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@Bint e Aisha @ummtaalib Interview with my Teacher, Ustadh Samir Ismail The Revert Experience: Real Challenges, Real Advice (Part 1) New Muslim Essentials: Qur’an, Salah, and First Steps (Part 2) Why Tablighi Jamaat Changed in America? (Part 3)

Allahu Akbar, Walillahil-Hamd First Taraweeh in 88 years will be led by (Maulana) Professor Ali Erbas (HA), himself tonight

As-Salaam alaikum, Have you ever considered the acquisition of the sweetness of faith (Imaan) and that immense enjoyment in the worship (Ibaadah) we do? The pleasure a person finds in his Sallaah impels him to delay his Sajdas. His Zikr of Allah Ta'ala emanates from the deep recesses of his heart... intoxicating him. The requirement for this intoxication and ecstasy is not wine or worldly love; the requirement for this 'high' is neither heroine nor cocaine, it is the Remembrance of his Beloved Lord (Allahu). When he recites the Holy Qur'an, it is as if he is conversing with his Rabb. The Speech of Allah Ta'ala, which he recites, deeply impresses upon his heart and establishes a profound and strong Imaan within him. With a deep hearted enjoyment, he believes that his Lord, Allah, is listening to His Own Kalaam (Speech) from the tongue of His sinful servant. Allahu Akbar! Wa Lillahil-Hamd!!

Read here: https://www-independent-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.independent.co.uk/voices/september-11-guantanamo-bay-war-on-terror-afghanistan-b1917879.html?amp

From Afghan women regarding Afghan women VID_150010127_044805_681.mp4 VID_150010715_052943_075.mp4 VID_150010827_104245_366.mp4

Thank you very much respected Admin for publishing my post. I shall abide by the rules and regulations of this site by the grace of God. Mohammad Rafique Etesam ( shaikhrafiquee)

wa'alaykumus salam warahmatullah I asked and recieved following reply so it can be done but I dont think people with websites would take the risk

This is the stance of Islamic political parties: https://www.dawn.com/news/amp/1641051 I don't know of any Deobandi madrasah in Pakistan that does not hail and support Afghan Taliban. Ghair muqallideen / ahle hadith Ulama also support them. I've heard them showing approval and praising them in their speeches but I don't know if they support them in any other way.

we should ask a scholar knowledegable in these matters

Amount of water used by Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) for wudhu and ghusl Q: How many litres of water would Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) use for wudhu and for ghusl? A: Hazrat ‘Aaishah (radhiyallahu anha) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) used one mudd of water for wudhu and one saa’ for ghusl. One mudd amounts to approximately 1.03 litres and one saa’ is approximately 4.1 litres. And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best. عن أنس رضي الله عنه قال: كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يغسل، أو كان يغتسل، بالصاع إلى خمسة أمداد، ويتوضأ بالمد (صحيح البخاري، الرقم: 201) عن عائشة رضي الله عنهاأن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يغتسل بالصاع ويتوضأ بالمد (سنن أبي داود، الرقم: 92) فتاوى محموديه 8/122 أحسن الفتاوى 4/386 تأليفات رشيديه صـ 245 Answered by: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

At the moment I'm celebrating as well as being wary. Just because they are the Taliban, we shouldn't give them a free pass. In fact they should be held to a stricter standard. It's very early days so let's wait and see how things pan out. I don't know what their justification is in forming a relationship with China, but I'm hoping and praying that it is all in Allah's plan and inshallah we shall see the benefit. My mind keeps thinking back to the treaty of hudaibiya and how it ultimately lead to our benefit. The first time Taliban took over, they allowed the losing side to join Taliban and gave them the same positions they held when they were in opposition to the Taliban. They also allowed the opposition to hold official positions in some areas such as Kabul. I can understand their hikmat behind this, but it backfired. The ex opposition holding positions in the Taliban gained numbers and strength and caused problems for the main leadership, including ameerul mumineen mullah umar (rh). I hope this doesn't happen again. I think this is a very critical time and the Taliban need help and support from our scholars, world leaders, and general awaam.

Nothing ELSE needs to be said about the matter. KHALAS!

No he is not a scholar, just a student of knowledge But I think he can make a lot of contribution in Maliki fiqh discussion

Mufti Muhammad Shafi Explaning following incident with Shaykh al-Hind Moulānā Mahmūd al-Hasan Someone once asked Shaykh al-Hind about the hadith: “The Prophet ﷺ has said that Satan does not pass the road which is used by 'Umar." Because the same or similar was not said in relation to the Prophet ﷺ or Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه), the question naturally arises as to why Satan should have feared Umar (رضي الله عنه) alone, even though both the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) enjoyed a higher status than him. Mufti Muhammad Shafi' said that in responding to any kind of critical question, Shaykh al-Hind would usually commence with a pointed, but humourous kind of remark, before providing a more comprehensive reply. Hence, it came as no surprise that in answer to this question, he opened with a quick-witted observation: "It is Satan's own stupidity. I think you had best ask him why he feared Umar (رضي الله عنه ) more than the Prophet ﷺ or Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه)!" He then cogently proceeded to offer the following explanation: "Superiority and awe are two different things. A superior person may not necessarily be the most dreaded person. In the case of Umar (رضي الله عنه) the quality of awe was a predominant characteristic, and its presence was what the hearts of the people felt most immediately. On the other hand, in the case of the Prophet ﷺ and Abū Bakr (رضي الله عنه), the quality of beauty was what predominated in their characters. Given this contrast, the immediate sense of awe when confronted with 'Umar (رضي الله عنه) is not surprising." [The Great Scholars of the Deoband Islamic Seminary by Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani]

I am not an Arab I am not from the Middle-East I don't speak Arabic But why does Palestine matter to me as a Muslim and as a human? How did we get here through the lens of history? https://youtu.be/RbLEiTbzCqI

Assalaamu ‘alaykum warahmatullah I will try to answer your question to the best of my ability according to what I have learnt in these “billion courses and gazillion articles”. On a side note, these courses and articles are mostly very basic, outlining the maxims for awareness. The only in-depth courses in the UK that I know of were conducted by Ustadhah Hidaya Hartford and Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera sahib. I know there is one in Pakistan which is in Urdu and which many UK sisters have joined. Regarding: Absolutely agree with you. They probably did not even have calendars and definitely no apps and probably did not even need to record their cycles (due to the points I’ll mention below) so no dispute with you or the Mufti sahib you consulted. In order to answer your question regarding, “why this issue is so complex that it needs tables and Apps to track” I will insha-allah first have to explain some important points which have bearing on the answer. I’ll try to be as brief as possible 1 Knowledge of Sahaabiyaat RA compared to women today: The Sahaabiyaat RA lived with none other than the source of all knowledge (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) whom they consulted through his Azwaaji Mutahharaat RA regarding these issues and would therefore be knowledgeable in this regard. Generally, among women today, ignorance of fiqhi issues prevails to the extent that many women are not aware of the faraaidh of ghusl and wudhu – not saying all women are ignorant as Alhamdulillah Allah ta’ala has blessed women great uloom throughout the ages till today 2 Things which Impact menstrual cycles: Allah ta’ala ordained for women to go through the menstrual cycles and post-natal bleeding from day one yes, however women through the ages lived in different environments which impacted their cycles differently. Many things which affect women’s cycles today were unknown in the time of the Sahaabiyaat RA. Various illnesses exist today which were unknown even a few generations ago let alone in the time of the Sahaabiyaat RA. The illnesses themselves or their treatments, medication, etc. affect women’s cycles. Added to that, there are various forms of contraception Muslim women use in our age, almost all of which cause problems with women’s cycles. The food and drink consumed today also affects women’s cycles Stress, anxiety, depression, etc. was most probably unknown in their time and this also affects women’s cycles. All this information can be verified online. 3 For non-Muslim women all of the above does not create any issue whereas the very core of the Deen is affected for Muslim women where their obligatory worship which requires the state of purity is affected (5 daily prayers, fasting of Ramadhaan, the main Tawaf of Hajj). Therefore, Muslim women need to know the basic rules of when they are allowed to continue these obligations and when to refrain and that is why there are so many books, articles and courses. 4 Misconceptions One of the greatest misconceptions that exists among many cultures is LEAVING OUT the obligatory acts of worship which require the state of purity once any type of bleeding begins. This is sinful as there are situations where a woman may be bleeding however it is termed “Istihadha” (Irregular bleeding, invalid bleeding) during which she must continue carrying out those acts of worship. 5 Few facts regarding women’s bleedings Now towards why women need to keep a record of their cycles. The Shari’ah has set out maxims regarding menstruation and post-natal bleeding. A woman’s blood can by one of three types – menstruation (haydh), post-natal (nifaas) or invalid Istihadaha). These maxims help determine which type of bleeding a woman is experiencing and as mentioned before, this impacts her obligatory acts of worship. Women develop “habits” in menstruation and purity and in the bleeding after childbirth. Please remember this point. Everything is simple as long as women’s cycles remain within the limits set out by the Shari’ah. (Note that differences of opinion exist between the Madhaahib and even within the Hanafi Madhab as these are ijtihaadi Masaail) Problems only arise when bleedings are abnormal/invalid. Many women do not experience many problems however problems do usually arise at the following stages of a woman’s life; At adolescence – Girls s begin menstruating at a much younger age than before and some start off with no regular habits and actually experience continuous or intermittent bleeding or spotting without having a complete purity of 15+ days in between bleedings (which separates two bleedings). This is generally a straight forward issue where they are “given” habits in both menstruation (10 days) and purity (20 days) which is used to determine when they can carry on their acts of obligatory worship and when they are required to refrain After child-birth – many women continue bleeding after the maximum 40 days creating confusion regarding acts of worship During menopause – most women experience a total change in their cycles from ages as early as 45 nowadays where bleeding occurs frequently without the required 15+ day purity occurring between bleedings. Use of contraception – is the most common cause of irregular bleeding for women whatever their age Keeping all the above in mind, now the answer to the question: Answer: Any ‘Aalim/Mufti will tell you that previous habits are necessary when blood exceeds the maximum or when it is continuous – by continuous I mean there is no occurrence of a complete purity of 15+ days and this situation can last for months. Experience shows that most women simply stop praying when they experience any type of bleeding or spotting no matter how long it carries on. They only consult Apas when they are made aware by someone with more knowledge. The Mudhillah is a woman who has forgotten her habits (not recorded them). For the Mudhillah the situation can get extremely serious when she suddenly experiences problematic cycles (Hardly any women remember their exact days of previous bleedings and purity as they generally fluctuate) because it is impossible to determine the bleedings without previous habits. In some extreme cases, some women may have to perform ghusl (obligatory ritual bath for full body purification) BEFORE EVERY PRAYER and thereafter repeat it in the next prayer time. However, at these times (in some cases) they may be allowed to take dispensations from other Madahaahib which is an extreme mercy of our Most Gracious Lord! And this is why there are these “billion courses and gazillion articles” so as to educate and empower women in their Deen. And this is the reason why great Fuqahaa of the past have written hundreds of treaties on the subject and as ʿAllaamah Ibn ‘Aabideen Al-Shaami (Rahimahullah) says in ““Manhalil Waarideen min Bihaaril Faydh ‘alaa “Dhukrul Muta-aahileen fee Masaailil Haydh” (The kitab taught by Mufti Abdur Rahmaan Mangera sahib) [the fuqaha have agreed on the mandatory nature of the obligation of knowing the necessary states of a person] This is to have knowledge of that ruling, which a person is in need of, at the time he is in need of it. By learning these rules in these “billion courses and gazillion articles” and following them, women are in fact worshipping their Lord. Isn’t our Deen the most beautiful?! Apologies as I could not answer in just a few sentences and also for saying you were being “Rather selfish” but this is exactly how it appears from your own words however it my not be so.

Aameen to lovely Du'a and its so good to see this topic continued, Jazaakillah Can you please double check the spelling in thsi word ? - ثَوَابَلهُ

Website: http://www.spirituallight.co.za/

There are various learning resources available online. Please refer to this section and see if they are offering Arabic course inshaAllah. http://www.islamicteachings.org/forum/category/169-online-learning-resources/

Rectified motives and reformed children The Honourable Hadith expert of our times, Al-Muhaddith, Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (may Allah protect him) often states that the residents of Madinah Munawwarah regularly make the following du’a: اللّٰهُمَّ أَصْلِحِ النِّيَّةَ والذُّرِّيَّةَ Allahumma aslihin niyyah wadh dhurriyyah Translation O Allah, rectify my intentions and reform my progeny. This brief yet profound du’a is much needed in the world today. Ponder: One who is bereft of the above two bounties will suffer in both Worlds! Intentions and the Selfie Age Unfortunately we live in an era where almost nothing is done without an ulterior motive. It’s an era wherein everything is ’selfied’, be it with a picture or even in text. Without the correct motive, no deed is accepted by Allah Ta’ala, even if that deed be as noble as it gets. We should still be focused on our intentions, instead of broadcasting our achievements! A Rare Breed The need for ‘reformed’ offspring is understood by one and all. Especially in an age where such a blessing is of a rare kind. Fortunate are those who have already achieved this. While many of us still only yearn for that blessing. Let’s include this du’a in our daily supplications, in addition to the physical effort that is needed to achieve the above. Keeping the company of the pious is very effective in achieving these two bounties. Insha Allah we will see great results. May Allah Ta’ala‬‎ accept all our efforts and du’as. Amin al-miftah

Aoudhubillahi minahs shaitan nirrajeem Bismillahirrahmanirraheem Two Characteristics of Nafs or Ego Why do the man like prohibited acts? It can be observed that the man normally develops yearning towards the forbidden acts. There is an online game because of which many youth are committing suicide. Effective measures are being taken to stop this game but people watch with more vigor. The zeal towards the forbidden acts is in proportion to the strength to prevent these acts. Adam (AS) was prohibited from eating the fruit of a certain tree. There were many trees that he (AS) could eat from but he chose to eat from the forbidden tree. When a man is prevented from an act, he becomes greedier of that act. Careful observation show two reasons behind this human behavior: 1) The nafs or ego does not tolerate imprisonment. The nafs is already imprisoned by the physical body and when it is further constrained spiritually, it becomes furious. Voluntarily a man will stay in a house for a month but the moment he was ordered to not come out of the house, he would find it difficult to oblige even for a day as his nafs would become enraged feeling imprisoned and will pressurize him to move out of the house. 2) It is not the tendency of the nafs to obey others and it finds submission and obedience very difficult. Physically it can do the most strenuous acts but mentally it finds it very difficult to submit to any simple command. This is why the biggest religion in this world is worshiping nafs whereby people obey the nafs. In fact the people of this world can be broadly divided into two groups: One group who live by the command of the Lord and the other group who live by the command of their nafs. It is because of these two characteristics of the nafs, the man finds pleasure in forbidden acts but not in permitted acts. Growing beard is very easy and it does not utilize man’s time, energy or money and it does not even hurt his skin but he finds it difficult to grow whereas he will take much effort and spend time, money and go through the pain to cut off the beard which is forbidden. Shariah has freed man from following unnecessary customs in getting married making it easy for him but he finds it difficult to oblige. On the other hand, the man will spend time, energy and waste his hard earned money which he laboriously saved for years in following the customs to please the people suiting the desires of his nafs. Do people really get pleased? Nay! He only earns up jealous people who will harm him. He finds it easy to do the most strenuous acts which will make one wonder because it pleases nafs but the simple easy acts become difficult for him as it goes against his nafs. This is the tendency of the nafs. Go Against the Nafs and Enjoy the Jannah Right in this World Irrespective of the difficulty endured by the nafs, the struggle we put to go against the nafs to please Allah SWT is what will make us attain Jannah. When we struggle against our nafs, Allah SWT will ease our path. If we go after the desires of nafs, there is hell behind its veil and if we abide by Allah’s SWT commands, definitely it is difficult for the nafs but there is Jannah behind its veil. I am not just talking about the Jannah awaiting in the akhirah but we will be able to taste the Jannah right in this world after a period of time if we go against our nafs. When we apply medicine to the wound, initially there will be stinging pain but later we will enjoy the health. Similarly, tolerate the displeasure of nafs in the beginning and later you will enjoy the Jannah of this world. If you do not apply medicine for the wound fearing the momentary pain, the wound will start rotting from inside leading to intolerable pain. Know that if you tolerate the difficulty and displeasures of nafs for Allah SWT, it will bring in the taste of Jannah like how the medicine brings health. Sins will make the Life Hell If you want to see the life of hell, look at the lives of sinners. Depending on the depth of the sin committed, deep is the hell life of the sinner. There are countries which are called paradise of this world but their inhabitants are committing suicide. Why do they commit suicide? Their anxiety, worries and difficulties are so severe like those of inmates of hell who will cry, “Alas! We wish we are dead and become dust and extinct”. Just like these inmates of hell, the sinners of this world become exasperated desiring for death and commit suicide. Can you imagine the level of desolateness, anxiety, insecurity and worries they are experiencing in their lives? In spite of having beautiful weather, house and comforts, why do they commit suicide? Depending on the severity of sins in one’s life, he will feel the heat of the hell in his life. The heat will be less when sin is small and will be more if the sin is big but for certain sins make the life that of the hell. This is as clear as a day brought out by the sun. One cannot be deceived by huge houses, factories or cars as for sure the sins committed by a person would make his life hell. Forbear the Stinging Pain of the Nafs The Quran commands one to save himself, his women and children from the fire. This command was descended on the most intellectual people that ever came on the earth, i.e. the companions of the Prophet SAW. They were commanded to save themselves from the fire of the sins. This fire is not good for your women or children and you cannot overlook their sins. Children are unaware and ignorant of the consequences of sins meted out by their environment but they are heading towards the fire. Believing in Allah SWT and following His SWT commands will definitely be difficult for the nafs but there is health behind this stinging pain and the taste of worldly Jannah behind this difficulty. Those people who are blessed with tahajjud salah or solitude worship in the late nights and in the mornings find them more pleasurable than the tastiest food. The coolness, the tranquility and the pleasure that one feels from these ibaadat (worship) are incomparable. When Hazrat ibn Taymiyyah (RA) was imprisoned and taken towards the prison, he exclaimed, “How wonderful it would be to spend my time in prison in solitude! Now I will enjoy my time of Jannah here.” When the prison guard wondered at his words, he said, “My Jannah is in my heart and it is with me wherever I go.” Who can snatch away Jannah from the hearts granted by Allah SWT? When Allah SWT bestows one deen and purity outwardly and inwardly, he has attained the Jannah of this world. Allah SWT says that such people will have tranquility in their hearts and tranquility is experienced in Jannah too. In the Jannah of this world, the man remains peaceful all the time and in every single state. This is pleasure. So have patience over the difficulty of the nafs when obeying Allah SWT for this pain is only temporary like applying medicine on the wound which will be followed by the enjoyment of eemaan (faith). The heart might desire to backbite and see forbidden things but stop the tongue from maligning others honor through backbiting and stop the eyes from seeing forbidden things. Definitely the nafs would find it tormenting but soon you will feel the coolness. How to control the Nafs? Deal with the nafs just like how a smart patient would deal with the medicine. He aims for good health and eats the bitter medicine and if it is too bitter, he still convinces himself to consume it by adding little sweetness to it or eats something sweet immediately after the medicine so his body accepts it. Do not obey the nafs but deal with it like a smart patient. It also happens that the nafs itself would not like eating certain delicious food because it knows well that it will prevent him from enjoying all other delicious foods. So teach the nafs about the severe loss it would incur if it commits a sin and losing the blessings it is enjoying. This is how a smart believer will hold his nafs. He will fully have the control of the bridle and will not lose the rope from his hand. Sometimes he loosens the rope but will have control over it. As long as the nafs is on the straight path, he will be lenient with it and when it tries to deviate from the path, he tries to bring back with a soft approach and if it doesn’t respond well, he will bring back sternly. He will deal with the nafs like how he would deal with an ignorant wife. When she shows her weakness intellectually, he entertains her by being very considerate. When a wife becomes disobedient, the husband first advices her gently and if the advice fails, he keeps her away from him on the bed and if she still persists in her behavior, he becomes little stern on her. There is no whip greater than firm determination to control the nafs. Be determined that you will not disobey Allah SWT and there is no better whip than determination for the nafs. Let Allah SWT grant His divine help to lead a life pleasing to Him SWT. Ameen -Sheikh Maulana Abdus Sattar (DB): Morning Tarbiati Majlis-29th September 2017.

Taliban Lying: @Bint e Aisha@ummtaalib For those who are still confused about Taliban 2.0 and their lies and deception. Syed Jamal Agha of Taliban tweets about Mufti Abdur-Rahim Saheb (HA) یہ نام نہاد مفتی پاکستانی فوجی رجیم کے حق میں امارت اسلامیہ کے خلاف زبان درازی کر رہا ہے۔ اس کے بارے میں، ایک شہید عالم اور مصنف کا قول نقل کرتا ہوں۔ فرماتے تھے: "یہ شخص نہ تنہا نماز پڑھتا ہے، نہ جماعت کے ساتھ۔" فرماتے"شاید اس لیے کہ اللہ تعالیٰ جادوگر کو نماز کی توفیق نہیں دیتا۔ Allegation: Muti Abdur-Rahim Saheb (HA) does not pray at all (alone or in congregation) and Allah Ta'ala does not accept the prayers of a magician. Jamiatur-Rasheed has between 5,000-10,000 students and around 200+ teachers and Mufti Abdur-Rahim Saheb (HA) spends 10-12 hours daily 6 days a week in public view so you can only believe one of the two below: It is possible for one of the most Senior Shaykhul-Hadeeth of a Darul-uloom to not pray (alone or in congregation) for 40-50 years while in full public view of thousands Taliban are lying!

Recitation by Mu'ayyid al-Mazen Surah 'Āli `Imrān 3:180

When there are heavy winds together with intense darkness, one should recite Surah Falaq and Surah Naas. عن عقبة بن عامر، قال: بينا أنا أسير مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم بين الجحفة، والأبواء، إذ غشيتنا ريح، وظلمة شديدة، فجعل رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يتعوذ بأعوذ برب الفلق، وأعوذ برب الناس، ويقول: يا عقبة، تعوذ بهما فما تعوذ متعوذ بمثلهما (سنن أبي داود، الرقم: 1463) Hazrat Uqbah ibn Aamir (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports: “While I was travelling with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) between Juhfah and Abwa, a strong wind and intense darkness enveloped us. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) began to seek refuge with Allah Ta’ala by reciting Surah Falaq and Surah Naas. He then said, ‘Uqbah, seek refuge with Allah Ta’ala through these two Surahs for none can seek refuge with anything like these two Surahs.’” ihyauddeen.co.za

The Great Tābi' Sayyidunā Thābit al-Bunānī (رحمه الله) kissed the hand of The Sahābī Sayyidunā Anas bin Mālik ( رضي الله عنه ) and then placed it on his face, saying: 'This is the hand that touched the hand of The Messenger of Allāh صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم.' [adh-Dhahabī; Mu'jam 1/73/58]

Ibn al-Jawzi [رحمه الله] said: «ﻣﻦ ﺃﺣﺐ ﺃﻻ‌ ﻳﻨﻘﻄﻊ ﻋﻤﻠﻪ ﺑﻌﺪ ﻣﻮﺗﻪ: ﻓﻠﻴﻨﺸﺮ ﺍﻟﻌﻠﻢ.» ❝Whoever loves that his actions are not severed after he dies, then he should spread knowledge.❞ [At-Tadhkirah, (No. 55) | Translated By Abbas Abu Yahya Miraath al-Anbiyya]

[matn ibn Ashir, a Maliki fiqh book]

Roles & Responsibilites towards each other Both the husband and wife have duties and responsibilities towards each other. Duties of the husband A man asked the Prophet, “What are the right of the woman over her husband?” He said, “That he should feed her as he feeds himself and clothe her as he clothes himself; he should not strike her on the face nor disfigure her, and he should not abandon her except in the house (as a form of discipline).” (Ibn Majah) "The best of you is the best to his wives, and I am the best of you to my wives” (Tirmidhi) It is the husband’s responsibility to provide for his wife – food, clothes and shelter- according to his means even if the wife is rich and has her own money. He must also provide household items and her personal items. It is also his duty to treat her well with justice. Regarding living quarters, he must provide something where she has privacy if the couple are living with others i.e. a room within the house where no one enters Women are made from the Rib The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhiw asallam said, "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not hurt (trouble) his neighbor. And I advise you to take care of the women, for they are created from a rib and the most crooked portion of the rib is its upper part; if you try to straighten it, it will break, and if you leave it, it will remain crooked, so I urge you to take care of the women." (Bukhari) The ribs play a very important part in our body protecting the vital organs of the body. They are made from bone and cartilage which helps in expanding and detracting during respiration. The characteristics of women are very similar to how the rib is. As women we change roles as we go along i.e. mother, wife, sister, daughter, teacher, etc. We are resilient, flexible and accommodating. We are shock absorbers who help our spouses and children in times of anxiety. Many women are above their heads in stress yet still carry on. Allah ta’ala gives this strength and has made us so we are conducive to who we are in life so this should make us confident however we should seek His help and make Du’a for ease. Men ar Caretakers of women Allah says in Surah NIsaa', verse 34, "Men are overseers over women because Allah has given the one more strength than other, and because men are required to spend their wealth for the maintenance of women" قَوَّام is an intensive form of verb and قائِم is one who is responsible / caretaker of everything. The form قَوَّام is more comprehensive than قائِم. It combines the physical protection and financial maintenance as well as moral responsibility a man has over his family. Therefore, it means men shall take full care of women, mentally, physically and financially regardless of whether he likes it or not. It does not have anything to do with men treating women like they are masters and women are slaves. The standard role of a man regarding women has been mentioned in this verse however we all know women can become queens of their homes too but because Allah ta’ala has given men this responsibility as a primary caretaker of the household, then we need to give respect to that rule. There will be discord when women step into this role as some women (especially as a first born who was given responsibilities) step into this role after marriage. In any organisation or system, big or small, there can be only one Imam. There cannot be two Imams making decisions at the same time. Allah ta’ala, in His infinite wisdom selected men for this responsibility because it is in their natural capability. Women who understand this will be confident of the roles given to men and women by Allah ta’ala as our Deen is designed to make every aspect of our lives successful. Having no rules or boundaries and following the Nafs leads to broken homes. Men also often get frustrated with some of the habits of women especially those related to the monthly cycle of women. Though we are made that way by Allah ta’ala, it does not give us the right to be disrespectful. We should take an account of ourselves and try to be less emotional. Having said that it is not fair of husbands to demand their wives to be less emotional or for their wives to be any particular way because just as a rib cannot bend any further than what Allah ta’ala has designated, women too are created a certain way and cannot be changed further than what Allah ta’ala has designated. Duties of the wife It is Waajib for the wife to be obedient to her husband except when he orders you to disobey Allah as there is no obedience to anyone in the disobedience to Allah. She must guard her chastity and his possessions when he is away She should look after the household duties and children while the husband works. This does not mean she is his slave. She should do it with love to please Allah. Rule regarding housework If the wife comes from a home where they employed someone to cook, clean, etc. then it is Waajib on the husband to employ someone for her to do the housework. If she comes from a home where the women of the house did the housework then he does not have to employ someone for her to do the housework. Respect for the Husband Nabi sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “It is not appropriate for anyone to prostrate to anyone else. If it were appropriate for anyone to prostrate to anyone else, I would have instructed the wife to prostrate to her husband, because of the great rights that Allah has given him over her.” Pleasing Husband leads to Jannah “Any woman who passes away and her husband is pleased with her will enter Jannah” (Tirmidhi) “If a woman prays her five prayers, fasts her month of Ramadan, guards her chastity, and obeys her husband, she will enter Paradise from any gate she wishes.” Someone asked, which of women is best? Nabi sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “The one who makes (her husband) happy when he looks at her, obeys him when he tells her to do something, and does not disobey him with regard to herself or her wealth in a way that he dislikes.” (Nasai) Allah designated the Roles & Responsibilities Allah ta’ala gives roles to those who are best at them. We as women need to be very content that our role is designed by Allah ta’ala because He is all-Wise and All-Knowing. We should be confident that this is what we need to perfect our Imaan. We are the future of the Ummah and we can change our Ummah with our character. We need to play the roles given to us by Allah ta’ala and Nabi sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam and stop being what other people want us to be. Advises for the wife Be loyal Do not be disobedient Dress up/perfume yourself for husband Do not demand clothes, jewellery, etc. especially of he cannot afford it Do not use foul language, anger or remind the husband about favours you may have done or mistakes he may have made Be polite and serve his parents and family – treat them as your own Polygamy It is permissible for a man to have up to four wives however he must treat then with justice and equality in everything. All his wives will have the same rights over him

Dealing with an abusive father I would like to ask if your father abuses you as a child and has hurt you and beat you up leaving you with marks to go to school and has abused you since a little child to the point you felt like you worth nothing and you didn’t do anything to deserve what had happened to you and he later abandons you because he believes that you disrespected him, when all your life he made you feel as if everything was your fault when it wasn’t and mother of that child even knows that because she has been abused as well. Since 14 the child’s family has been divorced and the father has used Allah swt for his wrong doings and has been very cultural. I read a hadith saying that cutting off ties who are blood related and not being helped will not enter paradise and this whole time this person has not been helped or supported and abandoned since 14 years old from his father.This child lives with his mother who has supported him. My question is what should this person do , what should the one do who has been abandoned, not been supported, and been abused by his father? This person is good and loves Islam and tries his best to be good and has been making dua and praying for his father but is still full of pain, while his father doesn’t feel at all he has done anything wrong and feels nothing towards this child. Is this kid at fault? Is the child in a state of getting bad deeds because of this problem? Is there any way to get closer to Allah swt to get rid of this pain? Answer: In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah. May Allah’s peace and blessings shower upon our beloved Messenger. Dear Questioner, I pray that this message finds you in a state of strengthened iman and renewed spirits. Children who have suffered abuse often blame themselves, seeking to find some explanation for the abuser’s behavior. Please understand this: You are not at fault for what happened! No parent has the right to abuse his or her child. Allah Most High has entrusted parents with a tremendous amana or trust: raising, nurturing, and loving a human being, and teaching that child about his or her religion. When a parent violates this trust through abuse, be it physical, mental, or emotional, or neglects his or her child through abandonment or non-support, these actions constitute enormities, major sins in the sight of Allah Most High. The abusive and negligent parent will have much to answer for on the Day of Judgment, when Allah Most High knows what we have done, down to an atom’s weight of good or evil. It is obligatory for that parent to repent to Allah Most High and beg His forgiveness for violating the responsibility with which he or she was entrusted. You are right to continue to pray for your father. Allah Most High hears and responds to our prayers, often in ways that may not be immediately apparent. A crucial first step in resolving your anger toward your father is to pray for him. It is completely natural that you have a certain amount of resentment. The thing to remember is that: 1. You are not at fault. A child does not ask to be abused. 2. Your father is answerable to Allah Most High for what he has done. 3. Resentment and bitterness can tear a person’s heart. You don’t want to be weighed down by these feelings, so strive to put things in perspective and move on with your life. Alhamdulillah, you have a mother who seems to have looked out for you. 4. Yes, you will feel pain, but you can channel these feelings in a different direction. Allah willing, when you start your own family, you will know what NOT to do in raising your children. 5. As far as your relationship with your father is concerned, you can still maintain family ties by praying for him and being good to him, but you MUST NOT subject yourself to any type of abuse. The Prophet, peace be upon him said, “A person should help his brother whether he is an oppressor or an oppressed. If he is the oppressor he should prevent him from doing it, for that is his help; and if he is the oppressed he should be helped (against oppression).” [Sahih Muslim, Book 32, Number 6254] 6. Last but certainly not least, you may want to seek the help of a qualified counselor or therapist to help you work through these issues. The effects of child abuse can linger well into adulthood, and it may be of benefit to learn some strategies for coping with your pain, learning from it, and moving beyond. Turn to Allah Most High in all your thoughts and prayers. Be constant in your obligatory prayers and perform voluntary worship. It is reported in a Hadith Qudsi: On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah (mighty and sublime be He) said: ‘Whosoever shows enmity to someone devoted to Me, I shall be at war with him. My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him. When I love him I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him, and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it. I do not hesitate about anything as much as I hesitate about [seizing] the soul of My faithful servant: he hates death and I hate hurting him.'” [Bukhari]

As-Salaam alaikum, Abu Fayd Thawban Ibn Ibrahim Dhu'l Nun al-Misri, may Allah be Merciful to him, was asked about love. He responded:-- "It is to love that which Allah loves, to hate that which Allah hates, to perform all good, to reject anything that busies you from Allah, and not to fear any blame for the sake of Allah, while being gentle with believers, stern with disbelievers, and to follow the Messenger of Allah in matters of religion." ( Abu Nu'aym in Hilyatul-Awliya, 9/394)

Question Is it true that Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) asked forgiveness for himself, his mother and for anyone who asked for forgiveness for them. Answer Yes, this is recorded by Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) in his book: Al-Adabul Mufrad, Hadith: 37. After citing this narration, Imam Muhammad ibn Sirin (rahimahullah) said: ‘I also seek forgiveness for them two, so that I may be included in Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah’s du’a too.’ And Allah Ta’ala Knows best, Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar Source: Hadithanswers

Please click on the title to go to the relevant subjects WOMEN'S Issues during Hajj & Umrah What Are The Differences Between A Male And Female When Performing Hajj? Queries and Conditions Concerning Female Pilgrims Women performing Hajj during menses Women trimming each other’s hair in Hajj How much hair does a female required to cut? Are Women Required to Wear Certain Types of Clothing and Colors During Umrah and Hajj? Is It Permissible For A Woman To Wear Jewellery In The State Of Ihram? How Should A Menstruating Woman Perform Hajj? Covering The Face Of A Woman In The State Of Ihram Q/A Taking Pills In Hajj to stop Menstruation Hajj Without A Mahram? Women Performing salaah in the Haram of Makkah Tawāf Al-Ziyārah & Haydh (Menstruation) Omitting Tawaaf-e-Widaa’ due to Haydh or Nifaas

Definitely as its on fear of Alah ta'ala that makes a person be just behind closed doors

Shortcut to Gaining on Laylatul Qadr Hazrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Daamat Barakaatuhu) mentioned: Nowadays we always look for shortcuts and an easy way to get our work done. So what is the shortcut and easy way to gain the maximum on Laylatul Qadr. Two ways come to mind: 1) The night starts from Maghrib (sunset) and ends at subah saadiq. Normally we are still fresh and have control of the time between Maghrib and Esha and by the time taraaweeh is over we are tired. Hence, maximise by doing ‘ibaadat after Maghrib. 2) We are advised in the hadeeth to recite this du‘aa on Laylatul Qadr: “Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni” (O Allah! You are the One who forgives and You love forgiving. So do forgive me.) Hence, in the intervals between every four rakaats in Taraaweeh Salaah, you can easily recite this du‘aa approximately 10 times.

يَوْمَ تَرَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَسْعَىٰ نُورُهُمْ بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَبِأَيْمَانِهِمْ بُشْرَاكُمُ الْيَوْمَ جَنَّاتٌ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ هُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ On the Day of Judgement you shall see the true believing men and the believing women, with their light shining before them and on their right hands, and it will be said to them: "Rejoice today, you shall enter the gardens beneath which rivers flow, in which you shall live forever, and that is the highest achievement." [Surah Hadeed: 12] Ways to attain Noor Mufti Shafi’ (Rahimahullah) has compiled a list of ways to earn Noor in Ma’aariful Qur’an. (For references of these ahadeeth, refer to the Tafseer of this verse (Hadeed: 12) in Maarif al Quran) “Give glad tidings to those who go to the mosque in the darkness of night that they will receive perfect light on the Day of Judgment.” “He who takes care of his five daily prayers [that is, performs them regularly fulfilling all their essentials], it will serve as light, proof and salvation for him on the Day of Judgement. He who fails to take care of it, there will be no light, nor proof or salvation for him on the Day of Judgement. The latter will be in the company of Qarun, Haman and Fir’aun.” “Whoever recites Surah Al-Kahf, there will be so much of light for him on the Day of Judgement that it will spread from his place to Makkah.” In another narration, “Whoever recites Surah Al-Kahf on a Friday, light will extend from his feet to the heights of the heaven on the Day of Judgment.” “Whoever recites just a single verse of the Quran, it will be a light for him on the Day of Judgement.” “Whoever sends salah (durood) to me, it shall be the cause of light on the Bridge of Sirat.” “The hair, that falls on the ground at the time of shaving it when coming out of the state of ihram, will be a light for him on the Day of Judgement.” “Stoning the Jamaraat in Mina will be a light on the Day of Judgement.” “He whose hair turns grey in Islam, it will be a light for him on the Day of Judgement.” (i.e. he remains steadfast on Islam for his whole life) “He who shoots even one arrow in Allah’s way while fighting in jihad, it will be a light for him on the Day of Judgement.” “He who remembers Allah in the marketplace will receive light for every strand of hair on the Day of Judgement.” (markets being the places where the temptations of dunya manifest themselves) “He who alleviates the calamity of a Muslim, Allah will create two compartments of light for him at the bridge which will brighten up a whole world. No one besides Allah knows its number.”

Q: What is the Islamic perspective on modelling, photography and photoshoots in Islam? Is it Haraam or is it permissible for a male or female to earn a living as a model and appear in fashion shows? A: Working as a model and appearing in fashion shows is totally haraam in Islam as it incorporates a host of activities which contravene the laws of Shari'ah. Below we will explain some of the wrongs and evils tied to this profession: 1. Modelling and fashion shows generally aim to promote the latest styles and designs in fashion. Hence, in an effort to boost their market and make their new fashions appealing, every effort is made to cater for the demands of their clientèle. Nudity and lewd conduct, wine and music, intermingling of men and women etc. are but a few of the many wrongs found in such gatherings. 2. Photography and videoing are an integral part of modelling. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: إن أشد الناس عذابا عند الله يوم القيامة المصورون (صحيح البخاري 2/880 ، صحيح لمسلم 2/201) Those involved in picture-making will be subjected to the worst forms of punishment on the day of Qiyaamat. (Bukhari 2/880, Muslim 2/201) 3. The Deen of Islam is a Deen which rests on the bedrock of simplicity and hayaa (shame and modesty) in all spheres of a person's life. Whether relating to his domestic, social or economic life, Islam strongly advocates adopting the values of simplicity and hayaa (shame and modesty) to the highest levels. One is thus required to display simplicity and hayaa in his/her dressing, behavior and conduct among people. The modest clothing that Islam commands a woman to wear even when she is in the confines of her home diametrically opposes the body-hugging and revealing clothing promoted by the western culture. Apart from this, the one modelling for a photoshoot or walking down the catwalk - at the time when the music is being played and the videoing is taking place - is required to show off and make an expression of his/her beauty in such clothing. This conduct and behaviour opposes the very core of the Islamic teachings. Islam instructs one to refrain from boastfulness and pride at all times and to adopt humility in all facets of life. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: لا يدخل الجنة من كان في قلبه مثقال ذرة من كبر (ترمذي رقم 1999) The one who has an iota of pride will never enter paradise. 4. Most of the time, the clothing promoted in modelling is of such a nature that it allows a woman's satar and many parts of her body to be either exposed or discernible. At times, the woman modelling is required to model in unisex clothing or clothing worn by men, whereas the Hadith has condemned and severely cursed a woman that dresses like a man and vice versa. The Hadith has similarly cursed women who reveal and expose parts of their bodies before non-mahram men in a seductive manner with the aim of luring them towards themselves. In modelling, all these wrongs are clearly visible. When this is the grave condition of people who attract the divine wrath of Allah Ta'ala, we can well imagine the condition of all those who congregate at fashion shows to promote such wrongs and to view such women. Below are the Ahaadith that warn us of the serious consequences of such sins. عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما قال لعن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم المتشبهين من الرجال بالنساء والمتشبهات من النساء بالرجال رواه البخاري وأبو داود والترمذي والنسائي وابن ماجه والطبراني (الترغيب والترهيب رقم 3139) It is reported from Hadhrat ibn Abbaas (radhiyallahu anhuma) that Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) had cursed those men who emulate women and those women who emulate men in their dressing, etc. عن أبي هريرة قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم صنفان من أهل النار لم أرهما قوم معهم سياط كأذناب البقر يضربون بها الناس ونساء كاسيات عاريات مميلات مائلات رؤوسهن كأسنمة البخت المائلة لا يدخلن الجنة ولا يجدن ريحها وإن ريحها ليوجد من مسيرة كذا وكذا. (مسلم 2/383) Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (Radiyallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “There will be two groups (in my ummat) who will be punished in Jahannum whom I have not yet seen (i.e. they will emerge after my demise). One group will carry whips with them, resembling the tails of cattle, with which they will (oppressively) lash the people. The second group will be those women who despite wearing clothes will still be naked (i.e. they will wear tight fitting or transparent clothing). They will attract men to themselves, and they themselves will be inclined towards them. Their heads will resemble the humps of the Bukhti camels (i.e. they will wear buns which will be high like camel humps). They will neither enter Jannah nor smell its fragrance, despite its fragrance being perceivable from a great distance away.” 5. Islam views women as being invaluable and extremely precious. Islam has thus exalted them, making them the queens of their homes. They are instructed to remain within the confines of their homes where all their needs will be fulfilled and taken care of by the men. Men have been tasked with the responsibility of fulfilling the needs of their wives and families and thus they have been commanded to leave the home in order to earn a living. The western culture has dragged women out of their homes under the pretext of gender equality and made them shoulder the obligations and responsibilities of men. In this way, apart from having to play her own role in life (cook, tend to the children, see to the house chores, etc), she also has to play the role of the man and therefore carries a double burden. Hence, we see that the west, by dragging women out of their homes into the market places, have reduced the position of women from a queen to a slave who has to serve all and sundry. This is nothing but a plan to take advantage of women, thereby stripping them of their respect and dignity. How many women are robbed of their chastity and respect in the work place by men who manipulate them and take advantage of them? In this way, we find that the west has debased and degraded women and reduced them to a mere advertising tool to market their products. Hence, we find that her picture is sold to companies in order to be plastered on mundane items such as toothpaste, soaps, cereals, etc. Accordingly, she is modelled before all and sundry in order to make their product sell in the market. This is nothing but gross injustice towards women. True respect, honour and dignity can only be attained by following the pristine, pure teachings of Islam and the mubaarak sunnah of Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). If we seek honour and respect elsewhere, we will bring nothing but disgrace and humiliation to ourselves. Hazrat Umar (Radiyallahu Anhu) has emphasized: إنا كنا أذل قوم فأعزنا الله بالإسلام فمهما نطلب العز بغير ما أعزنا الله به أذلنا الله (حاكم #207) "We were the most disgraced of people. Allah Ta'ala then gave us honour through Islam. If we ever seek honour in something besides that through which Allah Ta'ala has honoured us (Islam), Allah Ta'ala will disgrace us." Hence, from the abovementioned discussion, the severe Deeni harms and consequences for the one who undertakes modelling or even participates in a modelling show as a spectator are quite clear. And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best. Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

New Zealand Attack 5 Things Muslims Must Know Everyone has heard of the atrocity that took place in New Zealand on Friday the 8th of Rajab 1440, corresponding to 15th March 2019. The harrowing terrorist attack on two Masājid left at least 50 innocent Muslim worshippers killed and scores more injured. As the dust begins to settle and the world begins to come to terms with this egregious event, below we outline some key lessons to equip Muslims around the world and particularly in the West with the appropriate mind-set moving forward. 1. We have to have Active Patience We begin by offering our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were killed and injured. We exhort Muslims to embrace active patience (Sabr), rather than passive patience. The latter is to passively accept the news of a calamity because one is left with no choice; whereas active patience is to internally accept and be content that it happened by Allāh’s pre-ordained decree, thereby attaining the fullest reward. On that form of patience, Allah says in the Qur’ān: “We will test you with a certain amount of fear and hunger and loss of wealth and life and fruits. But give good news to the steadfast: Those who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘We belong to Allāh and to Him we will return.’ Those are the people who will have blessings and mercy from their Lord; they are the ones who are guided.” (2:155-157) All communities are likewise affected by tests of this nature. Shootings at the hands of extremists are sadly commonplace in the world, harming Muslims and non-Muslims. Each and every community has borne a share of this pain. It is, however Allah’s blessing on us that we enjoy comforting hopes of immense rewards and compensation in the hereafter we believe in, something many other communities may not internalise. As Allah says: “…If you feel pain, they too are feeling it just as you are, but you hope for something from Allah which they cannot hope for. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.” (4:104) New Zealand’s victims were killed in the Masjid, the most beloved place to Allah, on a Friday (Jumu’ah), the most beloved day to Allah, during the Salah beloved to Allāh. May Allah shower them with His immense mercy and elevate their status in Jannah. We also ask Him to give them the best recompense for their families and loved ones. 2. Islamophobia is not new The first point to note is as the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils elucidated precisely, moments after the event: “This massacre today is the product of the ever-increasing Islamophobia and marginalisation of Muslims and is a reminder to all concerned, including political leaders and media commentators, of the horrific consequences that an atmosphere of hate and division can lead to.” Those same white supremacist structures and trends have for decades forced the international community to scapegoat and focus on so-called “Islamic extremism” as a fosterer of terrorism. Countless programmes, schemes, curriculums, conventions and even large-scale military operations have been conducted on the back of this current iteration of the ancient Orientalist myth. Is there an equivalent amount of focus on the driving forces of terrorism committed against Muslims internationally, despite being on the receiving end of most terrorism? Are such anti-Muslim atmospheres and catalysts being criminalised in the same way? Clearly not. 3. We fear only Allah Despite the first point above, we should not allow fear to penetrate our hearts and reside therein. Such fear is of the worst enemies of man and is a sensation that can destroy them even before anything transpires. Apart from natural, temporary fear, we as Muslims should strive to drive out every other fear existing in our hearts save that for Allah the Almighty: “Those to whom people said, ‘The people have gathered against you, so fear them.’ But that merely increased their Iman and they said, ‘Allāh is enough for us and the Best of Guardians.’” (3:173) We should never allow our emotions to take control of our reactions. On the one hand, we should not behave as if we were anticipating such events in order to continue mourning. Some Muslims treat mourning as an objective and presume that the more we mourn, the better and this absolutely wrong. 4. They are not all the same We should not presume, that all white non-Muslims approve of or celebrate this crime, or allow our words or reactions to emit such an assumption. Yes, there are indeed white supremacists, Christian extremists, Neo-Nazis and others today who hold considerable jealousy and ancient hatred for Islam and Muslims, that has precipitated in acts and policies of barbarism for hundreds of years. But just as there is a long tradition of hatred of Islam and Muslims in western Europe, there have also been a number of enlightened thinkers, policy makers and average citizens who opposed this shameful history, who are neutral (if not warm to Islam) and desire justice for all—including Muslims. In the Qur’an, Allah confirms this diversity and cultivates in us this lens of justice when forming our presumptions about members of wider society: “And among the People of the Scripture is he who, if you entrust him with a great amount [of wealth], he will return it to you. And among them is he who, if you entrust him with a [single] silver coin, he will not return it to you unless you are constantly standing over him [demanding it]. That is because they say, “There is no blame upon us concerning the unlearned.” They tell a lie against Allah while they know [it].” (3:75) 5. Now is the time to reach out We should utilise this challenge as an opportunity to give Da’wah to non-Muslims. Many are now sympathising with Muslims, others want to know more about Islam; why we gather for sermons and Allah’s worship on Fridays, why we are calling those killed ‘martyrs’ and why we strengthen one another as to their going to a ‘better destination’ despite the grave worldly losses. Now is the opportune time to address this curiosity. We ask Allah to forgive us and those who preceded us in faith and to shower his mercy and forgiveness on the victims of this horrific atrocity and all of those killed unjustly around the world. Ameen. https://jamiat.org.za/new-zealand-attack-7-things-muslims-must-know/ Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Fasting on the 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th of Muharram (As the element of tashabbuh (emulation) of the Jews is no longer found) Q: I was recently informed by a friend that there is no need to fast on the 9th or 11th of Muharram together with the 10th in this era, as the element of tashabbuh (emulation) of the jews is no longer found. Is this correct? A: Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) commanded the ummah to fast on either the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th of Muharram, in order to oppose the Jews who only fasted on the 10th. Though opposing the Jews was the initial reason for Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) commanding the ummah to fast an extra day, once this practice has become a sunnah, it will not change, even if the Jews of today do not fast on the day of Aashura. There are certain sunnah practices which the Sahaabah were commanded to carry out for certain reasons. However, despite those reasons no longer remaining in today’s times, since these practices have become practices of Deen, they will remain Sunnah for the rest of time. One such example is that of ramal in the tawaaf of Hajj and Umrah. In the Mubaarak era of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), when Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and the Sahaabah came to Makkah Mukarramah to perform umrah, the Sahaabah were commanded by Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) to make ramal during tawaaf to show the mushrikeen of Makkah their bodily strength and might. The mushrikeen were under the impression that the Sahaabah had become very weak through staying in Madinah Munawwarah (as the climatic conditions of Madinah Munawwarah prior to the hijrat of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) were not conducive to good health and people would fall ill and succumb to sicknesses very easily). Despite this reason no longer remaining after the demise of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), ramal is still carried out as a sunnah practice in the tawaafs. عن زيد بن أسلم عن أبيه قال : سمعت عمر يقول : فيم الرملان الآن وقد أطأ الله الإسلام ونفى الكفر وأهله وأيم الله ما ندع شيئا كنا نفعله على عهد رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم ( سنن ابن ماجه ص211) Hazrat Zaid bin Aslam (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports from his father who mentioned: I once heard Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) saying, “Why do we need to make ramal presently, whereas Allah Ta‘ala has strengthened Islam and banished disbelief and the people of disbelief? (Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) thereafter explained the reason for the practice of ramal remaining) By the oath of Allah! We will not abandon a practice which we would carry out during the blessed era of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).” It should be borne in mind that at times the Sunnah will be established through the Mubaarak words or actions of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and at times it will be established through the tawaaruth and taaamul of the ummah (i.e. a practice existing in the Mubaarak era of Sahaaba and continuing in the ummah throughout the centuries of Islam till this day). When we view the issue of fasting for two days in the Mubaarak month of Muharram, we realize that it conforms to the taamul of the the ummah throughout the centuries of Islam and will therefore continue to be practiced in this manner. Hence, even if the Jews of today do not fast on the day of Aashura, the sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) regarding fasting on the 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th will not change. It is for this reason that the Fuqahaa have declared that fasting only on the day of Aashura is makrooh. (For further details on this issue, refer to http://muftionline.co.za/node/21912). And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best. Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Assalamu alaikum warahmatullaahi wabarakatuh Hey, I'm just looking at these images, sooo many of them MashaAllah :)

Listening to Quran Listening to recitation is the perfume of the souls, the calmer of hearts, and the food of the spirit. Is is one of the most important psychological medicines. It is a source of pleasure, even to some animals – and pleasure in moderation purifies inner energy, enhances the functioning of the faculties, slows down senile decay by driving out its diseases, improves the complexion, and refreshes the entire body. Pleasure in excess, on the other hand, makes the illnesses of the body grow worse. Abu Nu’aim states, in his Tib an-Nabbi, that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said that the benefits of listening to recitation are increased when it is understood – that is, when its meaning is understood. Allah Himself says: …so give good news to My slaves, those who listen to the word and then follow the best of it…(Qur’an: 39.17-18) Source: As-Suyuti’s Medicine of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) Haqislam

"If it had not been for the grace of Allah and His mercy ye would have followed Satan, save a few (of you)" Surah 4. An-Nisaa, Ayah 83 وَإِذَا جَاءَهُمْ أَمْرٌ مِنَ الْأَمْنِ أَوِ الْخَوْفِ أَذَاعُوا بِهِ ۖ وَلَوْ رَدُّوهُ إِلَى الرَّسُولِ وَإِلَىٰ أُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْهُمْ لَعَلِمَهُ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَنْبِطُونَهُ مِنْهُمْ ۗ وَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُ لَاتَّبَعْتُمُ الشَّيْطَانَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا And if any tidings, whether of safety or fear, come unto them, they noise it abroad, whereas if they had referred it to the messenger and such of them as are in authority, those among them who are able to think out the matter would have known it. If it had not been for the grace of Allah and His mercy ye would have followed Satan, save a few (of you).

Life is about choices! Life is about choices…Some we are proud of while others we may regret. We are human and not perfect and how often we make decisions we desperately wis h could be undone? To overcome, learn and move forward requires Allah Ta’alas help and lots of courage. There was a husband who woke up early in the morning and found his wife praying for him. He stared at her. For the past few months, they have been arguing. During the past days, she hasn't been cooking for him. But this morning he got a shock. He found breakfast already set at the table. He ate. He went back to the bedroom, to prepare for a shower. "Assalamualaykum. Have a blessed day" she said as she entered the bedroom and he left for the bathroom. After his shower, all dressed up for work; he found his wife at the kitchen, eating breakfast in peace. She was looking at some funny messages on her phone and giggling. He looked at her then walked out the door. The last look he had of her before he left was of her at peace. That last look disturbed him. This is not how she should be. This is not how she has been. He has been hurting her, she has recently found out that he has been flirting with other women; he has cheated once and used money meant for their family on other women. She should be angry. Her peaceful demeanor disturbed him. Evening came. He went home and met his peaceful wife again. She was cooking and laughing with their children. She had come from work two hours ago. The dinner was enjoyable. Good food, she having warm conversations with the children. He as the father felt left out. His wife and children seemed to be having fun despite him hurting them. After dinner, she cleared the table, then played and prayed with the children and put them to bed. He approached her. "Are you OK?" he asked her. "I am more than OK. I am blessed "She answered. "Are you not mad at me? After all that I am doing and have done wrong?" he asked. She placed the washed plate in the rack then looked at him and said, "I asked myself, what is the most important relationship in my life? The one I have with you or the one with Allah Ta’ala? And I realized it is the one with Allah Ta’ala. I live for Allah Ta’ala, not for you. Marrying you was a blessing but it is not all there is in life. Allah Ta’ala has blessed me with life an d I will not waste it crying because of the hurt you cause me to feel" She picked up a dirty glass and began washing it. "I realized I had given you too much power... Yes, you are my husband, the closest human being in my life and the human being I love the most; but you are not my Creator. You have failed me but Allah Ta’ala never fails me. I will not let you ruin my joy, my peace and my progress. You may break our marriage if you want to, but I will hold on to Alla h Ta’ala. and as I hold on to Allah Ta’ala, I will be full of joy despite what you do" She said rinsing the glass. She looked at him and continued, "When you hurt me and disrespected me, I realized I was acting out like a woman who has no connection with her Creator. I got mad and hurled insults, I wanted to revenge and I allowed you to ruin me day after day. My performance at work went down, I talked less to our children, I became bitter to the children, I felt sorry for myself, I developed ulcers and then I realiz ed, I have Allah Ta’ala, I shouldn't act like someone with no relationship with his Creator. Why should I be hopeless yet Allah Ta’ala is with me? I had focused so much on you that I forgot about Allah Ta’ala. When you found me, I had Allah Ta’ala. We got married and I let everything be about you because I wanted to make our marriage work. Our marriage became the idol I worship instead of the blessing I have in Allah Ta’ala. Our marriage is falling apart because of you but my relationship with Allah Ta’ala is still intact" She scrubbed the pot. "You have chosen to abandon our marriage but that doesn't mean my whole world has collapsed. I will still continue being a good mother to our children. They will never say the problems between mom and dad, made mom a monster. You do as you please with other women, I will raise our children." She looked at him and told him, "Do I hate you? No, it will be a lie to say I hate you. You are the man I married, the one I vowed to, the one I love" Tears fell down her cheeks. She wiped them. "I can't just cancel all the years we have been together. The Quran and the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) asks us to love our enemies. If I am able to love my enemies, surely I can still love you despite all you have done. I am angry and disappointed, but I have taken my power back. I live for Allah Ta’ala, who has exceedingly blessed me, and do not live for you and the pain you cause" She wiped her wet hands, took the apron from her body and told him, "In my peace, I am planning on where the children and I will move to. Since you have chosen to have an affair, you have shown clearly that you don't need us. So we will not make your life uncomfortable by forcing you to live with us. You need to be able to bring the woman you are cheating with to your own house and establish a clean rel ationship. I am working on something. I came into this house in peace and I will leave in peace. You will not kill my smile and destroy my dreams" She walked to the bedroom and minutes later he followed her to the bedroom. He found her peacefully asleep. He nudged her. He woke her up and said, "Please don't go, don't move out. I will hurt you no more, I will cheat no more. I am not OK. I want the peace you have. I want to be the kind of partner and husband you are as a wife." In good faith she believed his regret and accepted his apology. Since that day, he has been a reformed man. No more affairs, no more hurting her, no flirting with other women, or endless fights. She didn't move out. She and the children stayed. He regretted, repented and submitted to Allah Ta’ala and learned how to be a good husband. Love is powerful enough to humble the proudest. Do not brood over your past mistakes and failures as this will only fill your mind with grief, regret and depression. At the same time make a concerted effort never to repeat them in the future. Make a habit of forgiving, repenting and regretting. The more you let go the higher you will rise. Happiness eludes those who do not appreciate what they already have! And finally…. “Put Allah Ta’ala first and you will never be last” www.eislam.co.za

Asalamu'alaikum 20 Great Tips in Helping New Muslims 1. You should give the new Muslim the feeling that Islam is a perfect religion, its source is divine, and it is totally inclusive. You have to emphasize that there is no truth but the truth of this religion. 2. You should clarify to the new Muslim that Islam erases every sin before it. Otherwise, he will keep thinking about his previous sins. You should make it clear for him that the moment he converted to Islam, his records became clean, 3. Assure him that the only reference for Islam is quraan and sunnah, not the wrongdoings of Muslims. Only Qur’an and Sunnah can define what is right and what is wrong. 4. Advise the new Muslim to read Qur’an, Hadith and Serah as often as possible. 5. Advise him to take care of his personal cleanness in all its types, (Ablution, Ghusl…etc.) 6. He should perform prayers in time, and you should point out the importance of praying in Gama’ah. 7. It is very important that the new Muslim lives in an Islamic environment. This will help him to obey Allah, mainly by keeping him away from sins, and wrongdoings. 8. Take the new Muslim to a nearby mosque. It is better to have someone from the neighborhood accompanying him and following his progress. 9. Let the Imam of the mosque know about this new Muslim, and remind the Imam to take special care of him. 10. Advise him to read and learn more about Islam. It is better if he can dedicate some of his time to do that, whether by himself, or with a group. 11. It is very important for the new Muslim to ask about everything he doesn’t know or can’t understand. He should try to contact scholars or at least ask anyone he trusts. 12. Try to know about his financial status, and help him as much as possible to make him feel friendlier. It will be more encouraging to have his salary raised a little, if you are in a position to make that possible. 13. You should make it clear to him, that his conversion to Islam would cause him some problems. Allah is testing his faith by these problems. He can always handle these problems by referring to Qur’an and Sunnah. 14. You should emphasize the importance of Monotheism and Islamic belief basics. You can provide him with a book that explains these important things in a simple way. 15. Try to keep him away from his previous atmosphere, and to involve him in an environment that suits, and helps his development as a Muslim. 16. Try to engage him in some Islamic activities, and provide him with important books and recorded lectures. 17. Try introducing him to group from his nationality. The communication between them will be easier; he can also have lessons with them. 18. He should feel that he is important and loved by everyone, because of his conversion to Islam. Giving him a gift would be a good start… 19. Make it clear to him that the problems he faces have occurred to every new Muslim, so they are expected. Try to follow-up with his problems, and help him solving them, so that he can handle them without doing something terribly wrong. 20. There should be a simple approach that helps him to learn Arabic language (reading and writing), In order to be able to read quran by himself and understand it.

Question Is eating prawns halaal or makroo Answer In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu `alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. There is a difference of opinion pertaining to the permissibility of prawns. One group of Ulama hold the view that it is permissible while another group believe it is not permissible. The reason for the difference stems from the categorization of prawns. Those who hold the view of the permissibility of prawns believe that prawns are fish. Others believes that prawns are not fish. Amongst the Ulama who believe that prawns are fish are a)Hazrath Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi rahmatullāhi ῾alaihi b)Hazrath Mufti Abdur Raheem Lajpuri rahmatullāhi ῾alaihi c)Hazrath Mufti Mohammad Abdus Salaam Chatgami rahmatullāhi ῾alaihi Those Ulama who have not regarded prawns to be fish are a)Hazrath Maulana Rasheed Ahmed Gangohi rahmatullāhi ῾alaihi b)Hazrath Maulana Khaleel Ahmed Saharanpuri rahmatullāhi ῾alaihi c)Hazrath Maulana Rasheed Ahmed Ludyanwi rahmatullāhi ῾alaihi When analyzing the basis of the different views, one finds disagreement on what constitutes the valid shar’ee measure upon which we could base the classification of prawns. Those that regard prawns as impermissible believe that the valid grounds would be the classification of the scientists. Hazrath Mufti Rasheed Ahmed Ludyanwi(ra) in Ahsanul Fatāwā mentions that there are three features in fish. 1) Spine 2) Gill 3) Fins These features are not found in prawns, hence prawns are not fish. Hazrath Mufti Abdur Raheem Lajpuri rahmatullāhi ῾alaihi states that prawns have been referred to as fish. Hereunder are some references; الروبيان (جهينكا) هو السمك صغير جداً (حيوة الحيوان 1/460) الاربيان بالكسر سمك كالدود (قاموس المحيط 4/332) (و الاربيان بالكسر سمك كالدود) و في الصحاح بيض من السمك كالدوديكون بالبصرة فصل الراء من باب الواو و الياء (صحاح مع تاج العروس عربي 10/143) امام بغوي و السيد مرتضى الزبيدي Hazrath Ml Ashraf Ali Thanwi (ra) says “there are no specific features of a samak(proven through valid evidence) in the absence of which, would discount it from being classified as a samak.” There are two reliable opinions with respect to the issue of prawns. Taqwā would demand that a person refrains from eating prawns, though there is leeway in consuming it. And Allah knows best. Ali bin Cassim Student Darul Iftaa Los Angeles, CA (USA) Checked and Approved by, Muftī Ebrahim Desai Daruliftaa 35 Candella Rd, Durban, South Africa T : 031-207-5772 F: 086-692-7275 www.daruliftaa.net askimam