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Muslimahs United

Friday, December 11, 2009

Message from MuslimahsUnited.com

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

Here is a message from my love sisters at MuslimahsUnited.com...

Salam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuhu


InshaAllah this reaches you all in the best of health and Imaan, Ameen


We're 3 sisters who run a forum called Muslimahs United. This forum was set up 2 years ago and our aim is for sisters to learn and benefit from each other about Islam, life in general, gain friends, socialise and be there for each other through thick and thin, InshaAllah


We welcome everyone to the site, regardless which path of Islam you're on and non-muslims, however Muslimahs United is based upon the aqeedah and manhaj of the Salafis Salih, which shall be respected at all times, InshaAllah


We have a few activities going on such as chat nights, competitions, quizzes, bookclub and many more, which have all been enjoyable, MashaAllah


If this has any of your interest, then come and join us at  
http://www.muslimahsunited.com


Wa Alaikum Salam Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuhu


Admins, mods and helpers at MU



Sunday, November 29, 2009

a lil post from mimi >.<

assalaam'aleykum dear readers,
due to unfortunate circumstances i haven't been able to post as often as i used to.
i will inshallah start again as soon as i get my laptop fixed soon.
i was checking through my past posts & have found irresponsible people posting spam comments on this blog. they are being deleted!!
spam comments are not welcomed at all thank you.
that's all for now...
eid mubarak (^-^)

Eid Mubarak




Monday, November 9, 2009

Upon The High Road

It’s the ninth century. Western Europe is in its Dark Ages.



It's the ninth century. Baghdad is the center of knowledge and civilization.



It's the ninth century, and Baqee Ibn Mukhlid, a Muslim from Spain, decides to travel to Baghdad to seek the knowledge of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal.



And it being the ninth century, Baqee obviously did not hop on a plane and arrive at his destination within hours. It took a lot of time, effort, and determination to make journey.



But he embarked, left the comfort of his home, and made it to Baghdad. Yet rather than finding Imam Ibn Hambal at a mosque, happily teaching those who wanted to learn, Baqee was told that Imam Ibn Hanbal was under house arrest due to some controversy. The imam was prohibited from meeting people and banned from teaching.



At this point, Baqee could have become dejected and returned home, hoping Allah would reward him for his intention. Or he could have looked for someone else to learn from. But Baqee was determined.



He devised a plan to get the knowledge that he sought despite the circumstances. Baqee, with the undisclosed approval of Imam Ibn Hanbal, disguised himself as a beggar. Every day, he would knock on the door of Imam Ibn Hanbal's house. The imam would open the door, give him food, and along with that something Baqee considered much more precious: A hadeeth.



This method continued for more than a year, with Imam Ibn Hanbal giving him one to three ahadeeth every day, until Baqee returned to Spain, a learned scholar.



How far do we strive to gain knowledge?



With the tools we have now, it should be much easier to seek it. We don't have to cross oceans and disguise ourselves. The would almost really is at out fingertips. By just doing all the customary things we do, we should be able to amass a considerable trove of knowledge.



It's just that often our attitudes stop us from gaining all that we can. Going to school or attending a class has become dreaded. Reading a book to stimulate your thinking is a bore. Having an intelligent discussion is practically a social taboo.



But if we were to attend our classes with the same eagerness that Baqee showed, or visit a library to pick up a worthy book, or seek out the company of intelligent people so as to learn from them, or use the Internet for some actual research, we would gain so much more than we could imagine.



Allah, Exalted, famously stressed importance of knowledge with the very first verse He revealed in the Quran: "Read!".



And the Prophet (PBUH) said: "He who leaves his home in order to seek knowledge, he is in Allah's path until he returns (to his home)" Tirmithi).



And this is not strictly referring to religious knowledge, if you still call it that. These verses and ahadeeth do not just apply to memorizing the Quran, reading tafseer, and collecting ahadeeth.



Any kind of knowledge that is beneficial brings you closer to Allah. And it will help you in the Hereafter.



The Prophet (PBUH) said: "When the son of Adam dies, all his good deeds come to an end, except for three: Ongoing charity, knowledge from which people continue to benefit, and a righteous son who prays for him" (Bukhari and Muslim).



Also he said: "Let there be no envy, except in two things: A man whom Allah gave wealth and guided him to spend it in a righteous way, or a man to whom Allah gave wisdom who acts wisely and teaches it to others." (Bukhari and Muslim).



These two ahadeeth demonstrate the importance and high status of those who have knowledge, especially those who share it with others. In Islam, teachers are one of the most respected groups of people, and rightly so.



Consider the duaa we make in our salah, asking Allah to forgive us, our parents, and those who have taught us. Teachers are so high up on the list of people whom you should care about that they come right after parents in this duaa. And that is saying something.



And we cannot forget the story of Prophet Musa (PBUH). When he was asked about the most knowledgeable person of the time, Prophet Musa replied that it was him. This was definitely not out of arrogance, but out of a sincere belief that he was the most knowledgeable because he was a Messenger of Allah.



But Allah, Most High, told Musa (PBUH), that there was someone more knowledgeable than him, and he commanded Prophet Musa to go find him and seek his knowledge. And so Prophet Musa (PBUH), began his long journey to find Al-Khidhr and learn from him.



The story is laid out in Surah Al Kahf. From these ayahs, we see that once Prophet Musa found Al-Khidhr, he had to show his determination and sincerity to learn. Al-Khidhr was at first reluctant, telling Prophet Musa that he would not have enough patience, to which Prophet Musa replied that he would have patience, and would not disobey any of Al-Khidhr's commands.



How many students nowadays are humble in their learning? How many are earnest and show this kind of obedience? It is more often we seen an arrogant attitude, in which individuals are unwilling to admit they have less knowledge, and have no respect for scholars and teachers. And here we have a Messenger of Allah, a man with the highest possible status among men, humble enough to learn from another.



There are countless other verses and ahadeeth and stories and instances in the history of Islam that show how essential knowledge is. Look them up. Then ask yourself, are you exerting enough effort? Is it possible that the state of affairs of Muslims now is so poor due to a lack of proper education? Is it possible that we seek degrees just to be able to hang up a pretty sheet of paper declaring our achievements, rather than for the sake of the knowledge itself?



The answers to these questions may be a little scary. But we have to face them, and then we have to change them.



And we must ask Allah, the Transcendent, to help us, and say: "Oh my Lord, Increase me in knowledge". (20:114).

by Nour Habib

(Courtesy: Al Jumuah Magazine)



Friday, September 11, 2009

Ramadhan 1430 DateDrive

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

HalfDate Banner

Alhamdulillah, so far Ramadan DateDrive has raised over $12,000.

These donations helped AlMaun to fulfill almost all their requests.

If you still want to earn more rewards, here are some suggestions.

Living outside the US?

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Anywhere in the world?

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These opportunities goes away fast, so show Allah that you care.

May Allah reward you with the sweetest date in Jannah

P.S. How are you going to show to Allah that you care?


Venice Beach, Venice, California 90291, United States


Tuesday, August 25, 2009

The Benefits of Fasting

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

The Benefits of Fasting

The original meaning sawm is to be at rest. We give rest to the gastro-intestinal tract, the sexual organs, the tongue, the eyes and ears, etc. The transit time for a bolus of food from the mouth to the end of the large intestine, called colon, is about 14 hours. This is the period - of 14 hours - during which we fast and withhold any stimulus, reaching the stomach and the digestive system.

In fact, fasting is an additional safety device for the regenerative processes of the body. The repair processes of the body and the brain, including the memory molecules take place when the body is at rest, especially during the stage of deep sleep. Sleeping during Ramadan is much deeper than in other times. Two hours of sleep during Ramadan are more satisfying and refreshing than more hours of sleep otherwise.

Fasting significantly increases deep sleep and reduces the dreaming time, which takes place during the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. Therefore, it is more beneficial for the elderly to fast because their normal hours of deep sleep in the non-fasted state are much less.

Fasting is a divine prescription, because Allah Himself prescribed it in the Qur’an. Because the Islamic fast does not exceed 14 hours or so, the normal steady state of the body is maintained as a result of coordinated physiological mechanisms. Hence, nearly all the biochemical results in the laboratory are normal.

During fasting, serum magnesium is increased and…
Magnesium has cardio-protective effects and it is being used in prevention and treatment of heart attacks.
It has anti-platelet properties and prevents extension of the clot.
It is a membrane stabilizer acting on the sodium/potassium/ calcium flux at the membrane level. Hence, it prevents cardiac and cerebral dysrhythmias.
Fasting, through the beneficial effects of magnesium, prevents the formation of atheroma as well as dissolves atheromatous plaques which are responsible for heart attacks and strokes. Hence, fasting takes an active part in the rejuvenating processes of the body through many channels.
It increases the fibrinolytic activity of the blood, which leads to prevention and also dissolution of any recent clot.

Ramadan puts a healthy mind into a healthy body. During fasting, there is increased secretion of the growth hormone by the pituitary gland.. It is an anabolic hormone for synthesis of proteins and collagen, which produces a positive nitrogen balance. It also stimulates erythropoiesis, as well as collagen synthesis.

During the exercise of fasting, prayers and different spiritual experiences of Ramadan, certain endogenous substances are released by the brain and spinal cord into the body called opioids, which include enkephalins and endorphins. These are responsible for euphoria, tranquility and serenity during such periods.

Endorphins and enkephalins are natural painkillers. Endorphins may be responsible for the "feel nice" effects, experienced by many people after rigorous exercise. Endorphins and enkephalins are derived from beta-lipotropin. On release, it is cleaved to form three major active products: called met-enkephalin, gamma-endorphin, and beta-endorphin.

Beta-endorphin is most active, and is about 20 times as potent as morphine. In addition to their painkilling properties, the narcotic analgesics cause a profound feeling of well-being (euphoria). It is this feeling that is in part responsible for the psychological drive of certain persons who are fasting. Other mechanisms reduce pain sensation by blocking the transmission of pain message to the brain.

To alter the pain sensation, the brain and spinal cord release specialized neurotransmitters called endorphins and enkephalins. These chemicals interfere with pain impulse transmission by occupying the nerve cell receptors, required to send the impulse across the synapse. By making the pain impulse travel less efficiently, endorphins and enkephalins can significantly lessen the perception of pain. In extreme circumstances, they can even make severe injuries nearly painless.

If an athlete is injured during the height of competition, or a soldier injured during a fight, or persons who are fasting, they may not realize they have been hurt, until after the stressful situation has ended! This happens because the brain produces abnormally high levels of endorphins or enkephalins, in periods of intense stress, excitement or fasting.


Friday, August 21, 2009

Moon Sighting Update

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

Moon Sighting Update

SHA'BAAN 1430 A.H.
First Night: Night of Thursday 23rd July, 2009
First Day: Day of Friday 24th July, 2009

RAJAB 1430 (AH) - Last Month


The Month of Rajab completed 30 days since the moon to commence the month of Sha'baan was not confirmed as being sighted after the sunset of the 29th day.


RAMADAAN 1430 (AH) - Next Month


The 29th of Sha'baan is Friday 21st August, 2009.
Sighting should be done after sunset of this day.

The new moon (crescent) will be born on Thursday 20th August, 2009 at 6:02 am. Sunset on Friday 21st August, 2009 will be at 6:25 pm. At sunset of this day, the moon will be about 36 hours 23 minutes old and Muslims are reminded to look for the crescent to commence the month of Ramadaan 1430 AH.

If the moon is sighted then the 1st Taraaweeh would be performed on the night of Friday 21st August, 2009 and the 1st Fast would be on Saturday 22nd August, 2009.

If the moon is not sighted then Sha’baan would complete 30 days and the 1st Taraaweeh will be on the night of Saturday 22nd August, 2009 and the 1st Fast would be on Sunday 23rd August, 2009.

Enquiries of Sighting can be made at:
Darul Uloom Trinidad and Tobago
868-665-8868 / 868-665-1442


Thursday, August 20, 2009

Before Ramadhan

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

Peace & Blessing be upon Prophet Muhammad, His Family and Companions.
_________________________________

One of the distinguishing features of Ramadan is forgiveness!!!

It's a wonderful time to open our hearts and cleans them of grudges and bitterness by forgiving others.

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong"
Forgive me am not angel!!

Send this msg to all ur friends before ramadan so that u start this holy month with pure hearts!!!


Monday, August 17, 2009

Rhymes of Praise

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

ehsaan nasheeds

Please support this charitable cause...



Saturday, August 15, 2009

Consequences of Iman - by Shaykh Suhayb Hasan 'Abdul Ghaffâr

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

A student studies hard for his final examinations, researching in libraries, practising past papers and revising his notes because he wants a university degree which will help advance his career.
A businessman invests much of his time, energy and money into a commercial venture in the hope of large profits in the future. A farmer ploughs his land, sows it, waters it and tends it regularly in the hope of a good harvest. They all know that success does not come down on a plate but has to be achieved through hard work.

Man does certain things in life for certain results, and he avoids other acts because of their consequences. An adult will not put his hand into a naked flame because he knows that fire burns, but a child will do so as he is unaware of the consequences. The most important Belief and Knowledge that should dictate our actions is that Allah Almighty exists, that He is the Creator and Provider, and that none can benefit nor harm us except with His permission. If a person's Iman (faith) in Allah is firm and unyielding, he will be able to direct all his worship and obedience to Allah and will feel no fear of false deities or worldly powers.

Consider the encounter of Pharaoh's court magicians with Prophet Musa as described in the Quran. Before meeting the Prophet, they pleaded with Pharaoh for a substantial reward were they to defeat Musa in a duel using magic.

"So the sorcerers came to Pharaoh and said, 'Of course we shall have a suitable reward if we win.' " (Surah Al A'raaf 113)

Pharaoh accepted their plea and promised them not only a reward but also positions at court. When the encounter with Musa began, the magicians realised quickly that while their own display was simple magic, Musa's display was extraordinary and much more than any human could conjure up. So overawed were they by Musa's miracles that they all fell down in sajda saying,

"We believe in the Lord of the Worlds. The Lord of Musa and Harun." (Surah Ta Ha, 70)

Pharaoh was stunned by their declaration of faith in Allah and shouted:

"Have you believed in Him before I gave you permission? ..... Be sure, I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and then I will crucify you on trunks of palm trees. So shall you know which of us can give the more severe and lasting punishment." (Surah Ta Ha, 71)

These threats did not frighten the magicians. These men who had just been begging Pharaoh for more gold coins now became so fearless because of their faith in Allah that they answered him back easily.

"Never shall we prefer you over the Clear Signs that have come to us and Him who has created us. So decree whatever you wish to decree. For you can only decree concerning the matters of this world. We have believed in our Lord; may He forgive us our faults and the magic to which you did compel us, for Allah is the Best and forever abiding." (Surah Ta Ha, 72-73)

Wasalam.

----
------

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I guarantee a house in the outskirts of Paradise to the one who forsakes argument even when he is in the right.” (Reported by Abu Dawood, 5/150; Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1464).

adapted from message by "The Ideal Muslimah.." group


Friday, August 14, 2009

Jummah Mubarak...(Cumanız Mübarek Olsun)

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

Anas Ibn Malik reports that a Bedouin Came to the Messenger of Allah and greeted him in the mosque.
The Messenger of Allah asked him where he came from. The Bedouin said:
"I come from far seeking answers to some questions. " Our master told him to ask his questions:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wish to be an intelligent man, what should I do?
Holy Prophet Replies- Fear Allah
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wish to be a loyal servant to Allah and do what He wants me to do:
Holy Prophet Replies - Read the Qur'an.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wish to be enlightened and have peace of heart
Holy Prophet Replies- Remember Death
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wish to be protected against enemies
Holy Prophet Replies- Trust in Allah
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wish to follow the Straight Path
Holy Prophet Replies- Do good to others for Allah's sake
------------------------------------------------------------------------
What should I do so that Allah does not abase me?
Holy Prophet Replies- Do not respond to the desires of your flesh.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wish to have a long life
Holy Prophet Replies- Praise and thank Allah
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wish for prosperity
Holy Prophet Replies- Be in a state of ablution at all times
------------------------------------------------------------------------
How can I save myself from the hellfire?
Holy Prophet Replies- Protect your eyes and your tongue and your hands and what is below your waistline against evil.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
How can I cleanse myself from my sins?
Holy Prophet Replies- Shed tears for what you have done and repent by undoing what you have done wrong.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wish to be a respectable person.
Holy Prophet Replies- Then don't divulge the wrong doings of anybody.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
What should I do to protect myself from the tortures of the grave?
Holy Prophet Replies- Recite the Surah Mulk.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
What should one do to be rich?
Holy Prophet Replies- Read the Surah Muzammil.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
How should I calm my fear of the day of last judgment?
Holy Prophet Replies- Remember Allah before you eat anything and before you sleep.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
What should I do to feel the presence of Allah when I make my prayers
Holy Prophet Replies- Give the utmost care in taking your ablutions and in being clean and pure.

Dear Allah, We thank You for All days which you gaven tu us.
We thank You because You Gave us this Jummah day.
We thank You for being able to see and to hear this morning.
We blessed because You are a forgiving Allah and an understanding Allah.

You have done so much for us and You keep on blessing us,
our Family and All the peoples which they doing Something for your Din (Islam).
O Allah, Forgive My Sins, Our Sins, My Family Sins, My Friends,
O Allah, Fogive us or Forgive Complete Ummah of Prophet (P.B.U.H) on this day.
O Allah, Forgive us for everything we have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you.
We beg now for Your forgiveness.

O Allah, Grant us highest height that exalt, and thy eminence in altogether sublime;
O Allah, Make our self wonderful signs for others.
O Allah, Help us with ours prayers and keep us away from mistakes and sins of all the days and nights.
O Allah, Grant us better peoples, better life, happiness and give us company with the noble minded. Ameen.

adapted from message by "ALLAH (c.c) 99 İsmi Al-Asma-ul-Husna اَلأَسْماَءُ الْحُسْنَى" group


Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Ramadhaan Part 5

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

Things that are to be avoided while Fasting

• It is not permissible for a fasting person to lie, give false witness or statements, backbite, slander or do immoral, indecent or shameful acts.
• It is not permissible for the fasting person to be unjust to anyone, to entertain hatred, malice and enmity against anyone, cast lustful gazes, meet strange women or go to cinema etc. These acts do not invalidate or break the fast, however they are totally disliked and decrease the blessings and rewards of the fast.
• It is also disliked to apply Surma to the eyes while fasting. Similarly it is disliked to do cupping or donating blood while fasting since this may lead to weakness.
• It is Makruuh (disliked) to be excessive in pouring water down the nostrils or gargling while observing the fast.
• While observing the fast it is Makruuh (disliked) to touch or kiss one’s wife with excitement or lust.
• It is Makruuh (disliked) to chew or taste anything while fasting.

Laws relating to 'Itikaaf

‘Itikaaf literally means seclusion and in Islaam it means to seclude oneself to the Masjid in worship in order to achieve the pleasure of Allah (with the clear intention of ‘Itikaaf). ‘Itikaaf in the month of Ramadhan is an emphasized and strong practice of the Prophet (S.A.), who continuously performed ‘Itikaaf of the last ten days of Ramadhan from the year he entered Madinah until he left this world. As such, spending the last ten days of Ramadhan in ‘Itikaaf is a strong and emphasized Sunnah of the Prophet (S.A.)

The last ten days of ‘Itikaaf begins before the sunset of the 20th day of fasting. In other words it begins before the 21st night of Ramadhan and continues until the moon of Shawwaal is sighted. It is therefore necessary for those performing ‘Itikaaf that they should be in the masjid before the sunset of the 20th day of fasting.

Lailatul Qadr - The Night of Power

“We have indeed revealed this (message) on the Night of Power And what will explain to you what is the Night of Power? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein comes down the Angels and the Spirit by Allah’s permission on every errand.” (Quraan, Chapter 97).

Abu Hurairah (R.A.) reports that the Messenger of Allah (S.A.) said, “Whoever stands in prayer and worship on the Night of Power, with complete faith and with sincere hope of gaining reward, all his previous sins are forgiven.” (At-Targhiib from Bukharii and Muslim)

The night (being so great) should be spent diligently in devotion, recitation of the Quraan and supplication. As stated in the above-mentioned Hadith, Allah grants forgiveness of all the previous sins of a person who spends the night in prayer. In another tradition reported by Anas (R.A.) he says, “Once when Ramadhan commenced the Messenger of Allah (S.A.) said, “A month has verily dawned over you wherein lies a night better than a thousand months. Whoever misses such a night has indeed been deprived of all that is good and none is deprived of it, except he who is really unfortunate.” (Ibn Maajah).

Taraawiih

Taraawiih is Sunnah of the Prophet (S.A.) and a highly recommended act of ‘Ibaadah in the month of Ramadhan. It is the Ijmaa’ (consensus) of the Sahaabahs (R.A.) that it consists of twenty Rakaahs.

The time of Taraawiih Salaah begins after ‘Ishaa Salaah. If it is performed before then it is not valid. Taraawiih can be performed before or after the Witr Salaah.

Taking a short break every four Rakaahs of Taraawiih is permissible. During this time it is permissible to be engaged in any form of Tasbiih, Dhikr, or Daruud silently. Even to remain silent is permissible. However it is not proper to make anything binding upon oneself or the Jamaa’ah to be read or recited during this pause.

adapted from message by "♥ HIJAAB-My Right, My Choice, My Life! Hijaab is Freedom- not oppression♥ " group


Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Ramadhaan Part 4

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

Sunnah Acts of Fasting
• It is Sunnah to take Sihri (small meal) in the morning before observing the fast. The Prophet (S.A.) himself said, “Take Sihri for certainly there are blessings in having Sihri”.
• It is more virtuous to delay the Sihri from being very early in the morning. However it is Makruuh (disliked) to delay it to the time when it becomes doubtful of the ending time of Sihri ( i.e. break of dawn).
• It is Sunnah to break the fast immediately after sunset without delay and it is Mustahab (desirable) to recite the Du’aa for breaking the fast. However a person should not be so hasty in breaking his fast so as to do it before the sun has set.

Things which nullify the Fast
• It is not permissible to eat, drink or have sexual relations with one’s spouse while one is observing the fast. Similarly talking oral medication or using nasal sprays and other specific medicines by Asthma patients will all invalidate the fast.
• While performing Ghusl or Wuduu if water mistakenly goes down the throat while being conscious and aware that one is fasting, then the fast is nullified and has to be made up afterwards.
• If medicine is placed in the ear or nose while fasting then the fast is nullified and must be made up afterwards.
• If medication is placed on a wound on the head or stomach and it enters into the head or stomach then the fast is broken and must be made up afterwards.
• If after eating something forgetfully, a person thought that his fast was broken and thereafter ate something intentionally, his fast is nullified and must be made up afterwards.

Things which do not nullify the Fast
• Unconsciousness or illness does not break the fast. However it is permissible to break the fast for medical reasons such as illness etc. In such a case Qadaa is necessary.
• It is Makruuh (disliked) to use toothpaste while fasting since there is a high possibility of the effects entering the throat. If it enters the throat then the fast is broken and Qadaa is necessary.
• By using a Miswak the fast is not broken.
• If while taking a bath water enters the ear then the fast is not broken.
• If saliva enters the throat and is swallowed then the fast is not broken.
• Taking medication by injection does not break the fast.
• The sweet scent of Lobhan, incense, ‘Itr or perfume does not break the fast. However if the smoke of the Lobhan or incense enters the throat by his action then the fast will be broken and Qadaa is necessary.
• The emission of blood or pus from a wound or pimple does not break the fast even if it is a large amount. It is however disliked to cause the emission of blood in a fasting person.

adapted from message by "♥ HIJAAB-My Right, My Choice, My Life! Hijaab is Freedom- not oppression♥ " group


Monday, August 10, 2009

Ramadhaan Part 3

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

Virtues of Fasting (Saum)


Fasting is a great act of ‘Ibaadah in Islaam which is not done for any physical or medical reason but solely for the pleasure of Allah. The only purpose for which it should be done is the spiritual development and rewards promised by Allah. If it is done for any other reason then this intention will lack ‘Ikhlaas or sincerity.

In a tradition reported by Abu Hurairah (R.A.) the Messenger of Allah (S.A.) said, “Every action of a man increases in its rewards ten times until seven hundred, but Allah says, except fasting, for it is done for Me and I will give its reward as I desire.” (Muslim).

The Law of Fasting in Ramadhaan

Fasting literally means ‘ to abstain’ and in Islaam it means to abstain from food, drink, sexual relations with one’s wife/husband and all other things which can break the fast, from the break of dawn until sunset with the intention of an act of worship. It is therefore essential that the intention of observing the fast be made by the individual.

Observing the fast of Ramadhan is compulsory on an individual basis and is evident from the Holy Quraan which states, ‘The month of Ramadhan is the month in which the Holy Quraan was sent down, a guidance for mankind and clear signs of guidance and a criterion. So whosoever among you is present in this month, let him observe the fast’. (2:183). The Prophet of Allah (S.A.) said, “Islaam is founded on five pillars- To bear testimony that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger, to establish Salaah, to pay Zakaah, to fast in Ramadhan and Pilgrimage to the house of Allah”. (Bukhaarii, Muslim).

Intention of Fasting

Intention of observing the fast is essential upon an individual since it is through this, the fast becomes an act of worship. Once this intention has been made in the heart it is enough, however it is a good act to say it with the tongue also. The intention for observing the fast should be made from the night (i.e. any time preceding the break of dawn of that specific day).

The Intention for observing the fast can be made in the following words:
Nawaitu an a suuma ghadan lil-laahi Ta’aala.
I intend to fast tomorrow for the sake of Allah.
The Dua that can be recited at the time of breaking the fast is:
Allahumma laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa alaika tawakkaltu wa alaa rezqika aftartu.
O Allah for your sake have I fasted and have believed in you and upon you do I put my trust and with Your Sustenance do I break my fast.

adapted from message by "♥ HIJAAB-My Right, My Choice, My Life! Hijaab is Freedom- not oppression♥ " group

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Kalimaat Discount

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

It's rare to see Muslims satisfied with a Muslim product :P

Here is a feedback for Kalimaat game.

Photobucket

Assalammu' Alaikum Bro. Ali,

We received the game on a Saturday around 11:am, I was at work and my son's were home. I received a text from my 9 yr.old telling me that they had played their first round of Kalimaat at 11:45am. By the time I got home (1:pm) there were an additional 4 boys (ages: 8-15) in my house playing the second round, laughing and crying joyfully. It's been a fantastic tool for my boys to share culture, companionship and most importantly respect for each others free agency. We want you to know we love all your video's and show's. We like to claim we are your biggest fans in San Bernardino, California. Another testimony I want to share is our recent escape to Lake Arrowhead Village. We, Emilio/Guillermo and myself, arrived at the village on tuseday afternoon and came upon the toy store there. They had an array of board games and we took the opportunity to tell the store clerk Janet about your game. She took note of your website and game name.


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HalalBuzz, Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291, United States


Thursday, August 6, 2009

Ramadhaan Part 2

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

Virtues of Ramadhaan
Salmaan (R.A.) states that the Messenger of Allah (S.A.) addressed them on the last day of Sha’baan saying: “O people, there comes upon you now a month in which lies a night better than one thousand months. It is a month in which Allah has made compulsory that fasting should be observed by day and has made the ‘standing by night’ a practice. In this month, whosoever draws closer to Allah by any good action, for him shall be such reward as if he had performed a compulsory act at any other time of the year. It is indeed a month of patience and the reward for patience is Paradise.

It is a month of sympathy with one’s fellowmen. It is the month wherein a true believer’s sustenance is increased. Whosoever feeds a fasting person in order to break his fast (at sunset), for him there shall be forgiveness of his sins and emancipation from the fire of Hell, and for him shall be the same rewards as for him (whom he fed) without that person’s reward being diminished in the least. Upon this we said ‘O Messenger of Allah (S.A.), not all of us possess the means whereby we can provide enough for a fasting person to break his fast’. The Messenger of Allah (S.A.) replied, ‘Allah grants the same reward to him who gives a fasting person a single date, or a drink of water or a sip of milk to break his fast. This month the first part of which brings the mercy of Allah, the middle brings His forgiveness and the last part brings emancipation from the fire of Hell.
Whosoever lessens the burden of his servants (bondsmen) in this month, Allah will forgive him and free him from the fire of Hell.

In this blessed month, there are four things you should endeavour to perform in great number, two of which shall be to please your Lord, while the other two shall be those without which you cannot do. Those which shall please your Lord are that you should in great quantity recite the Kalimah ‘Laa ilaaha il-lal-laah’ and make much ‘ Istighfaar’ (seeking Allah’s forgiveness). As for those which you cannot do without, you should beg Allah for entry into Paradise and seek refuge in Him from the fire of Hell.

And whosoever gave a person who fasted water to drink, Allah shall grant him a drink from my fountain such a drink whereafter he shall never feel thirsty until he enters Paradise.” (Reported from Ibn Khuzaimah in his Sahiih and Baihaqii).

adapted from message by "♥ HIJAAB-My Right, My Choice, My Life! Hijaab is Freedom- not oppression♥ " group


Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Moon Sighting Update

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

SHA'BAAN 1430 A.H.
First Night: Night of Thursday 23rd July, 2009
First Day: Day of Friday 24th July, 2009

RAJAB 1430 (AH) - Last Month

The Month of Rajab completed 30 days since the moon to commence the month of Sha'baan was not confirmed as being sighted after the sunset of the 29th day.


RAMADAAN 1430 (AH) - Next Month

The 29th of Sha'baan is Friday 21st August, 2009.
Sighting should be done after sunset of this day.

The new moon (crescent) will be born on Thursday 20th August, 2009 at 6:02 am. Sunset on Friday 21st August, 2009 will be at 6:25 pm. At sunset of this day, the moon will be about 36 hours 23 minutes old and Muslims are reminded to look for the crescent to commence the month of Ramadaan 1430 AH.

If the moon is sighted then the 1st Taraaweeh would be performed on the night of Friday 21st August, 2009 and the 1st Fast would be on Saturday 22nd August, 2009.

If the moon is not sighted then Sha’baan would complete 30 days and the 1st Taraaweeh will be on the night of Saturday 22nd August, 2009 and the 1st Fast would be on Sunday 23rd August, 2009.


Monday, August 3, 2009

Introduction To Ramadhan

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

Ramadhan is indeed a very blessed month, which is filled with great blessings and favors. It is a month in which the mercy and forgiveness of Allah descends immensely to His servants. The blessed traditions of the Prophet (S.A.) inform us that in this month the doors of Hell are closed and the Satans are chained, while the doors of Paradise remain open.

It is certainly a month in which a believer has the opportunity to increase in good deeds and gain rich rewards. It is a month which teaches patience and forbearance, self-restraint and piety. A believer is taught to be charitable, kind and sympathetic to others. By observing the sacred month of Ramadhan, the believer is able to curb his bad habits, which will be of everlasting benefit to him and most of all it helps in the purification of his soul.

We must also understand that Ramadhan is a very special month given to us by our Creator, Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala. We should appreciate this favor from Allah and endeavor to observe the month of Ramadhan with due respect, patience, worship and supplication to Him. Very often, because of the lack of knowledge of how Ramadhan should be observed, the blessed month comes to a completion without much being gained from it. It is therefore extremely important to know what is required of us in this Holy month of Ramadhan, so that it shall truly be a month of great blessings, rewards and a means of achieving piety and closeness to Allah.

adapted from message by "♥ HIJAAB-My Right, My Choice, My Life! Hijaab is Freedom- not oppression♥ " group


Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Loves for his Brother that which he Loves for Himself

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

عـن أبي حـمـزة أنـس بـن مـالـك رضي الله عـنـه ، خــادم رسـول الله صلى الله عـلـيـه وسـلم،عن النبي صلي الله عـلـيـه وسـلـم قــال : ( لا يـؤمـن احـدكـم حـتي يـحـب لأخـيـه مــا يـحـبـه لـنـفـسـه ) .
رواه البخاري [ رقم : 13 ] ، ومسلم [ رقم : 45 ]


On the authority of Abu Hamzah Anas bin Maalik (radiAllaahu anhu) - the servant of the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) - that the Prophet (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) said :

None of you [truly] believes until he loves for his brother that which he loves for himself.


It was related by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim


Explanation of Hadeeth Number 13
This hadeeth has been narrated thus in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree as "for his brother" without any doubt on the part of the narrator, while in Saheeh Muslim the narrator mentions that the wording may have been "for his brother" or "for his neighbour".
The 'ulamaa have said that the meaning of the hadeeth is that the one who does not have this characteristic has not believed with the complete and perfect eemaan, while he has already achieved the basic level of eemaan.

And the intented meaning of "loves for his brother" is those things which are from obedience to Allaah, and the permissible matters, as opposed to the evil or Haraam matters, and this is proved from the narration collected by an-Nasaa'ee which mentions : "until he loves for his brother from the good that which he loves for himself".

Shaykh Abu 'Amr ibn as-Salaah said : And this appears to be something which is difficult/unobtainable, but this is not the case, beacuse its meaning is that the eemaan of one of you is not completed/perfected until he loves for his brother in Islaam that which he loves for himself [and not that he has no eemaan at all until he does so]. And establishing this is obtained through loving that he obtains something good without vying/competing with him in obtaining that thing, meaning that he does not desire any decrease in him of blessing. [This is the opposite of hasad or jealousy, where one wishes that his brother is deprived of a blessing, and that you posses it instead]. And this is easy and attainable for the Pure and Upright heart, but is difficult for the corrupt heart - may Allaah ta'aalaa forgive us and all of our brothers.

And Abu az-Zinaad said : What is apparent from this hadeeth is that one desires for ones brother the same as that which one wishes for oneself, but the real meaning is that one desires for him better than what one wishes for oneself. This is because man always wishes that he is the best of the people [in all things]; so if he loves for his brother what he loves for himself [to be the best], then he has placed his brother amongst the generality of those who are the best. [Also,] do you not see that man desires to receive justice for his rights and injustices done against him ? So if he has completed/perfected his eemaan, and then he sees that he has wronged his brother or his brother has a right upon him, then he makes haste to establish justice in that affair, even if this may cause himself difficulty.

And it is narrated that al-Fudail bin 'Iyaad said to Sufyaan bin 'Uyaynah "If you wish that the people are similar to you then you have not offered to Allaah, the Most Generous, the True Naseehah [sincerity - see Hadeeth 7], so how will it be if you love that they are less than you ?"

And some of the 'Ulamaa have said based upon this Hadeeth that the believer with another believer is like a single soul, and so it is desired that he loves for him that which he loves for himself, since they are as though a single soul. And similar to this has come in another hadeeth : "The Believers are like a single body; if a single limb feels pain, then the whole body along with it suffers with fever and sleeplessness."


Summary :
The hadeeth negates the perfection/completeness of Faith (eemaan) for someone who does not wish for his Muslim brother that which he likes for himself
That a believer will not want something to happen to another Muslim which he would not like for himself

adapted from message by "Implement your Quran and Sunnah Weekly Advice" group


Thursday, July 23, 2009

Knowledge

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

Mu'aadh ibn Jabal (radi'Allaahu'anhu) said:

"Knowledge is a comforting friend in times of loneliness, it is the best companion during travels, and it is the inner friend who speaks to you in your privacy. Knowledge is the discerning proof of what is right and what is wrong, and it is the positive force that will help you surmount the trials of comfort, as well as those of hardships. Knowledge is your most powerful sword against your enemy, and finally, it is your most dignifying raiment in the company of your close companions."

adapted from message by "Deen and dunya" group


Monday, July 20, 2009

The Conditions of 'Laa ilaaha illallaah, Muhammadun Rasoolullaah' - Part 2

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

ACCEPTANCE - QUBOOL

The recognition that Islaam is the Truth must be fulfilled with acceptance against false pride, arrogance and disdainfulness. Adherence to the Qur'aan and the authentic Sunnah (way of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) liberates the believer from blind imitation and secures for him the right approach to understand Islaam.
"And similarly, We sent not a warner before you (O Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) to any town (people) but the luxurious ones among them said: "We found our fathers following a certain way and religion, and we will indeed follow their footsteps." (The warner) said: "Even if I bring you better guidance than that which you found your fathers following?" They said: "Verily, We disbelieve in that with which you have been sent." So We took revenge of them, then see what was the end of those who denied (Islaamic Monotheism)." {43:23-25}

This can only be achieved by the Mercy of Allaah and through following the example set by those whom Allaah is pleased with amongst the Sahaabah (Companions of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) and the Salaf-us-Saalih (the righteous Predecessors who followed their footsteps).



These are the conditions of laa ilaaha illallaah. As for the second part of the declaration, 'Muhammadun Rasoolullaah', then this testimony carries with it the following two implications;

WHATEVER ALLAAH, SUBHAANAHU WA TA'AALAA, HAS INFORMED US ABOUT HIS PROPHET, SALLALLAAHU 'ALAYHI WASALLAM, IN THE QUR'AAN IS TRUE

"O Prophet (Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam)! Verily, We have sent you as witness, and a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner, And as one who invites to Allaah [Islaamic Monotheism, i.e. to worship none but Allaah (Alone)] by His Leave, and as a lamp spreading light (through your instructions from the Qur'aan and the Sunnah.)" {33:45-46}

"Say (O Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam): "I am only a man like you. It has been inspired to me that your Ilaah (God) is One Ilaah (God i.e. Allaah). So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord." {18:110}

"Say (O Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam): "I possess no power of benefit or hurt to myself except as Allaah wills. If I had the knowledge of the Ghayb (Unseen), I should have secured for myself an abundance of wealth, and no evil should have touched me. I am but a warner, and a bringer of glad tidings unto people who believe." {7:188}

"Is it wonder for mankind that We have sent Our Inspiration to a man from among themselves (i.e. Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) (saying): "Warn mankind (of the coming torment in Hell), and give good news to those who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah and in His Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) that they shall have with their Lord the rewards of their good deeds" (But) the disbelievers say: "This is indeed an evident sorcerer (i.e. Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam and the Qur'aan!" {10:2}

THE ONLY WAY TO WORSHIP ALLAAH IS THROUGH THE GUIDANCE AND EXAMPLE SET BY MUHAMMAD, SALLALLAAHU 'ALAYHI WASALLAM
The Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam, is safeguarded by the One above the seven heavens, just as He has assured that the Qur'aan is safeguarded by Him;
"Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (the Remembrance i.e. the Qur'aan) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption)." {15:9}

The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam, was inspired by revelation and never did he utter a word from his desires. Allaah tells us in the Qur'aan;
"Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. It is only an Inspiration that is inspired." {53:3-4}

Therefore, all his actions, sayings, advice, orders, prohibitions etc. all constitute part of the revelation from Allaah which complete the religion of Islaam. Obedience to him is obedience to Allaah so his Sunnah should not be met with any resistance.
"He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam), has indeed obeyed Allaah, but he who turns away, then we have not sent you (O Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) as a watcher over them." {4:80}

"Whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it), and fear Allaah." {59:7}

"And let those who oppose the Messenger's (Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) commandment (i.e. his Sunnah legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements, etc.) (among the sects) beware, lest some Fitnah (disbelief, trials, afflictions, earthquakes, killing, overpowered by a tyrant, etc.) befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them." {24:63}

"But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission." {4:65}

It is through his, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam, example that we will gain the love of Allaah, subhaanahu wa Ta'aalaa;

"Say (O Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam to mankind): "If you (really) love Allaah then follow me (i.e. accept Islaamic Monotheism, follow the Qur'aan and the Sunnah), Allaah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." {3:31}
PRODUCED BY: Message of Islaam

Footnotes:
[1] Along with the acceptance of the second part of the Shahaadah (Muhammadun Rasoolullaah).

[2] This is referring to the Hadeeth of 'Abdullaah ibn 'Umar, radhiyallaahu Ta'aala 'anhu, in which he narrates that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam, said;
"I have been ordered to fight against people until they testify that there is no God worthy of being worshipped but Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah and until they perform the prayers and pay the Zakaah, and if they do so, they will have gained protection from me for their lives and property unless (they do acts that are punishable) in accordance with Islaam, and their reckoning will be with Allaah, the Exalted."
{Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, no.33}

[3] Tayseerul-Ilaah bi-Sharhi adillati shurooti laa ilaaha illallaah (Facilitation by Allaah in explaining the evidences of the conditions of laa ilaaha illallaah) by Shaykh 'Ubayd ibn 'Abdullaah al-Jaabiri. Narrated by Imaam al-Bukhaaree in his Saheeh under the chapter 'Whoever's last words are laa ilaaha illallaah'.

[4] Some of the 'ulamaa, such as Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez ibn Baaz, add an eighth condition that all other deities worshipped besides Allaah must be rejected.

[5] It is reported on the authority of Anas b. Malik that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam, said: "None of you is a believer till I am dearer to him than his child, his father and the whole of mankind." {Saheeh Muslim, no.71}

[6] al-Walaa is defined as the allegiance to Allaah and His Messenger, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam, and it implies that the believer is loyal and loves for the sake of Allaah. Al-Baraa, on the other hand, is defined as disavowal and it implies that the believer has enmity for the enemies of Allaah and His Messenger, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam, and that he hates purely for His sake not for his own personal desires.

[7] Shaykh 'Abdur-rahmaan as-Sa'dee, rahimahullaah, said in al-Qawlus-Sadeed (pp.161-163) in his explanation to the verse of the Qur'aan;

"So call upon Him by them."{7:180};

'The foundation of Tawheed is affirming whatever Allaah affirmed for Himself or whatever His Messenger affirmed for Him, as regards His beautiful Names; being aware of what they encompass as regards their majestic and beautiful meanings, worshipping Allaah by them and calling upon Him with them. So everything that the worshipper seeks from his Lord - whether regarding his worldly or religious affairs - then he seeks it by calling upon Him with an appropriate Name from amongst the beautiful Names of Allaah. So whoever calls upon Him requiring provisions and sustenance, should ask Him by His Name ar-Razzaaq (the Provider). Whoever requires mercy and forgiveness [should call upon Him with His Name] ar-Rahmaan (the Most Merciful), ar-Raheem (the Bestower of Mercy), al-Birr (the Most Kind), al-Kareem (the Most Generous), al-'Afuww (the Pardoner), al-Ghafoor (the oft-Forgiving), at-Tawwaab (the One who accepts repentance), and their like. What is better than this is that calling upon Him by His Names and Attributes is an act of worship providing that the meanings of His beautiful Names are acquired by the hearts, such that hearts are affected by what they signify and are filled with this awareness. So, for example, the Names [signifying] greatness, pride, magnificence and dread, should fill hearts with awe of Allaah and reverence to Him. The Names [signifying] beauty, goodness, kindness, compassion and munificence should fill the heart with love of Allaah, a yearning for Him, praise of Him and gratitude to Him. The Names [signifying] might, wisdom, knowledge and power should fill the heart with submissiveness to Allaah, fear of Him and humility to Him. The Names that [signify] knowledge, being informed, omnipresence, watchfulness and witnessing, should fill the heart with an awareness that Allaah watches over every movement and moment of stillness, and thus makes one guard against having evil thoughts and corrupt intentions. The Names signifying self-sufficiency, richness and beneficence should fill the heart with a realisation of being dependant and in great need of Him, turning to Him at all times and under all circumstances.' {Translation taken from 'The declaration of Faith' by Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan.}

adapted from message by "Islaam is for Mankind - Everyone Enter" group


Friday, July 17, 2009

♥♥ Jumu'ah Mubarak ♥♥

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

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♥♥ JUMU'AH MUBARAK ♥♥


Thursday, July 16, 2009

The Conditions of 'Laa ilaaha illallaah, Muhammadun Rasoolullaah' - Part 1

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

Laa ilaaha illallaah ('There is no deity worth of being worshipped Except Allaah) is known as the first part of the Shahaadah (The Testification of Faith). It is the first principle in the belief in Tawheed (The Oneness of Allaah) and through its acceptance [1]; a person enters the fold of Islaam and his blood, wealth and property become sacred [2]. This declaration is the key to Allaah's Jannah (Paradise) and it has certain conditions which must be met in order for the gates of Jannah to be opened, as attested to by Wahb ibn Munabbih. When he used to be asked by the people, 'Is not laa ilaaha illallaah the key to al-Jannah?' He replied: 'Yes but each key must have teeth. If you come with that which has the right set of teeth, it will open for you, otherwise it will not open." [3]

The 'Ulamaa (Scholars of Islaam) have deduced from the texts of the Qur'aan and Authentic Sunnah, seven conditions of laa ilaaha illallaah [4]. They are;


KNOWLEDGE - 'ILM

Allaah, subhaanahu wa Ta'aalaa, says in Soorah Muhammad;
"So know (O Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) that laa ilaaha illallaah (None has the right to be worshipped but Allaah)" {47:19}

And the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam, said;
"He who dies knowing that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allaah will enter Jannah." {Saheeh Muslim, no.39}

This necessitates that one must have knowledge of this declaration and understand its meaning, its pillars, and implications so that he may know what is required of him and thus benefit by it. It also necessitates knowledge of Allaah, His attributes, His actions, His commandments and prohibitions as well as the correct manner in which to worship Him. It negates ignorance and encompasses man's purpose of creation. The highest form of knowledge is that which leads to the complete dissociation from false deities and the complete devotion of intentions to Allaah alone.




CERTAINTY - YAQEEN

The statement of laa ilaaha illallaah must be uttered with complete certainty and free from any forms of suspicion or doubt regarding its meaning. This condition is mentioned in His saying;
"Only those are the believers who have believed in Allaah and His Messenger and afterward doubt not" {49:15}

And the Hadeeth of the Messenger, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam;
"I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of being worshipped except Allaah and I am His Messenger. The slave of Allaah who would meet Him without harbouring any doubts about this will enter Jannah." {Saheeh Muslim in Kitaabul-Eemaan, 1/41-42}




PURITY OF WORSHIP - IKHLAAS

This condition negates shirk (the association of partners with Allaah). It calls for the acceptance of Islaam with a pure intention and for the performance of all actions sincerely for His sake.
"Say (O Muhammad , sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) "Allaah Alone I worship by doing religious deeds sincerely for His sake only and not to show-off, and not to set up rivals with Him in worship" {39:14}

He who testifies to this declaration with a corrupt intention, or having accepted Islaam, performs a deed in which he seeks some worldly gain has failed to meet this condition. The deed will be rejected and Allaah's anger would be upon him.




TRUTHFULNESS - SIDQ

Truthfulness paves the way for a meaningful understanding of laa ilaaha illallaah as it strengthens the believers drive towards achieving knowledge of his Creator. In addition, the truthful believer will grow in love for Allaah and as a consequence, his heart will become sincere.
"Truly, in the body there is a flesh; if it is sound, the whole body is sound, and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt, and behold, it is the heart." {Saheeh Muslim, no.3882}

In contrast, the heart of the hypocrite is filled with desires and diseases due to the falsehood accompanying their testimony. Allaah says about them;
"They say with their tongues what is not in their hearts." {48:11}




LOVE - MAHABBAH

This love is composed of three elements;

* That the believer loves Allaah and His Messenger, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam, more than anyone else including his own self [5],
* That the believer loves what Allaah and His Messenger, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam, love
* And finally, that the believer hates what Allaah and His Messenger, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam, hate.

This is the true meaning of love in Islaam and these three elements form the foundations behind the concept of al-walaa wal-baraa [6]. It is not enough to simply claim that one possesses this love. Rather, it must be translated into actions through the limbs by following the commands of Allaah and Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam. As a consequence of this condition, the one who truly loves Allaah and His Messenger, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam, will love His deen (religion) and his heart wil be grieved at the actions of the innovators who attempt to corrupt the religion's pure teachings by introducing foreign beliefs into it. Thus, this condition necessitates the negation of following any of the innovators.
It is reported on the authority of Anas that the Prophet of Allaah (may the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: There are three qualities for which anyone who is characterised by them will relish the sweetness of faith: he to whom Allaah and His Messenger are dearer than all else; he who loves a man for Allaah's sake alone; and he who has as great an abhorrence of returning to unbelief after Allaah has rescued him from it as he has of being cast into Hell. {Saheeh Muslim, no.67}

Love of Allaah grows in the heart of the believer as his knowledge of Allaah increases. It is only through knowing the object of love that love can be strengthened and the soul freed from the attachment to this temporal world. There are many ways to know Allaah, through reflecting over His creation and the manifest signs both in the universe and within the verses of the Qur'aan. One of the most effective ways is through studying the Names and Attributes of Allaah. [7]




SUBMISSION - INQIYAAD

The opposite which is eliminated by this condition is rejection. This is fulfilled by obeying Allaah and His Messenger, sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam and safeguarding against that which they have forbidden. They should be obeyed without hesitation or unease, nor should their decrees be evaluated or reasoned. Rather, the true believer submits to the commandents whole-heartedly and is happy doing so, as Allaah mentions in His saying;
"It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allaah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allaah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error." {33:36}

And also in His saying;
"Whoever submits his whole self to Allaah, while he is doing good (i.e. obeys Allaah in all respects) has indeed grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold." {31:22}

Allaah is Our Creator and He alone is perfect in His Knowledge and Wisdom. Thus, He knows that which will benefit man and that which will cause him harm. Therefore, whatever has been sent down in the revelation of commandments and prohibitions, is for guiding the creation to the path of good in this life and the Hereafter. So it is in man's best interest to submit to these commands, to obey them and not to go against them.

adapted from message by "Islaam is for Mankind - Everyone Enter" group


Tuesday, July 14, 2009

THE SURRENDERED MUSLIMAH: MARRIAGE & ETTIQUETES WORKSHOP

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

Delivered by Sister Sara Malik, Surrendered Wife Trainer (UK)*

Date: Saturday 18th July 2009
Time: 10am - 5pm
Cost: £20.00

Venue: Birkbeck College, Malet Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 7HX
Nearest Tube Station: Russell Square


The Prophet saw said: “Everyone of you is a guardian and is responsible for his charges. The ruler who has authority over people is a guardian
And is responsible for them, A man is a guardian of his family And is responsible for them; A woman is a guardian of her husband's house and children And is responsible for them; A slave is a guardian of his master's property And is responsible for it; So all of you are guardians and are responsible for your charges." (Bukhari 730)

During the one-day workshop, women learn all about the concept of ‘surrender’ and unravel the myths around it. Throughout the course of the day, women learn new ways that directly contribute to happiness and intimacy in a marriage; from learning way they could receive better, to looking after themselves more effectively. They explore ways they can express themselves more effectively and how to successfully get their needs met.

The workshop sheds light on how men feel around the topics of control and respect, aswell as helping them realise the significance of showing gratitude in a marriage. Although this workshop does not replace the in-depth investigation that the on-line Seminar provides, it is a perfect introduction into the principles of surrendering, and the ways to go about it.

All women welcome and entrance by bookings only.

To BOOK or for more information please contact:
Tel: 07917 034 530
E-mail: surrenderedwife@islamiccircles.org

Zarreen Ajmal
(Founder)
www.Muslim-Mums.co.uk


Saturday, July 11, 2009

25 Ways to Enter Jannah

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

من لقي الله لا يشرك به شيئاً دخل الجنة -البخاري
1. Whoever meets Allah without ascribing anything to Him will enter Jannah. [Bukhari]

من آمن بالله وبرسوله ، وأقام الصلاة ، وصام رمضان ، كان حقاً على الله أن يدخله الجنة - البخاري
2. Whoever believes (has emaan) in Allah and His Messenger (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam), and establishes the prayer and fasts the month of Ramadan, it is incumbent upon Allah that He enters him in Jannah. [Bukhari]

من بنى مسجداً يبتغي به وجه الله بنى الله له مثله في الجنة -البخاري
3. Whoever builds a masjid seeking by it the Pleasure of Allah, Allah will build for him a similar place in Jannah. [Bukhari]


من صلى البردين دخل الجنة - البخاري
4. Whoever prays the two cool prayers (Asr and Fajr) will enter Jannah. [Bukhari]

من غدا إلى المسجد وراح أعدَّ الله له نزله من الجنة كلما غدا أو راح- البخاري
5. Whoever goes to the masjid (every) morning and in the afternoon (for the congregational prayer), Allah will prepare for him an honorable place in Jannah with good hospitality for (what he has done) every morning and afternoon goings. [Bukhari]

من يضمن لي ما بين لحييه وما بين رجليه أضمن له الجنة -البخاري
6. Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his tongue and his private parts), I guarantee Jannah for him. [Bukhari]

من صلى اثنتي عشرة ركعة في يوم وليلة بُني له بهن بيت في الجنة - مسلم
7. Whoever prays 12 raka’at in the day and night, a house in Jannah will be built for him. [Muslim]


من سلك طريقاً يلتمس فيه علماً سهّل الله له به طريقاً إلى الجنة - مسلم
8. Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Jannah. [Bukhari]


من قال مثل ما يقول المؤذن من قلبه دخل الجنة - أبو داود
9. Whoever repeats after the mu’adhdhin from his heart (i.e., sincerely) will enter Jannah. [Abu Dawud]


ما من أحد يتوضأ فيحسن الوضوء ويصلي ركعتين يقبل بقلبه ووجهه عليهما إلا وجبت له الجنة - أبو داود
10. There is not one of you who perfects his wudu and prays two raka’at setting about them with his heart as well as his face except that Jannah would be mandatory for him. [Abu Dawud]


من قال رضيت بالله رباً ، وبالإسلام ديناً ، وبمحمد صلى الله عليه وسلم نبياًّ وجبت له الجنة - أبو داود
11. Whoever says: “I am pleased with Allah as my Rabb, and with Islam as my Deen, and with Muhammad (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) as my Prophet, Jannah would be mandatory for him. [Abu Dawud]


من كان آخر كلامه لا إله إلا الله دخل الجنة- أبو داود
12. Whosoever last words are: laa ilaaha il Allah, will enter Paradise. [Abu Dawud, Saheeh]


من قال سبحان الله العظيم وبحمده غرست له نخلة في الجنة - الترمذي
13. Whoever says “SubhanAllah al-Adheem wa biHamdihi, Glorified and Exalted is Allah, The Great, and with His Praise”, a date-palm will planted for him in Jannah. [Tirmidhi]


من مات وهو بريء من ثلاث : الكبر ، والغلول ، والدّين دخل الجنة- الترمذي
14. Whoever dies and is free from three: arrogance, grudges and debt will enter Jannah. [Tirmidhi]


من عال جاريتين دخلت أنا وهو الجنة - الترمذي
15. Whoever raises two girls, he and I will enter Jannah. [Tirmidhi]


من أذن اثني عشرة سنه وجبت له الجنة ابن ماجة
16. Whoever calls the adhan for 12 years, Jannah will become mandatory for him. [ibn Maajah]


من سأل الله الجنة ثلاث مرات قالت الجنة : اللهم أدخله الجنة الترمذي
17. Whoever asks Allah for Jannah three times, Jannah will say: “O Allah, enter him into Jannah.” [Tirmidhi]


من عاد مريضاً أو زار أخاً له في الله ناداه مناد أن طبت وطاب ممشاك ، وتبوأت من الجنة منزلاً - الترمذي
18. Whoever visits an ailing person or a brother of his to seek the Pleasure of Allah, an announcer (angel) calls out: `May you be happy, may your walking be blessed, and may you be awarded a dignified position in Jannah’. [Tirmidhi]


إن الصدق يهدي إلى البر وإن البر يهدي إلى الجنة -البخاري
19. Indeed, truthfulness leads to righteousness and indeed righteousness leads to Jannah. [Bukhari]


تكفل الله لمن جاهد في سبيله لا يخرجه إلا الجهاد في سبيله وتصديق كلماته بأن يدخله الجنة - البخاري
20. Allah guarantees him who strives in His Cause and whose motivation for going out is nothing but Jihad in His Cause and belief in His Word, that He will admit him into Jannah. [Bukhari]


أيها الناس ، أفشوا السلام ، وأطعموا الطعام ، وصلوا والناس نيام ، تدخلوا الجنة بسلام -الترمذي
21. O people, spread the salaam (greetings), feed the hungry, and pray while the people are asleep, you will enter Jannah in peace. [Tirmidhi]


العمرة إلى العمرة كفارة لما بينهما ، والحج المبرور ليس له جزاء إلا الجنة - البخاري
22. (The performance of) Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous Umrah; and the reward of Hajj Mabrur (i.e., one accepted) is nothing but Jannah. [Bukhari]


إن لله تسعة وتسعين اسماً مائة إلا واحداً ، من أحصاها دخل الجنة- البخاري
23. Allah has ninety-nine Names, one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Jannah. [Bukhari]


لقد رأيت رجلاً يتقلب في الجنة في شجرة قطعها من ظهر الطريق كانت تؤذي الناس- مسلم
24. I saw a man going about in Jannah (and enjoying himself) as a reward for cutting from the middle of the road, a tree which was causing inconvenience to the Muslims. [Muslim]



اللهم أنت ربي لا إله إلا أنت ،خلقتني و أنا عبدك، و أنا على عهدك و وعدك ما استطعت، أعوذ بك من شر ما صنعت ، أبوء لك بنعمتك عليَّ وأبوء لك بذنبي فاغفر لي ، فإنه لا يغفر الذنوب إلا أنت . من قالها من النهار موقناً بها فمات من يومه قبل أن يمسي فهو من أهل الجنة ، ومن قالها من الليل وهو موقن بها فمات قبل أن يصبح فهو من أهل الجنة -البخاري
25. O Allah, You are my Lord, none has the right to be worshipped except You, You created me and I am You servant and I abide to Your covenant and promise as best I can, I take refuge in You from the evil of which I committed. I acknowledge Your favor upon me and I acknowledge my sin, so forgive me, for verily none can forgive sin except You. “If somebody recites this invocation during the day, and if he should die then, he will be from the people of Jannah. And if he recites it in the night, and if he should die on the same day, he will be from the people of Jannah.” [Bukhari]


Translated from: saaid.net (All narrations not found in Bukhari or Muslim have been verified as authentic by Shaykh Albaani rahimahullah)

adapted from message by "♥ HIJAAB-My Right, My Choice, My Life! Hijaab is Freedom- not oppression♥" group


Friday, July 10, 2009

Listening To Musical Instruments

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

Listening to musical instruments.

Q. Are muslims allowed to listen to string instruments eg. guitar, piano, etc. Some songs sang by Sami Yusuf, he was playing a piano and singing.


A. It is not permissible for Muslims to listen to string instruments. It is haram in Islam.

The four schools of law have stated that it is Haraam (unlawful) to use instruments which brings about entertainment, amusement and melody, like sticks, string instruments like the mandolin, piano, bass drum, drum, tabla, (drumming, drumbeat), single pipe instrument, the fiddle etc.
The Scholars have stated that if a person listens to these instruments, his testimony will be rejected. This is due to the statement of the Prophet (S.A) in which he said, ‘There will be people of my Ummah who would consider intoxicants, swine, silk and musical instruments as being Halaal (lawful)’. (Bukhari)

The Messenger of Allah also said ‘Certainly, there will be people of my Ummah who would consume intoxicants by giving it another name, they would play musical instruments and would listen to singing women. Allah will cause them to sink in the earth and will make from among them apes and swines’. (Ibn Majah, Tirmizi)

Both these traditions have been given as signs of the hour of judgment and they speak about the unlawful actions which will be adopted by Muslims. Hence, the idea of Muslims being entertained and amused by these instruments is from among the condemned actions in Islam.

The Scholars have also used the following verse of the Holy Quran to prove the prohibition of musical instruments. Allah says in Sura Luqman Verse 6, ‘And from among men, there are those who purchase idle talks to mislead (men) from the path of Allah’. While commenting on this verse, the great companion, Abdullah bin Abbass (R.A) said, ‘idle talks’ in this verse means music.

Imam Shafi and Imam Ahmad have also considered the use of sticks (while singing) to be Makrooh (disliked) since it creates amusement.

As for creating special sound effects from the throat, this is also totally Haraam according to all scholars. They have stated that the one who does this is a Faasiq. (Al Fiqhul Islami Vol. 4 Pg. 2665)

In the famous and renowned book of Islamic Law, ‘Raddul Muktar’, it is stated that all musical instruments are forbidden. ( Raddul Muktar Vol. 6 Pg. 348)

As for the ‘steel pan’, this is also forbidden since it is used to create amusement, entertainment and by extension musical sounds.

The prohibition of this can be clearly seen from the fact that the act of beating sticks to create a melody or sound is forbidden, as such, to a greater extent the steel pan will be forbidden. In this regard the jurists have stated, ‘The allowance to beat the Daff for Nikah’ does not bring about the allowance to use other things like the beating of sticks etc. ( Umdatul Qaari – Commentary of Saheeh Al Bukhari Vol. 3 pg. 271)

In the famous book of Islamic Verdicts, Fatawa Bazaziya it is written ‘To listen to drums, tabla etc. is totally unlawful and it is sinful’. It is also an act of transgression (sin) to sit at such places where these can be heard’. (Al Halaal wal Haraam pg. 240)

With respect to the usage of the Daff, (or Duff) it is permissible to use for weddings and other happy (allowable) occasions. However, it must be noted that the Daff is a special small drum, called a tambourine which is sealed at one end. It must not be beaten to create a resounding sound and it should not be used for entertainment and amusement. If it is beaten in this manner then it would not be permissible. The drum that is sealed at both ends is the Tabl (or Tabla) and is not permissible

And Allah knows best.

Mufti Waseem Khan

adapted from message by "♥ HIJAAB-My Right, My Choice, My Life! Hijaab is Freedom- not oppression♥" group


Thursday, July 9, 2009

It Is They Who Will Prosper!

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

Ye are the best of Peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah. If only the People of the Book had Faith, it were best for them: among them are some who have Faith, but most of them are perverted transgressors. Holy Quran 3:110

"But ask forgiveness of your Lord, and turn unto Him (in repentance): for my Lord is indeed full of mercy and Loving-Kindness." Holy Quran 11:90

O mankind! there hath come to you a direction from your Lord and a healing for the (diseases) in your hearts, and for those who believe, a Guidance and a Mercy. Holy Quran 10:57

So give what is due to kindred, the needy, and the wayfarer. That is best for those who seek the Countenance, of Allah, and it is they who will prosper. Holy Quran 30:38

adapted from message by "Help me... Spread the Message of Islam - Holy Qur’an !" group


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