Reflecting over the Meanings of the Qur’an Increases Iman – Shaykh Nabeel Ul-Haqq

Contemplation of the Qur’an is one of the greatest means of increasing one’s iman (faith).

Allah says about the believers:

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُهُ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَانًا وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ

“When His signs (ayat) are recited to them it increases them in faith” [1]

The Qur’an is Allah’s greatest miracle. It is the clearest evidence of Allah’s existence, His Perfect Attributes and proof of His right to be worshipped alone. The more one comprehends Allah’s words, the greater ones conviction becomes. The more one loves Allah. As a consequence, one’s iman increases.

Sheikh ibn Sa’di stated, “The Magnificent Qur’an is the greatest proof of the uniqueness and perfection of Allah”[2] He also said, “When one contemplates on the structure of its words, reflects on its rulings, and realises that they conform with one another without any contradiction, he becomes certain that the Qur’an is revelation sent down from the Wise-One, Worthy of All Praise.”[3]

Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taimia wrote, “All of mankind, Arab and Non-Arab, knows there is no match for the Qur’an. This is true in spite of it being arduously opposed by many Arabs and Non-Arabs. The words of the Qur’an are miraculous; Its structure is miraculous; Its description of the unseen are miraculous ; Its commands and prohibitions are miraculous, Its promises and threats are miraculous; Its splendour, magnificence and ascendance over hearts are miraculous; If it is translated to other than Arabic[4] its meanings are miraculous.” [5]

If one does not have sound knowledge of Arabic, one can only attain this benefit of the Qur’an by reading its meanings in his or her own language.

---

[1] Al-Anfal:2

[2] Al-Adilla Al-Qawati wal-Barahin fi ibtal Usul Al-Mulhidin – Al-Mujmu’a Al-Kamila li mu’allfat Al-Sheikh Al-Sa’di – Al-Qism Al-Khamis: Al-Thaqafa Al-Islamia 2/350

[3] Al-Tawdih Wal-Bayan li Shajaratil-iman p47

[4] Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taimia said, “The scholars are in agreement that the meanings of the Qur’an can be translated for one who does not know Arabic” Al-Jawab Al-Sahih 1/299

[5] Al-Nubuwwat 1/516

The Pious Husband

author unknown

Marriage to him is one half of the deen,
To please Allah (swt) is more than a dream.

He wears his beard for his Lord, to please and obey,
He turns to Allah (swt) for Salah at least five times a day.

He prays in the night and makes sure to wake you,
And strives during daylight to provide and protect you.

He lowers his gaze with firmness because he does not desire,
To displease Allah (swt) and face His just ire,

He asks advice from the ummah, and his wife too,
Before making decisions that he might later rue.

To his wife he is humble and always most kind,
Sharing his burdens with strength and clear mind.

He opens his mouth only to say what is best,
Weighing all options ‘fore denying a request.

He takes care of himself and family too
Knowing that Allah (swt) will see them through.

He is a pleasure from Allah (swt) above
Be thankful to Allah (swt) and His blessings through love.

May Allah Grant All The Muslimahs Pious Husbands ! Ameen

How should we welcome the month of Ramadaan?

Are there any special things that are prescribed for the Muslim to welcome Ramadaan?

Praise be to Allaah.

The month of Ramadaan is the best month of the year, because Allaah has chosen it to make fasting this month obligatory and the fourth pillar of Islam and He has prescribed for the Muslims to spend its nights in prayer, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Islam is built on five (pillars): testimony that there is no god but Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah, establishing prayer, paying zakaah, fasting Ramadaan and performing pilgrimage to the House (Ka’bah).” Agreed upon. And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever spend the nights of Ramadaan in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” Agreed upon. I do not know of any specific way of welcoming Ramadaan, but the Muslim should welcome it with joy and happiness and thanking Allaah for enabling him to reach Ramadaan, for He has caused him to be among the living who compete in doing righteous deeds. Reaching Ramadaan is a great blessing from Allaah. Hence the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to give his companions the glad tidings of the arrival of Ramadaan and explain its virtues, and the great reward that Allaah has prepared for those who fast and who spend the night in prayer. It is prescribed for the Muslim to welcome this blessed month with sincere repentance and preparations to fast and pray qiyaam, with a sound intention and sincere resolve. End quote.

Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him)

Majmoo’ Fataawa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi’ah (15/9).

Zawjati -Audio Poem

Asalamu Alaykum Warahmatuallahi Wabarakatuu

Beautiful Poem !, Mash'Allah =)

A Journey - For Zawjati by Brother Berhan

Excellence of Frequent Remembrance of Allah - Hadith

Abdullah bin Busr (ra) reported Allah(swt) enjoined the believers to always remember Him and He praised them for doing so as Allah(swt) said:

O you who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance. And glorify His Praises morning and afternoon [the early morning (Fajr) and 'Asr prayers].

[Quran Surat Al-'Aĥzāb 33:41, 42)that one of the Companions said:

"O Messenger of Allah! There are many ordinance of Islam for me. So tell me something by which I may hold tight. He (saw) said, "Your tongue should always be busy remembering Allah"

Imam Ahmad 4/188 190 At Tirmidy 3375 Ibm Majah 3793

103. The Epoch - Al-Asr

103. The Epoch - Al-Asr

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

103:1	I swear by the time,
103:2	Most surely man is in loss,
103:3	Except those who believe and do good, and enjoin on each other truth, and enjoin on each other patience.

Believer to another Believer - Hadith

Bukhari :: Book 3 :: Volume 43 :: Hadith 626 Narrated Abu Musa: The Prophet said,

"A believer to another believer is like a building whose different parts enforce each other."

The Prophet then clasped his hands with the fingers interlaced (while saying that).

Bukhari :: Book 3 :: Volume 43 :: Hadith 623 Narrated Anas bin Malik: Allah's Apostle said,

"Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one."

Ways To Strengthen One’s Memory

[Source: http://www.iloveallaah.com/]

It is human nature to be forgetful, as the Arab poet said:

“He is only called man (insaan) because of his forgetfulness (nasiyaan), and it is only called the heart (al-qalb) because it changes so rapidly (yataqallib).”

In the past they said that the first one to forget (awwal naasin) was the first man (awwal al-naas), meaning Adam, peace be upon him. Forgetfulness is something that varies from person to person according to each individual’s nature; some may be more forgetful than others. Some of the things that may help to combat forgetfulness are the following:

Keeping away from sin, because the bad effects of sin result in a bad memory and the inability to retain knowledge. The darkness of sin cannot co-exist with the light of knowledge.

The following words were attributed to al-Shaafi‘ee, may Allah have mercy on him:

“I complained to [my shaykh] Wakee’ about my bad memory, and he taught me that I should keep away from sin. He said that knowledge of Allah is light, and the light of Allah is not given to the sinner.”

Al-Khateeb reported in al-Jaami‘ (2/387) that Yahya ibn Yahya said:

“A man asked Maalik ibn Anas, ‘O Abu ‘Abd-Allah! Is there anything that will improve my memory?’

He said,

‘If anything will improve it, it is giving up sin.’”

When a person commits a sin, it overwhelms him and this leads to anxiety and sorrow which keeps him busy thinking about what he has done. This dulls his senses and distracts him from many beneficial things, including seeking knowledge.

Frequently remembering Allah, may He be glorified, by reciting dhikr, tasbeeh (saying ‘Subhan Allah’), tahmeed (‘Al-hamdu Lillaah’), tahleel (‘Laa ilaaha ill-Allah’) and takbeer (‘Allahu akbar’), etc. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“…And remember your Lord when you forget…”

[Qur’an al-Kahf 18:24]

Not eating too much, because eating too much makes one sleep too much and become lazy, and it dulls the senses, besides exposing one to the risk of physical diseases. Most of the diseases which we see result from food and drink.

Some of the scholars have mentioned certain foods which increase the memory, such as drinking honey and eating raisins and chewing certain kinds of gum resin.

Imaam al-Zuhree said:

“You should eat honey because it is good for the memory.”

He also said:

“Whoever wants to memorize hadeeth should eat raisins.”

(From al-Jaami‘ by al-Khateeb, 2/394)

Ibraaheem ibn said,

“You should chew resin gum, because it gives energy to the heart and gets rid of forgetfulness.”

(From al-Jaami‘ by al-Khateeb, 2/397)

As they mentioned, too much acidic food is one of the causes of laziness and weak memory.

Another thing that can help the memory and reduce forgetfulness is cupping (hijaamah) of the head, as is well known from experience.

(For more information see Al-Tibb al-Nabawi by Ibn al-Qayyim). And Allah knows best.

A Tongue moist with the Remembrance of Allah

When passing through a mountain pass, a bedouin once came across an old man who was blind and who seemed to be afflicted with various ailments all over his body. It was clear that he was wasting away. He was even paralyzed and was constantly forced to remain in a seated position. The Bedouin could clearly hear him say,

"All praise is for Allah, Who has kept me safe from ailments with which He has tesed many among His creation; and He has indeed preferred me over many among those that He created."

"My brother!"

exclaimed the bedouin.

"What have you been saved from? By Allah, I think that you have been afflicted with every single kind of ailment!"

"Go away from me,"

said the old man, as he raised his head.

"Do I not still have a tongue with which I can pronounce His Oneness, and with which I can remember Him every single moment? And do I not still have a heart with which I can know Him?"

These words of the old man were enough for the bedouin to repent to Allah for his sins and ask Him for forgiveness.

[Source; Email Distribution]

This is a story for that serves to remind us All of the many things we take granted for. Sabr and Shukr, Our Sincerity of Our Servitutude to Allah (swt) are a few that comes into my mind for starters. Now, we should tell ourself this, what do we do when any type of hardships strikes?

104. The Gossipmonger - Al-Humaza

104. The Gossipmonger - Al-Humaza

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

104:1	Woe to every slanderer, defamer,
104:2	Who amasses wealth and considers it a provision (against mishap);
104:3	He thinks that his wealth will make him immortal.
104:4	Nay! he shall most certainly be hurled into the crushing disaster,
104:5	And what will make you realize what the crushing disaster is?
104:6	It is the fire kindled by Allah,
104:7	Which rises above the hearts.
104:8	Surely it shall be closed over upon them,
104:9	In extended columns.

105. The Elephant - Al-Fil

105. The Elephant - Al-Fil

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

105:1	Have you not considered how your Lord dealt with the possessors of the elephant?
105:2	Did He not cause their war to end in confusion,
105:3	And send down (to prey) upon them birds in flocks,
105:4	Casting against them stones of baked clay,
105:5	So He rendered them like straw eaten up?

Hadith - The reward for seeking knowledge

Dawud :: Book 25 : Hadith 3634

Narrated AbudDarda': Kathir ibn Qays said: I was sitting with AbudDarda' in the mosque of Damascus. A man came to him and said: AbudDarda, I have come to you from the town of the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) for a tradition that I have heard you relate from the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him). I have come for no other purpose.

He said: I heard the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) say: If anyone travels on a road in search of knowledge, Allah will cause him to travel on one of the roads of Paradise. The angels will lower their wings in their great pleasure with one who seeks knowledge, the inhabitants of the heavens and the Earth and the fish in the deep waters will ask forgiveness for the learned man. The superiority of the learned man over the devout is like that of the moon, on the night when it is full, over the rest of the stars. The learned are the heirs of the Prophets, and the Prophets leave neither dinar nor dirham, leaving only knowledge, and he who takes it takes an abundant portion.

106. Quraysh - Quraish

106. Quraysh - Quraish

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

106:1	For the protection of the Qureaish --
106:2	Their protection during their trading caravans in the winter and the summer --
106:3	So let them serve the Lord of this House
106:4	Who feeds them against hunger and gives them security against fear.

107. Have You Seen - Al-Maun

107. Have You Seen - Al-Maun

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

107:1	Have you considered him who calls the judgment a lie?
107:2	That is the one who treats the orphan with harshness,
107:3	And does not urge (others) to feed the poor.
107:4	So woe to the praying ones,
107:5	Who are unmindful of their prayers,
107:6	Who do (good) to be seen,
107:7	And withhold the necessaries of life.

108. Plenty - Al-Kauther

108. Plenty - Al-Kauther

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

108:1	Surely We have given you Kausar,
108:2	Therefore pray to your Lord and make a sacrifice.
108:3	Surely your enemy is the one who shall be without posterity,

109. Atheists - Al-Kafiroon

109. Atheists - Al-Kafiroon

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

109:1	Say: O unbelievers!
109:2	I do not serve that which you serve,
109:3	Nor do you serve Him Whom I serve:
109:4	Nor am I going to serve that which you serve,
109:5	Nor are you going to serve Him Whom I serve:
109:6	You shall have your religion and I shall have my religion.

110. Divine Support - An-Nasr

110. Divine Support - An-Nasr

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

110:1	When there comes the help of Allah and the victory,
110:2	And you see men entering the religion of Allah in companies,
110:3	Then celebrate the praise of your Lord, and ask His forgiveness; surely He is oft-returning (to mercy).

111. The Flame - Al-Masadd

111. The Flame - Al-Masadd

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

111:1	Perdition overtake both hands of Abu Lahab, and he will perish.
111:2	His wealth and what he earns will not avail him.
111:3	He shall soon burn in fire that flames,
111:4	And his wife, the bearer of fuel,
111:5	Upon her neck a halter of strongly twisted rope.

Advice to the Muslims in the West

What advice can you give to the Muslims in the west in the current situation in which the Muslim ummah finds itself? How can we fulfil our Islamic duties and please Allaah?.

Praise be to Allaah.

1- Our advice to our Muslim brothers who are living in the west – now – is the same as the advice that Allaah gave to the first and the last, which is to fear Allaah and to do that which is enjoined by Allaah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and to avoid that which is forbidden by Allaah and His Messenger.

2- Do not stay there, except for those of you who are forced to stay or who need to do so, because they have no other place to go, or because they are sick and need treatment, or they are active in da’wah, calling people to Islam; or if you are natives of that land and can practise your religion openly. You know your situation better than we do and you have seen for yourselves how the west has shown its true colours with regard to so-called religious freedom and freedom of self-expression. That has become permissible for all religions except Islam, and for all people except the Muslims; the heads of some of these states have even dared to issue laws forbidding Muslim women to wear hijab in public schools.

3- If you have no alternative but to stay in those countries, then strive not to raise your children there; send them to a Muslim country, to their families or to Islamic centres that will take care of them and educate them. No matter how great the corruption in Muslim countries, it cannot compare to the kufr and permissiveness that exists in the west, except in a few rare cases.

4- You have to present a correct image of Islam by adhering to its rituals, morals and ways. Many countries were won over by Muslim merchants who dealt in a good and kind manner with people, so that the gave a good image of Islam and countries became Muslim at their hands whose inhabitants number in the tens of millions.

5- It is not permissible for you to look for ward to dilute the rulings of Islam and to make compromises in order to please the west and its people. Rather you should feel proud of your religion and adhere to the guidance of your Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), no matter who disagrees with you. You see how the followers of deviant ideas and perversions feel proud of their principles and ideas and proclaim them openly with no embarrassment. The followers of truth have more right to do that.

6- Be united in adhering to the truth and in defending the truth; do not become divided and lose your strength, thus enabling your enemy to defeat you. And do not show your differences openly in front of the kuffaar. Advise one another in private and not in plain view of others.

7- Do not hesitate to be involved in newspapers, magazines, broadcasting and all kinds of media – within Islamic guidelines – and let your participation be with a purpose, namely to show the true face of Islam. Defend the honour of your Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), for many kaafirs may be receptive and may respond to a kind word or be influenced by strong evidence.

8- You have to develop strong ties with the scholars and shaykhs whose knowledge is trustworthy, through all available means. Rid yourselves of ignorance about your faith so that you may dispel the ignorance of others in turn. Introduce Islam to the public, free of all impurities.

9- Visit the Holy Land of Allaah – Makkah al-Mukarramah – for Hajj and ‘Umrah, in order to strengthen your faith and form strong ties with the scholars and shaykhs. We often see Muslims from all corners of the earth, but rarely from the west. So strive to do this and cooperate in organizing trips, and you will see a great deal of good in sha Allah.

10-Finally, strive to obey and worship Allaah, and take good care of your sons and daughters; strive to form strong bonds between family members.

We ask Allaah to help you to do that which pleases Him and to help you to obey Him and worship Him well.

Islam Q&A

112. Sincerity - Al-Ikhlas

112. Sincerity - Al-Ikhlas

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

112:1	Say: He, Allah, is One.
112:2	Allah is He on Whom all depend.
112:3	He begets not, nor is He begotten.
112:4	And none is like Him.

113. Dawn - Al-Falaq

113. Dawn - Al-Falaq

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

113:1	Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of the dawn,
113:2	From the evil of what He has created,
113:3	And from the evil of the utterly dark night when it comes,
113:4	And from the evil of those who blow on knots,
113:5	And from the evil of the envious when he envies

114. Mankind - An-Nas

Asalamu Alaykum Warahmatuallahi Wabarakatu

Insha'Allah starting from today I'd like to post Surahs(Chapters) from the Quran in english translation, because for many we don't understand what we're reading.

This not an attempt to teach everyone Tafsir (Commentary of the Quran), just the literal meaning behind the words in arabic. Alhamdulilah, I hope that makes sense.

First Surah(Chapter):

114. Mankind - An-Nas

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

114:1	Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of men,
114:2	The King of men,
114:3	The God of men,
114:4	From the evil of the whisperings of the slinking (Shaitan),
114:5	Who whispers into the hearts of men,
114:6	From among the jinn and the men.

Love for the Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa salam)

ibn Rajab al Hanbali

It is related in the Sahihain of al-Bukhari and Muslim, rahimahumallaah, from Anas, radhiallahu `anhu, that the Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said: “None of you truly believes until I am more beloved to him than his father, his child and all of mankind.”

And in the same sources we find that `Umar ibn al Khattab, radhiallahu `anhu, said to Allah’s Messenger, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, “O Rasoolullah, you are more beloved to me than anything except my own self.” Allah’s Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, then told him, “No, by the One in Whose Hand is my soul, not until I am more beloved to you than your own soul.” `Umar then told him, “By Allah, now you are more beloved to me than my own soul.” Allah’s Messenger, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, then told him that now he had the complete and correct faith.

Ibn Rajab says about love of the Messenger sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam:

Love for the Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam is at two levels.

The first level is obligatory. This is the love that requires one to accept whatever the Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam brought from Allah and to receive it with love, pleasure, esteem and submission, without seeking guidance from any other source whatsoever. This is then followed by excellent following of him in whatever he conveyed from his Lord and to affirm whatever he has reported of obligations, to remain away from anything he has prohibited of forbidden acts, to give support for his religion and to strive against those who oppose him according to one’s ability. All of this are necessary components that one must possess and a person’s Faith is not complete without them.

The second level is superior [and not an absolutely necessary component of Faith]. This type of love requires following his example in an excellent way and fulfilling the following of his Sunnah with respect to his behavior, manners, voluntary deeds, supererogatory actions, eating, drinking, dressing, excellent behaviour with his wives and other aspects of his perfect manners and pure behavior. It also includes learning about his life and days. It also includes the heart trembling when mentioning him, saying prayers and blessings upon him often out of what resides in the heart of love for him, esteem for him and respect for him. It also includes loving to listen to his words and preferring them over the words of others of the creation. And one of the greatest aspects of this love is to follow him in his abstinence of this world, his being suffices with a little and his turning to and desiring of the everlasting Hereafter.

4 Shaban, 1431

Asalamu Alaykum Warahmatuallahi Wabarakatu

http://www.albalagh.net/general/shaban.shtml

Sha'ban is one of the meritorious months for which we find some particular instructions in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. It is reported in the authentic ahadith that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to fast most of the month in Sha'ban. These fasts were not obligatory on him but Sha'ban is the month immediately preceding the month of Ramadan. Therefore, some preparatory measures are suggested by Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Some of these are given below:

1. The blessed companion Anas, Radi-Allahu anhu, reports that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, was asked, "Which fast is the most meritorious after the fasts of Ramadan?" He replied, "Fasts of Shaban in honor of Ramadan."

2. The blessed companion Usama ibn Zaid, Radi-Allahu anhu, reports that he asked Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam: "Messenger of Allah, I have seen you fasting in the month of Sha'ban so frequently that I have never seen you fasting in any other month." Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, replied: "That (Sha'ban) is a month between Rajab and Ramadan which is neglected by many people. And it is a month in which an account of the deeds (of human beings) is presented before the Lord of the universe, so, I wish that my deeds be presented at a time when I am in a state of fasting."

3. Ummul Mu'mineen 'Aishah, Radi-Allahu anha, says, "Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to fast the whole of Sha'ban. I said to him, 'Messenger of Allah, is Sha'ban your most favorite month for fasting?' He said, 'In this month Allah prescribes the list of the persons dying this year. Therefore, I like that my death comes when I am in a state of fasting."

4. In another Tradition she says, "Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, would sometimes begin to fast continuously until we thought he would not stop fasting, and sometimes he used to stop fasting until we thought he would never fast. I never saw the Messenger of Allah, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, fasting a complete month, except the month of Ramadan, and I have never seen him fasting in a month more frequently than he did in Sha'ban."

5. In another report she says, "I never saw the Messenger of Allah, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, fasting in a month so profusely as he did in the month of Sha'ban. He used to fast in that month leaving only a few days, rather, he used to fast almost the whole of the month."

6. Ummul-Mu'mineen Umm Salamah, Radi-Allahu anha, says: "I have never seen the Messenger of Allah fasting for two months continuously except in the months of Sha'ban and Ramadan."

These reports indicate that fasting in the month of Sha'ban, though not obligatory, is so meritorious that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, did not like to miss it.

But it should be kept in mind that the fasts of Sha'ban are for those persons only who are capable of keeping them without causing deficiency in the obligatory fasts of Ramadan. Therefore, if one fears that after fasting in Sha'ban, he will lose strength or freshness for the fasts of Ramadan and will not be able to fast in it with freshness, he should not fast in Sha'ban, because the fasts of Ramadan, being obligatory, are more important than the optional fasts of Sha'ban. That is why Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, himself has forbidden the Muslims from fasting one or two days immediately before the commencement of Ramadan. The blessed Companion Abu Hurairah, Radi-Allahu anhu, reports Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, to have said, "Do not fast after the first half of the month of Sha'ban is gone."

According to another report Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam has said: "Do not precede the month of Ramadan with one or two fasts."

The essence of the above-quoted ahadith is that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, himself used to fast most of the month of Sha'ban, because he had no fear of developing weakness or weariness before the commencement of Ramadan. As for others, he ordered them not to fast after the 15th of Sha'ban for the fear that they would lose their strength and freshness before Ramadan starts, and would not be able to welcome the month of Ramadan with enthusiasm.

Love of Allah

ibn al Qayyim al Jawziyyah

Ibn al-Qayyim mentioned ten causes that result in Allah’s love for His slave and the slave’s love for his Lord.

[These ten are:]

First, reciting the Qur’an while pondering over its meanings and what is meant by it.

Second, getting closer to Allah by performing voluntary deeds after completing obligatory deeds. This is as is stated in a Hadith Qudsi: “My slave continues getting closer to Me by performing voluntary deeds until I love him.” [al-Bukhari]

Third, continual remembrance of Allah under all circumstances, with one’s tongue, heart and actions. The extent of one’s love of Allah is determined by this.

Fourth, giving precedence to what He loves over what you love when you are overtaken by your desires.

Fifth, the heart being avid of Allah’s Names, and Attributes and the heart roaming in that garden of knowledge.

Sixth, observing Allah’s kindness, goodness and bounties, both hidden and open.

Seventh, and this is the most wonderful, the heart being soft, subdued and meek before Allah.

Eighth, being alone with Allah during the time when the Lord descends during the last portion of the night while reading His Book and ending that by asking for forgiveness and repenting.

Ninth, sitting with the beloved and sincere, benefiting from the most fruitful of their speech. And not to speak unless speaking is more beneficial and you know that it will improve your state and be beneficial to others.

Tenth, remaining away from every cause that comes between the heart and Allah.

These ten causes take the lovers to the station of true love and bring them to their Beloved.

Beloved Home

Asalamu Alaykum Warahmatuallahi Wabarakatu

Bismillah.

Beloved Home.
Second Home.
A Muslims Home.


THE HOUSE OF ALLAH.

And the mosques are for Allah (Alone), so invoke not anyone along with Allah.
[Surah Al-Jinn 72:18]

The Mosque is the house of every pious person, our hearts should be attached to the House of Allah.
HOW RARELY DO YOU GO TO THE HOUSE OF ALLAH & WORSHIP & PARTICIPATE?

The amount of free time we all have, we could make the House Of Allah look like a palace with giving our time and effort towards it. Giving charity doesn't always consist of giving money of Eid or a random Friday after the Khutba, it could be as easy as spendin time helping a little kid with his Quran or fixing up the bookshelf.

What is included in remembrance of Allah in the masjid?

1. Recitation of the Quran

2. Dhikr of Allah and His tasbeeh

3. Anas bin Malik narrates: “Once we [the Sahaba (RA)] were discussing our state in the times of Jahiliyyah and how Allah blessed us with iman and the darkness we were in. The Blessed Prophet said, ‘You are doing well; what a great thing you are talking about. Be like this and continue to do this [have these discussions in which you remember the blessings of Allah ]’.” [16 Sharah Hayat ul Sahabah 3/813, Al-Muntakhab 4/391]

A great way to incorporate this hadith is by having many Halaqas (Gathering in the rememberance of Allah) discussing different topics, creating sisterhood in islam & a strong bond with the masjid.

If you love Allah, then you'd love to visit his house.

Inviting,
Beneficial,
Iman Boosting.

Also you should be aware that The masjid is the house of Allah and has been made for His remembrance; therefore, the Blessed Prophet forbade ghaflah (ignorance towards Allah
) and acts of ghaflah in the masjid. It is similar to being invited to someone’s
house and then ignoring the host. The same way we respect the host and appreciate his
inviting us to his home, we must also respect our Creator who invited us to His house to
gain from His rahmah. We should also be grateful that He has made our hearts inclined
towards His masjid, as many of our brothers could not avail this opportunity.

Subhana'Allahhh!

Aisha May Allah Be Pleased With Her, said : "The Messenger of Allah commanded us to build Masjids among the houses, and to clean them and perfume them." this was recorded by Ahmad and the Sunan compilers with the exception of An-Nasa'i.

The mosque should be more dear to us then our own homes.
& shouldn't be a place that's familiarized every time Ramadan comes around.

That mindstate needs to change bi'znillah, & if somethings stopping you from coming to the House of Allah then make dua that Allah invites you to his house.

Without Allah We Are Nothing,
Without Going To His House, We Are Homeless.

Doors are never closed to those who want to come in..so invite your friends, family & get involved with your sisters/brothers committee. The good deeds are endless.

this beautiful and very famous hadith will explain better:

Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet – peace be upon him – said, “Allah will cover seven people with His shade, on the Day when there will be no shade but His: a just ruler, a youth who has been brought up in the worship of Allah, a man whose heart is attached to the mosques, two persons who love each other only for Allah’s sake and they meet and part in Allah’s cause only, a man who refuses the call of a beautiful and rich woman for illicit relation with her and says: I am afraid of Allah, a man who gives charitable gifts so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given, and a person who remembers Allah while he is alone and his eyes are flooded with tears.”
(Al-Bukhari, Hadith 620)

'A youth who has been brought up in the worship of Allah, & a man whose heart is attached to the mosques'
these 2 parts are very common for the audience I'm seeking to reach out too.

inshallah think about that hadith, & remember that on the Day of Resurrection there will be no shade other then Allahs.

Jazakuallah kair, inshallah this is a reminder first to me then to all of you!

The One In Need Of All The Exalted,
Qawlan Saqeela

Delaying making up Ramadaan fasts until the next Ramadaan begins

I did not fast some days in Ramadaan because of my period. This happened a few years ago, and I have not fasted these days until now. What do I have to do?.

Praise be to Allaah.

The imams are agreed that whoever does not fast some days of Ramadaan has to make up those days before the next Ramadaan comes.

They quoted as evidence for that the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari (1950) and Muslim (1146) from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) who said: “I used to have fasts that I still owed from Ramadaan, and I could not make them up until Sha’baan, and that was because of the position of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) [as a husband].”

Al-Haafiz said:

It may be understood from her keenness to fast them in Sha’baan that it is not permissible to delay making up fasts until the next Ramadaan begins.

If a person delays making up fasts until Ramadaan begins, one of the following two scenarios must apply.

1 – The delay is for a reason, such as being sick and the sickness lasting until the following Ramadaan begins. There is no sin on a person for delaying in this case, because he has an excuse, and he only has to make up the days missed. So he should make up the number of days that he did not fast.

2 – There is no reason for the delay, such as when a person was able to make up the fasts but he did not do so before the following Ramadaan began.

This person is sinning by failing to make up the fasts with no excuse. The imams are agreed that he must make up the fasts, but they differed as to whether along with making up the fasts he must also feed one poor person for each day or not.

Maalik, al-Shaafa’i and Ahmad said that he must feed a poor person, and they quoted as evidence for that the reports narrated from some of the Sahaabah such as Abu Hurayrah and Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with them).

Imam Abu Haneefah (may Allaah have mercy on him) was of the view that he does not have to feed a poor person as well as making up the fasts.

He quoted as evidence the fact that Allaah commands the one who does not fast in Ramadaan only to make up the missed fasts, and He did not mention feeding a poor person. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days”

[al-Baqarah 2:185]

See al-Majmoo’, 6/366; al-Mughni, 4/400

This second view was also favoured by Imam al-Bukhaari (may Allaah have mercy on him). He said in his Saheeh:

Ibraaheem (i.e., al-Nakha’i) said: If a person neglects (to make up missed fasts) until the next Ramadaan comes, he should fast the missed days of both months. But he did not think that he has to feed a poor person. There was also a mursal report from Abu Hurayrah and Ibn ‘Abbaas which says that he should also feed a poor person. Then al-Bukhaari said: But Allaah does not mention feeding a poor person, rather He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“…the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days”

[al-Baqarah 2:185]

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said, when noting that it is not obligatory to feed a poor person:

With regard to the words of the Sahaabah, their use as evidence is subject to further discussion if it goes against the apparent meaning of the Qur’aan. In this case, saying that it is obligatory to feed a poor person goes against the apparent meaning of the Qur’aan, because Allaah only enjoined making up the same number from other days, and He did not mention more than that. Based on this, we should not oblige the slaves of Allaah to do any more than they need to fulfil their duty. But what was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas and Abu Hurayrah may be interpreted as referring to what is mustahabb, not what is obligatory. The correct view with regard to this issue is that a person does not have to do anything more than making up the missed fasts, but he is sinning if he delays doing so.

Al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 6/451.

Based on this, then what is obligatory is to make up the fasts only, but if a person wants to be on the safe side and feed one poor person for each day missed, then that is good.

The woman who asked this question – if she delayed making up the fasts with no excuse, has to repent to Allaah and resolve not to repeat this mistake in the future.

And Allaah is the One Whom we ask to help us to do that which He loves and which pleases Him.

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

Humility in Prayer

Asalamu Alaykum Warahmatuallahi Wabarakatu

Imâm Ahmad ibn Hanbal - rahimahullah - said:

You should know - may Allâh have mercy upon you - that when the slave [of Allâh] leaves his house to go to the mosque, that he is going to face Allâh, the Irresistible, the One, the Omnipotent, the Exalted in Might, the Oft-forgiving, in the knowledge that nothing is hidden from Allâh, wherever it might be, and that nothing is hidden from Allâh and that even something as small as a mustard seed is not concealed from Him, nor even something smaller, nor larger - in the seven earths or the seven heavens, in the seven seas or the lofty mountains, fixed and firm. And verily, the mosque to which he comes is one of the Houses of Allâh. He desires only Allâh and he sets out to one of Allâh’s Houses, which:

“Allâh has permitted to be raised to honour, for the celebration in them of His Name: In them He is glorified in the mornings and the evenings [over and over] by men whom neither traffic nor merchandise can divert from the practice of regular charity: Their [only] fear is for the Day when hearts and eyes will be transformed.” [Qur'ân 24:36-37]

So when anyone from amongst you sets out from his house (for the mosque) he should say quietly to himself words of remembrance [of Allâh] - words unconnected with the affairs and business of this world. He should set out calmly, somberly, for this is what the Prophet, sallAllâhu `alaihi wa sallam, ordered us to do; he should set out with (his heart full of) longing and desire [for Allâh's pleasure] and fear and apprehension [of Allâh's anger] and with humility and meekness towards Allâh. For the more humble, the more meek, the more submissive he is to Allâh, the more virtuous and righteous does he become in Salâh and the greater becomes his reward, and the more noble and nearer to Allâh becomes the worshipper. But should he be filled with pride, Allâh will destroy him and will reject his deeds, for the deeds of the proud are never accepted. It has been narrated in a hadîth concerning Prophet Ibrahîm, `alaihis salam, Allâh’s Khalîl, that he spent the night in worship and remembrance of Allâh, and in the morning, he was pleased with the night’s worship and he said: “How Good is the Rabb (Lord), and how good is the slave, Ibrahîm (`alaihis salam).” On the following day, finding none to share his food with him - and he loved to share his food - he took his food outside to the road and sat, waiting for any passerby to eat with him. then two angels descended from the heavens and approached him.

So he invited them to eat with him and they accepted. Then Ibrahîm `alaihis salam suggested that they approach a nearby garden which contained a fresh water spring. They agreed to this and approached the garden, only to find that the spring had run underground, so there was no water. This was a severe blow to Ibrahîm, `alaihis salam, and he was embarrassed by what he had said (because there was no spring in evidence) and so the angels said to him: “Ask your Rabb to return the spring.” He did so, but the spring did not appear, and this was a great blow to him and so he said to the angels: ” You ask Allâh.” So one of them asked Him, and behold! The water returned, then the other supplicated Allâh and the water flowed near to them. Then they informed him that his being impressed by his own standing in prayer the previous night had caused his supplication to be rejected. So beware - may Allâh have mercy on you - of pride, for no deed will be accepted if it is accompanied by pride. Be humble in your Salâh. Should any of you stand in Salâh before his Rabb, he should know Allâh, in his heart by the great blessings which He bestows upon him and the Abûndant favour which He grants him, for Allâh has honoured him with great goodness, but he has saddled himself with sins. Therefore it is incumbent upon him to be excessive in his humility and meekness towards Allâh.

It is reported from Abû ad-Darda that he said, “That may face be covered in dust for my Rabb (is most loved by me), - for that is the best kind of worship for Allâh.” So let none of you fear the dust, nor find it distasteful to make sujud in it, for there is no doubt that every one of you comes from it (i.e. mankind was created from dust). Nor should any of you fear an excess of it, for verily, it is by this means that one attempts to attain freedom from slavery and salvation from the Hellfire - a fire before which the fixed lofty mountains which were placed as pegs (holding the earth) could not stand, nor the seven strong heavens, built one above another, which are placed as a well graded canopy over us, nor the earth, which was placed as a dwelling for us, nor the seven seas, of which none knows their depths or their size except the One Who created them. Then what about us, with our feeble bodies, our delicate bones, our flimsy skin? We seek refuge with Allâh from the Fire!

So should any of you stand in Salâh - may Allâh have mercy on you - then let him be as if he sees Allâh before him, for though he may not see Allâh, verily, Allâh sees him. It is narrated in a hadîth that Allâh’s Messenger, sallAllâhu `alaihi wa sallam, advised a man, saying:

“Fear Allâh as though you see Him, for verily, though you may not see Him, He sees you.”

[Something similar to this wording is quoted in the hadîth in which the Prophet, sallAllâhu `alaihi wa sallam spoke to Jibrîl, `alaihis salam, informing him about the meaning of ihsan, as reported by Bukhârî and Muslim.]

This then, is the advice of the Prophet, sallAllâhu `alaihi wa sallam, to the slave in all his affairs, so what about when he performs Salâh, when he stands before Allâh, in a particular place, a sacred place, desiring Allâh and turning his face towards Him? Does not his standing, his situation in Salâh merit the same ihsan as all his affairs? It says in a hadith:

“Verily, the slave, when he starts his Salâh, should turn his face to Allâh, and he should not turn it away from Him until he leaves or turns to right and left.”

[That is, when he makes taslim at the end of the prayer.] (Narrated by Ahmad, Abû Dawud and an-Nasa’i).

It is also narrated in a hadith:

“Verily, the slave, as long as he is in Salâh, possesses three qualities: Blessings are showered upon his head from the heavens above, the angels sit around him, from his feet to the heavens and a caller says:’If the slave knew the One Who hears his whispered utterances, he would never leave his Salâh’”

[This narration was mentioned by Muhammad ibn Nasr al-Mirwazi in Kitâb as-Salâh from the hadîth of Al-Hasan Al-Basri in a mursal form (an incomplete chain of narrations, in which no Companion is mentioned).

Allâh showers His Mercy upon the worshipper who approaches prayer in a state of humility and meekness towards Allâh, in fear and supplicating Him with desire (for His Pleasure), and in hope (of His Mercy), making Salâh to his Rabb, his most important consideration, dedicating his whispered utterances to Him and his standing erect in worship and his ruku` and his sujud, poring out his heart and his feelings and struggling to perfect his acts of worship, for he knows not whether he will perform another prayer after it, or whether he will be overtaken (by death) before he can perform Salâh again. He stands before his Rabb, earnestly, with deep feelings, hoping for its acceptance and fearing its rejection, for verily, its acceptance is a cause for joy, while its rejection is a cause for misery and wretchedness. Nothing could be more important to you - O my brother - in this Salâh, or indeed in any of your actions [i.e. that Allâh should accept them]. What is more deserving of your distress and misery, your fear - indeed your terror - you know not whether your Salâh will find favour with Allâh at all, nor whether any of your good deeds will be accepted.

Do you know if your sins will be forgiven at all?

After all this, you have no assurance that you will be spared from it (i.e. the punishment of the Hellfire). So who is more deserving of your tears and sadness [than Allâh] - that He may accept from you (your deeds)? In addition to this, you know not whether or not you will awaken in the morning, nor if you will still be here in the evening - will you be given the good news of Paradise, or the bad news of the Hellfire? I only desire to warn you - O my brother - of this terrible danger. It is not fitting that you should be happy because of your family, your wealth or your children. It is a most amazing thing that you should continue to be unmindful, chasing after vain desires, wasting your time in disregard of this most important matter, for you are being driven at a fierce pace (towards death) day and night, hour by hour, like the blink of an eye. You should expect - O my brother - that your time may come at any moment and do not be unmindful of this great danger which may visit you. Most assuredly, you must (eventually) taste death.

Your time may come in the morning or in the evening. You will be separated from all that you possessed - either (to be rewarded with) Paradise or (to be punished in) the Hellfire. Descriptions and stories of them (have become) superfluous. Have you not heard -

O my brother the words of the pious slave:

“I am amazed concerning the Hellfire - how does the one who could flee from it sleep? And I am amazed concerning the Jannah - how does the one who desires it sleep? For by Allâh! If you neither desire Paradise, nor fear the Hellfire, then you are destroyed and grievous will be your sorrow, interminable your sadness and without limit your tears; you will be amongst the wretched, the punished ones. So if you claim that you are amongst those who seek refuge from the Fire and desire Paradise, then strive for that which you seek and do not be misled by your worldly desires.”

The One In Need Of The Exalted, Qawlan Saqeela

"May Allaah be pleased with them and grant them His mercy..."

Asalamu Alaykum Warahmatuallahi Wabarakatu


"I have known people and kept company with groups who neither rejoiced when
the things of this world came to them, nor grieved when they lost anything in this
world. The life of this world was more insignificant to them than dust. One of
them might live for a year or for sixty years without ever having a garment that
would entirely cover him, and without ever having anything that would come
between him and the ground, and without ever having any food that he could ask
to be prepared for him in his own home. When night came, they would be on
their feet, with their foreheads flat against the earth, tears rolling down their
cheeks, secretly calling on Allaah to save them on the Day of Judgement. If they
did something good, they never stopped being grateful for it, and they were
always asking Allaah to forgive them for it. By Allaah, they were not safe from
wrong actions, and were saved only by their constant turning in repentance. May
Allaah be pleased with them and grant them His mercy..."



Hassaan Al Basri, he was a tabiee
may allah have mercy on him

Happy __________ Qawlan Saqeela !

Asalamu Alaykum Warahmatuallahi Wabarakatu Alhamdulilah,

one year older..one year closer to death.

I'm grateful to Allah that I've been blessed to live for this long and that seeing the light (practicing Islam) has truly been one of the highlights in this life,
& will benefit me in the next, Insha'Allah.

It's important that we don't take life for granted & just watch it slip away.
& refrain from saying.

"I wish I could have done that better" or the common "Insha'Allah next yearr"

On the authority of Ibn 'Umar, radiyallahu 'anhuma, who said: The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, took me by the shoulder and said:

"Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a traveler/wayfarer."
Ibn 'Umar used to say:
"When evening comes, do not expect (to live till) morning, and when morning comes, do not expect (to live till) evening. Take from your health (a preparation) for your illness, and from your life for your death."

[Al-Bukhari] if you'd like to go in depth with this hadith visit insha'Allah. http://fortyhadith.iiu.edu.my/hadith40.htm

Just take a moment and ponder over that. There are people in the grave wishing they could come out to just say :

"SUBHAN'ALLAHH, ALLAHU AKBAR, TABARAKALLAH"

& we're here now alhamdulilah but many of us don't see the blessing.

This is also powerful and should be APPLIED.

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Take benefit of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free-time before your preoccupation, and your life before your death.” (Hakim)

Subhan'Allah !!

Also the concept of this surah is enough for us to be content in obeying Allah & striving for pure intentioned agaaar (deeds)

The concept of time is so important in Islam that Allah swears by it in the Qur’an:

‘By [the token of] Time. Verily Man is in loss, except such as have faith and do good deeds, and [join together] in the mutual teaching of truth, of patience and constancy.’ (Surah Al-‘Asr)

Time is the only ONE THING, that guarantees death..Many guarantees don't last forever & some guarantees aren't what you thought they'd be!

But don't get fooled, Death? subhan'Allah, no one can runaway from it! If a car doesn't hit you or you haven't been inflicted with a disease. Just be sure time will be there to get the job done.

‘Praise be to Allah who gave me life after death, and to Him is the final return.’ (Bukhari)

Remember people, Jannah has been the goal & will forever remain the goal. & the true winners of this life are those :
-who do good deeds, (pure intention)
-remember Allah all the time (thikhr)
- good to there parents
- practice what they preach
- seek knowledge ( trying to leave there ignorant state)
etc..
MANY
MANY
MANY other things aswell, insha'Allah search websites!

I’ll end with a final hadith that I feel sums up the importance of all these issues:

‘A man shall be asked concerning five things on the Day of Resurrection: concerning his life, how he spent it; concerning his youth, how he grew old; concerning his wealth, how he acquired it and how he spent it; and what he did with the knowledge he had.’

(Tirmidhi)

Jazakuallah kairun for reading,
This is a reminder for myself first & then to youu !

The One In Need Of Allah The Exalted,
Qawlan Saqeela