Islamic Reasoning

Deserted Masaajid and silent Mimbers - A heartfelt request from your sister.

2020-08-17T20:37:00.000+05:30

By: Uzma Azmi

Not able to feel the beauty of congregational prayers in the mosques, some were deeply saddened because of the closing of the mosques during the lockdown due to its necessity and have been waiting desperately to perform their salah in it. But for some, the closing and the opening hardly makes any difference. It is even more disheartening to see them engaged in all sorts of worldly activities while giving excuse of the fear of the disease if they go to the mosques.

I don't know who could relate himself to this post, but I have a request for him. Please turn and come few steps back and wait at the gate of the abandoned mosque for a while when u walked past it, and give a look filled with love at the weeping walls of the mosques. Try casting your eyes down in humility when you look at the cold floor which has been waiting for the warmth of your sajdah, and if you feel your heart coming alive, take a step forward and touch the awaiting gate, the deserted staircase, the lonely window panes and the silent minbar. Feel the pain of emptiness of a rich place. Let your eyes get teary and have the azan reverberating in your ears.

It won't take much of your time, and even if it does, it will be worth it. Trust me... my brothers. Just go ahead and grace the masjid with your presence. And all that with precautionary measures of course keeping in mind the pandemic.

A heartfelt request from your sister.

May Allah guide us to the truth.

Aameen

The author, Uzma Azmi, writes for Islamic Reasoning through The Muslim Writers.

The Best Days Ever: First 10 days of Dhul Hijjah

2020-07-26T15:13:00.002+05:30

By: Sr. Uzma Azmi

This is from the mercy of Allah subhanahu wa ta’aala that He has made some days, nights or months better than the others where rewards get multiplied many times, hence infusing in us the zeal to worship Him more and do more good deeds to seek His pleasure.

Among the special seasons of ibadah are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah which Allah has preferred over all other days of the year.

Ibn 'Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet Sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam said, "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days". The companion, may Allah be pleased with them, asked: O Messenger of Allah, not even jihad in the path of Allah?" He, Sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam said: "Not even jihad in the path of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back nothing (lost both his property and life)" [Saheeh Al Bukhari 969]

The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded us to recite a lot of Tasbeeh (Subhanallah), Tahleel (Alhumdulillaah) and Takbeer (Allahuakbar) during these days. [Narrated by Abdullah Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with him), Musnad Ahmed]

There is no doubt that the act of fasting is one of the best deeds, and it is from what Allah (Most High) has chosen for Himself as in sacred Hadeeth, "Fasting is for Me (Allah), and I shall reward for it [Saheeh Bukhari 5927]. Verily, someone gives up his sexual passion, his food and his drink for Allah’s sake. The prophet, may peace and blessings be upon him, said that fasting on the day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and of the coming year. [Saheeh Muslim 1162 a, b]

Along with fasting, there are many more righteous deeds from which we can attain the 'qurb' (closeness) of Allah and add in our bank of akhirah, in sha Allah, like reading the Qur'an, increase in nawaafil prayers, doing lots of dhikr, seeking repentance from Allah, perform charity, preserving the ties of kinship and so on.

Make dua, though this dua is not exclusive for this occasion, the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, recommended Muad Ibn Jabl, may Allah be pleased with him, not to leave this supplication after every (prescribed) prayer:

"Allahumma inni ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni ibadatik".

(O Allah, help me to remember You, to give You thanks and to perform Your worship in the best manner)

[Sunan Abu Dawood 1522, Saheeh by Albani]

May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala accept from us and from you.

Aameen.

The author, Uzma Azmi writes for Islamic Reasoning through The Muslim Writers.

STORY: I carried a dead Muslim girl out of a night club - a painful story

2019-06-28T18:30:00.001+05:30

I never really tell stories about my past, mainly because we dont need to be exposing our past sins and a little bit because I dont wanna snitch on myself.. But time to time I reflect on the lessons learnt.

It was October 2011 and I was a security manager in the nightclub scene. I got called to work a big urban night, which people attended from all over the country. Over 3000 people came and the place was full from wall to wall. Some well known rappers and DJ's were playing that night and I remember it smelt like cocoa butter, weed and sweat.

Alcohol and drug fuelled, there was so many fights. I remember seeing a guys head split when he got hit with a champagne bottle, blood everywhere. It was absolutely manic! I remember being so angry at the promoters for putting us in this situation as bouncers.

Anyway, at the end of the night as everybody rushed out the club in a hurry, people started to push, slip and fall down the stairs. With no regard for each other, they just started to walk over the people who had fallen and stamp all over them. Before you knew it there was a stampede and people were getting trampled and crushed.

Along with a few others I started to pull people out of the pile of bodies being crushed as others carried on walking all over them. I could hear screaming, crying and shouting... but these animals just did not care and would not stop. I was pulling people out from under the crowd and to safety as the police, paramedics and firemen turned up to help.

I went back in and pulled one female out who was unconscious and carried her outside the club to a paramedic. I placed her down on the car-park floor and ran back inside to help more people. Every time I came back out I looked at this girl not moving and the paramedic frantically trying to help. I went over to ask what's going on and they told me shes dead.

They checked her ID and from her name I found out she is a Muslim. Another girl also died that night and around 35 people were seriously injured. The police reviewed the footage and told me that I probably saved 30 lives that night..

But not this one.!

Till this day I cry when I think about her. It scared me so much to think as a Muslim I could lose my life in a nightclub. It was the start of me trying to change my whole life around. My intention is to continue doing sadaqa jarya charity projects for her.

May Allah forgive us for our sins and have mercy on this young Muslimah who was only around 19 years old.

Death can come at anytime man, you have to be prepared. The clubbing scene is nothing but filth. I've seen people lose their lives and even stopped women getting raped in my time on the doors.

Alhamdulillah for the second, third, fourth and however many other chances Allah has given us.

You can have the darkest past, but it shouldn't prevent you from having the brightest future. I work in this charity scene because me personally I have so much to make up for from the past.

Allah is the most merciful..and that is the reason why we can never give up.

May Allah take us at a time He is happy with us. Ameen.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/Waseem.Human.Relief.Foundation/posts/2392115427712479

STORY: A person of paradise but never prayed - Amr bin Thabit Uhayrim - Jung-e-Uhud

2019-06-23T16:04:00.000+05:30

Amr bin Thabit was known by the nickname “Uhayrim”. Amr was from Madinah. Although all members of his tribe became Muslims, he continued to oppose the Muslims on his own.

During the Battle of Uhud, Uhayrim, who remained in Madinah, started to think. What was the reason for the Muslims to work so hard for the cause they believed in and not to avoid any sacrifices? Uhayrim was thinking about it and as he thought, the light of belief started to illuminate his heart and face. Finally, he decided to become a Muslim. He uttered kalima ash-shahada.

Uhayrim was a mujahid of Islam from then on. It was impossible for him to remain in Madinah comfortably while his religious brothers fought against the ferocious polytheists and shed their blood. He girded himself with a sword and proceeded to Uhud. He arrived at Uhud at the most violent moment of the war. He fought heroically. Finally, he was severely injured and fell down.

The war was over. The Muslims had many martyrs. Those who were strong enough to walk wandered among the martyrs, trying to help the wounded. Meanwhile, they saw Uhayrim, who was about to breathe his last breath. They were very surprised because they knew him as a polytheist. Some of them even thought that he was there to help the polytheists. They approached him to find out and asked him, "O Amr! Why did you come here? Did you want to help your tribe or to help Islam?"

Uhayrim gave the following answer, which made them happy:

"I came here because of my desire for Islam. I became a Muslim. I believed in Allah and His Messenger. Then I took my sword and came here to fight against the polytheists in the way of Allah and His Messenger."

Uhayrim died a little while later and became a martyr.

The Companions informed the Messenger of Allah about him. The Prophet said, "He is a person of Paradise. He did very few things but he received a lot of rewards."

It was years after this incident. Hz. Abu Hurayra asked the people around him, "Who is the person who never performed a prayer but is a person of Paradise?" They kept silent; they could not answer. Abu Hurayra said, "He is Amr bin Thabit." Then he narrated his story.

______________________________

[1]Usdul-Ghaba, 4: 90-91; Isaba, 2: 526-527.

Source: https://questionsonislam.com/article/amr-bin-thabit-uhayrim-ra

Scholars' Interpretation: Foreplay - an important sunnah during sex

2018-12-02T17:22:00.000+05:30

Sometimes a hadith is not saheeh but its meaning is saheeh.

It is attributed to Prophet peace be upon him:

لا ترتموا على نسائكم كالبهائم ، بل اجعلوا بينكم و بينهم رسولاً ” فقيل: و ما هو الرسول يا رسول الله؟ فاجاب: القبلة

None of you should fall upon his wife like an animal; but let there first be a messenger between you. The Companions exclaimed, What is that messenger? The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied, Kisses and (romantic) words!

[Reported by Al-Daylami, al Albani said it is Munkar in Silsilah Daifa no. 6075, al Iraqi said: Munkar in Takhreej al Ihya 2/50]

The meaning of the hadith is saheeh.

a) al Ghazali mentioned this hadith of the topic and said:

ثم إذا قضى وطره فليتمهل على أهله حتى تقضي هي أيضاً نَهْمتها ؛ فإن إنزالها ربما يتأخر فتَهيجُ شهوتُها ، ثم القعود عنها إيذاءٌ لها ، والاختلاف في طبع الإنزال يوجب التنافر مهما كان الزوج سابقاً إلى الإنزال ، والتوافق في وقت الإنزال ألذ عندها ، ولا يشتغل الرجل بنفسه عنها فإنها ربما تستحي .

When his semen comes out let him keep his body over her until her semen comes out as well because (sometimes) her semen comes out late. It will be painful for her to be separated from the husband when her sexual desire is high.

[Ihya Uloom al Din ( 2 / 50 )]

b) Ibn al Qayyim said:

وممَّا ينبغى تقديُمُه على الجِماع : ملاعبةُ المرأة ، وتقبيلُها ، ومصُّ لِسانها ، وكان رسول الله صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يُلاعبُ أهله ، ويُقَبلُها .

He should fondle his wife first before having sex by kissing her and sucking her tongue. The Prophet peace be upon him used to fondle and kiss his wives.

[Zaad al Maad 4/253]

c) Ibn Hajr al asqalani commented on the statement of the Prophet peace be upon him "Why didn't you marry a young girl (Virgin) so that you may play with her and she with you?"

وفيه إشارة إلى مص لسانها ورشف شفتيها ، وذلك يقع عند الملاعبة والتقبيل ، وليس هو ببعيد كما قال القرطبي ،

"It refers to sucking her tongue and lips, and this happens when playing with one's wife and kissing her, so this meaning is very possible as al Qurtubi mentioned". [Fath al Bari, Kitab an Nikah under the hadith 5079-5080]

d) Imam Ibn Qudaamah (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

: " ويستحب أن يلاعِب امرأته قبل الجماع ؛ لتنهض شهوتُها ، فتنال من لذة الجماع مثل ما ناله "

It is mustahabb to engage in foreplay with one’s wife before having intercourse and to arouse her desire, so that she will get the same enjoyment from intercourse as he does. [Al-Mughni, 8/136]

e) Allama al-Munawi (Allah have mercy on him) states:

المرأة التي قعد لها يريد جماعها وأخذوا منه أنه يسن مؤكدا تقديم المداعبة والتقبيل ومص اللسان على الجماع وكرهوا خلافه

“Foreplay, kissing and sucking the tongue before sexual intercourse is a sunnah muakadah, and it is disliked (makruh) to do otherwise.” (Faidh al-Qadir, 5/90, Shamela See: Hadith no. 6536)

f) Great scholars said it is Mustahab to fondle and caress i.e. foreplay before having sex.
The scholars include

al Nawawi [Rawdha tul Talibeen 7/207].

Ibn al Haaj [al Madkhal 2/185]

al San`ani [al Tanveer Sharah Jame al Sagheer 8/312]

Compiled by: Asim ul Haq

Scholars' Interpretation: Sexual Positions - an Islamic perspective

2018-08-06T21:59:00.003+05:30

Narrated Abdullah Ibn Abbas: The fact is that this clan of the Ansar, who were idolaters, lived in the company of the Jews who were the people of the Book. They (the Ansar) accepted their superiority over themselves in respect of knowledge, and they followed most of their actions. The people of the Book (i.e. the Jews) used to have intercourse with their women on one side alone (i.e. lying on their backs). This was the most concealing position for (the vagina of) the women. This clan of the Ansar adopted this practice from them. But this tribe of the Quraysh used to uncover their women completely, and seek pleasure with them from in front and behind and laying them on their backs.

When the muhajirun (the immigrants) came to Medina, a man married a woman of the Ansar. He began to do the same kind of action with her, but she disliked it, and said to him: We were approached on one side (i.e. lying on the back); do it so, otherwise keep away from me. This matter of theirs spread widely, and it reached the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).

So Allah, the Exalted, sent down the Qur'anic verse: "Your wives are a tilth to you, so come to your tilth however you will," i.e. from in front, from behind or lying on the back. But this verse meant the place of the delivery of the child, i.e. the vagina.[Sunan Abi Dawud 2164]

In another narration of Jabir ibn Abdullah

قائما وقاعدا ومضجعا , بعد أن يكون فى صمام واحد ".

"Standing, Sitting, lying down but it should be through one opening (vagina)." [Authenticated by al Albani in al Irwa al Ghaleel 7/62]

Ibn Abi Shayba narrated from Abu Saaleh that he said:

حدثنا مروان بن معاوية عن إسماعيل عن أبي صالح ، نساؤكم حرث لكم فأتوا حرثكم أنى شئتم قال : إن شئت فأتها مستلقية ، وإن شئت فمتحركة ، وإن شئت فباركة .

Abu Saleh said: "Your wives are a tilth for your, so go to your tilth when or how you will" Go to her when she is lying on the back.. go to her while she is kneeling down (on hands and knees) [Ibn Abi Shayba, Durr Munthur under 2:223]

Mujahid the student of Ibn Abbas said:

ثم تلا نساؤكم حرث لكم فأتوا حرثكم أنى شئتم قائمة وقاعدة ومقبلة ومدبرة في الفرج

He (Mujahid) recited 2 : 223 meaning (you can have sex while) standing, sitting, from front, from behind but in vagina. [Sunan ad-Darami no. 1175 authenticated by Abdul Mannan Rasikh]

al Qurtubi said:

هذه الأحاديث نصٌ في إباحة الحال والهيئات كلِّها إذا كان الوطء في موضع الحَرْث؛ أي كيف شئتم من خلفٍ ومَن قُدَّامٍ وباركةً ومستلقيةً ومضطجعةً؛

These ahadeeth are clear that it is allowed to (do sex) in ALL THE POSITIONS as far as it is in vagina, meaning in any position you want, whether from behind, from front, whether she is lying on back or front. [Tafsir al Qurtubi under 2:223]

Shaykh Mahmood Mehdi Istanbuli said:

"Husband and wife should inform each other about their favorite position..

One of the doctor said: Some of the wives complaint about their (fat) husbands, that sometimes we feel that we will be crushed under the weight of our husbands. Sometimes we could not even breath. Every time in sex they go through this painful dream... The reason of that is the husband thinks, it is the only position allowed in Shar`a. He don't even know that he can also put his weight on his arms, Is it necessary to put his weight on the wife? So if the Husband is fat, so he should lay down and the wife can be over him, there is nothing wrong in it." [Tuhfatul Uroos page 99]

Compiled by: Asim ul Haq

Short Reminder: Woe to every slanderer and backbiter

2018-06-11T00:31:00.001+05:30

Woe to every slanderer and backbiter... This is how Surah Humazah (Surah 104) starts with a kind of a curse to the one who slander and backbite. He do so because of the pride of the wealth he has. He collects it and count it again and again as if his wealth make him last forever.

This is a person who is thrown in the hell fire and crushed into pieces. The fire will be covered all over his heart for the things he used to do on this earth because of the pride of the wealth he had.

Backbiting itself is a sin, it is as if a person has eaten the flesh of his dear brother (Quran 49:12) and backbiting out of pride of the wealth one possess is a greater sin as mentioned in this Surah (i.e. Surah Humazah). Spending in the way of Allah reaps benefit that multiplies seven hundred times (as mentioned in Quran 2:261).

Now it’s up to you whether you have pride of the wealth Allah has provided you or spend it in the way of Allah – choose wisely.

About the Author:
Iftikhar Islam is the Founder-Chairman of Excellence Foundation and GPRF. A Public Speaker and a Da'ee well known for his articles on Islam and Social issues. He is an ardent of Islam, Comparative Religions, Education, Entrepreneurship, Media, and Law. | Know more|
Join him for more insights Follow @iftikharislam

Give charity with clarity: Let them celebrate Eid with dignity

2017-06-26T01:24:00.001+05:30

By Iftikhar Islam

Islam has taken utmost care of the poor and down trodden. Even after a person gives Zakat which is mandatory on him, he has to give Sadqatul-Fitr (Zakaat-ul-Fitr) before praying Eid salah. Ibn Abbas said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) enjoined Zakatul-Fitr as a purification for the fasting person from idle talk and obscenities, and to feed the poor. Whoever pays it before the (Eid) prayer, it is an accepted Zakah, and whoever pays it after the prayer, it is (ordinary) charity.” Sunan Ibn Majah 1827.

We wear new clothes and prepare delicious dishes apart from the special sweets. We enjoy meeting with friends and family. We give Eidi and many other gifts to our children. Our Eid is settled. We celebrate it with dignity. All praises are due to Allah alone.

On the other hand, there are many who are not even capable of preparing a good meal at home. Leave about getting Eidi, their children are deprived of good clothes. They even hesitate to meet their friends as they do not have enough to celebrate Eid with dignity. Don’t you think it is our duty to provide them, help them, and be a part of them in celebrating this Eid?

Let’s give a part of wealth that Allah has blessed us to those who are in need. A wealth given in charity does not become less, it grows. It multiplies even in terms of blessings and helps in clearing the sins we have committed in Ramadhan. Don’t forget to give Sadkatul Fitr to those who are in need. It’s our duty to find them and provide them for there are many who do not raise their hands before anyone, except Allah.

Apart from Sadqatul Fitr, let us give more in charity so that Allah forgives our sins, make us more pious and help us to stay closer to him. Remember, this life is the test for the hereafter and the wealth we earn is also a test from Allah. Let us utilise it in the way of Allah as much as we can and earn the rewards from the Most Merciful.

O Allah, Forgive me and make me from those who love poor and take care of them. Aameen

About the Author:
Iftikhar Islam is the Admisnistrator-Founder of GPRF Network. A Public Speaker and a Da'ee well known for his articles on Islam and Social issues. He is an ardent of Islam, Comparative Religions, Education, Entrepreneurship, Media, and Law. | Know more|
Join him for more insights Follow @iftikharislam

Have we really achieved Taqwa?

2017-06-24T18:29:00.002+05:30

By: Iftikhar Islam

The purpose of fasting in the month of Ramadhan is to achieve taqwa. Allah says in the Glorious Quran, “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous (taqwa)” (2:186)

We fast the entire month of Ramadhan but we fail to realise and achieve the real purpose of it. Fasting without good characters is merely staying hungry. We need to analyse ourselves that are we achieving the real purpose of fasting or we are merely staying hungry. When we fast with all the etiquette of fasting then we will surely achieve the real purpose of it, In’sha’Allah.

If we go back to our normal routine soon after seeing the crescent of Shawwal then know that we have merely stayed hungry for the entire month. The real purpose of fasting is lost. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Verily, Gabriel came to me and he said: Whoever reaches the month of Ramadhan and he is not forgiven, then he will enter Hellfire and Allah will cast him far away, so say ameen. I said ameen. (Saheeh Ibn Hibban 915). Imagine the leader of the angels is cursing a person and a leader of the messengers is saying Aameen to it. Do we have a slightest of doubt about the destruction of this person? No, we don’t. So let us not fall among those who got Ramadhan and didn’t take heed of it.

My dear brothers and sisters, if we go to the movies right after the Ramadhan, then what have we really achieved by fasting the entire month of Ramadhan? There are many who celebrate Eid by visiting movie theatres. We mingle with non-mahrams in the name of celebration. Is it what we have achieved in the month Ramadhan?

We go back to the same sins we commit day to day. Our attitude becomes the same. We become the same person as we were before. Then, what was the purpose of Ramadhan and fasting that was imposed upon us? Ramadhan is a favour upon us from Allah and He will surely ask us, on the Day of Judgment, about each and every favour He has bestowed upon us. Fear Allah and let’s turn to Him in repentance.

Allah is the Most Merciful. He has blessed us with Ramadhan to achieve taqwa. Let us strive for it. Let this Ramadhan be a reason to become a good Muslim. Let us humble ourselves and be a righteous slave of Allah. Remember! Our value before Allah is only of a slave. He is our Master. We don’t have any other option but to be a slave of Allah. Let’s become a righteous slave.

We don’t know whether we get the coming Ramadhan. Death is sure, but it’s time is uncertain. Let’s go back to our Lord in repentance and lead our remaining life as a righteous slave of Allah.

O Allah, you love forgiveness, forgive us and help us to achieve taqwa. Aameen

The Last Days of Ramadhan

2017-06-23T16:13:00.002+05:30

By: Iftikhar Islam

We all know the importance of last days of Ramadhan. The last ten days and most important the last seven days. The Mother of the believers, Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her), narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to tighten his waist and used to worship the entire (or most of the part of) nights. He even used to wake up his wives for the worship. She also narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to worship more in these days as compare to others.

Allah has blessed the most important night in this period and raised the standard of this night to more than 1000 months. This distinctive night – laylatul Qadr – is so special that we don’t even know the exact night. It has a VVIP entrance. We don’t know when it comes. But we surely know it comes in the odd nights of last ten days. (It may even fall in even nights. Ref Saheeh Bukhari 2020). Yes! We know this. We are aware of this special night and the blessings of Allah. This Ummah is fortunate enough to get this blessed month with extra-ordinary rewards plus super-extra-ordinary booties in last days. The offer does not ends here. It continues with a blessed night more superior than 1000 months. Indeed, what a blessed month, Subhanallah!

All the offers are exclusive for Ramadhaan. We have to strive to get it in order to stay blessed. Do you even think of such an offer, an offer which is more blessed than the amaal of the entire life, such a beautiful blessings, that too, from our Master – Allah? But we, on the contrary, are busy enough with the offers of the slaves. We have put aside the offer of Allah, which we very well know the best of offers and are busy in the market like shayaateen, missing even our obligatory (fardh) Salaah. How shameful are we. We do not even regret our attitude, go on dis obeying the Lord, and wait to get the supplications answered like hypocrites.

It is very shameful upon us to neglect the offers given by Allah, only for the sake of getting new variety of clothes for Eid, various dishes to enjoy, or time to spend lavishly like the disbelievers. Astagfirullah. Astagfirullah. Indeed Allah said, “This life is the test for the hereafter” and we are busy in decorating this life by keeping the hereafter on the edge of the sword. O Muslims think yourself, are you fit to be called as Muslims? Don’t you even feel shy to roam in the market without hijab (that too in the month of Ramadhaan)? How much will you again disobey your Lord? Do you think you have the right to celebrate by disobeying your Master? Will Allah accept your deeds with this kind of attitude? We need to answer these serious questions and many more alike.

Allah has blessed one night in the entire year. We, the “follower” of the Prophet (peace be upon him), are neglecting this night and roaming in the streets of the city enjoying the disobedience of Allah, throwing out the hijab, just eating and drinking without any iota of regret of missing salaah and Layla tul Qadr. Indeed the loser is he who did not strive to get this night. You have lost the most important part of Ramadhaan if you have missed the worship of Laylatul Qadr. Indeed loser is he who got the month of Ramadhaan and did not get himself pardoned. (Refer: Saheeh Ibn Hibban 915)

It is not wrong to wear the latest pattern of dresses. It is not wrong to go for a shopping in the last days. But we fail to realize we are doing all these behind the colourful screen of “permissibility”, with the price of fard (obligatory) salah and the most important worships of Ramadhaan. Don’t be in the wrong impression of enjoying Ramadhaan. A true follower enjoy Ramadhaan in the worship of Allah. Ramadhaan is the month of training, not time-pass. It is the month of extra worship, hard work, setting goals, getting prepared, and working towards the poor to eradicate poverty. It is the month of asking forgiveness, crying in front of your Lord, knowing your standard in front of your Creator. Striving to get closer and closer with the Master. It is the month of getting connected to Allah and worship him as he should be worshiped. As the mother of the believers said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to tighten his waist and indulge in the prayers in the last ten days of Ramadhaan. And we the “followers” of the same Prophet (peace be upon him) are busy in the market disobeying the Master – Allah.

Yet we cry that our Ummah is not in the good state of affairs. The Glorious Quran rightly says (13:11) “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”

About the Author:

Iftikhar Islam is a presenter of Islam ~ a Da'ee ~ a motivational speaker and an educationist. He stands firm as the Admisnistrator-Founder of GPRF Network - a dawah organisation and Chairman of Excellence Foundation - an organisation to promote excellence in education. He is well known for his articles on Islam and Social issues; an ardent of Islam, Comparative Religions, Education, Entrepreneurship, Media, and Law. | Know more|

Join him for more insights Follow @iftikharislam

Ramadan and our habits

2017-06-01T17:40:00.000+05:30

By: Iftikhar Islam

In this beautiful Ramadan, Alhamdulillah, we strive to fast regularly. Even those who are not religious will portray himself (or herself) to be religious. But there are some habits which are yet attached even in Ramadan. May Allah give us enough strength so that we can gain maximum out of Ramadan.

There are few habits within the Muslim Ummah, which makes the Ummah backward. It is because of lack of knowledge. Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “It is obligatory upon every Muslim (male or female) to acquire knowledge”. Few of the habits are as follows which Muslims attach even in Ramadan.

Backbiting:

It is a very heinous crime in the sight of Allah and He compared it with eating the dead meat of a brother. But due to our sinful nature, we don’t even realize how we fall in the category of backbiting. Most of them even don’t think it as backbiting and say “I can even say on his face (in front of him)”. This statement is enough to prove that what you are indulging in is backbiting. Turn to Allah immediately and pray for the person about whom you were backbiting.

Smoking:

Ah! Is it Makrooh or Haraam? My dear brothers it is Haraam. Yes… completely Haraam. Ramadan is the month of training. Even in the training session if we indulge ourselves in useless habits, then what is the use of this session? This session will stand against us on the day of Judgement and Allah will question us about this opportunity in which we could have transformed ourselves. People hurry in Suhur (saheri) so that they get time for smoking. And soon after iftaar they smoke, not even realizing that they are missing Maghrib Salah.

Extravagance:

Allah says spendthrift is a brother of devil. No doubt, devils are chained but we become the brothers of devil and involve ourselves in all such kind of activities. Even we miss our precious worship – which Allah multiplies seventy times more – and involve in shopping and extravagance activities.

Time Pass:

A wide smile comes on your face hearing this word. There is no concept of Time-pass in Islam. We have to utilize the time given to us. Playing unnecessary games and maintaining a friends-group where you can waste your time is completely prohibited in Islam. Time is very precious, utilize it.

Sleeping after Fajr salah:

Sleeping after fajr salah is very common in Muslim Ummah. This is one of the reason of backwardness of our people. The fajr time is more valuable and Allah has kept blessings in it.

Few of the habits are exclusive for Ramazaan. People developed certain kind of habits in the name of busy schedule. Inventing new practices that didn’t exist at the time of Prophet (peace be upon him). The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Every innovation in religion is biddah”. But we invent without a second thought. Offering Taraaweeh of ten days, seven days, three days and most disgusting of one night in which Quran is completed respectively is also an innovation. This practice was not found at the time of Prophet (peace be upon him), Companions (Sahaaba)(Raziallahu Anhum ajmaeen), neither it is found at the time of Great Aimma (May Allah have mercy on them). Quran is recited to understand, ponder, and most importantly to receive guidance. If we listen to the recitation which is recited in the speed of 100 miles per hour then what benefit you have gained? Allah will not reward those deeds which are not in accordance with Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

I urge my Musim brothers and sisters not to involve in such kind of activities which is not ordained by Allah. Do you think Allah is in need of our worship? No! Absolutely not..! Allah is As-Samad.. He does not require any thing, but everything requires him. Without the permission of Allah nothing happens. So worship for your benefit. And don’t dare to go ahead of Prophet (peace be upon him), because Prophet (peace be upon him) was a man who feared Allah most and made this deen easy for his followers, so follow what is been prescribed. And remember.. Even Companions of Prophet (peace be upon him) were business-men, workers, job-holders, etc. but they didn’t take this short-cut method of offering taraaweeh in a few days or should I say few hours!

Ramadhan - the month of training

2017-05-26T16:04:00.002+05:30

By: Iftikhar Islam

The most honored month in which the Quran was revealed as guidance to judge right from wrong. The month of training, the month of punctuality towards salah and other things, the much awaited Iftaar, the early waking up for Suhur, the listening to beautiful Qirats, the purification of wealth; what a great enjoyment! The Most Merciful God multiplies the rewards, the satans are chained, and the blessing befalls.

O mankind, let's be thankful to Allah who provided us with this blessed month, and take guidance from the Quran so that we can lead our life peacefully. In this month we become more honest, upright, we manage our time, establish our salah, purify our wealth and what not!

Ponder on how do we pray in this blessed month, what is the condition of our Taraaweeh? Do we pray taraaweeh sincerely? Do we pray taraaweeh the entire Ramadhan or do we pray the so called “Shabeena” – finishing the recitation of the entire Quran in one day, three days, five days, etc. and do not pray entire Ramadhan with devotion – what an evil innovation! Do we pray with Takbir-e-tahrima or do we directly join the imam while in ruku?

O brothers, be dutiful towards Allah. Pray your salah with entire devotion as Allah does not require your prayers; it is you who will get benefited. Did any time our Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed this type of Salah? Did any time He (peace be upon him) organized one-day, three-days, five-days, seven-days Quran finishing program? Or do we find the companions praying these short-cut salah? NO! Certainly Not! Then repent for being part of great evil innovation, for every innovation in religion leads to hell fire.

O Muslims! Fear Allah, for He is most severe in punishment. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "If somebody innovates something which is not in harmony with the principles of our religion, that thing is rejected." [Sahih Bukhari 3:49:861] And Allah says “And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (peace be upon him) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell - what an evil destination.” [Al Quran 4:115]. O Muslims, fear Allah, He is most severe in punishment. He does not require our deeds neither in Ramadhan nor in other months. It is we who are in need of Allah.

The beautiful morning waits, but we – the most beloved Ummah of Allah – stretches ourself on the bed, even in the state of fasting we miss fajr salah; even if we pray, soon we will be back to sleep. Is this what Ramadhan expects from us? This month is of tremendous blessings, gather as much as possible. This month is of Forgiveness, ask forgiveness from your Lord, from your friends, relatives, brothers and sisters and also forgive them before they ask you. The most merciful Lord commands us to - replace the evil with good, for those who have enmity with you will become a good friend [Al Quran 41:34]. Pray for your parents, it is they who nourished you when you could not even think of, they gave you support when you needed, they put up with your naughtiness in childhood - be dutiful towards your parents.

This month is also of rescue from Hell fire, so ask Allah to save you from the Hell fire; ask Allah to save your parents, brothers/sisters, relatives, neighbors, etc. The leader of Angels – Jibraeel alyhis salaam cursed the person who receives Ramadhan and did not rescue himself, and the leader of the Messengers – Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said “Aameen” in reply to the curse. O you, who believe! It is Allah alone who can save you from the Hell fire, so ask from Him alone, and convince Him by obeying with full devotion.

Remember, this month is of training. Don’t be neglectful of your deeds. Beware of the zina of your eyes – especially on internet and newspapers - and other parts of your body. This month gives you the opportunity to become a good human being for the entire year to come. If we neglect this month and involve in all kinds of innovations, then what about our life for the rest of the year? We don’t behave well with our friends, brothers /sisters and especially with the parents. What have we gained in this month? Nothing! It is because we have involved ourselves in various kinds of innovation in this sacred month - in these training hours. Is this what Ramadhan demands from you? If a bowler practices without wickets, his practice sessions will no longer help him. Similarly if you get involved in various innovations, then what will you achieve in the blessed month? Stick to the Sunnah, do whatever is approved from the Prophet (peace be upon him), the companions, and the rightly guided salaf.

Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and defend us from the torment of the Fire! Aameen.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare... Ramadhan is on the way.

2017-05-24T02:12:00.001+05:30

By: Iftikhar Islam

Insha Allah, within few days we will be blessed with our favourite month “Ramadhan”, the most Glorious month. The month in which shaitaan is chained and it is made easy for us to worship Allah. Are you prepared to welcome this month? Think.. Rethink… and Think again..

Of which preparation am I talking about? Preparation to roam here and there after iftaar or to have delicious food? Or to shop and avail Ramadhan discounts?? Did you think the same? I believe No. You might think of preparing for fasting, Preparing for regular Salah…. Am I right?

Yes, No doubt… we have to prepare and get ready to worship as much as we can. But what does worship mean? Is worship merely fasting, praying, etc.? No, Fasting and praying are just a part of worship, but not complete worship.

Worship means obeying Allah as He should be obeyed! Enjoining what is right and abstaining from evil is Worship. Now are we fully prepared for this holy month??? Still thinking??

Indulging in vain talks is not worship; troublesome also is not worship. In fact, Allah does not like one person harassing another. And if we harass a person who is fasting, then it will be a greater sin. Am I right? Allowing our Mother to wake up in the morning at 2:00 am, leaving her worship.. Most importantly Tahajjud and prepare for our Suhur (Saheri), is this not harassment? Urging her to prepare delicious food for and after iftaar, leaving all her important worship and the precious moments of supplications, Is it not harassment? Yes.. Indeed it is spiritual harassment! And this harassment continues for the whole month regularly.

Eating delicious food is not haram in Islam. But Worshiping and gaining more and more sawaab is far more superior than eating and having fun. You can very well bring delicious food from the market and leave our mothers and sisters to gain more and more sawaab by getting involved in ibadah.

Narrates Abu Hurairah (May Allah’s Mercy be on him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said “Aameen” (O Allah grant it) to the curse of Jibraeel, who said “whoever reaches the month of Ramadan and does not have [his sins] forgiven and so enters Fire”.

Is Ramadhan the month of training? I hope you agree.. Yes! Ramadhan is the month of Training! In this month we can fully develop ourselves. We should involve in worship more and more. We can have delicious food after Ramadhan also. But you cannot get the same reward of worship after Ramadhan. Utilize the time before it passes away. We don’t have the concept of Time-pass in Islam. Time is very precious and should be used accordingly.

Attending Islamic programs and seminars help in utilizing the time more effectively and we also get the opportunity to learn.

So, now it’s high time we tighten our seat belts and get ready to welcome Ramadhan. Let’s worship as much as we can. Let’s gain more and more knowledge. Let’s make this Ramadhan the best of all Ramadhans we ever came across in our lives as of now! Who knows this might be our last Ramadhan, death can overcome us any moment! Therefore we should be prepared to face our Lord after we die. May Allah give us strength to worship him and accept our deeds and save us from hell fire. [Aameen]

Scholars' Interpretation: Plucking the facial hair and eyebrows for women.

2017-04-10T16:18:00.000+05:30

Plucking the facial hair and eyebrows for women.

Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) said:
Allah has cursed ... those women who get their hair removed from their eyebrows and faces "
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

a) Mosuaat al Fiqhiyah al Kuwaitiyah (15/69) states :

واتّفق الفقهاء على أنّ النّهي عن التّنمّص في الحديث محمول على الحرمة ، ونقل عن أحمد وغيره أنّ النّهي محمول على الكراهة .
وجمهور العلماء على أنّ النّهي في الحديث ليس عامّا ، وذهب ابن مسعود وابن جرير الطّبريّ إلى عموم النّهي ، وأنّ التّنمّص حرام على كلّ حال .
وذهب الجمهور إلى أنّه لا يجوز التّنمّص لغير المتزوّجة ، وأجاز بعضهم لغير المتزوّجة فعل ذلك إذا احتيج إليه لعلاج أو عيب ، بشرط أن لا يكون فيه تدليس على الآخرين .
قال العدويّ : والنّهي محمول على المرأة المنهيّة عن استعمال ما هو زينة لها ، كالمتوفّى عنها والمفقود زوجها . أمّا المرأة المتزوّجة فيرى جمهور الفقهاء أنّه يجوز لها التّنمّص ، إذا كان بإذن الزّوج ، أو دلّت قرينة على ذلك ، لأنّه من الزّينة ، والزّينة مطلوبة للتّحصين ، والمرأة مأمورة بها شرعا لزوجها .
ودليلهم ما روته بكرة بنت عقبة أنّها سألت عائشة رضي الله عنها عن الحفاف ، فقالت : إن كان لك زوج فاستطعت أن تنتزعي مقلتيك فتصنعيهما أحسن ممّا هما فافعلي .
وذهب الحنابلة إلى عدم جواز التّنمّص - وهو النّتف - ولو كان بإذن الزّوج ، وإلى جواز الحفّ والحلق .
وخالفهم ابن الجوزيّ فأباحه ، وحمل النّهي على التّدليس ،أو على أنّه كان شعار الفاجرات.

The fuqaha agreed that the negation of plucking the eyebrows is interpreted as prohibition , and it is narrated from Ahmad (bin Hanbal) and others that this negation is Interpreted as Karaha (disliking).

Majority of the scholars said this hadith is not general, whereas Ibn Masud and Ibn Jareer at-Tabri are on the opinion of its generality, and considered the plucking as prohibited in all of the situations.

Majority of the scholars say that plucking the eyebrows is prohibited for the one who is not married, and some of them states that it is allowed for the one who is not married if it is necessary for remedy or defect, provided that there should be no cheating for others.

al Adwi said:... Majority of the scholars says: Plucking the eyebrows is allowed for the one who is married with the consent of her husband since, it is considered as adornments...

Their evidence is the narration of Bukra bint 'Uqba who asked'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) about plucking her eyebrows, 'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) responded: “If you are married, and by plucking your eyebrows you will make them attractive, then do it".

The opinion of Hanabilah is that it is not allowed even with the permission of husband... and Ibn al Jawzi (Hanbali) went against them and said it is allowed and considered this prohibition for those who do this to cheat or If it is the sh`aar of Faajiraat. (end quote)

b) Ali bin Ja`d narrated in his Musnad
قال: حدثنا شعبة (ثقة ثبت) عن أبي إسحاق (السبيعي، ثقة ثبت) قال: دخلت امرأتي على عائشة وأم ولد لزيد بن أرقم. قال: وسألتها امرأتي عن المرأة تحف جبينها؟ قالت: «أَمِيطِي عنكِ الأذى ما استطعت».

Abu Ishaq said: My wife (Aaliya) went to 'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her).. she asked: “Should a woman pluck her hair from her forehead?”

She (may Allah be pleased with her) answered:"Keep this disturbances away as much as possible." [Musnad Ali bin Ja`d (1|80 #451)]

c) Abdul Razzaq narrated
عن معمر (ثقة ثبت، عن غير العراقيين) والثوري (ثقة ثبت) عن أبي إسحاق (السبيعي الكوفي، ثقة ثبت بمستوى الزهري) عن امرأة ابن أبي السفر أنها كانت عند عائشة. فسألتها امرأة فقالت: «يا أم المؤمنين. إن في وجهي شَعَراتٍ، أَفَأَنْتِفُهُن َّ: أتزيَّنُ بذلك لزوجي؟». فقالت عائشة: «أَمِيطِي عنك الأذى. وتصنَّعي لزوجك كما تصْنَعين للزيارة. وإذا أمركِ فلتطيعيه. وإذا أقسم عليك فأبرّيه. ولا تأذني في بيته لمن يكره».

Abu Ishaq said: that the wife of Ibn Abi Safar came to Ayisha (Radiya Allahu Anha) and asked her, "O mother of believers! I have hair on my face, is it ok to pluck it to beautify myself for my husband? Ayisha said: 'Remove the harm from you and make up yourself for your husband as you do at the time of his visiting" [Abdur Razzaq reported in al-Musannaf (3|146)].

Note: this is other than eyebrows according to some scholars.

d) ad-Dhahabi said: Bukra bint 'Uqba asked'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her)

وَسَأَلَتْهَا عَنِ الحِفَافِ؟
فَقَالَتْ لَهَا: إِنْ كَانَ لَكِ زَوْجٌ، فَاسْتَطَعْتِ أَنْ تَنْزِعِي مُقْلَتَيْكِ، فَتَصْنَعِيْنَهُمَا أَحْسَنَ مِمَّا هُمَا، فَافْعَلِي
about plucking her eyebrows, 'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) responded: “If you are married, and by plucking your eyebrows you will make them attractive, then do it".

[Siyar Alaam an-Nubala 2/188, The Muhaqqiq said: The narrators are trustworthy except Bukra bint Uqba, she is not known (end quote), This student of Aisha ra is thiqqa only according to Ibn Hibban as he mentioned her in his book of at-Thiqaat, and Ibn al Jawzi quoted this narration in his evidence in Adaab an-Nisa]

e) Plucking the hair between the eyebrows?

It says in Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah:

What is the Islamic ruling on plucking the hair between the eyebrows?

They replied:

It is permissible to pluck it, because it is not part of the eyebrows.

(Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 5/197)

Compiled By: Asim-ul-Haq
Source: http://www.systemoflife.com/articles/general/2000154-plucking-the-facial-hair-of-women

Motherhood – the best phase of a woman

2017-04-07T02:51:00.001+05:30

By: Iftikhar Islam

Man was tensed, lonely, and tired of being alone, then, God Almighty from the very own rib of the man created a woman as his partner and better half. God Almighty gifted him a woman for peace and solace. The birth of a woman is a blessing to the society. The Prophet of God, Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: If anyone brings up two daughters affectionately and get her married to a right person, then he will be with him in Paradise. A curious companion asked: O Prophet of Allah, what if anyone has one daughter. He (peace be upon him) replied, even he. (May Allah grant me daughters and give me a chance to live with the Prophet in Jannah. Aameen)

As man, even a woman passes through different phases in her life. Without a second opinion, every sensible person would agree with me, the best phase is of a Motherhood. She is a daughter, sister, wife and a mother. She also passes from infanthood, childhood, adulthood, so on and so forth. In each phase, she plays a vital role of being herself. However, when she becomes a Mother her duties and responsibilities multiply. She doesn’t even care for other things and gets involved in fulfilling her duty as a Mother.

I do not have to exaggerate and go on elucidate because the words of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is enough to attribute her of the right of being loved three times more than a father. Without going much into the details of a mother, I just want to point out a few things.

Firstly, I request today’s youth who are curious for marriage to search for a mother for their children and then think from the perspective of a wife. The best gift any father can give to his children is a good and pious mother. And pious mothers are very good wives too. If your mind is in search of a good wife, then, you may end up in preferring beauty, wealth and family status, rather than virtue. Whenever you go forward for a proposal, think whether she fits as a mother of your child.

Secondly, those who already have daughters should bring them up in such a manner that they become excellent mothers to their children. Don’t think you are raising a daughter but think that you have to give a new institution to the world… Yes, an Institution! I don’t believe mothers to be only teachers, but they are institutions. Your daughter can become an excellent mother – a role model to her children when she takes up burqa (abaya) in her childhood, play with it, and get ready to love Allah’s commandments.

I remember my niece, she is fond of wearing burqa as she sees her mother wearing it. She covers her face beautifully as if she has taken the help from her mother. If you allow your daughter to wear immodest dress thinking that Hijaab is not obligatory on her due to her childhood, then you are not sincere in her upbringing. Remember… She is a trust given to you from Almighty and He will ask you about her One Day.

Hayaa is a part of Eemaan (Iman), and if your daughter possesses this treasure then, Insha Allah, she will give birth to Abdullah ibn Mubarak, Imam Shafi’ee, Imam Bukhari, and more such examples who became the silver lining amidst dark clouds! My dear brothers and sisters don’t you think we are in need of these great Imams in our present society?

We think of building great institutions in the society to eradicate vulgarity, lewdness, indecency and create a peaceful society with highly respected morals. It is high time to strengthen our own daughters and make them prepare to become great institution (I mean great mothers) and flourish their moral and ethical knowledge in the society.

It only happens when we follow the guidance given by the Lord of the Worlds who have created us. He not only created us but also gave a set of rules and regulation, freedom and limitation, and showed the way of life to be led in a peaceful manner. Don’t cross the border set by the Creator. We can draw only one straight line between two points; similarly, there is only one way of life shown by our Creator. Don’t hesitate to follow those guidelines. Remember, you are responsible in creating great institutions. Are you ready for it?

Sunnah or Profession – your choice

2017-03-31T01:15:00.001+05:30

By: Iftikhar Islam

The term “Sunnah” refers to the way or tradition of the Prophet. When we say ‘Sunnah’ - in Islamic terminology - it is understood that we are talking about the way of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). On the contrary a “profession” is a vocation founded upon specialized educational training. Here, I am referring to the profession of worldly affairs.

We are witnessing a massive boom of education in our society. Every youngster has a dream of becoming something – a professional! In this journey of acquiring education, every Muslim – male or female – has to come across the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). And to our astonishment the same Sunnah becomes a hurdle to those who are “keen” in marching towards “securing” their place in this professional world!

We come across youngsters who are Doctors, Engineers, Managers, Chief Executive Officers, Managing Directors, Representatives and what not! Even they have to abide by the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and it becomes a subject of great concern for them whether to accept the Sunnah or gain hierarchy in Profession. We have a misconception in our mind that when we accept the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) we need to leave our profession. In fact, you are more valued for your ethics and culture. It is your attitude and behavior that matters, which will help you in becoming a successful professional and you can achieve this by holding on to the Sunnah of Prophet (peace be upon him) in your life.

There are youngsters, Alhamdulillah (All praises is due to Allah), who clutches on to the Sunnah strictly and are Doctors, Engineers, Managers, etc and are performing well in their field of expertise. On the contrary, there are youths; when we ask them, why don’t you cling to the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him)? We get the lame excuse of being a “professional”. When we ask them why don’t you sport a beard, wear trousers above the ankle, and dress-up in a modest way? We get amazing replies, “I am a Doctor and I have to be in the hospital, what will my colleagues say?”, “My patients will make fun of me”, “I am a manager and I have to be in the office, I have to meet clients” and so on and so forth.

Even when we ask our sisters, why don’t you observe Hijab? We get the same lame excuse of professionalism. On the contrary they witness with their own eyes, their other friends observing hijab and performing works better than them. It is not the Sunnah which is the hurdle in your career; it is your own perverted mind which is an obstacle in accepting the Sunnah!

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever forsake my Sunnah is not from us.” And we are busy in destroying the way of Prophet in the name of Profession. We are least bothered about what Prophet (peace be upon him) said. It is the money and the status which is more valuable to us, even more worthy than the way of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

We know and believe that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the only unparallel and ideal role model for us. And yet we are roaming here and there in search of role models. We make those people our role models who are useless, they don’t even know how to utilize the brain given by God Almighty, and they don’t even bother to know about God and his messenger – the perfect paradigm to all.

Now it is upon you to decide, Sunnah or Profession – your choice…

Tears - a beautiful remedy; are you willing to accept?

2017-03-24T12:29:00.000+05:30

By: Iftikhar Islam

When I visited an eye specialist in my city Belgaum, I had to wait for my turn in the waiting room; there I saw a pamphlet on the table “Do you have a dry eye?” It begins with the explanation of “Dry eye” saying: “Tears help your eyes to stay moist, healthy and comfortable. Dry eye is an eye condition that affects the quantity or quality of your tears causing your eyes to feel dry and irritated.”

While I was flipping through the pamphlet I remembered the life of the Companions of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). They are acknowledged for their hard work throughout the day. They were spotted on the horses fighting in the battle fields, they were found in the market involved in trading. But at night, the same Companions were distinguished on the Musalla (prayer place) standing, bowing and prostrating in front of their Lord and crying for their sins. They cried and shed tears so much so that their beard used to get wet, make fissures in the mud, and what not!

They were the companions and the students of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who had got good vision, better health and they used to worship a lot. Even we find many Muhaddiths (Scholars of hadeeth) and students of knowledge whose eyesight was good. It was because they offered Tahjjud (Night Prayer) and used to cry in front of their Lord. For shedding tears they used to get good eyesight and sincerity in prayers made them soft-hearted.

Today science tells us that shedding tears is good for the health of eyes. It keeps them moist. But the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught his students fourteen hundred years back. It was Islam who changed them. They became the torch-bearer for the entire world.

Islam guides you in each and every field of life, be it health or wealth, it gives solution to all the problems existing or are bound to exist in this world. So my dearest brothers and sisters, Are you the follower of these beautiful teachings, if not, what stops you from accepting the teachings of Islam?

Our attitude towards children in mosque

2017-03-17T00:30:00.000+05:30

By: Iftikhar Islam

Whenever I visit mosque for prayers, especially on Fridays, I witness a common behavior of adults with children. Children are separated from the main rows and pushed behind to form a new separate row exclusive of Children. They are separated in such a manner which affects the psychology of Children. Usually they come early for prayers and to listen ‘Friday Khutba’ – with parents, friends or alone – and occupy front rows. At the time of Congregation (Jama’a) they are pushed behind to form a new row or usually they have to stand out of the mosque or in hot sun, and amazingly many of the brothers even push children while they are praying. What effect will the child have when he is pushed during prayers? Do you think your prayers are better than them?

If you come late you don’t deserve the front rows, you don’t even have the authority to send any one back and occupy his place. Prophet (peace be upon him) strongly prohibited cutting rows and coming front and imagine when you send someone back to occupy his seat, is it not more disliked??

If we, being adults, behave in this fashion and think that we have done a great job, then let me tell you, we are at fault, we are not only cheating ourselves but cheating Allah too! And we don’t have any right to blame the young generation who walks near theatre, colleges, or roam here and there. Don’t blame children for their bad habits. It is you who have trained them. You never allowed them to pray in peace when they were children! And if you keep children away from mosque then what results are you expecting? “The seeds you sow, shall reap one day.”

Even at the time of Friday sermon (Khutba), youths as well as oldies (usually, those who maintain the mosque) watch children and threaten them to maintain silence. Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "When the Imam is delivering the Khutba, and you ask your companion to keep quiet and listen, then no doubt you have done an evil act." [Saheeh Bukhari 1:13:56] If you allow children to pray along with his father or guardian he learns the prayer at an early age and will be keen in praying Salah. And there will be no need to stand and waste your jumah for maintaining silence. When a child can lead prayer, then why can’t he pray in between the rows??

The prophet (peace be upon him) never restricted children from entering the mosque. And he never prohibited from bringing children to mosque. In fact, Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whenever I stand for prayer, I want to prolong it but on hearing the cries of a child, I would shorten it as I dislike to put its mother in trouble." [Saheeh Bukhari 1:12:827]. Indeed, Allah says “There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern…” [Surah Ahzaab (33):21] (I suggest you to read full verse and ponder upon it). Do you think you are more sincere than the Prophet (peace be upon him)?

Abu Qatadi reported: I saw the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) saying the prayer while he was carrying Umama, daughter of Zainab, daughter of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him). and Abu'l-'As b. al-Rabi'. When he stood up, he took her up and when he prostrated he put her down, [Saheeh Muslim 4:1107]

Make the mosque a familiar place for children and teach them the proper method of Praying. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Command your children to pray when they become seven years old, and beat them for it (prayer) when they become ten years old; and arrange their beds (to sleep) separately.” [Abu Dawood 2:495] Realize the importance of Salah and hook your child with the mosque for it is the only place where your child will groom as a righteous person.

Salah – the most important aspect of a Muslim life

2017-03-10T00:07:00.003+05:30

By: Iftikhar Islam

Salah usually referred as merely a ‘prayer’, actually consist of programing of one’s self – to become a righteous servant of God and a law-abiding citizen of the society. We program ourselves during salah in such a way that we strive to do righteous deeds and stay away from evil. It is one of the ways to build a good spiritual as well as physical life. The Glorious Quran says, “Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing” (29:45)

Salah is a very important aspect of a Muslim life. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The difference between us and them (Non-Muslim) is salaah. Whoever neglects it is a kaafir.” (Ref: Ahmed) These are the harsh words the Prophet (peace be upon him) have used to display the importance of Salah in the life of a Muslim.

There is no excuse for not offering Salah. No matter where we are, we need to give our attendance before Allah at the prescribed time. Even in the battle field it is not excused. We may have not offered salah since a long time (even years), yet we have a time now – to turn back to Allah in repentance - and start offering salah, rather, establish it.

Establishing Salah is what Allah commands at various places in the Glorious Quran. ‘Establishing Salah’ means regularly offering salah at the right time and in the right way. The state of our Salah shows how much we love Allah. The more we love Allah, the more beautiful our salah will be.

We have received salah as an honourable gift from Allah. So, anything given as a gift from our Creator – The Most High – should be taken with utmost respect. It is the honour to receive a gift from Allah and we, as a Muslims, should love to offer salah with sincerity. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “…the coolness of my eyes is in salah” (Sunan Nasai 3939). Let’s make our salah ‘the coolness of our eyes’.

If we really want our salah to be beautiful, we need to offer it not because we HAVE to offer it, but because we WANT to offer it. We need to offer salah not as a compulsion but as a passion - out of love towards Allah. Let’s fall in love with Salah and experience the real joy of worshiping Allah alone.

O Allah make me of those who establish the salah as it needs to be established. Aameen

Scholars' Interpretation: Neglecting prayer out of laziness

2017-03-07T13:12:00.001+05:30

If you do not pray salat out of laziness on purpose, are you a kafir or just a bad Muslim? Please answer.

Praise be to Allaah.

Imaam Ahmad said that the one who does not pray because of laziness is a kaafir. This is the more correct view and is that indicated by the evidence of the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, and by the words of the Salaf and the proper understanding. (Al-Sharh al-Mumti’ ‘ala Zaad al-Mustanqi’, 2/26).

Anyone who examines the texts of the Qur’aan and Sunnah will see that they indicate that the one who neglects the prayer is guilty of Kufr Akbar (major kufr) which puts him beyond the pale of Islam.

Among the evidence to be found in the Qur’aan is:

The aayah (interpretation of the meaning):

“But if they repent [by rejecting Shirk (polytheism) and accept Islamic Monotheism], perform As-Salaat (Iqaamat-as-Salaat) and give Zakaat, then they are your brethren in religion.” [al-Tawbah 9:11]

The evidence derived from this aayah is that Allaah defined three things that the Mushrikeen have to do in order to eliminate the differences between them us: they should repent from shirk, they should perform prayer, and they should pay zakaah. If they repent from shirk but they do not perform the prayer or pay zakaah, then they are not our brethren in faith; if they perform the prayer but do not pay zakaah, then they are not our brethren in faith. Brotherhood in religion cannot be effaced except when a person goes out of the religion completely; it cannot be effaced by fisq (immoral conduct) or lesser types of kufr.

Allaah also says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Then, there has succeeded them a posterity who have given up As-Salaat (the prayers) [i.e. made their Salaat (prayers) to be lost, either by not offering them or by not offering them perfectly or by not offering them in their proper fixed times] and have followed lusts. So they will be thrown in Hell. Except those who repent and believe (in the Oneness of Allaah and His Messenger Muhammad), and work righteousness. Such will enter Paradise and they will not be wronged in aught.” [Maryam 19:59-60]

The evidence derived from this aayah is that Allaah referred to those who neglect the prayer and follow their desires, Except those who repent and believe, which indicates that at the time when they are neglecting their prayers and following their desires, they are not believers.

The evidence of the Sunnah that proves that the one who neglects the prayer is a kaafir includes the hadeeth of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “Between a man and shirk and kufr there stands his neglect of the prayer.” (Narrated by Muslim in Kitaab al-Eemaan from Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)).

It was narrated that Buraydah ibn al-Husayb (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: ‘The covenant that distinguishes between us and them is the prayer, and whoever neglects it has disbelieved (become a kaafir).’” (It was narrated by Ahmad, Abu Dawood, al-Tirmidhi, al-Nisaa’i and Ibn Maajah). What is meant here by kufr or disbelief is the kind of kufr which puts a person beyond the pale of Islam, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) made prayer the dividing line between the believers and the disbelievers. It is known that the community of kufr is not the same as the community of Islam, so whoever does not fulfil this covenant must be one of the kaafireen (disbelievers).

There is also the hadeeth of ‘Awf ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him), according to which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best of your leaders are those whom you love and who love you, who pray for you and you pray for them. The worst of your leaders are those whom you hate and who hate you, and you send curses on them and they send curses on you.” He was asked, “O Messenger of Allaah, should we not fight them by the sword?” He said, “Not as long as they are establishing prayer amongst you.”

This hadeeth indicates that those in authority should be opposed and fought if they do not establish prayer, but it is not permissible to oppose and fight them unless they make a blatant show of kufr and we have evidence from Allaah that what they are doing is indeed kufr. ‘Ubaadah ibn al-Saamit said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) called us and we gave bay’ah (oath of allegiance) to him. Among the things that we pledged to do was to listen and obey him both when we felt enthusiastic and when we were disinclined to act, both at times of difficulty and times of ease, and at times when others were given preference over us, and that we would not oppose those in authority. He said: ‘unless they made a blatant show of kufr and you have evidence from Allaah that what they are doing is indeed kufr.’” (Agreed upon). On this basis, their neglecting the prayer, for which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said we should oppose them and fight them by the sword, constitutes an act of blatant kufr for which we have evidence from Allaah that it is indeed kufr.

If someone were to say: is it not permissible to interpret the texts about a person who neglects prayer being a kaafir as referring to the one who neglects the prayer because he does not think it is obligatory?

We would say: it is not permissible to interpret the texts in this way because there are two reservations about this interpretation:

it involves ignoring the general description that the Lawgiver took into consideration and to which the ruling was connected. The ruling that the person who neglects prayer is a kaafir is connected to the action of neglecting prayer, not to his denial of it being obligatory. Brotherhood in religion is based on performing the prayer, not on whether a person declares it to be obligatory. Allaah did not say, “If they repent and state that the prayer is obligatory”, and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not say “Between a man and shirk and kufr there stands his denial that the prayer is obligatory” or “The covenant that distinguishes between us and them is our statement that the prayer is obligatory, so whoever denies that it is obligatory has disbelieved.” If this is what Allaah and His Messenger had meant, then not stating it clearly would have contradicted what is said in the Qur’aan. For Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’aan) as an exposition of everything” [al-Nahl 16:89]

“And We have also sent down unto you (O Muhammad) the Dhikr [reminder and the advice (i.e. the Qur’aan)], that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them” [al-Nahl 16:44]

It is not correct to refer to a reason which the Lawgiver did not make a factor in ruling a person to be a kaafir, because if a person who does not have the excuse of ignorance denies that the five daily prayers are obligatory then he is deemed to be a kaafir, whether he prays or not. If a person performs the five daily prayers, fulfilling all the conditions of prayer and doing all the actions that are obligatory or mustahabb, but he denies that the prayers are obligatory with no valid reason for doing so, then he is a kaafir, even though he is not neglecting the prayers. From this it is clear that it is not correct to interpret the texts about neglecting the prayers as referring to denying that they are obligatory. The correct view is that the person who neglects the prayer is a kaafir who is beyond the pale of Islam, as is clearly stated in the report narrated by Ibn Abi Haatim in his Sunan from ‘Ubaadah ibn al-Saamit (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) exhorted us: ‘Do not associate anything in worship with Allaah, and do not neglect the prayer deliberately, for whoever neglects the prayer deliberately puts himself beyond the pale of Islam.” Moreover, if we interpret the ahaadeeth about neglecting the prayer as referring to a denial that it is obligatory, there would be no point in the reports referring specifically to the prayer, because this ruling applies equally to zakaah, fasting and Hajj – whoever neglects any of these, denying that it is obligatory, is a kaafir, if he does not have the excuse of ignorance.

Just as the one who neglects the prayer is deemed to be a kaafir on the basis of the evidence of the texts and reports, so he may also be deemed to be a kaafir on the basis of rational analysis. How can a person be a believer if he neglects the prayer which is the pillar of religion, and when there are aayaat and ahaadeeth urging us to perform prayer which make the wise believer rush to do the prayer, and when there are aayaat and ahaadeeth warning against neglecting it, which make the wise believer scared to ignore the prayer? Once we have understood this, a person cannot be a believer if he neglects the prayer.

If a person were to say: can we not interpret kufr in the case of one who neglects the prayer as meaning a lesser form of kufr (kufr al-na’mah) rather than the kind of kufr which puts a person beyond the pale of Islam (kufr al-millah)? Or can we not interpret it as being less than Kufr Akbar (major kufr) and more like the kufr referred to in the ahaadeeth, “There are two qualities that exist among people which are qualities of kufr: slandering people’s lineage and wailing over the dead” and “Trading insults with a Muslim is fisq (immoral conduct) and exchanging blows with him is kufr”, etc.?

We would say that this interpretation is not correct for a number of reasons:

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) made prayer the dividing line between kufr and faith, between the believer and the disbeliever. This is where he drew the line, and the two things are quite distinct and do not overlap.

Prayer is one of the pillars of Islam, so when the person who neglects it is described as a kaafir, this implies the kind of kufr that puts a person beyond the pale of Islam, because he has destroyed one of the pillars of Islam. This is a different matter from attributing kufr to a person who does one of the actions of kufr.

There are other texts which indicate that the kufr of the one who neglects the prayer is the kind of kufr which puts a person beyond the pale of Islam, so what is meant here by kufr should be interpreted according to the apparent meaning, so as avoid contradictions between the texts.

The description of kufr in those ahaadeeth is different. Concerning neglecting the prayer, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Between a man and shirk and kufr.” Here the word kufr is preceded in the original Arabic by the definite article “al”, which indicates that what is referred to here is the reality of kufr. This is in contrast to the other ahaadeeth where kufr is referred to without the definite article, or in a verbal form, which indicates that this is a part of kufr or that the person has disbelieved by doing this action, but it is not the absolute kufr which places a person beyond the pale of Islam.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said in his book Iqtidaa’ al-Siraat al-Mustaqeem (p. 70, Al-Sunnah Al-Muhammadiyyah edn.), concerning the hadeeth of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) ““There are two qualities that exist among people which are qualities of kufr”:

“The phrase ‘which are qualities of kufr’ means that these two qualities which exist among people are qualities of kufr because they are among the deeds of kufr and they exist among people. But not everyone who has a part of kufr becomes a kaafir because of it, unless there exists in his heart the reality of kufr. Similarly, not everyone who has a part of faith becomes a believer because of it, unless there exists in his heart the essential reality of faith. So there is a distinction between kufr that is preceded [in the original Arabic] by the definite article “al”, as in the hadeeth ‘Between a man and shirk and kufr there stands nothing but his neglecting the prayer’, and kufr that is not preceded by the definite article but is used in an affirmative sense.’”

So it is clear that the person who neglects the prayer with no excuse is a kaafir who is beyond the pale of Islam, on the basis of this evidence. This is the correct view according to Imaam Ahmad, and it is one of the two opinions narrated from al-Shaafa’i, as was mentioned by Ibn Katheer in his tafseer of the aayah (interpretation of the meaning):

Ibn al-Qayyim mentioned in his book Al-Salaah that it was one of the two views narrated from al-Shaafa’i, and that al-Tahhaawi narrated it from al-Shaafa’i himself.

This was also the view of the majority of the Sahaabah, indeed many narrated that there was consensus among the Sahaabah on this point. ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Shaqeeq said: the companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not think that neglecting any deed made a person a kaafir, apart from neglecting the prayer. This was reported by al-Tirmidhi and al-Haakim, who classed it as saheeh according to the conditions of (al-Bukhaari and Muslim). Ishaaq ibn Raahawayh, the well known imaam, said, It was reported with a saheeh isnaad from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that the one who neglects the prayer is a kaafir. This was also the view of the scholars from the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) until the present day: that the person who deliberately neglects the prayer with no valid excuse, until the time for that prayer is over, is a kaafir. Ibn Hazm said that it was reported from ‘Umar, ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn ‘Awf, Mu’aadh ibn Jabal, Abu Hurayrah and others among the Sahaabah. He said: “We do not know of any opposing view among the Sahaabah.” Al-Mundhiri narrated this from him in Al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb, and added more names of Sahaabah: ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood, ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abbaas, Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah and Abu’l-Dardaa’ – may Allaah be pleased with them. He said: apart from the Sahaabah, there are also Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Ishaaq ibn Raahawayh, ‘Abd-Allaah ibn al-Mubaarak, al-Nakha’i, al-Hakam ibn ‘Utaybah, Ayyoob al-Sakhtayaani, Abu Daawood al-Tayaalisi, Abu Bakr ibn Abi Shaybah, Zuhayr ibn Harb and others.

And Allaah knows best.

Source: https://islamqa.info/en/5208

Ponder over it – Do you have any?

2017-03-03T18:20:00.002+05:30

By: Iftikhar Islam

I was listening to a Friday sermon in a Mosque in Hyderabad on July 06, 2012. The beautiful sermon on Ikhlaas included a hadeeth of the Prophet (peace be upon him) where he (peace be upon him) narrated an incident of three people who took shelter in a cave. You might have heard this hadeeth many times but did you ever ponder on it?

Let me remind you the hadeeth once again. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: There were three people who took shelter in the cave. Due to heavy rain, suddenly they saw a huge rock blocked the way of cave and there was no other way to move out. The three men decided to ask Allah through their deed which they have done for the sake of Allah.

One said: “O Allah, there was a beautiful cousin of mine, I tried to grab her attention towards me, but she never gave any attention to me. One day due to famine she was helpless and came for a help. In turn I asked her for a favour and she agreed to it. When I over powered her and was about to commit sin, she said “O my brother, fear Allah” then I left her fearing you alone. The rock moved a little. But there was not enough space to move out.

The second person said: “O Allah, I used to work the whole day and at night I used to milk the goats and present its milk to my mother. One day I had gone long in search of wood and came back late. When I milked the goats and present to my mother she had gone to sleep. I didn’t give the milk to my children and wife. I stood beside them and when they woke up in the morning I presented the milk to them. O Allah, if you have any value of my deed, remove the obstacle from in-between” the rock moved a little. But there was not enough space to move out.

The last person said: “O Allah, I had taken some work from workers. Everyone took their wages in the evening. But one left without taking it. I included his wages in my business. One day he returned and asked his wages as he was in need of it. I told him “All these which you are seeing is of yours” the person said, “Are you joking to me – How can all these cattle can be of mine?” The person said: “I included your wages in my business and got profit which you are seeing” and the person took all the cattle and went away. The person said: “O Allah, If you have any value of my deed, remove the obstacle from in-between”. The rock moved and all the three persons got escaped.

The Shaykh, on the member, narrated it so beautifully. But I was thinking do I have any incident for which even I can ask from my Lord – The Almighty. Believe me brothers I didn’t find one… Yes, not even one. My eyes were about to fill with tears. I didn’t have any incident which can please my Lord – The Almighty, Allah. I was in grieve and prayed sincerely the Juma Salah. But the narration stuck my heart. I came back with a lesson to collect as many deeds as I can which is done only for the sake of Allah alone.

Now I am asking you the same question, dear readers. Do you have any of your incident from which you can ask from your Lord – The only Master? If the answer is ‘yes’, Alhamdulillah – All praise is due to Allah, then include me in your supplications so that Allah – The Almighty - may forgive me through you. If the answer is ‘no’, then Allah is the Most Merciful Lord, He has given you a chance to do good deeds more and more. Utilize this opportunity to do good deeds only for the sake of Allah alone.

Which of the blessings of our Lord will we deny?

2017-02-24T16:07:00.002+05:30

By: Iftikhar Islam

Thanking is an attitude of a human being. A good human being thanks a lot. The moment they are helped, or they are gifted with anything, they thank the person. However, as a Muslim, our responsibility becomes more. Apart from thanking, we supplicate and pray for the betterment of the person.

Yes! We do thank our fellow human being when we are helped. But we forget the real source of help – the God Almighty - Allah. Thanking Allah does not motivate him. Thanking Allah does not elevate him. Thanking Allah does not make him great. Allah is already the Great… In fact, the Greatest. It is we who get peace of mind and gets motivated to do much more good to the society, when we realise Allah as the real source of help.

He has gifted us the things which we cannot even imagine. He has created everything for us – The whole Universe. Just think of it… The sun is rising for us, the air is moving for us, the moon is shining for us, and our heart is beating so that we are alive - then which of the blessings of our Lord will we deny?

The world is designed beautifully for us. The Mountains are erected for our protection. The Ozone layer is created as a shield for us. The ship sails on the ocean for our benefit. The airplane fly for our comfort. The water flows here and there to give us food. The waves dance on the sea shore to keep us fresh. The barren land turns green for our survival. The trees absorb carbon-di-oxide to give us oxygen. Then which of the blessings of our Lord will we deny?

There are numerous blessings Allah has favoured upon us. We are blessed with good environment to live. We have parents, friends, spouses, relatives who loves and care us. Allah has blessed us with good sight, he has gifted us with hands and legs, and he has given us good health. There are many people in this world who do not have those blessings which we are enjoying! Yet, we blame Allah for what we don’t have. When are we going to develop the habit of thanking Allah in the manner he should be thanked?

Indeed, the Quran says “إِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ لِرَبِّهِ لَكَنُودٌ” “Verily! Mankind is ungrateful to his Lord” Yes we are indeed ungrateful to our Lord. When he has blessed us with more than what we deserve, don’t you think we need to obey his commandments and follow it sincerely? Do we offer Salah regularly? Do we give charity sincerely? Do we love to observe hijab? There are many questions which we can raise on ourselves.

Let’s ask ourselves sincerely, when Allah has blessed us with so many blessings which we haven’t even asked for it, then what have we done to Allah? Have we respected his commandments? Allah loves hayaa, do we love hayaa? Allah loves hijab, do we love to be in hijab? Allah loves kindness, are we kind enough? Allah loves charity, do we give enough in charity? Allah loves his slaves to come to him, do we offer Salah regularly?

Let’s ponder on ourselves and realise what Allah wants from us. He is our Creator and Master. When he has blessed us with so many things, then which of the blessings of our Lord will we deny?

Join him for more insights Follow @iftikharislam

STORY: Imam Ahmed Ibn Hanbal and the Baker

2017-01-21T04:02:00.000+05:30

During his old age, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal رحمه الله was travelling, when he stopped by a town.

After Isha salah, he wanted to stay the night, in the Masjid. Owing to his humility, he hadn’t introduced himself to anyone, thinking that if he did, he would be welcomed by many people.

Failing to recognize Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal رحمه الله , the caretaker of the Masjid, refused to let him stay the night in there.

A baker, whose shop was nearby, watched this scene and took pity on Imam Ahmed رحمه الله . And invited the Imam, to stay with him for the night.

Imam Ahmed رحمه الله watched as the baker mixed and kneaded the dough, tended the fire, and pulled hot loaves from the oven, all the while uttering dhikr of Allah'Sūbhanahu'Wa ta'ala and Istighfar.

In the morning, Imam Ahmed رحمه الله eagerly asked his host, about his dhikr and continual seeking of forgiveness.

The baker said, “It has come like second nature to me”

Imam Ahmad رحمه الله then asked “Have you experienced any reward from this practice?”

The baker answered, “By Allah! No dua I made, except that it was answered, but one.”

Ibn Hanbal رحمه الله asked “What is that unanswered prayer?”

The baker responded, “To see the famous Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal.”

At this, tears came to Ibn Hanbal’s رحمه الله eyes, he told the baker, “I am Ahmed ibn Hanbal! By Allah! I was brought to your place, your dua has been answered and has come true!”

Tafseer Al Qurtub

I am a 'Surrendered Wife’

2016-12-31T12:45:00.000+05:30

Californian Kathy Murray says she saved her marriage by giving up trying to control her husband.

Despite considering herself a feminist, she follows - and now teaches others - the approach of a controversial book called The Surrendered Wife, which tells women to stop nagging their partners and start treating them with more respect.

Picture for representational purpose | Courtesy: Unknown

The first time I married I was divorced by 26. I married for the second time at 32 but soon found myself sleeping in the guest room. My husband and I fought all the time.

Much of our fighting stemmed from the fact I thought my husband was clueless when it came to raising the children (we had four children between us aged from four to nine years old). We also quarrelled about how to manage our finances, and how often we made love.

I was working full-time as chief finance officer for a private school and also volunteered at my kids' school and in my community. My husband was a sales rep for a construction company but I was the breadwinner and acted like I was in charge.

I didn't tell anyone I was in constant conflict with my husband. I was embarrassed, angry and resentful.

The six principles of being a 'Surrendered Wife'
Relinquishes inappropriate control of her husband
Respects her husband's thinking
Receives his gifts graciously and expresses gratitude for him
Expresses what she wants without trying to control him
Relies on him to handle household finances
Focuses on her own self-care and fulfilment
(Source: Laura Doyle, author of The Surrendered Wife)

My husband often resorted to watching TV and snuggling with our pets as I'd rage at him over ignoring my needs. It was awful.

The more I told my husband how he should be, the less he'd try. I couldn't figure it out so I dragged him to marriage counselling. But that only made things worse, so we sent our children to counselling since they too bore the brunt of so much of our conflict. That didn't work either.

So I went to counselling by myself and complained about my husband for more than a year. Spending thousands of dollars, only to find myself nearer divorce than when I started.

I'd cry, fight, yell and pout, thinking he would eventually come around, but he didn't. I lost weight, went to the gym and started getting attention from men which was tempting to act on, but I knew I couldn't do that, so I'd play the victim card and sulk. That didn't work either.

I was about to end my marriage when I picked up a book called The Surrendered Wife by Laura Doyle. I mean, they don't teach us how to be successful in marriage in school and the women in my life didn't share the secrets either.

It was incredibly humbling to recognise that I had something to do with why my marriage was failing and perhaps even why my first marriage failed. But it was also empowering.

I didn't know I'd been disrespectful to my husband or even that I'd been controlling and critical. I thought I was being helpful and logical. I just didn't know that respect for men is like oxygen, so no wonder my husband was no longer interested in me physically.

I'll never forget the day I first apologised to my husband for being rude for correcting him in front of the children, or the day I said "whatever you think" when I'd previously been extremely opinionated about what he should do.

I had trained my husband to ask my permission for everything. And then complained about it for a year in counselling that he couldn't make simple decisions!

I relinquished control of my husband's life, choices and decisions and instead I focused on my own happiness. I was no longer acting like his mother and started acting like his beloved.

We were fighting less and less and my husband started reaching out to hold my hand. I had no idea that I was responsible for my own happiness. I thought my husband should make me happy.

I've now found subtle ways of getting my husband in a good mood, which is far more effective than the days of begging, crying or yelling about why he was always. Even if I'm not in the mood and he is, I often find myself getting in the mood just by being open to seeing him pleased.

My kids began to notice the change in our relationship too, and as a result, their behaviour improved and our home became peaceful and fun again.

Women often ask me if my approach is about dumbing myself down or becoming a submissive wife. I tell them I am a feminist. Surrendering is acknowledging you can't change or control anyone but yourself. That's empowering!

Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-37861459

Get Barakah: Tips to wake up in the morning for Fajr

2016-10-08T14:47:00.002+05:30

By: Iftikhar Islam

Many of us try “hard” to wake-up in the morning. But their “sweet sleep” didn’t allow them to leave the bed early. There are various reasons why people could not get up early in the morning. But the main and most important reason is: we do not follow the Sunnah of the Prophet. We have not realized the importance of Islam in our life.

If we have our flight at 3:00 in the morning, we wake-up at 2:00 – an hour before, many of them wake-up before that. Why do you wake-up early in the morning for flight, train and bus? Why do you wake-up in the morning when there is an examination? Why do you wake-up early at 6:00 or 7:00 in the morning to go to school, college, office, etc? But why don’t you get-up for Salah?? The Answer is simple.. Salah for you is not much valuable than all of your work.

Do you know what is the last will of Prophet (peace be upon him)? As-Salaah.. As-Salaah was the last will of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Even Hazrat Umar (r) was very particular in advising for salah.

I am mentioning few tips for waking-up in the morning:

1. Realize the importance of Fajr: If you realize the importance of fajr, you will never miss it. Our beloved prophet (peace be upon him) said: “…The angels of the night and the angels of the day gather at the time of Fajr prayer…” [Saheeh Bukhari, 1:11:621] Further the prophet said: "No prayer is harder for the hypocrites than the Fajr and the 'Isha' prayers and if they knew the reward for these prayers at their respective times, they would certainly present themselves (in the mosques) even if they had to crawl." The Prophet added, "Certainly I decided to order the Mu'adh-dhin (call-maker) to pronounce Iqama and order a man to lead the prayer and then take a fire flame to burn all those who had not left their houses so far for the prayer along with their houses." [Saheeh Bukhari, 1:11:626]. There are various other Ahaadith which confirms the importance of Fajr Salaah.

2. Niyah (Willing to wake-up): Niyah is very much necessary for every work, It stands as a back-bone and helps in achieving success. Niyah is just like setting your aim, planning, etc. If you are willing to wake-up than you will work for it.

3. Take the help of Alarm, friend, or elderly person, etc.: Set an alarm when you want to wake-up and keep the alarm far away from your bed so that you get out of the bed and stop it. Say “NO” to ‘another-10-minutes’. Ask your friend who wakes up early to ring you, or you can take the help of your parents, siblings, etc. Even elderly person in the family (or society) can be of a great help in waking up early.

4. Go to bed early: “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise” says Ben Franklin. If you go to bed early it becomes easy to wake-up in the morning. You get sufficient sleep and you get up early. Hence, you will be more active and fresh whole day.

5. Drink water: Drinking water while going to bed will help you to wake-up early.

6. Read Dua: Seeking protection from Allah and thanking him is greatly essential. It gives you peaceful mind and allows you to sleep well. This not only helps you to wake up early but also keep you spiritually healthy.

7. Sleep according to Sunnah: Sleeping according to Sunnah plays an important role in waking-up early. It also keeps you healthy.

Do not sleep after Fajr

Sleeping after Fajr Salah is a very common practice among the Muslim Ummah. And this is also one of the reasons for the backwardness of our community. Sleeping after fajr wastes your much of the productive time. Did you ever come across Prophet (peace be upon him) and Sahaaba (Companions) sleeping after fajr? You read a biography of any successful person; you find him/her utilizing his/her morning time. Every successful person wakes-up early and uses morning time for his productive work.

Whenever I meet a scholar or a senior daee, I have a habit of asking about their daily schedule. And the common thing in everyone’s life is utilizing the morning hours. The companions used to go for work in the morning and they were the one who ruled the world. They changed the life style of living and showed the entire world a new way of living. Every successful person utilizes morning hours.

What could be better than reading Quran?? Allah says “Keep up prayer from the declining of the sun till the darkness of the night and the morning recitation; surely the morning recitation is witnessed.” [Surah Isra (17):78]

About the Author:
Iftikhar Islam is an Admisnistrator-Founder of GPRF Network. A Public Speaker and a Da'ee well known for his articles on Islam and Social issues. He holds Post Graduation in Business Management and an ardent of Islam, Comparative Religions, Business Management and Law. | Know more|

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