sunnah and in emulating the life of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) in ALL that issues from him, and in ALL his doings even if it concerns the manner of his eating, rising, sleeping, and speaking. I do say thisin relation to rituals in worship ONLY because ther is no way neglecting the Sunnah reported of him in such matters – but what I say INCLUDES EVERY ASPECT of his daily life.” (Kitab al Arbain Addin, Cairo 1344, p. 89). Furthermore, in the Holy Qur’an, Allah told Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) to say:

“Say: “If ye do love Allah, Follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you your sins: For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Quran 3:31)

The daily recitation of a band of angels of Allah is “Holy is the Being who adorned men with beards and women with braids” (Takmela e Bahr al Raiq, Vol. 3, p. 331)
Lastly, Allah Ta’ala says in the Holy Qur’an:

“And when the true believers are called to Allah and His Rasul (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) [to accept and practice the law and commands of Allah and His Rasul (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam)] that he may pass judgement upon them, their ONLY reply is ‘We hear and obey.’ Such men shall surely prosper.” (24:51)

THE CALL IS TO GROW A FIST LENGTH BEARD, LET US HEAR AND OBEY TO PROSPER.
Muslims are overcome with western influence in their lives and it’s easy to forget, nay, neglect the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Little do these Muslims realize the magnitude of their actions in imitating Kufaar (see Hadith section). This is a truly shocking! Hopefully the information presented herein will enlighten those. And then there are others who claim that the matters concerning beards is a “little” issue not worthy of mention nor practice. To them I say get off the denial bandwagon, you’re a Muslim! Follow the Prophet (Peace be upon him) in all aspects of life, for he was the best of examples. I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve mistaken a Muslim brother (outside of the Masjid) for a kaafir on account of his clean-shaven, well oiled, face. How can I say “Assalaamu Alaikum Brother!” when I do not know if he is a Muslim. Yet that very brother then wonders why he was ignored! Sure, he can tell if others are Muslim on account of their beard, but what about himself? From one brother to another, I say: “Grow a beard, then, since it also promotes Brotherhood in the real world. Stand with your Brothers, be one. We know you think you are handsome without it (a beard), but who cares? What matters is how Allah (S.W.T.) sees you. And when you do grow a beard, don’t mock the Sunnah, please grow it correctly, i.e. FIST LENGTH. That is the prescribed length and no shorter (see Hadeeth section)…” Peace.

12 Rights of a Muslim Wife upon Her Husband - The Way To Akhirah

2014-07-06T05:40:00.001-07:00

12 Rights of a Muslim Wife upon Her Husband

Below are the 12 rights of a muslim wife upon her husband in Islam. Please share after reading.
1. To spend upon her, to feed her. Not to be excessive in this and not to be stingy.
2. To be kind to her. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The best among you is the one who is the best towards his wife.”
3. Not to harm her.
4. To be loving to her, examples:

Loving to her with your tongue. Nice words, tell her you love her. Tell her how good she looks.
If your wife asks you to get her something and you can’t get it , say I’ll get it inshaa’Allaah.
That the man beautifies himself with that which is reasonable, (not intimating women).
From being loving to your wife is that you help her with housework. This is from the example of the prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)
That he is to be playful with his wife.
Sharing food with her.
To cuddle with her.
Sleep under the same cover.
(I) they would bathe together: On the authority of ‘Aa’ishah (radiyallaahu ‘anhu) who said: “I used to bathe with the Prophet from a single container of water which was placed between us such that our hands collided inside it. He used to race me such that I would say: “Leave some for me, leave some for me!’ She added: `We were in a state of Janaabah (i.e. the state of having slept together).’”[Al-Bukharee and Muslim].

5. That the men must not curse or swear at his wife, or insult her appearance.
6. A man must not boycott her and if he does (for a valid reason) he should do it inside of the home.
7. A man should not expose the secrets of his wife “Verily among the worst people before Allaah on the Day of Judgement is a man who approaches his wife sexually and she responds and then he spreads her secrets.” [Muslim, Ibn Abee Shaybah, Ahmad and others].
8. A man should not hate his wife. Exalt the good and minimise her shortcomings. A man should not be angry at her faults and should look at her good. To look only good in her.
9. That he should make things easy upon her e.g. The chores and what he requires from her.
10. He should have the best manners with his wife. His wife should see the best of his manners. It is said that some men have the best manners out in the market , but when he goes home he is a ferocious lion! Kind to strange women in the markets but not to his wife in the home. The best of you are the best of you to your wives. There is no good in you if you want to help your friends but not your wife, there is no good in you if you are kind to your friends and not your wife. Combine the two , and that is good.
11. That the husband should be a reason for his wife to be saved from the hellfire. He should teach her and order her to forbid the evil and enjoy the good. Forbidding her from that which will lead to hell fire. O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed]angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allaah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.
12. That the man should have some type of jealousy for his wife. Jealousy of protecting her from evil, not for her to be exposed to strange men , not for her to speak to strange men etc. but not the abusive jealousy…

Importance of Ramadan – What Makes Ramadan Very Special? - The Way To Akhirah

2014-07-06T05:34:00.003-07:00

Importance of Ramadan – What Makes Ramadan Very Special?

Ramadan is the most precious month in the Islamic calendar (Hijri) and it is obligatory for the Muslims to fast in the month of Ramadan. Here are some interesting and quick points that shows the importance of Ramadan in Islam.

Allah has made fasting this month the fourth Pillar of Islam
Allah revealed the Quran in this month
Allah has made Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree/Power) in this month, which is better than a thousand months
Allah has made fasting Ramadan and spending its nights in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward a means of forgiveness of sins
In this month, Allah opens the gates of Paradise and closes the gates of Hell, and chains up the devils
Every night Allah has people whom He redeems from the Fire
Fasting Ramadan is a means of expiation for the sins committed since the previous Ramadan, so long as one avoids major sins
Fasting in Ramadan is equivalent to fasting ten months
Whoever prays Qiyaam in Ramadan with the Imaam until he finishes, it will be recorded for him that he spent the whole night in prayer
Umra’h in Ramadhaan is equivalent to Hajj
It is Sunnah to observe I’tikaaf (retreat for the purpose of worship) in Ramadan
It is Mustahabb in the sense of being strongly recommended in Ramadan to study the Quran together and to read it to a great deal
It is Mustahabb in Ramadan to offer Iftaar to those who are fasting