Sunday, August 28, 2005

Umme Kulthum (r.a)

UMME KULTHUM (r.a) - DAUGHTER OF MUHAMMAD(pbuh)
Umme Kulthum (R.A) was Rasulullah’s (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) third daughter. She too, was married like her sister to the son of Abu Lahab, Utaiba. Utaiba too like his brother, divorced Umme Khulthum (R.A).

When her elder sister Ruqayyah (R.A) passed away, she was given in marriage to Uthman (R.A.).

A narratable situation had arisen on that occasion.
Hafsa (R.A) the daughter of Umar (R.A) had become a widow when she was only 18 years old. Umar (R.A) offered Uthman (R.A) to take her in marriage who was very disconsolate after the death of Ruqayyah but he refused. Umar (R.A) was hurt by his refusal.

He then went to Abu Bakr (R.A) whom he counted as his best friend and made to him the same offer. His evasive answer disappointed him even more.

Umar (R.A) went to Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and gave vent to his grievance. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said to him, “Behold! I will show you a better son-in-law than Uthman, and I will show him a better father-in-law than you.” “So be it.” said Sayyidinah Umar (R.A) with a glee on his face.

Umar (R.A) in a moment’s reflection found that the better man referred to was none other than Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) who would himself take Hafsa (R.A) in his marriage and who would become, for the second time the father-in-law of Uthman (R.A) by giving him in marriage Ruqayyah’s (R.A) sister Umme Kulthum (R.A).
source: Attarbiyah Magazine

Thursday, August 25, 2005

What happened to my Youth?

WHAT HAPPENED TO MY YOUTH?
by Ahmed

What has become of my tender youth?
Forsaken to sins and evils is the truth
Given over to pleasure and lust, day and night
Forgive me Allah. I hear and tremble with fright

What will happen to me?
Only Allah does know
In Hellfire will I burn
Or receive the Jannah that I yearn

Allah, from You forgiveness I seek
And make me amongst the meek
Ya Rabbi show me the way
To live my life as the Prophet (pbuh) did say

And on my deathbed allow me to pray
The kalima, and have me not go astray
From the Siratul Mustakeem
And in Jannah inshallah my face will beam
Ameen.

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

Enjoin Good and Forbid Evil

ENJOINING GOOD AND FORBIDDING EVIL
Amongst the rudimentary issues of reforming society, this forms one of the most integral aspects of social structuring, to denounce evil and observe good and sublime deeds with the aim of radiating goodness within every citizen of the community at large. Hence, a group of Muslims in the community are constrained to observe this religious duty (Fardh e Kifayah). If this duty is abandoned completely then the whole Muslim community will be sinful.

"And there must exist amongst you a group that invites to goodness and bid (others) unto good work and forbid evil, and they are those who have reached their goal." [Surah 3, Verse 104]

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: "When people witness the perpetration of evil and do not endeavour to to amend it, Allah will send down His punishment very swiftly." [Ibn Majah]

Hadrat Huzaifah bin Yaman (r.a) narrates that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: "I swear by the being in whose control is my life that you must enjoin good and forbid evil or Allah will send down His punishment and then your Duas will not be accepted even if you call unto Him." [Tirmizi]

Those that engage in enjoining the good and forbidding evil should be of mild disposition, well spoken and courteous. Using harsh reprehensible language and disheartening words must be avoided.

"If anyone of you has to enjoin good, let it be executed excellently and superlatively so that speech is impressive and congenial." [Hadith]
Source: 40 Pathways to Jannah

Muslim Clothing

MUSLIM CLOTHING
Why do Muslims dress in distinctive, modest clothing?

Muslim women are often asked: "Why do you wear that scarf?" "Aren't you hot?" "Do the different colors mean anything?" "Why do some Muslim women cover their face, but not others?" "Do Muslim men have a dress code as well?"

Most Muslims understand your polite curiosity, and would be happy to explain. But if you've ever been too embarrassed to ask the questions directly, you've come to the right place.

Q: Why do you dress the way you do?
A: First and foremost, because Almighty God (Allah) commands us to do so. In the Qur'an, Allah tells the believers to "lower their gaze and be modest." Specifically, it says: "Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that will make for greater purity for them; and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; and that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their chests and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers..." [continuing list of family members and others in front of whom women are exempt from covering] (Qur'an 24:30-31)

Of course, Muslims believe that God has full Wisdom and knows what is best for us, so we strive to follow His guidance in every aspect of our lives. Muslims have also discovered other advantages to dressing modestly, including: being known for who you really are; not being judged by your beauty or lack thereof; being able to conduct business in an atmosphere of respect; being readily known as a Muslim; liberation; comfort.

Q: Aren't you hot?
A: In many ways, covering the body protects it from the heat of direct sunlight. In loose, flowing clothing, the air around the body flows freely and cools more readily. The choice of fabric covering the body is more important than the square inches/centimeters exposed or covered. On severely hot days, we might be uncomfortable as is everyone else. During those times, we find comfort knowing that we are following the commands of Allah, and "the fire of hell is hotter."

Q: Do the different colors mean anything?
A: Muslims are to dress in modest clothing, without attracting attention to oneself. For this reason, many Muslims choose earth-tone colors such as green, blue, gray, as well as the usual black and white. Beyond this, there are no specific meanings behind the choice of color. Some colors are more common in certain parts of the world, based on local tradition.

Q: Why are there differences in the specific styles of dress?
A: While Islam outlines a code of modesty, it does not command a certain style, color, or fabric. The range of clothing you find among Muslims is a sign of the great diversity among the Muslim community.

Q: Do men have a dress code as well?
A: Absolutely. Both men and women are commanded in the Qur'an to "lower their gaze and be modest." It is generally understood that men are not to expose the area of their body from the navel to the knee. However, many Muslim men would feel shy to expose a bare chest or bare legs in public. As with women, men are not to wear clothing that is tight or see-through. Indeed, in many Muslim societies the traditional clothing for men includes long, flowing robes, or long tunics that fully cover the body.

Q: What do these Islamic clothing terms mean? Hijab, khimar, niqab, abaya, jilbab, burqa, shalwar khamis...
A: Different terms reflect different styles of dress. Often the same clothing has various names depending on what area of the world it is worn.

Source: About Islam

Sunday, August 21, 2005

Ruqayyah (r.a)

RUQAYYAH (r.a) - DAUGHTER OF MUHAMMAD(pbuh)
Ruqayyah (R.A.) was Rasulullah’s (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) second daughter. She was married to Utba the son of Abu Lahab. Abu Lahab was the uncle of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) but had become his violent enemy and of Islãm and its followers.

Both father and son did not enter into Islãm and Utba repudiated Ruqayyah (R.A.) on the incitement of his father. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) gave Ruqayyah (R.A.) in marriage to Uthman ibn Affãn (R.A.). When the battle of Badr took place, Ruqayyah (R.A.) was seriosly ill. Uthman (R.A.) had the desire to fight but Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) asked him to stay at home and take care of his sick wife. He told him that he would be rewarded equal to the participants. He marked him ’Fighter of Badr’ and gave him his share in the booty. Ruqayyah (R.A.) passed away on the day the Muslims returned victorious.
source: Attarbiyah Magazine

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Mishkat Hadith

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said: "The contrast between the person who glorifies Allah Ta’ala and the one who does not remember Him is like that between the living and dead. [Mishkaat]

Sunday, August 14, 2005

Zaynab (r.a)

ZAYNAB (r.a) - DAUGHTER OF MUHAMMAD(pbuh)
Zaynab (R.A.) was the eldest of the four daughters of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). She was married to Abdul As ibn Rabi, who was also the first cousin of Zaynab (R.A.) son of Khadija’s (R.A.) sister Hala. After Prophethood her husband did not accept Islãm and the leaders of his clan put great pressure upon him to divorce her and in return promised him to arrange the bride of his choice. But he didn’t.

Later Zaynab (R.A.) went to Madinah with other emigrants. Abdul As let her go with a heavy heart. The news of her journey leaked and some miscreants of the Quraysh followed them to bring her back. One of them, Habbãr by name, galloped ahead brandishing his spear. Zaynab (R.A.) was troubled much by his arrival. The camel, she was mounted on was startled and she fell down from her howdah (carriage). She was expecting her third child and later she had a miscarriage.

Not long after Hijrah, Abdul As came to Madinah and embraced Islãm. His wife Zaynab (R.A.) ever praying to Allah that He may turn his heart to Islãm owing to the deep love between the spouses, was grateful to Allah. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) allowed his daughter to reinstate the suspended bond of marriage.
source: Attarbiyah Magazine

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Imagine Your Death

I M A G I N E
Unknown Author

Imagine yourself after you pass away
Imagine your grave through night and through day
Wishing that you did not do as they say
Wishing that you had got up and had prayed.

Imagine, my friends, the day that you died
Imagine all of the tears that they cried
Remember how it felt when your body was tied
Remember how it felt in the grave which you lied.

Imagine the day you'll be called to account
Imagine the sum to which your life will amount
Think for a moment of the deeds which you mount
Think for a moment how much they will count.

What will they say of you when you are dead?
What will they say, what will be said?
Will they speak of all the poor who you fed?
Will they remember all the Qu'ran that you read?

Think not of them, but of Allah, Lord of mankind and jinn
Think of Allah when tempted to sin
Think of the paradise which you will dwell in
Don't wait till later to think what might have been.

Other reading:
Allah is the Best of all planners
The Funeral Poem
Life is short

Sunday, August 07, 2005

Sa'eed ibn Amir (r.a)

SA'EED IBN AMIR (r.a) - Companion of the Prophet (pbuh)
He left Makkah for Madinah to join the faith and to be one of its sincere and staunch followers. He was a staunch supporter of the 2 successors, Abu Bakr (r.a) and Umar (r.a) after the death of the Prophet (pbuh) and would provide counsel and moral support to them. Umar (r.a) appointed him as governor of Homs in Syria. In the beginning Saeed (r.a) tried to decline the governorship but he had to accept when the Caliph reminded him that as a responsible citizen he had to share the burden placed upon the shoulders of the Caliph.

When some trustworthy people came from Homs in Syria sometime later, Umar (r.a) asked them to list the name of the poor in Homs. Amongst the first listed was the name of Saeed (r.a). When Umar (r.a) asked the people of this they said, 'By Allah! Days pass without fire being lit in his house (out of poverty).' Umar (r.a) wept out of pity for Saeed (r.a) and sent him 1000 dinars. Both Saeed (r.a) and his wife put the money in small pouches and distributed it to the poor, instead of keeping it for themselves.

On one of the inspection tours of the State, Umar (r.a) visited Homs in Syria and inquired about the governor Sa'eed ibn Amir (r.a). They complained of 4 bad things about him:
  1. he does not appear until late morning
  2. he does not answer us during the night
  3. once in a month he would stay at home a full day
  4. he sometimes faints

Umar (r.a) was shocked to hear this, but felt there must be some misunderstanding of the matter as he knew Sa'eed (r.a) too well to doubt his conduct. The next day Umar (r.a) brought Sa'eed (r.a) and the citizens together and publicly asked about these complaints.

Sa'eed (r.a) said with regards to the first complaint, 'I hate to mention this, but I have no servant. So I get up in the morning, prepare the dough for my family, wait until it is ready and then bake the bread for them. Only then do I perform Wudu and go out to meet the public.'

Concerning the second complaint he said, 'I hate to publicise this, but I have allocated the day time for people and the night time for worship of Allah.'

In response to the third complaint agaist him, 'I have no servant, and no clothing except the one I am wearing. Therefore, when I wash it I have to stay at home until it dries, then I wear it and get out to meet the people.'

Answering to the fourth complaint, 'Before my conversion to Islam, I witnessed the murder of Khubaib (r.a) and witnessed and heard his response. Now when I recall the incident, how it happened and that I did not offer a helping hand, I fear that Allah may punish me and so I faint.'

At this Umar (r.a) sighed, saying, 'Thanks be to Allah who had guided me to choose the right governor.' Sa'eed was a model of a true and responsible governor to whom leadership was a responsibility rather than an honour.


Subhanallah, so many lessons to be learnt from this God fearing companion. We should compare how we hoard wealth, continously expand our wardrobes to keep with fashions, become engaged with responsibilty and forget Allah and dont reflect on our past actions let alone seek forgiveness for them.

May Allah give me and you the ability to act on the above. Ameen. Please take a look at Breathe Islam blog and inform others also, Jazakallah.

in need of your duas
Wasalam

Wednesday, August 03, 2005

Wake Up!

WAKE UP!
by a dear sister

Bismillah Al Rahman, Al Raheem:

"Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar" you hear the athaan go on.
But you still decide to procrastinate, even when your family yells, "Come on!"

You think, "I still have time, before I really have to pray, 'Asr is still hours away."
Your head is saying "Go" but the Shaytaan is saying "No" so you go on anyway.

You go to your bed and decide to lie down, for just a few minutes you say.
But when your head hits the pillow, your body is overcome by a feeling, different than any other way.

You suddenly feel hot and nervous, and your throat is parched and dry.
You hear a voice call, "Why did you disobey me?" But you are unable to answer why.

Suddenly your life flashes before your eyes,
And feelings of guilt and regret are becoming hard to disguise.

Images and thoughts run through your head,
If only you did more useful things, but you wasted your time instead.

Every ill word you said, and every prayer you missed is presented,
If only you took life more seriously...if only you repented.

You say, "I didn't know any better, I never knew to take a closer look"
But the voice replies, "Yes you did, you had The Holy Book."

"In it you will find the meaning of life, and words of inspiration.
And the perfect example for mankind, the Prophet who received the revelation."

"This life is but a stage, a mere drop compared to an ocean,
"So think not of the worldly things, and make sure that in your heart lies devotion."

You wake up suddenly, alarmed and quivering.
"I wasted so much time!" you think, "good words and prayers I should be delivering."

You pray, and then afterwards do some reflection,
And you decide to give your life a thorough inspection.

This life is so unpredictable; it can vanish very soon,
All that you see will perish, and only your deeds will remain with you.

So hold on to the Quran and the way of the Prophet (saw) for salvation,
And do not delay what you must do, remember Jannah, the ultimate destination.