Seek forgiveness frequently

Bismillahirohmanirrohiim

Luqmaan said to his son, commanding him to seek forgiveness frequently, "Make your tongue accustomed to seeking forgiveness as there are hours when Allaah The Almighty does not let down a supplicating person."

Furthermore, Al-Hasan rahimu Allaah said, "Seek forgiveness frequently in your houses, at your tables, in your roads, markets, gatherings and wherever you go for you do not know when forgiveness is granted."

In addition, Qataadah said, "The Quran guides you to your illness and your cure. Your illness is sins and your cure is seeking forgiveness." The accursed Shaytaan (Satan) said, "I destroyed people with sins, and they destroyed me with saying 'Laa ilaaha illa Allaah (I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah)’ and seeking forgiveness."

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* I am blessed *

From FB

I observe my life and my accomplishments.

I count the favors and blessings I have been given.

I measure my intelligence to other people.

I compare my physical and mental abilities to others.

I come to the conclusion that Allah has given me all the right things in perfect quantity, with measure and precision to live my purpose.

Everyone is given all they need to impact the lives of other people and to live happily and a purposeful life.

Who you are today, and what you have today is because Allah has determined your need and your purpose.

Thank Allah for everything you have. Allah is great, and HE knows what we need.

I am blessed!

***********

"THANK YOU, ALLAH"

(Nasheed by : Raihan)

A STORY OF AN IMAAM

From my mail box..

Several years ago an Imaam moved to London. He often took the bus from his home to the downtown area. Some weeks after he arrived, he had the occasion to ride the same bus. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him twenty pence too much change.

As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, you better give the twenty pence back. It would be wrong to keep it.

Then he thought, oh forget it, it's only twenty pence. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company already gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a gift from Almighty Allah and keep quite.

When his stop came, the Imaam paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the twenty pence back to the driver and said "Here, you gave me too much change."

The driver with a smile replied "Aren't you the new Imaam in this area? I have been thinking lately about going to worship at your mosque. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change."

When the Imaam stepped off the bus, his knees became weak and soft. He had to grab the nearest light pole and held for support, and looked up to the heavens and cried,

"Oh Allah, I almost sold Islam for twenty pence!"

We may never see the impact our actions have on people.

(23/11/2009)

Power of “Istighfar”

(A moving story from the life of Imam Ahmad)

by AbdurRahman.org

This story about "Istighfar" (seeking forgiveness from Allah) is from the life of Imam Ahmed Bin Hanbal, who is considered as a renowned scholar of Islam and a famous theologian. Imam Ahmed is also considered to be the founder of the Hanbali school of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and is one of the most celebrated Sunni theologians, often referred to as the "Sheikh ul-Islam" or the "Imam of Ahl al-Sunnah."

During his old age, while Imam Ahmed was travelling he stopped by a town. After the prayers, he wanted to stay for the night in the masjid yard because he didn't know anyone in the town. 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 Ahmed bin Hanbal, the caretaker of the mosque refused to let him stay in the mosque. As Imam Ahmed was quite old, the caretaker had to drag him out of the mosque. On seeing this, a baker from a nearby place felt pity for this man (Imam Ahmed) and offered to be the host to him for the night.


During his stay with the baker, Imam Ahmed observed that the baker would constantly recite Istighfar (seek forgiveness from Allah). Imam Ahmed asked the baker if the constant practice of saying Istighfar had any effect on him. The baker responded by telling Imam Ahmed that Allah had accepted all of his duas (supplications), except one.


When he asked him what dua was it that hadn't been accepted, the baker replied that he had been asking Allah to provide him the privilege to meet the famous scholar Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal.

On this, Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal said that Allah had not only listened to his dua but had dragged him onto his (the baker's) doorsteps.


[Summarized from Al Jumuah magazine, vol 19, issue 7]

This story is a reminder of the power of saying Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) frequently. Let's remember that the prophet used to say Istighfar frequently during the day.

Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) said,

"If somebody recites it during the day with firm faith in it and dies on the same day before the evening, he will be from the people of Paradise and if somebody recites it at night with firm faith in it and dies before the morning he will be from the people of Paradise."

(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 75, Number 318)

ASTAGHFIRULLAAH - اســـــــــتــــــــــغـــفرالـــلـــه

The obligation of the fast of Ramadhaan and it's time

Fasting in Islam is one of its great (important) pillars, without which one's religion is incomplete.

Al-Baqarah (183 - 185)

183. O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,

184. (Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (Should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.

185. Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.

The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:

((Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadhaan, out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allaah's rewards, then all his previous sins will be forgiven)).

The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) also said:

((When the month of Ramadhaan starts, the gates of the Heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained)).

The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) also said:

((Fasting is a shield or protection from the fire and from committing sins. If one of you is fasting, he should avoid sexual relation with his wife and quarrelling, and if somebody should fight or quarrel with him, he should say, "I am fasting")).

The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) also said (on the authority of Allaah):

((All the deeds of the son of Aadam are for for himself; a good deed is eqaul to ten times it's equivalent except fasting, for certainly it is for Me, and I will give the reward for it. He left his desires, his food, his drink for My sake. There are two pleasures for the fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord. The unpleasant smell coming from the mouth of a fasting person is more pleasant to Allaah than the smell of musk)).

The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) used to announce the good news of the arrival of the month of Ramadhaan to his companions, and would say to them:

((The month of Ramadhaan has come to you. It is the month of blessings. During this month, Allaah sends down mercy, ones mistakes are forgiven, supplications are answered and Allaah praises you in the presence of His angels, so show Allaah your virtues. For certainly the unfortunate individual is he who is prohibited from the mercy of Allaah)).

The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:

(One who does not abandon evil talk and actions, then Allaah is not in need of him abandoning his food and drink (i.e. his fasting)).

(Ref : Fatwa-online)

"Have a blessed month of Ramadhan"

The Importance of Islamic Knowledge

 ~ Taken from facebook, posted by a friend : AllhumdulilahForEverything @ http://www.facebook.com/AllhumdulilahForEverything

"If Allah wants to favor someone, He grants him comprehension of this religion." [Sahih Bukhari vol.1 # 71, Tirmidhi and Musnad Ahmad]

"The example of guidance and knowledge with which, Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth, some of which was fertile soil, absorbed rain water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance. And another portion of it was hard and held the rainwater and Allah benefited the people with it and they utilized it for drinking, making their animals drink from it and for irrigation of the land for cultivation. And a portion of it was barren which, could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation (then that land gave no benefits).

The first is the example of the person who comprehends Allah’s religion and gets benefit (from the knowledge), which Allah has revealed through me (the Prophet) and learns and then teaches others. The last example is that of a person who does not care for it and does not take Allah’s guidance revealed through me (He is like that barren land.)”

[Sahih Al-Bukhari v.1 no.79. Narrated by Abu Musa]

“It is only those who have knowledge amongst His slaves that fear Allah.”

[Soorah Al-Fatir (35): 28]

“Seek knowledge, because seeking it for the sake of Allah is a worship. And knowing it makes you more fearing of Allah; and searching for it is jihad, teaching it to those who do not know is charity, reviewing and learning it more is like tasbeeh. Through knowledge Allah will be known and worshipped. With the knowledge Allah will elevate people and make them leaders and imams, who will in turn guide other people.”

[Fatawa Ibn Taymiyya vol.10, p.39]

“Whoever treads on a path in search of Islamic knowledge, Allah will ease the way to Paradise for him. The angels will lower their wings, pleased with this seeker of knowledge, and everyone in the heavens and on earth will ask forgiveness for the knowledgeable person, even the fish in the deepest of waters will ask for his forgiveness”

[Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi # 2835-sahih hadith]

“He whom death overtakes while he is engaged in acquiring knowledge with a view to reviving Islam with the help of it, there will be one degree between him and the Prophets in Paradise .”

[Al-Tirmidhi Hadith no. 249. Narrated by Al-Hasan al-Basri]

*********

(Note : I hope the owner of the said FB does not mind me sharing his/her posting here)

Soul Food

By : Wayfarer - Mon, 09/05/2011

(here)

Too many of us walking around

With icy hearts

And

Frozen minds

With

A keen awareness

Of

An emptiness inside

That

Nothing fills;

Not food, nor wealth

Not love, lust nor romance

Not offspring, parents nor siblings

Still

Not understanding

That

It is soul food we need;

Surrender, Prayers, Good Deeds

To

A Majestic Being

A conscious affirmation

Of

That which each and everyone of us

Testified to even before our births

Submission to

The One-and-Only,

Declare!

And

Taste the Freedom

In

Slavery only to ALLAH SWT.

************

Heart of a Muslim

(Zain Bhikha Nasheeds)

Morning prayer

*******************

(Nasheed by : Hamza Tom Robertson)

There is a reason why to Allah we pray
In the morning on every day
It’s a meeting and we must not be late
If we want to have peace we must obey and pray

CHORUS:
There is no better feeling
Than when we pray on time
And we know the rest of our days
Will work out just fine
So we must work hard and wake up before sunrise
So we can leave our homes with the blessings of Allah

Idha hafadhta ‘alal salah
Hayatuka tumla’ baraka
Idha hafadhta ‘alal salah
Tanal ridhaa’ Allah
If you maintained your prayers
Your life will be filled with blessings
If you prayed on time
Allah will be pleased with you

No excuses of why you cannot pray
Coz we need him on everyday
So don’t tell me just why you turned up late
If we want to have peace we must obey and pray

CHORUS

Idha hafadhta ‘alal salah
Hayatuka tumla’ baraka
Idha hafadhta ‘alal salah
Tanal ridhaa’ Allah
If you maintained your prayers
Your life will be filled with blessings
If you prayed on time
Allah will be pleased with you

Listen brother and sister it’s all been said before
You’re too tired now so you sleep some more
But when you wake up there’s an emptiness inside
If we want to have peace we must swallow our pride

Bridge:
I know my friend it’s not easy
But we must try believe me
And we will feel a difference
In our lives and Allah will give us strength

CHORUS

10 useless matters

By Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah

(Article from Saudi Gazette)

1. Knowledge that is not acted on.

2. The deed that has neither sincerity nor is based on following the righteous examples of others.

3. Money that is hoarded, as the owner neither enjoys it during this life nor obtains any reward for it in the Hereafter.

4. The heart that is empty of love and longing for Allah, and of seeking closeness to Him.

5. A body that does not obey and serve Allah.

6. Loving Allah without following His orders or seeking His pleasure.

7. Time that is not spent in expiating sins or seizing opportunities to do good.

8. A mind that thinks about useless matters.

9. Serving those who do not bring you close to Allah, nor benefit you in your life.

10. Hoping and fearing whoever is under the authority of Allah and in His Hand; while he cannot bring any benefit or harm to himself, nor death, nor life; nor can he resurrect himself.

However, the greater of these matters are wasting the heart and wasting time. Wasting the heart is done by preferring this worldly life over the Hereafter, and wasting time is done by having incessant hope.

Destruction occurs by following one’s desires and having incessant hope, while all goodness is found in following the right path and preparing oneself to meet Allah.

How strange it is that when a servant of Allah has a (worldly) problem, he seeks help of Allah, but he never asks Allah to cure his heart before it dies of ignorance, neglect, fulfilling one’s desires and being involved in innovations. Indeed, when the heart dies, he will never feel the significance or impact of his sins.

– Al-Fawa’id -

The sweetness of trusting in Allaah

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

If the servant of Allaah knows that he cannot escape nor change the plan of Allaah, he will commit all his affairs to Allaah and throw himself between His hands as a humble servant throws himself between the hands of a mighty king who has authority over him- and indeed the servant has no power of his own.

When the servant knows all that, he will be relieved from all distress and sadness and will pass the burden to Allaah who does not get tired. Allaah will carry them, and show him kindness and mercy without any tiredness.

The servant has paid attention to Allaah alone and Allaah paid attention to the needs and benefits of his life and emptied his heart from them, and, as a result, his life will be good and his heart will be happy.

The sweetness of trusting in Allaah
Taken from Al – Fawaa’id’ by Imam Ibn al-Qayyim rahimahullaah

**************

Darb Al Saleen - Tabballah (Arabic nasheed)
(with english subtitle)

The twelve months in Hijrah Year

**************************

The Islamic year has twelve months that are based on a lunar cycle.

Allah says in the Qur'an:

"The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year) - so ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth...." (At-Tawbah(9):36).

"It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory, and the moon to be a light of beauty, and measured out stages for it, that you might know the number of years and the count of time. Allah did not create this except in truth and righteousness. And He explains His signs in detail, for those who understand" (Yunus(10):5).


And in his final sermon before his death, the Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) said, among other things,

"With Allah the months are twelve; four of them are holy; three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumaada and Sha'ban."


Islamic months begin at sunset of the first day, the day when the lunar crescent is visually sighted. The lunar year is approximately 354 days long, so the months rotate backward through the seasons and are not fixed to the Gregorian calendar.

Bulan bulan Islam
(The months in Hijrah year)

The months of the Islamic year are:

1. Muharram ("Forbidden" - it is one of the four months during which it is forbidden to wage war or fight)

2. Safar ("Empty" or "Yellow")

3. Rabia Awal ("First spring")

4. Rabia Thani ("Second spring")

5. Jumaada Awal ("First freeze")

6. Jumaada Thani ("Second freeze")

7. Rajab ("To respect" - this is another holy month when fighting is prohibited)

8. Sha'ban ("To spread and distribute")

9. Ramadan ("Parched thirst" - this is the month of daytime fasting)

10. Shawwal ("To be light and vigorous")

11. Dhul-Qi'dah ("The month of rest" - another month when no warfare or fighting is allowed)

12. Dhul-Hijjah ("The month of Hajj" - this is the month of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, again when no warfare or fighting is allowed)


(http://islam.about.com/cs/calendar/a/hijrah_calendar.htm)

Hijrah Year

***********************

Muslims do not traditionally "celebrate" the beginning of a new year, but we do acknowledge the passing of time, and take time to reflect on our own mortality.

Muslims measure the passage of time using the Islamic (Hijrah) calendar. This calendar has twelve lunar months, the beginnings and endings of which are determined by the sighting of the crescent moon.

Years are counted since the Hijrah, which is when the Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Madinah (approximately July 622 A.D.).





The Islamic calendar was first introduced by the close companion of the Prophet, 'Umar ibn Al-Khattab. During his leadership of the Muslim community, in approximately 638 A.D., he consulted with his advisors in order to come to a decision regarding the various dating systems used at that time.

It was agreed that the most appropriate reference point for the Islamic calendar was the Hijrah, since it was an important turning point for the Muslim community.

After the emigration to Madinah (formerly known as Yathrib), the Muslims were able to organize and establish the first real Muslim "community," with social, political, and economic independence. Life in Madinah allowed the Muslim community to mature and strengthen, and the people developed an entire society based on Islamic principles.

The Islamic calendar is the official calendar in many Muslim countries, especially Saudi Arabia. Other Muslim countries use the Gregorian calendar for civil purposes and only turn to the Islamic calendar for religious purposes.


http://islam.about.com/cs/calendar/a/hijrah_calendar.htm

******************

Raihan - Al-Hijrah

Thank You Allah

So many things to be thankful for in life..

Alhamdulillah (All the praises to Allah)

(from youtube : here)

Thank You Allah
(Lyrics)

By: Maher Zain
I was so far from you
Yet to me you were always so close
I wandered lost in the dark
I closed my eyes toward the signs
You put in my way
I walked everyday
Further and further away from you
Ooooo Allah, you brought me home
I thank You with every breath I take.

Alhamdulillah, Elhamdulillah
All praises to Allah, All praises to Allah
Alhamdulillah, Elhamdulillah
All praises to Allah, All praises to Allah.

I never thought about
All the things you have given to me
I never thanked you once
I was too proud to see the truth
And prostrate to you
Until I took the first step
And that’s when you opened the doors for me
Now Allah, I realized what I was missing
By being far from you.

Alhamdulillah, Elhamdulillah
All praises to Allah, All praises to Allah
Alhamdulillah, Elhamdulillah
All praises to Allah, All praises to Allah.

Allah, I wanna thank You
I wanna thank you for all the things that you’ve done
You’ve done for me through all my years I’ve been lost
You guided me from all the ways that were wrong
And did you give me hope

O Allah, I wanna thank you
I wanna thank You for all the things that you’ve done
You’ve done for me through all my years I’ve been lost
You guided me from all the ways that were wrong
I wanna thank You for bringing me home

Alhamdulillah, Elhamdulillah
All praises to Allah, All praises to Allah
Alhamdulillah, Elhamdulillah
All praises to Allah, All praises to Allah.

Artist: Maher Zain
Album: Thank You Allah

The results of Tilawah - 52nd International

(NST picture by Luqman Hakim Zubir)

QURAN RECITAL CHAMPS:

Egyptian Hani Abdel Aziz Ahmad with qariah (female category) Pakistani Samia Khanan (left) after they were declared champions of the 52nd International Al-Quran Recital competition showing the trophy that they had won in Kuala Lumpur last night. The two Quran reciters each received US$10,000 (RM31,970) cash prize and a trophy from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.

Meanwhile, Malaysian qari Wan Ainuddin Abdullah and Dayang Nurfaezah Emran of Brunei emerged runners-up in their respective categories.

The second runners-up are Abdul Wadoud K. Esmail and Monaifah A. Bogabong Alawi, both from the Philippines. — NST picture by Luqman Hakim Zubir

(BERNAMA news)

Hani scored 91.46 per cent of the marks and Samia, 91.08 per cent.

The theme for the eight-day tilawah from July 27 with 76 participants from 47 countries, was "Strengthening Brotherhood, Empowering the Ummah (Community)".

Last year, there were 66 participants from 43 countries.

Four countries which took part in the tilawah for the first time this year were Kazakhstan, Surinam, Zambia and Djibouti.

Assalamu'alaikum..The best Greeting there could ever be.

************************
******************
***********

" & when you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or return it equally."

[soorah An-Nisa, v:86]

Did you wake up this morning and say "As-Salaamu Alaikum" to your spouse or your child?

Or did you greet them with a "Good Morning" or even a casual "hi"?

Have we been teaching our children the importance of greeting each other with salaam?

Or when we see them off to school, do we send them off with a 'bye', instead of "As-Salaamu Alaikum", the dua for peace and blessings?

For some of us, this may seem a minor issue. Or it may even be a 'progressive' issue. But, in our haste to 'adapt', we forget that saying "As-Salaamu Alaikum" is the best greeting there could ever be.

This was the practice and teaching of Prophet Muhammad (Sal Allaahu Alaihi wa Sallam), the best example for mankind.

And it was Allaah Himself that prescribed the manner of greeting among Muslims as "As-Salaamu Alaikum" [not 'salaams' or 'good morning' or 'hey' or 'hi' or whatever]

"When those who believe in Our Ayaat (proofs, verses, signs, etc.) come to you, say: "Salaamun Alaikum" (peace be on you)..…"

(Surah al-An'aam:54)

Ibn al-Qayyim says:

"Allaah, the Sovereign, the Most Holy, the Peace, prescribed that the greeting among the people of Islam should be 'As-Salaamu Alaikum', which is better than all the greetings of other nations which include impossible ideas or lies, such as saying, 'May you live for a thousand years,' or things that are not accurate, such as 'An'im sabaahan (Good morning),' or actions that are not right, such as bowing in greeting.

Thus the greeting of salaam is better than all of these, because it has the meaning of safety which is life, without which nothing else can be achieved…."

(Badaa'i' al-Fawaa'id)

"As-Salaamu Alaikum" is the best Dua

The word 'salaam' comes from the root 'salema', which implies to disassociate oneself from evil and harm. Thus, when we greet other Muslims, the greeting means: "No harm shall come to you from me (may no evil come to you, may no harm come to you)

And since As-Salaam is also one of the Beautiful Names of Allaah, the greeting of salaam also means, "May the blessing of His Name descend upon you, may Allah be with you, may Allah guide and protect you."

Subhaan Allaah! What a beautiful greeting!

Yet, it is utterly tragic to see that some of us have exchanged something so beautiful for something ugly, when we stopped saying Assalaamu Alaikum and started with 'Good Morning' or 'Hi'.

It is especially sad to see some of our youth, who don't even know how to say the words clearly and properly.

Some say 'Saakum", some just mumble something incomprehensible under their breath and some don't even bother to say anything at all! And if they are being really nice to you, they just might throw you a 'hey' from afar.

And even those of us who do say salaam, some of us are so stingy or hesitant in doing so. Although, at the time of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) the Sahaabah would compete with each other to see who could give salaams first. They would go to the market just to say salaam to people they knew and to the people they did not know.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: "The best of the two persons is the one who begins with salaam."

(Related by an-Nawawi)

BENEFITS OF "AS-SALAAMU ALAIKUM"

1."As-Salaamu Alaikum" is a means of immense reward

A man passed by the Messenger of Allaah (Sal Allaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) while he was sitting with others, and said "As-salaamu 'alaykum." The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said, "[He will have] ten hasanaat."

Another man passed by and said "As-Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullaah (peace be upon you and the mercy of Allaah)." The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said, "[He will have] twenty hasanaat."

Another man passed by and said "As-Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullaahi wa Barakaatuh (peace be upon you and the mercy of Allaah and His blessings)." The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said, "[He will have] thirty hasanaat."

2."As-Salaamu Alaikum" is an aspect of Imaan

Once a man asked the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) about which aspect of Islam was best. The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) replied: "Feeding the hungry, and saying salaam to those you know and those you don't know."

(Bukhaari and Muslim)

3. "As-Salaamu Alaikum" is a means of entering Jannah

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: "You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you about something which, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread salaam (the greeting of peace) among you."

(Muslim)

4. "As-Salaamu Alaikum" gets rid of sins

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) also said, "When two Muslims meet (give salaam), and shake hands, they are forgiven their sins before they part (with each other)."

(Abu Dawud)

5. "As-Salaamu Alaikum" is the greeting of the people of Jannah.

"Then, those that feared their Lord shall be driven in companies into Paradise. When they draw near its gates will be opened, and its keepers will say to them: "Salaamun 'Alaikum" (Peace be upon you), you have done well. Enter and live in it for ever."

(Surah Zumar:73)

6. It is the greeting of Adam alayhi-salaam & his offsprings.:

Narrated by Abu Huraira that the Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wassallam said:

"Allah created Adam, making him 60 cubits tall. When He created him, He said to him, "Go and greet that group of angels, and listen to their reply, for it will be your greeting (salutation) and the greeting (salutations of your offspring."

So, Adam said (to the angels) As-salamu Alaikum (i.e. Peace be upon you). The angels said, "As-salamu Alaika wa Rahmatu-l-lahi" (i.e. Peace and Allah's Mercy be upon you). Thus the angels added to Adam's salutation the expression, 'Wa Rahmatu-l-lahi...."

[Sahih Bukhari: # 543]

It is obligatory to return the greeting of "As-Salaamu Alaikum"

"The Muslim has five rights over his fellow-Muslim: he should return his salaams, visit him when he is sick, attend his funeral, accept his invitation, and pray for mercy for him [say "Yar ha'mu kallaah"] when he sneezes."

(Bukhaari, Muslim)

We should say "As-Salaamu Alaikum" when we enter our homes,

"When you enter houses, greet (with peace) one another with a salutation from Allah, blessed and good. As such Allah makes clear to you His verses so that you understand."

(Surah an-Nur: 61)

"As-Salaamu Alaikum" is also to be said at time of leaving

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: "When one of you joins a gathering, he should greet those present; and when he leaves them he should salute them, because the first salutation is not better than the last one."

(Abu Dawud and Tirmithi)

Why would you want to give up something beautiful for something ugly??

It is sad to see that when it comes to the matters of Dunya, we strive our utmost to give our families and friends the best. Yet when it comes to greetings, we forget the most beautiful and comprehensive greeting "As-Salaamu Alaikum", which is also a prayer….a prayer of peace and blessing….of security and protection from all harm and all evil…..a blessing that Allaah Himself sends down to His beloved slaves……a greeting of the people of Jannah itself.

Important note: The head should never be bent or bowed as a sign of greeting. We bend our heads only to Allah. It must also be emphasized that other body gestures in any form or shape (for example, raising eyebrows, extending the arms, smiling, winking, etc.) cannot replace the beautiful greeting of "As-Salaamu Alaikum"

By Asma bint Shameem

edited by Umm-Abdullaah

Six Lessons from Tests and Trials

In Tests and Trials there are Lessons
- by Dr. Saleh as-Saleh (rahimahullah)

1. The first lesson – From the benefit of tests and trials is the influence it has on one’s tawheed (worship of Allaah), eemaan (faith) and tawakkul – reliance upon Allaah. It makes you examine the reality that man is a weak creation without any power or strength, except in your Lord. Therefore you resort to Him and depend on Him. Thereupon arrogance, false pride and negligence will be removed and you will come to know that you are really poor and in need of your Creator, the Almighty, the Most Perfect, and so you resort to Him.

2. The second lesson – Tests unravel the reality of this life. It is clarified to be a temporal stay for enjoyment, and the perfect life is the one which follows, wherein there is no toil, worry, fatigue or disease. Allaah سبحانه وتعالى stated this in Surah al-Ankaboot, verse 64.

وَإِنَّ الدَّارَ الْآخِرَةَ لَهِيَ الْحَيَوَانُ لَوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُون

{And this life of the world is only amusement and play! Verily, the home of the Hereafter – that is the life indeed (i.e. the eternal life that will never end), if they but knew.} [al-Ankaboot 29:64]

Even with this amusement and play there is also toil and fatigue. This is the reality of this life – one day life is smiling at you, and the other day it is turning its back on you. This is the nature of life, but man forgets that. The trials and tests come and they serve to remind man of the nature of this life and that he should not become attached to it.

3. The third lesson – The tests and trials remind the person of the favours bestowed upon him by Allaah. It is also a reminder that this life is transitional.

4. The fourth lesson – We are reminded to avoid being in a state of joy such that we feel arrogance and likewise to avoid a state of sadness and grief such that one feels despair. Allaah سبحانه وتعالى sates this in Surah al-Hadeed, verses 22-23:

مَا أَصَابَ مِن مُّصِيبَةٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي أَنفُسِكُمْ إِلَّا فِي كِتَابٍ مِّن قَبْلِ أَن نَّبْرَأَهَا إِنَّ ذَلِكَ عَلَى اللَّهِ يَسِيرٌ {22} لِكَيْلَا تَأْسَوْا عَلَى مَا فَاتَكُمْ وَلَا تَفْرَحُوا بِمَا آتَاكُمْ وَاللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخْتَالٍ فَخُورٍ

{No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but it is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfooz) before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allaah. In order that you may not grieve at the things over that you fail to get, nor rejoice over that which has been given to you. And Allaah likes not every prideful boaster.} [al-Hadeed 57:22-23]

5. The fifth lesson – Trials and tests remind the person of his shortcomings and diseases (of the heart and actions) so that he can take preventive measures against them. Allaah سبحانه وتعالى says in Surah an-Nisaa’ verse79:

مَّا أَصَابَكَ مِنْ حَسَنَةٍ فَمِنَ اللّهِ وَمَا أَصَابَكَ مِن سَيِّئَةٍ فَمِن نَّفْسِكَ وَأَرْسَلْنَاكَ لِلنَّاسِ رَسُولاً وَكَفَى بِاللّهِ شَهِيدًا

{Whatever of good reaches you, is from Allaah, but whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself. And We have sent you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) as a Messenger to mankind, and Allaah is Sufficient as a Witness.} [an-Nisaa’ 4:79]

And Allaah سبحانه وتعالى says in Surah as-Shooraa, verse 30:

وَمَا أَصَابَكُم مِّن مُّصِيبَةٍ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَيَعْفُو عَن كَثِيرٍ

{And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.} [ash-Shooraa 42:30]

There is a chance for repentance before the greater torment occurs. Allaah سبحانه وتعالى says in Surah as-Sajdah, verse 21:

وَلَنُذِيقَنَّهُمْ مِنَ الْعَذَابِ الْأَدْنَى دُونَ الْعَذَابِ الْأَكْبَرِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ

{And verily, We will make them taste of the near torment (i.e. the torment in the life of this world, i.e. disasters, calamities) prior to the supreme torment (in the Hereafter), in order that they may (repent and) return (i.e. accept Islaam).} [as-Sajdah 32:21]

This lesser torment is in this life which is full of calamities, disasters and hardships.

6. The sixth lesson – Tests and trials serve as great teaching processes through which one learns patience. We cannot be firm upon truth and obedience except with patience; and we cannot stay away from falsehood and disobedience except with patience and perseverance. We cannot walk the paths of this life except with patience regarding the pre-ordinance of Allaah. The outcome is jannat al-qulb war-ridwaan – the endless bliss in Paradise and the Pleasure of Allaah سبحانه وتعالى. Allaah سبحانه وتعالى says in Surah Fussilat, verse 35:

وَمَا يُلَقَّاهَا إِلَّا الَّذِينَ صَبَرُوا وَمَا يُلَقَّاهَا إِلَّا ذُو حَظٍ عَظِيمٍ

{But none is granted it except those who are patient – and none is granted it except the owner of the great portion (of happiness in the Hereafter, i.e., Paradise, and of a high moral character) in this world.} [Fussilat 41:35]

Source :Testing, Affliction and Calamities
by Shaykh Dr. Saalih As-Saalih رحمه الله
Delivered on May 20th, 2006
http://www.albaseer ah.org/forum/

The Four Factors

Check yourself for signs of hypocrisy

By Sadaf Farooqi

(http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/)

Just as our body gives us signals when we tax it too much physically or mentally, with migraine headaches, aching bones, low immunity to seasonal viruses, and muscular strains symbolizing the need for us to slow down, relax and give ourselves some stress-free time to unwind.

So too, our actions and dealings with people give us some telltale signs about the state of our spiritual well-being and health.

A healthy soul is serene when it is at the peak of faith. Imagine how it felt after spending a part of the night of “Al-Qadr” in prayer during Ramadan, or after consciously forgiving someone who had wronged you, or after sincerely repenting of and giving up a sin.

Such moments became turning points in your life that made you feel as if you were freed from shackles when you rushed back to Allah. During such times, the heart is spiritually charged, healthy, and resonating with faith. On the flip side are some warning signs in our actions that we should watch out for, because they indicate that we are gravitating towards the worst disease of the heart: Nifaq or hypocrisy. Just as a bodily disease requires immediate prescription of an appropriate remedy for timely cure, a disease of the heart also necessitates immediate diagnosis of symptoms and prescription of a remedy.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “There are four (characteristics), whoever has all of them is a complete hypocrite, and whoever has some of them, has some element of hypocrisy, unless he gives it up: When he speaks, he lies; when he makes a covenant, he betrays it; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; when he quarrels, he resorts to insults.” (Sahih Muslim, no. 53)

The Munafiq or hypocrite is someone who possesses all of the above traits. He makes an outward show of piety, but is inwardly different from his deliberately put-on, outer facade.

There are varying degrees of Nifaq, but the important thing to remember is that it is the opposite of Ikhlas – sincerity of intention towards Allah and His Deen, Islam.

If anyone wants to know how sincere his heart is towards Allah, he should analyze his behavior and actions honestly and if he detects any of these four traits:

Lying

Lying is a major sin that the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) would stay far away from. We, however, lie regularly to save face before people. If we cannot visit someone just because we do not feel like going, we lie that we have to go somewhere else. We fear people and value their opinion about us more than we fear Allah, His wrath, and our standing before Him. We are weak in faith and hence, we lie. Remember that each time you lie, you move further down the levels of faith, further away from Allah and righteousness, until you repent.

Betraying trusts

The agreements and contracts we sign with organizations, institutions, authorities or countries are covenants or trusts. We must obey the laws and rules of these contracts and not intentionally defy them. Anything belonging to someone else is also a trust that we must take care of.

If you find yourself betraying other people’s trusts, such as secretly disobeying office or school rules, deceiving your spouse (with whom you have the Nikah contract), borrowing and misusing other’s belongings, or forging marriage documents for immigration to another country, you should remind yourself that treachery or treason is the trait of a hypocrite.

Breaking promises

The tongue of a believer is cautious and on guard. A kind of carelessness of the tongue is to say to others that you will do something, only to make them pleased with you, and then not actually do it. For example, a husband might say to his wife, “I will buy you shoes next month,” or a woman might say to her friend, “I will not tell anyone your secret” – and then not keep up the word. Breaking promises leaves the other person feeling disappointed and betrayed.

A believer never makes a promise he does not intend to fulfill, and always fulfills a promise once he makes it. Making a promise and then breaking it, is a sign of hypocrisy. A sincere believer always takes his word seriously; once he says he will do something, he considers it a binding oath that remains on his mind until he duly discharges it.

Insulting another person during a dispute.

Disputes, disagreements and quarrels are bound to crop up in human relationships, especially with people to whom we are close. One only fights with those whom he meets regularly, or has some business with, or is biologically related to. Consequently, fights erupt most often between siblings, spouses, neighbors, parents and children, employers and subordinates, colleagues, buyers and sellers, and close friends.

How do you behave when you get angry during a quarrel? Do you start shouting, screaming, hurling profanities and dishing out insults? Do you abuse the other person verbally or physically?

If you do, you should try to control and rectify this behavior. A sincere believer leaves the scene of the quarrel or maintains his composed demeanor even when furious.

As Muslims, we must constantly check ourselves to see whether our hearts have Nifaq or not. Ponder this wise saying of Hasan Al-Basri: “It is only a believer who fears hypocrisy (for himself), and it is only a hypocrite who feels safe from it.” (Al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Iman, ch. 36).

The most effective means of ridding one’s heart of the disease of Nifaq is to adhere to the Qur’an by studying it, memorizing it, and acting upon it; fulfilling all the obligations of Islam, abstaining from its prohibitions, and constantly engaging in remembrance of Allah. – SG

Eid-ul-Adha

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Al-Adha Day: A Model for Sharing and Caring

By Wael Shihab

`Eid Al-Adha has unique spiritual, devotional, educational, and social meanings. It implants in the Muslim's heart the spirit of sharing and caring. It has special rituals, ethics, and values that could, if properly observed, change a Muslim's affairs to the better.


On the day of `Eid, a Muslim is recommended by the Sunnah to have a shower before going to the `Eid Prayer and wear the best of his or her clothes. This reflects Islam's care for cleanliness and beauty. A Muslim should be careful regarding his or her appearance, dress, and personal hygiene.

In the early morning of the `Eid day, a Muslim goes out to pray `Eid with his or her fellow brothers and sisters. Every member of the community should share the happiness and attend the gathering of the `Eid. Kids, women and men, young and elderly, should go out for the `Eid Prayer. It is well-known that even women in their menses are allowed to go out and watch the `Eid Prayer and celebration in the open areas (al-musala) to share the community this blessed time. This implants in the Muslim's heart the sense of brotherhood, unity, and togetherness.

(http://www.islamonline.net/English/Eid_AlAdha/1430/share_care/02.shtml">)

Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais

Muslims in Britain throng to hear Sudais

By Mozammel Haque
(excerpt from : Saudi Gazette ~ 10/08/09)


LONDON – Unity was the focus of Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, in his message to leaders of various Islamic organizations Friday evening at the Regents Park Central Mosque.

The Imam, famous for his beautiful recitation of the Qur’an, urged Muslim leaders to hold regular meetings to exchange ideas between them. He expressed hope that the coming Ramadan will be an occasion to bring people together.

He congratulated Muslim organizations for their efforts towards Muslims in Britain.
“The news of your excellent work reaches us over there in the Land of the Two Holy Mosques,” he said.

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While launching the second expansion of the East London Mosque, Al-Sudais gave a brief speech that can be summarized in 10 points to nearly 5,000 listeners.

1. He spoke about Tawheed (the Oneness and Uniqueness of Allah in His Lordship, His Names and Attributes and His Divinity) and the importance of following the Qur’an and Sunnah. He said, as mentioned in the Qur’an, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent as a role model and a mercy for the whole creation.

2. He reminded Muslims that they are an Ummah of Akhlaq (good character). They must cooperate and help each other in righteousness, and not in sin and aggression. Such cooperation should be with Muslims as well as non-Muslims and this is part of the Islamic character. He said Muslims should always be peaceful with all human beings.

3. Islam is a religion of the middle path. He recalled how the Prophet (peace be upon him) would visit the Jews and look after his neighbors.

4. Muslims should be united, he said. And this unity should be on the basis of the Book of Allah (Qur’an) and the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

5. Muslims are an Ummah of knowledge, he said referring to the importance Islam has placed on education and learning.

6. He mentioned about upholding family ties and bringing up children well. The importance of hijab and the dignity of women was also addressed.

7. Al-Sudais called for Tarbiyyat As-Sahih – imparting and nurturing others on correct teachings.

8. Islam is a religion of Da’wah and Muslims are an Ummah that gives Da’wah toward Allah. People should be invited to Allah with wisdom. He said we are not an Ummah of terrorism and that we should call people to the truth.

9. The Imam stressed on being respectful to parents and also on protecting and safeguarding children’s rights. Children should be given proper education, he said.

10. Sheikh Sudais, lastly, said Muslims were also an Ummah that repents to Allah. He said Ramadan was fast approaching, which is a month of Tawbah (repentance) and seeking forgiveness. He advised everyone to repent to Allah for their sins.

(http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2009081046328&archiveissuedate=10/08/2009)

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(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o6uhjBWsOA)


Tafseer Ibn Katheer :

For The Tafsir of Surat Al-Muddaththir, go to
~ http://abdurrahman.org/qurantafseer/tafsir/ibnkathir/TIK-074-IFrame.html

Salah-ad-Din Al-Ayyubi

From Saudi Gazette :
(17th. July 2009)

The man behind the armor.
(By Abu Sabaya)

HE defied the odds in an era of darkness. He set aside the criticism of those who called him crazy for wanting to do the seemingly impossible: uniting the Ummah, standing up to the Crusaders, and returning honor where it belonged. He was respected by both his friends and foes, and is perhaps one of the few men whose name evokes feelings of honor and pride in the minds of so many people in every era and place.

He had the Crusaders chasing their tails in the battles of Alexandria, Hittin, Acre, Tyre, Beirut, Nablus, Haifa, Tiberius, Gaza, ‘Asqalan, Jerusalem, and dozens of other cities and towns across Sham and North Africa. He is popularly known as Salah-ad-Din the warrior.

But, who was the man behind the armor? How was he as a person, and as a Muslim? What personality does it take to carry out such heroic feats and achieve such a status?

In Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah (13/5-6), Ibn Kathir said that at the time of his death, Salah-ad-Din hardly had any money in his possession, and this was because:
“…of the immense amount of gifts and charity and kindness that he used to show the leaders and ministers under his command, and even to his enemies.

“He was very simple in his clothing, food, drink, and transportation. He would only wear cotton, linen, and wool. It is not known that he ever approached anything forbidden or discouraged, especially after Allah blessed him with his kingdom. Rather, his greatest concern and goal was to aid Islam.”

Ibn Kathir continued:
“He was very strict in praying on time in the jama’ah (congregation). It is said that he never missed a single prayer in jama’ah for a great part of his life, even during the illness that killed him. The imam would enter and lead him in prayer, and he would struggle to get up and pray despite his weakness.”

“He loved to hear the recitation of the Qur’an and the reading of hadith and knowledge. He was constant and habitual in listening to ahadith being read to him, to the point that he would hear a section read to him while he was standing between the ranks of soldiers!”

Ibn Kathir also mentioned: “He had a soft heart, and was easily swayed to tears when he would hear ahadith.

“And Salah-ad-Din was from the bravest of people, and the strongest of them in body and heart despite the illnesses and sickness his body suffered from. This was most evident during the Siege of Acre, where despite the massive numbers of the enemy, he only increased in power and bravery.”

He also said:
“He was generous, well-rounded, always laughing and smiling. He would never slack off in any good that he did. He was extremely patient when doing good and worshipping Allah.”

In ‘Siyar A’lam An-Nubala” (15/436), it’s mentioned that Al-Muwaffaq Abdul Latif said:
“I went to Salah-ad-Din while he was in Jerusalem, and I saw a king who filled eyes with amazement and hearts with love, whether they were near or far. The first night I spent with him, I found his gatherings filled with scholars engaged in knowledge. He would listen intently and participate in their discussions. He would learn how to build walls and dig trenches, and he would then do this himself, carrying the rocks on his own shoulders.”

Al-’Imad said in ‘As-Siyar’ (15/440):
“He would only wear what was permissible to wear, such as linen and cotton. His gatherings were free of vain talk, and they were only attended by the most virtuous of people. He loved to hear ahadith being read with their chains of narration. He was forebearing, honest, pious, pure, and trustworthy. He would contain himself and not become angry. He would never turn back someone in need or embarrass someone who spoke in front of him. He was extremely kind and charitable and I never saw him praying except in jama’ah.”

Adh-Dhahabi said about his death: “And I never saw a king whose death people were sad for except him. This is because he was loved by everyone: he was loved by the righteous and the wicked, the Muslim and the Kafir.” This was Salah-ad-Din Al-Ayyubi. This was the man behind the armor. This was his lifestyle and character, and it was nothing other than this that served as the platform for the amazing feats across the lands that we remember him for today.

Such lifestyle and character is something you will find common between all legends of Islam, whether scholars, leaders or martyrs. You always find them paying great attention to the daily recitation of the Qur’an, studying of the Shariah, giving lots of charity, avoiding useless talk, and living simple lives free of luxury and excessive comfort. This is really the way to success. There is no way you can dream of defending the Shariah if you don’t even have the willpower to implement it in your daily life.

What is interesting is Salah-ad-Din wasn’t always like this. Adh-Dhahabi mentions in ‘As-Siyar’ (15/434 and 436):
“Since his time as a ruler, he abandoned alcohol and worldly pleasures.”
“He used to drink alcohol, and then repented from it.”

That’s right. Salah-ad-Din Al-Ayyubi – this righteous man who singlehandedly changed the course of history – loved to drink and indulge in worldly pleasures. But he repented and transformed his life. This small fact teaches us a mighty lesson: not everyone is born in a life of righteousness. The great people we love and admire were not born with virtue. It also gives us hope that no matter how insignificant or lost we think we are, we can become someone truly great Insha Allah. – SG

(http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2009071743933)