I hope to meet him on that day

by Bilal Malik

I hope to meet him on that day,
When all but him shall only pray,
For themselves and naught but they.
“My Ummah! My Ummah!” he shall say.

He cried for us in such a way,
The hardest hearts would melt away.
What if he asks us on that day?
“Why did you leave the Blessed Way?”

I hope to meet him on that day,
When all but him shall only pray,
For themselves and naught but they.
“My Ummah! My Ummah!” he shall say.

Our hearts are blind, can’t see today,
What if our sins were to outweigh,
Our meager goods that Final Day?
The price no one but we shall pay.

I hope to meet him on that day,
When all but him shall only pray,
For themselves and naught but they.
“My Ummah! My Ummah!” he shall say.

He gave us guidance, clear as day,
“Both worlds we need”, we often say,
Pay heed, in graves before you lay,
Submit the self in such a way.

I hope to meet him on that day,
When all but him shall only pray,
For themselves and naught but they.
“My Ummah! My Ummah!” he shall say.
source: Ekhlas

Eid Mubarak

3rd Phase Completion of Jamarat Bridge

JEDDAH, 8 December 2007 — With the completion of the third phase of a high-tech Jamrat bridge project in Mina, the stoning ritual has been made much easier and trouble-free for the nearly three million pilgrims who are expected to perform Haj this year. The SR4.2-billion facility can now accommodate 360,000 pilgrims per hour.

“The project’s third phase has been completed and is now ready for pilgrims to use for stoning the devil,” said Habeeb Zainul Abideen, deputy minister of municipal and rural affairs.

The minister said the project was designed to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims who come for Haj every year and avoid stampedes and other accidents that have taken place in the past when pilgrims gathered in Jamrat for stoning.

During last year’s Haj, pilgrims used the structure in Mina for the first time. The first phase increased the bridge’s capacity to 250,000 pilgrims an hour. It also brought about a qualitative change in public safety measures and helped pilgrims perform the stoning ritual without any reported accidents.

Zainul Abideen said the second level of the bridge, which was completed this year, would receive pilgrims coming from the Makkah side after performing tawaf al-ifada — the obligatory circumambulation of the Kaaba in Haj. The second level will have two entrances; the southern entrance is for pilgrims coming from Aziziya and the northern one for those coming from Adel, Shisha and the Pedestrian Road.

Abideen said the new system would ensure the smooth flow of pilgrims in Mina while coming to and from the Jamrat. The newly established three one-way roads near Jamrat would help transport 150,000 to 200,000 pilgrims per hour. These new roads, which are linked to the second floor of the bridge, will reduce pressure on the ground floor and the first floor.

The ground floor and first floor have an average width of 70 meters, an engineer working for the project said, adding that the area near the pillars stoned in the Jamrat ritual was 80 meters wide. “We have also expanded the width of pillars to 30 meters to help a large number of pilgrims perform the stoning ritual at one time,” he said. According to Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki, spokesman of the Interior Ministry, authorities have instructed to ensure a balance between the numbers of pilgrims on the Jamrat bridge and the Grand Mosque in Makkah. “We have reached an agreement with the Ministry of Haj and the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs to keep the capacity of the bridge at 240,000 pilgrims per hour considering the capacity of the Grand Mosque,” Turki said.

Gen. Turki said special security forces would be deployed in the holy sites to control the movement of pilgrims heading toward Jamrat like last year. Haj security forces last year introduced a special plan to help 1.25 million pilgrims complete the stoning ritual in five hours

The Civil Defense Department has called upon pilgrims not to rush to carry out the stoning ritual at peak times in order to avoid overcrowding and stampedes and thus not to put their lives and those of their fellow pilgrims at risk. It also advised pilgrims not to carry any baggage while going to the Jamrat as it would obstruct free flow of pilgrims.
source: arabnews.com
see also Jamarat Project post

The World

by Zoya Eitezaz Ahmad

Dressed in luxury
She invites us
Attractive sure she is
With smile contagious

With her cunning ornaments
She attracts the masses
Throwing glamour and glee
To whoever passes

Taking us in her arms
She acts comfort and peace
Sucking our intellect
Soon happiness she seize

Once we are lost in her eyes
She nibbles at our thinking
Crushing the repent emeralds
So deep goes her stinging

Her voice full of promises
The ones made to be broken
Empty, hollow, false
Dying when spoken

She is sham beauty
Beauty coated with poison
Lifting her veil gradually
Kisses her victim till frozen

Beware victims!
Keep her at a distance
She is what is told
A test upon our existence.

Maghrib on the Beach

Author unknown

Sunset at the beach, the time for Maghrib prayer had arrived
Preparing to worship the one from Whom his sustenance was derived

Standing firmly in front of Almighty Allah
Humbly hoping to gain a place in Jannah

Eyes closed, yet filled with visions of beauty
So serene as he fulfilled his religious duty

The sky painted in orange and pink as the sun slowly set
What a beautiful, warm day, and it wasn’t over yet

A gentle breeze blew as he bowed his head on the ground
His fear and love of the Creator was enough to make his heart pound

The soothing spray of the ocean refreshed his body and soul
After completing his salat, he once again felt he was whole

Abu Hurayrah

"An Abi Hurayrata, radiyallahu anhu, qal.' qala rasul Allahi, sallallahu alayhi wa sailam..." Through this phrase millions of Muslims from the early history of Islam to the present have come to be familiar with the name Abu Hurayrah. In speeches and lectures, in Friday khutbahs and seminars, in the books of hadith and sirah, fiqh and ibadah, the name Abu Hurayrah is mentioned in this fashion: "On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may God be pleased with him who said: The Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him peace, said... ".

Through his Prodigious efforts, hundreds of ahadith or sayings of the Prophet were transmitted to later generations. His is the foremost name in the roll of hadith transmitters. Next to him comes the names of such companions as Abdullah the son of Umar, Anas the son of Malik, Umm al-Mumininin Aishah, Jabir ibn Abdullah and Abu Said al-Khudri all of whom transmitted over a thousand sayings of the Prophet.

Abu Hurayrah became a Muslim at the hands of at-Tufayl ibn Amr the chieftain of the Daws tribe to which he belonged. The Daws lived in the region of Tihamah which stretches along the coast of the Red Sea in southern Arabia. When at-Tufayl returned to his village after meeting the Prophet and becoming a Muslim in the early years of his mission, Abu Hurayrah was one of the first to respond to his call. He was unlike the majority of the Daws who remained stubborn in their old beliefs for a long time.

When at-Tufayl visited Makkah again, Abu Hurayrah accompanied him. There he had the honor and privilege of meeting the noble Prophet who asked him: "What is your name?" "Abdu Shams - Servant of a Sun," he replied. "Instead, let it be Abdur-Rahman - the Servant of the Beneficent Lord," said the Prophet. "Yes, Abdur-Rahman (it shall be) O Messenger of God," he replied. However, he continued to be known as Abu Hurayrah, "the kitten man", literally "the father of a kitten" because like the Prophet he was fond of cats and since his childhood often had a cat to play with.

Abu Hurayrah stayed in Tihamah for several years and it was only at the beginning of the seventh year of the Hijrah that he arrived in Madinah with others of his tribe. The Prophet had gone on a campaign to Khaybar. Being destitute, Abu Hurayrah took up his place in the Masjid with other of the Ahl as-Suffah. He was single, without wife or child. With him however was his mother who was still a mushrik. He longed, and prayed, for her to become a Muslim but she adamantly refused. One day, he invited her to have faith in God alone and follow His Prophet but she uttered some words about the Prophet which saddened him greatly. With tears in his eyes, he went to the noble Prophet who said to him:

"What makes you cry, O Abu Hurayrah?"

"I have not let up in inviting my mother to Islam but she has always rebuffed me. Today, I invited her again and I heard words from her which I do not like. Do make supplication to God Almighty to make the heart of Abu Hurayrah's mother incline to Isl am."

The Prophet responded to Abu Hurayrah's request and prayed for his mother.

Abu Hurayrah said: "I went home and found the door closed. I heard the splashing of water and when I tried to enter my mother said:
"Stay where you are, O Abu Hurayrah." And after putting on her clothes, she said, "Enter!" I entered and she said: "I testify that there is no god but Allah and I testify that Muhammad is His Servant and His Messenger."

"I returned to the Prophet, peace be on him, weeping with joy just as an hour before I had gone weeping from sadness and said: "I have good news, O Messenger of Allah. God has responded to your prayer and guided the mother of Abu Hurayrah to Islam."

Abu Hurayrah loved the Prophet a great deal and found favor with him. He was never tired of looking at the Prophet whose face appeared to him as having all the radiance of the sun and he was never tired of listening to him. Often he would praise God for h is good fortune and say: "Praise be to God Who has guided Abu Hurayrah to Islam." Praise be to God Who has taught Abu Hurayrah the Quran."

"Praise be to God who has bestowed on Abu Hurayrah the companionship of Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace." On reaching Madinah, Abu Hurayrah set his heart on attaining knowledge. Zayd ibn Thabit the notable companion of the Prophet reported : "While Abu Hurayrah and I and another friend of mine were in the Masjid praying to God Almighty and performing dhikr to Him, the Messenger of God appeared. He came towards us and sat among us. We became silent and he said: "Carry on with what you were doing." "So my friend and I made a supplication to God before Abu Hurayrah did and the Prophet began to say Ameen to our dua. "Then Abu Hurayrah made a supplication saying: "O Lord, I ask You for what my two companions have asked and I ask You for knowledge which will not be forgotten." "The Prophet, peace be on him, said: 'Ameen.' "We then said: 'And we ask Allah for knowledge which will not be forgotten, and the Prophet replied: 'The Dawsi youth has asked for this before you."

"With his formidable memory, Abu Hurayrah set out to memorize in the four years that he spent with the Prophet, the gems of wisdom that emanated from his lips. He realized that he had a great gift and he set about to use it to the full in the service of I slam. He had free time at his disposal. Unlike many of the Muhajirin he did not busy himself' in the market-places, with buying and selling. Unlike many of the Ansar, he had no land to cultivate nor crops to tend. He stayed with the Prophet in Madinah and went with him on journeys and expeditions.

Many companions were amazed at the number of hadith he had memorized and often questioned him on when he had heard a certain hadith and under what circumstances. Once Marwan ibn al-Hakam wanted to test Abu Hurayrah's power of memory. He sat with him in one room and behind a curtain he placed a scribe, unknown to Abu Hurayrah, and ordered him to write down whatever Abu Hurayrah said. A year later, Marwan called Abu Hurayrah again and asked him to recall the same ahadith which the scribe had recorded. It was found that he had forgotten not a single word. Abu Hurayrah was concerned to teach and transmit the ahadith he had memorized and knowledge of Islam in general. It is reported that one day he passed through the suq of Madinah and naturally saw people engrossed in the business of buying and selling. "How feeble are you, O people of Madinah!" he said. "What do you see that is feeble in us, Abu Hurayrah?" they asked. "The inheritance of the Messenger of God, peace be on him, is being distributed and you remain here! Won't you go and take your portion?"

"Where is this, O Abu Hurayrah?" they asked. "In the Masjid," he replied. Quickly they left. Abu Hurayrah waited until they returned. When they saw him, they said: "O Abu Hurayrah, we went to the Masjid and entered and we did not see anything being distributed." "Didn't you see anyone in the Masjid?" he asked. "O yes, we saw some people performing Salat, some people reading the Quran and some people discussing about what is halal and what is haram." "Woe unto you," replied Abu Hurayrah," that is the inheritance of Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace." Abu Hurayrah underwent much hardship and difficulties as a result of his dedicated search for knowledge. He was often hungry and destitute. He said about himself: "When I was afflicted with severe hunger, I would go to a companion' of the Prophet and asked him about an ayah of the Quran and (stay with him) learning it so that he would take me with him to his house and give food. "

One day, my hunger became so severe that I placed a stone on my stomach. I then sat down in the path of the companions. Abu Bakr passed by and I asked him about an ayah of the Book of God. I only asked him so that he would invite me but he didn't. "Then Umar ibn al-Khattab passed by me and I asked him about an ayah but he also did not invite me. Then the Messenger of God, peace be on him, passed by and realized that I was hungry and said: "Abu Hurayrah!" "At your command" I replied and followed him until we entered his house. He found a bowl of milk and asked his family: "From where did you get this?" "Someone sent it to you" they replied. He then said to me: "O Abu Hurayrah, go to the Ahl as-Suffah and invite them." Abu Hurayrah did as he was told and they all drank from the milk.

The time came of course when the Muslims were blessed with great wealth and material goodness of every description. Abu Hurayrah eventually got his share of wealth. He had a comfortable home, a wife and child. But this turn of fortune did not change his personality. Neither did he forget his days of destitution. He would "I grew up as an orphan and I emigrated as a poor and indigent person. I used to take food for my stomach from Busrah bint Ghazwan. I served people when they returned from journeys and led their camels when they set out. Then God caused me to marry her (Busrah). So praise be to God who has strengthened his religion and made Abu Hurayrah an imam." (This last statement is a reference to the time when he became governor of Madinah.) Much of Abu Hurayrah's time would be spent in spiritual exercises and devotion to God. Qiyam al-Layl staying up for the night in prayer and devotion - was a regular practice of his family including his wife and his daughter. He would stay up for a third o f the night, his wife for another third and his daughter for a third. In this way, in the house of Abu Hurayrah no hour of the night would pass without ibadah, dhikr and Salat.

During the caliphate of Umar, Umar appointed him as governor of Bakrain. Umar was very scrupulous about the type of persons whom he appointed as governors. He was always concerned that his governors should live simply and frugally and not acquire much wea lth even though this was through lawful means. In Bahrain, Abu Hurayrah became quite rich. Umar heard of this and recalled him to Madinah. Umar thought he had acquired his wealth through unlawful means and questioned him about where and how he had acquired such a fortune. Abu Hurayrah replied: "From breeding horses and gifts which I received." "Hand it over to the treasury of the Muslims," ordered Umar. Abu Hurayrah did as he was told and raised his hands to the heavens and prayed: "O Lord, forgive the Amir al-Muminin." Subsequently, Umar asked him to become governor once again but he declined. Umar asked him why he refused and he said: "So that my honor would not be besmirched, my wealth taken and my back beaten."

And he added: "And I fear to judge without knowledge and speak without wisdom." Throughout his life Abu Hurayrah remained kind and courteous to his mother. Whenever he wanted to leave home, he would stand at the door of her room and say: As-salaamu alaykum, yaa ummataah, wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu, peace be on you, mother, and the mercy and blessings of God." She would reply: "Wa alayka-s salaam, yaa bunayya, wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu - And on you be peace, my son, and the mercy and blessings of God." Often, he would also say: "May God have mercy on you as you cared for me when I was small," and she would reply: "May God have mercy on you as you delivered me from error when I was old." Abu Hurayrah always encouraged other people to be kind and good to their parents. One day he saw two men walking together, one older than the other. He asked the younger one: "What is this man to you?" "My father," the person replied. "Don't call him by his name. Don't walk in front of him and don't sit before him," advised Abu Hurayrah. Muslims owe a debt of gratitude to Abu Hurayrah for helping to preserve and transmit the valuable legacy of the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace. He died in the year 59 AH when he was seventy-eight years old.
Source: Ink of Scholars

Hujjaj Awareness Campaign

Just thought I'd share this message I received on email. Click on the image to view full size.

My Hands

An old man, probably some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the park bench. He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands. When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if he was ok.

Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was ok. He raised his head and looked at me and smiled. Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking, he said in a clear strong voice. I didn't mean to disturb you .....but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were ok I explained to him. Have you ever looked at your hands he asked. I mean really looked at your hands? I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he was making.

Then he smiled and related this story: Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me to hold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They dried the tears of my children and caressed the love of my life. They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. They wrote the letters home and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse. Yet, they were strong and sure when I dug my friend out of a foxhole and lifted a plow off of my best friends foot. They have held children, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to open in prayer. These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of my life. But more importantly it will be these hands that will receive, The Book of deeds. I look, ponder and pray that MY RIGHT HAND is blessed the fortune of receiving the trials of this life ie. MY BOOK OF DEEDS with this RIGHT HAND.


No doubt I will never look at my hands the same again. I never saw the old man again after I left the park that day but I will never forget him and the words he spoke. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and wife I think of the man in the park.
I, too, want to RECEIVE MY BOOK OF DEEDS WITH MY RIGHT HAND----I am trying to be worthy of it by preparing for it now........
O MY PERFECT AND GENEROUS ALLAH ! I make shukr for these hands.
Taken from Inspirations Volume 5

**************
"(And remember) the Day when We shall call together all human beings with their (respective) Imam (their Prophets, or their records of good and bad deeds, or their Books like the Quran, the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), etc.). So whosoever is given his record in his right hand, such will read their records, and they will not be dealt with unjustly in the least." ( Qur'an 17-71 )
Courtesy: AL-ISLAAH PUBLICATIONS (http://www.everymuslim.net/)

Dreams

To believe in one's dreams is to spend all of one's life asleep.
Chinese proverb

Chain Letters

There occurs today a very detestable practice among our muslims in particular. It is the indulgence and participation in email chain letters. For those of us not familiar with this activity, it is where someone sends an email letter with some sort of story pertaining, in most cases but not always, to something Islamic, and then they put a condition at the end of this story to distribute this email to a certain number of people. The condition usually is a severe warning against not forwarding the email to the certain number of people in which case some calamity or mishap will occur if it is not done. In other cases the condition proposes a special benefit for forwarding the email to the certain number of people. Ordinarily this is a form of shirk that I think most people would be aware of or at least should recognize. Believing that some act not from the Qur'aan or Sunnah, if done, can cause some harm and/or benefit is indeed shirk. In doing so we set up a rival to Allaah, for truly it is only Allaah who can benefit us or harm us, and only Allaah can remove such harm.

As Allaah says in Surah Al-An'am ayah 17:
"And if Allaah touches you with harm, none can remove it but He, and if He touches you with good, then He is Able to do all things."
One of the things we learn from this ayat is that any harm that afflicts us can only be removed by Allaah, so to specifically believe in bad omens, which includes bad luck and the belief that certain practices, not endorsed by Allaah or The Prophet sallAllahu 'Alayhi wa Salam, can affect the outcome of future events, is in essence the meaning of an omen. So to believe in these omens would be, belief that other than Allaah can remove such harm from us, which is setting a rival with Allaah in this removal of harm. And Allaah says in Surah al-Ma'aidah ayah 72 :
"Verily, whosoever sets up rivals in worship with Allaah, then Allaah has forbidden Al-Jannah for him, and the Fire will be his abode."

Imam Ahmad reports, on the authority of Ibn `Amr radhi Allahu anhumma, that the Prophet sallAllahu 'alayi wa Salam said:

"Whoever is turned back from his objective by a bad omen has committed Shirk." They asked: "And what is the expiation for that?" He sallAllahu 'alayhi wa salam replied: "It is to say: "Oh, Allah! There is no good except that which You bestow and there is no evil except that which You bestow and there is none has the right to be worshipped but You."

In many circumstances these chain emails threatens the reader that "if" the email is not sent to the certain number of people then "such and such" will occur. As reported in the above hadith this is Shirk! As is reported on the authority of Ibn Mas'ood radhi Allahu 'anhu in a marfoo' form, that he said: "At-tiyarah (belief in omens) is Shirk, at-tiyrah (belief in omens) is Shirk. There is none among us who is not afflicted by it, but Allah, by true dependence on Him removes it from the heart." [1] So this hadeeth / athar is a rejection of belief in omens because such beliefs necessitates negation of belief in Allah's Qadr and because it causes the heart to become attached to other than Allah, which is Shirk.

Also it is reported on the authority of Abu Hurairah radhi Allaahu anhu that the Messenger of Allah sallAllahu 'alayhi wa Salam said:

"There is no `adwaa [2], no tiyarah (belief in omens) and no haamah[3] and no Safar [4]" (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

Muslim, in his Saheeh, adds: ".and no naw` [5] and no ghoul [6]."

Now what is even more disturbing is that these omens are presented and beautified in the form of "harmless" conditions and mere fun. No doubt a trick for shaytaan ar rajeem, wa iyaadhu billah.

The most recent one of these chain emails, puts the condition that "if you love Allaah, then forward this letter to.."!!! This should indeed be a higher degree of disturbing for Muslims as it entails speaking about an attribute of Allaah without knowledge, namely Allaah's love. How is it that one can put a condition to Allaah's love based on doing an act that has no precedence in The Book of Allaah or The Sunnah of His Messenger sallAllahu 'alayhi wa Salam?!? This is indeed a form of ilhad (deviation) regarding the attribute of Allaah, and a form of shirk in this category of Tawheed (Asmaa wa Sifaat). The love of Allaah is attainable through many acts of ibaadah mentioned to us in the Quran and Sunnah, and thus to innovate in this noble venture is a disgusting type of bidah, pursued in most part by those of ahl kalam (The people of false rhetoric). Those people who chose not to be content with the established texts of Al-Islaam, but rather engage in exercising their intellect with regard to the deen.

As we should know the Beautiful, Perfect and Lofty Names and Attributes of Allaah are tawqeefiyyah, meaning they are derived from the text of The Qur'aan and The Sunnah. Speaking about Allaah's Names and/or Attributes without knowledge that which was not mentioned by Allaah or His Messenger sallAllahu 'alayhi wa Salam or the righteous predecessors of this Ummah constitutes a great offense against Allaah and His Deen. Allaah Subhana wa Ta'ala says in Surah Al Ar'af ayah 33:
"Say: My Lord has forbidden.. and that you say about Allaah that of which you have no knowledge".

And Allaah says in Surah al-Isra'a ayah 36:
"Do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge."
So we must be extremely careful not to attribute to Allaah or place a condition on His attributes that was not mentioned in any text of The Qur'aan and Sunnah, even if it appears to agree with our intellect. This is the methodology of the Sahabah concerning the Names and Attributes of Allaah, and it is the methodology that we in turn should adopt.

In conclusion I offer this sincere advise, and brotherly warning, if you or anyone you know is in the practice of writing these emails, or forwarding them, please revere Allaah and set not rivals with Him by spreading this fitnah of belief and indulgence in omens and superstious practices. Like so many other types of hidden shirk, it is beautified and marginalized until it enters our home as something that we take to be so minute and insignificant.

May Allah Al-Wakeel rectify the affairs of the Ummah. May He, protect us from all forms of Shirk, major and minor, hidden and apparent. May Allaah support us against the plots of shaytaan ar rajeem and our nafs and desires.

By Yusuf Atiff Bin Abdel-Lateef Diab
Courtesy: AL-ISLAAH PUBLICATIONS (http://www.everymuslim.net/)
________________________________

[1] Narrated by Abu Dawood and At-Tirmidhi, who said it is authentic, but considered the last part of it to be Ibn Mas'ood's own statement.
[2] Infectious or contagious disease.
[3] Interpreting omens based on the flight of a nocturnal bird.
[4] Some scholars said that it refers to parasites which infest the stomach and intestines of mankind and cattle, while others said that it refers to the pagan belief that the arrival of the month of Safar in the Muslim calendar bodes ill, while the dictionary defines safar as jaundice - and Allah knows best.
[5] belief that the positions of the stars affect the climate
[6] ghosts and ghouls

Why do you study?

'People of past studied to better themselves
Today we study to impress others'

O Soul

A famous Arabic saying:
"O soul...Watch out! Help me with your striving,
in the darkness of the nights;
so that on the Day of Qiyamah,
you will win a good life on those heights."

Eid Mubarak

Salams
Have a great EID with your family and friends!

Remember Allah

Anas ibn Malik related that Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
When Lailat al-Qadr comes Gabriel descends with a company of angels who ask for blessings on everyone who is remembering Allah, whether they are sitting or standing. [Baihaqi]

Night of Power

Aisha رضى الله عنها related that the Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم said: Look for Lailat al-Qadr on an odd-numbered night during the last ten nights of Ramadan. [Bukhari]

Tarawih

“The one who observes the tarawih salah at night during Ramadan with complete faith and devotion only for the sake of the recompense of the hearafter, will have all of his previous sins forgiven by Allah.” [Bukhari, Muslim]

Ramadhan The Blessed Month

Ramadhan, The Blessed Month
by Shaykh Rafiq Sufi

Accepted Prayer

Not a single prayer made by a fasting person at the time of breaking fast is rejected. [Ibne Maajah]

Suhoor

Anas رضى الله تعالى عنه related that Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: Take the Suhoor meal, for there is blessing in it. (Bukhari, Muslim)

Ramadan

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. And he who passes Lailat al-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. (Bukhari, Muslim)

Ramadhan Mubarak

Please remember me & my family in your duas in this blessed month.
Wasalam

Stay sharp

Once upon a time a very strong woodcutter asked for a job in a timber merchant, and he got it. The pay was really good and so were the work conditions. For that reason,the woodcutter was determined to do his best.

His boss gave him an axe and showed him the area where he was supposed to work. The first day, the woodcutter brought 18 trees.

"Congratulations," the boss said. "Go on that way!" Very motivated for the boss' words, the woodcutter try harder the next day,but he only could bring 15 trees. The third day he try even harder, but he only could bring 10 trees. Day after day he was bringing less and less trees.

"I must be losing my strength", the woodcutter thought. He went to the boss and apologized, saying that he could not understand what was going on.

"When was the last time you sharpened your axe?" the boss asked. "Sharpen? I had no time to sharpen my axe. I have been very busy trying to cut trees."

Our lives are like that. We sometimes get so busy that we don't take time to sharpen the axe." In today's world, it seems that everyone is busier than ever, but less happy than ever. Why is that? Could it be that we have forgotten how to stay sharp?

There's nothing wrong with activity and hard work. But God doesn't want us to get so busy that we neglect the truly important things in life, like taking time to pray, to read. We all need time to relax, to think and meditate, to learn and grow.

If we don't take time to sharpen the axe, we will become dull and lose our effectiveness. So start today. Think about the ways by which you could do your job more effectively and add a lot of value to it.
source: fisabilillah publicatons

Sincerity of Intention

By Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq

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Oh Nafs!

In yesterdays lesson (27 July 2007), Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq didn’t comment on any further hadeeth but elaborated on the important lesson that we can learn from Hadeeth 636 about Uthman bin Maz’un (رضى الله عنه), for which I posted notes last week. We learn from the hadeeth that we cannot determine our own salvation or anyone else’s salvation. Unfortunately, today people actually believe that their teacher/leader/mentor is guaranteed salvation and therefore will intercede for them and lead them to salvation too. If anyone was guaranteed salvation, then surely someone of the calibre of Uthman bin Maz’un (رضى الله عنه) would have been one of those. We learn categorically from the hadeeth that Rasul (صلى الله عليه وسلم) told the sister of Uthman bin Maz’un (رضى الله عنه) from amongst the Ansaar that she cannot say that ‘Allah has honoured him’ despite his great calibre.

The Shaykh also commented on how traditionally a Shaykh was one who had a perfect balance of internal and external knowledge. Today, we have two extremes – any person who knows a few verses of the Quran is referred to as a Shaykh, and on the other hand there are people who lack external knowledge and practice but are also referred to as a Shaykh. The famous sufi and saint, Imam Junaid al Baghdadi (رحمة الله عليه) would say this tariqah of ours is bound by the Book of Allah and by the Sunnah. On the other hand, the Shaykh mentioned that those that deny tasawuff should note that ibn Taimiyah (رحمة الله عليه), whom those that deny internal knowledge often like to quote, said that ‘the miracles of the awliya of the ummah of Rasul (صلى الله عليه وسلم) are true’. Thus, there is a need for a balanced approach – we cannot accept every person to be a wali and also if a tariqah doesn’t restrict itself to the shariah we cannot accept it.

Speaking further about tasawuff, Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq mentioned a Shaykh who once wrote addressing his own nafs. He said ‘Oh Nafs! Tell me, if you imagine yourself to have died and your body was brought before Rasul (صلى الله عليه وسلم), how would he treat you?’. SubhanAllah. This is truly something to reflect over and this is related both to Hadeeth 636 about Uthman bin Maz’un (رضى الله عنه) and also to another incident which is recorded in the ahadeeth. On the one hand, we have the example of the body of Uthman bin Maz’un (رضى الله عنه) in front of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) – the details of which were mentioned in the previous lesson i.e. Rasul (صلى الله عليه وسلم) wept profusely and stated how Uthman bin Maz’un (رضى الله عنه) left the dunya in such a state that he did not touch the dunya nor did the dunya touch him. On the other hand, when this Shaykh is addressing his nafs he is referring to the incident where a body was brought before Rasul (صلى الله عليه وسلم) but Rasul (صلى الله عليه وسلم) refused to pray the Jinazah salah for that individual. Rasul (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said ‘You pray janazah over your companion’.

This is truly something for us to think about and reflect upon.
source: Bukhari Dars Blog

Imam Shafi'ee

Imam Muhammad Ibn Idress Shafi’ee was born in Ghazah, Palestine in the year 150 AH. Imam Shafi’ee was a descendent from the Hashimi family of the Quaraish tribe to which the Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) belonged. His father died around the time of his birth and his mother migrated to Makkah with Imam Shafi’ee when he was 2.years of age.

During his youth he excelled in 2 activities: acquisition of deeni ilm and archery. By the age of 7 Imam Shafi’ee had memorised the Qur’an and at ten years of age he had committed the Mu’atta of Imam Malik to memory.

At the age of 13 with his mother’s permission Imam Shafi’ee departed Makkah arrived in Madinah at the door of Imam Malik.

Teachers

His uncle, Muhammed Ibn Ali Ibn Shafi’ee
Imam Malik
Imam Muhammad ibnul Hassan Shaybanee
Imam Waqee’
Imam Sufyan ibn Uyaynah

Imam Shafi’ee is reported to have written over 150 books.

Imam Shafi’ee was an expert in both Hanafi and Maliki fiqh. From which came about the Shafi’ee fiqh, which was spread by his students.

He is a great role model, for both men and women. Never did he speak a lie, and his hands reached out to the poor generously.

Imam Muhammad said about him: The door of Fiqh was shut to the people, Allah opened it because of Shafi'ee.

He died in Cairo, Egypt, on FRIDAY evening after Maghrib, in RAJAB, 204 A.H. after a short illness at the age of 54 years.
source: Haq Islam

Shukr

Shukr (gratefulness)

Allah Ta’ala says:

“Be grateful unto Me.”

Rasulullah (saws) said: “If happiness reaches him (the believer), he is grateful.”

THE NATURE OF SHUKR
Accepting that all benefit is from the True Benefactor (Mun’im Haqeeqi), the effect of which is to be happy with the Benefactor and be ever ready to render obedience to Him, is the meaning of Shukr.

The meaning of Shukr envisages:

Acceptance of the fact that all benefit is from Allah, the True Benefactor (Mun’im Haqeeqi). This acceptance induces:

1. Happiness with the Benefactor.

2. Eagerness to execute the commands of the Benefactor and to abstain from his prohibitions. One should consider all benefit, goodness and pleasant conditions as the bounties of Allah and regard these to be in greater measure than what one really deserves. Praise is to be offered to Allah and His bounties should not be employed in evil and sin. His favours should be used in obtaining His Pleasure. This is the true meaning of Shukr.

This conception of Shukr will be comprehended only when one has realized the purpose underlying creation and the functions of the various aspects of creation. For instance, the eye is a ni’mat of Allah Ta’ala. Its shukr is to employ it correctly–to employ it in only lawful avenues, e.g. making tilaawat of the Qur’aan Majeed, acquiring knowledge, studying the wonderful creation of Allah so as to gain lesson and realize the greatness and splendour of Allah Ta’ala, etc. The shukr of the eye further demands that it be restrained from glancing at and viewing objects which Allah Ta’ala has prohibited. Similarly, the ear is a ni’mat. Its shukr is to employ It correctly, e.g. in listening to the thikr of Allah, to such talks which remind one of the Aakhirat, and to prevent it from listening to evil, nonsensical and futile talk.

The tongue is a ni’mat. Its shukr is to employ it in thikr, in expressing hamd, thanaa and shukr of Allah, and to restrain it from complaining in adversity and from all evil generally. It is highly inappropriate and sinful for such a worthless slave as man to complain about any condition which Allah Ta’ala, the True King, has imposed on him. A word of shukr emanating from the tongue is recorded as an act of obedience.

Mere expression of shukr with the tongue unaccompanied by the true state of shukr of the heart is only lip-service. It is essential that along with verbal expression of shukr, the heart should value and honour the ni’mat of The Benefactor. Mere verbal shukr will be like the outer-casing, like the outer-covering which is its external form. The rooh (soul and essence) of shukr is that the honour and appreciation of the Mun’im (Benefactor) and the ni’mat (the bounty) are ingrained in the heart.

The initial stage of shukr is at the intellectual level. In other words, it is the correct understanding of the true meaning of shukr and the realization of the honour of the Benefactor. The final stage of shukr is the manifestation of its effect on one’s body, movements and all states. In short, all the beliefs, acts of worship, mundane acts, moral and social life of the shaakir (the one who is truly grateful to Allah) will be in conformity with the Shariat.

ACQUIRING SHUKR
Shukr is acquired by contemplating the bounties of Allah Ta’ala. Every ni’mat is to be related to Him. By degrees such meditation will imbue the Love of Allah in the heart, the result of which will be the attainment of the perfect stage of Shukr.
Source: The Majlis

Fajr Salah

It has been narrated by Aisha (رضى الله تعالى عنهما) that Nabi (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:
“The two Rak’aats of Fajr (Sunnah) is better than the entire world and whatever it contains." [Muslim]

Give Thanks

When you feel pain, give thanks to God, for this pain in His hand, is beneficial.
When He pleases, pain becomes joy, & fetters become freedom.
(Mathnavi of Maulana Rumi)

Understanding the Deen

Understanding the Deen
by Maulana Ahmad Ali

The Sunnah

A beautiful analogy which Maulana Yakub, a visiting scholar to my local Masjid, gave in the talk he delivered. Whilst these aren’t his exact words, this is what I understood from them.

When a man has £50 in his pocket and he misplaces or loses that money, he will ask those around him about it, including his family, and will seek it high and low and in every place he can think of. On the other hand, the condition of the Ummah is such that we have ‘lost’ many of the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) but yet so little is done to find and revive these Sunnahs.

Never mind seeking them high and low, we have left the books of Seerah, Ahadith and even the Qur’an to gather dust on our shelves at home and in the Masjid.

May Allah Almighty give us the ability to educate ourselves of the Sunnah of the beloved Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) and commence acting upon them, ameen.

Shipwreck

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island...

He prayed feverishly for Allah to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements and to store his few possessions.

But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger.

"Allah, how could you do this to me!" he cried.
(Comment; Plenty of people use such statement --- think again you should never question Allah nor object to His willing)

Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.

"How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers.

"We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going badly. But we shouldn't lose heart, because Allah is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering.

Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground--it just may be a smoke signal that summons The Grace of Allah.

The Buzz

The Buzz
by Ahmed
inspired by a talk given by Shaykh Ahmed Ali

Everyone is seeking to find
‘The buzz’, contentment and peace of mind

Some seek it in pubs and bars
Others try to find it in flash cars

Several try and find it in women
While others in Drugs, again and again

With these the buzz you may gain
Not lasting long, your efforts in vain

The truth is this is not where it can be found
So stop all this crazy fooling around

And remember your Lord in repentance and humility
For only through this will you find serenity and tranquillity

Give up this worldly and material yearn
Rather strive for Jannah, the beautiful place of final return

‘...Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.’ Surah Ar-Ra'd Verse 28
Source: Islamic Poems

Altering Your Head to Fit a Cap?!

by Usama Mahmood

Our honourable Shaykh was sitting once in the masjid and sitting near by was a child. Shaykh, in a playful manner, took off the cap of the child’s head and asked the child if he would let him keep it. Shaykh then addressed the gathering: “This cap can not fit my head because of its size and the size of my head.

He then said “Deen is like the head of person and the cap is us. Deen is a fixed religion sent by Allah and we have to work around to facilitate its requirements, just as you would do and alter the cap for it to fit you. However you wouldn’t trim your head so that the cap fits you?!

This is the condition of the Muslims today they change around the Deen to suit them. This is why the wrath of Allah descends. So we must change ourselves so that we fit in the different branches of the religion of Islam”.
Source: In Shaykh's company

Qari Ziyad Patel

Qari Ziyaad Patel was born in Ladysmith, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. His early school years spanned across various schools where he took up many leadership roles and was the key in initiating many structures for learners at the particular schools in the region. During this period he was elected chairman of the Representative Council of Learners, was also a member of the Youth sector of the Schools governing body and was an executive member of the African National Congress Youth League, Ladysmith region. Ziyaad has also schooled at a Roman Catholic school in Ireland-Dublin.

His Islamic career path started in his young age. He began the memorisation of the holy quraan at a tender age of 11. He completed his hifz under the tutelage and guidance of his illustrious teacher, Mufti Goolam Hassan Saib of De Deur (Khalifa to Hakeem Akhtar Sahib D.B) in 1994 at Ogies - Mpumalanga at the age of 14. He then returned to his hometown of Ladysmith to continue perfecting his Tajweed under the supervision of Hafiz Dr. Abdul Qadir Hansa Sahib (Senior Khalifa to Moulana Maseeullah R.A), and thereafter proceeded to Cairo - Egypt to study Tajweed Al-Makharej at the Al-Azhar University under the tutelage and guidance of Sheikh Abdullah Atiya Bayomi, where he further underwent Qiraah training. He was awarded a shahdah from Sheikh Abdullah Attiya Bayomi, which was endorsed by Sheik Sayed Ali Tantawi, the most senior sheik at Al-Azhar University.

On completion of his tajweed course and qiraah training in Cairo, Qari Ziyaad moved on to Dublin-Ireland to resume his secular schooling. He moved to Johannesburg in 2000 and went on to complete his Matriculation Certificate at Lenasia Muslim School. He has just received a degree in the field of Information Science from the University of Johannesburg.

He has travelled extensively. In Jerusalem - Palestine, he was given the honour of rendering the Azaan at Al-Aqsa, the 3rd Haram of Islam. During the Ramadan 1421(2000) he was the guest of the ‘Co-operation for the Call and Guidance’ in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Sheik Abu Bakr Shatiri and Qari Ziyaad Patel were together invited to the Chamber of Commerce in Jeddah where dignitaries from around the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were present. He has also recited at the Abdul Lateef Jameel Mosque and Musjid-Taqwa in Jeddah where Al-Sheikh Sheikh Abu Bakr Shatiri is the Imam, of whom he is a very close friend and associate.

He has travelled widely and has had the honour of reciting the Quraan in Mosques in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Turkey, India, Kashmir, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Botswana, Indonesia, Cape Town and Alhamdulillah across South Africa. Ziyaad leads a very hectic lifestyle with constant travels locally and internationally. Qari Ziyaad is also a trustee of the AL-IMDAAD FOUNDATION and has also been on many relief missions worldwide.

Ziyaad has released a few albums of nasheeds. He has also worked for Channel Islam International where he and Qari Bashir Patel presented Qiraaha-Tus-Saheeha, a program for perfecting the recitation of the holy quraan.
Source: qzp.co.za

Are we prepared?

Salams
I woke up this morning to see the sun was beaming in through my window. Seeing as it is also a really relaxing and refreshing walk through the park as part of my journey to work, I decided to walk it there today. A huge plus point is that I also get to have more time in the company of Shaykh Juhani’s Qur’an tilawat.

At work, about mid way through the morning the thunderstorms started. Ooops, I think to myself, ‘I don’t have my jacket, but at least I have my portable umbrella.’ I recall how only the day before I had checked the weather forecast online which predicted rain storms for the whole of the following day and beyond. I feel a little silly now that I didn’t remember this and at least bring my jacket, if not the big umbrella.

By now you’re probably thinking what a daft so and so Ahmed is, and quite rightly so as well. Put yourselves in my shoes for a minute though; see how bad it feels you came unprepared? Even though, the weather is only predicted one way or another, you still feel foolish.

Despite the Quran and ahadith reminding us of what we will all certainly have to face we do so little to get ready for it. What then to say of how we will feel on the day of judgement when we will be held to account?

We also know that ‘Every soul shall taste death’ yet we still roam the earth living in blissful ignorance of the fact that death can come to us at any moment. Instead we prepare ourselves arduously to live a dream life and one of luxury in this temporary abode of ours.

May Almighty Allah give me and you the ability to utilise our allocated time on earth for accumulating good deeds and to prepare for the hereafter before death comes to us, Ameen.
Source: Breathe Islam

Salaah

Salaah
by Ahmed

To the Masjid we go
Come sun, rain or snow

Five times a day
Muslims are obliged to pray

We prepare by doing ablution
All the while engaging in devotion

With our hearts inclined we do stand
To obey Almighty Allah’s command

We raise our hands and say takbeer
Salah starts and our worries disappear

Beautiful recitation of the Qur’an is heard
Our hearts captivated by these blessed words

Standing, bowing and prostrating with devotion
Allah’s name taken with each and every motion

Till finally with salam does prayer end
We hope the next prayer we are alive to attend

We make du’a for Allah to accept this deed
And back to our homes/ work we proceed.

Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani

Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani is one of the leading Islamic scholars living today. He is an expert in the fields of Islamic Jurisprudence, Economics, Hadith and Tasawwuf. Born in Deoband in 1362H(1943 CE), he graduated par excellence form Dars e Nizami at Darul Uloom, Karachi, Pakistan. Then he specialized in Islamic Jurisprudence under the guidance of his eminent father, Mufti Muhammad Shafi, the late Grand Mufti of Pakistan. Since then, he has been teaching hadith and Fiqh at the Darul-Uloom, Karachi.

He has authority to teach hadith from his father Mufti Muhammad Shafi, Maulana Idrees Khandhelawi, Qari Mohammed Tayyeb, Maulana Saleemullah Khan, Mufti Rasheed, Moulana Sehban Mahmood, Allama Zafar Ahmed Usmani, Sheikhul Hadith Moulana Zakariya Khandelawi, Sheikh Hassan Meshat (ra) and others.

In tradition to the scholars of Deoband, recognizing the importance of Tasawwuf, he traversed the path under the guidance of Sheikh Dr. Abdul Hayy Arifi and Moulana Maseehullah Khan both khulafa of Hakeemul Ummat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (rahmetullah ajmaeen). And is authorized by both of his mentors in Silsila e Ashrafia: Chistiyyah, Naqshbandiyah, Qadiriyah and Suharwardiyah. In addition to his busy schedule he is himself a mentor to numerous spiritual aspirants all over the world.

He also holds a degree in law and was a Judge at the Sharia Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan till recently.

He is a consultant to several international Islamic financial institutions and has played a key part in the move toward interest free banking and the establishment of Islamic financial institutions. He is considered to be an authority on this subject.

He is the deputy chairman of the Jeddah based Islamic Fiqh Council of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).

He has been writing on various Islamic topics and is author of more than 60 books and numerous articles.

Presently he is the Vice-president of Darul-Uloom, Karachi, Pakistan, where he teaches Sahih Bukhari, Fiqh and Islamic economics.

He also conducts a weekly session for the public interested in spiritual improvement.

List of publications:

Here is a partial list of publications authored by Justice Taqi Usmani. (Updated May 2004)

English Books:

The Authority of Sunnah
The Rules of I'tikaf
What is Christianity?
Easy Good Deeds
Perform Salah Correctly
An Introduction to Islamic Finance
Historic Judgment on Interest
The Language of Friday Khutbah
Discourse on Islamic way of Life
Sayings of Prophet Muhammad sallalaho alehey wasalam
The Legal Status of Following a Madhab
Spiritual Discourses
Islamic Months
Radiant Prayers
Quranic Sciences
Islam and Modernism
Contemporary Fatawa

In addition he has authored several books in the Arabic and Urdu language.
Source: Central Mosque

May Allah swt give good health and long life to Mufti Taqi Usmani in order that the ummah continue to benefit from his wisdom, talks and knowledge. Ameen

Teach People Good

Abu Umama reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,
"Allah and His angels and the people of the heavens and the earth, even the ants in their rocks and the fish, pray for blessings on those who teach people good." [at-Tirmidhi]

Wisdom of Hazrat Luqmaan

The story is told that when Luqmaan's (A.S.) Master bought him, the other slaves looked upon him as being despicable. One day the Master sent all of them into the garden to pick fruit. All the slaves started eating the fruit. They ate to their heart's delight and went to inform the Master that Hazrat Luqmaan (A.S.) had eaten the fruit. This made the Master very much displeased with Luqmaan (A.S.).

Hazrat Luqmaan (A.S.) advised the Master: "Please investigate this matter thoroughly. I did not eat the fruit. I will tell you of a plan which will prove who the culprits were. The whole truth will become clear to you. Make preparations for hunting".

From the stable the Master ordered that horses be brought. The Master sat down on his horse. Then Hazrat Luqmaan (A.5.) said: "Proceed speedily in the direction of the desert. But before you proceed give everyone of the slaves, warm water to drink. Let everyone drink himself to the full with warm water. Very soon you will discover who the real culprits are".

The result was that when those who had eaten the fruit were forced to run along, the quick movements caused them to start vomiting. That was because after drinking hot water, the fast movements caused their stomachs to become even more heated. Moreover the path they trod which led to the desert was an uneven one, with ups and downs. This made vomiting unavoidable. In the vomit, the signs of their having eaten the fruit was quite clear, because the time which passed since they had eaten was too short for the fruit to be digested. Hazrat Luqmaan (A.S.) did not vomit as there was no fruit in his stomach.
Through the wise plan of Hazrat Luqmaan (A.S.) all the slaves were put to shame and were embarrassed. The Master became very pleased with the wisdom of the plan and as a result

Luqmaan (A.S.) became a favourite of the Master. Maulana Rumi (R.A.) says:

"When such is the wisdom of Luqmaan (AS.), Imagine the wisdom of the True Master of all".
source: Maulana Yunus Patel

The Wrath of Allah

Allah becomes very angry whenever someone regards a sin as minute. There was a man named Damut i among the Bani Israel. Once he was walking outside his town when he came upon a small inlet that was surrounded by barren trees and there was hardly any vegetation. He began thinking that it would be very pretty if there were waterfalls and fruit trees to beautify the scenery.

Allah sent ilham (inspiration) upon him saying, “Damut, have you left my servitude and become my advisor that you point out blemishes in My Creation?” Hadrat Damut i became terrified, and at that point decided that he would punish himself by not eating until he received ilham from Allah granting him forgiveness.

A few days passed in this state, and Hadrat Damut i had not eaten. There was a function at someone’s house and so he brought food for Hadrat Damut i. Hadrat Damut i refused to eat despite much insistence. After much persuasion as to why, he finally told the townspeople the reason why he was not eating. Hearing this one of them said, “This is not such a serious matter. Please eat and we will bear amongst ourselves whatever punishment Allah i may send.”

At once Allah inspired Hadrat Damut i with the following; “My beloved, leave this town now, for I want the crush these people within the earth.” How can anyone claim to be a servant of Allah and then dare to say that he can withstand Allah’s punishment? The Holy Quran says that Allah’s punishment is indeed terrible.

The Messenger of Allah would be grieved whenever the Holy Quran talked about the result of previous nations that disobeyed. He used to worry constantly about his own nation. The Sahabah noticed some white hairs in his beard and commented, “Your hair have become white O Messenger of Allah.” The Messenger of Allah replied, “Surah Hud has made me old.” Allah says in the Holy Quran that there is only destruction for the people of Thamud. The Prophet would become frightened and worried about his nation because of such verses. Hence the believer remains in constant fear of destruction being written for him.

The common people remain scared because of their sins, whereas the pious and those close to Allah are scared because of their good deeds, always begging forgiveness because they are not worthy of being presented to Allah. Allah says that He has created life and death so that He may test who does good deeds. We have been told to do good deeds, but our prayers are hurried because we are thinking about work, our study of the Holy Quran and Hadith is short and infrequent because we get “tired” and have so much else to do. Yes we are fulfilling the command of doing good deeds, but what value do these kinds of deeds have when presented in front of the Master of all creation?
Source: www.tasawwuf.org

Treatment of Cataract from the Quran

Treatment of Cataract from the Quran

Source: http://www.islamicvoice.com/january.2002/opinion.htm
One of the Swiss pharmaceutical companies has started producing a new medicine called “Medicine of Quran” which allows the treatment of cataract without surgery. As the newspaper Ar-Raya, published in Qatar writes, “this drug which was synthesised by an Egyptian doctor Abdul Basit Muhammad from the secretions of human sweat glands and has an effectiveness of 99 per cent with absolutely no side effects, was registered in Europe and the United States. It is also reported that one of the Swiss companies produces the new drug in the form of liquid and eye drops .


The source of inspiration is Surah(chapter) Yusuf. Dr Abdul Basit Muhammad emphasised that he obtained his inspiration from Surah Yusuf and said: “ Once in the morning, I was reading Surah(chapter) Yusuf. My attention lingered over the 84th and successive ayats (verses).


"Go with this shirt of mine, and cast it over the face of my father, he will become clear-sighted, and bring to me all your family" (Qur'an 12:93)


They tell that Prophet Yakub who was mourning his son Yusuf (peace be upon them) in sadness and grief got his eyes turned white and later when people cast over the sorrowful father’s face, the shirt of his son Yusuf, vision returned to him and he was able to see again.Here I started pondering. What could be there in the shirt of Yusuf? Finally I arrived at the decision that nothing except sweat could be on it. I concentrated my thoughts over the sweat and its composition. Then I proceeded to the laboratory for research.
I carried out a series of experiments on rabbits. The results turned out to be positive. Later I performed treatment on 250 patients by administering the drug twice a day for two weeks. Finally I achieved 99 per cent success and said to myself: “ This is the miracle of the Quran” Dr Abdul Basit Muhammad presented the results of his research to appropriate institutions in Europe and the United States dealing with patenting of new discoveries for consideration. After tests and research were performed, he finalised a contract with a Swiss company on the production of the medicine on the condition that the package should clearly mention-“Medicine of Quran.” In the words of the Egyptian scientist, the company accepted his condition and started producing the new drug. (Courtesy-Ar-Raya, Qatar)
Allah Ta'ala says in the Qur'an-e-Kareem: We send down from the Qur'an that which is a healing and mercy to those who believe)(QURAAN 17:82)


Protection against blindness:
Recite three times morning and evening: "Subhaanallaahil- azeemi wa bihamdihi wala hauwla wala quwwata illa billaah" : "Pure and sublime is Allah. The Mighty and Praise belongs only to Him. There is no Power to save from sins, nor strength to accomplish good but with the Help of Allah." (From:"Morning & Evening Duaas")


Strengthening the eye-sight(from Qur'an):
Recite this verse three times after every salaah(prayer) for strengthening of eye-sight: "Laqad kunta fie ghaflatim min haadha fakashafna anka ghitaa-aka fabasurakal hadeed": "(It will be said) Thou wast heedless of this, now We have removed thy veil, And sharp is thy sight this day !" (From: "Remedies from the Holy Qur'an.")

Compilation of the Qur'an

The Qur'an is the Holy Book of Islam. It is the word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, over a period of 23 years (from 610 to 633 CE) through the angel Jibreel (Gabriel). The Qur'an is still in its original form as it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam.

During the time of Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, the Qur'an was mainly preserved through memorization. Hundreds of Companions of the Prophet, were huffaz, or memorizers of the whole Qur'an and had memorized the Qur'an without any mistakes. But the Qur'an was also preserved through writing.

Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, made special arrangements to have it written down. When Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to receive a revelation, he dictated it to a Companion, who wrote it down on anything that was available: bark, stone, bones, leaves, etc. The companion then read, what he had written, to the Prophet. If there were any mistakes, Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, would correct it and then let it be brought before everyone. Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, also told the order of the verses, etc, and they were written accordingly.

So, in the days of the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, one copy of the Qur’an existed of what he had gotten written under his personal supervision. It was not in book form but in different parchments. Other Companions also had collections of the Qur'an for their personal record but no standard copy of the Qur'an in book form existed.

Hadith About Reading From a Transcript

Some people argue that the Qur'an was not written at all during the time of Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. This is not true as there are many Hadith, or sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, that indicate that the Qur'an did exist in written form during the time of Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. For example, the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has said:

“If anyone recites the Qur'an without seeing the transcription, the reward is one thousand times, and if he reads it from the transcription, the reward is two thousand times.”

This Hadith shows that Companions did possess written copies of the Quran during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam.

Compilation in the Khilafah of Abu Bakr

After Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, died in 633 CE, Sayyidna Abu Bakr, Radi-Allahu anhu, became the Khalifah (caliph). The need of the compilation of the whole Qur’an in the form of a Book was seen. In the battle of Yamamah and other battles, many huffaz were martyred. Sayyidna Umar, Radi-Allahu anhu, noticed this and went to the Khalifah, and told him about this matter. At first Sayyidna Abu Bakr, Radi-Allahu anhu, hesitated in doing something that the Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, hadn’t done but then, seeing the importance of this, he agreed.

Then Sayyidna Zayd bin Thabit, Radi-Allahu anhu, was called. Hazrat Zayd bin Thabit, Radi-Allahu anhu, used to write the Qur'an for the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, during his time. At first, Sayyidna Zayd, Radi-Allahu anhu, refused to do so but then, he, too, agreed.

The compilation of the Qur'an started, with Sayyidna Zayd bin Thabit, Radi-Allahu anhu, in charge. Lots of companions, including himself had memorized the whole Qur'an and so the Qur'an could have easily been written down from memory. There were also complete collections of the verses of the Holy Qur'an available with many companions. But Sayyidna Zayd bin Thabit, Radi-Allahu anhu, knew he had to be careful. He used both methods by collecting verses that were written during the time of Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam and also using memory. He followed four steps.

First he verified the verse with his own memory.

Sayyidna Umar, Radi-Allahu anhu, who was a Hafiz, was also in charge of the project and he verified it, too.

Then, before the verse could be accepted, the two reliable witnesses had to testify that it was written in the presence of Prophet Muhammad Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam.

After that, written verses were collated with the collections of different Companions.

The purpose of this method was so that the utmost care be taken in the transcription of the Qur'an, and rather then rely on memory, it should be transcribed from verses that were written in the presence of the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam.

It was this way that the Qur'an was compiled. In this copy, all Surahs were written separately. The purpose of this transcription was to prepare an organized document with the endorsement of the whole Ummah so that reference could be made to it when required. The transcripts stayed with Sayyidna Abu Bakr, Radi-Allahu anhu. After his death in 634 CE they were passed on to the second Khalifah Sayyidna Umar, Radi-Allahu anhu. And after Sayyidna Umar, Radi-Allahu anhu, they were given to his daughter, Hazrat Hafsah, Radi-Allahu anha.

Compilation in the Khilafah of Sayyidna Uthman

When Sayyidna Uthman, Radi-Allahu anhu, became Khalifah in 644 CE, Islam had spread to far areas such as Iran and Byzantine. People who accepted Islam learned how to read the Qur'an from Muslim soldiers, traders and other Muslims. There are seven different ways to recite the Qur'an and different Companions had learned it from the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, in different recitals. People though that only their way of reciting was correct and started disputing with other people. Sayyidna Uthman, Radi-Allahu anhu, accomplished the feat of making the Qur'an’s recitation standard.

First, Sayyidna Uthman, Radi-Allahu anhu, borrowed the first copy of the Holy Qur'an from Hafsah, Radi-Allahu anha. He then formed a group of four companions, Sayyidna Zayd bin Thabit, Abdullah bin Zubayr, Saeed ibn al Aas, and Abdur Rahman bin Harith Radi-Allahu anhuma. The group had the task of making transcripts of the original copy and also to put the Surahs in sequence. Other companions were also called upon to help them.

After having these standard transcripts prepared, all other transcripts were burnt, so that all copies of the Qur'an become uniform in script and the sequence of Surahs, leaving no room for differences. The copy produced by Sayyidna Uthman, Radi-Allahu anhu, is still extant. All copies of the Qur'an available today in the world are exactly identical to the Uthmani Version, which was completed less than twenty years after the death of Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam.

Later some improvements were made in the Arabic script, like the adding of dots and diacritical marks, to make it easier for non-Arabs to read, but of course, the text of the Qur'an has remained, and will remain the same forever.

Big News

Salams
2 big items dominating the news recently: Missing Madeleine and certain Chocolates going haram. In fact the chocolates issue is big, the emails are doing the rounds filling up inboxes, texts flying about, forums on fire with the subject and its the latest 'have you heard?' words on Muslim tongues.

First of all, I dont see what all the fuss about the chocolate issue is, its not like we need them like we do air to survive. We read and hear all the while how we shouldn't have love for Dunyah, material things etc. Doesn't our behaviour give us a thing or two to reflect upon and ponder over?
Two, have people actually checked with Shuyukhs, Muftis, Ulama etc as to what this actually means?

Anyway I found the following post via Ehklas blog, enjoy...

For those who have studied Usul al-Fiqh, the different ways of textual interpretation–accepted, rejected, and differed upon–are known. However, there appears to be a new mode of textual interpretation:

“Imagined Indications of Blog Entries” (dilalat al-blog al-wahmiyya)

Let it be known that such indications are mere imagination, and not an acceptable source of deriving one’s religious understanding–and not a sound means of determining one’s religious conduct.

A number of people, from what I understand, saw a recent entry on Mars bars and deduced that, (1) Mars bars are now haram; (2) rennet is haram; (3) “Shaykh Faraz says so.”

None of these are true. I don’t know Mars bars to be haram, because rennet isn’t Haram in the Hanafi school. There is some detail: Please search SunniPath Answers (http://qa.sunnipath.com) for related answers, insha’Allah.

Imam Nawawi relates in the opening chapter of his Sahih that Abd Allah ibn Mubarak said, “Verily, this matter is your deen, so look carefully as to whom you take your religion from.”

In our times, one can add: Look carefully as to how you take your religion.

source: Seekers Digest

Rain

In the darkness of the day we frown
From the sky the rain pours down

We feel miserable and glum
To imprisonment in our homes we succumb

Wake up from this surreal plight
Open up the Qur'an and begin to recite

In gratitude for the (Mercy) rain
The pleasure of Allah strive to attain.

Excellence of Zikr

Abu Hurayra and Abu Sa'id reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,
"No people sit remembering Allah, the Mighty and Exalted, without the angels surrounding them and mercy covering them and tranquillity descending on them and Allah mentioning them to those who are with Him." [Muslim]

Valley Full of Gold

Ibn 'Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,
"If the son of Adam possessed a valley full of gold he would want to have two valleys, yet his mouth will only be filled by earth. Allah turns towards those who turn in repentance."
[Agreed upon]

Dr Abdul Hayy Arifi

HAZRAT ARIFBILLAH DR. ABDUL-HAYY ARIFI RA
(1316 – 1406 H/1898 – 1986 CE)

Early Life & Education

Being a descendant of Sayiddena Abu Bakr as-Siddique radhi Allahu anhu, he was born in conservative middle class family in Uttar Pradesh, India in 1316/1898. At seven years of age he completed the Holy Quran and started school. Eventually he graduated in 1923 from MAO College, at Aligarh. Furthermore, he studied law at Lucknow University earning the certification for L.L.B.

From 1926 till 1935 he practiced law at various places. However, due to certain reasons he had to terminate his law career. He studied Homeopathic Medicine in 1936 and continued to practice it till his death in 1986 at Karachi.

Relationship with Hakeemul Ummat ra

Hazrat Dr. Abdul Hayy Arifi ra had been in contact with Hakeemul Ummat Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanwi ra since 1917. At that time his paternal grandmother and some other family members had become mureed of Hazrat Thanwi ra. However, it was from 1923 (at 25 years of age) that Dr. Abdul Hayy ra himself started serious efforts of islah (self reformation). In 1927 he became a mureed. This relationship developed and matured over time till the death of Hakeemul Ummat Mawlana Ashraf Ali sahib ra in 1943.

During this duration he corresponded regularly with his Sheikh on matters relating to tareeq (path). He visited Thana Bhawan often to be in company of his Sheikh. His sincerity, enthusiasm and devotion for islah and taqwa soon gained Hakeemul Ummat ra’s attention. In 1935 received the khilafat (license) to initiate and train others.

After the passing away of Hakeemul Ummat ra’s Hazrat Arifi ra maintained close ties with his senior khulafa, like Khawaja Azizul Hasan majzoob, Mawlana Abdul Ghani Phulpuri, Mufti Mohammad Shafi’, Allama Sayyid Suleman Nadwi and Baba Najam Ahsan rehmatullah alehey ajmaeen.


As Qutub ul Irshad

Out living all these shuyukh, in his last years Hazrat Arifi ra seems to have been selected by Allah SWT for propagating His message and performing the Prophetic task of ‘tazkiya’ (cleansing the morals from blame worthy traits and developing praise worthy characteristics).

Many people around the world benefited from him. His advice and counseling guided many stray, deviant or perplexed individuals towards Allah SWT’s pleasure seeking life. And many fortunate persons gained a perpetual, sustainable and mutually congenial relationship with Allah SWT (nisbat-e-batini) under his close supervision and training.

Hazrat Arifi ra lived a very active life till the end. He demonstrated exemplary punctuality for his routine. He attended his clinic regularly. There he had a daily brief gathering for the seekers (talibeen). A weekly meeting was reserved for those traversing the sulook and another majlis was for the general masses. He also served as the nazim (Superior-in command) of Darul Uloom Karachi during his last years.

Having lived a productive life Hazrat Arifi ra breathed his last after a brief illness on Rajab 1406 (27 March 1986) at Karachi. His janazah prayer was led by Sayyidi wa sanadi Mawlana Mohammad Taqi Usmani sahib db. He was buried in the graveyard of Darul Uloom.

Teachings

Summarizing Hazrat Arifi’s teachings Sidi wa sanadi Hazrat Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani sahib db said: The outstanding feature of Hazrat’s training was that he delivered individuals from the fear of strenuous struggles and feats (assumed to be necessary to attain relationship with Allah SWT). He gave them hope. Bringing about a change in their thought process (that is, every action is done for the pleasure of Allah SWT) using succinct advice.

Here we provide few samples of those advices:

1. Sidi wa sanadi Hazrat Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani sahib db said: My Sheikh (Arifbillah Dr. Abdul Hayy Arifi ra) used to tell us, “Talk to Allah SWT”

Tell Him, “O Allah! I was involved in all these bad deeds, now I have taken the step to reform. Some of the sins I gave up but giving up the rest of them is becoming difficult for me due to the overpowering by my lower-self (nafs), shaytan, environment and my circumstances.

You alone can remove these overwhelming factors. It is not within my capability to do so. O Allah! Please, remove these crushing obstacles or else do not reprimand me in hereafter regarding them.”

Talk to Allah SWT like this. You will find out how things work up for the best and how you are saved from the sins by Allah SWT.

2. Instructions for good means: to tell someone a beneficial thing for his advantage. If this well-wishing intention is not there then it is arrogance (kibr) (and not amr bil ma’ruf).

3. The Four Marvelous Gems:

Arif billah Dr. Abdul Hayy Arifi ra pointed out that any given moment in a salik’s (person traversing the path) life only four states can exist. They are;

Either, he is happy and content from his present situation, or
He is unhappy and distressed by things happening against his wishes, or
He is guilty of a mistake or a sin committed, or
He is worried about anticipated future mishaps or disasters
There can not be a fifth sate.

For each of these if he develops the habit of practicing the following he will be in a perpetual state of remembrance.

For first state, he thanks Allah SWT for these bounties. Bearing in mind that he did not deserved them and it was only the mercy of Allah SWT to grant them. And Allah SWT is capable of taking them away at any time. This is thankfulness (shukkur).

For the second, he is patient. He understands that Allah SWT knows what’s best for him and He decides accordingly. I with my limited knowledge, insight and experience can not decide this. This is Patience (sabr).

For the mistake, he repents. Fulfilling the three criteria for repentance. That are, he is remorseful, he leaves the sin immediately and finally he pledges never to commit it again. This is Repentance (taubah).

Finally for the future worries he takes refuge in Allah SWT. Asking His help and protection for such calamity. This is taking refuge (istiaza).

One who develops the routine of practicing these praise worthy actions appropriately, he is in constant contact with Allah SWT.

4. An individual enthusiastically informed Hazrat Arif-billah Dr. Abdul Hayy Arifi ra that by Allah SWT’s grace he had attained the station of Ihsan. That is, worshipping Allah SWT as though you see Him and if that is not possible as though He sees you.

Hazrat Arifi qaddas sirrahu congratulated and encouraged him. And then inquired that if this ihsan was attained only in namaz or it was also present at other times, like dealing with house hold members especially wife.

The individual looked in bewilderment and informed that he thought this ihsan was only meant to be limited to namaz.

Hazrat Arifi ra explained to the audience in detail that this is a common mistake. We tend to limit deen to formal acts of worship (ibadaat). Our all other activities seem to be independent of the fact that each and every moment of our life we are as much a slave of Allah SWT as in namaz.

The genuine ihsan is perpetual. The slave is aware that he is being watched and he will be accountable for whatever he does. Hence, he has utmost respect and does not do any thing inappropriate.

5. Special effort should be made to keep a beautiful attitude towards one’s wife.

She has adopted your companionship leaving her parents, siblings and other close relatives. You have to compensate her for all these caring relationships by loving her dearly.

If you are patient on anything hurtful from her you will be rewarded (by Allah SWT). Her inappropriate attitude can not be corrected by your anger and wrath. The best way to achieve that is to control your anger completely at that moment. And some time later (at an appropriate occasion) gently and with compassion let her know the mistake she made. (With this approach) even if she has a grain of aptitude for correction, she will accept your counsel and reform herself.

6. There is a physical puberty and similarly there is a spiritual puberty.

It is difficult to realize the exact timing of the physical puberty. However, it is the natural human phenomenon that a time comes when this stage is reached and functions associated with it start appearing. Similar is case with spiritual puberty.

Body needs food and nutrition for growth and development to reach the physical puberty.

In the same way spirit needs nutrition for its growth and eventual puberty.

What is this food & nutrition for the spirit?

It is being thoroughly steadfast on mustahabbat (recommendable), nawafil (optional extra) works and excessive zikir (remembrance) (i.e. after fulfilling faraiz, wajibat and sunun to the best of one’s ability).

If these are provided, the spirit (batin) continues to nourish and grow. Eventually a stage is reached when the capabilities of heart and spirit are so developed that the Salik (traveler on the path of sulook) attains spiritual puberty. In other words it can be expressed as nisbat-e-batini (ta’luq ma’ Allah/Love of Allah SWT) is achieved. This bounty is a pure gift from Allah SWT and is not dependent on salik’s own effort.

Shirkat e bazam muhasir un kay karam per hay magar Meri jabeen to ho chuki waqaf e neyaz e sang e dar

7. “Shaytan has three ‘ع’ (the Arabic letter ‘ain (. Meaning that He is a devout worshipper (‘abid( عابد [prayed for thousands of years prior to slipping]
He is a tremendous scholar (‘alimعالم) [Former teacher/instructor of other angles]
He is a great Gnostic (‘arif/عارف) [Evident by his attitude at the time of Allah SWT’s wrath. He knew that if he makes a request even at this moment of fall it will be accepted]

But he lacks the fourth ‘ainع ’. That is, he is not a true lover ((عاشق. If he had been a true lover he would have surely prostrated (to Hazrat Adam alehes salaam, on Allah SWT’s order without any reservations. The lover does as the Beloved commands!)

Brothers! We neither want to be mere worshippers nor only Gnostics.

We only want to be sincere lovers.

We want to be true lovers; because it is due to this that our bond and relationship with Allah SWT can never be cut off.

And for this, Allah SWT has told us to follow the example of His beloved messenger salallaho alehey wa ‘alehi wasalam. For whoever follows his noble example he becomes Allah SWT’s beloved.

Publications

In addition to eighteen homeopathic medicine publications, he compiled the following books:

Uswa-e-Rasool e Akram salallaho alehey wasalam: This is a practical manual or a hand book. It details all the Sunnah of Holy Prophet salallaho alehey wasalam. Making the following of Sunnah simple.

Maasir e Hakeemul Ummat ra: This is a biography of Hakeemul Ummat Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanwi ra. It portrays Hakeemul Ummat ra’s specific manner, style, elegance, states and tastefulness regarding the path (tareeq) thoroughly in a unique way. An essential reading for all.
Basair e Hakeemul Ummat ra: This is a text book of Tasawwuf. It is compilation of extracts from the marvelous works of Hakeemul Ummat ra. Absolutely indispensable for each and every Salik.

Ma’arif e Hakeemul Ummat ra: Another compilation from Hakeemul Ummat ra’s unique and important teachings.

Jawahir e Hakeemul Ummat ra: Another compilation from Hakeemul Ummat ra’s unique and important teachings particularly related to Tasawwuf.

Islahul Muslimeen: Another compilation from Hakeemul Ummat ra’s unique and important teachings especially related to implementing deen fully in contemporary westernized society.

Fihrist talefat e Hakeemul Ummat ra: A detailed list of all the 1072 publications of Hakeemul Ummat Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanwi ra.

Ihkam e mayyit: Detailed rulings on matters related to terminal illness, death, burial etc. as per Hanafi fiqh. Reviewed and authenticated by Mufti Rafi’ Usmani db.

Ma’amoolat e yomiya wa muktasar nisab e islah: A daily program (wird) and a concise syllabus for reformation. An essential primer for mureedeen.

Seerat conferenso kay leay lamha fikeria: A sincere and solemn admonition for the contemporary gatherings held, particularly in month of Rabiulawal to discuss the life of Holy Prophet salallaho alehey wasalam. It particularly identifies the lack of serious devotion in such events. As is witnessed by open ridicule of the explicit teachings of the Holy Prophet salallaho alehey wasalam in these very events.

Intabah khusoosi: Based on the command of Holy Prophet salallaho alehey wasalam to a pious person in repeated dreams, another serious advice for abandoning the prevalent sins and transgressions and repenting sincerely.

Sihba-e-sukhan: Urdu poetry. Verses reflecting the experiences of an insightful, true traveler on the path. Speech of yearning heart of a pure devotee and sincere lover of Allah SWT.

source: Ashrafiya

Imaam Abu Haatim Al-Raazi

Imaam Abu Haatim Al-Raazi (r.a.) was born in Ray (Tehran–Iran) the year 195 Hijri and he passed away in the year 277 Hijri .

He first set out in search of knowledge at the age of 18.

It is regarding this that he says : "The first time that I had set out to acquire of knowledge I remained away from home for 7 years. I had commenced counting the mileage that I had covered on foot till it reached 1000 Farsakh (1 farsakh is equal to approximately 5 kilometers , so 1000 Farsakh equals approximately 5000 kms./ 3000 miles!) Thereafter I stopped counting!!"

He further states : "I do not remember how many times I had traveled from Kufah to Baghdad and from Makkah to Madinah."

"I also went from Morocco to Egypt on foot. And from Egypt to Ramalah and from Ramalah to Baitul Maqdis and to Tabriyyah then to Damascus . And from Damascus to Hims then to Antaaqiyyah . And from Antaaqiyyah to Tarasoos . Thereafter I returned to Hims. Then from Hims to Baisaan to Ruqqah. And from there I crossed the Euphrates to Baghdad… all of this I did walking!!! This was my first journey which lasted 7 years. I had left Ray (Tehran) in the year : 213 and I returned in 221 Hijri. And I went out once more in the year 242 and returned in 245 – 3 years. My age at the time was : 47."1 (pg. 60-61)

His son Imaam Abu Muhammad Abdur Rahman bin Abi Haatim ( r.a. ) relates the following hair raising strange incidents that took place while Imaam Abu Haatim was on journey.

He says : "My father mentioned : "I was in Basrah in the year: 214 .I had been there for 8 months and I had intended to stay for 1 year but my wealth had expired. So I began to sell my clothes one after the other !! until I did not have any more clothes to sell. So I remained without any expenditure. However I continued to attend the gatherings of the 'ulamaa with one of my companions. At the end of the first day I returned hungry to my room. The only thing I had was water. The next day I joined my companion to the gatherings of the 'ulamaa despite my extreme hunger. However on the third day, when my companion came by to call me to the gatherings of the 'ulamaa, I said to him : "I'm unable to accompany you due to extreme weakness." He enquired the reason for my weakness upon which I said to him : "2 days have passed and I have not eaten anything." He replied : "I have 1 dinaar of which I can share half with you" so we left Basrah in this manner."

His son further states: "I heard my father mention: "When we left Madinah Munawwarah and boarded a ship at Al-Jaar (which is a days journey from Madinah and is a shore to the red sea) we were 3 people :myself, Abu Zuhair al-marwaruzhi and another Sheikh from Nisaabur."

"Whilst we were at sea one night I experienced a wet dream. I informed my colleagues in the morning so they suggested that I dive into the sea but I replied that I could not swim. They then decided to tie me up with a rope and dip me into the water and in this way I had to have a ghusl!! "

"We were lost at sea for 3 months until we reached a strange land."

"We walked on the land for a few days until all our food and water became exhausted. We kept walking for 2 full days in this condition of hunger. On the third day we continued walking though we were absolutely exhausted until the Sheikh Al-Marwaruzhi fell unconscious. We tried reviving him in vain and thereafter continued for 1 or 2 Farsakhs (5 – 10 kms) until I myself lost my footing and fell unconscious. So the Sheikh from Nisaabur left me and continued for a while until he managed to spot some people who had arrived from sea. After they gave him water he said to them: Go and search for 2 of my companions who have fallen unconscious behind me."

"Thereafter I could feel someone sprinkling water on my face. After I regained consciousness I asked for water to drink. Then I mentioned to them about our third companion. They replied that there is someone attending to him. They then dragged me till I reached their ship where they attended to us. We stayed with them for a few days till we regained our strength. They had really taken good care of us. Thereafter they gave us some provisions and a letter of recommendation for the governor of the next town which was called:" Raayah " . We continued in this manner till those provisions also expired. We still continued to walk in that condition of thirst and hunger till we found a Turtle lying on the shore. So we took some shells and we began to scoop of inside of the Turtle until our hunger and thirst was removed."

"We continued till we reached the town of Raayah and we gave that note to the governor. He took us into his house and took good care of us feeding us meat and bread etc."

"After a few days when we decided to leave he gave us food and provision for the road till we reached Egypt". (pg. 237-239)

When one looks into the life of such great Scholars, and at their sincere sacrifice for deen, despite the poor mode of transport and their meager means, their value for knowledge and their tolerance together with their courage, one tends to realize that the only way for success is to emulate them in the closest possible way. Imagine selling your clothes just for the sake of survival and to be able to continue with the search for knowledge!!! May Allah guide us all.

Imaam Abu Haatim' son has authored the the famous reference book on 'Ilmu Asmaa irrijaal: "Al jarhu Wat Ta'deel" in which he has documented the verdicts of his well renown father. This book is printed in 9 vols.
source: Madrassah In'aamiyyah

De-sensitised

Unknown Author

We become de-sensitised a little bit at a time. Some years ago, I walked into my office after a Sunday morning service to find a sandwich bag on my desk containing three chocolate brownies. Some thoughtful and anonymous person who knew my love for chocolate had placed them there, along with a piece of paper that had a short story written on it. I immediately sat down and began eating the first brownie as I read the following story.


Two teenagers asked their father if they could go to the cinema to watch a movie that all their friends had seen. After reading some reviews about the movie on the Internet, he denied their request.

"Ah dad, why not?" they complained. "It's rated PG-13, and we're both older than thirteen!"

Dad replied: "Because that movie contains nudity and portrays immorality as being normal and acceptable behavior."

"But dad, those are just very small parts of the movie! That's what our friends who've seen it have told us. The movie is two hours long and those scenes are just a few minutes of the total film! It's based on a true story and good triumphs over evil, and there are other redeeming themes like courage and self-sacrifice. Even the movie review websites say that!"

"My answer is 'no,' and that is my final answer. You are welcome to stay home tonight, invite some of your friends over, and watch one of the good videos we have in our home collection. But you will not go and watch that film. End of discussion."

The two teenagers walked dejectedly into the family room and slumped down on the couch. As they sulked, they were surprised to hear the sounds of their father preparing something in the kitchen. They soon recognised the wonderful aroma of brownies baking in the oven, and one of the teenagers said to the other, "Dad must be feeling guilty, and now he's going to try to make it up to us with some fresh brownies. Maybe we can soften him with lots of praise when he brings them out to us and persuade him to let us go to that movie after all."

About that time I began eating the second brownie from the sandwich bag and wondered if there was some connection to the brownies I was eating and the brownies in the story. I kept reading.

The teens were not disappointed. Soon their father appeared with a plate of warm brownies, which he offered to his kids. They each took one. Then their father said, "Before you eat, I want to tell you something: "I love you both so much." The teenagers smiled at each other with knowing glances. Dad was softening.

"That is why I've made these brownies with the very best ingredients. I've made them from scratch. Most of the ingredients are even organic; the best organic flour, the best free-range eggs, the best organic sugar, premium vanilla and chocolate." The brownies looked mouth-watering, and the teens began to become a little impatient with their dad's long speech.

"But I want to be perfectly honest with you. There is one ingredient I added that is not usually found in brownies. I got that ingredient from our own back yard. But you needn't worry, because I only added the tiniest bit of that ingredient to your brownies. The amount of the portion is practically insignificant. So go ahead, take a bite and let me know what you think.

"Dad, would you mind telling us what that mystery ingredient is before we eat?"

"Why? The portion I added was so small. Just a teaspoonful. You won't even taste it."

"Come on, dad; just tell us what that ingredient is."

"Don't worry! It is organic, just like the other ingredients."

"Dad!!!"

"Well, OK, if you insist. That secret ingredient is organic...dog poop."

I immediately stopped chewing that second brownie and I spit it out into the waste basket by my desk. I continued reading, now fearful of the paragraphs that still remained.

Both teens instantly dropped their brownies back on the plate and began inspecting their fingers with horror.

"DAD! Why did you do that? You've tortured us by making us smell those brownies cooking for the last half hour, and now you tell us that you added dog poop! We can't eat these brownies!"

"Why not? The amount of dog poop is very small compared to the rest of the ingredients. It won't hurt you. It's been cooked right along with the other ingredients. You won't even taste it. It has the same consistency as the brownies. Go ahead and eat!"

"No, Dad...NEVER!"

"And that is the same reason I won't allow you to go watch that movie. You won't tolerate a little dog poop in your brownies, so why should you tolerate a little immorality in your movies? We pray that God will not lead us unto temptation, so how can we in good conscience entertain ourselves with something that will imprint a sinful image in our minds that will lead us into temptation long after we first see it?"

I discarded what remained of the second brownie, as well as the entire untouched third brownie. What had been irresistible a minute ago had become detestable. And only because of the very slim chance that what I was eating was slightly polluted. (Surely it wasn't... but I couldn't convince myself.)