Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Repentance

CHAPTER ON REPENTANCE

20. Abu Sa'id ibn Sa'd ibn Malik ibn Sinan al-Khudri reported that the Prophet of Allah (pbuh) said, "Among those before you there was a man who killed ninety-nine people. He asked who was the most knowledgeable man in the world and was directed to a monk. He went to him and said that he had killed ninety-nine people and was repentance possible for him? The monk said, 'No,' so he killed him and made it a hundred.

Then he again asked who was the most knowledgeable man on earth and was directed to a man of knowledge. He said that he had killed a hundred people, so was repentance possible for him? The man said, 'Yes, who can come between you and repentance? Go to such-and-such a land, where there are some people worshipping Allah Almighty. Worship Allah with them and do not return to your own country. It is an evil place.' So he went and then, when he was half way there, he died. The angels of mercy and angels of punishment started to argue about him. The angels of mercy said, 'He came in repentance, turning with his heart to Allah Almighty.' The angels of punishment said, 'He has not done a single good action.' An angel came in a human form and they appointed him arbitrator between them. He said, 'Measure the distance between the two countries and whichever one he is nearer to, that is the one he belongs to.' They measured and found he was nearer to the land to which he was going, so the angels of mercy took him." [Agreed upon]

In the variant in the Sahih, "He was a hand-span nearer to the virtuous land, so he was put among their people."
In the variant in the Sahih, "Allah revealed to this country to distance itself and that one to come nearer. He said, 'Measure the distance between them,' and they found that he was nearer to the good one by a hand-span and he forgave him."
In one variant, "He was nearer it by a short neck."

Riyad as-Salihin

Sunday, May 29, 2005

Modesty of the Prophet (pbuh)

CHAPTER ON THE MODESTY OF SAYYIDINA RASULULLAH (PBUH)
Modesty plays a special part between the affairs of the creator and the created. It is mentioned in the hadith that when modesty vanishes, do as you please. Every excellence of Sayyidina Rasulullah (pbuh) reached its apex. Whatever chapter is begun, there are no words that can truly describe his qualities. Not a few incidents, but thousands bear testimony to this. Ibn 'Umar (R.A) reports, that Sayyidina Rasulullah (pbuh) did not fix his eyesight on anyone due to his exceeding modesty. He did not look at a person in the eye while meeting him face to face. Imaam Tirmidhi has mentioned two hadith as an example. The 'ulama have written that there are many types of modesty. One is the modesty of graciousness and kindness. For instance when Sayyidina Rasulullah (pbuh) made the walimah of Zaynab (R.A), after eating some people remained there and became busy in discussions. Their sitting made Sayyidina Rasulullah (pbuh) feel uneasy. He sometimes went out and sometimes came inside, because of his modesty he did not ask them to get up. In the Qur-aan Karim before the end of Surah Ahzaab this incident is mentioned. The second type of modesty is that the lover feels bashful for the beloved, even speaking becomes difficult.

The third type is the modesty of devotion, that in worship one feels humbled, and continues to go forward due to the modesty for the creator. The fourth type is to have Modesty of ones own soul. That is, one begins something with zeal, and when it remains incomplete one begins to feel ashamed of one's self, that this small deed could not be completed. It is said that this is the highest form of modesty. The one that feels modest from one's self, will surely be modest before others.
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(341) Hadith Number 1.
Abu Sa'eed Khudari (R.A) says that Rasulullah (pbuh) was more bashful than a virgin girl in her veil (purdah). When Rasulullah (pbuh) did not like something, it could be seen on his face. (Because of his excessive Modesty he did not mention it).

Commentary
The 'ulama have given two meanings for the words 'a virgin in her veil (Purdah)'. One group among the 'ulama say it means a virgin girl in her veil, that she is more shameful than that virgin girl who roams about. However every virgin is bashful, therefore the shari'ah has recognised the silence of a virgin girl as her consent for her-nikaah, as bashfulness is natural for a virgin girl, and especially the girl who is in purdah. Some 'ulama have said that by the girl in purdah, that girl is meant, who is brought up in purdah and also makes purdah from other women. It is a custom in many families, where purdah is observed from those women who go about. It is clear from this, how modest such a girl will be? The second meaning that some of the 'ulama have given is that 'in purdah' is taken metaphorically, that the modesty shown by a virgin girl (bride) on her first night is evident. (It is sad that this does not exist in many western orientated circles today).

(342) Hadith Number 2.
'Aayeshah (R.A) reports: (because of the excessive modesty of Sayyidina Rasulullah (pbuh)) "I did not have the courage to see the private parts of Rasulullah (pbuh), or that I never saw the private parts of Rasulullah (pbuh)".

Commentary
Due to the shamefastness of Sayyidina Rasulullah (pbuh) this was not possible, then how could Sayyidina Rasulullah (pbuh) himself have done so? It is natural that in the presence of a modest person, one is compelled to act modestly. In another narration it is clearly denied that never did Sayyidina Rasulullah (pbuh) see my private parts, nor did I see the private parts of Sayyidina Rasulullah (pbuh). Although 'Aayeshah (R.A) was the most informal among all the wives, she was also the most beloved. If this was his manner with her, what can be said of the others? Sayyiditina Ummi Salamah (R.A) says that when Sayyidina Rasulullah (pbuh) slept with his wife, he closed his eyes and bowed down his head, and also stressed to his wife to be calm and dignified. Ibn 'Abbaas (R.A) narrates that Sayyidina Rasulullah (pbuh) went behind the rooms to perform ghusl. Nobody saw the private parts of Sayyidina Rasulullah (pbuh). Before the advent of nubuwwah, when the Ka'bah was rebuilt Sayyidina Rasulullah (pbuh) also carried stones and brought them. According to 'Arab custom, no importance was given to concealing the private parts. Sayyidina Rasulullah (pbuh) (happen to) put his lungi under the stone, and immediately became unconscious (due to modesty) and fell down, whereas, at that time the shar'ee injunctions were not even revealed.

Shamaa-il Tirmidhi
www.inter-islam.org

Thursday, May 26, 2005

Practices of Jumuah

PRACTICES OF JUMUAH
On the day of Jumu’ah, if a Muslim performs the following six deeds, he obtains the reward equivalent to one year’s Nafl (optional) fasting and one year’s Nafl (optional) Salâh on every step (he walks to the Masjid). This Hadeeth has been narrated in Tirmizhi, Abu Dawood, Nasa'i and Ibn Majah. Mulla Ali Qari rahmatullahi alayhi observes in Sharh Mirqat, the commentary on Mishkat, that no other pious deed is more virtuous than performing these actions on the day of Jumu’ah.

To perform ghusl [bath].
To proceed to the Masjid early.
To walk to the Masjid.
To sit closest to the Imâm.
To refrain from useless speech.
To listen to the Khutbah attentively.

Note: One should try to be punctual with the following:
Tilawat [recitation] of Surah Kahaf.
Performance of Salâtut-tasbih.
Excessive recitation of Durûd Shareef (a minimum of 300 times).
To make Du’â (silently) between the two Khutbas.
Engaging in Du’â before the sunset of Friday.
Published by Madrasah Arabia Islamia, Azaadville, South Africa
http://www.islamsa.org.za/

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Fajr Salaah

FAJR SALAAH

The Prophet (pbuh) said, "During your sleep, Satan ties three knots at the back of your necks. He breathes the following into them, 'The night is long so keep on sleeping.' If the person wakes & praises Allah, then one of the knots is unfastened. And if he performs ablution, the second knot is unfastened. When he prays, all of the knots are unfastened. After that he will be energetic & happy. Otherwise he would get up listless & grouchy."

Sahih Al-Bukhari

Imaan

IMAAN

Q. What is the kalimah of Islam?
A. The kalimah of Islam is:
Laa ilaa-ha il-lal-laa-hu muhammadur-rasoolul-laah
There is no god except Allah; Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His Messenger.
This kalimah is also called kalimah tauheed or kalimah tayyibah.
(Kalimah literally means a "word", or "utterance" or "proclamation".)

Q. What is kalimah shahaadah
A. Kalimah shahaadah (kalimah of bearing witness) is:
Ash-hadu an-laa ilaaha il-lal-laa-hu wa ash-hadu an-na Muhammadan ‘ab-duhoo wa rasooluh.
I bear witness that there is no god except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is Allah's worshipper and His Messenger.

Q. What is imaan (faith)?
A. Imaan is to have faith in something and to proclaim it.

Q. What is our imaan mujmal (faith in a nutshell)?
A. Imaan mujmal is:
aamantu bil-laahi kamaa huwa bi as-maa-i-hi wa sifaatihi wa qabiltu jamee’a ahkaamihi. ‘iqraarum bil-lisaani wa tasdeequm bil-qalb.
I believe in Allah as He is with all His names and attributes and I accept all of His orders. It is said with the tongue and confirmed in the heart.

Q. What is our imaan mufas-sal (elaborated faith)?
A. Imaan mufas-sal is:
aamantu bil-laahi wa ma-laa-i-katihi wa kutubihi wa rusulihi wal-yaumil-aakhiri wal-qadri khairihi wa shar-rihi minal-laahi ta’aalaa wal-ba’thi ba’dal-maut.
I believe in Allah, in His angels, in His books, in His messengers, in the Day of Judgement, and (I believe) that all good and evil is decreed by Allah, and in the life after death.

Q. Who created you?
A. Allah created us, our fathers and mothers, the skies and the earth, this universe and everything in it.

Q. How did Allah create the universe?
A. By His power and command.

Q. What are the people called who do not believe in Allah?
A. They are called kaafir (unbelievers).

Q. What are the people called who do not worship Allah but worship other things, or those who believe in two or three gods?
A. Such people are called kaafir and mushrik.

Q. Will Allah pardon or forgive the mushrik or the kaafir?
A. Kaafir and mushrik will never be pardoned. They will always be kept in great pain and trouble in the hereafter.

Ta'leem-ul-Islam

Related reading:
Kalimah Tayyibah
Muslim Beliefs

Monday, May 23, 2005

Hazrat Maimoonah (R.A)

HAZRAT MAIMOONAH (R.A)
She was the daughter of Harith bin Hazan. Her original name was Barrah but she was later renamed Maimoonah by the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) . She was first married to Abu Rahim bin Abdul Uzza. According to some reports, she was married twice before she became Ummul Mominin. She had been widowed lately when the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) married her at Saraf, a place lying on his journey to Mecca for 'Umrah in Zul Qa'dah 7 A.H. He had intended to start living with her when in Mecca after performing 'Umrah but, as Qureysh did not allow him to enter Mecca, he called her over to him in the same place on his return journey. Many years later she died and was buried exactly at the same place in 51 A. H. (when she was 81).

This is a strange coincidence that at a certain place during one Journey she is married, at the same place on the return journey she starts living with the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) and at the very place during another journey she dies and is buried.

Hadhrat Aishah (R.A) says: “Maimoonah was the most pious, and the most mindful of her kith and kin, among the Prophet Mohammad's (pbuh) wives.”

Hadhrat Yazid bin Asam (R.A) says: “She was seen either engaged in Salaat or in domestic work. When she was doing neither, she was busy in Miswak.” She was the last woman to be married by the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) . Certain Muhaddithin have, however, mentioned one or two other marriages contracted by the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) .

Fazail-e-Amaal
Hajirah Foundation

Thursday, May 19, 2005

Steadfastness in Salaat

STEADFASTNESS IN SALAAT
8. Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (R.A) narrates that Rasulullah (pbuh) said: “Will there remain any impurity on a person who baths five times a day in a river flowing in front of his house?”
The people said: “No impurity will remain on him.”
Rasulullah (pbuh) said:This is the effect of the five Salaat. By means of it, Allah Ta’ala purifies the performer of all sins.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Indeed, a great significance of Salaat is stated in this hadith.

9. Hadhrat Jaabir (R.A) narrates that Rasulullah (pbuh) said:“The distinguishing factor between kufr and Imaan is the deliberate neglect of Salaat.” (Muslim)
Deliberate neglect brings one close to kufr. One who abstains from Salaat flounders on the brink of kufr

10. Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan Bin Amr Bin Al-A’s (R.A) narrates that Rasulullah (pbuh) said: “Salaat, on the Day of Qiyaamah, will be a light, a proof and a means of salvation for the one who guarded it. He who neglects Salaat, will have no light, no proof and no salvation (from the direction of Salaat). He (the one who neglected Salaat) will be in the company of Qaroon, Fir’oun, Haamaan and ubay Ibn Khalf on the Day of Qiyaamah.” (Ahmad, Daarami, Baihaqi, Shu’bul Imaan)
What greater punishment and disgrace can there be than to be resurrected in the company of such great unbelievers and to be flung into Jahannum along with them?

11. Hadhrat Bareedah (R.A) narrates that Rasulullah (pbuh) said: “The subject of a pledge which exists between the people and us (the Ambiyaa) is Salaat. Thus, whoever, neglects Salaat has become a kaafir (i.e. in terms of practical life, not in terms of Imaan).” (Ahmad, Tirmizi, Nisaai, Ibn Majah)
The evil of neglecting Salaat is amply illustrated by this hadith. Those who deliberately neglect Salaat are likened to the kuffaar. They appear in practical life as kuffaar. Since there is no distinguishing feature between them and the kuffaar, Islamic law will treat them on par with the kuffaar. It is clear from this hadith that neglect of Salaat is a salient feature of kufr. Although a Muslim will not be proclaimed a kaafir if he neglects the performance of Salaat, nevertheless, the Shariah views his crime with the utmost of gravity. Persistence in the neglect of Salaat is punishable by death in Islam.

excerpt from Hayatul Muslimeen

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

Unfolding a Rose

Unfolding a Rose

A young, new sheikh (teacher) was walking with an older, more seasoned sheikh in the garden one day. Feeling a bit insecure about what Almighty Allah had for him to do, he was asking the older sheikh for some advice.

The older sheikh walked up to a rosebush and handed the young sheikh a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals. The young sheikh looked in disbelief at the older sheikh and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the Will of Almighty Allah for his life and ministry.

But because of his great respect for the older sheikh, he proceeded to try to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact... It wasn't long before he realized how impossible this was to do. Noticing the younger sheikh's inability to unfold the rosebud without tearing it, the older sheikh began to recite the following poem...

It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of Almighty Allah's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I..
Almighty Allah opens this flower so sweetly,
Then in my hands they die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of Almighty Allah's design,
Then how can I have the wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?

So I'll trust in Allah for leading each moment of my day.
I will look to Almighty Allah for His guidance each step of the way.
The pathway that lies before me,
Only Almighty Allah knows.

I'll trust Him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose..

'Man always runs after a thing which is bound to perish, and is engrossed in high hopes and great expectations. He does not know that day dreams can never be realized. He spends his day in forgetfulness and passes his day in unmindfulness and passes his night in slumber while death is lowering over his head. He will regret tomorrow of what he is doing today.'
by email from Zaheer Mahomed

Sunday, May 15, 2005

Hazrat Safiyyah (R.A)

HAZRAT SAFIYYAH (R.A)
She was the daughter of Hayi, Who was a descendant of Hadhrat Harun (a.s) the brother of Moosa (a.s). She was first married to Salam bin Mishkam and then to Kinallah bin Abi Huqaiq at the time of Khevbar. Kinallah was killed in the battle and she was captured by the Muslims. Hadhrat Dahya Kalbi (Radhiyallaho anha) requested for a maid, and the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) made her over to him. At this, the other Sahabah approached the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) and said:

"O, Prophet of Allah! Banu Nazir and Banu Quraizah (the Jewish tribes of Madinah) will feel offended to see the daughter of a Jewish chief working as a maid. We therefore suggest that she may be taken as your own wife."

The Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) paid a reasonable sum of money to Hadhrat Dahya (r.a) as ransom, and said to Safiyyah: "You are now free; if you like you can go back to your tribe or can be my wife."

She said: "I longed to be with you while I was a Jew. How can I leave you now, when I am a Muslim?”

This is probably a reference to the fact that she once saw in her dream a portion of the moon falling into her lap. When she mentioned her dream to Kinanah, he smote her face so severely that she developed a mark on her eye. He said: “You seem to be desiring to become the wife of the King of Madinah.”

Her father is also reported to have treated her similarly when she related the same or similar dream to him. She again saw (in her dream) the sun lying on her breast. When she mentioned this to her husband, he remarked:

“You seem to be wishing to become the Queen of Madinah.”

She says: “I was seventeen when I was married to the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) . She came to live with the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) when he was camping at the first stage from Khaiber. Next morning, he said to the Sahabah: “Let everybody bring whatever he has got to eat."

They brought their own dates, cheese, butter, etc. A long leather sheet was spread and all sat round it to share the food among themselves. This was the Walimah for the marriage.

She died in Ramadan, 50 A. H., when she was about 60.

Fazail-e-Amaal
Hajirah Foundation

Subhanallah, Look at the simplicity of the Walimah of the best of all creation (pbuh), and how far we are today as Muslims in conducting our marriages.

Duah requested for me please
WS

Thursday, May 12, 2005

University

This is a poem about University
From where I gained a degree

There I failed to realise
My Iman weakened to near demise

Whilst some would sleep
And pious people weep

Seeking Allah’s pleasure night and day
Others would stand and pray

In the darkness of the night
Whilst I, would sin with satans delight

From the Masjid and Muslims I am away
To the bars and clubs I stray

Wherein alcohol is consumed
And women are scantily dressed

The DJ at that time is my leader
Little I know to Hellfire he is my guider

With sinners I am content
These friends, non muslim, bent

Fellow muslim students flee
At the very sight of me

They do not wish to associate
With me, a Muslim of such ungrate

Chasing the material & wordly gain
A one way ticket to Hellfire, full of pain

I look back now and shudder
Alhumdulillah, I am now better

From this sick disease
Which grips Muslim students with ease

Oh my fellow Muslim,
Think twice before away to university you go
For the devil there is in full flow.

Salams
I have just seen a article 'Ultimatum for Muslim school: improve or be closed down.' If this school does close down we cannot point the finger at anyone but ourself, for what did we actively do to help?? Did we even take the time out to make duah to Allah (swt) for the school??
I leave the link where I previously discussed this school Islamic Education
...please take a look, pass on this article to every muslim you can and at least make duah for this school.
Jazakallah
WS

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

Cheerfulness

From the chapter on Cheerfulness
304. Jabir reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Every act of kindness is sadaqa. Part of kindness is that you offer your brother a cheerful face and you pour some of your bucket into his water vessel."

Al-Adab al-Mufrad by al-Bukhari

Monday, May 09, 2005

Hazrat Umme Habibah (R.A)

HAZRAT UMME HABIBAH (R.A)
Hadrath Umme Habibah (Radhiyallaho anha): She was the daughter of Abu Sufyan, and was first married to Ubaidullah bin Jahsh in Mecca. The couple embraced Islam, and then emigrated to Abyssinia due to persecution by the Qureysh. One night she saw her husband (in a dream) in the most ugly and obnoxious form. The next day she came to know that he had turned Christian. She, however, remained a Muslim and was therefore separated from him.

She was now all alone in exile. But Allah soon recompensed her loss. The Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) sent her an offer of marriage through the King Negus, who sent a woman named Abrahah to her with the message. She was so happy with the good news that she made over the bracelets and other jewellery that she was wearing to the woman in gratification. King Negus represented the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) Nikah ceremony, and gave her 400 dinars as her portion and many other things in dowry from himself. He also gave a feast and dinars as gift to all those who were present in the ceremony. The Negus then dispatched her to Madinah, with her dowry and other gifts such as perfume, etc. This marriage took place in 7 A. H. (Her father was not a Muslim then).

She most probably died in 44 A.H.

Fazail-e-Amaal
Hajirah Foundation

Realplayer Talk has been updated, let me know what you think of this awesome talk.
Mke duah for me.
WS

Thursday, May 05, 2005

Life is Short

On the advice of a friend I am blogging this...

Life is short
Yesterday we were kids
Soon we will be Fathers
Tomorrow we will be 6 feet under

How many people do we know or heard of from our age range who are no longer with us??

Are you dying to live or Living to die??
WS

Tuesday, May 03, 2005

Renunciation

Renunciation
Ibn Ajiba explained that the definition of renunciation (zuhd) is:
For the heart not to be attached to other than Allah.

Then, he stated that, Renunciation is a means for Love, for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
"Have renunciation of worldly matters, and Allah will love you." [Ibn Majah, Hakim, and Bayhaqi]

Renunciation is the means of travelling to Allah and reaching Him, for there is no spiritual travelling for a heart that is attached to anything other than the Beloved. [Ibn Ajiba, Mi`raj al-Tashawwuf, 14]
www.Sunnipath.com

Sunday, May 01, 2005

Hazrat Juwairiah bintul Harith (R.A)

HAZRAT JUWAIRIAH BINTUL HARITH (R.A)
Hadhrat Juwairiah (Radhiyallaho anha) was the daughter of Harith, the chief of Banu Mustaliq and was married to Musafe’ bin Safwan.

She was one of the large number of captives who fell into Muslim hands after the battle of Muraisee', and she was given to Hadhrat Thabit bin Qais (R.A). He offered to release her for 360 Dirhams. She came to the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) and said: “O, Prophet of Allah! I am the daughter of Harith who is the chief of the, and you know my story. The ransom demanded by Hadhrat Thabit (R.A) is too much for me. I have come to seek your help in the matter."

The Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) agreed to pay her ransom, set her free, and offered to take her as his wife. She was very glad to accept this offer. She was married to the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) in 5 A.H. and as a consequence of this marriage, the prisoners of Banu Mustaliq (Juwairiah's tribe), about a hundred families, were all set free by the Muslims. "The tribe which so honoured by the Prophet Mohammad's (pbuh) relationship,” they said, “should not remain in slavery."

Such were the noble expediences in all the marriages of the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). Hadhrat Juwairiah (R.A) was pretty, her face was very attractive. Three days before her falling captive in the battle, she had seen in her dream the moon coming out from Madinah and falling into her lap. She says: “When I was captured, I began to hope that my dream would come true."

She was 20 at the time of her marriage with the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). She died in Rabi-ul-Awwal, 50 A.H., in Madinah at the age of 65.

Fazail-e-Amaal
Hajirah Foundation