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!

Rabiul Awwal

The month of Rabi’-Ul-Awwal is considered to be amongst the most special and significant months, because mankind was blessed with the birth of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw). Regarding this special event Allah (swt) has stated in the Holy Quran “We have sent him (Muhammad saw) as a source of mercy for the A’alimeen (humans, jinns and all else that exists),” (Surah 21. Al-Anbiya: Verse 107).

Muhammad (saw), the master of the prophets was born in the holy city of Mecca on Monday morning, the 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th of Rabi’-Ul-Awwal. Ibn Sa’d reports that Muhammad’s (saw) mother, Aamina, stated regarding the birth of her son “When He (saw) was born, there was a light that issued out of my pudendum and lit the palaces of Syria.” (Mukhtasar Seerat-ul-Rasool)

The Scorpion

This is a parable about an old man who used to meditate each day by the river near his home.

One morning he saw a scorpion floating on the water. When the scorpion drifted near the old man, he reached to rescue it but was stung by the scorpion. A bit later he tried again and was stung again, the bite swelling his hand painfully and giving him much pain.

A young man passing by saw what was happening to the old man and yelled at him,

“Hey, you foolish old man, what’s wrong with you?

Only a fool would risk his life for sake of an ugly, evil creature. 

Don’t you know you could kill yourself trying to save that ungrateful scorpion?”

The old man turned around and calmly replied,

“My young man, just because it is in the scorpion’s nature to sting, does not change my nature to save.”

Even with Unbelievers or our enemies unless they are rampant and out to destroy us and our faith, we should deal kindly and equitable, as is shown by the Prophet Mohammed's (Peace be upon Him) own example.

Do good to them, and lend a helping hand to help without expecting to get anything back.

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

Dialogue between a Traveller and The Prophet Muhammad (saw)

Courtesy: http://www.slideshare.net/effat57/dialogue-between-a-traveler-and-the-prophet-muhammad-saw

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)

Status and Honor of Mother in Islam

Hazrat Owais Qarni or Sahabi-e-Rasool Uwais al-Qarni (ra): Status and Honor of Mother in Islam

Love is the only melody welcomed by its sufferer, who never desires to recover from it. All the sick hope to be cured, but this sick one sobs, crying "Increase my Sickness." - Maulana Rumi

Hazrat Owais Qarni was born in the village of Qarn in Yemen. His father passed away leaving Hazrat Owais Qarni an orphan at a very young age. Hazrat Owais Qarni was a very pious and noble person. He had embraced Islam while Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam was still alive. He naturally had a very strong desire to see Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) but since his mother was too old and she needed his help and care, he could not visit Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam in Madinah. As a reward of his service to his mother, he was given the title and status of a Sahabi-e-Rasool (Companion of Prophet) even though he could not see Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) personally in his life time.


A famous story regarding Hazrat Uwais al-Qarni: After the second battle of Islam called as Battle of Uhud, when Hazrat Owais Qarni came to know that Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam had lost a few teeth during the encounter, he himself broke all his teeth one by one till none was left - as he did not know exactly how many or which ones were lost by Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. His extreme love for Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam made him question why he should have teeth when Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam had lost his own.


Many times in the company of his Companions, Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) stated, "I can smell the beauty of my friend from the land of Yemen." This statement is in direct reference to the spiritual greatness of Hazrat Uwais al-Qarni.


One day, Hazrat Owais Qarni had asked his mother's permission to visit Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam and she said: "You have my permission to go, see him once, and come straight back without staying over night in Madinah. If our Beloved Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam is at home, you may meet with him; if not, come straight back here." Hazrat Owais Qarni then completed a journey of three months on foot, from Yemen to Madinah. When he reached Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam's house, he knocked on the door and Ummul Momineen Hazrat Umme Salma opened the door. She told him that Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam was not in home and he (saw) was out of station. Hazrat Owais Qarni remembered his promise to his mother and replied, "Please convey my Salaams to my Beloved Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. Kindly inform him that Owais came from Yemen, did not find him at home and is now returning back to Yemen, since he does not have permission from his mother to stay over night in Madinah."


When Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam returned home from the journey, he (pbuh) found the radiance of Hazrat Uwais al-Qarni in his house. Ummul Momineen Hazrat Umme Salma told him what had happened and conveyed Hazrat Owais Qarni's salutations. His blessed eyes looked towards Yemen and our Beloved Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam said, "The fragrance of our friend is reaching us."


Noble Companions then enquired: "Ya Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, if Owais is your friend, for what reason did he not stay to meet you?" To this, Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam replied, "He complied with a promise given to his mother and he is serving her."


As reported by the renowned historical scholar Ibn Batutah, Hazrat Owais Qarni's tomb is found in Ar-Raqqah, Syria, where he was martyred in the Battle of Siffin. He fought for Imam Ali (as) against Muawiyah ibn Abu Sufyan in the Battle of Siffin in 657 CE.


Source: http://www.ezsoftech.com/stories/mother.in.islam.asp

A Clever King

I will share with you a story which shows the clever decision of a youth on how to live this life. This story is only an example. 


There was a country long time ago where the people would change a king every year. The person who would become the king had to agree to a contract that he will be sent to an island after his one year of being a king. So, one king finished his term and it was time for him to go to the island and live there. The people dressed him up in expensive clothes and put him on an elephant and took him around the cities to say goodbye to all the people. This was the moment of sadness for all the kings who ruled for one year. 
After saying goodbye, the people took the king with a boat to the remote island and left him there. On their way back, they discovered a ship that had sunk just recently. They saw a young man who survived by holding on to a floating piece of wood. As they needed a new king, they picked up the young man and took him to their country. They requested him to be a king for a year. First he refused but later he agreed to be a king. People told him about all the rules and regulations and that how he will be sent to an island after one year.


After three days of being a king, he asked the ministers if they could show him the island where all the other kings were sent. They agreed and took him to the island. The island was covered with thick jungles and sound of vicious animals were heard coming out of them. The king went little bit inside to see how it was and discovered the dead bodies of all the past kings. He understood that as soon as they were left in the island, the animals came and killed them.


The king then went back to the country and requested the people to provide him with 100 strong workers. He was provided with 100 workers and he took them to the island and told them to remove all the deadly animals and to cut down all the trees. He would visit the island every month to see how the work is progressing.


In the first month, all the animals were removed and many trees were cut down. In the second month, the whole island was cleaned out. The king then told the workers to plant gardens in various parts of the island. He also took with himself useful animals like chickens, ducks, birds, goats, cows etc. In the third month, he ordered the workers to build big houses and docking stations for ships. Over the months, the island turned into a beautiful place. The young king would wear simple clothes and spend very little from his earnings. He sent all the earnings to the island for storage. Nine months have passed like this. The king called the people and told them that "I know that I have to go the island after one year, but I would like to go there right now." But the people didn't agree to this and said that he have to wait for another 3 months to complete the year.


3 months passed and now it was a full year. The people dressed up the young king and put him on an elephant to take him around the country to say goodbye to others. However, this king is unusually happy to leave the kingdom. People asked him, "All the other kings would cry at this moment and why are you laughing?" He replied, "Don't you know what the wise people say? They say that when you came to this world as a baby, you were crying and everyone was smiling. Live such a life that when you are dieing, you will be smiling and everyone around you will be crying. I have lived that life. While all the other kings were lost into the luxuries of the kingdom, I always thought about the future and planned for it. I turned the deadly island into a beautiful abode for me where I can stay peacefullly."


We should take a lesson from this story about how we should also live our life. The life of this world is to prepare for the life hereafter. In this life, we shouldn't get lost into the beautiful things of this world and forget about what is to come in the afterlife. Rather, even if we are kings, we should live a simple life like our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and save all our enjoyments for the hereafter. May Allah make it easy for us all.


Received this story via email from a good friend.
Also found on: http://www.islamicinformation.net/2008/05/clever-king.html

Celebration of Mawlid An-Nabawi (the birth of Prophet Mohammad pbuh).

Note: We are referring here to specifying a certain day where certain actions are done in celebration. Of course, every Muslim celebrates Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) every day of the year by abiding by his commands and staying away from anything he forbid, and by following his Sunnah in every way we can.

First of all it must be known that Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) never celebrated his birth or allowed others to celebrate it during his life. It must also be known that the Sahaba, and the rightly guided Khulafa', and the followers of the sahaba, and the salaf (early generations of Muslims) all never celebrated the birth of the Prophet.

It must also be known that as Muslims, all our religious actions must come from Allah (swt) and His Messenger. Anything else in matters or worship is considered to be "bid'ah", and it is not allowed. Therefore, it must be clear to all Muslims that considering the celebration of the birth day of the Prophet an act of worship is not allowed, because in that case it is a bid'ah and it becomes haram.

However, if Muslims take the opportunity to mention the Seerah and history of the Prophet (pbuh), and to remind people to follow the Sunnah, then there is no harm in that as long as it does not become a religious obligation or an act of worship. In addition, the teaching of the Seerah and the Sunnah should not be confined to a certain period, but must be continuous throughout the year and at all times.

http://www.al-islami.com/islam/common_mistakes.php?p=7

Sha'ban

Its the beginning of Sha'baan and we realise Ramadhan is near.  As Ramadan approaches, all Muslims should prepare for Ramadan with the fasting of Sha'ban. It is a time to thank Allah for his mercy and blessings.  The month of Sha'ban is a month of fasting and great rewards from Allah. Sha'ban is a voluntary or suggested fast. 

‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast until we thought he would never break his fast, and not fast until we thought he would never fast. I never saw the Messenger of Allaah fasting for an entire month except in Ramadaan, and I never saw him fast more than he did in Sha’baan.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 1833; Muslim, no. 1956).

Found an article on the month of Sha'baan. Posting it next to share it with all.

May Allah guide all of us to the right path.

Shab-e-Meraj

Its been a long time that I have posted anything... Just had been a little busier..
Today is Shab-e-Meraj and so thought of sharing something on this.

Q.1. (i) What is the reality behind Shab-e-Meraj? Did our Prophet visit Baitul Maqdas and the skies and see the paradise and hell and meet other Prophets there? How could he meet the Prophets there when he had led them in prayer in Baitul Maqdas, a short while ago the same night? Had those Prophets whom he met over the skies, also reached there by riding the Burraq?

ii) What is Burraq? Is it a heavenly animal? Does it look like a horse with flying wings? Is it scientific and rational?

iii) Did the Prophet travel in Meraj while awake or in his dream, like some scholars say? Did he see Allah? Does the event find mention in Qur’an and Hadith? How should the Muslims celebrate Shab-e-Meraj?

Ans. The word Me’raj (Ascent of Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) is derived from Urooj, which means, ‘height’, ‘ascension’. It occurs in Hadith. The Qur’anic word for the event is ‘Israa’, meaning ‘the journey’. The event is briefly mentioned in the Qur’an, its detailed provided by Hadiths while the people’s fantasies add the usual garnishing. Taken from Qur’an and Hadiths the essential details of the event (with necessary explanation and discussions) are as follows;

The Heart Operation

Archangel Jibriel alongwith two other angels visited the holy Prophet (Pbuh) one night, while he was asleep in the Hateem part of Ka’abah. The angel then operated upon his heart and made some changes probably because the material body could not withstand the space travel with the required velocity without certain protection. The related part of the narration reads; “... Jibriel among them took upon himself to make a cut from the throat down to a part below the heart of the Prophet till he emptied the chest and the stomach. Then with his hands he washed it with Zamzam water till the stomach was cleaned. Then was brought a golden tray in which was a golden light filled with faith and wisdom. Pouring it inside, the chest and the veins of throat were filled up. Then the opened part was closed...”(Bukhari)

By incorporating the changes in the body system, his body was probably converted from material into Noorani (lightening) body to withstand the journey of space. It may be remembered that the material bodies of people destined for heavens would also be changed to lightening bodies after The Maidaan-e-Hash’r (The place of great gathering) before taking them to heavens.

Burraq

After the transformation of the body, a conveyance named Burraq was presented before him. Burraq, the narration says, resembled a horse-like animal but its very name indicates that it also possessed a lightening body. The word Burraq is derived from the root Bar’q which means ‘electricity’ in Arabic. Burraq signifies that he had to be taken with the velocity of Bar’q that is electricity or light which is 300,000 km per second.

In the Mosque of Jerusalem

No wonder, within no time he reached Baitul Maqdis or Masjid-e-Aqsa. The Qur’an has summarised the event in one verse; “Exalted is He (Allah) who took his bondsman (Muhammad) for a journey by night from Masjid-il-Haram (Ka’abah) to Masjid-il-Aqsa (the Mosque in Jerusalem), the neighbourhood whereof we have blessed, in order that we might show him our signs...” (17:1)

In Baitul Maqdis, the Prophet (Pbuh) led in prayer, all the earlier Prophets who were gathered for the occasion (naturally in their Barzakm or transitional and transcendental bodies). The journey from one holy Mosque to the other and the Prophet leading signifying that the inheritance of Divine leadership was being transferred to him from Bani Israel who no more deserved the honour.

Towards Heavens and Beyond

From there, he was raised to the heavens where he again met and conversed with different Prophets. Then came the most honoured moment of the journey as he was elevated to a point beyond heavens, called Sidrat-ul-Muntaha. What he observed there is described in Qur’an in the following words; “One free from any defect in body and mind then He (?) rose and became stable, While he was in the highest part of the horizon. Then he approached and came closer and was at a distance of two bows length or (even) closer. So, He (Allah) revealed to his bondsman (Muhammad) whatever he revealed. The Prophet’s heart lied not in what he saw. Will you then dispute with him (Muhammad) about what he saw? And indeed, he (Muhammad) saw him at a second descent near Sidrat-ul-Muntaha. Near it is Paradise of Abode. When that covered the Sidrah, which did cover it, the sight (of Prophet Muhammad) turned not aside nor it transgressed beyond the limit. Indeed he (Muhammad) did see of the greatest signs of his Lord (Allah)”. (53:6-18)

Whom did he meet? Allah or Jibriel?

There has been difference of opinion among scholars right from the days of Sahaba about whom the Prophet (Pbuh) met and saw at the place beyond heavens and horizon. Some say he saw Allah while others opine that he saw Jibriel in his original form. Ibne Abbas swore by the earlier while the Prophet’s wife Aisha strongly reprimanding the idea of physical sighting of Allah, favoured the latter opinion.

Both these assumptions invite serious apprehensions that could not be answered satisfactorily. Did the Prophet set eyes on Allah? Qur’an says; “No (material) vision can grasp him”. (6:103) When Prophet Musa (A.S) expressed his desire to see the Almighty, he said; “You can not (bear to) see me (in your material mould)”. (7:143). Those supporting the ‘saw Him’ theory say that it was an exclusive honour of Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) alone and an exception that the Lord appeared for him. It may also be argued in the light of what I have written above that the holy Prophet, during Me’raj was in a spiritual mould. What goes against the idea of Allah’s appearance before the Prophet then? Well, primarily the holy Prophet (Pbuh) himself never claimed seeing Allah, while narrating the events of Me’raj. If he had, it would have been the most important part worth description. Secondly, none of the companions insisting on‘Deedar’ (sighting) ascribe the claim to the Prophet. Instead, they say so based on conjectures. Thirdly, the Prophet’s wives should have been the first to be privy to such information if it was true. Not only none of them narrated thus but also Hazrat Aisha strongly denounced and even reprimanded such claims. Fourthly, the description in Qur’an, of the person, whom the Prophet (Pbuh) met in Me’raj seems too materialistic to fit the conception of Allah. Read them again;“.. Then he approached and came closer and was at a distance of two bows length or (even) closer..” And lastly, the Prophet himself denied that he saw Allah in Me’raj; “Narrated Abuzar that he asked the Prophet (Pbuh); Did you see your Lord? He replied; He is Noor. How can I see Him.” (Muslim)

The second theory of seeing Jibriel in his real form is also very unlikely. It is an anticlimax of a very extraordinary miracle described with much importance by Qur’an and Hadith. Seeing Hazrat Jibriel, a frequent visitor to the Prophet (Pbuh) (even in his original form) would not have been such a big event. The traditions also say that Hazrath Jibriel was not permitted to accompany the Prophet to Sidratul-Muntaha. He alone was elevated upto the all-important destination and hence the question of his seeing Jibriel there does not arise.

If neither Allah nor Jibriel, then who was he, whom the Prophet met there? Naturally some personage who is in between them both in stature, Haqeeqat-e-Ahmadi, of whom Muhammad r was a part and material manifestation. The Prophet (Pbuh) was informed and shown his own spiritual reality at Sidrat-ul-Muntaha. The Qur’an briefly mentions only the following; “So He (Allah) revealed to his bondsman (Muhammad) whatever he revealed... Indeed he (Muhammad) did see of the greatest signs of his Lord (Allah)”.

(And surely Allah alone knows the absolute truth.)

The Five times a day Salaat was ordained for the Ummah on the occasion. The Prophet (Pbuh) was also shown Paradise and Hell during the journey. After the great event he was again taken back to Ka’abah. The whole journey was completed within the night.

After the detail of the event, the answer to the uncovered parts of the question is the following.

Other Prophets also travelled by Burraq

1. The other Prophets, whom Prophet met, were also there with their transcendental bodies, which could travel in space as he did. They also travelled back to heavens from Baitul Maqdis with the help of their Burraqs at lightning velocities. There is a mention of other Prophets also possessing Burraqs in Muslim, in the Hadith describing Me’raj, reported by Anas Bin Malik.

Nothing Unscientific

ii) Hadiths clearly state that Burraq is a mute-like animal. There is no mention of wings. Only earthly animals with material bodies need wings to fly against the gravitational force. The basic constituent of Burraq’s body, as the word indicates, is electrical energy, instead of the elements of earth. There is nothing unscientific about this. The realities pertaining to the subjects which science has not covered yet cannot be termed unscientific. Science has not comprehended till date, the subject of spirits and spiritual bodies. There are a large number of Allah’s creations that are invisible to human eyes, as human sight can only comprehend the matter and not energy. The angels and the Jinns possess non-material bodies constituted of light and heat energies. The existence of other beings should not be unbelievable.

Neither Dream Nor Awake

iii) The Qur’an in Surah Israa, in which the advent is mentioned, indicates the state in which the Prophet (Pbuh) was carried to his journey. It says; “... And we made not the vision which we showed you, but a trial for mankind..”(17:60)

It was neither a dream nor the state of wakefulness in the material sense. The Qur’anic word for the vision is ‘Ru’ya’ which is different from a dream. We find in one of the Hadiths describing Me’raj thus; “... They (the angels) came in such a state that the heart (of the Prophet) was seeing them. The eyes were asleep but the heart was awake. Likewise, the eyes of (all) the Prophets sleep but their hearts do not sleep..” (Bukhari; Kitab-ut-Tauhid; Narration of Abu Hurairah)

The above narration of Me’raj in Bukhari, which is a very lengthy one, ends with the following words; “..And when he (Muhammad r woke up, he was in Masjid-il-Haram (Ka’abah).” (Ibid).

So, the material body of the Prophet (Pbuh) was in a state of sleep after the Me’raj, while during the vision his transcendental body actually visited the places and witnessed the signs of Allah. In sleep he was taken and to sleep he was returned before and after the journey. During the journey, he was not asleep. He saw and witnessed everything with a transcendental body and with eyes, which were not material. Such is the vision of Prophets.

The Veracity of 27th Rajab

About the celebration, I must point out that there is not a single Hadith or authentic narration certifying the popular belief about 27th Rajab being the date of Me’raj. There are differences among scholars regarding the date, month and also the year of Me’raj. However, there is nothing against praying and glorifying the Lord and remembering the Prophet (Pbuh) on a particular night. At worst, it would be a distortion of a date in history, if the date is not actually true. It certainly is not a Bid’at unless the prayers of 27th Rajab are assumed to be obligatory part of Deen. 

Courtesy:- http://www.islamicvoice.com/december.98/dialogue.htm

Allah Is Great

Another email that I received from a friend which I would like to share with all..


Reliquary containing the tooth of Prophet Muhammad (Dendan-i Saadet).



Lock of Kaaba



The footprint of the Prophet Muhammad





 Some hairs from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad (Lihye-i Saadet).





Swords belonging to the Prophet Muhammad.





Letter of the Prophet Muhammad (Name-i Saadet)





The Golden gate of Prophet Muhammad's tomb.





Prophet Muhammad's tomb from inside



May Allah guide us all.....