Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Signs of Laylat Al Qadr (The Night Of Power)
The signs by which Laylat al-Qadr is known...
The first sign: it was reported in Saheeh Muslim from the hadeeth of Ubayy ibn Ka’b (ra) that the Prophet (saws) announced that one of its signs was that when the sun rose on the following morning, it had no (visible) rays. [Muslim, 762]
The second sign: it was reported from the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas narrated by Ibn Khuzaimah, and by al-Tayaalisi in his Musnad, with a saheeh isnaad, that the Prophet (saws) said: “Laylat al-Qadr is a pleasant night, neither hot nor cold, and the following day the sun rises red and weak.” [Saheeh Ibn Khuzaymah, 2912; Musnad al-Tayaalisi]
The third sign: it was reported by al-Tabaraani with a hasan isnaad from the hadeeth of Waathilah ibn al-Asqa’ (ra) that the Prophet (saws) said: “Laylat al-Qadr is a bright night, neither hot nor cold, in which no meteors are seen.” [Narrated by al-Tabaraani in al-Kabeer. See Majma‘ al-Zawaa’id, 3/179; Musnad Ahmad]
The fourth sign: Abu Hurairah (ra) said: "We were discussing Laylatul-Qadr in the presence of Allah's Messenger (saws) so he (saws) said: 'Which of you remembers (the night) when the moon arose & was like half a plate?'" [Muslim]
These four Saheeh Ahaadeeth explain the signs which indicate Laylat al-Qadr.
It is not essential for the one who “catches” Laylat al-Qadr to know that he has “caught” it. The point is to strive hard and to be sincere in worship, whether or not one knows that one has “caught” it. It may be that some of those who do not know that may be better with Allah and higher in status than those who did know which night it was, because the former strove hard. We ask Allah to accept our fasting and our prayer at night, and to help us to remember Him (swt) and to thank Him (swt) and to worship Him (swt) properly. May Allah bless our Prophet Muhammad (saws).
The first sign: it was reported in Saheeh Muslim from the hadeeth of Ubayy ibn Ka’b (ra) that the Prophet (saws) announced that one of its signs was that when the sun rose on the following morning, it had no (visible) rays. [Muslim, 762]
The second sign: it was reported from the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas narrated by Ibn Khuzaimah, and by al-Tayaalisi in his Musnad, with a saheeh isnaad, that the Prophet (saws) said: “Laylat al-Qadr is a pleasant night, neither hot nor cold, and the following day the sun rises red and weak.” [Saheeh Ibn Khuzaymah, 2912; Musnad al-Tayaalisi]
The third sign: it was reported by al-Tabaraani with a hasan isnaad from the hadeeth of Waathilah ibn al-Asqa’ (ra) that the Prophet (saws) said: “Laylat al-Qadr is a bright night, neither hot nor cold, in which no meteors are seen.” [Narrated by al-Tabaraani in al-Kabeer. See Majma‘ al-Zawaa’id, 3/179; Musnad Ahmad]
The fourth sign: Abu Hurairah (ra) said: "We were discussing Laylatul-Qadr in the presence of Allah's Messenger (saws) so he (saws) said: 'Which of you remembers (the night) when the moon arose & was like half a plate?'" [Muslim]
These four Saheeh Ahaadeeth explain the signs which indicate Laylat al-Qadr.
It is not essential for the one who “catches” Laylat al-Qadr to know that he has “caught” it. The point is to strive hard and to be sincere in worship, whether or not one knows that one has “caught” it. It may be that some of those who do not know that may be better with Allah and higher in status than those who did know which night it was, because the former strove hard. We ask Allah to accept our fasting and our prayer at night, and to help us to remember Him (swt) and to thank Him (swt) and to worship Him (swt) properly. May Allah bless our Prophet Muhammad (saws).
Heart hardened? You can't Cry? Imaan lost...
"There is in the body a clump of flesh - if it becomes good, the whole body becomes good and if it becomes bad, the whole body becomes bad. And indeed it is the heart." (Bukhari and Muslim)
Everyday we are surrounded by evil and haraam around us and many of us fell to the unseen sins and forget to repent and yet there are still those who even on knowing ignores and follows the steps of shaytaan... why is it that our Imaan becomes so weak when it comes to leaving internal desires or hawaa as we call it... Watching Television, Movies, listening to Music, going out for no reason to Malls, Market places that Allah dislikes, Backbiting, useless Talks, cursing/swearing, using abusive words, ignoring acts of Ibadah, spending more time socializing, giving more time to Worldly things... all of these, do you know is what makes your heart turn to stone... How will Allah remember you when you ignore to remember Him and follow your Worldly desires, even when you know its what Allah dislikes... Allah says in Surah Jaasiyah about those who follow their desires:
Verse 23: Have you seen him who takes his own lust as his god And Allah, left him astray with knowledge, and sealed his hearing and his heart, and put a cover on his sight. Who then will guide him after Allah Will you not then remember.
And Allah says in Surah Zukhruf:
Verse 36: And whosoever Ya`shu (turns away blindly) from the remembrance of the Most Gracious, We appoint for him Shaytan to be a Qarin (a companion) to him.) Verse 37. And verily, they hinder them from the path, but they think that they are guided aright!
Why is it that the same way we take care of our health, our home, our husband and children we cant take care of our heart with Imaan & Allah's remembrance..? We always come up with excuses when it comes to join circles of Islamic knowledge or Ibadah or the fitna of ones Family takes over the right of our Deen Subhan'Allah.
Virtue of Sitting in the Prayer Area After the Fajr Prayer...
After reading these narrations, I see importance in publishing them for the general benefit.- Shaykh `Abdullah ibn `Abdur Rahman Al-Jibreen
From Anas bin Malik (ra), who said: "The Messenger of Allah (pbuh), said: 'Whoever prays the morning prayer in congregation then sits remembering Allah until the sun rises, then prays two units of prayer has the reward like that of Hajj and `Umrah.'" He said, "Allah's Messenger (pbuh), said: 'Complete, complete, complete (i.e. reward).'"
Related by at-Tirmidhi (2/586), Takhreej Ahmad Shakir. `Abu `Isa (at-Tirmidhi) said: This hadeeth is hasan ghareeb. Shakir said in his verification: At-Tirmidhi declared it hasan, and in its chain of narrators is Abu Dhilaal, and he has been spoken about, but the hadeeth has other supporting narrations. Al-Albani declared it hasan in Saheeh at-Tirmidhi (591) and At-Ta`leeq ar-Ragheeb (164 and 165) and Saheeh at-Targheeb (1/461) and declared it saheeh in Saheeh al-Jaami` (6346).
From supporting narrations
- From Abi Umaamah who said: "Allah's Messenger (pbuh), said: 'Whoever prays the morning prayer in congregation then sits remembering Allah until he sun rises, then stands up ad prays two units of prayer returns with the reward of Hajj and `Umrah.'" [Majma` uz-Zawaid of al-Haythami 10/104-105] Related by at-Tabarani and its isnad is good. Al-Albani declared it hasan in Saheeh at-Targheeb (1/464)]
- From `Abdullah bin `Aamir that Abu Umaamah and `Utbah Bin `Abd related that Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said: "Whoever prays as-S.ubh. (i.e. fajr prayer) in congregation then sits until he prays for Allah the prayer of Dhuha has the reward like that of a haajj (pilgrim performing Hajj) and a mu`tamir (pilgrim peforming `Umrah), complete reward of his Hajj and his `Umrah." Related by at-Tabarani and declared hasan by al-Albani in Saheeh at-Targheeb (/1466) [Majma` uz-Zawaid of al-Haythami 10/104-105]
Goodbye Facebook !!!
My high school friends told me about Facebook. Since all of them
had an account, I decided to create one myself although I was very
nonchalant about my account. I had never displayed my pictures on social
sites and told myself that I would not display my pictures on
Facebook and that it can also be for the sake of dawah. But then everybody I knew had their pictures on. So, I
started uploading pictures, and before I knew it, I had a million
pictures of mine there.
What happened next was that
brothers I knew started adding me. I was
reluctant in the beginning, but a voice inside me told me to grow up
and that it was no big deal, they are just your Muslim brothers and
they might be in need of dawah. The first comment I got was from a
brother
I studied with – “Nice picture, Maryam.” What did he mean by that? I
asked myself. Was he being chummy? Honestly speaking, I felt so bad
when he wrote that comment on my wall, but then a voice inside my heart
told me not to overreact and to show some manners so I thanked him.
I don’t know what happened next, but I started following the dunya, my dawah reduced and socializing increased.
The values I stood up for and walked with became obsolete to me. My
compromises turned into huge sacrifices. I became so desensitized and
immune to the haram that was happening. I forgot that there was a God
out there watching me, and I forgot that I was supposed to emulate the
best of mankind - Prophet (pbuh). Random people
would message me asking me for friend requests; they said I was
“pretty” and they wanted to be friends with me. I even got some
proposals on Facebook - can you believe it! And there were lists of
stalkers who kept sending me stupid messages and songs on YouTube
through fake accounts in my inbox.
Checklist – The Last Ten Nights of Ramadaan!!!
In this blessed month of Ramadan, we have now come to the grand finale – the last ten days of Ramadan that are even more blessed than the rest of Ramadan. In it is a night that Quran tells us is better than 1000 months (yes, months – not days).
The Messenger of Allah (saws) said: "There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month which Allah has enjoined you to fast, during which the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained up. In it there is a night which is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived.” [al-Nasa’i, 2106; Ahmad, 8769. classed as saheeh by al-Albani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 999]
So, in preparation for the grand finale, here is a checklist of some of the things that we can all do to make the remaining days of Ramadan work to our advantage:
1) Get in high gear for the next 10 nights and days:
Time is of the essence. Every moment counts. Whatever you need to do for the next ten days to make the most in Ibadaah, good deeds, reciting Quran, dhikr, making dua, etc., rewards are going to be multiplied. No one knew about the importance of these days more than the prophet (saws). Al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated from ‘Aishah (ra) that when the last ten days of Ramadan began, the Prophet (saws) would stay up at night, wake his family and tie his lower garment tight. According to Ahmad and Muslim: he (saws) would strive hard in worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan as he did not do at other times.
Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah said “When Ramadan would come, the Messenger of Allah (saws) would say, Verily, the month of Ramadan has come to you all. It is a blessed month, which Allah has obligated you all to fast. During it the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are shackled. In it there is a night that is better than one thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good, then he has truly been deprived.)” An-Nasa’i recorded this same Hadith.
If we lose this opportunity, we get our next opportunity next year – assuming we are still around and are in good health and shape to make use of it. Even if we are – we have the past years’ sins on our shoulders and life’s normal trials and tribulations to face the coming year. So, there is no better time to ask Allah to make all that easier than NOW.
The Messenger of Allah (saws) said: "There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month which Allah has enjoined you to fast, during which the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained up. In it there is a night which is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived.” [al-Nasa’i, 2106; Ahmad, 8769. classed as saheeh by al-Albani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 999]
So, in preparation for the grand finale, here is a checklist of some of the things that we can all do to make the remaining days of Ramadan work to our advantage:
1) Get in high gear for the next 10 nights and days:
Time is of the essence. Every moment counts. Whatever you need to do for the next ten days to make the most in Ibadaah, good deeds, reciting Quran, dhikr, making dua, etc., rewards are going to be multiplied. No one knew about the importance of these days more than the prophet (saws). Al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated from ‘Aishah (ra) that when the last ten days of Ramadan began, the Prophet (saws) would stay up at night, wake his family and tie his lower garment tight. According to Ahmad and Muslim: he (saws) would strive hard in worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan as he did not do at other times.
Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah said “When Ramadan would come, the Messenger of Allah (saws) would say, Verily, the month of Ramadan has come to you all. It is a blessed month, which Allah has obligated you all to fast. During it the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are shackled. In it there is a night that is better than one thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good, then he has truly been deprived.)” An-Nasa’i recorded this same Hadith.
If we lose this opportunity, we get our next opportunity next year – assuming we are still around and are in good health and shape to make use of it. Even if we are – we have the past years’ sins on our shoulders and life’s normal trials and tribulations to face the coming year. So, there is no better time to ask Allah to make all that easier than NOW.
Virtues of the Last 10 Nights of Ramadaan
The Prophet (saws) used to strive hard (in worship) during the
last ten days of Ramadan in a way that he did not strive at any other times. [Muslim, 1175, from 'A'ishah]
Among the things he did were secluding himself in I'tikaf and seeking Laylat al-Qadr during this time. [Al-Bukhari, 1913; Muslim, 1169]
In al-Sahihayn it is reported from the hadith of 'A'ishah that when the last ten days of Ramadan came, the Prophet (saws) would stay up at night, wake his family and gird his loins. [al-Bukhari, 1920; Muslim, 1174] Muslim added: he strove hard and girded his loins.
Her phrase "girded his loins" is a metaphor for his preparing himself to worship and strive hard in worship, more than usual. It has the meaning of "rolling up one's sleeves" to worship (i.e. getting ready to make a great deal of effort).
It was also said that it was a metaphor for keeping away from women and abstaining from sexual relations.
The phrase "stay up at night" means that he would stay awake, spending the night in prayer, etc.
It was reported in another hadith that 'A'ishah said: "I never saw the Prophet (saws) recite the entire Quran in one night, or spend a whole night in prayer until the morning, or fast an entire month, except in Ramadan." [Sunan al-Nasa'i, 1641]
The words "stay up at night" may mean that he spent most of the night in worship, or that he did not stay up for the entire night, but he did that at the times of 'Isha' and Suhur, and other times, in which case it would mean that he stayed up for most of the night.
The phrase "and wake his family" means that he would wake his wives to pray qiyam. It is known that he (saws) used to wake his wives all year round, but he used to wake them to spend part of the night in qiyam. The Prophet (saws) woke up one night and said, "Subhan Allah! What tribulations have come down tonight! What treasure has come down tonight! Who will wake up the dwellers of the apartments? There may be women who are clothed in this world and naked in the Hereafter." [al-Bukhari, 1074] It was also reported that he (saws) used to wake 'A'ishah when he wanted to pray Witr. [al-Bukhari, 952] But when he woke his wives during the last ten nights of Ramadan, this was more persistent than at other times of the year.
The fact that he (saws) did this indicates the importance he attached to worshipping his Lord and making the most of this special time.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Peace until the appearance of Dawn...
Introduction:
Laylat
al-Qadr is a very blessed night. It is the best night of Ramadaan,
rather the whole year. Rewards in this night are multiplied to equal
the worship of one thousand months. It is the night, which Allah
chose to send down the Qur'aan to the lowest heaven, from where it
was revealed in small parts to the Messenger of Allah (saws).
Laylat
al-Qadr is the night, when Allah decrees His wise ordainment,
matters of life, death, sustenance, disaster, etc. and the angels
descend with these decrees: “Verily! We have sent this
(Qur'aan) down in the Night of al-Qadr. And what will make you know
what Night of Qadr is? The Night of al-Qadr is better than one
thousand months. In it the angels and the Spirit (Angel Jibreel)
descend, by the Permission of Allah, with all decrees. Peace it is
until the appearance of dawn.” [Soorah al-Qadr (97): 1-5]
And
He says: “We have sent this (Qur'aan) down on a blessed
night. Verily! We always warn (people from sinning). In it,
every matter of ordainment is decreed by Our Command. Verily! We
always send (the messengers for guidance). It is a Mercy from Your
Lord; He is indeed All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” [Soorah ad-Dhukhan
(44): 3-5]
The
sending down of the Qur'aan here does not mean that it was revealed
all at once to the Messenger of Allah (saws). According to the
scholars, the Qur’aan was sent down on Laylat al-Qadr from al-Lawh
al-Mahfoodh (the Preserved Tablet) to the lowest heaven; it was then
revealed in small segments, as necessary over a period of twenty
three years of the Messenger's life. [Ibn Katheer]
Thursday, July 25, 2013
7 Practical Tips for praying Qiyaam al-Layl
Help of Allah is needed to accomplish and achieve success in all our affairs. And Allah only helps those who are sincere in their hearts. The Messenger of Allah (saws) said: “If you are truthful with Allah, then Allah will deliver to you what you wish for.” [An-Nasa'ee, al-Hakim and Saheeh al-Jamee] Therefore, one should have a sincere intention to pray Qiyaam al-Layl; seek the Pleasure of Allah Alone and avoid the desire of praise or fame. Allah says: “And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allah, and worship none but Him Alone…” [(98): 5]
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim said: “The degree to which a person is helped and aided by Allah depends on the degree of his intention, drive, aim and hopes. Help from Allah comes to people in proportion to their drive, intention, hopes and fears, and failure comes to them in like manner.”
2: Knowing the Virtues of
Qiyaam al-Layl
Knowing the virtues and rewards of performing worship produces willingness and
desire to perform the worship. We have previously mentioned numerous virtues
of regularly praying Qiyaam al-Layl, here we mention the excellence of praying
Qiyaam al-Layl particularly in the great month of Ramadan. Abu Hurayrah (ra) reported: “Allah's Messenger (saws) encouraged the people, without making it an
absolute command, to perform Qiyaam during Ramadan. He (saws) used to say:
“Whoever stands (in Qiyaam) in Ramadan out of faith and expectation (of
Allah's reward), all his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Saheeh Muslim]
3: Taking a nap in the daytime
3: Taking a nap in the daytime
Taking a nap before or after
Dhur Salaat will dismiss the stress and thus enable one to get up in the night
and stand in front of his Lord. The Messenger of Allah (saws) said: “Take a nap,
for the Shayateen (pl. of Shaytan) do not take naps.” [Reported by at-Tabaranee.
Al-Saheehah (2647)]
Co-operation ?!?
Cooperation
on haram is haram, cooperation on makrouh is makrouh, cooperation in
something mandoub is mandoub, cooperation on fard is fard. The one who
wants to cooperate with you on something fard it becomes obliged upon
you to respond to him and if the action is recommended it will be
recommended for you to respond to him.
Working collectively on something which is obliged has evidence, to say that if it were an obligation you would be obliged to cooperate on that. So for example dawah, openly publicly commanding good and forbidding evil, jihad feesabilillah, if someone wants to pray or make wudu and you have some water and don’t give it you will be sinful. If someone asks you for something he is obliged to do and you don’t cooperate with him and you have the ability to then obviously you will be sinful.
So for example, if someone can’t bury someone and says to you “I need your help” you have to cooperate with him. Now for greater reason something which is the right of Allah or right of society it will take priority; if we are obliged to help each other on the basis of someone praying or burying a dead person or cooperating with each other to feed someone, what about to implement the shariah on a state level? What about to defend Muslims against the kuffar for greater reason by qiyas ala this is something which we need to cooperate on we cannot do this individually.
We do make a distinction between imaamatul uzmah (khilafah) and al imaamatul sughra which is less than that (imara khasa) so the imara ‘ama is known as jamaatal muslimeen that collective body of Muslims under one khalifah. Whereas imaratul sughrah or imara khasa is people together under an amir less than the imaamatul qubra so the lower imaraship (something less) people implementing shariah maybe in a locality or people working collectively to command good and forbid evil is a type of imara khasa and it could be many different types; it could be people working collectively to build a mosque or to feed the needy people. These types of things are also obliged on something which is obliged.
Working collectively on something which is obliged has evidence, to say that if it were an obligation you would be obliged to cooperate on that. So for example dawah, openly publicly commanding good and forbidding evil, jihad feesabilillah, if someone wants to pray or make wudu and you have some water and don’t give it you will be sinful. If someone asks you for something he is obliged to do and you don’t cooperate with him and you have the ability to then obviously you will be sinful.
So for example, if someone can’t bury someone and says to you “I need your help” you have to cooperate with him. Now for greater reason something which is the right of Allah or right of society it will take priority; if we are obliged to help each other on the basis of someone praying or burying a dead person or cooperating with each other to feed someone, what about to implement the shariah on a state level? What about to defend Muslims against the kuffar for greater reason by qiyas ala this is something which we need to cooperate on we cannot do this individually.
We do make a distinction between imaamatul uzmah (khilafah) and al imaamatul sughra which is less than that (imara khasa) so the imara ‘ama is known as jamaatal muslimeen that collective body of Muslims under one khalifah. Whereas imaratul sughrah or imara khasa is people together under an amir less than the imaamatul qubra so the lower imaraship (something less) people implementing shariah maybe in a locality or people working collectively to command good and forbid evil is a type of imara khasa and it could be many different types; it could be people working collectively to build a mosque or to feed the needy people. These types of things are also obliged on something which is obliged.
Ultimate Victory will be for the believers but only after succeeding in Trials!!!
Every
believer will have to go through the tests of Eeman in order to attain
victory in this world and Paradise in the Hereafter.
Allah will test every believing
slave according to his level of faith.
Allah said: "Alif-Laam-Meem. Do people think that
they will be left alone because they say: 'We believe,' and will not be
tested?" [Soorah al-Ankaboot (29): 1-3] This is an admonition in the
form of a question, meaning that Allah will inevitably test His believing
servants according to their level of faith, as it is recorded in the authentic
Hadeeth. The Messenger of Allah (saws) said:
"The people most severely tested are the Prophets, then
the righteous, then the next best and the next best. A man will be tested in
accordance with the degree of his religious commitment; the stronger his
religious commitment, the stronger his test." [Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi
(7:78)]
But those who are not
believers will not escape such trials and tests for ahead of them lies a
severe punishment as Allah says: "Or think those who do
evil deeds that they can outstrip (escape) Us? Evil is that which they judge!"
[Soorah al-Ankaboot (29): 4]
"Allah will not leave the believers in the state in which you are now, until He distinguished the wicked from the good." [Soorah al-Imran (3): 179] Allah allows a calamity to happen, and during this calamity His friends become known and His enemies exposed, the patient believer recognized and the sinful hypocrite revealed. "Nor will Allah disclose to you the secrets of the Unseen." [Soorah al-Imran (3): 179] meaning you do not have access to Allah's Knowledge of His creation so that you can distinguish between the believer and the hypocrite, except by signs that Allah uncovers.
"Allah will not leave the believers in the state in which you are now, until He distinguished the wicked from the good." [Soorah al-Imran (3): 179] Allah allows a calamity to happen, and during this calamity His friends become known and His enemies exposed, the patient believer recognized and the sinful hypocrite revealed. "Nor will Allah disclose to you the secrets of the Unseen." [Soorah al-Imran (3): 179] meaning you do not have access to Allah's Knowledge of His creation so that you can distinguish between the believer and the hypocrite, except by signs that Allah uncovers.
Qiyaam al-Layl (The Night Prayer)
Qiyam means 'standing' and ‘Qiyam al-Layl’ means 'standing at night'. In the Shari’ah term both terms refer to 'the voluntary night prayer, whose time extends after the Isha prayer (the last of the five obligatory prayers, whose time extends from the disappearance of the reddish light in the sky until the middle of the night) until dawn.’
This voluntary prayer is described as Qiyam al-Layl because it involves long standings, in which long portions of the Qur'aan are recited. Other common names for this prayer are 'Salaat al-Layl' (the night prayer), Tahajjud (from hajjada meaning awake at night), witr and Taraweeh (resting). [Lisaan ul-Arab under 'Hajada' and 'Rawaha']
Its should be noted that Tahajjud is not different from Qiyam and Taraweeh, these are different names of the same prayer. Commonly the word Taraweeh is used to describe this prayer in Ramadaan, the Muslims used this term from early times. Muhammad Shaqrah says: “The reason for this name is that due to long recitation the people used to rest after every four rak'ah. Eventually this practice became a necessary element of Taraweeh even with short recitations. This led people to think that ‘Taraweeh’ is the correct name revealed to Allah's Messenger (saws).” [Irsad us-Sari p.75-77]
This name is wrong in text and in meaning. This name is neither known from Allah’s Messenger (saws) nor his companions… and as for the meaning the Prophet (saws) never taught the practice of resting between particular rak’ahs. Thus, Taraweeh is a novel name and it is better to use the name which the Messenger of Allah (saws) used for this prayer; ‘Qiyaam’.
One might ask, 'Is it wrong to rest between rak’ahs?’ The answer is - 'If the Imaam is tired or feels that the people praying behind him are tired from long standing and recitation, he may allow some rest…” [Irshad us-Sari (p: 75-77)
Friday, July 19, 2013
Calling to Islam in America - A Ramadan Reflection
By Younus Abdullah Muhammad (may Allah hasten his release-AMEEN)
PS:
THIS EX-BROTHER OF OURS WAS RELEASED 7YRS IN ADVANCE DUE TO HIM COMPROMISING WITH THE KUFFAR, I.E. BECOMING A MURTAD WITH HIS COMPLETE ALLIANCE WITH THEM IN ASSISTING TO PLOT, PLAN AND PUT BEHIND BARS OUR MUSLIM BROTHERS AND SISTERS UPON HAQQ !!!
THIS IS HIS NEW/CHANGED TO OLD SELF NOW VIEWS:
An extremist’s path to academia -- and fighting terrorism
FOR MORE INSHA'ALLAH ONE CAN SEARCH, READ AND WATCH NEWS ON GOOGLE.
HOWEVER LET US BENEFIT FROM THE ARTICLE AS THIS WAS WRITTEN WHILST HE WAS A MUSLIM !
THIS EX-BROTHER OF OURS WAS RELEASED 7YRS IN ADVANCE DUE TO HIM COMPROMISING WITH THE KUFFAR, I.E. BECOMING A MURTAD WITH HIS COMPLETE ALLIANCE WITH THEM IN ASSISTING TO PLOT, PLAN AND PUT BEHIND BARS OUR MUSLIM BROTHERS AND SISTERS UPON HAQQ !!!
THIS IS HIS NEW/CHANGED TO OLD SELF NOW VIEWS:
An extremist’s path to academia -- and fighting terrorism
FOR MORE INSHA'ALLAH ONE CAN SEARCH, READ AND WATCH NEWS ON GOOGLE.
HOWEVER LET US BENEFIT FROM THE ARTICLE AS THIS WAS WRITTEN WHILST HE WAS A MUSLIM !
Assalamulaikum
warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu:
In
the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. I pray this finds
each of you in a blessed state of Iman, healthy and prepared for
another Ramadan of mercy and contemplation inshaAllah.
I wanted to write a sincere statement coincident with the month about the importance of calling to Islam in America. I have now been incarcerated for two years, and while I never imagined coming back to the country, in many ways, I have grown appreciative and grateful for my newfound reality, and all praise is due to the Lord of the Al alameen. As one gets older, idealism's are replaced by more realistic contemplation and one has a greater appreciation for any opportunity that can lead to the rectification of deeds and the improvement of one's internal condition.
I wanted to write a sincere statement coincident with the month about the importance of calling to Islam in America. I have now been incarcerated for two years, and while I never imagined coming back to the country, in many ways, I have grown appreciative and grateful for my newfound reality, and all praise is due to the Lord of the Al alameen. As one gets older, idealism's are replaced by more realistic contemplation and one has a greater appreciation for any opportunity that can lead to the rectification of deeds and the improvement of one's internal condition.
There
aren't many tests more difficult than prison. The prisoner is often
stuck between the fear that his incarceration is a result of his
disobedience to Allah and the hope that his situation is a form of
worship - surely Allah (SWT) tested the Messengers with similar
trials. We are comforted by a balance that comes as a result of
contemplation on the ayat of Allah and the close connection that
comes about when all is removed and absolute reliance is dependent
upon Him (ta' ala). As Sheikh al-Islam explained it when asked about
the du'aa of Yunus (alayhi salam), everything Allah does to His
servants serves a purpose. He described,
"From
the completion of Allah's favor upon His slaves is that He afflicts
them with trials and tribulations so that they might turn back to Him
and supplicate to Him, without partners, making their religion
sincere to Him and making their hope and hearts dependant on Him
alone. This leads to absolute reliance on Him, and then their tasting
the sweetness of faith and absolving themselves of all facets of
shirk. All of the blessings of health, security, and provision are
only temporal (worldly) blessings which both the believer and
non-believer are granted. As for the blessings that are achieved by
those who live tawheed, they are beyond description, and every
believer experiences this proportionate to his level of faith. This
is why the salaf said, 'O son of Adam, you have indeed been blessed
when in order to fulfill a need you frequently knock on the gate of
your Master.' And one of the scholars said, 'I have a need for Allah
so I invoke Him and He grants me the delight of knowing Him and the
sweetness of conversation with Him which makes me desire that my
needs are not addressed quickly for fear that my soul is distracted
from this because the soul only desires what it wants and whenever it
attains its objective it turns away.'
So
we remind the brothers and sisters to remember Allah much this
Ramadan and to use the blessed month to rectify your relationship
with Allah, always seeking guidance upon the straight path. The
following article is about dawa and is a topic I felt compelled to
write about because it is an area that occupies a significant portion
of our time here. I ask you all to take time to make dua for me and
my family, that Allah (swt) hasten my release and protect my wife and
children while I'm gone. He (swt) says that, "Whosoever fears
Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way out for him from
every difficulty and He will provide for Him from sources where he
could never imagine."
What to look for in a Muslim that has asked for your hand in Marriage...
Religious commitment:
This
is the most important thing to look for in the man you want to marry.
The husband should be a Muslim who adheres to all the laws and
teachings of Islam in his daily life. The woman’s guardian (wali)
should strive to check out this matter and not rely only on outward
appearances. One of the most important things to ask about is the
man’s prayer (salaah); the one who neglects the rights of Allaah is
more likely to neglect the rights of others. The true believer does
not oppress or mistreat his wife; if he loves her, he honours her,
and if he does not love her, he does not mistreat or humiliate her.
It is very rare to find this attitude among those who are not sincere
Muslims.
Allaah
says:
“and
verily, a believing slave is better than a (free) Mushrik (idolater),
even though he pleases you” [al-Baqarah 2:221]
“Verily,
the most honourable of you with Allaah is that (believer) who has
At-Taqwaa [i.e. he is one of the Muttaqoon (the pious)]”
[al-Hujuraat 49:13]
“Good
statements are for good people (or good women for good men) and good
people for good statements (or good men for good women)” [al-Noor
24:26]
The
Prophet (pbuh) said:
“If
there comes to you one whose religious commitment and attitude
pleases you, then marry [your female relative who is under your care]
to him, for if you do not do that, there will be tribulation on earth
and much corruption.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi and classed as
saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 1084).
Is eating a Cat Halaal?
Assalamu alaykum Ummah,
Now since we got your attention and wondering if eating this cute kitten is halal or haram, we got something more important to focus on.
At Ummaland we don't engage in politics and this is no exception. The sole purpose of this help is to support our brothers and sisters in Syria who are starving. Please, read more in detail.
As we are waiting patiently to break our fast and eat what is cooking in our kitchens, 1/3 of our brothers and sisters are on the verge of starvation.
The news reached to us that the situation is so bad that the scholars in Homs made a fatwa that eating cat meat is halal.
We are not asking you a fortune. All we are asking is to donate an amount for one meal at least.
Only thing you must not do is to ignore.
At the end of the day, if we can't give our due share for those dying of starvation, how can we call ourselves a part of this Ummah?
All payments are directly transferred to IAPS (International Aid for the People of Syria).
IAPS provides shelter, blankets and survival packs to Syrians in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt. They also purchase medical aid, assist with medical expenses of those in need and help establish makeshift hospitals and schools.
If you even can't afford that, then please, share it and send this campaign to those who can donate.
The Destructive Phase of the Television!!!
Since most People leave
Television ONLY in Ramadaan, lets learn more about this evil of
Television and leave it for good Insha'Allah. Television has become
the most common way of entertainment and amusement today. It has
replaced many physical activities, like sports and reading, which
were previously utilized by people to spend their leisure time.
However, television is not the correct substitute for those
activities, which besides entertaining also enhance skills and
talents. Researches performed on the impact of television undoubtedly
prove its ill effects upon the viewers! Moreover, most part of the
entertainment programs displayed on television transgress Islamic
bounds.
The Messenger of Allah (saws) said: "Everything with which a man amuses himself is Baatil (baseless, null and impermissible) - except three, his practicing with bow (and arrow); his training the horse and his playing with his family." [Saheeh al-Bukharee] This Hadeeth encourages the Muslims to choose amusements that benefit him, either by improving skills or strengthening family ties. Television, on the other hand, severs family bonds. Television programs dealing with family and personal matters suggest a lifestyle far from reality; single-parent families, children out of wedlock, continuous disputes and problems are publicized as normal way of life and divorce is portrayed as the easiest way out!
Islam does not allow any amusement, which make people negligent of Allah. Television does not only make one negligent of Allah's remembrance, but it also makes people negligent of their obligatory duties, especially the Salaah (prayer).
Television transmits fictitious stories, which greatly attract the viewers, as it takes one away from the reality into the world of desires and fantasy. Islam is in strong opposition to such illusions, because illusions make man negligent of death and Hereafter. The Prophet (saws) said: "Make mention of the destroyer of desires (i.e. death) very often." [(Hasan) at-Tirmidhee no: 2049, and Ibn Majah no: 4258]
Television also destroys the Muslim's Aqeedah, Character, Health, Wealth, and it has also become a cause of wasting time, as we shall see in the following:
The Messenger of Allah (saws) said: "Everything with which a man amuses himself is Baatil (baseless, null and impermissible) - except three, his practicing with bow (and arrow); his training the horse and his playing with his family." [Saheeh al-Bukharee] This Hadeeth encourages the Muslims to choose amusements that benefit him, either by improving skills or strengthening family ties. Television, on the other hand, severs family bonds. Television programs dealing with family and personal matters suggest a lifestyle far from reality; single-parent families, children out of wedlock, continuous disputes and problems are publicized as normal way of life and divorce is portrayed as the easiest way out!
Islam does not allow any amusement, which make people negligent of Allah. Television does not only make one negligent of Allah's remembrance, but it also makes people negligent of their obligatory duties, especially the Salaah (prayer).
Television transmits fictitious stories, which greatly attract the viewers, as it takes one away from the reality into the world of desires and fantasy. Islam is in strong opposition to such illusions, because illusions make man negligent of death and Hereafter. The Prophet (saws) said: "Make mention of the destroyer of desires (i.e. death) very often." [(Hasan) at-Tirmidhee no: 2049, and Ibn Majah no: 4258]
Television also destroys the Muslim's Aqeedah, Character, Health, Wealth, and it has also become a cause of wasting time, as we shall see in the following:
The Cancer of the Civil State
Freedom.
Equality. Liberty. These emotive catchwords and slogans shouted from
the lips of the kuffar have ushered in the greatest attempt to install
themselves in the place of Allah Ta'ala - crowning themselves lord,
king, judge, legislator, president - gods in their own deformed image.
The modern vehicle for this self-destructive endeavour is the civil
state.
Predicated
upon a rejection of Allah Ta’ala, His Divine Message, and His Shariah
necessary for human sustenance and advancement, the civil state has been
constructed as a means to try to protect the kuffar from having to face
their inevitable date with death that all souls will taste. For once
Allah Ta'ala, His Message, and His Law are rejected, physical death
becomes the greatest fear and the greatest reality to be avoided at all
costs. That they have lost all understanding of the soul, physical life,
death, and the hereafter should be obvious.
If
we examine what the kuffar are doing with their civil states and the
so-called laws they craft to rule them, it is this futile attempt to
avoid physical death that fundamentally drives all that they do. That
they think they are the source of their own creation and can shape the
entire creation in their own image is one thing in terms of suffering
from an obvious mental illness - but once this is coupled to the fear of
physical death and the all-out effort to try to avoid it - the
cancerous tumour of the civil state really begins to form and spreads to
impact all of creation.
What
can be seen through the civil state is a crude attempt to ascribe all
of the qualities and characteristics of the Creator, Himself, to these
states and those who hold positions in them in the desperate hope that
they can immortalize themselves; never having to face death or the
consequences of their sinful, degenerate behaviors and actions. This
flows from the psychotic belief that they, themselves, are Allah.
The Etiquettes of Eating
It may appear a little ironic to be discussing the subject of FOOD in a month,
which is characterized by the command to abstain from it! Nevertheless, it is
true to say that in this month the subject of food tends to receive special
attention from us, for after a whole day of keeping our desires and hunger pangs
at bay, the chance to eat ones till in the evening is much appreciated. An
appropriate time therefore to highlight some of the Islamic etiquettes of eating
we think.
For every act that a Muslim does, there is a chance for him to earn some reward for it from Allaah. From praying to performing ghusl, in everything Allaah has placed His Blessings and these blessings are multiplied in the month of Ramadaan.
These rewards and blessings can be attained only by those keen to imbibe the Guidance and Example (Sunnah) of the Prophet Muhammad (saws) into every mode of their lives, seeking thereby none but the Face of Allaah. For such people, their whole lives become ‘Ibadaah. Even the act of eating and drinking upon which all living things depend can become acts of ‘Ibadaah. Thus, by acquainting ourselves with the Sunnah of eating and drinking we too can turn this mundane exercise into an act of worship and a source of blessing, Insha’Allaah!!
The Etiquettes of Eating
1] How to Begin [There is a common misconception that to wash ones hands before eating is from Sunnah. This is based on the hadeeth which alleges that the Prophet (saws) said: "The blessing of the food is in washing the hands before it and after it." [Ahmed, Aboo Dawood and others] It should be known however that this hadeeth is daef (week) according to Aboo Dawood. Infect some scholar went as far As to say that this practice was disliked since it was a practice of the Jews and only if there was a reason to wash them was it not disliked. The point is that washing the hands before the meal contains no added reward since it is not from the Sunnah, although there is no harm in doing as if one needs to]
When a Muslim begins to eat, he should begin with the name of Allaah. As the Prophet Muhammad (saws) said: ‘When one of you eats, he should mention Allah’s name (i.e. say ‘Bismillah); if he forgets to mention Allah’s name at the beginning, he should say (when he remembers): I begin in the name of Allah at the beginning and at the end of it ( Bismillah awwalahu wa Akhirahoo).” [Saheeh - Narrated by Aaisha and collected by Aboo Dawood. Authenticated by at-Tirmidhee and al-Albanee inhis Saheeh. Sunan Aboo Dawood. Note that the Sunnah is to say ‘Bismillah’ only and not ‘Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem’]
For every act that a Muslim does, there is a chance for him to earn some reward for it from Allaah. From praying to performing ghusl, in everything Allaah has placed His Blessings and these blessings are multiplied in the month of Ramadaan.
These rewards and blessings can be attained only by those keen to imbibe the Guidance and Example (Sunnah) of the Prophet Muhammad (saws) into every mode of their lives, seeking thereby none but the Face of Allaah. For such people, their whole lives become ‘Ibadaah. Even the act of eating and drinking upon which all living things depend can become acts of ‘Ibadaah. Thus, by acquainting ourselves with the Sunnah of eating and drinking we too can turn this mundane exercise into an act of worship and a source of blessing, Insha’Allaah!!
The Etiquettes of Eating
1] How to Begin [There is a common misconception that to wash ones hands before eating is from Sunnah. This is based on the hadeeth which alleges that the Prophet (saws) said: "The blessing of the food is in washing the hands before it and after it." [Ahmed, Aboo Dawood and others] It should be known however that this hadeeth is daef (week) according to Aboo Dawood. Infect some scholar went as far As to say that this practice was disliked since it was a practice of the Jews and only if there was a reason to wash them was it not disliked. The point is that washing the hands before the meal contains no added reward since it is not from the Sunnah, although there is no harm in doing as if one needs to]
When a Muslim begins to eat, he should begin with the name of Allaah. As the Prophet Muhammad (saws) said: ‘When one of you eats, he should mention Allah’s name (i.e. say ‘Bismillah); if he forgets to mention Allah’s name at the beginning, he should say (when he remembers): I begin in the name of Allah at the beginning and at the end of it ( Bismillah awwalahu wa Akhirahoo).” [Saheeh - Narrated by Aaisha and collected by Aboo Dawood. Authenticated by at-Tirmidhee and al-Albanee inhis Saheeh. Sunan Aboo Dawood. Note that the Sunnah is to say ‘Bismillah’ only and not ‘Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem’]
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Egypt and Morsi...
Muhammad
Morsi, the now disgraced and overthrown President of Egypt, received a
rude awakening on the first anniversary of his rule, as the head of the
Egyptian Armed Forces, General Sisi orchestrated the removal of Morsi
from power; effectively a coup. Widespread protests rocked Egypt as many
took to the streets to vent their frustrations at the Muslim
Brotherhood (MB) dominated government. The MB swept to power under the
Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), winning the parliamentary elections in
early 2012 and then subsequently winning the presidential run-off. A
year on, however, the political career of both Morsi and the MB has been
brought to an abrupt end. The MB struggled to solve the myriad of
problems that faced Egypt, while simultaneously battling thugs in the
street, a seditious opposition, corruption in the judiciary, and a state
that is in shambles at many levels. As Morsi and the MB determine their
futures, RO reviews the four fundamental reasons why the MB find
themselves no longer in power. Firstly, the MB-dominated government inherited an economy which was already on the verge of collapse. The lack of a clear economic roadmap made the economical situation worse. The problem with the Egyptian economy is that an elite few are in control of it. When large parts of the economy were privatized, the country’s assets went right into the hands of Mubarak's friends. These business tycoons still maintain control over the Egyptian economy,[1] something Morsi never attempted to change. This maldistribution led to a situation where 40% of Egyptian population live below the poverty line.[2] These big business elites moved much of their wealth out of the country when Mubarak fell, leading to a big fall of the Egyptian pound, drastically raising the cost of imports.[3] Since Egypt is reliant upon agricultural and energy imports, this created a massive trade imbalance and lead to MB's decision to turn to the IMF. As inflation spiraled out of control and unemployment rose many have taken to the streets in protest.
Secondly, Morsi failed to placate much of the opposition, who took every opportunity to undermine his rule. The secular opposition, Mubarak-era officials, and the business elite never accepted the MB electoral victory, and never will – their key demand has always been that Morsi must step down.[4] The MB have had to contend with persistent insurrection since coming to power, and Morsi attempted to deal with this by sacking the prosecutor general Abdel-Maguid Mahmoud and assigning himself powers over the legislative and executive branches as well as immunity from the courts. This backfired, leading to mass riots and stand-off in the streets of Cairo. Morsi failed to integrate the opposition, divide them, or weaken them. As a result, opposition figures carried out regular, often violent, demonstrations to undermine Morsi’s rule, bringing the country to a standstill.
Ramadaan the Month of the Qur'aan
Allah honored this month by revealing the Qur'aan in it and it is because of this that He obligated fasting in it.
This is also the month in which Jibreel (as) would come to meet the Prophet (saws) every night in order to repeat the recitation of the Qur’aan with him. [Saheeh al-Bukhari] Thus, the relationship between Ramadaan and the Qur’aan is very close, which is why Muslims worldwide turn to the Qur'aan with a heightened sense of vigor during this month.
Recitation of the Qur’aan
The main purpose of the Qur'aan is to be a source of guidance for mankind, leading those who cling to it from darkness into light, from misery to happiness and raising them from lowliness to a lofty station. However, another important feature of the Qur'aan is that its recitation is in itself a form of 'ibadah' (worship). Infect the Qur'aan is defined as being the (uncreated) word of Allah, sent down to Muhammad (saws) the recitation of which is a form of worship” [Al-Waadih Fee Usoolil Fiqh (p.66) of Muhammad Sulayman al-Ashqar] a unique definition that can be applied to no other book, writing or statement.
Some of the Merits of Ramadaan...
Abu
Hurairah (ra) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (saws) said: "Every
deed of the Son of Aadam will be rewarded ten to seven hundred times its
worth. Allaah, Mighty and Sublime, said: 'Except for the fast, for
indeed it is for Me, and I will reward it. He leaves off his desires and
his food for My sake. There are two times of joy for the one fasting.
The time of joy when he breaks his fast and the time of joy when he
meets His lord. And the scent coming from the mouth of the one fasting
is more pleasant in the sight of Allaah than the smell of musk.'" [Al-Bukhaaree (4/103) and Muslim (1151)]
Words to my Muslim Sister
Know
that you are man's sister and half of humanity. You are a mother,
wife, daughter, sister, aunt, grand daughter or grand mother. The
Prophet said, what translated means, Women are, indeed, men's partners.
[Abu Dawood]. You are a member of the great nation of Islam, the best
nation ever produced for mankind. No other nation on earth has more
great men, leaders and conquerors than this nation. It is the nation of
guidance and the straight religion, and it leads humanity to
righteousness and truth. It transforms people from worshippers of slaves
to worshippers of the Lord of slaves, from life's pressures to the
pleasures of the Life after, and from the injustice of other religions
to the justice of Islam.
Your ancestors, great women of Islam, were one of the main reasons for this great nation to take this great place among all nations. Allah, Who granted Islam to this nation, made a high place for Muslim women, and decreed that they share in the responsibilities of enjoining truth, forbidding evil and raising the flag of Islam. He said, what translated means, The believers, men and women, are loyalists of one another, they enjoin righteousness and forbid evil, they offer their prayers perfectly and give the Zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will leave His Mercy on them. Surely Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. [9:71]
Allah has given Muslim women what they can bare of orders and duties. He is the God Who knows His creation, Should He not know what He created? And He is the Most Kind, All-Aware (of everything). [67:14].
My dear sister, you are called upon today to truly become an active member of the Muslim nation, strive to establish victory for Allah's Word, implement the Quran and help build the generation of Iman.
What Do Your Enemies Want From You?
Your ancestors, great women of Islam, were one of the main reasons for this great nation to take this great place among all nations. Allah, Who granted Islam to this nation, made a high place for Muslim women, and decreed that they share in the responsibilities of enjoining truth, forbidding evil and raising the flag of Islam. He said, what translated means, The believers, men and women, are loyalists of one another, they enjoin righteousness and forbid evil, they offer their prayers perfectly and give the Zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will leave His Mercy on them. Surely Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. [9:71]
Allah has given Muslim women what they can bare of orders and duties. He is the God Who knows His creation, Should He not know what He created? And He is the Most Kind, All-Aware (of everything). [67:14].
My dear sister, you are called upon today to truly become an active member of the Muslim nation, strive to establish victory for Allah's Word, implement the Quran and help build the generation of Iman.
What Do Your Enemies Want From You?
Essential matters concerning Ramadaan...
The
month of Ramadaan… It is the month of Qur'an, the month of prayer, the
month of charity, the month of blessings and reward, the month of
fasting.
Allah said: “O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)” [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183]
Allah also said:
"It is the month of Ramadaan in which the Qur’an was revealed a guidance for mankind with clear teachings showing the Right Way and a criterion of truth and falsehood. Therefore, anyone of you who witnesses that month should fast therein, and whoever is ill or upon a journey shall fast a similar number of days later on." [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185]
So fasting is an obligation and is a means of attaining taqwa, and taqwa means doing that which Allah has enjoined and avoiding that which He has forbidden.
Those who are not obliged to fast are the sick, the traveler, and the elderly. If the fast can be made up later on, then they to make up the fast, otherwise they have to feed one poor person for every day missed.
Allah said: “O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)” [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183]
Allah also said:
"It is the month of Ramadaan in which the Qur’an was revealed a guidance for mankind with clear teachings showing the Right Way and a criterion of truth and falsehood. Therefore, anyone of you who witnesses that month should fast therein, and whoever is ill or upon a journey shall fast a similar number of days later on." [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185]
So fasting is an obligation and is a means of attaining taqwa, and taqwa means doing that which Allah has enjoined and avoiding that which He has forbidden.
Those who are not obliged to fast are the sick, the traveler, and the elderly. If the fast can be made up later on, then they to make up the fast, otherwise they have to feed one poor person for every day missed.
Allah said: "If any of you is ill or on
a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as
for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man, etc.), they
have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskīn (poor person) (for
every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for
him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know." [Surah
Al-Baqarah 2:184]
Friday, July 5, 2013
Kashmir: World’s Largest Open-Air Prison!!!
There are mountains and rivers, springs and lakes in the prison. The land was divided into two, a prison was established hence-forth. A prisoner cannot visit his mother in the other part of the prison lest he wants to be a ‘bravery award’ for the troops.
There are a lot of buildings in this Prison although the graveyards outnumber them.
In this prison, the Inmates are allowed to eat, drink and clothe themselves. They are provided with internet and mobile phones which help in intimate surveillance.The inmates are allowed to hangout with other inmates at coffee shops, weddings and the occasional funeral of an inmate killed by a sadistic trooper. Sometimes there are incidents of rapes by these troops which are condoned by the authorities.
Protests for water, electricity and roads are met with bullets (leave alone for freedom). Speaking of rights and freedom is strictly banned. Reading materials left by intellectual prisoners inside the prison are changed according to their taste (e.g We are not the Integral Part of you). Some of the intellectual prisoners are given better ‘leftovers’ to write in the praise of his majesty and the realm.
Each inmate has an identity card like the serial numbers of Jews in Nazi Concentration Camps. While some inmates who enjoy the enslavement have called it ‘their normal life’. Others are not willing to barter the spirit of freedom hence the prison employs troops which question the presence of the imposed prison.
Common Mistakes during Ramadhan-Shk Ahmad Musa Jibril (HafidhUllah)
The list was taken from Sheikh Ahmad Musa Jibril's Fiqh of Ramadhan class.
1) Focusing on food; to the extent that people begin to worry about eating more then actually fasting. This also goes along with spending tons of money on Iftaars even though a person does not need to eat that much food.
2) Making Suhr way before Fajr. Some people eat Suhr a few hours after Taraweeh or Isha Salah, this is wrong. It should be eaten closer to the time of Fajr.
3) People don't make Niyyah (intentions) to fast for Ramadhan. This is something in the heart and does not need to be verbal. Also it only needs to be done once, at the beginning of Ramadhan and not every single day.
4) If you find out late that Ramadhan started, you should stop eating and fast for that day, making that day up after Ramadhan/Eid ends.
5) Many people don't think you pray Taraweeh on the first night of Ramadhan (such as tonight). They believe you pray it after the first day you actually fast. They forget that the Islamic calender runs on the moon, Maghrib is the start of the new day.
6) Many people believe if you eat or drink on accident this breaks your fast. This is false, if you do this on accident then you continue fasting and do not need to make up the day.
7) Some people take the opinion that if they see someone eating or drinking they should not remind the person that he/she is fasting. According to many ulama , this is incorrect and it is an order from Allah for us to ordain the good and forbid the evil. Thus we tell the person, because we are forbidding the evil this way.
8) Many sisters believe they cannot use Hennah while fasting. This is incorrect, they are allowed to use it during Ramadhan.
Fruits of Ramadaan...
Allah - the Most High - has
favored us with
countless blessings, the greatest of them being Islam itself. Within the
religion of Islam there are many favors; one is the month of Ramadan, which
is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. However, many of us overlook this
bounty and are thus left with an incomplete depiction of Ramadan, often
viewing it as a month to get oneself into shape!! Or rigidly describing it as
a training program teaching self-restraint. Most importantly Ramadan is an
act of Ebadah (worship), the fulfillment of Allah's commandments and one of the
great mercies of Allah to His believers for both this world and the next. lbn
al-Qayyim [ Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah
(691-75). He was born in Damascus. He is one of great scholars of Islam: a
muhaddith and a faqeh and the foremost student of Shaikhul Islam Ibn Taimeeyah.
Among his famous books are Zaadul-Ma'aad and Ilaam ul-Muwaqqi'een and his
length of poem on the tenets of faith, al-Qasida an-Nooniyyah] wrote in his famous book 'Zaadul-Ma'aad 2/8587 :'From the Mercy
of the Mighty and Most Merciful is that He prescribed for them fasting which
will cut off the excesses of eating and drinking and empties the hearts of its
desires which divert it on its journey to Allah -the Most High. He prescribed
it in due proportion as will be appropriate and will benefit the servant with
regard to this world and to the Hereafter; and it will not harm him, nor
damage what is beneficial for him.”
VIRTUES OF RAMADAAN:
a) The Hellfire is locked and the gates of Paradise are
opened
Prophet Muhammad (saws) said: “When Ramadaan comes the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of the Fire are locked and the devils are chained...” [Bukhari Eng, v.3, # 123) & Muslim eng, v..2, # .2361]
Prophet Muhammad (saws) said: “When Ramadaan comes the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of the Fire are locked and the devils are chained...” [Bukhari Eng, v.3, # 123) & Muslim eng, v..2, # .2361]
All praise is for Allah Who out of His infinite Mercy locks
the gates of Hell, chains and shackles the devils and opens up the gates of
Paradise in this month for His servants, making it easier for them to devote
this special time to His worship. It makes it harder for the evil jinn to
corrupt the people as they usually do, because Insha'Allah the Muslims will be
occupied with fasting, engaged in reading the Qur'aan, busy with extra prayers
and in doing other righteous actions which help clean and purify their hearts.