Jinn Drinking With You?

“The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) saw a man drinking standing up. He said to him, ‘Hah!’ The man asked, ‘What’s the matter?’ He said, ‘Would you like it if a cat drank with you.’ He said, ‘No.’ He (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, ‘Someone worse than that was drinking with you – the Shaytaan.’” [Ahmad; Majma al-Zawaa’id]

The Shaytaan drinks with a person if he drinks standing up. Sit down to drink.

Source: dailyhadith.adaptivesolutionsinc.com

Giving Gifts

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: 'Exchange gifts with one another, it improves relations'

Gift-giving is one of the good manners that maintains and strengthens relations between the giver and the recipient. It is one of the acts that Prophet Muhammad recommended us-Muslims- to do. Al-Bukhaari narrated that ‘Aa’ishah said: "The Messenger of Allaah used to accept gifts and reward people for giving them."

The phrase: “Reward people for giving them,” means giving the giver (at a later time) something of equal value at least in return.

This Hadeeth (narration) indicates that accepting gifts and giving something of equal value (or more) to the giver is the way of the Prophet .

The Prophet enjoined responding in kind to favours, as he said in an authentic narration: “Whoever does you a favour, respond in kind, and if you cannot find the means of doing so, then keep praying for him until you think that you have responded in kind.” [Abu Daawood]

“Whoever does you a favour,” means, whoever treats you kindly in word or deed or by gifting you.

“Respond in kind,” means to treat him kindly just as he has treated you kindly.

“If you cannot find the means of doing so” means if you do not have the money.

“Until you think that you have responded in kind” means, repeatedly supplicate for him until you think that you have rewarded him his due.

One of the Du'aa' forms that one can say is 'Jazaaka Allaahu khayran' (may Allaah reward you with good). At-Tirmithi narrated that Usaamah Ibn Zayd said: The Messenger of Allaah said: “Whoever has a favour done for him and says 'Jazaak Allaahu khayran' has done his utmost to thank him.” [At-Tirmithi]

“Done his utmost to thank him,” means that he has done his utmost to express his gratitude, because he has acknowledged his shortcomings and that he is unable to reward and thank him enough, so he refers the matter to Allaah, to reward him in the best manner. It is said that: "If you are unable to give him back in kind, then speak at length thanking him and supplicating for him." [Tuhfat Al-Ahwathi]

The Permanent Committee (a supreme Islamic judicial authority inSaudi Arabia, was asked a similar question) and replied as follows:
"There is nothing wrong with accepting it (an amount of money as a gift), without you (the recipient) longing for that, and you can respond in kind if you are able to with an appropriate gift, or you can supplicate for him, because the Prophet said: “Whoever does you a favour, respond in kind … (the above-mentioned Hadeeth)." [Fataawa Al-Lajnah Al-Daa’imah]

Eid-Milaad-un-Nabi

This day I have perfected your religion for you and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. [The Glorious Quran: Chapter 5 - Al-Maa'idah (The Table Spread): Verse3]There is nothing that would bring you closer to Jannah and farther from the Fire but it has been clarified [by me] to you. [Muhammad SalAllaahu Alyhi Wasallam: Reported in Masnad Ahmad]

A very interesting dialogue that reveals the reality of Celebrating the Birthday (Mawlid) of the Prophet SalAllaahu Alyhi Wasallam!

Characters: Two Muslims
Meeladi: Pro Mawlid Celebrations

Muwahhid: True follower of Quran and Sunnah (as interpreted by the early generations of the Salaf-us-Saliheen)

Meeladi: Assalamualaikum.

Muwahhid: Wa’alaikum assalaam. How come you are here so early? Haven’t you gone to the shop today?

Meeladi: Today is Eid-Milaad-un-Nabi. Most shops and markets are closed.

Muwahhid: Ahan! So you are celebrating Eid today!

Tree in Paradise

Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 

“There is a tree in Paradise (which is so big and huge that) if a rider travels in its shade for one hundred years, he would not be able to cross it.”

Sahih Al-Bukhari – Book 54 Hadith 474

Wiping Over Socks

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.
Well, it holds true and so in this cold weather, I would like to share an answer to a question that is asked by many. And that are the details about wiping over socks during ablution.

According to the majority of scholars, wiping over socks is a general dispensation given to Muslims during ablution. There are various hadiths reported in this regard. It is reported on the authority of Thawban (may Allah be pleased with him) to the effect that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) dispatched a garrison to some destination; its soldiers got cold. When they returned and complained to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) about this, he (peace and blessings be upon him) advised them to “wipe over their head covers and foot covers too.” “Foot covers” applies to socks and any covering used to protect feet against cold, etc. 

Shoe-lace or Salt, Ask Allah

The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Man should call upon Allah alone to provide for all his needs, so much so that even if a shoe-lace is broken, he should pray to Allah to provide a shoe-lace, and if he needs salt, he should beseech Allah to send it to him.” [Tirmidhi]

Prayer is the essence of worship and worship should be rendered to Allah alone. Do not call upon anyone except Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) to fulfill your needs.

Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) is intrinsically bountiful and generous while man is inherently stingy. Therefore, Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) likes us to ask Him for things, while people dislike to part with what is with them. So ask Allah for any and every thing and refrain from asking human beings. This will endear you to Him for He loves us to ask from Him. It will also keep you more honourable and respectable in the eyes of men for people hate to be asked of.

This hadith was sent to me by dailyhadith.adaptivesolutionsinc.com

Hadith on Forgiveness

O Son of Adam, I will forgive you without reservation:

Anas ibn Malik رضي الله عنه narrated: I heard the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم say: Allah, Blessed and Exalted, says, “O son of Adam! However much you call upon Me and place your hopes in Me, I will forgive you without any reservation. O son of Adam! If you have sins piling up to the clouds and then ask My forgiveness, I will forgive you without any reservation. O son of Adam! If you come to me with enough mistakes to fill the Earth, and meet Me without associating anything as a partner with Me, I will come to you with enough forgiveness to fill the Earth.”
[Tirmidhi]

The Five Inhabitants of Hell

It is narrated: “The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, 

‘The inhabitants of Hell are five: 
1) the weak who lack self-restraint, who follow blindly and do not care for family or property (i.e. they care neither for the benefits of the Hereafter nor of this world); 
2) the treacherous who does not show himself but his greed is such that he is deceitful even in small things; 
3) a person who would betray you morning and evening regarding your family and your property.’ 
He also made mention of 4) the miser or the liar and 
5) one who is in the habit of abusing people and using obscene and foul language.”
[Muslim]

Just go, there is nothing wrong with this marriage

There was this beautiful woman, who wanted to get married, but she wanted a very pious husband, so she said that she’ll marry the man who recites the whole Quran every single day, fasts for the whole year and stays awake and worships Allah all throughout the night.


She was a very beautiful woman, and a lot of suitors wanted to marry her, but they knew they couldn’t fulfil the conditions she set. Until this one man stepped forward and said he could fulfil them. So the Imam got both of them married.

After the first night of the marriage, the wife sees that the husband doesn’t recite the whole of the Quran, nor does he fast, nor does he stay awake in the worship of Allah, she decided to let it roll on for a few weeks to see if there were any changes, there weren’t, so she filed a complaint and asked for a divorce.


They are both taken in front of the judge, and the judge asked, ‘What were the conditions of the marriage?’ the man replied ‘They were for me to recite the whole Quran daily, keep fast for the whole year and to worship Allah all throughout the night.’


The Judge asked, ‘ did you fulfil them?


The man calmly answered, ‘…yes.’


The judge answers, ‘you lie, your wife has said that you don’t, that’s why she’s asking for a divorce’.


But the man insisted that he had fulfilled the conditions, so the judge asked, ‘did you recite the full Quran everyday?’


The man answered yes.


The Judge, baffled asked, ‘how? How can you do that?’


The man coolly answered, ‘I recite Surah Ikhlas three times a day and according to Prophet Muhammad (saw), reciting Surah Ikhlas three times is equivalent to reciting the whole Quran.’


[Hadith
Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri: A man heard another man reciting: Surat-ul-Ikhlas (The Unity) 'Say: He is Allah, the One (112) and he was repeating it. The next morning he came to Allah's Apostle and mentioned the whole story to him as if he regarded the recitation of that Sura as insufficient On that, Allah's Apostle said, "By Him in Whose Hand my soul is! That (Sura No. 112) equals one-third of the Qur'an."  Bukhari (Book #78, Hadith #638)]


The Judge was intrigued, so he asked, ‘how did you fast the whole year?’


The man answered, ‘I fasted for the whole month of Ramadan, then kept another six fasts in the month of Shawwal, according to Prophet Muhammad (saw), keeping all of the fast of Ramadan then keeping six fasts in the month of Shawwal, is as if you have fasted for the whole year.’


Hadith
[Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: He who observed the fast of Ramadan and then followed it with six (fasts) of Shawwal. it would be as if he fasted perpetually.]Hadith 2614-Sahih Muslim


The Judge remained silent, he couldn’t give a reply saying the man was wrong, so finally he asked, ‘ how did you stay awake all night and worship Allah, when your wife saw you sleeping?’


The Judge thought the man wouldn’t be able to answer this one, but the man, cool as a cucumber answered,


‘I prayed Salatul Isha with jamaat, then the next day prayed Salatul Fajr with jamaat, according to Prophet Muhammad (saw), the one who prays Salatul Isha and Salatul Fajr with jamaat, it is as if he had stayed up all night worshipping Allah.’


[Hadith: Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying: "One who performs `Isha' prayer in congregation, is as if he has performed Salat for half of the night. And one who performs the Fajr prayer in congregation, is as if he has performed Salat the whole night.''


[Muslim]
The narration of At-Tirmidhi says: `Uthman bin Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that he had heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying: “He who attends `Isha’ in congregation, is as if he has performed Salat for half of the night; and he who attends `Isha’ and Fajr prayers in congregation, is as if he has performed Salat for the whole night.”
Commentary: This Hadith tells us that the reward of performing `Isha’ and Fajr prayers in congregation is so great that it equals the worship of the whole night.]


The Judge sat there looking at the man; the final verdict was about to be released…


He said to the man and his wife, ‘…go, just go, there is nothing wrong with this marriage’…

Hadith on Saying Salam

It has been narrated by Anas (r.a.) that the companions of the Holy Prophet (saw) would walk together and when a tree would come in their way they would separate towards the left and right. Then on meeting each other, one of them would greet the other with salaam. 


I recently heard the above hadith and thought of sharing something about the greeting in Islam. How many times we have wished our fellow Muslim brother or sister with something like hey and bye instead of saying salaam?  For most of us it happens many times.


When Islam came, Allah (SWT) prescribed Salaam for us, and it was only to be used among Muslims.  Salaam is better than all other greetings because it has such a deep meaning to it.  Assalamu-alaikum means may peace and blessings of Allah descend upon you.  Where can you find a better greeting than this??  NOWHERE!!!  Also, our greeting is one of the best things in Islam.  The Prophet  (SAW) made spreading salaam a part of faith.  Narrated from 'Abd-Allaah ibn 'Umar that a man asked the Messenger of Allah  (SAW): "What is the best thing in Islam?" He said, "Feeding others and giving the greeting of salaam to those whom you know and those whom you do not know"(Bukhari 12).
          So you ask yourself, "Why is it such a big deal to say salaam to some other Muslim?  I don't even know them"!  Well, to answer this question, saying salaam to another Muslim is Sunnah and it is FARD to reply.  Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Prophet (SAW) said: "The Muslim has five rights over his fellow-Muslim: he should return his salaams, visit him when he is sick, attend his funeral, accept his invitation, and pray for mercy for him when he sneezes"(Bukhari 1240).  If you don't say salaam or reply, you're losing your hasanats.  Abu Huraira reported that a man passed by the Messenger of Allah (SAW) while he was sitting with some others, and said "Salaam Alaikum". The Prophet (SAW) said "He will have 10 hasanats".  Another man passed by and said "Salaam Alaikum wa rahmat-Allah".  The Prophet (SAW) said he will have 20 hasanats".  Another man passed and said "Assalamu-alaikum wa rahmat -Allaahi wa barakaatuh".  The Prophet (SAW) said he will have 30 hasanats"(Bukhari 586).  From this Hadith, we can see one reason of many as to why saying Salaam is soo important.  Many of us just say "Assalamu-Alaikum".  But just for adding a few more words, you get 10 more hasanats!!!  How merciful can Allah (SWA) get???  Who would want to miss out on these rewards?
           Who should greet who?  Allah's Apostle said, "The younger person should greet the older one, and the walking person should greet the sitting one, and the small number of persons should greet the large number of persons"(Bukhari 8.251).  It also should be said when you are entering or leaving your home.
Allah gave us a greeting of our own, use it!!  Don't be shy to say it at school or anywhere else.  Who cares what people think??  Every time you say it you get hasanats, so take advantage of it.
           I must also address the issue of the way of saying it.  It's not slalaikum, like many of us say.  It is Assalamu-alaikum.
           You can see how important saying salaam is from all the evidence I have given.  Allah is sooo merciful to us, and gives us many chances for rewards, yet we don't go for those chances.  Salaam increases love amongst Muslims.  It bonds us together.  No matter what nationality we are, we still have the same greeting.  Go out there and greet those whom you don't know.  Say "assalamu-alaikum" to your friends at school.  Be proud of who you are.  I will end with this hadith: The Prophet (SAW) said: "You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you about something which, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread salaam amongst yourselves"(Sahih Muslim 96).

Muharram

By Mufti Taqi Usmani

Muharram is the month with which the Muslims begin their lunar Hijrah Calendar. It is one of the four sanctified months about which the Holy Quran says, "The number of the months according to Allah is twelve (mentioned) in the Book of Allah on the day He created heavens and the earth. Among these (twelve months) there are four sanctified."
These four months, according to the authentic traditions, are Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. All the commentators of the Holy Quran are unanimous on this point, because the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), in his sermon on the occasion of his last Hajj, declared: "One year consists of twelve months, of which four are sanctified months, three of them are in sequence; Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and the fourth is Rajab."
The specific mention of these four months does not mean that any other month has no sanctity, because the month of Ramadan is admittedly the most sanctified month in the year. But these four months were specifically termed as sanctified months for the simple reason that their sanctity was accepted even by the pagans of Makkah.
In fact, every month, out of the twelve, is originally equal to the other, and there is no inherent sanctity that may be attributed to one of them in comparison to the other months. When Allah Almighty chooses a particular time for His special blessings, the same acquires sanctity out of His grace.
Thus, the sanctity of these four months was recognized right from the days of Sayyidina Ibrahim, alayhi salam. Since the Pagans of Makkah attributed themselves to Sayyidina Ibrahim, alayhi salam, they observed the sanctity of these four months and despite their frequent tribal battles, they held it unlawful to fight in these months.
In the Shariah of our Noble Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), the sanctity of these months was upheld and the Holy Quran referred to them as the "sanctified months".
Muharram has certain other characteristics special to it, which are specified below.
Fasting During the Month
The Day of 'Ashurah'
Misconceptions and Baseless Traditions
Lamentations and Mourning


Fasting During the Month
The Noble Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), has said: "The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram."
Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet one who fasts in these days out of his own will is entitled to a great reward by Allah Almighty. The Hadith cited above signifies that the fasts of the month of Muharram are most rewardable ones among the Nafl or voluntary fasts.
The Hadith does not mean that the award promised for fasts of Muharram can be achieved only by fasting for the whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month has merit. Therefore, one should avail of this opportunity as much as he can.


The Day of 'Ashurah'

Although Muharram is a sanctified month as a whole, yet, the 10th day of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named 'Ashurah'. According to the Holy Companion Ibn 'Abbas, Radi-Allahu anhu. The Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), when migrated to Madinah, found that the Jews of Madinah used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which the Holy Prophet Musa (Moses), alayhis salam, and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously and the Pharaoh was drowned in its waters. On hearing this from the Jews, the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), said, "We are more closely rotated to Musa, alayhi salam, than you," and directed the Muslims to fast on the day of 'Ashura'. (Abu Dawood) 
It is also reported in a number of authentic traditions that in the beginning, fasting on the day of 'Ashura' was obligatory for the Muslims. It was later that the fasts of Ramadan were made obligatory and the fast on the day of 'Ashura' was made optional. Sayyidina 'Aisha, Radi-Allahu anha, has said:
"When the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), came to Madinah, he fasted on the day of 'Ashura' and directed the people to fast. But when the fasts of Ramadan were made obligatory, the obligation of fasting was confined to Ramadan and the obligatory nature of the fast of 'Ashura' was abandoned. Whoever so desires should fast on it and any other who so likes can avoid fasting on it." (Sunan Abu Dawud)
However, the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), used to fast on the day of 'Ashura' even after the fasting in Ramadan was made obligatory. Abdullah ibn Musa, Radi-Allahu anhu, reports that the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), preferred the fast of 'Ashura' on the fasts of other days and preferred the fasts of Ramadhaan on the fast of 'Ashura'. (Bukhari and Muslim)
In short, it is established through a number of authentic ahadith that fasting on the day of 'Ashura' is Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), and makes one entitled to a great reward.
According to another Hadith, it is more advisable that the fast of 'Ashura' should either be preceded or followed by another fast. It means that one should fast two days: the 9th and 10th of Muharram or the 10th and 11th. The reason of this additional fast as mentioned by the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), is that the Jews used to fast on the day of'Ashura alone, and the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), wanted to distinguish the Muslim way of fasting from that of Jews. Therefore, he advised the Muslims to add another fast to that of 'Ashura'.
Some traditions signify another feature of the day of 'Ashura. According to these traditions, one should be more generous to his family by providing more food to them on this day as compared to other days. These traditions are not very authentic according to the science of Hadith. Yet, some Scholars like Baihaqi and Ibn Hibban have accepted them as reliable.
What is mentioned above is all that is supported through authentic sources about Ashura.


Misconceptions and Baseless Traditions
However, there are some legends and misconceptions with regard to 'Ashura' that have managed to find their way into the minds of the ignorant, but have no support of authentic Islamic sources, some very common of them are these: This is the day on which Adam, alayhi salam, was created. This is the day when Ibrahim, alayhi salam, was born. This is the day when Allah accepted the repentance of Sayyidina Adam, alayhi salam. This is the day when Qiyaamah (doomsday) will take place. Whoever takes bath on the day of 'Ashura' will never get ill.
All these and other similar whims and fancies are totally baseless and the traditions referred to in this respect are not worthy of any credit.
Some people take it as Sunnah to prepare a particular type of meal on the day of 'Ashura'. This practice, too, has no basis in the authentic Islamic sources.
Some other people attribute the sanctity of 'Ashura' to the martyrdom of Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, during his battle with the Syrian army. No doubt, the martyrdom of Sayyidina Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, is one of the most tragic episodes of our history. Yet, the sanctity of 'Ashura' cannot be ascribed to this event for the simple reason that the sanctity of 'Ashura' was established during the days of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), much earlier than the birth of Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu.
On the contrary, it is one of the merits of Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, that his martyrdom took place on the day of 'Ashura'.
Another misconception about the month of Muharram is that it is an evil or unlucky month, for Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, was killed in it. It is for this misconception that people avoid holding marriage ceremonies in the month of Muharram. This is again a baseless concept, which is contrary to the express teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. If the death of an eminent person on a particular day renders that day unlucky for all times to come, one can hardly find a day of the year free from this bad luck because every day is associated with the demise of some eminent person. The Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), have liberated us from such superstitious beliefs.

Lamentations and Mourning
Another wrong practice related to this month is to hold the lamentation and mouming ceremonies in the memory of martyrdom of Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu. As mentioned earlier, the event of Karbala is one of the most tragic events of our history, but the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), has forbidden us from holding the mourning ceremonies on the death of any person. The people of jahiliyyah (ignorance) used to mourn over their deceased through loud lamentations, by tearing their clothes and by beating their cheeks and chests. The Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), stopped the Muslims from doing all this and directed them to observe patience by saying "Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji'oon". A number of authentic Ahaadith are available on the subject. To quote only one of them:
"He is not from our group who slaps his checks, tears his clothes and cries in the manner of the people of jahiliyyah." (Sahih Bukhari)
All the authentic jurists are unanimous on the point that the mourning of this type is impermissible. Even Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, shortly before his demise, had advised his beloved sister Sayyidah Zainab, Radi-Allahu anha, at not to mourn over his death in this manner. He said, "My dear sister! I swear upon you that in case I die you shall not tear your clothes, nor scratch your face, nor curse anyone for me or pray for your death." (Al-Kamil, ibn Kathir vol. 4 pg. 24)
It is evident from this advice of Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, that this type of mourning is condemned even by the blessed person for the memory of whom these mourning ceremonies are held. Every Muslim should avoid this practice and abide by the teachings of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), and his beloved grand child Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu.

Source: http://www.easyislam.com/muharram.asp

How Allah Records Deeds

The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: 
“Allah records good and bad deeds in this way: 
If anyone intends to do a good deed, but does not do it, Allah still records it with Him as one full good deed. 
If he intends a good deed and then carries it out, Allah records it with Him as ten to seven hundred times in reward or even increases it many times more. 
If anyone intends to do a bad deed but does not actually do it, Allah records it with Him as one full good deed. 
If he intends to do a bad deed and does it, Allah records it with Him as only one bad deed.” 
[Bukhari]

Guard yourselves against the Fire

Adi bin Hatim (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: 

Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "Guard yourselves against the Fire (of Hell) even if it be only with half a date-fruit (given in charity); and if you cannot afford even that, you should at least say a good word.''

(Bukhari & Muslim)

Days When Fasting Is Prohibited

'In total there are five days when fasting is Haraam (forbidden). They are the days of Eidul Fitr (1st of Shawwal), and the 10th (Eidul Adha), 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah. These four days of Dhul Hijjah are called Ayaamut Tashreeq (the days of Tashreeq). 

A Hadeeth is narrated in Bukhari (Vol.1, p267) from Hadhrat Abu Moosa (radiallahu 'anh), as well as Hadhrat Abu Huraira (radiallahu 'anh) that Rasulullaah (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) prohibited fasting on the days of Eidul Fitr (1st of Shawwal) and Eidul Adha (10th of Dhull Hijjah). (Tafseer Anwaar ul Bayaan) 


Courtesy: http://www.muftisays.com/blog/Seifeddine-M/1986_26-08-2011/fasting-in-shawwal.html

Hadith on the virtue of Ten days of Dhul-Hijjah

Narrated Ibn Abbas (ra) : 
The Prophet (saw) said, “No good deed done on other days is superior than what is done on these (first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah).” 
Then some companions of the Prophet said, “Not even Jihad?” 
He (saw) replied, “Not even Jihad, except in the case of a man who goes out with his life and wealth in danger and returns with nothing.”


Source: [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 15, Number 86]

First 10 days of Zil-Haj [Part 1]

Golden opportunities to earn reward for Jannah in these first ten days of Thul Hijjah: 
[Part 1]

1) Fast all nine days and especially fast the Day of 'Arafah


The Prophet said: "Anyone who fasts for one day for Allah's pleasure, Allah will keep his face away from the (Hell) fire for (a distance covered by a journey of) seventy years." (Bukhari, Muslim)


Just imagine.....if you fast these nine days (fasting on Eid is haraam), how far your distance will be from hell!


The Prophet used to fast on the ninth day of Dhu’l-Hijjah and he said: "Fasting the Day of 'Arafah (ninth Dhul-hijjah) is an expiation for (all the sins of) the previous year and an expiation for (all the sins of) the coming year." (Muslim)


2) Do a LOT of Dhikr and Takbeer


The Prophet said: “There are no days on which good deeds are greater or more beloved to Allaah than on these ten days, so recite much Tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah), Takbeer (saying Allaahu akbar) and Tahmeed (saying al-hamdu Lillaah)." (Ahmad -Saheeh)


Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, and the people would recite Takbeer when they heard them. (Bukhaari)


Takbeer at this time is a Sunnah that has mostly been forgotten, especially during the first few days. So say it in the masjid, in your home, on the street and every place where it is permitted to remember Allaah. Revive the Sunnah that have been virtually forgotten and earn great rewards for doing so.


The Prophet said: "Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward." (Tirmidhi- a hasan hadeeth)


Obviously, men should recite these phrases out loud, and women should recite them quietly.


3)Stand in Night Prayers:


Remember the virtues of spending the night in prayer, and its sweetness in Ramadan?! Why not revive this beautiful act of worship during these nights as well?!


Remember, how in the last third of every night, Allah Almighty calls out to us, His servants:


Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me, so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him? (Bukhaari, Muslim)


Why do we miss this golden opportunity? So, seize the chance NOW and expose yourself to His Divine Generosity and Mercy, ask Him to forgive you and guide you and set things aright. He will surely listen.


4)Make Sincere Repentance.


One of the best and most important things to do during these ten days is to repent sincerely to Allaah and to give up all kinds of disobedience and sin right away because we do not know when we will die, and also because one evil deed leads to another.


But what does 'repentance' exactly mean?


It means that you come back to Allaah and give up all the deeds, open and secret, that He dislikes.... that you regret whatever you did in the past, giving it up immediately and be determined never ever, to return to it, and resolve to adhere firmly to the Truth by doing whatever Allaah loves.


"But as for him who repented, believed and did righteous deeds, then he will be among those who are successful." [al-Qasas 28:67]


5) Come back to the Qur'aan


It is time now to dust off your copy of the Qur'aan and return to its refuge.Make it a daily habit, using these 10 days the beginning of a strong and beautiful relationship with it. Read it with meaning, understand it, and then implement it and change your lives for the better, as much as you can. Remember that reading one letter of the Qur'aan earns you 10 rewards. In this way, reading Surat Al-Fatihah,which doesn't take more than two minutes will give you more than one thousand rewards! This is on ordinary days, so what about these magnificent days! Certainly the reward will be far greater, Insha Allaah.


Source: Facebook - By Islamic Querries (Women)

Revive a Sunnah

Entering & Leaving the House

A Muslim goes out and returns home many times a day; for prayers, work or for whatever and every time he/she applies these sunnahs, he/she gets great reward from Allah as he/she submits to His Prophet's (PBUH) teachings.


An Nawawi said: "it is preferred to say (in the name of Allah) and repeat (remembrance) of Allah frequently.


1 Mentioning regards to Allah
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "when a man mention Allah while entering his house and when he eats, the devil says to his mates (there is no food or shelter for this night for you) " [Muslim, The Book of Drinks, Hadith 2018]


2 Entrance Du'aa
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: " say, Bismillaahi walajnaa, wa bismillaahi kharajnaa, wa 'alaaRabblnaa tawakkalnaa (O Allah I ask you the best out of entrance and the best out of exit, I enter in the name of Allah and exit in the name of Allah, I put my trust in Allah) then salute his family. (say As-Salaamu 'Alaykum)" [Aboo Dawood, The Book of Good Manners, Hadith 5096]


This is the way a man depends on Allah while entering or exiting, which keeps him/her always connected to Allah.


3 Using Sewak
Imam Muslim narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used Sewak while taking his first steps into home. [Muslim, The Book of Purification, Hadith 253]


4 Salutation
Allah says: "So when you enter houses, salute one another (Literally: salute yourselves) with a greeting from the Providence of Allah, blessed and good". (An Noor :61)


Supposing that a Muslim who goes for prayers in the Mosque practice these Sunnahs; that would make 20 Sunnahs aday.


5 Going out
A Muslim should say this du'aa :


Bismillaahi, tawakkaltu 'alallaahi, wa laa hawla wa laa quwwata ‘ illaa billaah. (in the name of Allah, I put my trust in Allah, Whatever Allah wishes will be; there is no strength except from Allah) so he gets protected, secured, guarded and the devil steps away from him)


[Aboo Dawood, The Book of Good Manners, Hadith 5095; At-Tirmidhee, The Book of Supplication, Hadith 3426]


The outcome of the application of these sunnahs:
1- A Muslim gets protected from whatever evil he gets in touch with.
2- A Muslim gets secured from whatever evil that might hurt him.
3- A Muslim gets guided and guarded in everything either divine or secular.


Courtesy: Facebook - By Islamic Querries (Women)

Mercy of Allah

Strength of Charity

In a sermon to his Companions the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saws) had narrated: “When Allah (swt) made the earth, he created mountains on it to keep it from shaking. Then the angels asked, “O’ Allah is there anything in your creation that is stronger than these mountains?
And, Allah (swt) replied, “Iron is stronger than the mountains for it breaks them.”
And, is there anything stronger in your creation than iron?
“Yes, fire is stronger than iron for it melts it.”

“Is anything stronger than fire? 
“Yes, water, for it quenches fire.”
“Is there anything stronger than water?”
“Yes, the wind, which puts water in motion.”
“O’, our Sustainer, is there anything stronger than wind?”
“Yes, a good man giving alms. If he gives it with his right hand and conceals it with his left he overcomes all things.”

Every good act is charity. Your putting a wanderer on the right road, your giving water to the thirsty, is charity. A man’s true wealth hereafter is the good that he has done to his fellowmen. When he dies people will ask, “What property has he left behind him?” But, the angels will ask, “What good deeds has he sent before him?” (Tirmizi)

Source: http://www.islamicvoice.com/September2011/PRISMOFLIFE/index.php#StrengthofCharity

Kindness towards Parents

Imam as-Sadiq (peace be upon him) related: “Once when Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) was engaged in a conversation with his Lord, The Mighty, The Glorious, he observed a person beneath the `Arsh (Throne) of Allah, whereupon he (peace be upon him) asked: O’ My Lord! Who is this person, who is being sheltered by Your `Arsh?” Allah replied: “This person had been kind and good towards his parents and never indulged in slandering (them).” 

 

It has been narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) said: “Whoever visits the graves of his parents or one of them every Friday, Allah shall forgive his sins and shall regard him to be of those who had been kind to his parents.”

 

Imam Zainul `Abidin (peace be upon him) relates: “Once a person approached the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) and said: ‘O’ Prophet of Allah! I have committed every known evil act. Is there a chance that I may be forgiven?’ The Messenger of Allah asked him: ‘Are any of your parents still alive?’ The man replied: ‘My father.’ He said to him: ‘Go and be good and kind to him.’