FATIMAH TUZ ZAHRAH (r.a) - DUAGHTER OF MUHAMMAD (pbuh)
Fatimah (R.A.) was youngest in age of all her sisters but highest in grades. She was dearest to her father of all his daughters. He once said, “Fatimah is like soul and heart to me.” once, he said, “Fatimah will be the leader of the women in Paradise.” he further said, “What troubles Fatimah troubles me as well.”
It was the sixth year of Prophethood and Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) had launched his preaching mission but his own clan were impeding in his way. The people of the Quraysh were trying every trick to trouble him. One day while he was performing Salãh in the Haram, on the instigation of the pagans of Makkak, Aqabah ibn Moeet brought the entrails of a camel and placed it on his neck whilst he was prostrating. Someone told Fatimah (R.A.) who was then just six years old. She came running and removed the stuff and cursed the non-believers. She, at such an early age beheld the tribulations and torments Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was being subject to.
Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) awarded her the title of ‘lady of Paradise’.
It has been reported that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) once said, “On the Day of Resurrection a voice will be heard saying ‘ lower you heads, Fatimah bint Muhammad is being escorted along,’ then Fatimah will cross the pathway to Paradise in a flash leading seventy thousand Hoors (heavenly women).”
Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) confided only to Fatimah (R.A.) during his last days that he would die of his illness. She wept to hear that but Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) whispered to her that she would follow him which brought delight on her face and she smiled.
Rasulullah’s (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) beloved wives pressed her much to disclose that secret, but she didn’t. She revealed it, however after his demise.
source: Attarbiyah Magazine
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Thursday, September 01, 2005
The Ant
THE ANT
One morning I sat nearly an hour watching a tiny ant carry a huge feather cross my back terrace. Several times it was confronted by obstacles in its path and after a momentary pause it would make the necessary detour.
At one point the ant had to negotiate a crack in the concrete about 10mm wide. After brief contemplation the ant laid the feather over the crack, walked across it and picked up the feather on the other side then continuedon its way. I was fascinated by the ingenuity of this ant, one of Allah's smallest creatures. It served to reinforce the miracle of creation. Here was a minute insect, lacking in size yet equipped with a brain to reason, explore, discover and overcome. But this ant, like the two-legged co-residents of this planet, also share human failings.
After some time the ant finally reached its destination - a flower bed at the end of the terrace and a small hole that was the entrance to its underground home. And it was here that the ant finally met its match. How could that large feather possibly fit down small hole? Of course it couldn't. so the ant, after all this trouble and exercising great ingenuity, overcoming problems all along the way, just abandoned the feather and went home.
The ant had not thought the problem through before it began its epic journey and in the end the feather was nothing more than a burden. Isn't life like that!
We worry about our family, we worry about money or the lack of it, we worry about work, about where we live, about all sorts of things. These are all burdens - the things we pick up along life's path and lug them around the obstacles and over the crevasses that life will bring, only to find that at the destination they are useless and we can't take them with us...............
sent by email from Zaheer Mahomed
One morning I sat nearly an hour watching a tiny ant carry a huge feather cross my back terrace. Several times it was confronted by obstacles in its path and after a momentary pause it would make the necessary detour.
At one point the ant had to negotiate a crack in the concrete about 10mm wide. After brief contemplation the ant laid the feather over the crack, walked across it and picked up the feather on the other side then continuedon its way. I was fascinated by the ingenuity of this ant, one of Allah's smallest creatures. It served to reinforce the miracle of creation. Here was a minute insect, lacking in size yet equipped with a brain to reason, explore, discover and overcome. But this ant, like the two-legged co-residents of this planet, also share human failings.
After some time the ant finally reached its destination - a flower bed at the end of the terrace and a small hole that was the entrance to its underground home. And it was here that the ant finally met its match. How could that large feather possibly fit down small hole? Of course it couldn't. so the ant, after all this trouble and exercising great ingenuity, overcoming problems all along the way, just abandoned the feather and went home.
The ant had not thought the problem through before it began its epic journey and in the end the feather was nothing more than a burden. Isn't life like that!
We worry about our family, we worry about money or the lack of it, we worry about work, about where we live, about all sorts of things. These are all burdens - the things we pick up along life's path and lug them around the obstacles and over the crevasses that life will bring, only to find that at the destination they are useless and we can't take them with us...............
sent by email from Zaheer Mahomed
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Umme Kulthum (r.a)
UMME KULTHUM (r.a) - DAUGHTER OF MUHAMMAD(pbuh)
Umme Kulthum (R.A) was Rasulullah’s (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) third daughter. She too, was married like her sister to the son of Abu Lahab, Utaiba. Utaiba too like his brother, divorced Umme Khulthum (R.A).
When her elder sister Ruqayyah (R.A) passed away, she was given in marriage to Uthman (R.A.).
A narratable situation had arisen on that occasion.
Hafsa (R.A) the daughter of Umar (R.A) had become a widow when she was only 18 years old. Umar (R.A) offered Uthman (R.A) to take her in marriage who was very disconsolate after the death of Ruqayyah but he refused. Umar (R.A) was hurt by his refusal.
He then went to Abu Bakr (R.A) whom he counted as his best friend and made to him the same offer. His evasive answer disappointed him even more.
Umar (R.A) went to Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and gave vent to his grievance. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said to him, “Behold! I will show you a better son-in-law than Uthman, and I will show him a better father-in-law than you.” “So be it.” said Sayyidinah Umar (R.A) with a glee on his face.
Umar (R.A) in a moment’s reflection found that the better man referred to was none other than Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) who would himself take Hafsa (R.A) in his marriage and who would become, for the second time the father-in-law of Uthman (R.A) by giving him in marriage Ruqayyah’s (R.A) sister Umme Kulthum (R.A).
source: Attarbiyah Magazine
Umme Kulthum (R.A) was Rasulullah’s (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) third daughter. She too, was married like her sister to the son of Abu Lahab, Utaiba. Utaiba too like his brother, divorced Umme Khulthum (R.A).
When her elder sister Ruqayyah (R.A) passed away, she was given in marriage to Uthman (R.A.).
A narratable situation had arisen on that occasion.
Hafsa (R.A) the daughter of Umar (R.A) had become a widow when she was only 18 years old. Umar (R.A) offered Uthman (R.A) to take her in marriage who was very disconsolate after the death of Ruqayyah but he refused. Umar (R.A) was hurt by his refusal.
He then went to Abu Bakr (R.A) whom he counted as his best friend and made to him the same offer. His evasive answer disappointed him even more.
Umar (R.A) went to Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and gave vent to his grievance. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said to him, “Behold! I will show you a better son-in-law than Uthman, and I will show him a better father-in-law than you.” “So be it.” said Sayyidinah Umar (R.A) with a glee on his face.
Umar (R.A) in a moment’s reflection found that the better man referred to was none other than Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) who would himself take Hafsa (R.A) in his marriage and who would become, for the second time the father-in-law of Uthman (R.A) by giving him in marriage Ruqayyah’s (R.A) sister Umme Kulthum (R.A).
source: Attarbiyah Magazine
Thursday, August 25, 2005
What happened to my Youth?
WHAT HAPPENED TO MY YOUTH?
by Ahmed
What has become of my tender youth?
Forsaken to sins and evils is the truth
Given over to pleasure and lust, day and night
Forgive me Allah. I hear and tremble with fright
What will happen to me?
Only Allah does know
In Hellfire will I burn
Or receive the Jannah that I yearn
Allah, from You forgiveness I seek
And make me amongst the meek
Ya Rabbi show me the way
To live my life as the Prophet (pbuh) did say
And on my deathbed allow me to pray
The kalima, and have me not go astray
From the Siratul Mustakeem
And in Jannah inshallah my face will beam
Ameen.
by Ahmed
What has become of my tender youth?
Forsaken to sins and evils is the truth
Given over to pleasure and lust, day and night
Forgive me Allah. I hear and tremble with fright
What will happen to me?
Only Allah does know
In Hellfire will I burn
Or receive the Jannah that I yearn
Allah, from You forgiveness I seek
And make me amongst the meek
Ya Rabbi show me the way
To live my life as the Prophet (pbuh) did say
And on my deathbed allow me to pray
The kalima, and have me not go astray
From the Siratul Mustakeem
And in Jannah inshallah my face will beam
Ameen.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Enjoin Good and Forbid Evil
ENJOINING GOOD AND FORBIDDING EVIL
Amongst the rudimentary issues of reforming society, this forms one of the most integral aspects of social structuring, to denounce evil and observe good and sublime deeds with the aim of radiating goodness within every citizen of the community at large. Hence, a group of Muslims in the community are constrained to observe this religious duty (Fardh e Kifayah). If this duty is abandoned completely then the whole Muslim community will be sinful.
"And there must exist amongst you a group that invites to goodness and bid (others) unto good work and forbid evil, and they are those who have reached their goal." [Surah 3, Verse 104]
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: "When people witness the perpetration of evil and do not endeavour to to amend it, Allah will send down His punishment very swiftly." [Ibn Majah]
Hadrat Huzaifah bin Yaman (r.a) narrates that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: "I swear by the being in whose control is my life that you must enjoin good and forbid evil or Allah will send down His punishment and then your Duas will not be accepted even if you call unto Him." [Tirmizi]
Those that engage in enjoining the good and forbidding evil should be of mild disposition, well spoken and courteous. Using harsh reprehensible language and disheartening words must be avoided.
"If anyone of you has to enjoin good, let it be executed excellently and superlatively so that speech is impressive and congenial." [Hadith]
Source: 40 Pathways to Jannah
Amongst the rudimentary issues of reforming society, this forms one of the most integral aspects of social structuring, to denounce evil and observe good and sublime deeds with the aim of radiating goodness within every citizen of the community at large. Hence, a group of Muslims in the community are constrained to observe this religious duty (Fardh e Kifayah). If this duty is abandoned completely then the whole Muslim community will be sinful.
"And there must exist amongst you a group that invites to goodness and bid (others) unto good work and forbid evil, and they are those who have reached their goal." [Surah 3, Verse 104]
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: "When people witness the perpetration of evil and do not endeavour to to amend it, Allah will send down His punishment very swiftly." [Ibn Majah]
Hadrat Huzaifah bin Yaman (r.a) narrates that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: "I swear by the being in whose control is my life that you must enjoin good and forbid evil or Allah will send down His punishment and then your Duas will not be accepted even if you call unto Him." [Tirmizi]
Those that engage in enjoining the good and forbidding evil should be of mild disposition, well spoken and courteous. Using harsh reprehensible language and disheartening words must be avoided.
"If anyone of you has to enjoin good, let it be executed excellently and superlatively so that speech is impressive and congenial." [Hadith]
Source: 40 Pathways to Jannah
Muslim Clothing
MUSLIM CLOTHING
Why do Muslims dress in distinctive, modest clothing?
Muslim women are often asked: "Why do you wear that scarf?" "Aren't you hot?" "Do the different colors mean anything?" "Why do some Muslim women cover their face, but not others?" "Do Muslim men have a dress code as well?"
Most Muslims understand your polite curiosity, and would be happy to explain. But if you've ever been too embarrassed to ask the questions directly, you've come to the right place.
Q: Why do you dress the way you do?
A: First and foremost, because Almighty God (Allah) commands us to do so. In the Qur'an, Allah tells the believers to "lower their gaze and be modest." Specifically, it says: "Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that will make for greater purity for them; and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; and that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their chests and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers..." [continuing list of family members and others in front of whom women are exempt from covering] (Qur'an 24:30-31)
Of course, Muslims believe that God has full Wisdom and knows what is best for us, so we strive to follow His guidance in every aspect of our lives. Muslims have also discovered other advantages to dressing modestly, including: being known for who you really are; not being judged by your beauty or lack thereof; being able to conduct business in an atmosphere of respect; being readily known as a Muslim; liberation; comfort.
Q: Aren't you hot?
A: In many ways, covering the body protects it from the heat of direct sunlight. In loose, flowing clothing, the air around the body flows freely and cools more readily. The choice of fabric covering the body is more important than the square inches/centimeters exposed or covered. On severely hot days, we might be uncomfortable as is everyone else. During those times, we find comfort knowing that we are following the commands of Allah, and "the fire of hell is hotter."
Q: Do the different colors mean anything?
A: Muslims are to dress in modest clothing, without attracting attention to oneself. For this reason, many Muslims choose earth-tone colors such as green, blue, gray, as well as the usual black and white. Beyond this, there are no specific meanings behind the choice of color. Some colors are more common in certain parts of the world, based on local tradition.
Q: Why are there differences in the specific styles of dress?
A: While Islam outlines a code of modesty, it does not command a certain style, color, or fabric. The range of clothing you find among Muslims is a sign of the great diversity among the Muslim community.
Q: Do men have a dress code as well?
A: Absolutely. Both men and women are commanded in the Qur'an to "lower their gaze and be modest." It is generally understood that men are not to expose the area of their body from the navel to the knee. However, many Muslim men would feel shy to expose a bare chest or bare legs in public. As with women, men are not to wear clothing that is tight or see-through. Indeed, in many Muslim societies the traditional clothing for men includes long, flowing robes, or long tunics that fully cover the body.
Q: What do these Islamic clothing terms mean? Hijab, khimar, niqab, abaya, jilbab, burqa, shalwar khamis...
A: Different terms reflect different styles of dress. Often the same clothing has various names depending on what area of the world it is worn.
Source: About Islam
Why do Muslims dress in distinctive, modest clothing?
Muslim women are often asked: "Why do you wear that scarf?" "Aren't you hot?" "Do the different colors mean anything?" "Why do some Muslim women cover their face, but not others?" "Do Muslim men have a dress code as well?"
Most Muslims understand your polite curiosity, and would be happy to explain. But if you've ever been too embarrassed to ask the questions directly, you've come to the right place.
Q: Why do you dress the way you do?
A: First and foremost, because Almighty God (Allah) commands us to do so. In the Qur'an, Allah tells the believers to "lower their gaze and be modest." Specifically, it says: "Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that will make for greater purity for them; and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; and that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their chests and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers..." [continuing list of family members and others in front of whom women are exempt from covering] (Qur'an 24:30-31)
Of course, Muslims believe that God has full Wisdom and knows what is best for us, so we strive to follow His guidance in every aspect of our lives. Muslims have also discovered other advantages to dressing modestly, including: being known for who you really are; not being judged by your beauty or lack thereof; being able to conduct business in an atmosphere of respect; being readily known as a Muslim; liberation; comfort.
Q: Aren't you hot?
A: In many ways, covering the body protects it from the heat of direct sunlight. In loose, flowing clothing, the air around the body flows freely and cools more readily. The choice of fabric covering the body is more important than the square inches/centimeters exposed or covered. On severely hot days, we might be uncomfortable as is everyone else. During those times, we find comfort knowing that we are following the commands of Allah, and "the fire of hell is hotter."
Q: Do the different colors mean anything?
A: Muslims are to dress in modest clothing, without attracting attention to oneself. For this reason, many Muslims choose earth-tone colors such as green, blue, gray, as well as the usual black and white. Beyond this, there are no specific meanings behind the choice of color. Some colors are more common in certain parts of the world, based on local tradition.
Q: Why are there differences in the specific styles of dress?
A: While Islam outlines a code of modesty, it does not command a certain style, color, or fabric. The range of clothing you find among Muslims is a sign of the great diversity among the Muslim community.
Q: Do men have a dress code as well?
A: Absolutely. Both men and women are commanded in the Qur'an to "lower their gaze and be modest." It is generally understood that men are not to expose the area of their body from the navel to the knee. However, many Muslim men would feel shy to expose a bare chest or bare legs in public. As with women, men are not to wear clothing that is tight or see-through. Indeed, in many Muslim societies the traditional clothing for men includes long, flowing robes, or long tunics that fully cover the body.
Q: What do these Islamic clothing terms mean? Hijab, khimar, niqab, abaya, jilbab, burqa, shalwar khamis...
A: Different terms reflect different styles of dress. Often the same clothing has various names depending on what area of the world it is worn.
Source: About Islam
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