Author Archives: Slave of arRahman

Amazing Hajj Gems

December 10, 2007 – 10:05 pm

Did you know:

  1. The literal meaning of hajj is ‘desire’?
    1. Hajj is one of the main five pillars and all muslims desire to go for hajj.
    2. We should hasten to do it/plan for it as early as possible. [1]
    3. Hajj is expensive, but ALHAMDULILAH we have been given glad tidings: by the Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم), who said, it eliminates poverty and sin! [2]
  2. Those not going for hajj can earn a lot of reward and forgiveness during the hajj days, as they are the best days of the year. [3] We should benefit by:
    1. Fasting these 10 days, especially on the 9th of dhullhijjah. [4]
    2. Sacrificing a lamb/sheep (distribute portion or all of it to needy, family members)
    3. Growing our nail/hair during these 10 days and cut them afterwards. (This also ‘unites’ us with what rest of the hajees are doing in mecca) [5]
    4. Saying Takbeer (“Allaahu akbar”), Tahmeed (“Al-hamdu Lillaah”), Tahleel (“La ilaha ill-Allaah”) and Tasbeeh (“Subhaan Allaah”) during these days. [6]
  3. This is the only pillar that involves, all aspects of worship: i.e. Money/charity, physical aspects of worship, spiritual aspects of worship, etc.
  4. Freakily enough, a hajjee without good intentions or the one who shows off, may have NO HAJJ.

May Allah forgive us and grant us an accepted hajj and highest level of paradise (Ameen wa ajma’een). Please keep us in dua’s … May Allah forgive us too (Ameen)! Please do read the relevant proofs for them, as referenced below.

Also, here are other amazing articles with good ayats/ahadith on hajj. Please read and benefit: [Articles]

Hadith to the above points:

[1]: Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) said: “Whoever wants to go for Hajj, let him hasten to do it, because he may fall ill or some other problems may arise.”

[2]: Also, hajj and umrah actually increases our blessings and wealth. The Messenger of Allaah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) said: “Keep on doing Hajj and ‘Umrah, for they eliminate poverty and sin just as the bellows eliminate impurities from iron and gold and silver.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 810; al-Nasaa’i, 2631. The hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani – may Allaah have mercy on him – in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 1200).

[3]: Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days.” The people asked, “Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah?” He said, “Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 2/457).

[4]: “The Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم) used to fast on the ninth of Dhu’l-Hijjah, on the day of ‘Aashooraa’, on three days of each month, and on the first two Mondays and Thursdays of each month.” (Reported by al-Nisaa’i, 4/205 and by Abu Dawud; classified by al-Albaani as saheeh in Saheeh Abi Dawud, 2/462).

[5]:The Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم) said: “When you see the new moon of Dhu’l-Hijjah, if any one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, then he should stop cutting his hair and nails until he has offered his sacrifice.”

[6]: Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “That they might witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e., reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade, etc.), and mention the name of Allaah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice)…” [al-Hajj 22:28]

Posted in Hajj, Ibadah, Islam, Tazkiyyah | Comments (2)

What do YOU want for your children?

June 28, 2007 – 4:22 am

Most parents love their children so much — they sacrifice their time, wealth, and energy in ensuring all their children’s needs are met or surpassed! They pray for their well-being, and also plan in advance to give them the best educate them accordingly to have the best career, so they can get the best house and car. But how often do we see parents planning for their child’s deen? If we want the best in this life for our children, then why don’t we want the best ETERNAL life for them in the akheera? To a regular person, this is the order for their needs:

  1. Physiological needs: food and shelter
  2. Psychological needs: friends, family and a social life.
  3. Spiritual needs: religion, belief in higher purpose of life.

Looking at the best examples in history, we find incident of when Ibrahim left his family in the barren valley of Mecca. What did Ibrahim Alayhisalam desire for them? Upon departing them, he makes the following dua to Allah:

رَّبَّنَا إِنِّي أَسْكَنتُ مِن ذُرِّيَّتِي بِوَادٍ غَيْرِ ذِي زَرْعٍ عِندَ بَيْتِكَ الْمُحَرَّمِ رَبَّنَا لِيُقِيمُواْ الصَّلاَةَ فَاجْعَلْ أَفْئِدَةً مِّنَ النَّاسِ تَهْوِي إِلَيْهِمْ وَارْزُقْهُم مِّنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَشْكُرُونَ

Translation: “O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Thy Sacred House; in order, O our Lord, that they may establish regular Prayer: so fill the hearts of some among men with love towards them, and feed them with fruits: so that they may give thanks.” [Surah Ibrahim, verse 37]

He does not ask for the food and shelter first, even though he leaves his family in a place without cultivation. He asks for their guidance first and foremost. That they worship Allah alone and establish salah. Then he desires good companionship and food for them. This part of his du’a would be listed in the worldly needs. But even when he desires for them the worldly good, he connects his du’a to ibadah, he requests from Allah to give them the fruits in this world so that they may be thankful to Him! And thus obtain the reward for ibadah even then.

Truly, what an amazing du’a! When we make du’a for our children, THIS is what to ask for. For the best in this world, but also the best in the eternal hereafter. May Allah bless our children to obey and submit to Him alone, and make them thankful for all the blessings that are bestowed upon them (ameen).

Posted in Islam, Tazkiyyah | Comments (1)

Losers!

January 3, 2007 – 4:10 pm

I walked by as I noticed a bunch of people moved by music, indulged in gossip, purchased tickets from each other … until I spotted my younger sister, Ayesha. I signed, looking at them, as I commented to her, “…bunch of losers.”

“What makes you think they are all losers?” questioned Ayesha.

“Well, look at all the things they are indulged in? They’re obviously losers,” I responded, as we both noticed other people carrying on with their activities disapprovingly.

After a while, Ayesha nudged me. “But what about us? What are we doing right now?” she said.

“Subhanallah,” I frowned, “I guess I’m acting like a loser tooo!”

Ayesha had a way of asking the right questions, in the right order and at the right time. She smiled and said, “Lucky for us, Allah warns us what can make us a loser …” as she recited Surah Al-’Asr.

“By Al-’Asr (the time). Verily! Man is in loss, except those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth which Allah has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allah has forbidden, and recommend one another to patience. “

Points to take:

  1. We should question how we are using our time and energy constantly.
  2. We should try to teach each other the truth and do good deeds as Allah orders in Surah Al-Asr.
  3. We should refrain from falling into sin and constantly have sabr from all bad actions.

Subhanallah, if we can implement just this small surah, we can attain success in this life and the hereafter! May Allah help us overcome our weaknesses, utilize our time, and not let us be amongst the losers (ameen)!

Related Posts:

Posted in Akhlaaq, Islam, Tafseer, Tazkiyyah | Comments (1)

Descriptions of the Believers

December 20, 2006 – 2:37 pm

How does it feel after reading Qur’an? Does it make a difference in us? How much do we implement it regularly, or even within the same day of reading an ayah?

When learning from the Qur’an and the seerah of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم), Allah mentions a believers qualities in the Qur’an. The believers hearts become fearful and their eyes tear. This is a sign of the true believers, as Allah describes them in the Qur’an:

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ اللّهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُهُ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَاناً وَعَلَى رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ
الَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلاَةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ
أُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ حَقّاً لَّهُمْ دَرَجَاتٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِيمٌ

Translation: “The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His verses are recited unto them, they increase their faith, and they put their trust in their Lord (alone), who perform the prayers and spend out of that which We have bestowed upon them. It is they who are truly the believers. For them are grades of dignity and a generous provision” (al-Anfaal 2-4).

اللَّهُ نَزَّلَ أَحْسَنَ الْحَدِيثِ كِتَاباً مُّتَشَابِهاً مَّثَانِيَ تَقْشَعِرُّ مِنْهُ جُلُودُ الَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ ثُمَّ تَلِينُ جُلُودُهُمْ وَقُلُوبُهُمْ إِلَى ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ذَلِكَ هُدَى اللَّهِ يَهْدِي بِهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ وَمَن يُضْلِلْ اللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُ مِنْ هَادٍ

Translation: “Allah sent down the best speech, a Book, its parts resembling each other and oft-repeated. The skins of those who fear their lord shiver from it. Then their skins and their hearts soften to the remembrance of Allah” (al-Zumar 23).

We should all try to compare ourselves to the description of the believers Allah mentions in Qur’an. Do we fear Allah when we recite or hear the Qur’an? Does it affect our hearts? Do we cry thinking about what we have done and how we will be able to meet Allah in the Hereafter? These verses give us some clear signs of being a true believer. These characteristics should occur within us at least sometimes. If they never do, then we must improve our eman and seek guidance from Allah!

May Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) help us reflect upon these verses as a true believer would (ameen)!

External Link: 25 Promises of Allah to the Believers by Shaykh Anwar al-Awlaki

Posted in Articles, Islam, Tazkiyyah | Comments (0)

What Concerns You?

November 28, 2006 – 7:50 am

Concerns of a med student:

Ahmed: I’ve been trying so hard to make it into that post med program.

Friend: Hey, what about meeting with Dr.Muneeb. Just go ask him what you need to get in, he is THE BEST doctor.

Ahmed: You think I havent already? I am practically following ALL his footsteps to the best to my ability … just sometimes I get concerned if I’m still going to make it or not … hope I can achieve all the marks I need before its too late. So I am just doing all the bonus projects as well …

Concerns of a Muslim:

Mu’adh bin Jabal: O Messenger of Allah, inform me of an act which will place me into Paradise and will keep me away from the fire.

He said: You have asked me about a great matter, yet it is, indeed, an easy matter for him to whom Allah Almighty makes it easy. (It is) that you worship Allah without associating anything with Him, that you perform the prayers, that you pay the zakat, that you fast during Ramadan, and that you make the pilgrimage to the House.

Then he said: Shall I not guide you to the gates of goodness? Fasting is a shield; charity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire; and a man’s prayer in the middle of the night.

Then he recited: Who forsake their beds to cry unto their Lord in fear and hope, and spend of that We have bestowed on them. No soul knoweth what is kept hid for them of joy, as a reward for what they used to do. [Surah al-Sajdah (32): Ayah 16-17]

Then he said: Shall I not also tell you of the peak of the matter, its pillar, and its topmost part?

Muadh said: Yes, O Messenger of Allah.

He said: The peak of the matter is Islam (submission to Allah), the pillar is prayer; and its topmost part is jihad.

Then he said: And shall I not tell you of the controlling of all that?

Muadh said: Yes, O Messenger of Allah.

So he took hold of his tongue and said: Restrain this.

Muadh said: O Prophet of Allah, will we be held accountable for what we say?

He said: May your mother lose you! Is there anything that topples people on their faces into the Hell-fire other than the jests of their tongues?

[Related by Al-Tirmidhi, who said it was a hassan hadith]

  • As displayed by the above hadith, companions were anxious to know the key to their goal. They concerned themselves with pleasing Allah, being saved from the Hellfire and getting into paradise! What concerns do most of us have? How much do we try to learn and implement to enter Jannah?
  • The Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم) mentions Muadh’s (رضي الله عنه) concern as a great one, and it is only easy by the help of Allah (سبحانه وتعالى). How often do we ask Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) for this help and guidance? May Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) give us tawfeeq of seeking His help for all good matters, especially in this -ultimate- great one! (Ameen)

The Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم) tells us:

  • The key to entering paradise: by fullfilling the five pillars.
  • The key to gain great rewards, beyond paradise: by sunnah acts such as voluntary fasts, charity, prayer during late night.
  • The main aspect of being saved from Hellfire and entering Paradise: by submission to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى). The foundation of submitting to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى): salaah. The peak: jihad.

Beyond that, he (صلي الله عليه وسلم) also warns us of the greatest reason for people to enter Hellfire and how to avoid it: by controlling the tongue.

So, in conclusion, we all know we desire Jannah. We all know we don’t want to end up in Hell. We all know of greater rewards existing in Jannah. We all know exactly what to strive for … and most importantly, we all know how to get there! Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) already spoon-fed us the actions that lead to our goals by His help–just look through the Qur’an and Sunnah. Are we concerned in implementing them? Are we striving for the greatest matter? Are we spending most of our life doing acts that please Allah (سبحانه وتعالى)? Or are we wasting time in gaining the best levels of this duniya while letting our time run out? What concerns us?

Let us strive for the best level in Jannah, al-Firdaus. Let us ask Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) to guide us and help us in each of our prayers. For we are ever in need of our Creator, our Sustainer and Reckoner. May Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) make it easy for us to follow the haq and guide us to actions that will lead us to Jannah! (Ameen wajma’een)

Posted in Articles, Islam, Tazkiyyah | Comments (0)

Alhamdulillah

August 19, 2006 – 10:35 pm

We praise someone under two circumstances: for the excellent attributes they possess, or for the deeds they perform towards us, such that we feel gratitude towards them. [1]

The only one who deserves praise in all these levels is the Creator of excellence, the Perfect Being who showers us with abundant favors again and again!

الْحَمْدُ للّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

Translation: All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds. [Surah Al-Fatiha, verse 2]

How true are the words of the righteous man who said, “How can I truly thank Allah (سبحانه وتعالى), when my desire to thank him is a blessing by Allah (سبحانه وتعالى), and deserves to be thanked for!”

Subhan’Allah, lets reflect upon this heart-felt expression whenever we say it. Let us fill our scales of good deeds with the phrase, “Alhamdulillah”. [2]

May Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) help us learn how to praise Him in the best manner, such that we mean it, and don’t just say it, ameen!

Tip: One way to get the maximal benefit from the verbalization of alhamdulillah is to actively think of a blessing Allah blessed us with when we say it. [3] And there are always tons of blessings to remember, for Allah says:

وَآتَاكُم مِّن كُلِّ مَا سَأَلْتُمُوهُ وَإِن تَعُدُّواْ نِعْمَتَ اللّهِ لاَ تُحْصُوهَا

Translation: And He gives you of all that you ask for. But if you count the favours of Allah, you will never be able to number them! [Surah Ibrahim, verse 34]

References

[1] Commentary on the Quran, Surah al-Faatiha by Maulana Maudoodi.

[2] On the authority of Abu Maalik al-Haarith ibn Aasim al-Ashari(رضي الله عنه), who said: The Messenger of Allah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) said, “Purification is half of the faith. The phrase al-hamdulilaah (‘All praise be to Allah’) fills the scale. The phrases subhan’Allah (‘High is Allah above every imperfection and need; He is pure and perfect’) and al-hamdulillah (‘All prase be to Allah’) together fill–or each fill– what is between the heavens and the earth. Prayer is a light. Charity is a proof. Patience is a brightness. The Quran is either an argument for or against you. And everyone goes out in the morning and sells himself, either freeing or destroying himself.” [Muslim]

[3] Muhammad Alshareef. Lecture. AlMaghrib. Breach of Covenant. University of Toronto, Toronto. May 2005.

Posted in Islam, Tazkiyyah | Comments (1)

What Should I Read?

August 6, 2006 – 7:24 pm

Last month before summer ends, we let the days go by or wrap up summer courses before it all starts over again! To get that degree, we consistently keep up with projects, homework, study for tests, etc. And sure enough, most of us accomplish this ‘goal’ within the time we aimed for.

But do we have similar goals for learning the deen? It might be something we admired–and perhaps desired–but never really worked for. It is not a shock to find most of us spent our youth and failed to reach any significant levels of acheivement with respect to our knowledge of Islam–which is supposed to be our way of life. Do we prepare to pass this life’s test even remotely at the same level as we do for our duniya education and goals? How regularly do we study the Qur’an or the Arabic language?

If you have asked any of the above questions, you are amongst the thousands of muslims facing the same problem. What is the resolution? Study the Qur’an and the sunnah of the Prophet (صلي الله عليه وس) on a regular basis.

The Messenger of Allah (صلي الله عليه وس) said, “I am leaving you with two murshids.” The term murshid refers to the one who guides to the right path. The first is the talking murshid, the Qur’an, the second is the silent murshid, mawt or death. These are the only two things that will lead us to the right path: learning Qur’an and remembering death. If we truly remember death, we realize we have a deadline, and would work towards our goals in an efficient manner. Insha’Allah, the following outlines a recommended routine.

Daily

Try to read the Qur’an on a regular basis. It is better to read small portions consistently, rather than large portions occasionally. A good start would be from the interpretation of the 30th juzu: pray qiyam, and read from it at night. Those who say they do not feel submissive prayers should try this and see the results. This way, you truly taste the sweetness of qiyam. Suggested choices for interpretation:

  • Mukhtasar Tafseer Ibn-Katheer (The Abridged Interpretation of Ibn-Katheer).
  • Fee thilal Al Qur’an (In the Shade of the Qur’an) by Sheik Sayyed Kutb (part 6 has the 30th juz interpretation)
Weekly

Try to observe what time of the week most of the family members are around. Read one topic from a book weekly with them. Even if you cannot cover the full topic, set up the family halaqa to be at least an hour long. You can incorporate this with any picnics or outgoing activities that your family takes part in to make it more enjoyable and rewarding! Some good books include:

  • Riyad As-Saliheen (The Gardens of the Pious) by Al-Imam An-Nawawi. Explains kind treatment towards parents, Qiyam, praying at masjid, etc. and it states all the authentic ahadith only for the specific topics.
  • Al-Imam An-Nawawi’s 40 Hadith, Commentary by Jamaal al-Din M. Zarabozo
Monthly

The Prophet (صلي الله عليه وس) said: “None of you believes until he loves me more than he loves himself.” [Bukhari]

How many of us claim that we love the Prophet (صلي الله عليه وس) more then ourselves? How much do we know about him? In order to truly love him more then ourselves, we must first learn the seerah, learn about his life, learn about manners, and learn about his sunnah. A good way to do this is to set goals for yourself, to read at least one book that allows you to learn more about the Prophet (صلي الله عليه وس) and derive lessons for yourself. This can be done monthly or bi-monthly, depending on how fast you read. Suggested books:

  • Fiqh As-Seerah (understanding the life of the Prophet) by Sheikh Said Ramadan Al-Buty.
  • Ar-Raheek Al-Makhtoom (The Sealed Nectar), it teaches of the life of prophet as well as lessons that can be taken from it.
  • Fiqh As-Sunnah (Understanding the Tradition of the Prophet, especially part 1) by Sheikh Sayyed Sadek. Outlines how the Prophet performed wudu’ (ablution), prayed, fasted and so on in detail.

May Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) allow us all to make the best use of our limited lifespans, ameen!

Posted in Books, Islam, Tazkiyyah | Comments (1)

Zuhd?

July 26, 2006 – 7:24 pm

On the authority of Abu al-’Abbas Sahl bin Sa’d al-Sa’idi (رضي الله عنه) who said:

A man came to the Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم) and said: “O Messenger of Allah, direct me to an act which if I do it, [will cause] Allah to love me and people to love me.” He (صلي الله عليه وسلم) answered: “Be indifferent to the world and Allah will love you; be indifferent to what people possess and they will love you.”

[A sahih hadith related by Ibn Majah and others with good chains of authority]

If you notice, most (if not all) the people in the world desire the love of people. This desire is very damaging towards our ultimate purpose of life, which is to please Allaah (سبحانه وتعالى). Hence the love of Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) should precede any other love that we desire.

The first aspect mentioned in this hadith, is that all provisions and sustenance come from Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) and not simply by our own actions. The second aspect, is that if we lose anything of this world, it should not bother us because we are seeking the Hereafter and not this world.

Many people have the misunderstanding of zuhd, and borrow it from other cultures. They disregard this world, forbid the permissible, voluntarily choose a life of poverty and refuse to work or follow the means to sustenance that Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) has laid down for this world. This is not from Islam.

The correct zuhd in Islam is not an act of renouncing or giving up the world. It is an act of being aloof from the world, in the sense that one’s heart is not attached to the things of this world, but to the aspects of the Hereafter and one is indifferent about losing the bounties of this world. Zuhd is an action of the heart and not an outward action.

Abu Idrees al-Khaulaani said, “Zuhd in this world does not mean forbidding what is permissible or wasting wealth. Zuhd with respect to this world is only where a person puts more trust in what is with Allah than what is in his own hand. If he is afflicted with a calamity, he is more hopeful for its reward and what is stored for him in the Hereafter than if it were to have remained with him.” [1]

Sulaiman al-Daaraani said, “Do not testify that anyone has zuhd for zuhd is in the heart (and cannot be witnessed by others).” [2]

Wahb ibn al-Warad said, “Zuhd in this world is where one does not despair because of what he is given of this world.”

Sufyaan ibn Uyainah said, “Zuhd with respect to this world is where one, if he is blessed with something, gives thanks and, if he is tried, is patient.” [2]

Anyone is capable of having zuhd in their heart. An extremely rich person can have zuhd as long as he or she does not get attached to their worldy blessings. Similarly, a poor person can also have zuhd as long as they are patient while striving in all good deeds and content with what they have. All of us need to dettach our emotions from the duniya and strive for the Hereafter, and that is the only way we can have the love of Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) and the people.

May Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) enable all of us to strive and compete amongst ourselves in using all our blessings in His cause, just like the sahabas in the past (ameen).

References

[1] Zarabozo, Jamaal al-Din M., “Commentary on the Forty Hadith of Al-Nawawi, Volume 2.” Al-Basheer, 1999.

[2] Quoted in al-Bugha and Mistu, p217-219.

Posted in Islam, Tafseer, Tazkiyyah | Comments (3)