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Saturday, June 17, 2017

End of The World - Maulana Ridhwaan Qajee

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<b>Afflictions and the End of the World </b><br />
Bukhari / Volume 9, Book 88<br />
<br />
172:<br />
Narrated Asma':<br />
The Prophet said, "I will be at my Lake-Fount (Kauthar) waiting for whoever will come to me. Then some people will be taken away from me whereupon I will say, 'My followers!' It will be said, 'You do not know they turned Apostates as renegades (deserted their religion).'" (Ibn Abi Mulaika said, "Allah, we seek refuge with You from turning on our heels from the (Islamic) religion and from being put to trial").<br />
<br />
173:<br />
Narrated 'Abdullah:<br />
The Prophet said, "I am your predecessor at the Lake-Fount (Kauthar) and some men amongst you will be brought to me, and when I will try to hand them some water, they will be pulled away from me by force whereupon I will say, 'O Lord, my companions!' Then the Almighty will say, 'You do not know what they did after you left, they introduced new things into the religion after you.'"<br />
<br />
174:<br />
Narrated Sahl bin Sa'd:<br />
I heard the Prophet saying, "I am your predecessor at the Lake-Fount (Kauthar), and whoever will come to it, will drink from it, and whoever will drink from it, will never become thirsty after that. There will come to me some people whom I know and they know me, and then a barrier will be set up between me and them." Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri added that the Prophet further said: "I will say those people are from me. It will be said, 'You do not know what changes and new things they did after you.' Then I will say, 'Far removed (from mercy), far removed (from mercy), those who changed (the religion) after me! "<br />
<br />
175:<br />
Narrated Abdullah:<br />
Allah's Apostle said to us, "You will see after me, selfishness (on the part of other people) and other matters that you will disapprove of." They asked, "What do you order us to do, O Allah's Apostle? (under such circumstances)?" He said, "Pay their rights to them (to the rulers) and ask your right from Allah."<br />
<br />
176:<br />
Narrated Ibn Abbas:<br />
The Prophet said, "Whoever disapproves of something done by his ruler then he should be patient, for whoever disobeys the ruler even a little (little = a span) will die as those who died in the Pre-lslamic Period of Ignorance. (i.e. as rebellious Sinners).<br />
<br />
177:<br />
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:<br />
The Prophet said, "Whoever notices something which he dislikes done by his ruler, then he should be patient, for whoever becomes separate from the company of the Muslims even for a span and then dies, he will die as those who died in the Pre-lslamic period of Ignorance (as rebellious sinners). (Fateh-Al-Bari page 112, Vol. 16)<br />
<br />
178:<br />
Narrated Junada bin Abi Umaiya:<br />
We entered upon 'Ubada bin As-Samit while he was sick. We said, "May Allah make you healthy. Will you tell us a Hadith you heard from the Prophet and by which Allah may make you benefit?" He said, "The Prophet called us and we gave him the Pledge of allegiance for Islam, and among the conditions on which he took the Pledge from us, was that we were to listen and obey (the orders) both at the time when we were active and at the time when we were tired, and at our difficult time and at our ease and to be obedient to the ruler and give him his right even if he did not give us our right, and not to fight against him unless we noticed him having open Kufr (disbelief) for which we would have a proof with us from Allah."<br />
<br />
179:<br />
Narrated Usaid bin Hudair:<br />
A man came to the Prophet and said, "O Allah's Apostle! You appointed such-and-such person and you did not appoint me?" The Prophet said, "After me you will see rulers not giving you your right (but you should give them their right) and be patient till you meet me."<br />
<br />
180:<br />
Narrated Abu Huraira:<br />
I heard the truthful and trusted by Allah (i.e., the Prophet ) saying, "The destruction of my followers will be through the hands of young men from Quraish."<br />
<br />
181:<br />
Narrated Zainab bint Jahsh:<br />
The Prophet got up from his sleep with a flushed red face and said, "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah. Woe to the Arabs, from the Great evil that is nearly approaching them. Today a gap has been made in the wall of Gog and Magog like this." (Sufyan illustrated by this forming the number 90 or 100 with his fingers.) It was asked, "Shall we be destroyed though there are righteous people among us?" The Prophet said, "Yes, if evil increased."<br />
<br />
182:<br />
Narrated Usama bin Zaid:<br />
Once the Prophet stood over one of the high buildings of Medina and then said (to the people), "Do you see what I see?" They said, "No." He said, "I see afflictions falling among your houses as rain drops fall."<br />
<br />
183:<br />
Narrated Abu Huraira:<br />
The Prophet said, "Time will pass rapidly, good deeds will decrease, miserliness will be thrown (in the hearts of the people) afflictions will appear and there will be much 'Al-Harj." They said, "O Allah's Apostle! What is "Al-Harj?" He said, "Killing! Killing!" (See Hadith No. 63, Vol. 8)<br />
<br />
184:<br />
Narrated 'Abdullah and Abu Musa:<br />
The Prophet said, "Near the establishment of the Hour there will be days during which Religious ignorance will spread, knowledge will be taken away (vanish) and there will be much Al-Harj, and Al-Harj means killing."<br />
<br />
185:<br />
Narrated Abu Musa:<br />
The Prophet said, "Near the establishment of the Hour there will be days during which (religious) knowledge will be taken away (vanish) and general ignorance will spread, and there will be Al-Harj in abundance, and Al-Harj means killing."<br />
<br />
186:<br />
Narrated Abu Musa:<br />
The Prophet said...(as above, 185). And Harj, in the Ethiopian language, means killing.<br />
<br />
187:<br />
Narrated 'Abdullah:<br />
The Prophet said, "Near the establishment of the Hour, there will be the days of Al-Harj, and the religious knowledge will be taken away (vanish i.e. by the death of Religious scholars) and general ignorance will spread." Abu Musa said, "Al-Harj, in the Ethiopian language, means killing," Ibn Mas'ud added: I heard Allah's Apostle saying; (It will be) from among the most wicked people who will be living at the time when the Hour will be established."<br />
<br />
188:<br />
Narrated Az-Zubair bin 'Adi:<br />
We went to Anas bin Malik and complained about the wrong we were suffering at the hand of Al-Hajjaj. Anas bin Malik said, "Be patient till you meet your Lord, for no time will come upon you but the time following it will be worse than it. I heard that from the Prophet."<br />
<br />
189:<br />
Narrated Um Salama:<br />
(the wife of the Prophet) Allah's Apostle woke up one night in a state of terror and said, "Subhan Allah, How many treasures Allah has sent down! And how many afflictions have been sent down! Who will go and wake the lady dwellers (wives of the Prophet) up of these rooms (for prayers)?" He meant his wives, so that they might pray. He added, "A well-dressed (soul) in this world may be naked in the Hereafter."<br />
<br />
190:<br />
Narrated:<br />
The statement of the Prophet: Whoever takes up arms against us, is not from us."<br />
<br />
191:<br />
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar:<br />
Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever takes up arms against us, is not from us."<br />
<br />
192:<br />
Narrated Abu Musa:<br />
The Prophet said, "Whoever takes up arms against us, is not from us."<br />
<br />
193:<br />
Narrated Abu Huraira:<br />
The Prophet said, "None of you should point out towards his Muslim brother with a weapon, for he does not know, Satan may tempt him to hit him and thus he would fall into a pit of fire (Hell)"<br />
<br />
194:<br />
Narrated Sufyan:<br />
I said to 'Amr, "O Abu Muhammad! Did you hear Jabir bin 'Abdullah saying, 'A man carrying arrows passed through the mosque and Allah's Apostle said to him, 'Hold the arrows by their heads! "'Amr replied, "Yes."<br />
<br />
195:<br />
Narrated Jabir:<br />
A man passed through the mosque and he was carrying arrows, the heads of which were exposed (protruding). The man was ordered (by the Prophet) to hold the iron heads so that it might not scratch (injure) any Muslim.<br />
<br />
196:<br />
Narrated Abu Musa:<br />
The Prophet said, "If anyone of you passed through our mosque or through our market while carrying arrows, he should hold the iron heads," or said, "..... he should hold (their heads) firmly with his hand lest he should injure one of the Muslims with it."<br />
<br />
197:<br />
Narrated 'Abdullah:<br />
The Prophet, said, "Abusing a Muslim is Fusuq (evil doing) and killing him is Kufr (disbelief)."<br />
<br />
198:<br />
Narrated Ibn 'Umar:<br />
I heard the Prophet saying, "Do not revert to disbelief after me by striking (cutting) the necks of one another."<br />
<br />
199:<br />
Narrated Abu Bakra:<br />
Allah's Apostle addressed the people saying, "Don't you know what is the day today?" They replied, "Allah and His Apostle know better." We thought that he might give that day another name. The Prophet said, "Isn't it the day of An-Nahr?" We replied, "Yes. O Allah's Apostle." He then said, "What town is this? Isn't it the forbidden (Sacred) Town (Mecca)?" We replied, "Yes, O Allah's Apostle." He then said, "Your blood, your properties, your honors and your skins (i.e., bodies) are as sacred to one another like the sanctity of this day of yours in this month of yours in this town of yours. (Listen) Haven't I conveyed Allah's message to you?" We replied, "Yes" He said, "O Allah! Be witness (for it). So it is incumbent upon those who are present to convey it (this message of mine) to those who are absent because the informed one might comprehend what I have said better than the present audience who will convey it to him.)" The narrator added: In fact, it was like that. The Prophet added, "Beware! Do not renegade as disbelievers after me by striking (cutting) the necks of one another."<br />
<br />
200:<br />
Narrated Ibn Abbas:<br />
The Prophet said, "Beware! Do not renegade as (disbelievers) after me by striking (cutting) the necks of one another."<br />
<br />
201:<br />
Narrated Jarir:<br />
The Prophet said to me during Hajjat-al-Wada', "Let the people keep quiet and listen." Then he said (addressing the people), "Beware! Do not renegade as disbelievers after me by striking (cutting) the necks of one another."<br />
<br />
202:<br />
Narrated Abu Huraira:<br />
Allah's Apostle said, "There will be afflictions (in the near future) during which a sitting person will be better than a standing one, and the standing one will be better than the walking one, and the walking one will be better than the running one, and whoever will expose himself to these afflictions, they will destroy him. So whoever can find a place of protection or refuge from them, should take shelter in it."<br />
203:<br />
Narrated Abu Huraira:<br />
Allah's Apostle said, "There will be afflictions (in the near future) during which a sitting person will be better than a standing one, and the standing one will be better than a walking one, and the walking one will be better than a running one, and whoever will expose himself to these afflictions, they will destroy him. So whoever can find a place of protection or refuge from them, should take shelter in it."<br />
204:<br />
Narrated Al-Hasan:<br />
(Al-Ahnaf said:) I went out carrying my arms during the nights of the affliction (i.e. the war between 'Ali and 'Aisha) and Abu Bakra met me and asked, "Where are you going?" I replied, "I intend to help the cousin of Allah's Apostle (i.e.,'Ali)." Abu Bakra said, "Allah's Apostle said, 'If two Muslims take out their swords to fight each other, then both of them will be from amongst the people of the Hell-Fire.' It was said to the Prophet, 'It is alright for the killer but what about the killed one?' He replied, 'The killed one had the intention to kill his opponent.'" (See Hadith No. 30, Vol. 1)<br />
<br />
205:<br />
Narrated Al-Ahnaf:<br />
Abu Bakra said: The Prophet said (as above, 204).<br />
<br />
206:<br />
Narrated Hudhaifa bin Al-Yaman:<br />
The people used to ask Allah's Apostle about the good but I used to ask him about the evil lest I should be overtaken by them. So I said, "O Allah's Apostle! We were living in ignorance and in an (extremely) worst atmosphere, then Allah brought to us this good (i.e., Islam); will there be any evil after this good?" He said, "Yes." I said, 'Will there be any good after that evil?" He replied, "Yes, but it will be tainted (not pure.)'' I asked, "What will be its taint?" He replied, "(There will be) some people who will guide others not according to my tradition? You will approve of some of their deeds and disapprove of some others." I asked, "Will there be any evil after that good?" He replied, "Yes, (there will be) some people calling at the gates of the (Hell) Fire, and whoever will respond to their call, will be thrown by them into the (Hell) Fire." I said, "O Allah s Apostle! Will you describe them to us?" He said, "They will be from our own people and will speak our language." I said, "What do you order me to do if such a state should take place in my life?" He said, "Stick to the group of Muslims and their Imam (ruler)." I said, "If there is neither a group of Muslims nor an Imam (ruler)?" He said, "Then turn away from all those sects even if you were to bite (eat) the roots of a tree till death overtakes you while you are in that state."<br />
<br />
207:<br />
Narrated Abu Al-Aswad:<br />
An army unit was being recruited from the people of Medina and my name was written among them. Then I met 'Ikrima, and when I informed him about it, he discouraged me very strongly and said, "Ibn 'Abbas told me that there were some Muslims who were with the pagans to increase their number against Allah's Apostle (and the Muslim army) so arrows (from the Muslim army) would hit one of them and kill him or a Muslim would strike him (with his sword) and kill him. So Allah revealed:--<br />
'Verily! As for those whom the angels take (in death) while they are wronging themselves (by staying among the disbelievers).' (4.97)<br />
<br />
208:<br />
Narrated Hudhaifa:<br />
Allah's Apostle related to us, two prophetic narrations one of which I have seen fulfilled and I am waiting for the fulfillment of the other. The Prophet told us that the virtue of honesty descended in the roots of men's hearts (from Allah) and then they learned it from the Koran and then they learned it from the Sunna (the Prophet's traditions). The Prophet further told us how that honesty will be taken away: He said: "Man will go to sleep during which honesty will be taken away from his heart and only its trace will remain in his heart like the trace of a dark spot; then man will go to sleep, during which honesty will decrease further still, so that its trace will resemble the trace of blister as when an ember is dropped on one's foot which would make it swell, and one would see it swollen but there would be nothing inside. People would be carrying out their trade but hardly will there be a trustworthy person. It will be said, 'in such-and-such tribe there is an honest man,' and later it will be said about some man, 'What a wise, polite and strong man he is!' Though he will not have faith equal even to a mustard seed in his heart." No doubt, there came upon me a time when I did not mind dealing (bargaining) with anyone of you, for if he was a Muslim his Islam would compel him to pay me what is due to me, and if he was a Christian, the Muslim official would compel him to pay me what is due to me, but today I do not deal except with such-and-such person.<br />
<br />
209:<br />
Narrated Salama bin Al-Akwa:<br />
That he visited Al-Hajjaj (bin Yusuf). Al-Hajjaj said, "O son of Al-Akwa! You have turned on your heels (i.e., deserted Islam) by staying (in the desert) with the bedouins." Salama replied, "No, but Allah's Apostle allowed me to stay with the bedouin in the desert." Narrated Yazid bin Abi Ubaid: When 'Uthman bin Affan was killed (martyred), Salama bin Al-Akwa' went out to a place called Ar-Rabadha and married there and begot children, and he stayed there till a few nights before his death when he came to Medina.<br />
<br />
210:<br />
Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri:<br />
Allah's Apostle said, "There will come a time when the best property of a Muslim will be sheep which he will take to the tops of mountains and the places of rainfall so as to flee with his religion from the afflictions.<br />
<br />
211:<br />
Narrated Anas:<br />
The people started asking the Prophet too many questions importunately. So one day he ascended the pulpit and said, "You will not ask me any question but I will explain it to you." I looked right and left, and behold, every man was covering his head with his garment and weeping. Then got up a man who, whenever quarreling with somebody, used to be accused of not being the son of his father. He said, "O Allah's Apostle! Who is my father?" The Prophet replied, "Your father is Hudhaifa." Then 'Umar got up and said, "We accept Allah as our Lord, Islam as our religion and Muhammad as our Apostle and we seek refuge with Allah from the evil of afflictions." The Prophet said, " I have never seen the good and bad like on this day. No doubt, Paradise and Hell was displayed in front of me till I saw them in front of that wall," Qatada said: This Hadith used to be mentioned as an explanation of this Verse:-- 'O you who believe! Ask not questions about things which, if made plain to you, may cause you trouble.' (5.101)<br />
<br />
212:<br />
Narrated Salim's father:<br />
The Prophet stood up beside the pulpit (and pointed with his finger towards the East) and said, "Afflictions are there! Afflictions are there, from where the side of the head of Satan comes out," or said, "..the side of the sun.."<br />
<br />
213:<br />
Narrated Ibn 'Umar:<br />
I heard Allah's Apostle while he was facing the East, saying, "Verily! Afflictions are there, from where the side of the head of Satan comes out."<br />
<br />
214:<br />
Narrated Ibn 'Umar:<br />
The Prophet said, "O Allah! Bestow Your blessings on our Sham! O Allah! Bestow Your blessings on our Yemen." The People said, "And also on our Najd." He said, "O Allah! Bestow Your blessings on our Sham (north)! O Allah! Bestow Your blessings on our Yemen." The people said, "O Allah's Apostle! And also on our Najd." I think the third time the Prophet said, "There (in Najd) is the place of earthquakes and afflictions and from there comes out the side of the head of Satan."<br />
<br />
215:<br />
Narrated Sa'id bin Jubair:<br />
'Abdullah bin 'Umar came to us and we hoped that he would narrate to us a good Hadith. But before we asked him, a man got up and said to him, "O Abu 'Abdur-Rahman! Narrate to us about the battles during the time of the afflictions, as Allah says:--<br />
'And fight them until there is no more afflictions (i.e. no more worshipping of others besides Allah).'" (2.193) Ibn 'Umar said (to the man), "Do you know what is meant by afflictions? Let your mother bereave you! Muhammad used to fight against the pagans, for a Muslim was put to trial in his religion (The pagans will either kill him or chain him as a captive). His fighting was not like your fighting which is carried on for the sake of ruling."<br />
<br />
216:<br />
Narrated Shaqiq:<br />
I heard Hudhaifa saying, "While we were sitting with 'Umar, he said, 'Who among you remembers the statement of the Prophet about the afflictions?' Hudhaifa said, "The affliction of a man in his family, his property, his children and his neighbors are expiated by his prayers, Zakat (and alms) and enjoining good and forbidding evil." 'Umar said, "I do not ask you about these afflictions, but about those afflictions which will move like the waves of the sea." Hudhaifa said, "Don't worry about it, O chief of the believers, for there is a closed door between you and them." 'Umar said, "Will that door be broken or opened?" I said, "No. it will be broken." 'Umar said, "Then it will never be closed," I said, "Yes." We asked Hudhaifa, "Did 'Umar know what that door meant?" He replied, "Yes, as I know that there will be night before tomorrow morning, that is because I narrated to him a true narration free from errors." We dared not ask Hudhaifa as to whom the door represented so we ordered Masruq to ask him what does the door stand for? He replied, "'Umar."<br />
<br />
217:<br />
Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari:<br />
The Prophet went out to one of the gardens of Medina for some business and I went out to follow him. When he entered the garden, I sat at its gate and said to myself, "To day I will be the gatekeeper of the Prophet though he has not ordered me." The Prophet went and finished his need and went to sit on the constructed edge of the well and uncovered his legs and hung them in the well. In the meantime Abu Bakr came and asked permission to enter. I said (to him), "Wait till I get you permission." Abu Bakr waited outside and I went to the Prophet and said, "O Allah's Prophet! Abu Bakr asks your permission to enter." He said, "Admit him, and give him the glad tidings of entering Paradise." So Abu Bakr entered and sat on the right side of the Prophet and uncovered his legs and hung them in the well. Then 'Umar came and I said (to him), "Wait till I get you permission." The Prophet said, "Admit him and give him the glad tidings of entering Paradise." So Umar entered and sat on the left side of the Prophet and uncovered his legs and hung them in the well so that one side of the well became fully occupied and there remained no place for any-one to sit. Then 'Uthman came and I said (to him), "Wait till I get permission for you." The Prophet said, "Admit him and give him the glad tidings of entering Paradise with a calamity which will befall him." When he entered, he could not find any place to sit with them so he went to the other edge of the well opposite them and uncovered his legs and hung them in the well. I wished that a brother of mine would come, so I invoked Allah for his coming. (Ibn Al-Musaiyab said, "I interpreted that (narration) as indicating their graves. The first three are together and the grave of 'Uthman is separate from theirs.")<br />
<br />
218:<br />
Narrated Abu Wail:<br />
Someone said to Usama, "Will you not talk to this (Uthman)?" Usama said, "I talked to him (secretly) without being the first man to open an evil door. I will never tell a ruler who rules over two men or more that he is good after I heard Allah's Apostle saying, 'A man will be brought and put in Hell (Fire) and he will circumambulate (go around and round) in Hell (Fire) like a donkey of a (flour) grinding mill, and all the people of Hell (Fire) will gather around him and will say to him, O so-and-so! Didn't you use to order others for good and forbid them from evil?' That man will say, 'I used to order others to do good but I myself never used to do it, and I used to forbid others from evil while I myself used to do evil.' "<br />
<br />
219:<br />
Narrated Abu Bakra:<br />
During the battle of Al-Jamal, Allah benefited me with a Word (I heard from the Prophet). When the Prophet heard the news that the people of the Persia had made the daughter of Khosrau their Queen (ruler), he said, "Never will succeed such a nation as makes a woman their ruler."<br />
<br />
220:<br />
Narrated Abu Maryam Abdullah bin Ziyad Al-Aasadi:<br />
When Talha, AzZubair and 'Aisha moved to Basra, 'Ali sent 'Ammar bin Yasir and Hasan bin 'Ali who came to us at Kufa and ascended the pulpit. Al-Hasan bin 'Ali was at the top of the pulpit and 'Ammar was below Al-Hasan. We all gathered before him. I heard 'Ammar saying, "'Aisha has moved to Al-Busra. By Allah! She is the wife of your Prophet in this world and in the Hereafter. But Allah has put you to test whether you obey Him (Allah) or her ('Aisha)."<br />
<br />
221:<br />
Narrated Abu Wail:<br />
'Ammar stood on the pulpit at Kufa and mentioned 'Aisha and her coming (to Busra) and said, "She is the wife of your Prophet in this world and in the Hereafter, but you people are being put to test in this issue."<br />
<br />
222:<br />
Narrated Abu Wail:<br />
Abu Musa and Abii Mas'ud went to 'Ammar when 'Ali had sent him to Kufa to exhort them to fight (on 'Ali's side). They said to him, "Since you have become a Muslim, we have never seen you doing a deed more criticizable to us than your haste in this matter." 'Ammar said, "Since you (both) became Muslims, I have never seen you doing a deed more criticizable to me than your keeping away from this matter." Then Abu Mas'ud provided 'Ammar and Abu Musa with two-piece outfits to wear, and one of them went to the mosque (of Kufa).<br />
<br />
223:<br />
Narrated Shaqiq bin Salama:<br />
I was sitting with Abu Mas'ud and Abu Musa and 'Ammar. Abu Mas'ud said (to 'Ammar), "There is none of your companions but, if I wish, I could find fault with him except with you. Since you joined the company of the Prophet I have never seen anything done by you more criticizable by me than your haste in this issue." 'Ammar said, O Abu Mas'ud ! I have never seen anything done by you or by this companion of yours (i.e., Abu Musa) more criticizable by me than your keeping away from this issue since the time you both joined the company of the Prophet."<br />
Then Abu Mas'ud who was a rich man, said (to his servant), "O boy! Bring two suits." Then he gave one to Abu Musa and the other to 'Ammar and said (to them), "Put on these suits before going for the Friday prayer. "<br />
<br />
224:<br />
Narrated Ibn 'Umar:<br />
Allah's Apostle said, "If Allah sends punishment upon a nation then it befalls upon the whole population indiscriminately and then they will be resurrected (and judged) according to their deeds. "<br />
<br />
225:<br />
Narrated Al-Hasan Al-Basri:<br />
When Al-Hasan bin 'Ali moved with army units against Muawiya, 'Amr bin AL-As said to Muawiya, "I see an army that will not retreat unless and until the opposing army retreats." Muawiya said, "(If the Muslims are killed) who will look after their children?" 'Amr bin Al-As said: I (will look after them). On that, 'Abdullah bin 'Amir and 'Abdur-Rahman bin Samura said, "Let us meet Muawaiya and suggest peace." Al-Hasan Al-Basri added: No doubt, I heard that Abu Bakra said, "Once while the Prophet was addressing (the people), Al-Hasan (bin 'Ali) came and the Prophet said, 'This son of mine is a chief, and Allah may make peace between two groups of Muslims through him."<br />
<br />
226:<br />
Narrated Harmala:<br />
(Usama's Maula) Usama (bin Zaid) sent me to 'Ali (at Kufa) and said, "'Ali will ask you, 'What has prevented your companion from joining me?' You then should say to him, 'If you ('Ali) were in the mouth of a lion, I would like to be with you, but in this matter I won't take any part.' " Harmala added: "'Ali didn't give me anything (when I conveyed the message to him) so I went to Hasan, Hussain and Ibn Ja'far and they loaded my camels with much (wealth)."<br />
<br />
227:<br />
Narrated Nafi':<br />
When the people of Medina dethroned Yazid bin Muawiya, Ibn 'Umar gathered his special friends and children and said, "I heard the Prophet saying, 'A flag will be fixed for every betrayer on the Day of Resurrection,' and we have given the oath of allegiance to this person (Yazid) in accordance with the conditions enjoined by Allah and His Apostle and I do not know of anything more faithless than fighting a person who has been given the oath of allegiance in accordance with the conditions enjoined by Allah and His Apostle , and if ever I learn that any person among you has agreed to dethrone Yazid, by giving the oath of allegiance (to somebody else) then there will be separation between him and me."<br />
<br />
228:<br />
Narrated Abu Al-Minhal:<br />
When Ibn Ziyad and Marwan were in Sham and Ibn Az-Zubair took over the authority in Mecca and Qurra' (the Kharijites) revolted in Basra, I went out with my father to Abu Barza Al-Aslami till we entered upon him in his house while he was sitting in the shade of a room built of cane. So we sat with him and my father started talking to him saying, "O Abu Barza! Don't you see in what dilemma the people has fallen?" The first thing heard him saying "I seek reward from Allah for myself because of being angry and scornful at the Quraish tribe. O you Arabs! You know very well that you were in misery and were few in number and misguided, and that Allah has brought you out of all that with Islam and with Muhammad till He brought you to this state (of prosperity and happiness) which you see now; and it is this worldly wealth and pleasures which has caused mischief to appear among you. The one who is in Sham (i.e., Marwan), by Allah, is not fighting except for the sake of worldly gain: and those who are among you, by Allah, are not fighting except for the sake of worldly gain; and that one who is in Mecca (i.e., Ibn Az-Zubair) by Allah, is not fighting except for the sake of worldly gain."<br />
<br />
229:<br />
Narrated Abi Waih:<br />
Hudhaifa bin Al-Yaman said, 'The hypocrites of today are worse than those of the lifetime of the Prophet, because in those days they used to do evil deeds secretly but today they do such deeds openly.'<br />
<br />
230:<br />
Narrated Abi Asha'sha:<br />
Hudhaifa said, 'In fact, it was hypocrisy that existed in the lifetime of the Prophet but today it is Kufr (disbelief) after belief.'<br />
<br />
231:<br />
Narrated Abu Huraira:<br />
The Prophet said, "The Hour will not be established till a man passes by a grave of somebody and says, 'Would that I were in his place.' "<br />
<br />
232:<br />
Narrated Abu Huraira:<br />
Allah's Apostle said, "The Hour will not be established till the buttocks of the women of the tribe of Daus move while going round Dhi-al-Khalasa." Dhi-al-Khalasa was the idol of the Daus tribe which they used to worship in the Pre Islamic Period of ignorance.<br />
<br />
233:<br />
Narrated Abu Huraira:<br />
Allah's Apostle said, "The Hour will not be established till a man from Qahtan appears, driving the people with his stick."<br />
<br />
234:<br />
Narrated Abu Huraira:<br />
Allah's Apostle said, "The Hour will not be established till a fire will come out of the land of Hijaz, and it will throw light on the necks of the camels at Busra."<br />
<br />
235:<br />
Narrated Abu Huraira:<br />
Allah's Apostle said, "Soon the river "Euphrates" will disclose the treasure (the mountain) of gold, so whoever will be present at that time should not take anything of it." Al-A'raj narrated from Abii Huraira that the Prophet said the same but he said, "It (Euphrates) will uncover a mountain of gold (under it)."<br />
<br />
236:<br />
Narrated Haritha bin Wahb:<br />
I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "Give in charity because there will come a time on the people when a person will go out with his alms from place to place but will not find anybody to accept it."<br />
<br />
237:<br />
Narrated Abu Huraira:<br />
Allah's Apostle said, "The Hour will not be established (1) till two big groups fight each other whereupon there will be a great number of casualties on both sides and they will be following one and the same religious doctrine, (2) till about thirty Dajjals (liars) appear, and each one of them will claim that he is Allah's Apostle, (3) till the religious knowledge is taken away (by the death of Religious scholars) (4) earthquakes will increase in number (5) time will pass quickly, (6) afflictions will appear, (7) Al-Harj, (i.e., killing) will increase, (8) till wealth will be in abundance ---- so abundant that a wealthy person will worry lest nobody should accept his Zakat, and whenever he will present it to someone, that person (to whom it will be offered) will say, 'I am not in need of it, (9) till the people compete with one another in constructing high buildings, (10) till a man when passing by a grave of someone will say, 'Would that I were in his place (11) and till the sun rises from the West. So when the sun will rise and the people will see it (rising from the West) they will all believe (embrace Islam) but that will be the time when: (As Allah said,) 'No good will it do to a soul to believe then, if it believed not before, nor earned good (by deeds of righteousness) through its Faith.' (6.158) And the Hour will be established while two men spreading a garment in front of them but they will not be able to sell it, nor fold it up; and the Hour will be established when a man has milked his she-camel and has taken away the milk but he will not be able to drink it; and the Hour will be established before a man repairing a tank (for his livestock) is able to water (his animals) in it; and the Hour will be established when a person has raised a morsel (of food) to his mouth but will not be able to eat it."<br />
<br />
238:<br />
Narrated Al-Mughira bin Shu'ba:<br />
Nobody asked the Prophet as many questions as I asked regarding Ad-Dajjal. The Prophet said to me, "What worries you about him?" I said, "Because the people say that he will have a mountain of bread and a river of water with him (i.e. he will have abundance of food and water)" The Prophet said, "Nay, he is too mean to be allowed such a thing by Allah"' (but it is only to test mankind whether they believe in Allah or in Ad-Dajjal.)<br />
<br />
239:<br />
Narrated Anas bin Malik:<br />
The Prophet said, "Ad-Dajjal will come and encamp at a place close to Medina and then Medina will shake thrice whereupon every Kafir (disbeliever) and hypocrite will go out (of Medina) towards him."<br />
<br />
240:<br />
Narrated Abu Bakra:<br />
The Prophet said, "The terror caused by Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal will not enter Medina and at that time Medina will have seven gates and there will be two angels at each gate (guarding them).<br />
<br />
241:<br />
Narrated Abdullah bin Umar:<br />
Allah's Apostle stood up amongst the people and then praised and glorified Allah as He deserved and then he mentioned Ad-Dajjal, saying, "I warn you of him, and there was no prophet but warned his followers of him; but I will tell you something about him which no prophet has told his followers: Ad-Dajjal is one-eyed whereas Allah is not."<br />
<br />
242:<br />
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar:<br />
Allah's Apostle said. "While I was sleeping, I saw myself (in a dream) performing Tawaf around the Ka'ba. Behold, I saw a reddish-white man with lank hair, and water was dropping from his head. I asked, "Who is this?' They replied, 'The son of Mary.' Then I turned my face to see another man with a huge body, red complexion and curly hair and blind in one eye. His eye looked like a protruding out grape. They said (to me), He is Ad-Dajjal." The Prophet added, "The man he resembled most is Ibn Qatan, a man from the tribe of Khuza'a. "<br />
<br />
243:<br />
Narrated 'Aisha:<br />
I heard Allah's Apostle in his prayer, seeking refuge with Allah from the afflictions of Ad-Dajjal.<br />
<br />
244:<br />
Narrated Hudhaifa:<br />
The Prophet said about Ad-Dajjal that he would have water and fire with him: (what would seem to be) fire, would be cold water and (what would seem to be) water, would be fire.<br />
<br />
245:<br />
Narrated Anas:<br />
The Prophet said, "No prophet was sent but that he warned his followers against the one-eyed liar (Ad-Dajjal). Beware! He is blind in one eye, and your Lord is not so, and there will be written between his (Ad-Dajjal's) eyes (the word) Kafir (i.e., disbeliever)." (This Hadith is also quoted by Abu Huraira and Ibn 'Abbas).<br />
<br />
246:<br />
Narrated Abu Sa'id:<br />
One day Allah's Apostle narrated to us a long narration about Ad-Dajjal and among the things he narrated to us, was: "Ad-Dajjal will come, and he will be forbidden to enter the mountain passes of Medina. He will encamp in one of the salt areas neighboring Medina and there will appear to him a man who will be the best or one of the best of the people. He will say 'I testify that you are Ad-Dajjal whose story Allah's Apostle has told us.' Ad-Dajjal will say (to his audience), 'Look, if I kill this man and then give him life, will you have any doubt about my claim?' They will reply, 'No,' Then Ad-Dajjal will kill that man and then will make him alive. The man will say, 'By Allah, now I recognize you more than ever!' Ad-Dajjal will then try to kill him (again) but he will not be given the power to do so."<br />
<br />
247:<br />
Narrated Abu Huraira:<br />
Allah's Apostle said, "There are angels at the mountain passes of Medina (so that) neither plague nor Ad-Dajjal can enter it.'<br />
<br />
248:<br />
Narrated Anas bin Malik:<br />
The Prophet said, "Ad-Dajjal will come to Medina and find the angels guarding it. So Allah willing, neither Ad-Dajjal, nor plague will be able to come near it."<br />
<br />
249:<br />
Narrated Zainab bint Jahsh:<br />
That one day Allah's Apostle entered upon her in a state of fear and said, "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah! Woe to the Arabs from the Great evil that has approached (them). Today a hole has been opened in the dam of Gog and Magog like this." The Prophet made a circle with his index finger and thumb. Zainab bint Jahsh added: I said, "O Alllah's Apostle! Shall we be destroyed though there will be righteous people among us?" The Prophet said, "Yes, if the (number) of evil (persons) increased."<br />
<br />
250:<br />
Narrated Abu Huraira:<br />
The Prophet said, "A hole has been opened in the dam of Gog and Magog." Wuhaib (the sub-narrator) made the number 90 (with his index finger and thumb).<br />
<br />
<br /></div>

End of The World - Maulana Ridhwaan Qajee

Afflictions and the End of the World Bukhari / Volume 9, Book 88 172: Narrated Asma': The Prophet said, "I will be at my...

Friday, June 16, 2017

Patience is Achievable

Patience is Achievable

Friday, June 16, 2017

Pocket Dawah Manual

<br />
This audio serves as a beginner’s toolkit to understanding the importance of Dawah and also how to give Dawah. By the end of this lecture, you will have mastered a framework on how to convey the message of Islam effectively. This framework is like a skeleton which requires you to do further advanced studies in order to add meat to it. The Dawah formula taught here is called the GORAP.<br />
Pocket Dawah Manual<br />
by
Dr. Khalid Ibrahim Al-Anaysha Al-Dossary
<br />
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<br /></div>

Pocket Dawah Manual

This audio serves as a beginner’s toolkit to understanding the importance of Dawah and also how to give Dawah. By the end of this lectur...

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Just Testing

Just Testing

Just a test

Monday, June 12, 2017

Golden Age of Islam - Sheikh Wahhaj Tareen

Golden Age of Islam - Sheikh Wahhaj Tareen

Saturday, June 10, 2017

Seeds of Death: Unveiling The Lies of GMO's

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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "youtube noto" , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The world's leading Scientists, Physicians, Attorneys, Politicians and Environmental Activists expose the corruption and dangers surrounding the widespread use of Genetically Modified Organisms in the new feature length documentary, "Seeds of Death: Unveiling the Lies of GMOs".</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "YouTube Noto", Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "youtube noto" , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Senior Executive Producer / Writer / Director: Gary Null PhD </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "youtube noto" , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Executive Producer/Writer/Co-Director: Richard Polonetsky</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "youtube noto" , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Producers: Paola Bossola, Richard Gale, James Spruill, Patrick Thompson, Valerie Van Cleve</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "youtube noto" , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Editors: James Spruill, Patrick Thompson, Richie Williamson, Nick Palm</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "youtube noto" , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>

Seeds of Death: Unveiling The Lies of GMO's

The world's leading Scientists, Physicians, Attorneys, Politicians and Environmental Activists expose the corruption and dangers ...

Saturday, June 10, 2017

Why Islam and Why are you a Muslim?

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Friday Khutbah: Why Islam and Why are you a Muslim? </div>
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All Praise is due to Alláh, We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our own evils and our own bad deeds. Anyone who is guided by Alláh, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no god but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad, SAW, is His servant, and His messenger.</div>
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Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem!</div>
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O You who believe, ? Fear Allah, as He should be feared, and die not except as Muslims.<br />
Ya Ay-yuhal-latheena ?aamanut taqul-laaha, wa qooloo qawlan sadeedaa. Yuslih-lakum a?maalakum wayaghfir lakum thunoobakum, wamay yu-til-laaha warasoolah, faqad faaza fawzan atheemaa.?</div>
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O You who believe, ? Be aware of Allah, and speak a straightforward word. He will forgive your sins and repair your deeds. And whoever takes Allah and His Prophet as a guide, has already achieved a mighty victory.</div>
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Dear Brothers and Sisters,</div>
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Most of you probably have been asked by someone on this question, ?Are you a Muslim??. And I believe 100%, all of you must be answer it steadily ?yes, I am?. But, have you ever been asked by someone else about the following question, ?Why are you a Muslim?? Or probably you may ever asked this question to yourself, ?Why am I a Muslim??. In more general question ?Why Islam??. Of course, this will make you stop answering that question immediately and start to think about it.</div>
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For most of us, the answer might be ?Oh, it’s easy. It’s because I was born and raised in a Muslim family?. But, is this the correct answer? Is this the answer that we really want? So, what happened if we weren’t born in a Muslim family? Are We still be a Muslim or not? Indeed, all of these questions are the questions that I asked myself almost a decade ago. But, as you can see, I am here right now, standing in front of you and I could say with dignity that ?I am a Muslim and I am proud of it?.</div>
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I am standing in front of you not to lecturing you about Islam and why you should choose Islam. But, at least, I could share my experience in my adventure of finding the answers. Before I proceed, it is better for us to really understand what Islam is about.</div>
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The word Islam means voluntary ?Submission?, ?Surrender?, or ?obedience? to the Will of God. It derives from the root word ?salam?, meaning peace. Those who try to perform these actions are called”MU-islams” shortly Muslims and equivalently, here we can say it [Islam-ERs]</div>
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Islam recognizes that human kind has free choice in whether to obey or disobey God, but ultimately we will be held accountable to God in the next life for the choices that we make in this life.</div>
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God sent Prophets to teach mankind how to worship Him; starting with Adam a.s., including Noah a.s.,Abraham a.s., Moses a.s., Jesus or Isa a.s. and the last of the messengers, Muhammad (SAW). The Islamic position is that all of these prophets came with the same message, that there is no deity worthy of worship except the One True God, Allah.</div>
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Islam recognizes the close relationship between the body and soul. Whereas the body originates from the earth and has a defined period of life on this earth, the soul originates from God and does not die.Islam encourages the individual to focus on keeping the soul healthy, through the remembrance,obedience and worship of God. Islam teaches that it is through the doing of good deeds and seeking the pleasure of God that souls find true happiness and peace. It is in this context that the word Islam derives from the root word ?salam?, or peace.</div>
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Now, after knowing what Islam is, we can start to answer the question ?why Islam?. And the simple answer that came to me is ?Islam gives me the purpose of life?. People everywhere are asking the questions; “What is the purpose of life?”, “Why are we here in this world?” and ?Where are we going to go after we die??. You might be amazed to learn, that Islam is providing clear and concise answers for these questions.</div>
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Most of those who reflect or think about life in any detail will consider and ponder these questions.There are as many different answers to these questions. Some would hold that the purpose of life was to acquire wealth. But think carefully, suppose the purpose of life is to become wealthy, this means that there would be no purpose after becoming wealthy.</div>
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A child of 5 years would obviously prefer a new toy to a deposit slip for a million dollars. A teenager does not consider millions of dollars in the bank as substitute for movies, videos, pizza and hanging out with his friends. A person in their 80s or 90s would never consider holding on to their wealth in place of spending it to hold on to or regain their health. This proves that money is not the main purpose at all for the stages of one’s life.</div>
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Meanwhile Islam can provide you the answer. In the Quran Surah Al Qasas 56, Allah defines that the only purpose for which He created mankind is to Worship Him.</div>
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To a Muslim the whole purpose of life is “ibadah” or worship to the One True Almighty God on Terms and under His Conditions. The term “worship” to a Muslim includes any and all acts of obedience to Almighty Allah.Islam teaches us that this life is only a test or trial for the individual to show him his true nature. It is only natural that he would accept death as not so much an ending to everything but more as a beginning of the final and lasting life in the Hereafter.</div>
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Before entering into either of the final lodging places i.e.; Heaven or Hell, there must be a Day of Judgment or showing of one’s true self to make them aware of their own nature and thereby understand what they have sent on ahead during the life here on the earth.</div>
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Every person will be rewarded [or punished] according to their attitude, appreciation, and efforts during this stay on earth. None will be asked about the actions and beliefs of others, nor will anyone be asked regarding that which he was unaware of or incapable of doing.</div>
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As the life here is considered as an examination for the individual, the death stage is considered as a resting period after the test. It could be easy for those who were faithful and dedicated or it could be grueling and horrible for the wicked.</div>
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Reward and punishment will be in direct proportion to each person and it is only Allah alone who will be the Final Judge over us all.</div>
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So, in the teachings of Islam, the line of life and its purpose is logical, clear and simple:</div>
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<li style="box-sizing: inherit;">The first life is a test</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;">The life in the grave is a resting or waiting place before the Day of Judgment</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;">The Day of Judgment brings about the clear understanding of what will happen to the individual based on his own desires and actions</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;">The Permanent or Afterlife will either be spend in luxurious splendor or miserable punishment.</li>
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Following this clear understanding of life, the Muslim’s purpose is clear. First of all, he has no doubt in his mind that:</div>
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<li style="box-sizing: inherit;">he is only created by Allah</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;">he is going to spend a period of time in this material world [called “Ad Dunyah”]</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;">he knows he will die</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;">he knows he will spend time in the grave, either pleasant or difficult depending on his own choice of attitude and actions</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;">he knows he will be resurrected for the Day of Judgment</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;">he knows he will be judged according to the most fair of standards by Allah the Almighty, the All</li>
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For a disbeliever, the purpose of this life is to collect and amass great wealth, money, power and position. Over indulging in eating, drinking, drugs, sex and gambling are a high priority to them. But all of this will not avail them anything good in the grave, on the Day of Judgment or in the Next Life.</div>
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Eventually he will be faced with the question:</div>
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<li style="box-sizing: inherit;">Now what?</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;">What’s Next?</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;">Where am I going?</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;">What will happen to me?</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit;">Eventually, he will come to know. For sure, he will come to know. But then what will the knowledge avail him?</li>
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Look how Islam solves the mystery of the puzzle of life. It provides the answers to the questions and concerns of the human beings on all levels and in every aspect. It is really quite simple. The purpose of life as understood by the Believing Muslim can be simply stated in only two (2) words: Obey God. Our only purpose and salvation lie in these two words.</div>
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<b>Dear Brothers and Sisters,</b></div>
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In Al Quran surah al qasas verse 56 Allah says</div>
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We have to bear in our mind that Allah doesn’t need you, Allah doesn’t need me, and Allah doesn’t need any of us. But, we do need Allah. If we decide not to choose Islam, it is not in Allah’s loss, it is our loss instead. Of course, there are thousands, hundred thousands, even million answers to question ?Why Islam? and I have found mine. Now, it’s time for you to answer it by yourselves.</div>
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There is a beautiful story about hidayah or guidance. It is about the end of life of Abu Talib, the paternal uncle of the Messenger of Allah and the closest person to him, for he used to protect and help him (SAW) and take his side, and he loved him very much since the messenger of ALLAH 8 years old ? that is, naturally (as a blood relative), not in accordance with the Law (as a brother in faith).</div>
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So when death approached him, and his time was near, prophet Muhammad (SAW) called him to believe in Allah (SWT) Alone, without partners and to enter into the fold of Islam. But what had been ordained for him overtook him, and he was plucked from his hand, remaining (until the end) one of the disbelievers ? and the most complete Wisdom belongs to Allah (SWT).</div>
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It is reported on the authority of Sa?eed Ibn Al-Masayyib that he heard from his father that he said:?When death approached Abu Talib, Allah?s Messenger (SAW), Abu Jahl & Abdullah Ibn AbiUmayyah Ibn Al-Mugheerah were with him, and so RasulALLAH (SAW) said: ?O uncle! Say, La ilahaIllaAllah, a testimony by which I will intercede Allah on your behalf.? But Abu jahl and Abdullah IbnAbi Umayyah said: ?O Abu Talib! Will you reject the religion of ?Abdul Muttalib??</div>
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Allah?s Messenger (SAW) continued to urge him upon it [to declare that none has the right to be worshiped but Allah (SWT)], while they repeated their question, until his final words, which were that he remained upon the religion of ?Abdul Muttalib, and he refused to say: La ilaha IllaAllah. And so the Prophet (SAW) was really sad and crying while said: ?By Allah I will continue to ask for forgiveness for you until I am forbidden to do so.?</div>
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So Allah revealed: ?It is not for the Prophet nor those who have believed to seek forgiveness for the polytheists, even if they were relatives after it has become clear to them that they are companions of Hellfire? (Qur?an At Tawbah 9: 113)</div>
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And Allah (SWT) revealed concerning Abu Talib: Verily, [O Muhammad] you guide not whom youlike, but Allah, guides whom He wills. And He knows best those who are guided ? (The story was Narrated by Az-Zuhri)</div>
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Dear Brothers and Sisters,</div>
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Be grateful that you are here right now, be grateful that you are Muslim, be grateful that you have been chosen by ALLAH to get His guidance since it is the highest level of grace that human being could achieve.</div>
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‘IBAADALLAH  INNALLAAHA YA-MURUU BIL ‘ADLI WAL IHSAAN WA IITAA-I DZIL QURBAA WA YANHAA ‘ANILFAHSYAA-I WAL MUNKARI WAL BAGHYI YAIZHZHUKUM LA’ALLAKUM TADZAKKARUUN (Sura16:90),</div>
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?Surely Allah commands justice, good deeds and generosity to others and to relatives; and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, so that you may be reminded.?</div>
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Fadth kuroonee adth kurkum, wash kuroolee walaa tak furoon [2:152].</div>
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?and remember Me: I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and do not reject faith.?</div>
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wala thikrul-Laahi akbar, Wal-Laahu ya?lamu maa tasna?oon.? [29:45].</div>
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?and without doubt, Remembrance of Allah is the Greatest Thing in life, and Allah knows the deeds that you do.?</div>
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Aqeemus salaah!</div>
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source: http://www.scribd.com/doc/66775851/Friday-Khutbah-Why-Islam</div>
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Why Islam and Why are you a Muslim?

Friday Khutbah: Why Islam and Why are you a Muslim? All Praise is due to Alláh, We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forg...

Wednesday, June 07, 2017

Be Humble by Mufti Menk - Day 8 Ramadan

Be Humble by Mufti Menk - Day 8 Ramadan

Wednesday, June 07, 2017

The Shaping of the Modern Muslim World - History

The Shaping of the Modern Muslim World - History

Part 1 Part 2

Sunday, June 04, 2017

The Basis of Superiority by Maulana Ebrahim Bham

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حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ عَنْ أَبِي هِلَالٍ عَنْ بَكْرٍ عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ لَهُ انْظُرْ فَإِنَّكَ لَيْسَ بِخَيْرٍ مِنْ أَحْمَرَ وَلَا أَسْوَدَ إِلَّا أَنْ تَفْضُلَهُ بِتَقْوَى<br />
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Hadrat Abu Hurairah R.A says that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam  told him, “You are not superior due to being red or black in complexion, except that you attain superiority on the basis of Taqwa. <br />
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 ‘Black’ refers to the non-Arabs whilst ‘Red’ refers to the Arabs. The meaning of the Hadith is that superiority is not based on one’s colour, physical features, or family lineage, that so and so is a Sayyid and so and so is a Pataan. The most superior amongst people is the one that possesses more fear of Allah Ta'ala.<br />
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The Basis of Superiority by Maulana Ebrahim Bham

حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ عَنْ أَبِي هِلَالٍ عَنْ بَكْرٍ عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ لَهُ انْظُ...

Friday, June 02, 2017

Remember that you are only a visitor

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‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu a’laihi wa sallam) took hold of his shoulder and said, “Be in the world as if you are a stranger, or a traveler.”<br />
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Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say, “If you survive to the evening, do not expect to be alive till the morning. If you survive to the morning, do not look forward to the evening. In a healthy condition, prepare yourself for illness and while you are alive prepare yourself for death.”<br />
[Bukhari – Kitab Ar-Riqaq (Book on Heart Softness), hadith 6416.]<br />
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Remember that you are only a visitor - Listen ><br />
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The Prophet (Sallallahu a’laihi wa sallam) said, “What have I to do with the world? In connection with the world, I am just like a rider who sits under the shade of a tree, then goes off and leaves it.” [Tirmidhi – hadith 2377; Ibn Majah – hadith 4109; Musnad Ahmad – hadith 1/391]<br />
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Al-Fudayl bin ‘Iyad’ said to a man, “How old are you?” The man replied, “Sixty years.” Al- Fudayl said, “You have been traveling to your Lord for sixty years. You about to arrive at your destination.” The man said, “To Allah we shall return.” Al-Fudayl said, “Do you know its interpretation? When a person knows that he is a slave and that he will return to Allah, he knows that he is to be asked about his deeds. If he knows that he will be asked, he should prepare answers to the questions.” The man said, “What shall I do?” Al-Fudayl said, “It is an easy matter.” The man said, “What is it?” Al-Fudayl said, “You should stick to the straight path the rest of your life and Allah will forgive the past sins. If you committed sins for the rest of your life, you will be held accountable for the deeds you have committed throughout your life.”<br />
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In the light of the above, a poet said, “If a man walks for sixty years to a destination, it will be very near.”<br />
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Ibn ‘Abbas narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu a’laihi wa sallam) said, “There are two blessings which people lose: (They are) health and free time (for doing good).” [Bukhari – Kitab Ar-Riqaq (Book on Heart Softness), hadith 6412]<br />
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Ibn ‘Abbas reported that he heard the Prophet (Sallallahu a’laihi wa sallam) preaching to a man and saying, “Seize five opportunities before five events; your youth before your old age, your health before your illness, your richness before your poverty, your free time before your being occupied and your life before your death.” [Mustadrak Hakim – hadith 4/306, authenticated by Adh-Dhahabi]<br />
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Ghunaym bin Qays said, “We used to preach to each other at the beginning of Islam, saying, ‘O son of Adam, perform good deeds in your leisure time before you are busy, in your youth before your old age, in your health before your illness, in your life before your death and in this world before the Hereafter.’ ”<br />
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Abu Musa ‘Abdullah bin Qays Al-Ash‘ari reported that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu a’laihi wa sallam) said, “Allah, the Exalted stretches out His hand at night so that one who committed evil during the day time may repent and stretches out His hand in the Daytime so that one who committed evil during the night may repent. (This continues) until the sun rises in the west.” [Muslim – Kitab At-Tawbah (Book on Repentance), hadith 31/2759]<br />
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Remember that you are only a visitor

‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu a’laihi wa sallam) took hold of his sho...

Thursday, June 01, 2017

Prepare for the destination

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Allah Almighty says, “Every self will taste death. You will be paid your wages in full on the Day of Rising. Anyone who is distanced from the Fire and admitted to the Garden, has triumphed. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of delusion,” (3:185)
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<b>Reminders ></b><br />
and the Almighty says, “No self knows what it will earn tomorrow and no self knows in what land it will die.” (W31:33; H31:34)<br />
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The Almighty says, “When their specified time arrives, they cannot delay it for a single hour nor can they bring it forward,” (16:61)<br />
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and the Almighty says, “O you who believe! Do not let your wealth or children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. Whoever does that is lost. Give from what We have provided for you before death comes to one of you and he says, ‘O Lord, if only you would give me a little more time so that I can give sadaqa and be one of the righteous.’ Allah will not give anyone more time, once their time has come. Allah is aware of everything you do.” (63:9-11)<br />
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The Almighty says, “Until, when death comes to one of them, he says, ‘My Lord, send me back again. so that perhaps I may act rightly regarding the things I failed to do!’ No indeed! It is just words he utters. Before them there is an interspace until the day they are raised up. Then when the Trumpet is blown, that Day there will be no family ties between them, they will not be able to question one another. Those whose scales are heavy, they are the successful. Those whose scales are light, they are the losers of their selves, remaining in Hell timelessly, forever. The Fire will sear their faces making them grimace horribly in it, their lips drawn back from their teeth. ‘Were My Signs not recited to you and did you not deny them?'” to His words, “‘How many years did you tarry on the earth?’ They will say, ‘We tarried for a day or part of a day. Ask those able to count!’ He will say, ‘You only tarried for a little while if you did but know! Did you suppose that We created you for amusement and that you would not return to Us?'” (W23:100-116; H23:99-115)<br />
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The Almighty says, “Has the time not arrived for the hearts of those who believe to yield to the remembrance of Allah and to the Truth He has sent down, and not to be like those who were given the Book before for whom the time seemed over long so that their hearts became hard. Many of them are degenerate.” (W57:15; H57:16)<br />
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574. Ibn ‘Umar said, “The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, took me by the shoulder and said, ‘Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveller on the road.”<br />
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Ibn ‘Umar used to say, “In the evening, do not anticipate the morning, and in the morning do not anticipate the evening. Take from your health for your illness and from your life for your death.” [al-Bukhari]<br />
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575. Ibn ‘Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “It is not right for a Muslim man who has anything to bequeath to spend two nights with having a written will in his possession.” [Agreed upon. This is the variant in al-Bukhari]<br />
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In a variant of Muslim, “To spend three nights.” Ibn ‘Umar said, “Not a night has passed since I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say that without my having had my will with me.”<br />
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576. Anas said, “The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, drew some lines and said, ‘This is man and this is end of his lifespan. That is how he is when this nearest line comes upon him.” [al-Bukhari]<br />
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577. Ibn Mas’ud said, “The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, drew lines making a square and then drew a line in the middle which extended beyond it. He drew some small lines up to this middle line from the side within the square and said, ‘This is man, and this is end of his lifespan which encircles him – or by which he is encircled – and this which goes beyond it is his hope and these small lines are things that happen. If this one misses him, that one gets him, and if that one misses him, this one gets him.'” [al-Bukhari]<br />
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578. Abu Hurayra reported the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Race to good actions as fast as you can. What are you waiting for except delayed poverty, oppressive wealth, debilitating illness, dottering senility, a swift death or the Dajjal? Or are you waiting for an unseen evil, or the Last Hour? The Last Hour will be most bitter and terrible.” [at-Tirmidhi]<br />
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579. Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Remember frequently the thing that cuts off pleasures,” i.e. death.” [at-Tirmidhi]<br />
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580. Ubayy ibn Ka’b said, “When a third of the night had passed, the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, stood up and said, ‘O people! Remember Allah! The first blast has come and it will be followed by the second blast. Death has come with all that it involves. Death has come with all that it involves.’ I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, I do a lot of prayer on you. How much prayer should I allot for you?’ He said, ‘However much you like.’ I said, ‘A quarter?’ He said, ‘However much you like, but if you do more, it will be better for you.’ I said, ‘A half?’ He said, ‘However much you like, but if you do more, it will be better for you.’ I said, ‘Two-thirds?’ He said, ‘However much you like, but if you do more, it will be better for you.’ I said, ‘I will allot all my prayer for you.’ He said, ‘Then you will be spared from worry and forgiven your wrong action.'” [at-Tirmidhi]<br />
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<b>Source: </b><br />
<u>Text: </u><br />
Gardens of the Righteous By: <b>Al Imam Al Nawawi</b><br />
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<u>Audio:</u><br />
<a href="http://mhmic.org/fajrreminders/prepare-for-the-destination/" target="_blank">http://mhmic.org/fajrreminders/prepare-for-the-destination/</a><br />
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Prepare for the destination

Allah Almighty says, “Every self will taste death. You will be paid your wages in full on the Day of Rising. Anyone who is distanced fro...

Thursday, June 01, 2017

Ramadan – Maximizing Benefits

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We are about to enter once again into the blessed month of Ramadan. I remind myself not to be among those who enter Ramadan but to be among those who Ramadan enters. For the one who enters Ramadan will leave it 30 days later and return to a life unchanged by the Grace, Majesty and Forgiveness of Allahجل جلاله. While the one who Ramadan enters will keep it for the rest of the year and with it, the Grace, Majesty and Forgiveness of Allahجل جلاله.<br />
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<b>Ramadan – Maximizing Benefits  - Listen ></b><br />
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<b>or Read ></b><br />
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His Grace which presented us with this opportunity to turn towards Him and seek His pleasure in all that we say and do in preparation for our meeting with Him. A meeting about which there is no doubt. His Grace which stacked the odds in our favor by giving us multiple rewards for the same actions. His Grace which chained the Shayateen and opened the doors of Tawba (repentance) for those who seek to change themselves and their lives. His Grace which multiplied the reward of all Fara’aidh seventy times that of the same deed at other times and of the Nafl, equal to the Fardh in other times. Ramadan is the biggest sign of His Grace, which He sends us, every year of our lives.<br />
<br />
His Majesty, feeling the awe of which is the root of all goodness, the foundation of all good actions, the purpose of our lives – to recognize our Creator, Owner, Provider and whose Law we follow (Al Khaliq wal Malik, wal Raziq, wal Haakim). It is this feeling of the Majesty of Allahجل جلاله in the heart which is called Taqwa – the fear of displeasing the One we love the most. Allahu Rabbul A’alameen – Allahجل جلاله, the Rabb of the worlds (all those He created, sustains and protects). It is when the slave feels this connection, that he makes the changes he needs to make in his/her life to become obedient to Allahجل جلاله. It is when he/she feels this awe of Allahجل جلاله’s Majesty that the slave becomes a Muttaqi and thereby eligible for the promises of Allahجل جلاله’s help in every aspect of his life. Remember that all the promises of Allahجل جلاله are for the Muttaqoon and Muhsinoon. Ramadan comes to help us to become Muttaqeen. Allahجل جلاله said about this:<br />
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ<br />
تَتَّقُون<br />
<br />
Baqara 2:183. O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon<br />
<br />
His Forgiveness is the biggest gift that Ramadan brings. A month in which Allahجل جلاله frees slaves from the Fire. A month when shuts the door of Jahannam and opens the doors of Jannah. A month in which Allahجل جلاله prescribed fasting and said, ‘The fast is for me and I will reward it.’ He didn’t specify what the reward would be. He merely said that He would reward it. One can only imagine (in reality beyond imagination), what that reward would be; a reward in keeping with the Majesty and Grace of Rabbul A’alameen.<br />
<br />
Taqwa is to be obedient to Allahجل جلاله. To be concerned with His pleasure and to fear His displeasure. To always ask the question, ‘Will Allahجل جلاله be pleased with this?’, before every action or speech. To do what Allahجل جلاله permitted and to shun what He prohibited. And to seek clarification in all matters of doubt. Taqwa is to leave the doubtful. Taqwa is to remember and recall that one day soon we will meet Allahجل جلاله and that every action of this life will be judged on the scale of the pleasure of Allahجل جلاله alone. Taqwa is to give precedence to and to His will and pleasure over the will, pleasure and approval of everyone else, including and most of all, one’s own self. It is one’s own self which is the greatest enemy of Taqwa and which needs to be disciplined by reinforcing the message, ‘It doesn’t matter what you like to do. What matters is what Allahجل جلاله wants you to do.’<br />
<br />
It is precisely to reinforce this message that Ramadan comes every year. A training period to remind us to do only what Allahجل جلاله ordered, only because He ordered it. So, in Ramadan, that which is normally Halaal, also becomes Haraam for a period of time every day; for no reason, other than that Allahجل جلاله ordered it. This is the principle behind every Ibaadah (act of worship). Why do we pray (Salah) in a certain way and not in a different way which may be more convenient or ‘logical’? Why do we give a certain amount of charity as Zakat and not more or less? Why is Zakat obligatory on certain forms of wealth and not on others, even if the others may be more valuable? Why do we dress in a certain way in Hajj? Why do we call standing in Arafah, Hajj, instead of Tawaf of the Ka’aba?<br />
<br />
I can mention more but these examples will suffice to show that we do all these things for one reason only, i.e. because Allahجل جلاله ordered us to do so. This is to reinforce the concept of Taqwa which is the brand of the Muslim. In Ramadan, as I mentioned, even the Halaal becomes Haraam because Allahجل جلاله ordered it. Only to emphasize the importance of leaving the Haraam at all times for the same reason, i.e. because Allahجل جلاله ordered it. It is our Nafs (self, desire) which comes in the way of this, aided and abetted by Shaytaan and his cohorts and gets us to disobey Allahجل جلاله to please ourselves and our foolish friends. Ramadan comes to bring us all back on track so that we leave these habits of ignorance. Ramadan comes to teach us to say, ‘I am fasting’, if we are faced with something that goes against the spirit of obedience to Allahجل جلاله. Ramadan comes to teach us to say, ‘I am fasting’, in spirit, in the rest of the year for the same reason to every form of disobedience to Allahجل جلاله. That is the purpose of every training course, to bring about behavioral change. Psychologists tell us that habit change takes 21 days. Ramadan gives us 30. Let us pray that Allahجل جلاله enables us to change our habits and become obedient to Him. I remind myself that one Ramadan will be our last. Let us make use of this one as if it is our last for it may well be. I ask Allahجل جلاله for His help.<br />
<br />
When the slave becomes conscious of Allahجل جلاله and of His presence in his life, he asks about Him. He wants to know his Rabb better and to get closer to Him. Allahجل جلاله says:<br />
وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُواْ لِي<br />
وَلْيُؤْمِنُواْ بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ<br />
<br />
Baqara 2: 186. And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammadصلى الله عليه وسلم) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near. I respond to the dua (plea) of the supplicant when he calls on Me (directly). So, let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be rightly guided.<br />
<br />
How can we thank our Rabb enough for being so responsive to us? Remember that the Qur’an is the living speech of Al Hayyul Qayoom – The Ever Living and the Established (who establishes everything but needs nothing for His own establishment). The Ayaat are speaking to us in real time. They were revealed to Rasoolullahصلى الله عليه وسلم in the 7th century but speak to us in real time across the centuries and will continue to do so until the earth exists. To every Muslim, the Qur’an is his or her personal revelation. To be read and understood as Rasoolullahصلى الله عليه وسلم read and taught it and to be practiced as he practiced it. He is the touchstone, the criterion for right and wrong in terms of understanding and practice of the Qur’an and its commandments. That is the importance of the Sunnah and the reason Allahجل جلاله sent His Messengerصلى الله عليه وسلم, so that His Word may be recited, explained and demonstrated as a standard and benchmark for all time. The Qur’an and Sunnah are intertwined, supporting one another and reflecting one another. The Kitab (Book) of Allahجل جلاله and the Sunnah (Way) of His Messengerصلى الله عليه وسلم<br />
is the foundation of Islam.<br />
<br />
That is why in the middle of the Ayaat relating to Ramadan and fasting, Allahجل جلاله<br />
revealed this Ayah about dua. When the slave becomes conscious of his Rabb and becomes concerned about pleasing Him, he asks about Him. And Allahجل جلاله says, ‘When my slave asks about me, I am indeed near him. I respond to his dua (supplication). So, let him obey me and have faith in me so that he may be rightly guided.’ The promises of Allahجل جلاله are conditional upon our actions. For dua to be answered, one must be obedient and have faith in Allahجل جلاله.<br />
<br />
Therefore, I remind myself and you to make a lot of dua in Ramadan. It is the month for dua. Allahجل جلاله  promised to accept our dua. Let us become obedient to Him and have faith in His power and generosity and ask Him for all our needs. Ask Him also for the needs of the Ummah of Muhammadصلى الله عليه وسلم for that was his greatest Sunnah, making dua for his Ummah. Ask Allahجل جلاله for His help, protection, support, correction (Islaah) and guidance for the Ummah of Muhammadصلى الله عليه وسلم. Ask Allahجل جلاله for relief from sin, disobedience and oppression. Ask Allahجل جلاله directly because He told us to do so and His Messengerصلى الله عليه وسلم taught us to do so. Ask Him and He will give, because He said, ‘I respond to his dua (dua of the supplicant).’<br />
<br />
Truly the Mercy of Allahجل جلاله is boundless because as the month progresses and the slaves fast and fill the Masaajid and stand in the night in Taraweeh, Allahجل جلاله  opens the doors of His bounty even wider. We come to the last third of the month, the last ten days. In the nights of these days, Allahجل جلاله concealed the gift of Laylatul Qadr (Shab-e-Qadr, Night of Decree). About this night and the reward of worship during it, Allahجل جلاله said:<br />
<br />
إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْر وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْر لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ<br />
تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ<br />
سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّى مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ<br />
<br />
Qadr 97: 1. Verily! We have sent it (this Qur'an) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree). 2. And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? 3. The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months). 4. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh [Jibreel] by Allah's Permission with all Decrees, 5. Peace! (safety, blessings, all goodness) until the appearance of dawn.<br />
<br />
One night, the worship during which is more rewarding than worshipping Allahجل جلاله continuously for 1000 months (83 years and 4 months). How much more? As much as is in keeping with the Grace and Majesty of my Rabb. Rasoolullahصلى الله عليه وسلم told us to search for this night in the last ten nights of Ramadan and more specifically in the odd nights. It is for this reason that he used to make Itikaaf (seclusion) in the masjid during the last ten nights of Ramadan. This is something he did without fail and the purpose of it was to find and benefit from Laylatul Qadr. Following this Sunnah of Itikaaf, is something that has become more widespread of late but it is for each of us to ask this question to himself, ‘What is the value of 83 years and 4 months of accepted worship of Allahجل جلاله on a day when one single good deed and its reward can spell the difference between Jannah and Jahannam?’ And since we don’t know if this will be our last Ramadan and since we claim to have Imaan on Allahجل جلاله and on the Day of Judgment, let us decide what to do in the last ten nights of Ramadan.<br />
<br />
The biggest reward of Itikaaf is that the Mu’takif (one making Itikaaf) is sure to get Laylatul Qadr (Insha’Allah) because the entire period of Itikaaf and all Halaal actions in it, including sleeping are considered to be worship. So, if one is in Itikaaf in the masjid and asleep during Laylatul Qadr he would still get the reward of the night as a mercy from Allahجل جلاله. This alone should be enough to bring anyone into the masjid for Itikaaf in Ramadan. I am trying to make the decision point as clear as possible since we are all susceptible to Shaytaan who will try to convince us that the world will come to a halt if we make Itikaaf. I ask Allahجل جلاله to help us to prove our Imaan with our actions, because that is the only form of proof that will work on the Day of Judgment.<br />
<br />
Our mother, Sayyida Ayesha Siddiqa (RA) asked Rasoolullahصلى الله عليه وسلم what dua she should make if she found Laylatul Qadr. Heصلى الله عليه وسلم taught her this dua.<br />
اللهم إنك عفو تحب العفو فاعفو عنى<br />
Allahumma innaka `afuwwun, tuhibbul-`afwa, fa`fu `anni<br />
O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me.<br />
<br />
Remember that this dua was given by Rasoolullahصلى الله عليه وسلم to one of the most beloved of all people to him, Ayesha (RA) when she asked him what dua to make in this time (Sunan Tirmidhi and others). So that makes the dua extra special. Some other things that make this du'aa special: ‘afoo means to wipe away without a trace, meaning that the sins will not be mentioned on the Day of Judgement, as if we never committed them (unlike Maghfirah which means to forgive the sin but it will still be documented and presented on the Day of Judgement). Al-’Afuw is also is one of the majestic names of Allahجل جلاله.<br />
<br />
I ask Allahجل جلاله to give us all Ramadan Al Kareem in good health and Iman and in safety and security and enable us to take full advantage of its blessings. I ask Allahجل جلاله  to save us from temptation, laziness, lies, greed and all evil. I ask to inspire us to change our lives to become obedient to Him and on the Sunnah of His Beloved Messengerصلى الله عليه وسلم. I ask Allahجل جلاله to inspire you to make dua that He wants you to make and which are best for you in this Dunya wal Aakhira (this life and the hereafter). I ask Allahجل جلاله to grant safety and security to those who don’t have it so that they can practice Ramadan in peace and harmony. I ask Allahجل جلاله to be pleased with you and never be displeased.<br />
<br />
Ramadan – Maximizing Benefits<br />
by Mirza Yawar Baig<br />
<a href="http://mhmic.org/jumakhutbas/ramadan-maximizing-benefits/" target="_blank">http://mhmic.org/jumakhutbas/ramadan-maximizing-benefits/</a><br />
<br /></div>

Ramadan – Maximizing Benefits

We are about to enter once again into the blessed month of Ramadan. I remind myself not to be among those who enter Ramadan but to be ...

Thursday, June 01, 2017

The Confused Muslim Today - Mufti Menk

The Confused Muslim Today - Mufti Menk

Monday, May 29, 2017

Saudi Arabia announces Saturday for commencement of 2017 Ramadan

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Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, has announced that the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan will begin on Saturday (May 27), state media said on Thursday.<br />
<br />
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (Sawm) to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Mohammed according to Islamic belief.<br />
<br />
This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam.<br />
According to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths, Ramadan lasts 29 to 30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon.<br />
<br />
The beginning and end of Islamic months are determined by the sighting of the new moon.<br />
Lebanon’s top Islamic authority, the mufti, said Ramadan would also begin in the country on Saturday.<br />
A similar statement was made by officials in Iraq’s Muslim Sunni minority.<br />
<br />
The President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sultan Saad Abubakar, has asked Muslims in Nigeria to look out for the new moon from Friday, May 26.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/232203-saudi-arabia-announces-date-for-commencement-of-2017-ramadan-fast.html" target="_blank">Source click here</a><br />
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Saudi Arabia announces Saturday for commencement of 2017 Ramadan

Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, has announced that the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan will begin on Saturday (May 27), state med...

Thursday, May 25, 2017

30 Short Friday Khutbah

30 Short Friday Khutbah<br />
Collected by : Ali Ateeq Al‐Dhaheri<br />
<br />
<b>The Value of Words in Islam</b><br />
All praise for Allah Who has honored man and has created him in the best of forms. Praise for Allah Who has endowed man with the ability to speak with his tongue as one of His greatest bounties. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, the only God Who has no partner. In the Divine Book, Allah says:”See you not how Allah sets forth a parable? A goodly word like a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the heavens (i.e. very high). It brings forth its fruits at all times, by the leave of its Lord. Allah sets forth parables for mankind in order that they may receive admonition (remember).”(14:24‐25). I also bear witness that our Master Muhammad, servant of Allah is His beloved messenger and the noblest of all mankind. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions, and all those who follow them in righteousness till the Day of Judgment.<br />
<br />
Read the book and/or download it in pdf format.<br />
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30 Short Friday Khutbah

30 Short Friday Khutbah Collected by : Ali Ateeq Al‐Dhaheri The Value of Words in Islam All praise for Allah Who has honored man and ...

Thursday, May 25, 2017

How Do We Receive Ramadan?

<br />
How Do We Receive Ramadan?<br />
Book by: Muhammad AI-Hashimy Mustafa<br />
<br />
<u>Exert from the book</u><br />
The Prophet (u1Ia AI1ahu alaihi wuan.m) said: "The reward of every good deed is multiplied by ten to seven hundred folds depending on one's intention and sincerity, but with respect to the reward of fasting, Allah proclaims : "Fasting is for me and I myself shall bestow the reward. Whoever fasts foregoing his desires of eating and drinking for My sake will be entitled for two occasions of joy : one when he breaks his fast, and the other when he meets his Rubb "1<br />
<br />
<i>1- Rubb means, among other things,the Creator, the Owner, the Sustainer,the Provider, and the One in whose hand is the disposal of all affairs.</i><br />
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"0 Allah! Lead me to the true faith with those You have guided. Pardon me with those You have pardoned. Protect me with those You have protected. Bless me with what You have given. Keep me safe from the evil You have ordained, for You decree and none decrees upon You. No-one who is in Your care is brought down and no-one is rewarded to whom You show enmity. o Rubb! You are most praised, most sublime."<br />
<br />
Read the book and/or download it in pdf format.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>

How Do We Receive Ramadan?

How Do We Receive Ramadan? Book by: Muhammad AI-Hashimy Mustafa Exert from the book The Prophet (u1Ia AI1ahu alaihi wuan.m) said: &q...

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Ramadhan and the universality of fasting

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By Dr M. Haris Z Deen<br />
<br />
As the merciful month of Ramadhan descends upon us yet again during the last week of May, we must reflect on its virtues and remind ourselves of the conditions of observance of the fast, its restrictions and constraints and prepare ourselves to benefit from it.<br />
<br />
With the advent of the new moon ushering in the lunar month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world will commence the ritual of fasting. In the context of the Islamic religion, fasting is not just a ritual. It is a religious duty enjoined on those entering the fold of Islam. As much as observing the compulsory prayers, giving the compulsory Zakath tax and undertaking the journey to the Holy City of Makkah for performing Haj, fasting is required to be observed with equal reverence because it is an act of worship. The Arabic word for this act of worship is SIYAAM and the person who undertakes the fast is called a SA’AYIM. In the context of the religious fast these two words do not signify mere abstention from food and drink, but also complete abstention from evil thoughts and actions and harmful acts towards others (including animals and plants).<br />
<br />
<b>The ever Merciful Allah says in His Holy Book:</b><br />
<br />
"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious)…"<br />
<br />
Allah in His absolute Mercy does not wish hardships on His creations. Therefore Allah iterates in the foregoing verse of the Quran that this fasting is not peculiar to Muslims only. It had been ordained on people who followed other Prophets prior to Allah sending the last and seal of the Prophets, Prophet Muhammad (On whom be peace).<br />
<br />
The Jews are required to fast for sixty days during Passover and a strict observance of the fast on the day of atonement (Jeremiah 36:6), also see the Fast (Acts 27:9)<br />
<br />
Moses fasted during the 40 days and 40 nights he was on Mount Sinai receiving the law from God (Exodus 34:28). King Jehoshaphat called for a fast in all Israel when they were about to be attacked by the Moabites and Ammonites (2 Chronicles 20:3). In response to Jonah’s preaching, the men of Nineveh fasted and put on sackcloth (Jonah 3:5). Prayer and fasting was often done in times of distress or trouble. David fasted when he learned that Saul and Jonathan had been killed (2 Samuel 1:12). Nehemiah had a time of prayer and fasting upon learning that Jerusalem was still in ruins (Nehemiah 1:4). Darius, the king of Persia, fasted all night after he was forced to put Daniel in the den of lions (Daniel 6:18).<br />
<br />
<b>Fasting in different situations</b><br />
<br />
Christians are required to fast for 40 days during the period of lent and the New Testament records fasting in different situations. Anna "worshipped night and day, fasting and praying" at the Temple (Luke 2:37). John the Baptist taught his disciples to fast (Mark 2:18). Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights before His temptation by Satan (Matthew 4:2). The church of Antioch fasted (Acts 13:2) and sent Paul and Barnabas off on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:3). Paul and Barnabas spent time in prayer and fasting for the appointment of elders in the churches (Acts 14:23). Thus the Quran explains that fasting is not a new act imposed upon Muslims.<br />
<br />
Buddhists are known to fast on Poya days when they observe Sil. An article on the Washington Post's "On Faith" website says that "In Buddhism, fasting is central to the journey to Enlightenment".<br />
<br />
Fasting is a very important aspect of Hinduism. Hindus observe fast in the name of God every once, twice, or more times a week.<br />
<br />
Fasting is very common among Jains and as a part of Jain festivals. Most Jains fast at special times, during festivals, and on holy days. Paryushan is the most prominent festival, lasting eight days in Svetambara Jain tradition and ten days in Digambar Jain tradition during the monsoon. The monsoon is a time of fasting. However, a Jain may fast at any time, especially if he or she feels some error has been committed. Variations in fasts encourage Jains to do whatever they can to maintain whatever self-control is possible for the individual. Bahá'u'lláh designated a nineteen-day period each year when adult Bahá'ís fast from sunrise to sunset each day.<br />
<br />
Sikhism is the only philosophy that does not promote fasting except for medical reasons.<br />
<br />
People fast for various reasons but the religious fast enjoined in all religions is summarised in the Qur’anic verse as "that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious)…" There is no other reason that can be attributed to a religious fast as such fasts are observed particularly during periods of religious significance. Generally all religions are united in this respect.<br />
<br />
Others who do not observe religious practices also fast for reasons other than ‘to become righteous’. Dr. Michael Mosely conducted an experiment on himself, fasting two days a week intermittently and declared that such fasting promotes good health and weight loss and longevity. (see Michael Mosely-"The Fast Diet: The Secret of Intermittent Fasting - Lose Weight, Stay Healthy, Live Longer").<br />
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As explained in the foregoing paragraphs each religion has different number of days of fasting and different manners of fasting.<br />
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<u>For Muslims Allah continues in the same verse quoted above as follows:</u><br />
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"…(Fasting) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you are ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (i.e. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a poor person (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know." (2:183-84)<br />
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While there are no difficulties about the number of days for the Fast and the times between which abstention from food and some other permitted acts on other times are forbidden, there are controversies, confusion and contradiction with respect to commencement and conclusion of the Fast.<br />
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<b>The Month</b><br />
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The month prescribed for the compulsory Fasting is the ninth month in the Islamic Lunar Calendar called in Arabic Ramadan (Quran 2:185). However, unlike the days in the Julian Calendar, the days in a Lunar month can differ from year to year, but the difference is never more than one day – that is the lunar month in either 29 days or 30 days depending on the cycle of the moon (Quran 55:5, 10:5, 36:39-40). According to the Islamic Calendar months are to be counted by new moons (Quran 2:189, 10:5).<br />
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Allah in His absolute wisdom clarifies in the Quran that when someone sights the crescent of the month (of Ramadan) must commence the fast as follows:<br />
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"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan), he must fast that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number (of days which one did not fast must be made up) from other days. (Emphasis mine).<br />
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Thus sighting of the moon for commencement of the fast is not just from Ahadith but contained in the Quran as cited herein.<br />
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"Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him" (2: 185)<br />
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In authentic Ahadith in Imam Malik’s Muwatta and the two Sahihs Bukhari and Muslim, it has been reported on the authorities of Ibn Umar (RA) and Ibn Abbas (RA). I cite these Ahadith with the full chain of narration in order to avert any controversy as to authenticity:<br />
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1. Yahya related to me from Malik from Nafi‘ from ‘Abd Allah bin' Umar that the Messenger of God once mentioned Ramadan and said: "Do not begin the fast until you see the hilal and do not break the fast until you see it. If it is obscured from you (ghumma ‘alaykum), fa aqduru la hu." (Muwatta).<br />
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 In explanations of the transliterated Arabic words (fa aqaduru la hu) in the above Hadith, Islamic Scholars derive an interpretation from the Quran itself that it can mean a set limit (Quran 77:22-23, 6:96) or evaluate or estimate or measure (Quran 6:91). Applying either meaning to the stated words, Ulemas interpret this as if the crescent moon cannot be seen by being obscured by cloud, dust etc. then calculate or estimate the length of the month of Ramadan or restrict the month to twenty nine days.<br />
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2. Abu Bakr bin Abi Shaybah related to us: Abu Usamah related to us: ‘Ubayd Allah related to us from Nafi‘ from Ibn ‘Umar that the Messenger of God once mentioned Ramadan, made a gesture by his hands and said: "A month is like this and this and this," folding his thumb the third time. Then he said: "Start fasting when you see it and end fasting when you see it. If it is obscured from you (ughmiya ‘alaykum), fa aqduru la hu thalathin (count for it 30 (days)). (Muslim)<br />
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3. Zuhayr bin Harb related to us: Isma‘il related to us from Ayyub from Nafi‘ from Ibn ‘Umar that the Messenger of God said: "A month rather (innama) is 29 days. Do not begin the fast until you see it and do not break the fast until you see it. If it is obscured from you, fa aqduru la hu. (Muslim)<br />
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4. Hajjaj bin al-Sha‘ir related to me: Hasan al-Ashyab related to us: Shayban related to us from Yahya who said: Abu Salamah informed me that he heard Ibn ‘Umar say: I heard God’s Messenger say: "A month is twenty-nine (days)." (Muslim 13/11)<br />
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5. Abu al-Walid related to us: Shu ‘bah related to us from Jabalah bin Suhaym who said that I heard Ibn ‘Umar saying that the Prophet said (showing his ten fingers thrice): "The month is like this and this" and left out (khanasa) one thumb the third time (Bukhari 3/132)<br />
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The above authentic citations from the Holy Quran and Ahadith unequivocally establishes the requirement for sighting the crescent moon of the month of Ramadan at the end of the 29th day of the previous month Sha’ban. If the moon has not been sighted due to haze, cloud, dust storms etc., then complete thirty days of Sha’ban and commence the fast for Ramadan irrespective of whether the crescent moon is sighted or otherwise. Similarly, after observing the fast for 29 consecutive days look out for the birth of the new moon of the succeeding month Shawwal and if the moon is similarly obscured by cloud, haze, storms etc., then complete thirty days of fasting and celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid. This is simple clear and concise, but then why is the controversy and confusion? There is no evidence that such confusion or controversy existed during the life time of the Holy Prophet (Sal.,) or during the period of the Thabi-een, or Thabi-ith-Thabieen (the successive generations of followers of the Holy Prophet (Sal) footsteps, with connections to the one who had been with the Prophet (Sal) or immediate companions. They followed what was stated in the Quran and by the Prophet (Sal) and did not go further. Therefore to understand the nature and extent of the controversy let us analyse another Hadith from Sahih Muslim, which will shed some light.<br />
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Abu Bakr bin Abi Shaybah related to us: Ghundar related to us from Shu‘bah: (Also, related to us Muhammad bin al-Muthanna and Ibn Bashshar; Ibn al-Muthanna said: Muhammad bin al-Ja‘far related to us Shu‘bah related to us) from al-Aswad ibn Qays who said: I heard Sa‘id ibn ‘Amr bin Sa‘id (say) that he heard Ibn ‘Umar report from the Prophet who said: "We are an unlettered people. We neither write nor calculate. A month is thus and thus and thus, folding his thumb the third time and a month is thus and thus and thus (not folding his thumb the third time), that is, (ya‘ni) 30 (days).<br />
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Opponents of the requirement of moon sighting and proponents of the Nujoomi calculation method quote the above Hadith in support of their opposition or proposition. They use the terms "We are an unlettered people. We neither write nor calculate…" to relate the Hadith to a particular period of time. That is the period during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet (Sal) and the Thabieen, the immediate followers of the Prophet (Sal). They argue that in the context of this Hadith, the people were illiterate at the time the Prophet (Sal) said this (NaoozuBillah) and did not know astronomical calculations and also did not have the means to verify. However, it is submitted that they cannot argue against the Quranic statement cited at the beginning of this section where God commands the faithful to "Fast when you see it" meaning the moon. (Allah Knows Best)<br />
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Having read translations of the Holy Quran by renowned scholars and the 9 volumes of Sahih Bukhari, 4 volumes of Sahih Muslim, and Imam Malik’s Muwattha, I could not find any support for differing from the Quran and the Ahadith’s in respect of sighting the new moon with the naked eye or completing the month in question as thirty days (when the moon is not visible). I will conclude this part by citing the following Ahadith by Abu Hurairah (RA) in Sahih Muslim and Bukhary:<br />
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1. Yahya bin Yahya related to us: Ibrahim bin Sa‘d related to us from ibn Shihab from Sa’id bin al-Musayyab from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of God said: "When you see the new moon, start fasting, and when you see it, end fasting. But if it is obscure for you, fast for 30 days sumu thalathin yawman." (Muslim)<br />
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2. ‘Abu Bakr bin Abi Shaybah related to us: Muhammad bin Bishr al-‘Abdi related to us: ‘Ubayd Allah bin ‘Umar related to us from Abu Zinad from al-A‘raj from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of God mentioned the hilal and said: "When you see it, start fasting, and when you see it, end fasting. But if it is obscure for you, and if it is obscure for you, count 30 (fa ‘uddu thalathin)." (Muslim)<br />
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3. ‘Abd al-Rahman bin Sallam al-Jumahi related to us: al-Rubay‘, that is, Ibn Muslim related to us from Muhammad (who is Ibn Ziyad) from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet said: "Start fasting on seeing it, and end fasting on seeing it, and if it is obscure for you, complete the number (akmilu al-‘adad)." (Muslim 13/2/18)<br />
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4. ‘Ubayd Allah bin Mu‘adh related to us: My father related to us: Su‘bah related to us from Muhammad bin Ziyad who said: I heard Abu Hurayrah saying that the Messenger of God said: "Start fasting on seeing it, and end fasting on seeing it, and if the month is obscure for you, count 30 (fa ‘uddu thalathin)." (Muslim 13/2/19)<br />
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5. Adam related to us: Shu‘bah related to us: Muhammad bin Ziyad related to us saying: I heard Abu Hurayrah say: The Prophet said or, (I heard him say) Abu al-Qasim said: "Start fasting on seeing it, and end fasting on seeing it, and it is obscure for you, complete thirty days of Sha‘ban (fa akmilu ‘idda Sha‘ban thalathin)." (Bukhari 3/133)<br />
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Ramadhan and the universality of fasting

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Thursday, May 25, 2017