Some Virtues of Reciting the Qur'an

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Allah Almighty says,

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ قَدْ جَآءَتْكُم مَّوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَشِفَآءٌ لِّمَا فِى ٱلصُّدُورِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ﴿٥٧

O mankind, there has to come to you instruction from your Lord and healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers. (57)

[Qur'an Yunus 10:57]

ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّـهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّـهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ ٱلْقُلُوبُ ﴿٢٨

Who have believed and whose hearts have rest in the remembrance of Allah. Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest. (28)

[Qur'an Ar-Ra'd 13:28]

The ranks of the believers in Paradise are according to their deeds and diligence in this worldly life. The rank of the one who is keen in keeping on reciting the Quran is greater than the rank of the one who does not keep on reading it.

‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and grant him peace, has said, “By this book (the Qur’an), Allah would exalt (to a high status) some people and degrade others.” [Muslim]

‘Uthman ibn ‘Affân, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and grant him peace, has said, “The best among you is the one who learns the Quran and then teaches it.” [Bukhari]

Through reciting it, you will be with the angels: the noble righteous scribes (in Heaven).

Aisha, may Allah be pleased with him her, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and grant him peace, has said, “Whoever recites the Quran and masters it by heart, will be with the noble righteous scribes (in Heaven). Moreover, whoever recites the Quran and stutters with it, and it is difficult for him, will have a double reward.” [Muslim]

Abu Umamah, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and grant him peace, saying, ‘Recite the Quran, for it comes on the Day of Resurrection as an intercessor to its holder.’“ [Muslim]

May Allah make us among the close people of Allah and grant us tawfiq to the highest station. Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

A Glimpse of Abandoning the Qur'an

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, has complained to Allah Almighty against those who abandon the Qur'an and turn away from it.

Don't be those included in the complaint.  

وَقَالَ ٱلرَّسُولُ يَـٰرَبِّ إِنَّ قَوْمِى ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ هَـٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانَ مَهْجُورًا ﴿٣٠

And the Messenger has said, "O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Qur'an as [a thing] abandoned." (30)

[Qur'an Al-Furqan 25:30]

Ibn Al-Qayyim said, “There are different kinds of abandoning the Quran:

- To abandon hearing it, believing in it, and listening to it,

- To abandon working according to it (its rules, laws, teachings…), knowing its permissible and forbidden; even if one reads and believes in it,

- To abandon making it the judge in the basics and branches of religion,

- To abandon pondering over and understanding it, and not knowing what it verses mean,

- To abandon healing the diseases of the hearts by it, all the previous is included in the words of Allah Almighty in the aforementioned verse.”

There is another kind of abandoning, which has prevailed in our times. It is putting a copy of the Qur'an in a certain place, to be blessed by merely its presence. It is leaving on a bookshelf, putting at the back or front of the car, until it is covered with dust, or baked in the heat of the sun, which is a testimony that it is abandoned. This as well a showing of disrespect to the Book of Allah.

The Qur'an is meant to be recited, not for a showcase.

May Allah guide us. Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Some Etiquettes of Qur'an Recitation

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

The one who recites the Qur'an is conversing with Allah Almighty; therefore, he should abide by these etiquettes.

1- To have wudu' and sit in a purified place

2- To face the Qibla (the direction of the Ka’ba in Mecca) as possible as he can

3- To sit in submission and reverence; because he is conversing with Allah Almighty

4- He should not read while battling sleep in order not to commit mistakes in recitation

5- To cleanse the mouth with siwak (the Araak toothbrush)

6- To be keen on wearing a clean garment and to put on perfume

7- When passing by the verses of mercy, he asks Allah from His Grace; and when passing by the verses of torment, he seeks refuge with Allah from torture

8- Not to raise the voice if there is someone reciting the Qur'an close by, both are conversing with their Lord, and in order not to confuse him during the recitation

9- To adorn the Qur'an by his voice, and try to better his voice with no exaggeration

10- If one is in the mosque and the adhan (call for prayer) takes place, he should cut off the recitation and follow the caller. After the adhan ends, he resumes the recitation.

May Allah make the Qur'an a proof for us and not against us. Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Making Easy to Pay Off Debts

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

One day a man came to the Prophet and asked for sadaqah. The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, ask the man to go buy whatever he needs and to tell the seller that he will pay him off.

There was a beggar asking from someone who is poorer than him, and the poorer person give the beggar charity.

So, one cannot say, "I don't have anything to give, how can I give?" or "I have debts, so I can't give charity." Even if you have a debt, give charity because it will make it easy for you to pay off your debt.

Always give to others. This is one of the reasons that du'a is answered.

May Allah make us generous and not miserly. Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

A Turning Point

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Habib Al-Ajmi was one of the students of Hasan Al-Basri, who was the student of Ali ibn Abi Talib, who was student of the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and grant him peace.

Habib was a wealthy merchant, very much interested in the dunya and not interested in the akhirah. Hasan Al-Basri used to give his lessons and admonitions to the people next to him. But Habib was not listening to this and completely unmindful, busy attending to his trade.

One day Habib turned towards Hasan AlBasri who was speaking about Jannah and Hellfire. This one moment changed Habib's life. He started listening to it. Whoever reads in the hadith of Prophet about Jannah and Hellfire, who will not aspire to be the people of Jannah and who will not be scared of Hellfire? Habib left the session and began giving away his money in sadaqah (charity) until he has nothing left. He started taking loans to give sadaqah.

It was said about Habib that his du'as were answered.

Once a man came to Habib and complained about a debt that he has for 500 dirhams. So Habib told him to borrow money from another person to pay off the debt, and he would guarantee the new loan. When the man didn't pay, the second creditor went to Habib asking for the 500 dirhams. Habib asked the second creditor to come the next day. After the man left, he made wudu' and entered the masjid, prayed 2 raka'at and made du'a to Allah. When the second creditorcame the next day, Habib told him to go to the masjid and that if he finds anything there, it is his. The second creditor found a bag of money which contained more than 500 dirhams. He went back to Habib to give him the extra. Habib did not take the extra rather he said it is all yours. If someone lends you something, it is sunnah to reward the person who did you the favor, by giving more than you owe.

There is no doubt that the du'a of every single Muslim is answered. But there are some people whose answer to their du'a is delayed because they have not met the conditions of du'a or Allah knows that it is better for them that it is delayed. Habib was very close to Allah and if he ever asked Allah for anything, he would find it in front of his eyes immediately.

The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, spoke about such people: There are slaves of Allah, no one cares about them nor pays attention to them. If they speak, no one hears; if they are absent no one remembers them or misses them; if they ask someone for hand in marriage, no one accepts, but such people if they ever ask Allah for anything, if they ever make an oath upon Allah, Allah will fuflfill that oath. Why? Because He loves them. Why? Because their hearts are attached to Him and filled with love of Him and Divine Light.

Of course, with such people, Allah is not going to deal with their du'a the way He deals with the du'a of those who are unmindful of Him with hearts attached to other things and Allah is one item in a long list of what they want. If we see this in ourselves, we should now ask Allah to cure ourselves and make us of people like Habib, who always give to others, despite having nothing.

May Allah Almighty fill our hearts with the love of Allah and illuminate our hearts with His light. Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

The Best Statement

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

It is a great blessing to love to read, especially if you love to recite the Qur'an.

Inculcating the love to read in our children is one of the best gifts that parents can give to their children. For sure their children will never get bored that could start their mischiefs. How many times you hear your children say, "I am bored!" when they were growing up? But if they love books, they won't have those three-word sentence in their speech and vocabulary. Because the books always keep them company.

Unfortunately, many parents nowadays stock up their children with toys and electronics, some quite expensive, and which become obsolete after a little while, rather than books, which are relatively inexpensive (and even free at the library). And yet you still hear people complaining about being bored. Why? Because they don't read.

If you have already missed the boat for your children when they were little, or even if you don't like to read, it is not too late. You can still help your children and yourself to develop the reading habit.

Of course we have to choose what we read and what we give our children to read depending on their age and level of maturity and intelligence. But we will never go wrong with the Qur'an, no matter what age group.

We have been told that the whole Qur'an is ahsan-ul-hadith, the best of what is said. The word Hadith literally means the speech or account that is related.

Allah Almighty says,

ٱللَّـهُ نَزَّلَ أَحْسَنَ ٱلْحَدِيثِ كِتَـٰبًا مُّتَشَـٰبِهًا .... ﴿٢٣

Allah has sent down the best statement: a consistent Book wherein is reiteration...

[Qur'an Az-Zumar 39:23]

The outcome of calling Qur'an ahsan-ul-hadith, is that, out of everything human beings say or relate, the Qur'an remains the most eloquent.

Preoccupation with the Qur'an is one of the most virtuous acts of worship, whether by reciting it, pondering on its meanings, or working according to its teachings.

The Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, have received this Noble Quran, realizing the honor which Allah Almighty, has bestowed upon them. Therefore, they embarked upon it, reciting it during part of the hours of the night, and during the day. People passed by them at night, while they were reciting the Qur'an, and their recitation were like the buzzing of bees. They made it the nourishment of their souls, the food of their hearts, and the comfort of their eyes. Their souls became purified by it, and their secret selves transformed.

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَتْلُونَ كِتَـٰبَ ٱللَّـهِ وَأَقَامُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَأَنفَقُوا۟ مِمَّا رَزَقْنَـٰهُمْ سِرًّا وَعَلَانِيَةً يَرْجُونَ تِجَـٰرَةً لَّن تَبُورَ ﴿٢٩﴾ لِيُوَفِّيَهُمْ أُجُورَهُمْ وَيَزِيدَهُم مِّن فَضْلِهِۦٓ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ غَفُورٌ شَكُورٌ ﴿٣٠

Indeed, those who recite the Book of Allah and establish prayer and spend [in His cause] out of what We have provided them, secretly and publicly, [can] expect a profit that will never perish - (29) That He may give them in full their rewards and increase for them of His bounty. Indeed, He is Forgiving and Appreciative. (30)

[Qur'an Fatir 35:29-30]

May Allah bless us with His generosity upon us and our families and make us recite a good part of the Noble Qur'an everyday. Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Advancing a Loan to Allah

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Advancing a loan to Allah refers to, according to most scholars, voluntary charitable donations in the way of Allah, for instance, spending on friends and relatives or utilizing for entertainment of guests or investing in the service of scholars and righteous people. Some scholars point out that besides the prescribed zakat, there are other financial obligations imposed on man, such as maintenance of parents, wife and children. The loan will not be lost, but will be handsomely returned by Allah from His great grace and largess.

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger, Allah bless him and grant him peace, as saying: Allah descends to the lowest heaven at half of the night or at one-third of the latter part and says: Who is there to supplicate Me so that I answer him? Who is there to ask Me so that I grant him? And then says: Who will lend to One Who is neither indigent nor tyrant? (This hadith has been narrated by Sa'd b. Sa'id with the same chain of transmitters with this addition:" Then the Blessed and the Exalted (Lord) stretches His Hands and says: Who will lend to One Who is neither indigent nor tyrant?) [Muslim]

It is better for a person to do good in his lifetime than advising someone else to do the good deed at the time of his death. This advice for doing good on behalf of the deceased includes voluntary charitable donations. It also includes prescribed prayers, zakat, fasts and other prescribed worship, and duties to Allah that were missed out or neglected. For any fidyah and/or kaffara, it is better to pay them out with one's own hands while one is living and be absolved of the responsibility rather than expecting the heirs to discharge it. Your heirs may do it or they may neglect to do it.

The Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and grant him peace, once asked the blessed Companions: "Which of you holds his wealth to be dearer to himself than the wealth of his heirs?" They replied: "O Allah's Messenger, there is not a single one of us who does not hold his wealth to be dearer to himself than the wealth of his heir." Allah's Messenger then said: "Consider carefully what you are saying." They submitted: "This is indeed our considered opinion. We do not know any better." He then said: "The wealth of one of you is only that which he sends forth, and the wealth of his heir is that which he leaves behind."

May Allah increase our provision, both physically and spiritually, and help us spend in His way only. Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Who is There to Beg of Me?

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Prayer at night is looked upon by Allah with a particular significance.

Abu Hurayra reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying:

Allah descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the first part of the night is over and says: I am the Lord; I am the Lord: who is there to supplicate Me so that I answer him? Who is there to beg of Me so that I grant him? Who is there to beg forgiveness from Me so that I forgive him? He continues like this till the day breaks.

[Muslim]
Allah Almighty told us about the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace,

إِنَّ رَبَّكَ يَعْلَمُ أَنَّكَ تَقُومُ أَدْنَىٰ مِن ثُلُثَىِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَنِصْفَهُۥ وَثُلُثَهُۥ وَطَآئِفَةٌ مِّنَ ٱلَّذِينَ مَعَكَ ۚ وَٱللَّـهُ يُقَدِّرُ ٱلَّيْلَ وَٱلنَّهَارَ ۚ عَلِمَ أَن لَّن تُحْصُوهُ فَتَابَ عَلَيْكُمْ ۖ فَٱقْرَءُوا۟ مَا تَيَسَّرَ مِنَ ٱلْقُرْءَانِ ۚ عَلِمَ أَن سَيَكُونُ مِنكُم مَّرْضَىٰ ۙ وَءَاخَرُونَ يَضْرِبُونَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ يَبْتَغُونَ مِن فَضْلِ ٱللَّـهِ ۙ وَءَاخَرُونَ يُقَـٰتِلُونَ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّـهِ ۖ فَٱقْرَءُوا۟ مَا تَيَسَّرَ مِنْهُ ۚ وَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُوا۟ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَأَقْرِضُوا۟ ٱللَّـهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا ۚ وَمَا تُقَدِّمُوا۟ لِأَنفُسِكُم مِّنْ خَيْرٍ تَجِدُوهُ عِندَ ٱللَّـهِ هُوَ خَيْرًا وَأَعْظَمَ أَجْرًا ۚ وَٱسْتَغْفِرُوا۟ ٱللَّـهَ ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّـهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌۢ ﴿٢٠

Indeed, your Lord knows, [O Muhammad], that you stand [in prayer] almost two thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it, and [so do] a group of those with you. And Allah determines [the extent of] the night and the day. He has known that you [Muslims] will not be able to do it and has turned to you in forgiveness, so recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur'an. He has known that there will be among you those who are ill and others traveling throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of Allah and others fighting for the cause of Allah. So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakah and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. (20)

[Qur'an Az-Muzzammil 73:20]

The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, would pray 2/3 of the night or 1/2 or sometimes a third of the night (1/3 was the lesser practice of the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace). Some Sahabah were were closer at following the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, by praying at night.

If we bring the night prayer into our lives and follow the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, by praying regularly at night and close the night with witr prayer (which is wajib in mazhab Hanafi and emphasized sunnah in other maszhabs), just before Fajr, we will be of those who are of Allah's most beloved, those who wake up and turn to Him and yearn for Him while others are asleep.

May Allah make our hearts awaken and pure. Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Hair Standing On End

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Allah Almighty says,

ٱللَّـهُ نَزَّلَ أَحْسَنَ ٱلْحَدِيثِ كِتَـٰبًا مُّتَشَـٰبِهًا مَّثَانِىَ تَقْشَعِرُّ مِنْهُ جُلُودُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ ثُمَّ تَلِينُ جُلُودُهُمْ وَقُلُوبُهُمْ إِلَىٰ ذِكْرِ ٱللَّـهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ هُدَى ٱللَّـهِ يَهْدِى بِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ ۚ وَمَن يُضْلِلِ ٱللَّـهُ فَمَا لَهُۥ مِنْ هَادٍ ﴿٢٣

Allah has sent down the best statement: a consistent Book wherein is reiteration. The skins shiver therefrom of those who fear their Lord; then their skins and their hearts relax at the remembrance of Allah. That is the guidance of Allah by which He guides whom He wills. And one whom Allah leaves astray - for him there is no guide.

[Az-Zumar 39:25]

The recitation of the Qur'an affects some people. When they hear the warnings of punishment, it makes their hair stand on end. Then they listen to the verses promising mercy and forgiveness which takes them to a state when their bodies and hearts turn tenderized, mellowed in the remembrance of Allah.

Asma' bint Abi Bakr, may Allah be pleased with her, said that this used to be the common emotional state of the noble Sahabah - when the Qur'an was recited before them, tear would be rolling down their eyes, and the hair would be standing on end. (Qurtubi)

It has been narrated by 'Abdullah Ibn 'Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "A servant over whose body hair would stand on end due to the fear of Allah, then, Allah Ta'ala forbids the Fire from ever touching his body. (Qurtubi)

May Allah guide us and make our hearts tender. Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Always Busy

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

There is no such thing as retirement and there is no such thing as doing nothing. Just look at the roadways, the schools, markets, coffee shops, masjids, hospitals, offices, everywhere people are doing something, nonstop--driving, reading, buying, selling, talking, watching, thinking, ... including you and I.

No doubt, we will be busy for the rest of our lives. But you can choose what you want to be busy with. An intelligent person busies himself with those things that will derive him the most benefit in the Hereafter, not some change to buy the dunya. Choose wisely what you do on this earth, so you don't short change your Hereafter.

The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Take benefit from five things before things: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your preoccupation, and your life before death.”

جاء رجل إلى أمير المؤمنين علي بن أبي طالب فقال: سأسألك عن أربع مسائل فأجبني: ما هو الواجب؟ وما هو الأوجب؟ وما هو القريب؟ وما هو الأقرب؟ وما هو العجيب؟ وما هو الأعجب؟ وما هو الصعب؟ وما هو الأصعب؟ فقال أمير المؤمنين: الواجب: طاعة الله، والأوجب: ترك الذنوب، وأما القريب: فهو يوم القيامة، والأقرب هو الموت، أما العجيب: فالدنيا، والأعجب منها حب الدنيا، أما الصعب: فهو القبر، والأصعب منه الذهاب بلا زاد.

A man came to the Commander of the Believers, Ali ibn Abi Talib (radiAllahu anhu), and said, "I will ask you of four matters, so answer me. What is obligatory and what is more obligatory? And what is close and what is closer? And what is strange and what is more strange? And what is difficult and what is more difficult?" So the Commander of the Believers replied, "(As for) the obligation: the obedience to Allah, and the greater obligation, the leaving of sins. And that which is close, that is the Day of Standing, and (as for) the closer, that is death. And that which is strange, the dunya, and even stranger than that, love of the dunya. And that which is difficult, then that is the grave, and more difficult than that, going (to the grave) without provisions."

وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱجْتَنَبُوا۟ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتَ أَن يَعْبُدُوهَا وَأَنَابُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّـهِ لَهُمُ ٱلْبُشْرَىٰ ۚ فَبَشِّرْ عِبَادِ ﴿١٧﴾ ٱلَّذِينَ يَسْتَمِعُونَ ٱلْقَوْلَ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ أَحْسَنَهُۥٓ ۚ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ هَدَىٰهُمُ ٱللَّـهُ ۖ وَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمْ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ ﴿١٨

And those who abstain from worshipping the Taghut (false deities) and turn fervently to Allah, for them there is good news. So, give the good news to My servants (17) Who listen to what is said, then, follow the best of it. Those are the ones whom Allah has guided, and those are the ones who possess understanding. (18) [Qur'an Az-Zumar 38:17-18]

So what is taking up your time? Are you working for this life and the dunya or are you working for your life and the akhirah (which begins with your death)?

May Allah keep us busy with those things that benefit us for our eternal life, and keep us away from those things that don't benefit us for our eternal life. Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

This Masjid of Mine

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Our covenant with our Lord is prayer and regular performance of prayers but so many Muslims don't pray regularly and many find a great hardship to wake up for Fajr, let alone pray Fajr and 'Isha at the masjid. The hardship increases when Fajr is very early in the morning and 'Isha is late, past normal bedtime.

Narrated Abu Hurayra, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

If they knew what there is (of reward) in ‘Isha’ and Fajr prayer, they would come to them even if they had to crawl.

[Bukhari and Muslim]

Abandoning your prayers is a transgression of your covenant with your Lord, and you miss out on the tremendous virtues of prayers.

Narrated ‘Uthman ibn Affan, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

Whoever prays ‘Isha’ in congregation, it is as if he spent half the night in prayer, and whoever prays Fajr in congregation, it is as if he spent the whole night in prayer.

[Muslim]

‘Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

To attend Fajr prayer in congregation is dearer to me than spending the night in prayer.

There is a tremendous virtue for men to offer Fajr and 'Isha in congregation in the masjid.

Those who perform the Fajr and 'Isha prayers in their respective times, however great the hardship and discomfort, is a sign of his sincerity and faith, and a sincere believer is under the protection of Allah.

That's why one of the things to look for when choosing a husband is to make sure the person has been praying Fajr and 'Isha regularly at the masjid.

There is no greater virtue for women to pray in congregation than praying at home. Women receive the same blessing for praying at home that men receive for going to the mosque.

The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "A woman's prayer in the depths of her house is better than her prayer in this masjid of mine."

Aisha, may Allah be well pleased with her, said, "Had the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, seen what women do now, he would have forbidden them the mosque as the women of Bani Isra'il were forbidden."

Masjid for a woman is her home. Women should pray at home if there is no genuine need for her to be in the masjid to avoid negative influences and fitnah for her and everyone else.

May Allah grant us steadfastness and taqwa. Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Wouldn't You Be Pleased?

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

From Urwah, may Allah be pleased with him, that Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said,

“When I saw that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was in a pleasant mood I said, ‘O Prophet of Allah! Supplicate to Allah for me.’ He said, ‘O Allah! Forgive Aisha her sins of the past and the future and [any sins] she has kept hidden and what she has made public.’ So Aisha laughed until her head fell into the lap of the Prophet of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم due to her laughter. So he said, ‘Does my supplication please you?’ So she replied, ‘And why shouldn’t your supplication please me?’ So he said, ‘By Allah! It is my supplication [which I make] for my nation in every prayer.’”

May Allah increase our love for Him and His beloved Messenger, صلى الله عليه وسلم. Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Light Upon Light

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

ٱللَّـهُ نُورُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ مَثَلُ نُورِهِۦ كَمِشْكَوٰةٍ فِيهَا مِصْبَاحٌ ۖ ٱلْمِصْبَاحُ فِى زُجَاجَةٍ ۖ ٱلزُّجَاجَةُ كَأَنَّهَا كَوْكَبٌ دُرِّىٌّ يُوقَدُ مِن شَجَرَةٍ مُّبَـٰرَكَةٍ زَيْتُونَةٍ لَّا شَرْقِيَّةٍ وَلَا غَرْبِيَّةٍ يَكَادُ زَيْتُهَا يُضِىٓءُ وَلَوْ لَمْ تَمْسَسْهُ نَارٌ ۚ نُّورٌ عَلَىٰ نُورٍ ۗ يَهْدِى ٱللَّـهُ لِنُورِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ ۚ وَيَضْرِبُ ٱللَّـهُ ٱلْأَمْثَـٰلَ لِلنَّاسِ ۗ وَٱللَّـهُ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌ ﴿٣٥

Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things. (35)

[Qur'an An-Nur 24:35]

قَدْ جَآءَكُم مِّنَ ٱللَّـهِ نُورٌ وَكِتَـٰبٌ مُّبِينٌ ﴿١٥ ...

...There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book. (15)

[Qur'an Al-Maida 5:15]

Whoever Allah wants to guide, Allah expands his breast to (contain) Islam. What is the sign of this? The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: "Longing passionately for the eternal home, and seeking refuge from the deceptive abode, and preparing for death before its arrival." [al-Hakim and al-Baihaqi]

أَفَمَن شَرَحَ ٱللَّـهُ صَدْرَهُۥ لِلْإِسْلَـٰمِ فَهُوَ عَلَىٰ نُورٍ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦ ۚ فَوَيْلٌ لِّلْقَـٰسِيَةِ قُلُوبُهُم مِّن ذِكْرِ ٱللَّـهِ ۚ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ فِى ضَلَـٰلٍ مُّبِينٍ ﴿٢٢

So is one whose breast Allah has expanded to [accept] Islam and he is upon a light from his Lord [like one whose heart rejects it]? Then woe to those whose hearts are hardened against the remembrance of Allah. Those are in manifest error. (22)

[Qur'an Az-Zumar 39:22]

We ask Allah to shower us with His light.

اللَّهُمَّ أَجْعِلْ فِي قَلْبِي نُوْراً , وفي لِسَانِي نوراً , وفي سَمْعِي نوراً , وفي بَصَرِي نوراً , ومِنْ فَوْقِي نوراً , ومن تَحْتِي نوراً , وعَنْ يَمِيْنِي نوراً , وعن شَمَالِي نوراً , ومن أَمَامِي نوراً , ومن خَلْفِي نوراً , وأَجْعِلْ في نَفْسِي نوراً , وأَعْظِمْ لِي نوراً , وعَظِّمْ لِي نوراً , واجْعَلْ لِي نوراً , و اجْعَلْنِي نوراً , اللَّهُمَّ أَعْطِنِي نوراً , واجْعَلْ فِي عَصَبِي نوراً , وفي لَحْمِي نوراً , وفي دَمِي نوراً , وفي شَعْرِي نوراً , وفي بَشَرِي نوراً
[Bukhari and Muslim]

اللَّهُمَّ أَجْعِلْ لِي نُوْراً فِي قَبْرِي , ونوراً في عِظَامِي
[Tirmidhi]

و زِدْنِي نُوْراً , و زِدْنِي نوراً , و زِدْنِي نوراً
[Bukhari]

ٍوَهَبْ لِي نُوْراً عَلَى نُوْر
[Ibn Hajar]

"O Allah, place light in my heart and on my tongue light and in my ears light and in my sight light, and above me light and below me light, and to my right light and to my left light, and before me light and behind me light. Place in my soul light. Magnify for me light and amplify for me light. Make for me light and make me a light. O Allah, grant me light, and place light in my nerves, and in my body light and in my blood light and in my hair light and in my skin light. O Allah, make for me a light in my grave . . . and a light in my bones. Increase me in light, increase me in light, increase me in light. Grant me light upon light."

May our path be illuminated by none other than His Light.

Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Remaining Firm In Faith

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Guidance and straying are from Allah alone. When Allah intends to guide someone, He makes his heart tilt towards what is good and right; and when He decides to let someone go astray, He turns his heart away from the straight path.

Allah's Messenger, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,

There is no heart which is not there in between the two of Allah's fingers-He makes it firm on the truth as long as He wills, and turns it away from the truth when He wills.

Those who are well-grounded in knowledge are never proud of their knowledge, however perfect it may be, nor of the strength of their faith. Instead, they constantly pray to Allah seeking steadfastness from Him, and His grace and mercy.

Therefore, those who are concerned about how to remain firm in their faith, they go to the source - asking and begging from Allah for steadfastness.

The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, used to ask Allah,

يا مقلب القلوب ثبت قلوبنا غلى دينك

Ya Muqallibalqulub, thabbit qulubbana 'ala deenika
O Reverser of hearts, make our hearts firm on the Faith chosen by You.

May Allah make us firm in our Faith. Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah know best.
Wassalaam

Straitened Heart

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Allah says,

أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱللَّـهَ أَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَسَلَكَهُۥ يَنَـٰبِيعَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ثُمَّ يُخْرِجُ بِهِۦ زَرْعًا مُّخْتَلِفًا أَلْوَٰنُهُۥ ثُمَّ يَهِيجُ فَتَرَىٰهُ مُصْفَرًّا ثُمَّ يَجْعَلُهُۥ حُطَـٰمًا ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَذِكْرَىٰ لِأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ ﴿٢١

Do you not see that Allah sends down rain from the sky and makes it flow as springs [and rivers] in the earth; then He produces thereby crops of varying colors; then they dry and you see them turned yellow; then He makes them [scattered] debris. Indeed in that is a reminder for those of understanding. (21)

[Qur'an Az-Zumar 39:21]

مِنْ أَىِّ شَىْءٍ خَلَقَهُۥ ﴿١٨﴾ مِن نُّطْفَةٍ خَلَقَهُۥ فَقَدَّرَهُۥ ﴿١٩﴾ ثُمَّ ٱلسَّبِيلَ يَسَّرَهُۥ ﴿٢٠﴾ ثُمَّ أَمَاتَهُۥ فَأَقْبَرَهُۥ ﴿٢١﴾ ثُمَّ إِذَا شَآءَ أَنشَرَهُۥ ﴿٢٢﴾ كَلَّا لَمَّا يَقْضِ مَآ أَمَرَهُۥ ﴿٢٣﴾ فَلْيَنظُرِ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنُ إِلَىٰ طَعَامِهِۦٓ ﴿٢٤﴾ أَنَّا صَبَبْنَا ٱلْمَآءَ صَبًّا ﴿٢٥﴾ ثُمَّ شَقَقْنَا ٱلْأَرْضَ شَقًّا ﴿٢٦﴾ فَأَنۢبَتْنَا فِيهَا حَبًّا ﴿٢٧﴾ وَعِنَبًا وَقَضْبًا ﴿٢٨﴾ وَزَيْتُونًا وَنَخْلًا ﴿٢٩﴾ وَحَدَآئِقَ غُلْبًا ﴿٣٠﴾ وَفَـٰكِهَةً وَأَبًّا ﴿٣١﴾ مَّتَـٰعًا لَّكُمْ وَلِأَنْعَـٰمِكُمْ ﴿٣٢﴾ فَإِذَا جَآءَتِ ٱلصَّآخَّةُ ﴿٣٣﴾ يَوْمَ يَفِرُّ ٱلْمَرْءُ مِنْ أَخِيهِ ﴿٣٤﴾ وَأُمِّهِۦ وَأَبِيهِ ﴿٣٥﴾ وَصَـٰحِبَتِهِۦ وَبَنِيهِ ﴿٣٦

From what substance did He create him? (18) From a sperm-drop He created him and destined for him; (19) Then He eased the way for him; (20) Then He causes his death and provides a grave for him. (21) Then when He wills, He will resurrect him. (22) No! Man has not yet accomplished what He commanded him. (23) Then let mankind look at his food - (24) How We poured down water in torrents, (25) Then We broke open the earth, splitting [it with sprouts], (26) And caused to grow within it grain (27) And grapes and herbage (28) And olive and palm trees (29) And gardens of dense shrubbery (30) And fruit and grass - (31) [As] enjoyment for you and your grazing livestock. (32) But when there comes the Deafening Blast (33) On the Day a man will flee from his brother (34) And his mother and his father (35) And his wife and his children, (36)

[Qur'an 'Abasa 80:18-36]

أَلَمْ نَجْعَلِ ٱلْأَرْضَ مِهَـٰدًا ﴿٦﴾ وَٱلْجِبَالَ أَوْتَادًا ﴿٧﴾ وَخَلَقْنَـٰكُمْ أَزْوَٰجًا ﴿٨﴾ وَجَعَلْنَا نَوْمَكُمْ سُبَاتًا ﴿٩﴾ وَجَعَلْنَا ٱلَّيْلَ لِبَاسًا ﴿١٠﴾ وَجَعَلْنَا ٱلنَّهَارَ مَعَاشًا ﴿١١﴾ وَبَنَيْنَا فَوْقَكُمْ سَبْعًا شِدَادًا ﴿١٢﴾ وَجَعَلْنَا سِرَاجًا وَهَّاجًا ﴿١٣﴾ وَأَنزَلْنَا مِنَ ٱلْمُعْصِرَٰتِ مَآءً ثَجَّاجًا ﴿١٤﴾ لِّنُخْرِجَ بِهِۦ حَبًّا وَنَبَاتًا ﴿١٥﴾ وَجَنَّـٰتٍ أَلْفَافًا ﴿١٦﴾ إِنَّ يَوْمَ ٱلْفَصْلِ كَانَ مِيقَـٰتًا ﴿١٧

Have We not made the earth a resting place? (6) And the mountains as stakes? (7) And We created you in pairs (8) And made your sleep [a means for] rest (9) And made the night as clothing (10) And made the day for livelihood (11) And constructed above you seven strong [heavens] (12) And made [therein] a burning lamp (13) And sent down, from the rain clouds, pouring water (14) That We may bring forth thereby grain and vegetation (15) And gardens of entwined growth. (16) Indeed, the Day of Judgement is an appointed time - (17)

[Qur'an An-Naba 78:6-17]

One's heart is capable of learning lessons and receiving benefits by deliberating into Divine signs of creation in the heavens and the earth, particularly so by deliberating in his own creation. Similar is the case with other signs of Allah revealed in the form of scriptures and injunctions. But there is a heart that is straitened or hardened. This heart belongs to the one who is hard-hearted, having no mercy for anyone, and remains totally unaffected by the need to remember Allah and follow His injunctions.

May Allah make us among those people of understanding and taqwa. Ameen.

Pleased don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Wake Up Your Spouse For Tahajjud (Night Vigil Prayer)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Allah Almighty said, "Establish prayer at the decline of the sun [from its meridian] until the darkness of the night and [also] the Qur'an of dawn. Indeed, the recitation of dawn is ever witnessed. (78) And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station." (79) [Qur'an Al-Isra' 17:78-79]

Allah most negated similitude between those who pray at night and those who do not: "Is one who is devoutly obedient during periods of the night, prostrating and standing [in prayer], fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord, [like one who does not]? Say, "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?" Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding. (9)" [Qur'an Az-Zumar, 39:9]

Narrated Um Salama: One night the Prophet got up and said, "Subhan Allah! How many afflictions Allah has revealed tonight and how many treasures have been sent down (disclosed). Go and wake the sleeping lady occupants of these dwellings up (for prayers), perhaps a well-dressed in this world may be naked in the Hereafter." [Bukhari]

Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri reported that the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “When a man awakens during the night and he wakes his wife and they pray together two cycles (raka’ah), then they will both be recorded among the men and women who remember Allah often.” [Sunan Abu Dawud]

Allah has praised those who wake up at night for His remembrance, supplication, and to seek forgiveness and entreat Him, saying, "They arise from [their] beds; they supplicate their Lord in fear and aspiration, and from what We have provided them, they spend. (16) And no soul knows what has been hidden for them of comfort for eyes as reward for what they used to do. (17)" [Qur'an As-Sajda, 32:16-17]

And He said, "The patient, the true, the obedient, those who spend [in the way of Allah], and those who seek forgiveness before dawn. (17)" [Qur'an AleImran 3:17]

And, "And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace, (63) And those who spend [part of] the night to their Lord prostrating and standing [in prayer] (64)" [Qur'an Al-Furqan 25:63-64
]
Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said, "The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer." [Muslim]

Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) was asked, "What prayer is most virtuous, after the obligatory prayers?" He said, "Prayer in the depths of the night." [Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Nasa'i, Ibn Majah]

Abd Allah ibn Salam (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said, "O people! Spread the salams, feed others, maintain family ties, and pray at night when others sleep and you will enter Heaven safely." [Tirmidhi, Hakim]

Abu Umama al-Bahili (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said, "Hold fast to night prayer, for it was the way of the righteous before you, a way of drawing closer to your Lord, an expiation for wrong deeds, and a shield from sin." [Tirmidhi, and others] In some narrations, there is an addition, "And it repels sickness from the body."

Ibn Mas`ud (Allah be pleased with him) said, "The virtues of night prayer over day prayer is like the virtue of secret charity over open charity." [Tabarani] The scholars explain that this refers to voluntary prayers.

The scholars derived the following from the Qur'an and prophetic hadiths:

1. The minimal night vigil prayer is 2 rakats. [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir]

2. Its optimal recommended amount is 8 rakats, because this was the general practice of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions). [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir]

3. Lengthier recitation is superior to a larger number of rakats prayed. [Durr al-Mukhtar, Radd al-Muhtar]

4. If one divides the night in thirds, then the final middle third is most virtuous. [Durr al-Mukhtar]

5. If one divides the night in half, then the second half is more virtuous. [ibid]

6. Voluntary (nafl) prayer at night is more virtuous than voluntary prayer during the day. However, the full reward mentioned in the Qur'anic verses and Prophetic hadiths refers to worship that was preceded by sleep. This is also understood from the very linguistic meaning of tahajjud, which is to struggle rid oneself of sleep. [Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar, quoting Ibn Amir Haajj's Halba]

7. Ibn Nujaym and Haskafi both affirmed that night prayer is recommended. [al-Bahr al-Ra'iq, and al-Durr al-Mukhtar; chosen in al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya] Kamal ibn al-Humam, the brilliant mujtahid who was the greatest Hanafi faqih of the latter half of Islamic history, however, wavered between it being recommended or a confirmed sunna. This is because while the spoken hadiths indicate recommendation, the continued practice of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) would seem to indicate it being a confirmed sunna. This was also chosen by Ibn al-Humam's student, Ibn Amir Haaj in his Halba. [Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

8. It is disliked to leave the night vigil prayer for one who has made it their habit, unless there is an excuse, because the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said to Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with him), "O Abd Allah! Do not be like so-and-so. He used to pray at night and then left it. [Bukhari and Muslim] Therefore, one should take on an amount of works one can sustain, for the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said, "The most beloved of actions to Allah are the most constant, even if little." [Bukhari and Muslim] [Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar, from Ibn Amir Haajj's Halba]

9. It is recommended to start the night vigil with two short rakats, because of the hadith of Abu Hurayra that the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, "If you get up for night prayer, start with two short rakats." [Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Dawud]

10. Supplications in the depths of the night are answered, as the hadiths have mentioned.

Narrated Ibn Abbas:

When the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wassallam) got up at night to offer the Tahajjud prayer, he used to say: Allahumma lakal-hamd. Anta qaiyimus-samawati wal-ard wa man fihinna. Walakal-hamd, Laka mulkus-samawati wal-ard wa man fihinna. Walakal-hamd, anta nurus-samawati wal-ard. Walakalhamd, anta-l-haq wa wa'duka-l-haq, wa liqa'uka Haq, wa qualuka Haq, wal-jannatu Han wan-naru Haq wannabiyuna Haq. Wa Muhammadun, sallal-lahu'alaihi wasallam, Haq, was-sa'atu Haq. Allahumma aslamtu Laka wabika amantu, wa 'Alaika tawakkaltu, wa ilaika anabtu wa bika khasamtu, wa ilaika hakamtu faghfir li ma qaddamtu wama akh-khartu wama as-rartu wama'a lantu, anta-l-muqaddim wa anta-l-mu akh-khir, la ilaha illa anta (or la ilaha ghairuka).

(O Allah! All the praises are for you, You are the Holder of the Heavens and the Earth, And whatever is in them. All the praises are for You; You have the possession of the Heavens and the Earth And whatever is in them. All the praises are for You; You are the Light of the Heavens and the Earth And all the praises are for You; You are the King of the Heavens and the Earth; And all the praises are for You; You are the Truth and Your Promise is the truth, And to meet You is true, Your Word is the truth And Paradise is true And Hell is true And all the Prophets (Peace be upon them) are true; And Muhammad is true, And the Day of Resurrection is true. O Allah ! I surrender (my will) to You; I believe in You and depend on You. And repent to You, And with Your help I argue (with my opponents, the non-believers) And I take You as a judge (to judge between us). Please forgive me my previous And future sins; And whatever I concealed or revealed And You are the One who make (some people) forward And (some) backward. There is none to be worshipped but you. Sufyan said that 'Abdul Karim Abu Umaiya added to the above, 'Wala hawla Wala quwata illa billah' (There is neither might nor power except with Allah).

[Bukhari]

Ibn Mas`ud (Allah be pleased with him) was asked, "I cannot pray at night." He said, "Your sins have prevented you."

Narrated 'Aisha: Allah's Apostle used to offer eleven raka'ah (cycles) and that was his prayer. He used to prolong the prostration to such an extent that one could recite fifty verses (of the Quran) before he would lift his head. He used to pray two Rakat (Sunna) before the Fajr prayer and then used to lie down on his right side till the call-maker came and informed him about the prayer. [Bukhari]

Narrated Al-Mughira: The Prophet used to stand (in the prayer) or pray till both his feet or legs swelled. He was asked why (he offered such an unbearable prayer) and he said, "should I not be a thankful slave." [Bukhari]

Narrated Ibn Abbas: The prayer of the Prophet used to be of thirteen Rakat, i.e. of the night prayer. [Bukhari]

Narrated Masruq: I asked Aisha about the night prayer of Allah's Apostle and she said, "It was seven, nine or eleven Rakat besides the two Rakat of the Fajr prayer (i.e. Sunna)." [Bukhari]

Narrated 'Aisha: I did not see the Prophet reciting (the Quran) in the night prayer while sitting except when he became old; when he used to recite while sitting, and when thirty or forty verses remained from the Sura, he would get up and recite them and then bow. [Bukhari]

Narrated Abu-Wa il: 'Abdullah said, "One night I offered the Tahajjud prayer with the Prophet and he kept on standing till an ill-thought came to me." We said, "What was the ill-thought?" He said, "It was to sit down and leave the Prophet (standing)." [Bukhari]

May Allah grant us tawfiq. Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Resource: http://spa.qibla.com/issue_view.asp?id=1241

It Pays To Wake Up at Night and Pray Tahajjud

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Narrated Salim's father:

In the life-time of the Prophet whosoever saw a dream would narrate it to Allah's Apostle. I had a wish of seeing a dream to narrate it to Allah's Apostle, Allah bless him and grant him peace, I was a grown up boy and used to sleep in the masjid in the life-time of the Prophet. I saw in the dream that two angels caught hold of me and took me to the Fire which was built all round like a built well and had two poles in it and the people in it were known to me. I started saying, "I seek refuge with Allah from the Fire." Then I met another angel who told me not to be afraid. I narrated the dream to Hafsa (wife of the Prophet) who told it to Allah's Apostle. The Prophet said, "Abdullah is a good man. I wish he prayed Tahajjud." After that 'Abdullah (i.e. Salim's father) used to sleep but a little at night.

[Bukhari]

وَمِنَ ٱلَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِۦ نَافِلَةً لَّكَ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَّحْمُودًا ﴿٧٩

And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station. (79)

[Qur'an Al-Isra' 17:79]

Hadrat Mujaddid Alf Thani, the famous religious revivalist of the first Islamic millenium in India, said that, in this verse, the Holy Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, was first given the command to make the prayer of Tahajjud, then he was promised the Praised Station, that is, the Station of Grand Intercession. This tells us that the prayer of Tahajjud serves as a special via media in acquiring the Station of Intercession.

Based on a report from Sayyidna 'Uthman, it appears in Ibn Majah and al-Baihaqi; that the Holy Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: On the Day of Qiyaamah, the blessed prophets will be the first to intercede on behalf of sinners, then the 'Ulama' and then the Shuhada' (martyrs). According to Dailami reporting from Sayyidna Ibn 'Umar, the Holy Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said that the 'Alim will be told that he could intercede on behalf of his disciples, even if their number matches the number of stars.

And Abu Dawud and Ibn Hibban carry a narration of Sayyidna Abu al-Darda', with its chains ascending to the Holy Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, who said: The intercession made by a Shahid (martyr) will be accepted in favor of seventy people from his family.

The Musnad of Ahmad, al-Tabarani; and al-Baihaqi authentically report Sayyidna Abu Umamah and narrating that the Holy Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: On the intercession of one person from my ummah many people, more than the entire number of the people of the tribes of Rabi'ah and Mudar, will be admitted to Jannah.

The question is when the Holy Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, will himself intercede - and no believer will remain in Hell because of it - why and how will the 'Ulama' and the righteous intercede? The answer appears in Tafsir Mazhari: perhaps, the 'Ulama' and the righteous of the community will present their intercession in favor of whomsoever they wish before the Holy Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, who will then intercede with Allah Ta'ala.

In a Hadith, the Holy Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: (My intercession shall be for people who had committed major sins). This seems to tell us that those involved with major sins will be forgiven particularly through the intercession of the Holy Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace. Any angel or any individual from the Muslim community will not be able to intercede in the case of those who have committed major sins. Instead of that, the inter- cession made by the righteous of the Muslim community will be for those who were involved with minor sins.

May Allah grant us tawfiq and the Station of Intercession. Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

source: Maariful Qur'an by Mufti Muhammad Shafi Usmani

The Prophet's Intercession

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, has been promised مقام محمد (Maqam Mahmud, The Praised Station). This Station is the station of the Grand Intercession.

What this intercession means is that he will intercede for all of mankind when Allah delays the Reckoning and they have waited for so long in the place of gathering on the Day of Resurrection. Their distress and anxiety will reach a point where they can no longer bear it, and they will say, “Who will intercede for us with our Lord so that He will pass judgement amongst His slaves?” and they will wish to leave that place. So the people will come to the Prophets, each of whom will say, “I am not able for it,” until when they come to our Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, he will say, “I am able for it, I am able for it.” So he will intercede for them, that judgement may be passed. This is the greater intercession, and it is one of the things that belong exclusively to the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace.

“The people will fall on their knees on the Day of Resurrection, each nation following its Prophet, saying, ‘O So and so, intercede!’ until intercession is granted to the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace. On that Day Allah will resurrect him to a station of praise and glory.” [Bukhari]

The Prophet's Intercessions are many. These major intercessions are six:

1. Lessening the dreads of the Day of Resurrection;

2. Entering some people into Paradise without reckoning; these two are said to be particular to the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace;

3. For some who deserved punishment in the Fire;

4. Taking out some who actually entered the Fire;

5. Raising the ranks of those in Paradise;

6. Lessening the punishment of those eternally in the Fire, such as Abu Talib and others.

Jabir ibn Abd Allah reports that the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,

Whoever says the following after hearing the call to prayer deserves my intercession (shafa`a) on the Day of Judgment:

اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ هَذِهِ الدَّعْوَةِ التَّامَّةِ، وَالصَّلَاةِ الْقَائِمَةِ، آتِ مُحَمَّداً الْوَسِيلَةَ وَالْفَضِيلَةَ، وَابْعَثْهُ مَقَاماً مَحْمُوداً الَّذِي وَعَدْتَهُ

"O Allah, Lord of this perfect call and ready prayer! Grant Muhammad the mediation (wasila) and honor, and resurrect him on the praised station that your have promised him."

[Bukhari]

"When you hear the Mu'adhdhin (the person who calls to prayer), repeat what he says. Then invoke a blessing on me, for everyone who invokes a blessing on me will receive ten blessings from Allah. Then beg from Allah al-Wasilah for me, which is a rank in Paradise fitting for only one of Allah's Servants, and I hope that I may be that one. If anyone asks that I be given the Wasilah, he will be assured of my intercession."

اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ هَذِهِ الدَّعْوَةِ التَّامَّةِ، وَالصَّلَاةِ الْقَائِمَةِ، آتِ مُحَمَّداً الْوَسِيلَةَ وَالْفَضِيلَةَ، وَابْعَثْهُ مَقَاماً مَحْمُوداً الَّذِي وَعَدْتَهُ. إِنَّكَ لا تُخْلِفُ المِيْعَادِ

'Allahumma rabba hadihi-d-da wati-t-tammati was salati-l qa'imati, ati Muhammadani-l wasilata wa-l fadilata, wa-b-'athu maqamam mahmudani-l-ladi wa 'adtahu. 'Innaka La Tukhlifu Al-Mi'ad.'

May Allah increase our love for His beloved Messenger, Allah bless him and grant him peace, and resurrect us with him and grant us his intercession. Ameen.

Please include us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Being Upright

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Believers and those having perfect faith are those people who not only stick to the straight path and abide by the revealed laws themselves in their deeds and morals, but also call others towards Allah and care about their reformation. It is in this connection that those who invite others towards Islam are directed to remain patient and to repay evil with goodness.

Allah Almighty says,

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ قَالُوا۟ رَبُّنَا ٱللَّـهُ ثُمَّ ٱسْتَقَـٰمُوا۟ تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ أَلَّا تَخَافُوا۟ وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا۟ وَأَبْشِرُوا۟ بِٱلْجَنَّةِ ٱلَّتِى كُنتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ ﴿٣٠﴾ نَحْنُ أَوْلِيَآؤُكُمْ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَفِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ ۖ وَلَكُمْ فِيهَا مَا تَشْتَهِىٓ أَنفُسُكُمْ وَلَكُمْ فِيهَا مَا تَدَّعُونَ ﴿٣١﴾ نُزُلًا مِّنْ غَفُورٍ رَّحِيمٍ ﴿٣٢﴾ وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ قَوْلًا مِّمَّن دَعَآ إِلَى ٱللَّـهِ وَعَمِلَ صَـٰلِحًا وَقَالَ إِنَّنِى مِنَ ٱلْمُسْلِمِينَ ﴿٣٣

Surely, those who have declared: “Our Lord is Allah”, then remained steadfast, on them the angels will descend, saying, “Do not fear, and do not grieve; and be happy with the good news of the Jannah (Paradise) that you had been promised. (30) We have been your friends in the worldly life, and (will remain as such) in the Hereafter. And for you here is whatever your souls desire, and for you here is whatever you call for (31) A gift of welcome from the Most-forgiving, the Very-Merciful”. (32) Who can be better in words than the one who calls towards Allah, and acts righteously and says, “I am one of those who submit themselves (to Allah)”? (33)

[Fussilat 41:30-33]

[Surely, those who have declared: “Our Lord is Allah”, then remained steadfast. verse 30] This verse has mentioned two qualities of these people. One is affirming Allah as their Lord. This refers to their "iman'(faith). The other quality is of their remaining steadfast which refers to their good deeds. In this way, the verse says that these people combine the true faith with good practice. The word used in the text for this second aspect is istiqamah (translated above as being steadfast) which has been taken by Maulana Thanawi to mean firmness in unshaken faith. This explanation is reported from Sayyidna Abu Bakr. The explanation given by Sayyidna 'Uthman is nearly the same, as according to him istiqamah means ikhlas (sincerity) in deeds. And Sayyidna 'Umar has explained istiqamah in the following words,

"Istiqamah is that you hold on unwaveringly to all the injunctions of Allah - carry out the good deeds and stay away from prohibitions, and do not seek escape-routes like foxes." (Mazhari).

That is why scholars have said that Istiqamah is a small word, but it comprises all the revealed laws of Islam which includes carrying out all the orders of Allah and staying away from all prohibitions and odious things on a permanent basis. It is stated in Tafsir Kashshaf that a person's declaration that his Lord is Allah can only be true when he believes from the bottom of his heart that he is being brought up by Allah Almighty in all situations and at every step, that he cannot take even one breath without His mercy, and all this demands that one should be so devoted and steadfast in his ways of worship that neither his heart nor his body should deviate even to a hair's breadth from submission to Him like a slave.

That is the reason that once the Holy Prophet, sallallahu alayhi wassallam, was asked by Sayyidna Sufyan Ibn 'Abdullah Thaqafi to tell him something so comprehensive about Islam that he should not have to ask anybody else afterwards for anything. The Holy Prophet, sallallahu alayhi wassallam, said to him:

"Say, 'I have faith in Allah', and then remain steadfast to it."

Remaining steadfast apparently means to hold on firmly to the faith and to the good deeds which the faith demands.

Sayyidna 'A1i and Sayyidna Ibn 'Abbas have defined Istiqamah (Steadfastness) as discharge of obligatory duties, and Hasan Basri said that Istiqamah is to obey Allah in all deeds, and to avoid His disobedience. This tells us that the above quoted description of Istiqamah given by Sayyidna 'Umar, is the most comprehensive. The descriptions of Sayyidna Abu Bakr and Sayyidna 'Uthman also result in the above, because sincerity in deeds has been stressed upon by them along with good deeds. (Tafsir Maqhari). Jassas has also adopted the above explanation by quoting Abul 'Aliyah and so has Ibn Jarir.

The descent of the angels and their address as mentioned in this verse will take place at the time of one's death according to Sayyidna Ibn 'Abbas, but according to Qatadah, it will take place on the Day of Resurrection at the time of rising from the graves. And according to Waki' Ibn Jarrah, it would happen on three occasions, first at the time of death, secondly in the graves, and thirdly on the Day of Resurrection at the time of rising from graves. And Abu Hayyan has opined in Al-Bahr-ul-Muhit that, in fact, angels keep on descending upon Mu'mins (believers) all the time, even in this life, and their effects and blessings are found in the deeds of the believers; but they will be visible on these occasions only, and it is at that time that the voice of angels will be heard.

Abu Nu'aim has reported about Thabit Al-bunani, that while reciting Surah Ha Mim Sajdah (Fussilat), when he reached the present verse (on them the angels descend), he said, "According to a Hadith that has reached us, the Mu'min at the time of rising in his grave on the Day of Resurrection, will be met by the two angels who used to be with him in the world, and they will console him not to worry or be afraid, rather be happy with the glad tidings of Paradise, which was being promised to him. These words of the angels will bring serenity to the Mu'min. (Mazhari)

(And for you here is whatever your souls desire, and for you here is whatever you call for. - 41:31,32) In other words, 'all your desires' would be fulfilled whether you request or you don't.' The word used after that is 'nuzulan' meaning hospitality indicates that many the delights provided to you there will be such that even desire had not entered your heart, as happens to a guest, specially of a great personage, that many such things also are presented to him that the guest had not even imagined. (Mazhari)

It is stated in a Hadith that the Holy Prophet, sallallahu alayhi wassallam, said that in Paradise, if the desire comes into your heart to eat the flesh of a flying bird you are looking at it, it would immediately fall in front of you completely cooked, ready to eat. Some narrations have it that the bird would not have been touched either by fire or smoke, but would come down already cooked. (Al-Bazzar, Al-Baihaqi - narrated by Ibn Mas'ud - Mazhari)

In another Hadith, the Holy Prophet, sallallahu alayhi wassallam, said that if a Mu'min in Paradise wishes to have a child born in his house, the conception, delivery, weaning, growing into being an adult - all this would take place in a moment. (Tirmidhi, Baihaqi, etc. - Mazhari)

(And who can be better in words than the one who calls towards Allah, and acts righteously and says, "I am one of those who submit themselves [to Allah]"? - 33) This is the second aspect of the state of the totally obedient Mu'mins, that they not only have faith and carry out good deeds themselves, but they also invite others to do the same. The Qur'an states that who can say anything better than the one who calls others towards Allah. So we know that the best and most excellent discourse of a man is to call others towards truth. This includes all the ways of calling towards Allah - through the spoken word, through writing or through any other manner. The one who calls adhan (call to obligatory prayer) is also included in this category, because he calls others towards prayers. That is why Sayyidah 'A'ishah has said that this verse is about mu'adhdhins (those who proclaim adhan), and that the words, 'and acts righteously 'after this means offering of two rakaat of prayers between adhan and iqamah.

It is narrated in a Hadith that the Holy Prophet, sallallahu alayhi wassallam, said that the supplication between adhan and Iqamah is not rejected (Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi - narrated by Sayyidna Anas - Mazhari)

The merits and blessings of adhan and its reply are very great, as stated in Sahih ahadith, provided that the adhan is proclaimed purely for Allah, and not for any payment or compensation. These ahadith have been collected in Tafsir Mazhari'.

Allah Almighty says,

وَلَا تَسْتَوِى ٱلْحَسَنَةُ وَلَا ٱلسَّيِّئَةُ ۚ ٱدْفَعْ بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ فَإِذَا ٱلَّذِى بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَهُۥ عَدَٰوَةٌ كَأَنَّهُۥ وَلِىٌّ حَمِيمٌ ﴿٣٤﴾ وَمَا يُلَقَّىٰهَآ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ صَبَرُوا۟ وَمَا يُلَقَّىٰهَآ إِلَّا ذُو حَظٍّ عَظِيمٍ ﴿٣٥﴾ وَإِمَّا يَنزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنِ نَزْغٌ فَٱسْتَعِذْ بِٱللَّـهِ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ﴿٣٦

And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend. (34) But none is granted it except those who are patient, and none is granted it except one having a great portion [of good]. (35) And if there comes to you from Satan an evil suggestion, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing. (36)

[Fussilat 41:34-36]

The special instructions for those who are engaged in calling others towards Allah commence from here. The gist of these instructions is not to repay evil with evil, but to be patient, obliging people who are engaged in calling others towards Allah to reply to the evil behavior of the addressees in the best possible manner. No doubt, it is good not to repay evil with evil and to forgive, but it is much better to do some good to the evil-doer after forgiving him.

Sayyidna Ibn 'Abbas has said that the instruction in this verse is to be patient with the one who is expressing his anger with you, to be tolerant and forbearing with the one who is being ignorant with you and to forgive the one who has made you suffer. (Mazhari)

Some narrations have it that someone either abused or reviled Sayyidna Abu Bakr who said to him, 'If what you are saying is true that I am at fault a& am bad, then I pray Allah Ta'ala to forgive me, and if you have told a lie then may Allah Forgive you. (Qurtubi)

May Allah make us steadfast and help us to call others towards Him in the best of ways. Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.

Wassalaam

Source: Maariful Qur'an by Mufti Muhammad Shafi Usmani

Being Good Parents

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Being good parents is not about giving the world to your children. Yes, you have to feed your children, clothe them, provide a roof over their head, and give them extras based on your level of economic standing as long as it is not extravagance, but this is not all.

It is the duty of parents to protect their children from the Fire of Hell by teaching them Allah’s commands and prohibitions, and Islamic manners (adab). It is the right of children to be brought up in accordance with the guidelines of Islam.

The Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “Act upon the obedience to Allah and avoid the prohibitions of Allah, and order your children to abide by the commandments of Allah and to avoid the prohibitions of Allah, and by that you protect yourselves and them from the Hellfire.”

"For a man to teach his child good adab is better than giving a sa (2 liters) of grain in charity."

Children are trusts from Allah Almighty to their parents. Their hearts are a valuable jewel that is innocent and open to all inscriptions. If raised with goodness, they will gain happiness in this life and the next. And their parents will take part in their reward. If parents give their children the Qur'an, Allah will give them crowns on the Day of Judgment that have light brighter than the sun. If parents let the children go free like animals without giving adab, they will become wretched and destroyed. And the sins will be partly be on the parents.

It is a well known fact that children do as parents do, not necessarily what they say. You can test this fact by looking at ourselves--how many of the habits/traits of our parents (positive and negative) we have picked up from our parents? A lot. Of course, if they are blameworthy, we should strive to rid of them.

Being a positive role model for good behavior is far more powerful than specific training or disciplinary measures in raising children. These processes of identification and imitation overshadow any statements, rules, and prescriptions for good behavior. Children develop behaviors through observing their parents in day-to-day life. Every behavior that a parent engages in should be worthy of imitating because children will imitate it.

If you hardly touch the Qur'an, how can you expect your children to touch the Qur'an, let alone learn it. If you are too busy with the dunya and your children never saw you pray, you can't expect your children to love to pray, let alone wake up for Fajr and Tahajjud. If you are always busy working to make money and left your children at home all day to care for themselves (common in young teens) or if they are smaller, with "babysitters", they will soon learn that this life is all about making money and having money. You are aimed for a disaster. If you are gone a lot, hardly with them when they are awake, what manners are you able to instill in your children? When you come home, you will find your children eating and sleeping in front of the TV, no structure whatsoever--these are the consequences of them not having good role models in the home and direct parental supervision. By your absence (emotionally or physically), you have given your children no choice but to turn to TV, smartphone, internet and friends for companionship.

The best thing you can do for your children is to have at least one parent at home with them especially in their early developmental years up to their teens, to supervise them and to teach them the adab of Islam and the religion. At the same time, parents should focus on developing themselves in the religion, both in outward actions and inward actions. The fact that our children are looking to us to see how to be is enough of a reason for us to focus on this development. Only if we have developed integrity in the way we live our own lives as Muslims will we be able to provide our offspring with the necessary model for attaining success in this worldly life and the next worldly life.

وَمَا مِن دَآبَّةٍ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَا طَـٰٓئِرٍ يَطِيرُ بِجَنَاحَيْهِ إِلَّآ أُمَمٌ أَمْثَالُكُم ۚ مَّا فَرَّطْنَا فِى ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ مِن شَىْءٍ ۚ ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يُحْشَرُونَ ﴿٣٨

And there is no creature on [or within] the earth or bird that flies with its wings except [that they are] communities like you. We have not neglected in the Register a thing. Then unto their Lord they will be gathered. (38) [Qur'an Al-Anaam 6:38]

You see much in the animal kingdom how the animals live together in solidarity and how the parents protect their young from danger, feed them, teach them and make big sacrifices for them. They think of their young before themselves and feed them first. Allah is the One who teaches these animals to live this way and think about their young, feed and protect them.

It is said that the storks are among the world's model parents because of their care, attachment and sacrifice that both parents show to their young. During a very hot weather, too hot even for a human to bear, the parents would shower the young through their bills with water they fetch together and they would spread their wings to shade their young from the hot sun.

We should be better than these animals but sometimes we are the culprit, the ones who hurt those under our protection. Like the animals we have our guidance from Allah in the Qur'an. So learn the Qur'an and put the teachings into practice in your family in the manner it is supposed to be.

May Allah help us be good parents and help us raise righteous children, and save us and our families from the Fire. Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Related Archives: World's Model Parents

Tie Your Camel

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Anas ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that a person asked the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and grant him peace, “Should I tie my camel and have Tawakkul (trust in Allah for her protection) or should I leave her untied and have Tawakkul.” the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and grant him peace, replied, “Tie her and have Tawakkul.” (Hasan) [Jami At-Tirmidhi]

Tawakkul means to put in our best efforts to do what Allah Almighty expects us to do and leave the results to Allah.

Tawakkul in Allah includes tawakkul in His provision. Our test in this world is of the means we choose to earn the provision. Are we going to adopt halal means seeking the pleasure of Allah or are we going to resort to haram means (by cheating, lying, stealing, engaging in riba, etc.) and thus earn the displeasure and wrath of Allah? The choice is ours.

We don't need to kill ourselves trying to make more and more money at the expense of our Iman (Faith) and our families. Many people make a mistake of thinking that money can solve their problems. Not at all, rather money is the root of many evils. We can see many examples of this in our own lives and the lives of other people.

Remember, only what Allah has ordained for us will come to us, no more, no less. So, don't run after the world but walk steadily and take it easy, and incorporate in our daily routine, time for our children--in teaching them Islam and inculcating in them the love of Allah and His Messenger, Allah bless him and grant him peace, and time for worship and learning sacred knowledge to improve our worship of Allah--both outwardly and inwardly.

Remember, the basket is always full, our work will never finish and time is limited. So, an intelligent person will pick works that would yield him the most return and what are these things? There are those things that Allah has obligated us to do and any extras that will make Allah love us.

Abu Hurayrah, radiyallahu ‘anhu, reported that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said:

“Allah the Almighty has said: ‘Whosoever acts with enmity towards a closer servant of Mine (wali), I will indeed declare war against him. Nothing endears My servant to Me than doing of what I have made obligatory upon him to do. And My servant continues to draw nearer to Me with supererogatory (nawafil) prayers so that I shall love him. When I love him, I shall be his hearing with which he shall hear, his sight with which he shall see, his hands with which he shall hold, and his feet with which he shall walk. And if he asks (something) of Me, I shall surely give it to him, and if he takes refuge in Me, I shall certainly grant him it.’” [Bukhari]

فَسُبْحَـٰنَ ٱلَّذِى بِيَدِهِۦ مَلَكُوتُ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ ﴿٨٣

So exalted is He (Allah Almighty) in whose hand is the realm of all things, and to Him you will be returned. (83) [Yaasin 36:71]

May Allah increase our Iman and give us a sound understanding of His religion. Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Dealing With Riba (Usury and Interest)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Riba (usury and interest) is prohibited in Islam. What is Riba (Usury or Interest)?

The advice is that if you are ignorant of riba, avoid contract of exchange (e.g. gold for gold, rice for rice, etc.), avoid debts and financing. This includes avoiding jobs at a bank (or any other place) that have a direct involvement with interest-based transactions.

Abd Allah ibn Mas'ud (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) cursed the one who accepted riba, the one who paid it, the witness to it, and the one who recorded it. (Sunan Abu Dawud).

In another Hadith, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) invoked curse (la'na) on the receiver of interest, the payer of interest, the scribe and the two witnesses. And he said: "They are the same" (i.e. in sin). (Sahih Muslim)

Thus, the warning of the Messenger of Allah is indeed severe. The one who is directly involved with interest transactions in any way, shape or form, such as writing or calculating the transaction will earn the curse of Allah Almighty and his beloved Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace).

If we explore the Qur’an we will come across at least four places where Allah has mentioned interest.

Those who consume interest cannot stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is because they say, "Trade is [just] like interest." But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest. So whoever has received an admonition from his Lord and desists may have what is past, and his affair rests with Allah. But whoever returns to [dealing in interest or usury] - those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein. (275) (Al-Baqarah 2:275)

Allah destroys interest and gives increase for charities. And Allah does not like every sinning disbeliever. (276) (Al-Baqarah 2:276)

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. (277) (Al-Baqarah 2:277)

O you who have believed, fear Allah and give up what remains [due to you] of interest, if you should be believers. (278) (Al-Baqarah 2:278)

And if you do not, then be informed of a war [against you] from Allah and His Messenger. But if you repent, you may have your principal - [thus] you do no wrong, nor are you wronged. (279) (Al-Baqarah 2:279)

"Oh you who believe! Devour not usury doubled and multiplied; but fear Allah that you may prosper." (AleImran 3:130)

"That they took usury though they were forbidden and they devoured peoples wealth wrongfully; we have prepared for those amongst them who reject faith a grievous chastisement." (An-Nisaa 4:161)

"That which you give in usury for increase through the property of people will have no increase with Allah: but that which you give for charity seeking the countenance of Allah, it is these who will get a recompense multiplied." (Ar-Rum 39)

As you can see, giving and taking interest is unlawful and there is no blessing in it.

Unfortunately, the basis of many of the transactions (especially in banking and insurance), personal or business involve interest. Thus it is becoming increasingly difficult for the majority of the Muslims, especially those who are comercially orientated to abstain from dealings involving interest.

A person who takes interest does not gain anything in reality. In reality, the money gotten or the things gotten through ribawi transaction will just go to waste, and the person doesn't even realized this--there is definitely no blessing in it; and the person who gives charity for the sake of Allah, in whatever form it may be, actually gains although it seems as though he is losing it.

"Allah destroys interest and gives increase for charities..." [Al-Baqarah 2:276]

Each of us should take all necessary precautions in our financial and social dealings. If we neglect to keep a watchful eye on these matters, it will have tremendous negative consequences in other aspects of our religion.

The dealings of usury and interest are not only a disadvantage to us in this life but will also be a source of great suffering in our next life.

The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, has informed us about the punishment that awaits those people who deal with interest:

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah, Allah's Messenger, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "On the night when I was taken up to Heaven I came upon people whose bellies were like houses and contained snakes which could be seen from outside their bellies. I asked Jibril (alayhissalaam) who they were and he told me that they were people who had practised usury." [Tirmidhi]

The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "A dirham which a man knowingly receives in usury is more serious than thirty-six acts of fornication." Ibn Abbas's version adds that he said, "Hell is more fitting for him whose flesh is nourished by what is unlawful." [Tirmidhi]

One must decide between temporary worldly gains and the curse (la'na) of Allah Almighty and his Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace). Ask yourself, is it really worth to destroy the eternal life of the Hereafter for a few moments of comfort in a life that will end at any moment?

If you have in a specific ribawi situation and wish to get out of it, consult a scholar who will be able to advise you appropriately, inshaAllah. May Allah give you tawfiq. Ameen.

May Allah remove any traces of riba in our lives. Ameen,

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

related archives:

Borrowing and Lending

Borrowing and Lending

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

There is a very strong caution against debt. Even if the borrowing is Shari'ah compliant, it is still a debt and there are consequences beyond mere paying it off. We should incline to avoid borrowing.

It was narrated from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, used to say in his prayer: “Allaahumma inni a’udhi bika min al-ma’tham wa’l-maghram (O Allah, I seek refuge with You from sin and heavy debt).” Someone said to him: “How often you seek refuge from heavy debt!” He said: “When a man gets into debt, he speak and tells lies, and he makes a promise and breaks it.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

Narrated from Thawbaan (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “Whoever dies free from three things – arrogance, cheating and debt – will enter Paradise.” [Tirmidhi]

Taking on debt is a serious matter and there are negative consequences. It is an indicative of a desire for immediate gratification, lack of concern for the future, there is a sense of lack of responsibility and lack of self reliance, and can lead one into harm by falling into riba.

If you don't pay your debt, you are wronging someone, either directly or indirectly. It is also a spiritual drag because it preoccupies the mind and makes you worry about paying it off and make you feel humiliated before the lender when meeting him. You may end up breaking the promise to pay or getting yourself in a situation where you are disgraced.

It was narrated that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Beware of debt, for it starts with worry and it ends with war." Narrated by Maalik in al-Muwatta’.

Debts shift one's concern away from Allah. It is a spiritual burden. Now you have to busy yourself more in earning money to repay that debt.

The ultimate consequence of debt is that you might die without paying off the debt. Dying with debt is not a light matter.

Narrated Abu Hurayrah: The Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “The soul of the believer is suspended because of his debt until it is paid off.” [Tirmidhi]

Narrated from Muhammad ibn Jahsh (may Allah be pleased with him): We were sitting with the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and grant him peace, when he raised his head towards the sky, then he put his palm on his forehead and said: “Subhan-Allah! What a strict issue has been revealed to me!” We remained silent and were afraid. The following morning I asked him, “O Messenger of Allah, what is this strict issue that has been revealed?” He said, “By the One in Whose hand is my soul, if a man were killed in battle for the sake of Allah, then brought back to life, then killed and brought back to life again, then killed, and he owed a debt, he would not enter Paradise until his debt was paid off.” [Nasaa'i]

If your family or friends you left behind didn't settle your debts for you, it will be dealt with in the Day of Judgment. It will be paid off with your good deeds to the last penny.

Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: O Humraan, fear Allah and do not die in debt, lest it be taken from your good deeds when there will be no dinars and no dirhams.

Borrowing in itself is permitted but there is proper approach to borrowing.

1. Avoid borrowing but if you have to borrow, borrow only to the extent of need.

2. Avoid accumulating debt. Even if you are needy, don't keep borrowing. Consider trimming and reducing your expenses and maybe you can sell some of your possessions to avoid getting into debt. You don't want to fall into the haram. Never borrow more than you can repay--short term or long term.

3. Be careful not to fall into the haram.

Be careful when it comes to bank loans and using credit cards to buy things.

Riba is haram. Don't fall into it directly or indirectly. Consider the gravity of the prohibition of riba. Maybe you find a "fatwa" that might allow you to get into certain ribawi transaction but look at the bigger picture--which is the next life, not just this life. Is going outside the limits of Allah worth it? Is taking dubious "fatwa" worth it in your standing with Allah? What is the greatest advantage to you in your standing with Allah? Ask your heart and you know what the answer is.

Ultimately the purpose of religion comes to preserve the absolute human interests, which is the good of the next life. The Shari'ah seeks to preserve this worldly interests in so far it is a means to the pursuit of the ultimate next worldly interests or it is not in contradiction to the ultimate eternal interests of the next life. So, we should have a sense of caution and avoid things that are dubious.

4. Beware falling into inability to pay. Don't plan to pay on the basis of things remaining as they are. Consider contingencies (medical emergencies, job loss, etc), which makes you suddenly can't pay your debt.

5. If you have to borrow and do borrow, repay the loan on time. Only borrow when you know you can pay on time. If you can't pay on time, don't borrow.

6. Repay the debt with excellence. You repay on time or before time and do it in the best of ways. Make sure to thank the giver. Even though riba is haram, it is sunnah to give more than the amount you borrowed as long as there is no expectation or custom of repaying more. If there is an expectation, don't get into the situation nor uphold it. Give the giver a gift as a way to thank the giver.

What is permissible is not necessarily the right thing to do or something Islamically optimal. All it means is that this is something that is not disliked in itself nor prohibited in itself. Something permissible could entail disliked meanings. For example, the awra (nakedness) of a man is between the navel and knees. It is permitted for a man to dress only in a towel if you cover from navel to knees but is it proper to walk around with towels? Certainly not. It is not a proper dress befitting a believer.

Likewise, though debts are permitted, one has to consider the consequences of debts. Matters are by their consequences. This applies to lending money as well. It is praiseworthy to lend.

Hadith: Every loan is charity.

If someone in need, there is great virtue in lending. When you lend someone money you are instilling in them a sense of responsibility to repay and they have to take the means to repay the debt. But you should ask to whom do you lend, will this person be able to repay, will it affect your relationship negatively, and consider how you go about lending the money and be careful not fall into haram, directly or indirectly.

Hadith: Any loan that yield benefit is riba.

O Allah, we seek refuge with You from sin and heavy debt.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Rights of Our Children and Honoring Them

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Children are trusts from Allah to their parents and they have rights. Parents are obligated to fulfill these rights. This is serious obligation but many people take it very lightly or don't care. You can see many people around you neglected this responsibility and as a result, a fast moral decay in many societies. These parents think that as long as their children are doing well in secular schools and they have raised doctors, lawyers, engineers, CEOs, etc. they think they have done their job. Watch, they are in for a big surprise!

In the Day of Judgment everybody will come after those people that are owed rights to them. And parents who did not fulfill the rights of their children will run away from their children, trying to save themselves from the consequences of this reality.

Allah Almighty says,

يَوْمَ يَفِرُّ ٱلْمَرْءُ مِنْ أَخِيهِ ﴿٣٤﴾ وَأُمِّهِۦ وَأَبِيهِ ﴿٣٥﴾ وَصَـٰحِبَتِهِۦ وَبَنِيهِ ﴿٣٦

On the Day a man will flee from his brother (34) And his mother and his father (35) And his wife and his children, (36)

[Qur'an Abasa 80:34-36]

Now in this life, you give your children everything to make them happy, none or not much of the things that can save you and them and make you and them happy in the Day of Judgment. We can see this all around us how parents are spoiling their children and destroying their eternal lives. You give them comfort of this worldly life, but neglected those things that will give you comfort in the Hereafter.

So shape up...don't chase after the world, trying to gather money to buy this and that...to fulfill the endless desires and wants of your family...at the expense of you becoming bankrupt in the Hereafter. Remember that your children will not spare you in the Day of Judgment if you have not fulfilled their true rights in this life. They will come after you to collect what were due to them and on that Day you won't have anything to pay them except with your good deeds. If you don't have any good deeds or if they are not enough, you will have to take their sins. May Allah protect us from this great calamity.

The right of children is teaching them good manners (adab), Qur'an and Arabic. It may be a very difficult job especially if your children were not exposed to this at an early age and if they are in an environment which is not conducive to learning Islam and Qur'an. They will give you a hard time. Children will test your limits. But none of this can be an excuse. You shouldn't give up and you have to keep on trying...Allah Almighty will not ask you if you were successful to raise righteous children, but Allah will ask you if you have tried and have done everything you can. Bear in mind, Allah knows whether you have done your best or not. So, you have to learn and you have to seek counsel of people of knowledge.

Allah Almighty says,

لَا يُكَلِّفُ ٱللَّـهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا ۚ لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا ٱكْتَسَبَتْ ۗ

Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned...

[Qur'an Al-Baqarah 2:286]

Most children don't like to learn Qur'an and Arabic but you will find them zealous with learning everything else, even difficult subjects and 2, 3, 4, 5 non-Arabic languages. When it comes to Qur'an and Arabic, they said it is too difficult. Why is it difficult? Because they place no importance to Qur'an. They think these other things will get them ahead like their friends and those "successful" people. Unfortunately, many parents think this way too. In fact, they were the ones who put this strong emphasis on secular education. All wrong! If your children don't know their Lord, if they disobeyed their Lord and His Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace), and if they disobeyed you and disrespect you, who is the blame? And if you don't teach your children adab, you can expect your children will not treat you well now and at your old age. This is the trend in many households unfortunately. Children were born Muslims, but their parents made them something else. So, who is to be blamed in the Day of Judgment when they sin left and right in this life?

In the early generation, the parents would send their children to a teacher (mu'addib). The teacher is not only someone who teaches them facts and having them rote memorization of the Qur'an and other religious texts, but he also teaches them adab.

It is important every single Muslim to have an understanding of Arabic. If you look at the deviant sects of Islam, the root is misunderstanding of the Arabic. The more we understand Arabic, the more we have an understanding of the religion.

It is the parent's obligation to provide their children with religious education, either they themselves teach their children and if they are not qualified or if they are unable able to do so, to send them to teachers who can teach them.

If there is an Islamic state, the father will be publicly lashed for negligence if he did not send his child to learn Islam and he does not make a change after it has been brought to his attention. Not sending children to Islamic education is considered abuse of the children.

Parents should also give their children the tools on how to train their souls spiritually, familiarizing them with virtuous actions and train them to perform what the shari'ah requires--the fard and the extra acts.

We should honor our children by teaching them Islam. We don't honor them by giving them this dunya and forget Islam. A hadith commentator said that it has not been narrated that we should honor our children by giving them the adornment of the dunya and its pleasures. Most people honor their children by buying them things and giving them vacation. While it is not per se bad and that they should treat their child based on their level of economic standing as long as it is not extravagant and does not distract or prevent them from their religious duties and continuous seeking of sacred knowledge.

We should train our children to have 3 qualities--love of the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, love of his family and love of reciting the Qur'an.

Hadith:

"Whoever teach his child good adab when the child is young, the child will be a delight of the father."

"Whoever desires to spite the jealous one, should teach his child good adab." Who is jealous of us? The Shaytan and his followers.

"For man to teach his child good adab is better than giving a sa (2 liters) of grain in charity."

May Allah guide us and grant us tawfiq. Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam