Islamic Reasoning

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

2017-06-23T16:13:00.001+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. 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”, said the Prophet (peace be upon him). 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.

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.”

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]

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

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?

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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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Greeting Eid Mubarak to Non Mahrams: Is it what we achieved in Ramadhan?

2016-07-06T15:29:00.001+05:30

By: Iftikhar Islam

Eid is a day of Joy and Happiness. It is the day to thank Allah for giving the opportunities and unlimited blessings in return. All the ramazaan we were involved in training ourselves. But at the end, when shaytaan releases, we come on the same track, behind the colourful screen of “Eid Mubarak”.

Remember, Allah tests us in each and every situation even in happiness and celebrations. We should not forget the commandments of our Lord in bliss. We should not be from those of Hypocrities.

It is poignant to write that our brothers, who are working for the sake of Islam are also a part of this fitna. We send text, call, or mail to Non-Mahram sisters greeting them eid personally. Is it what we achieved in the blessed Month - Ramadaan? We give lectures in the vast audiences, write in the name of Islam, and also send texts of Quranic Ayaats and Ahaadeeths. But we should also realize that the first person who should receive the message is own self.

Is it compulsory to greet Eid Mubarak and that too to Non-Mahram sisters personally? Don’t we remember the Quranic Ayaat and Ahaadeeth we sent in texts, write in articles, and quote in speeches? It is high time to change ourselves. “You cannot change people unless you change yourselves.”

Even our sisters are in this trap of Satan. In the name relation, she greets her cousins, friends, etc. Laughs with them, spend time alone, and some even demands “eidi”. And what a brazen excuse they give of maintaining relations. “Oh, he is my brother; we played together since childhood… How can I maintain hijab with him?” “Oh! Come on… What is wrong in greeting?” Remember, hijab is a part of hayaa.

If you are working for Islam, you are the role-model for some or the other. Many people follow your footprint, because they see you as knowledgeable. They follow you secretly. And when you perform the acts which are in contradictory to the Quran and Sunnah; out of ignorance even the people follow the same thing in your name.

Allah says: “O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do? Most hateful it is with Allah that you say that which you do not do.” [Al Quran 61:2-3]

About the Author:

Iftikhar Islam is the Administrator-Founder of Passionate Writers and GPRF (a non-profit org. in Belgaum), incredible author best known for collaborating management strategies with Islamic knowledge for an all-round Islamic development as required in the 21st century. He holds a Post Graduate Degree in Business Management from IIPM School of Business & Economy; an ardent of Islam, Comparative Religions, Media and Law. | Know More |

Join him for more insights Follow @iftikharislam

We and Laylatul-Qadr

2016-07-03T01:28:00.003+05:30

By: Iftikhar Islam

Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Allah, He has bestowed the blessed month of Ramadhan on upon us. He has given us another opportunity to earn more and more blessings so that Allah forgives us by his infinite mercy. Apart from the increment in blessings on regular worship in Ramadhan, He has also blessed us with Laylat-ul-Qadr – a night which is more blessed than a thousand months.

The glorious Quran testifies about the Laylat-ul-Qadr and beautifully conveys by saying:

Indeed, We sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn. (Surah Qadr (97):1-5)

Subhanallah, it is confirmed that the Laylatul Qadr is better than a thousand months. And in this month the blessed Prophet (peace be upon him) used to seclude himself in the masjid so that He can acquire more and more blessings of Allah. He used to wake-up his family members so that even they can get benefited by the Laylatul-Qadr.

In this blessed night, the Noble Prophet, his family, his companions; dedicated themselves personally to the worship of Allah. We need to seclude ourselves and get involved in the Dhikr (remembrance) of Allah. When Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, the wife of the Prophet, asked "O Messenger of Allah, what do you think I should say in my supplication, if I come upon Laylatul-Qadr?" He said: "Say: 'Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul-'afwa, fa'fu 'anni (O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me).'" Sunan Ibn Majah 3850. This shows that the worship you do in Laylatul Qadr is a personal worship. This shows the purpose of laylatul-Qadr is to seek forgivness.

We, on the contrary, dedicates this blessed night in listening (and watching) to the various programs on the so called “Islamic Channels”. We roam freely in the market for shopping or tasting new foods with our friends and family. We waste time on social networking sites. How can we expect the forgiveness from Allah when we are disobeying him? What did the Noble Prophet tell to his wife Aisha to recite in the blessed night? And what are we doing? Are we really following the commandments of the Prophet (peace be upon him)? This is not the night to sit on the chair watching the television. This is not the night to roam in the market for shopping and tasting the delicious food. This is not the night to waste your time on social networking sites. Remember, a sincere worship is much more precious than a delicious food, variety of shopping and our status updates.

Let’s dedicate this night in the worship of Allah, seclude ourselves in His remembrance, put our efforts in getting the forgiveness from the Most Merciful.

O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive us. Aameen