Bint e Aisha

So if the scalp is wet but some of the hairs remain dry, ghusl will still be valid?

How would we know whether water has reached the roots or not?

Transliteration says: thawaabahul-Jannah

🌷کاہلی اور سُستی ناکامی کے دوست ہیں 🌷 میں آپ کو وصیت کرتا ہوں کہ آپ خود کو ہمیشہ کام میں مصروف رکھیں اور سستی و کاہلی سے دور رہیں بلکہ ابھی اٹھیے، اپنے گھر کو درست کیجیے اور اپنے کاموں کو صحیح انداز میں سرانجام دیجیے۔ نماز پڑھیں، تلاوت کریں، کسی اچھی دینی کتاب کا مطالعہ کریں یا اپنی پڑوسن یا سہیلی کے ساتھ بیٹھ کر وہ باتیں کریں جن سے اللہ تعالیٰ کا قرب نصیب ہو۔ ان شاءاللہ اس سے آپ خود کو سعادت مند اور خوش و خرم پائیں گی۔ خیال کیجیے! میں پھر آپ سے کہتا ہوں کہ خود کو فراغت کے حوالے نہ کیجیے، کیونکہ اس سے پریشانی، غم، وساوس اور شکوک وشبہات پیدا ہوتے ہیں۔ اپنی شکل و صورت کا خیال رکھیے، خود کو صاف ستھرا رکھیے، گھر میں ہلکی خوشبو کا استعمال کیجیے، گھریلو اشیاء کو ترتیب اور قرینے سے رکھیں۔ خاوند، بچوں اور تمام رشتہ داروں سے اچھے اخلاق سے پیش آئیں۔ میں آپ کو گناہوں سے بچنے کی وصیت کرتا ہوں، کیونکہ یہی چیز پریشانیوں کی جڑ ہے۔ خاص طور پر وہ گناہ جن میں عام عورتیں کثرت سے مبتلا رہتی ہیں۔ مثلاً کسی کو غلط نگاہ سے دیکھنا، گھر سے باہر نکلنے پر زینت کا اظہار کرنا، غیرمحرم کے ساتھ خلوت میں ملنا، آپس میں لعن و طعن یا گالی گلوچ کرنا، غیبت کرنا، خاوند کی نافرمانی کرنا، اس کے احسان کو جھٹلانا۔ اس جیسے گناہ عورتوں سے ہو جاتے ہیں، لیکن آپ اللہ تعالیٰ کے غضب سے ڈریں، کیونکہ اللہ تعالیٰ کا خوف ان شاءاللہ آپ کی سعادت اور اللہ کی رضا کا سبب ثابت ہوگا۔ (ماخوذ از: دنیا کی سعادت مند عورت) (ہمیں اپنے آپ سے اس سستی و کاہلی کو دور بھگانے کی مسلسل کوشش کرنی چاہیے اور اس سلسلے میں اللہ تعالیٰ سے مدد بھی مانگتے رہنا چاہیے۔ اللہ تعالٰی ہم سب کا حامی و ناصر ہو۔ آمین) تحریر: ✍🏻راشد محمود عُفِیٙ عٙنْہ

🌷 مسلمان اور کافر عورت کبھی برابر نہیں ہو سکتی🌷 فما یدوم سرورٌ ما سررت بہ۔۔۔۔ولایردُّ علیک الغائب الحزنُ شعر کا مفہوم ہے۔۔۔۔۔ کہ کبھی خوشی ہمیشہ نہیں رہتی جس میں تم خوش ہوتی ہوں اور پریشانی کسی گم شدہ چیز کو واپس نہیں لا سکتی۔ آپ سعادت مند زندگی گزار سکتی ہیں۔ اگر آپ اس بات پر غور کریں کہ مسلمان عورت کا اسلامی ممالک میں کیا مقام ہے اور کافر عورت کی غیر اسلامی ممالک میں کیا حالت ہے۔ مسلمان عورت اسلامی ممالک میں صاحبِ ایمان ہے، روزہ دار ہے، تہجد گزار اور صدقہ و خیرات کرنے والی ہے۔ گھر میں اپنے خاوند کی فرمانبرداری کرنے والی ہے، اللہ تعالیٰ سے ڈرنے والی ہے، اپنے پڑوسیوں پر احسان کرنے والی اور اپنے بچوں پر شفقت کرنے والی ہے۔ تو دیکھیے ایسی مسلمان عورت کس قدر خوش نصیب ہے کہ اسے قدم قدم پر اجر وثواب میں مل رہا ھے، رضائے خداوندی اور سکون کی دولت حاصل ہو رہی ہے۔ اس کے برعکس غیر مسلم ممالک کی عورت حقیقت سے نا آشنا ہے جو حقیر چیز کے لیے اپنی خوبصورتی کا اظہار کرنے والی اور اشتہار بازی کے لیے کام کرنے والی ایک حقیر چیز بن کر رہ گئی ہے، جو ہر جگہ اپنی نمائش کراتی ہے تو ایسی عورت کی کوئی قیمت نہیں، نہ اس کے پاس عزت ہے اور نہ شرافت۔ آپ ان دونوں عورتوں کے بارے میں غور و فکر کریں تو آپ کو معلوم ہوگا کہ آپ ہی سعادت اور اونچا مقام رکھنے والی ہیں۔ (ماخوذ از: دنیا کی سعادت مند عورت) (ہر انسان اپنی زندگی گزار رہا ہے چاہے وہ خوب صورت محل میں ہو یا معمولی جھونپڑی کا رہائشی ہو لیکن ان میں سے سعادت مند وہ ہے جو اپنے رب تعالیٰ کا فرمانبردار ہے۔ لہٰذا ہمیں اللہ تعالیٰ کا حکم مان کر سعادت والی زندگی بسر کرنی چاہیے۔) تحریر: ✍🏻راشد محمود عُفِیٙ عٙنْہ

🌷اللہ کی دی ہوئی نعمتوں کو سوچیں اور اللہ پر اچھا گمان رکھیں🌷 اتیاس ان تری فرجاً۔۔۔۔فاین اللہ و القدر؟ شعر کا مفہوم ہے۔۔۔۔۔ کیا آپ ناامید اور مایوس ہیں کہ آپ کو نصرت کا کوئی پہلو نظر آئے تو اللہ اور اس کی قدرت کہاں گئی؟ اگر آپ کو اللہ تعالیٰ کے رستہ میں جد و جہد کرتے ہوئے کوئی تکلیف پہنچے تو ان شاءاللہ وہ آپ کے گناہوں کا کفارہ ہوگا۔ میں آپ کو حدیث سے بشارت سناتا ہوں کہ "جب عورت اپنی پانچ نمازوں کی ادائيگي کرے اور اپنے (رمضان کے) مہینہ کے روزے رکھے اور اپنی شرمگاہ کی حفاظت کرے ، اور اپنے خاوند کی اطاعت کرے تو اسے کہا جائے گا تم جنت میں جس دروازہ سے بھی چاہو جنت میں داخل ہو جاؤ۔" (صحیح ابن حبان) یہ باتیں اس عورت کے لیے آسان ہوتی ہیں جنہیں اللہ تعالیٰ توفیق دیتے ہیں۔ آپ بھی ان جلیل القدر کاموں کو اپنائیں تاکہ اللہ تعالیٰ کی رحمت برسے اور دنیا و آخرت کی سعادت حاصل ہو۔ جہاں دین کی بات آپ کو کسی چیز سے منع کرتی ہے تو وہاں رک جائیں۔ قرآن مجید اور سنت رسول کے احکام کی تعمیل کریں، کیونکہ آپ ایک مسلمان عورت ہیں اور یہ آپ کے لیے شرف و فخر کی بات ہے۔ آپ کے علاوہ کتنی وہ عورتیں ہیں جو کفر کے علاقے میں پیدا ہوئیں۔ وہ عیسائی یا یہودی ہوئیں یا خوارج یا اہل تشیع میں سے ہوئیں۔ ان کے علاوہ وہ قومیں جو دین کی مخالفت پر آمادہ کرتی ہیں مگر آپ کو اللہ تعالیٰ نے مسلمان عورت بنایا اور حضور صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کی امت سے نوازا۔ ازواج مطہرات رضی اللہ عنھن کے نقش قدم پر چلنے کا راستہ دکھایا۔ آپ خوش نصیب ہیں کہ اللہ تعالیٰ نے آپ کو پانچ وقت کی نماز پڑھنے کی توفیق سے نوازا۔ آپ رمضان المبارک کے روزے رکھتی ہیں، بیت اللہ کا حج کرتی ہیں اور پردہ بھی کرتی ہیں۔ آپ اس لحاظ سے بھی خوش نصیب ہیں کہ آپ نے اللہ کے رب ہونے کا اقرار کیا، اسلام کو دین حق اور حضور صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کو خاتم النبیین مانا۔ (ماخوذ از: دنیا کی سعادت مند عورت) (اللہ تعالیٰ ہم سب کو ان نعمتوں کا شکر ادا کرنے اور اپنے احکامات پر چلنے کی توفیق عطا فرمائے۔ آمین) تحریر: ✍🏻راشد محمود عُفِیٙ عٙنْہ

Àllamah Anwar Shah Kashmiri (Rahimahullah) relates from Al-Jami’ As-Saghir of Àllamah Suyuti (Rahimahullah) that besides the sound of the Azaan & the Qur’an, the sound of the people on earth does not reach the heavens. Only these two sounds reach the heavens directly.

Be Keen In Fulfilling Needs Of Others Ibn Al Qayyīm رحمه الله narrates that Ibn Taymīyyāḥ (رحمه الله) used to race towards the fulfilling of people's needs very earnestly, because he knew that everytime he helped someone, Allāh would help him. [Rawdat-al Muhibbin 1/168]

الْعَفُوُّ Translation الْعَفُوُّ is translated as The Forgiving and The Effacing. It comes from the word عفو meaning forgiveness. Definition Linguistically it means to let go / to leave something, so it means to overlook acts of disobedience or to erase them. It is similar to الْغَفُورُ and التَّوَّابُ but الْعَفُوّ is more expressive. الْغَفُورُ is that Being Who conceals sins on the Day of Judgment and though they will be in the book of deeds, others will not be able to see them whereas الْعَفُوّ means to totally erase the sins from the book of deeds. Therefore there are different levels of forgiveness and الْعَفُوّ is considered higher than الْغَفُورُ or التَّوَّابُ. Another way to understand is it is The One Who removes the consequences of sin meaning punishment is not given. There is considerable amount of overlooking of sins and Allah ta’ala’s general Sifat is to forgive and this Sifat is more expressive of that. Different ways Sins are Forgiven Allah ta’ala forgives sins with Tawbah or Istighfaar or through the intercession of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam on the Day of Judgment. Sins are also forgiven due to good deeds. وَإِنِّي لَغَفَّارٌ لِمَنْ تَابَ وَآمَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا ثُمَّ اهْتَدَىٰ but the one who repents, becomes a believer, does good deeds and follows the Right Way shall be forgiven [ Surah Taha:82] So Hidaayah comes through the combination of doing Tawbah, working on one’s Imaan and doing good deeds. In the Qur’an It is mentioned 5 times in the Qur’an of which four times it is paired with الْغَفُورُ and it is like intensifying or emphasizing the forgiveness. وَكَانَ اللَّهُ عَفُوًّا غَفُورًا - for Allah is indeed an absolver of sins, much-forgiving. [Surah Nisa’: 99] It comes with Qadeer in the following verse. Allah forgives even though He is powerful. إِنْ تُبْدُوا خَيْرًا أَوْ تُخْفُوهُ أَوْ تَعْفُوا عَنْ سُوءٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَفُوًّا قَدِيرًا If you do good deeds openly or in private or forgive an evil, then surely Allah is Pardoning, Powerful. [Surah Nisa’:149] Forgiving despite being able to take Revenge A truly forgiving person is one who has the power to take revenge but still forgives. A person who is in a weak position, not able to take revenge and forgives someone is not the same as one who forgives despite having the power to take revenge. Through the verses regarding forgiveness, Allah ta’ala is inviting us to be forgiving to people because Allah ta’ala Himself is forgiving. Another word used in the Qur’an for forgiveness is صفح which most Scholars say is a higher level of forgiveness than عفو. In Surah Baqarah (Verse 109) Allah ta’ala says, فَاعْفُوا وَاصْفَحُوا - Forgive them and bear with them. Therefore there are different levels of forgiveness where you forgive but remind the person and you forgive and do not remind or malign the person who wronged you. It is difficult to forgive and be patient however the reward will be greater. Story – Forgiveness despite having power to punish Zaynul ‘Aabideen, the grandson of ‘Ali RA has a female servant who broke something and injured his face. She looked at him and said, وَالْكَاظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ - who control their anger. So he controlled his anger. She then said, وَالْعَافِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ ۗ - and forgive other people. So he forgave her. Thereafter she said, وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ - for Allah loves such charitable people, [Aali ‘Imraan: 134] So he freed her. He forgave her even though he had the power to punish her. (This shows how much knowledge of the Qur’an even a slave woman had in those days.) There are many such episodes in the Seerah where the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam forgave those who hurt him and fought against him i.e. Abu Sufyaan RA and Wahshi RA. Story – Abu Bakr’s RA Forgiveness During the episode of the slander of Aishah RA, one among those who spread the rumours was the cousin of Abu Bakr RA, Mistah bin Uthatha RA who was poor and Abu Bakr regularly gave him money. After the verse was revealed regarding Aishah’s RA innocence, hurt and angered by Mistah’s previous allegations, Abu Bakr RA took an oath that he will never spend on Mistah again. Then Allah Ta’ala revealed: وَلَا يَأْتَلِ أُوْلُوا الْفَضْلِ مِنكُمْ وَالسَّعَةِ أَن يُؤْتُوا أُوْلِي الْقُرْبَى وَالْمَسَاكِينَ وَالْمُهَاجِرِينَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَلْيَعْفُوا وَلْيَصْفَحُوا أَلَا تُحِبُّونَ أَن يَغْفِرَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ And let not those among you who are blessed with graces and wealth swear not to give to their kinsmen, al-Masaakeen [the poor], and those who left their homes for Allah’s Cause. Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not love that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Al-Ghafuwr (the Most-Forgiving), Ar-Raheem (the Most Merciful). [Surah Noor, verse 22] Abu Bakr RA despite his anguish and hurt feelings immediately responded by exclaiming, “By Allah, I would love it that Allah forgives me!” He resumed his spending on Mistah. This was the mercy and forgiveness the Qur’an teaches, the mercy and ties of kinship that Allah is pleased to see in His servants. Being Forgiving Our Deen has a very balanced concept of social and human interactions. We live with families and extended families and everyone at some stage is hurt or wronged. Our Deen teaches us to be forgiving. خُذِ الْعَفْوَ وَأْمُرْ بِالْعُرْفِ وَأَعْرِضْ عَنِ الْجَاهِلِينَ Keep to forgiveness (O Muhammad), and enjoin kindness, and turn away from the ignorant. [Surah A’araaf:199] To be forgiving one has to be a person of Sabr and Tahammul. Du’a for Forgiveness اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي O Allah, you are the Forgiver, You love to forgive, so forgive me. *~~*~~*

الْمُنْتَقِمُ Translation الْمُنْتَقِمُ is translated as The Avenger and The Inflictor of Retribution. It comes from the root word “Intiqaam” meaning to take revenge. It is an Ism Faa’il so it means The One Who takes Revenge. This is one of the Jalaali Sifaat which shows the might and power of Allah ta’ala for those who are disobedient. It is a Fe’li Sifat i.e. the Sifaat that are enacted (Shown through His action). Definition It is The One Who punishes His disobedient slaves for their disliked deeds. The One Who, when He wants, He can grasp and take intense revenge i.e. there are no conditions or limitations after giving warnings, chances and opportunities to change. Allah ta’ala’s being الْمُنْتَقِمُ Allah ta’ala does not take revenge immediately. Intense retribution comes only after being given many opportunities to change. There have been many examples throughout history of people who Allah ta’ala took revenge from in this world. Fir’awn was one of them. Musa AS was put in water and he was saved and Fir’awn drowned in the water and Allah ta’ala preserved his body as a sign for people. Qaaroon was arrogant and proud of his wealth and he, along with all his wealth was swallowed by the earth. Namrood was an oppressive king who had Ibraheem AS thrown in a huge fire however Ibraheem AS was saved and this made Namrood angry and he disputed with Ibraheem AS. Namrood claimed divinity and along with his army was killed by mosquitoes. Abraha came to destroy the Ka’bah and he along with his army was destroyed by birds (Mentioned in Surah Feel). The people of ‘Aad and Thamood who claimed to be mighty and powerful were also destroyed. These episodes are showing Allah ta’ala's power of being الْمُنْتَقِمُ. وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنْ ذُكِّرَ بِآيَاتِ رَبِّهِ ثُمَّ أَعْرَضَ عَنْهَا ۚ إِنَّا مِنَ الْمُجْرِمِينَ مُنْتَقِمُونَ Who could be more unjust than the one who is reminded of the revelations of his Rabb and he turns away from them? Surely We shall take vengeance on such criminals. [Surah Sajdah: 22] Allah ta’ala is revengeful on those who commit injustice and sin. In a Hadith three sins are mentioned for which Allah ta’ala punishes in this world; • Openly and knowingly fighting against the truth • Disobeying parents • Helping an oppressor How much Revenge is allowed in the Shari’ah? Taking the same revenge as the wrong done to a person is allowed in the Shari’ah however it often becomes excessive and it is better to forgive. Rather take revenge on the Nafs which makes a person distant from Allah ta’ala by not giving it what it wants or by punishing it. Counsel To prevent one’s self from all injustice and refrain from anything which brings the punishment of Allah ta’ala. *~~*~~*

التَّوَّابُ Translation التَّوَّابُ is translated as The Acceptor of Repentance and The Oft-Forgiving. Different words are used in the Arabic language for forgiving i.e. الْغَفُورُ الْغَفَّارُ and التَّوَّابُ is also regarding forgiveness. Linguistically the meaning of تَوَّاب is to return or to turn people back. The legalistic meaning is to refrain, to stay away from something. مَغْفِرة is to ask for forgiveness for what was done in the past. توبة‎ is to do with returning back to Allah ta’ala and has to do with refraining in the future. تَوَّاب is the superlative form of توبة. Definition It is The One Who gives the Tawfeeq to turn back to Him and accepts the Tawbah and it is a great Ni’mat of Allah ta’ala to be granted the ability to turn back. The beautiful part of it is that it does not matter how many times one does Tawbah. People get tired if we say sorry and keep making the same mistake but Allah ta’ala accepts Tawbah again and again. It is The One Who returns to His slave the Fadhl of His Rahmah. This refers to the Rahmah that could have been taken away or distanced from the person after committing the sin. Allah ta’ala gives it back through His Fadhl and that is the power of Tawbah that the person is once again in the mercy of Allah ta’ala. Allah ta’ala being التَّوَّابُ returns the slave back to His obedience and Allah ta’ala being التَّوَّابُ will not waste their good deeds due to the sin. Another meaning of التَّوَّابُ is that He makes such means that when a person sees the signs of Allah ta’ala, he will turn again and again to Him. It can be any sign. Sometimes it can be a dream or something bad happening to a person who is stuck in some major sin, which makes the person repent. Therefore as التَّوَّابُ, Allah ta’ala sends a sign or warning as a direction to the person to turn back to Him. In the Qur’an It is mentioned 10 times in the Qur’an often with الرَّحِيمُ. أَلَمْ يَعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ يَقْبَلُ التَّوْبَةَ عَنْ عِبَادِهِ وَيَأْخُذُ الصَّدَقَاتِ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ Do they not know that Allah accepts repentance from His servants and takes their sadaqat (charity), and surely Allah is the One Who is the Accepter of Repentance, the Merciful. [Surah Tawbah: 104] فَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ وَاسْتَغْفِرْهُ ۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ تَوَّابًا So glorify your Rabb with His praises, and pray for His forgiveness: surely He is ever ready to accept repentance. [Surah Nasr: 3] Conditions of Tawbah • To leave the sin immediately • To feel remorse/ shame (Nadaamat) – without feeling remorse a person will not be inspired to make Tawbah. Therefore if a person left sin due to being caught in the sin without feeling remorse then it is not true Tawbah • To make a firm resolution not to commit the sin again – even if there is probability of committing the sin again, the “want” to refrain has to be present. It is a great trick of Shaytaan to make a person feel what is the point of Tawbah when he is bound to commit the sin again A fourth condition applies if the sin was in relation to Huqooqul ‘Ibaad – the rights of others, in which case one has to rectify the situation i.e. reimburse if someone was wronged or cheated, ask for forgiveness for backbiting etc. Allah ta’ala loves those who Repent إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ وَيُحِبُّ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ Surely Allah loves those who turn to Him in repentance and keep themselves clean [Surah Baqarah: 222] Even the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam made Dua’ for forgiveness though he was sinless. Even though a person may have given up sins, there is always something for which they should be asking for forgiveness. They may be performing their prayers however with little concentration or there may be Ghaflat etc. The Muqarrabeen make Tawbah for that as well. We should ask Allah ta’ala to forgive us even after doing good deeds i.e. to forgive the shortcomings and accept the deeds. Tawbah of the Ambiyaa Adam AS & Hawwa AS’s Du’a قَالَا رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَا أَنْفُسَنَا وَإِنْ لَمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ They both replied: “Our Rabb! We have wronged our souls. If You do not forgive us and have mercy on us, we shall certainly be of the losers.” [Surah A’araaf: 23] Musa AS’s Du’a قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَغَفَرَ لَهُ ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ Then he prayed: "O my Rabb! I have indeed wronged my soul, please forgive me." So Allah forgave him, surely He is the Forgiving, the Merciful. [Surah Qasas:16] Yunus AS’s Du’a in the stomach of the fish وَذَا النُّونِ إِذْ ذَهَبَ مُغَاضِبًا فَظَنَّ أَنْ لَنْ نَقْدِرَ عَلَيْهِ فَنَادَىٰ فِي الظُّلُمَاتِ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ And (mention) Dhun Nun, when he went off in anger and deemed that We had no power over him, but he cried out in the darkness, saying: There is no God save Thee. Be Thou glorified! I have been a wrong-doer [Surah Ambiyaa: 87] Story of the Man who killed 99 people The Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wassallam said, “There was a man from among a nation before you who killed ninety-nine people and then made an inquiry about the most learned person on the earth. He was directed to a monk. He came to him and told him that he had killed ninety-nine people and asked him if there was any chance for his repentance to be accepted. He replied in the negative and the man killed him also completing one hundred. He then asked about the most learned man in the earth. He was directed to a scholar. He told him that he had killed one hundred people and asked him if there was any chance for his repentance to be accepted. He replied in the affirmative and asked, `Who stands between you and repentance? Go to such and such land; there (you will find) people devoted to prayer and worship of Allah, join them in worship, and do not come back to your land because it is an evil place.’ So he went away and hardly had he covered half the distance when death overtook him; and there was a dispute between the angels of mercy and the angels of torment. The angels of mercy pleaded, ‘This man has come with a repenting heart to Allah,’ and the angels of punishment argued, ‘He never did a virtuous deed in his life.’ Then there appeared another angel in the form of a human being and the contending angels agreed to make him arbiter between them. He said, `Measure the distance between the two lands. He will be considered belonging to the land to which he is nearer.’ They measured and found him closer to the land (land of piety) where he intended to go, and so the angels of mercy collected his soul”. [Bukhari and Muslim] The story shows that some places may not be conducive to a person’s spiritual progress as the environment can have an effect on people. Another point from the above story is that one should never despair of the mercy of Allah ta’ala. Forgiveness comes from Allah ta’ala Only Allah ta’ala can accept Tawbah and forgive our sins. No pious saint or Scholar can do so unlike Christianity where there is the concept of the confession and being forgiven. The Pious Scholars can guide on how to make Tawbah and how to refrain from sins and we can ask others to make Du’a for us to be forgiven but actual forgiveness comes from Allah ta’ala. No one has the power to forgive anyone’s sins no matter who they are. Allah ta’ala says in the Qur’an, وَهُوَ الَّذِي يَقْبَلُ التَّوْبَةَ عَنْ عِبَادِهِ وَيَعْفُو عَنِ السَّيِّئَاتِ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا تَفْعَلُونَ It is He Who accepts repentance from His servants and pardons their sins, and He knows whatever you do. [Surah Shura:25] Sometimes people have a need to be told they are forgiven but no one can tell them they are forgiven. In another verse Allah ta’ala says, إِلَّا مَنْ تَابَ وَآمَنَ وَعَمِلَ عَمَلًا صَالِحًا فَأُولَٰئِكَ يُبَدِّلُ اللَّهُ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ حَسَنَاتٍ ۗ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَحِيمًا Except the one who repents, becomes a true believer, and starts doing good deeds, for then Allah will change his evil deeds into good, and Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. [Surah Furqaan: 70] One is to say, “I forgive you” but to change the sins to good deeds is Allah ta’ala’s extreme mercy. Allah ta’ala is التَّوَّابُ in this way as well. We are all sinners but the best are those who repent. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said, كُلُّ ابْنِ آدَمَ خَطَّاءٌ وَخَيْرُ الْخَطَّائِينَ التَّوَّابُونَ “All of the children of Adam are sinners, and the best sinners are those who repent.” [Tirmidhi] Tawbah comes from the Heart Tawbah is from the heart. The number of Istaghfaar and Salaatut Tawbah etc. can be done however that is to show what is in the heart. It is not a substitute for the feelings of the heart. Emotional & Psychological Benefits of Tawbah • It is a detoxification and cleanliness • It becomes a trigger and a motivation factor for one’s good deeds to be improved. Those who make Tawbah after leading a sinful life become better Muslims, even become very pious or Scholars • Regular Tawbah brings humility in the heart and improves one’s character Istaghfaar for every Problem It is related in Tafsir al Qurtubi that Hasan al-Basri (r.a) was once seated. A man came saying “O Master, I’m very sinful do tell me an act which I can do to be forgiven”. Hasan al-Basri (r.a) replied, “Go and do Istighfar”. Second person came and said, “O Master, for many days rains have stopped and there is drought. Tell me an action through which Allah (s.w.t) will send down rain to us”. Hasan al-Basri (r.a) replied, “Go and do Istighfar”. Third person came and said, “I am under a lot of debt. I am working, but please make dua that Allah (s.w.t) give me wealth so I can be saved from debts”. Hasan al-Basri (r.a) replied, “Go and do Istighfar to Allah”. Fourth person came and said, “It is a wish of mine that Allah (s.w.t) give me an offspring. So please make dua that Allah (s.w.t) gives me pious offspring”. Hasan al-Basri (r.a) replied, “Go and do Istighfar”. Fifth person came and said, “I have an orchard please make dua that it gives more fruits, so that the return will be more.” Hasan al-Basri (r.a) replied, “Go and do Istighfar”. Sixth person came and said, “If I was to get water spring in my house, I will be so pleased”. Shaykh Hasan replied, “Go and do Istighfar”. Shaykh Hasan al-Basri’s (r.a) disciple, Ibn Sabih (r.a) who was sitting close, was very surprised thinking, “Why is it that Shaykh Hasan al-Basri (r.a) is giving the same solution of Istighfar to whoever comes to him”? So Ibn Sabih (r.a) eventually asked “Why are you giving one response for all the problems”? On hearing this Shaykh Hasan al-Basri (r.a) recited what Allah ta’ala said in Qur’an, فَقُلْتُ اسْتَغْفِرُوا رَبَّكُمْ إِنَّهُ كَانَ غَفَّارًا - And I have said: Seek pardon of your Lord Lo! He is ever Forgiving. يُرْسِلِ السَّمَاءَ عَلَيْكُمْ مِدْرَارًا - He will let loose the sky for you in plenteous rain, وَيُمْدِدْكُمْ بِأَمْوَالٍ وَبَنِينَ وَيَجْعَلْ لَكُمْ جَنَّاتٍ وَيَجْعَلْ لَكُمْ أَنْهَارًا - And will help you with wealth and sons, and will assign unto you Gardens and will assign unto you rivers. (Surah Nooh: 10-12] Therefore Astaghfaar benefits us in different worldly ways. Best Time for Istaghfaar The best time for Istaghfaar is at the time of Tahajjud. Allah ta’ala says in Surah Dhaariyaat (verse 18), وَبِالْأَسْحَارِ هُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ - pray for forgiveness in the early morning (Before dawn). Counsel A person who makes Tawbah regularly will never be humiliated. *~~*~~*

الْبَرُّ Translation الْبَرُّ is translated as The Gracious Benefactor and The Source of Goodness. بِرٌّ means goodness. الْبَرُّ is an ‘Ism Faa’il. For Allah ta’ala it is One Who is the source of (and grants) goodness. It is One Who is Muhsin (Well-wisher). He is The Absolute Doer of Good and from Whom every good deed and beneficence comes from. It is one of the Jamaali Sifaat. In the Qur’an there is a word (الْبَر) meaning dry land. The connection made to this word is that dry land is vast and Allah ta’ala being الْبَرُّ, His goodness is vast, common to all whether Believer or disbeliever. Definition It is One Who wishes well, One Who fixes affairs and One Who is kind to His creation. It is One Who wants ease for His slaves and not difficulty. It is One Who is forgiving of many sins through His Fadhl. He does not catch a person for every sin. Allah ta’ala says in Surah Nahl (verse 61), وَلَوْ يُؤَاخِذُ اللَّهُ النَّاسَ بِظُلْمِهِمْ مَا تَرَكَ عَلَيْهَا مِنْ دَابَّةٍ If Allah were to punish people ˹immediately˺ for their wrongdoing, He would not have left a single living being on earth. Another way to understand this name is as mentioned in Hadith, “Verily, Allah has recorded good and bad deeds and He made them clear. Whoever intends to perform a good deed but does not do it, then Allah will record it as a complete good deed. If he intends to do it and does so, then Allah the Exalted will record it as ten good deeds up to seven hundred times as much or even more. If he intends to do a bad deed and does not do it, then Allah will record for him one complete good deed. If he does it then Allah will record for him a single bad deed.” [Bukhari] The whole world is surrounded / enveloped in this Sifat of Allah ta’ala, so all of humanity shares in this Sifat of Allah ta’ala being the source of goodness. In the Aakhirah however it will be exclusive to Allah ta’ala. Allah ta’ala’s bounties and goodness are upon all of creation whether it is perceived or not through the senses and intelligence. We are not even aware of how Allah ta’ala protected us from something and how He took care of our needs. In Surah Luqmaan (Verse 20) Allah ta’ala says, أَلَمْ تَرَوْا أَنَّ اللَّهَ سَخَّرَ لَكُمْ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَأَسْبَغَ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعَمَهُ ظَاهِرَةً وَبَاطِنَةً Do you not see that Allah has subjected to your benefit all that is in the heavens and in the earth, and has lavished on you His evident and hidden favours? In the Qur’an It is mentioned once in Surah Toor (Verse 28), paired with الرَّحِيمُ. إِنَّا كُنَّا مِنْ قَبْلُ نَدْعُوهُ ۖ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْبَرُّ الرَّحِيمُ Indeed we used to pray only to Him. Surely He is the Beneficent, the Merciful. Example of being بَرّ – Being Khayrkhwah/Well-wisher It is goodness to tell someone what they are doing is wrong. Some people asked the prophet sallallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam for wealth and he gave them. They asked and he gave them. They asked again and he gave them and thereafter he said, “Whatever I have of good I will never withhold from you, but whoever refrains from asking (of people), Allah will make him content, whoever seeks to be independent of means, Allah will make him independent, and whoever strives to be patient Allah will bestow patience upon him, and no one is ever given anything better and more abundant than patience.” [Bukhari] Being a Khayrkhwah without the person realising it Jareer ibn Abdullah RA once sent his servant for buying a horse. The servant made a deal for three hundred dirhams and brought the seller with him so he could be paid. Jareer ibn Abdullah RA looked at the horse and realized that the seller had undervalued it. “Would you sell it for four hundred?” he asked. The seller agreed. “How about five hundred?” he continued his unusual “bargaining” and finally bought the horse for eight hundred dirhams. He was later asked why he did so. “The seller was not aware of the true value of this horse,” he explained. “I have simply given him a fair price because I had promised to Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam to always be sincere and well-wisher for every Muslim.” بِرّ – Piety/Righteousness This word is often mentioned in the Qur’an as being a trait of the Believers. In Surah Aali ‘Imraan (Verse 92) Allah ta’ala says, لَنْ تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتَّىٰ تُنْفِقُوا مِمَّا تُحِبُّونَ ۚ وَمَا تُنْفِقُوا مِنْ شَيْءٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِهِ عَلِيمٌ You can never attain righteousness unless you spend in the cause of Allah that which you dearly cherish; and whatever you spend, surely it is known to Allah. It is reported that upon hearing this verse many Sahaba RA gave away what was beloved to them. Abu Talha RA was the wealthiest of all the Ansaar in terms of the number of orchards that he owned in Madeenah. Opposite the Masjidun Nabawi stood one of his orchards in which was a well named Bir Haa. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam often used to drink there. This was his most beloved orchard. When the above verse was revealed, he presented himself before the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam saying, “Bir Haa is dearest to me of all my wealth, so I wish to donate it in the way of Allah, in anticipation of the reward thereof and so that it be stored as a treasure for me in the Hereafter. You may spend it as you please in a worthy cause.” The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam commented, “This orchard has earned a grand profit! I propose that it be distributed amongst some of your relatives.” Abu Talha RA accepted this proposal of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam and distributed it amongst some of his cousins. This is the best type of بِرّ to spend of what you love. Counsel To be a well-wisher for everyone even if you see that you may not benefit by being their well-wisher or even if they do not realise you are being their well-wisher. Making a habit of helping others. To recognise Allah ta’ala’s Ihsaanaat and showing gratitude and to ask only of Allah ta’ala. *~~*~~*

الْمُتَعَالِي Translation الْمُتَعَالِي is translated as The Supremely Exalted and The Most High. “Muta’aal” is a derivative of الْعَلِيُّ – The Most High. “Muta’aal” is in the intensive form so it means “The Supremely High.” Definition It is that Being Who is Pure, High and His Sifaat are purer and higher than all of Makhlooq’s and He is so pure that to be compared with the traits of creation is a type of insult. There is no comparison. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam did do it but in a way which showed Allah ta’ala as higher i.e. in the superlative form. It is done due to the limit of our intellect however Allah ta’ala is beyond being compared with creation. In the Qur’an It comes in the Qur’an in two forms. “Ta’ala” means to be high and is mentioned in the Qur’an. Surah Ra’ad, verse 9 عَالِمُ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ الْكَبِيرُ الْمُتَعَالِ He has perfect knowledge of both the visible and the invisible. He is the Great, the Most High. There are two types of ’Alu - being exalted (Two types of exaltations) • Dhaati – personal • Sifaati – Allah ta’ala has the highest attribute in anything. Human beings as a species are ‘Aa’laa (supreme) in the creation in terms of Dhaat. If they have Imaan, Taqwaa, good deeds etc. then they can have the ‘a’alaa Sifaat (High ranks) as well. Counsel Not to view the creation and especially the world as high or exalted i.e. to be mesmerized by it. Personally to be humble and not to have ‘Ujb, (Being full of one’s self i.e. I did this). Du’a of Zakariyyah Kandhlawi (Rahimahullah) The pious are exalted by people and they keep themselves grounded. Shaykh Zakariyyah (Rahimahullah), after meeting people made this Du’a, الحمد لله الذی اظھَرَ الجمیلَ وسَتَرَ علیَّ القبیحَ (Praise be to the One Who has made my good points apparent and hidden the bad about me). Therefore to recognise that it is Allah ta’ala Who has raised one’s status (Or granted any praiseworthy quality or ability). *~~*~~*

الْوَالِي Translation الْوَالِي is translated as The Sole Governor and The Friendly Lord. It means The Ruler in terms of organization, planning, implementing, preserving etc. Definition It is The One Who plans the affairs of the creation, rules them and takes charge of them. The connotation is in terms of government organization. In Hajj there is a person called a “Mutawalli.” He is the person who takes care of all the affairs of the Hujjaaj. He organizes and takes care of and directs the Hujjaaj. This is what this name means. In the Qur’an It is mentioned once in Surah Ra’ad, verse 11, وَإِذَا أَرَادَ اللَّهُ بِقَوْمٍ سُوءًا فَلَا مَرَدَّ لَهُ ۚ وَمَا لَهُمْ مِنْ دُونِهِ مِنْ وَالٍ If Allah wants to afflict a people with misfortune, none can ward it off, nor they can find any protector besides Him. All systems are in the power, rule and protection of Allah ta’ala and that is Allah ta’ala being الْوَالِي and we can entrust الْوَالِي to solve our worries and problems. Story Regarding Abdullah bin Zubayr (Radiyallahu anhu) When Zubair (radiyallahu anhu) prepared for the battle of Jamal, he called his son Abdullah RA and said, “O my son! Today one will be killed either as an oppressor or as an oppressed one. I see that I will be killed as an oppressed one. My biggest worry is my debts. Do you think, if we pay the debts, there will be something left for us from our money?” Zubair (radiyallahu anhu) added, “O my son! Sell our property and pay my debts.” Thereafter he willed his property and said, “If you should fail to pay part of the debts, appeal to my Master to help you.” Abdullah RA did not understand what his father meant so he asked, “O father! Who is your Master?” His father replied, “Allah (is my Master).” Abdullah bin Zubayr RA said, “By Allah, whenever I had any difficulty regarding his debts, I would say, ‘Master of Zubayr! Pay his debts on his behalf .’ and Allah would (help me to) pay it.” Zubayr RA was martyred leaving no Dinar or Dirham but two pieces of land, one of which was (called) Al-Ghaba, and eleven houses in Madeenah, two in Basra, one in Kufa and one in Egypt. In fact, the source of the debt which he owed was that if somebody brought some money to him for safekeeping Zubayr RA would say, “No, (I won’t keep it as a trust), but I take it as a debt, for I am afraid it might be lost.” In Du’a The debt was paid due to his trust in Allah ta’ala. Similarly we should make Du’a, “O Allah! You are الْوَالِي, help my affairs!” *~~*~~*

الظَّاهِرُ الْبَاطِنُ الظَّاهِرُ and الْبَاطِنُ will be discussed together. Translation الظَّاهِرُ is translated as The Manifest One and The Evident. الْبَاطِنُ is translated as The Hidden One and The Inner. Definition ظاهِر is something that can be seen. It is something external and بَاطِن is something internal. We see again two traits which seem contradictory. How is Allah ta’ala ظاهِر and بَاطِن? He is ظاهِر (Manifest) as there are clear proofs through which He can be manifested i.e. His creation, the universe, nature etc. and He is بَاطِن (Hidden from creation) as He cannot be seen like other worldly things which we can see, feel, touch, smell or imagine and we cannot communicate with Him as we would with other human beings with our ears and tongues. Therefore He is both ظاهِر and بَاطِن. Allah ta’ala is ظاهِر due to His actions i.e. He manifests Himself through His actions (His creation) and due to His Sifat of being ظاهِر, there is no possible way to reject Him. No one can say there is no God and if someone rejects Allah ta’ala then His signs cannot be rejected as His perfect power is apparent through the universe. Therefore everything that is manifest in this world is a manifestation of Allah ta’ala and if Allah ta’ala was not there, there would be nothing. Allah ta’ala is بَاطِن as He is not only hidden from our sight, hearing etc. but He cannot even be imagined or felt with our senses. He is veiled and as a Being, He is beyond our comprehension. We cannot understand Him directly or intellectually even though we can see his creation and signs. The realization of Allah ta’ala’s existence can be obtained through His actions which is how He is ظاهِر and His being behind a veil and beyond our comprehension and imagination, is how He is بَاطِن. Whatever we know about Allah ta’ala in terms if His Dhaat is through what he chose to reveal of Himself in the Qur’an and the Hadith Qudsee. There are many verses in the Qur’an telling us to look at His signs because it is through His signs that we will find Him. Connection between the two names In a way it is through the ظاهِر that you realize He is بَاطِن and so this is the beautiful connection between the two names. Looking at the Apparent to find the Hidden It is through looking at the beautiful creation of Allah ta’ala like the sunset and sunrise in which one can revel and wonder at the beauty of its Creator that connects you to the بَاطِن. Commentators spend a lot of time talking about this and mention the Ambiyaa who would ponder on Allah ta’ala and the most famous of them was Ibraheem AS. إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلَافِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ لَآيَاتٍ لِأُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ For sure, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day there are signs for men of understanding. [Surah Aali ‘Imraa: 190] أُولِي الْأَلْبَاب is translated as “Men of understanding” and it has the connotation of people of intellect but it is not in terms of being educated people with degrees as intellect is more than this. It is people who look beyond the apparent and then find the hidden. We cannot imagine the reality but we can realise it’s there through the signs. الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَٰذَا بَاطِلًا سُبْحَانَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and meditate on the creation of the heavens and the earth. Then cry out:" Our Rabb! You have not created this in vain. Glory to You! Save us from the punishment of Fire. [Surah Aali ‘Imraan: 191] Everything in the world is a manifestation of the Attributes of Allah ta’ala When we get Rizq from Allah ta’ala, it becomes apparent that He is الرَّزَّاقُ and when we see the creation of Allah ta’ala we realize that He is الْخَالِقُ and when we see the mercy of humans and creatures, we realize He is الرَّحْمَنُ الرَّحِيمُ and when we see the power of Allah ta’ala we realize it is a manifestation of الْكَبِيرُ. Therefore all the names of Allah ta’ala are a manifestation of something in this world that we are seeing or experiencing. One of the beauties of Asmaa ul Husnaa is how to connect the things we see and the experiences of this life to the manifestations of the traits of Allah ta’ala. In the Qur’an Both names are used together in verse 3 of Surah Hadeed. هُوَ الْأَوَّلُ وَالْآخِرُ وَالظَّاهِرُ وَالْبَاطِنُ ۖ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ Du’a It is mentioned in the Tafseer of ibn Katheer (Rahimahullah) that ‘Abdullah ibn Abbaas RA who was a Mufassir, said that if a person has Waswasah in the heart regarding Allah ta’ala and Deen then to recite verse 3 of Surah Hadeed. Imam Ghazali (Rahimahullah) writes that being الأَوَّلُ, He is the most manifest and being الآخِرُ, He is the most hidden, and this is the biggest paradox. He is the most manifest and the most hidden. His proofs are manifested throughout the universe but He is also the most بَاطِن. So it is a strange paradox that people want to talk to Him and know Him but He is hidden and in a way He is closest to us, He is there , He is with us. Another thing Imam Ghazali (Rahimahullah) writes is that it is the last stage of Ma’rifat when a person is trying to get to know Allah ta’ala and goes through different stages of knowing and understanding Him (even in our weak, Naaqis way) and this is the last stage of knowing Allah ta’ala, to realize that He is ظاهِر and بَاطِن. Counsel We should know that every Ni’mat of this world is a manifestation of Allah ta’ala. Everyone has a ظاهِر (the outer which the world can see) and a بَاطِن (the inner which no one can see) forms and to know them and to work on both the outer actions and the Tazkiyah of the heart and to follow the Sunnah in both. To know that Allah ta’ala is aware of our ظاهِر and بَاطِن, how we act in front of others and how we really are in private. To stay away from both type of sins as Allah ta’ala mentions in the Qur’an, وَذَرُوا ظَاهِرَ الْإِثْمِ وَبَاطِنَهُ ۚ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَكْسِبُونَ الْإِثْمَ سَيُجْزَوْنَ بِمَا كَانُوا يَقْتَرِفُونَ Forsake the outwardness of sin and the inwardness thereof. Lo! those who garner sin will be awarded that which they have earned. [Surah An’aam: 120] Therefore refrain from open sins and secret sins. The inner sins are having bad or negative feelings in the heart like envy, jealousy, pride etc. These are diseases of the heart and we should try and purify the heart while making Du’a for the purification of the heart. *~~*~~*

الأَوَّلُ الآخِرُ الأَوَّلُ and الآخِرُ will be discussed together. Translation الأَوَّلُ is translated as The First and The Pre-existing. الآخِرُ is translated as The Last and The End & Ultimate. Allah ta’ala is The First and The Last. Again the two names seem contradicting but they are both attributes of Allah ta’ala. Definition الأَوَّلُ – He is the first of all things. This does not mean He is the first of things which are created because Allah ta’ala is The Creator Himself. It means the first of everything that happened in the universe i.e. He is the first that led to the creation of everything else. Everything came from Him and so He is the first in time. It is that Being Who was the beginning for everything and there was no-one before Him. الآخِرُ – Scholars have said that everything is “Faanee ” which means it is temporary and can be erased i.e. the possibility of it not existing is there. Even in the Aakhirah there is possibility that Allah ta’ala can end that eternal life. Whereas Allah ta’ala is “Baaqee” and He cannot be erased and in that way الآخِرُ means He is The Last. Another way to understand these two names is that Allah ta’ala has no beginning and no end or limit. Therefore الأَوَّلُ and الآخِرُ covers the whole spectrum i.e. pre-existing and always existing. Even theoretically all of creation can end but Allah ta’ala is always there. In the Qur’an In Surah Hadeed (Verse 3) all four names (The previous two and these two) are together. هُوَ الْأَوَّلُ وَالْآخِرُ وَالظَّاهِرُ وَالْبَاطِنُ ۖ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ He is the First and the Last, the Evident and the Immanent, and He has the knowledge of all things. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam had a habit of reciting Surahs at bedtime which began with, “Sabbah or Yusabbih” which are called the “Musabbihaat” and then he would say, “Verily in these Surah is a verse which is better than a thousand verses” and that verse is the one mentioned above. In Du’a In a Du’a the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam taught us to say: اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ الأَوَّلُ فَلَيْسَ قَبْلَكَ شَيْءٌ، وَأَنْتَ الْآخِرُ فَلَيْسَ بَعْدَكَ شَيْءٌ، وَأَنْتَ الظَّاهِرُ فَلَيْسَ فَوْقَكَ شَيْءٌ، وَأَنْتَ الْبَاطِنُ فَلَيْسَ دُونَكَ شَيْءٌ Allahumma antal awwalu falaysa qablaka shay. Wa antal akhiru falaysa badaka shay. Wa antaz zahiru falaysa fawqaka shayun, wa antal batinu falaysa dunaka shay. “Oh Allah you are the first and so there is nothing before you. And you are the last, and so nothing is after you. And you are the manifest, the apparent, so nothing is above you. But at the same time, you are the hidden so nothing is beyond you.” Another Du’a the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam made when going to bed within which these names and the next two names are mentioned was, اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ السَّمَوَاتِ وَرَبَّ الأَرْضِ وَرَبَّ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ فَالِقَ الْحَبِّ وَالنَّوَى مُنْزِلَ التَّوْرَاةِ وَالإِنْجِيلِ وَالْقُرْآنِ الْعَظِيمِ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ كُلِّ دَابَّةٍ أَنْتَ آخِذٌ بِنَاصِيَتِهَا أَنْتَ الأَوَّلُ فَلَيْسَ قَبْلَكَ شَىْءٌ وَأَنْتَ الآخِرُ فَلَيْسَ بَعْدَكَ شَىْءٌ وَأَنْتَ الظَّاهِرُ فَلَيْسَ فَوْقَكَ شَىْءٌ وَأَنْتَ الْبَاطِنُ فَلَيْسَ دُونَكَ شَىْءٌ اقْضِ عَنِّي الدَّيْنَ وَأَغْنِنِي مِنَ الْفَقْرِ ‏ O Allah, Lord of the heavens and Lord of the earth and Lord of all things, Cleaver of the seed and the kernel, Revealer of the Tawrah, the Injil and the Magnificent Qur'an, I seek refuge with You from the evil of every creature You seize by the forelock. You are the First and there is nothing before You; You are the Last and there is nothing after You; You are the Most High (Az-Zahir) and there is nothing above You, and You are the Most Near (Al-Batin) and there is nothing nearer than You. Settle my debt for me and spare me from poverty. Advice Regarding Masnoon Du’a There are many Masnoon Du’a and we cannot read all of them so it would be good to read each at least once in our lifetime the way the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam did at a particular time or occasion. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam did not make all these Du’a all the time and he made the Du’a because of the feelings in his heart. For the Ambiyaa and the Muqarraboon, Du’a are what they talk to Allah ta’ala through. It gives us an idea of where they used those words of Du’a. Making Du’a stickers and learning all of them is not the point. It is to make all the Du’a at some stage and use the variety of Du’a to approach Allah ta’ala. Counsel To have certainty that everything will end and Allah ta’ala is الأَوَّلُ and الآخِرُ and we are insignificant and temporary beings passing through this universe. We see through the names of Allah ta’ala the constant feeling of human beings being insignificant and Allah ta’ala is اكْبر in His Sifaat and his Af’aal. *~~*~~*

الْمُقَدِّمُ الْمُؤَخِّرُ الْمُقَدِّمُ and الْمُؤَخِّرُ will be discussed together. Translations الْمُقَدِّمُ is translated as The Expediter and The Promoter. It comes from the root word قدم and literally means to be sent/put ahead, to precede something, to promote something, to expedite something. قَدِيْم means old. الْمُؤَخِّر is translated as The Delayer and the Postponer. It comes from أخر and means the last, to be delayed, to put back. Both names are Ism Faa’il (Doer forms in Arabic – words which made into the active form) so الْمُقَدِّم is The One Who promotes or puts something ahead and الْمُؤَخِّرُ is the opposite, The One Who keeps back, delays or postpones something. These two names are opposite to each other and contradictory in a way but both are used for Allah ta’ala and His Sifaat. Definitions الْمُقَدِّمُ is defined as The One Who takes everything through its different phases and stages. Therefore Allah ta’ala is promoting, expediting or progressing stage by stage for everything and every person in His creation. He makes whoever He wants progress, and being الْمُؤَخِّرُ, He can make them delayed or left behind. Both these Sifaat are Dhaatiyaa (Essence of Allah ta’ala) and as discussed before, some of the Sifaat of Allah ta’ala are Fa’liyaa (To do with His actions) and the Dhaatiyaa are about His essence / inherent qualities. In terms of Taqdeer It is also defined in terms of Taqdeer i.e. whoever He wants to, He advances or promotes in terms of Deen. Another way to explain مُقَدِّم is being advanced and the most مُقَدِّم in their ranks are the Ambiyaa so it is synonymous with being “Muqarrib” – to be in close proximity. Allah ta’ala makes some of His Makhlooq مُقَدِّم (Promoted, advanced and also means one who is close). Both of these Sifaat are subject to the wish and wisdom of Allah ta’ala. The subject of free will and destiny is a highly intense and academic subject and difficult to understand but the point is that Allah ta’ala can promote/ advance or demote/ delay someone through His will and wisdom. In Du’a Both these names are used in a Du’a the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam made: اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي مَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ، وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ، أَنْتَ الْمُقَدِّمُ وَأَنْتَ الْمُؤَخِّرُ، لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ O Allah! Please forgive me my previous And future sins; And whatever I concealed or revealed And You are the One who make (some people) forward And (some) backward. There is none to be worshipped but you. [Bukhari] Understanding Allah ta’ala being مُقَدِّم and مُؤَخِّر All the universe is proof of Allah ta’ala being مُقَدِّم and مُؤَخِّر i.e. Allah ta’ala brings the day into night and the night into day and similarly people have good and bad days, the ups and downs of life, the rise and fall of empires where Allah ta’ala raises / promotes certain nations or people or removes / decreases their advancement and this Allah ta’ala being مُقَدِّم and مُؤَخِّر and this is how one can understand what these words mean on a larger scale and on the micro level for us. Sometimes we are progressing in the Dunya, economically, socially, religiously and on a personal level and sometimes we feel we are left behind and all of us go through this at some point. To know that behind the scene it is actually Allah ta’ala, and he is both, مُقَدِّم and مُؤَخِّر gives people hope when they are going through a down period or slowing down when before they were progressing. Story regarding Shaykh Al-Andalusi This is a famous story regarding Abu ‘Abdullah Al-Andalusi which is recorded by a Scholar of the ninth century. In Baghdad, the seat of the Islamic state, was a pious saint by the name of Abu Abdullah Al-Andalusi. He was a well-known scholar and Muhaddith and twelve thousand disciples sat at his feet. He knew thirty thousand Ahadith by heart, and could recite the Qur’an in all the various modes of Qiraa’at. On a certain occasion he was going on a journey and was accompanied with a large crowd of attendants among whom were the well-known Junayd Baghdadi and Shaikh Shibli (Rahimahumullah). Shaikh Shibli continues the story: Our caravan was travelling along safely and comfortably with the grace of Allah, until we passed by an area where Christians were residing. When we reached the Christian village, we searched for water but could not find any. We went about the village and discovered that there were many churches, temples of sun-worship and synagogues. Some of the people worshipped idols and others prayed to the cross. We were amazed at their condition. We passed all this and reached the outskirts of the village where we found a well and a few girls drawing water for people to drink. Amongst these girls was one who was exceedingly beautiful. She wore a gold necklace around her neck. When Shaikh Abu Abdullah saw her the colour of his face changed. The Shaikh asked the other girls who she was. They replied: “This is the daughter of the ruler of this village.” The Shaikh replied: “But, why has her father dishonoured her by leaving her to give people water to drink?” The girls replied: “Her father has done this so that when she marries she will be able to honour and serve her husband. He does not want her to become boastful of her status.” The Shaikh sat down with his head bent forward and remained silent. For three days he did not eat or drink. He would only perform his Salaah. His disciples and companions did not know what to do or say. Shaikh Shibli says : ‘I decided to speak to him. I approached him and said, “O Shaikh, your disciples and companions are perplexed with your silence for the last three days. Please speak to us.” The Shaikh replied: “O people, know that my heart has become filled with love for the girl I saw the other day. It is not possible for me under any circumstances to leave from here.” Shaikh Shibli replied: “Our leader! You are the spiritual guide of Iraq. Your piety is well-known far and wide. Your disciples number over twelve thousand. By the sanctity of the Noble Quran do not bring disgrace to us and them.” The Shaikh replied: “O people, my lot has already been sealed by fate. I am nothing. The cloak of sainthood has been removed from me and the signs of guidance have been taken away from me.” Saying this the Shaikh began weeping bitterly. “Proceed and leave me alone. My fate has been sealed,” he told them. We were astonished. We begged Allah for His protection and we cried until the land beneath our feet became wet with our tears. We returned to Baghdad. When the people heard of our return, they arrived in large numbers at the outskirts of the city to meet the Shaikh. They saw that he was not with us and asked where he was. We told them the entire story. Many of his disciples died out of grief when they heard of his condition. Others cried in sorrow and disbelief. Many begged Allah to guide the Shaikh to the right path and return him to them. All his places of instruction and preaching were closed down. We remained in this sad condition for one full year. Finally, I, together with a few companions decided to visit the village again and find out how our Shaikh was doing. When we reached the village we asked regarding him and were told that he was in the woods looking after pigs. We asked: “What has happened?” We were told that he had proposed for the girl in marriage. But, the girl’s father had refused saying that her suitor had to meet certain conditions : he had to follow the same religion as her, he had to become a servant in the church and he had to look after the pigs. The Shaikh had fulfilled all these conditions and was currently seeing to the pigs. “With broken hearts and tears streaming down our eyes, we went to the woods to find him. He was standing amongst the pigs. Around his waist was a string of beads. On his head was the traditional Christian hat. He stood leaning on the staff that he once used to lean on when delivering the sermon in the mihraab! When he saw us he bowed his head in shame. We came nearer and said, “Assalaamu Alaikum.” He replied: “Wa Alaikumus salaam”. Shaikh Shibli then asked: “O Shaikh, what is all this? What has happened to you? What has happened to all your knowledge and virtue?” The Shaikh replied: “My dear friend and brothers, I am now no longer in control. Whatever Allah has desired for me, has come to pass. I was once amongst His beloved ones. Now He has thrown me very far away from His door. O Beloved ones of Allah, beware of being rejected and distanced from Allah. O Beloved ones of Allah, beware of Allah’s anger and being cut off from Him.” Then turning towards the heavens he said: “O my Lord, I never expected such treatment from You.” Then he began crying bitterly and appealing to Allah. Shaikh Shibli also begged Allah in a loud voice : “Only from you do we seek help. Upon You only do we rely. By Your grace, remove this difficulty from us! We have been overcome. Only you can save us!” When the pigs heard our crying they began to rub their heads in the sand and began to yell so loudly that the mountains appeared to wail. Shaikh Shibli says : “I thought Qiyaamah had come.” The Shaikh continued to cry uncontrollably. Shaikh Shibli continues: We said to him : “Shaikh, why don’t you return with us to Baghdad?” The Shaikh replied : “How can I? I have to see to the pigs, although I once saw to the hearts of men!” I asked the Shaikh : “You were a Haafiz of Qur’an and you could recite the seven modes of Qiraat. Do you remember anything of the Qur’an?” The Shaikh answered : “I have forgotten everything except two verses of the Qur’an: ‘He who Allah disgraces, none can grant him honour. Allah does as He wishes.’ And, secondly, the verse, ‘He who chooses kufr (disbelief) over Imaan (faith) he has certainly gone astray.’ I asked : “You knew thirty thousand Ahadith of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Do you still remember any?” He answered : “Only one: ‘One who leaves his faith, kill him!’ ” Amazed at his condition, we left the Shaikh and headed for Baghdad. However, after we had walked for three days we suddenly saw the Shaikh in front of us. He was coming out of a river, where he had just performed a bath. In a loud voice he proclaimed the Shahaadah: “I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship besides Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is His messenger.” We could not control our joy and happiness when we saw him. He asked us for some pure clothing which he then wore. He then performed Salaah. We expressed our gratitude to Allah for returning him to us and we asked him what had happened to him. He replied : “When you left me, I turned to Allah with my former love and affection for Him : ‘O my Protector, I am a sinner and a transgressor.’ Allah forgave me and covered me in His mercy.” We asked him : “But, why were you put through such an intense trial?” The Shaikh replied: “When we arrived in the village and saw the temples, synagogues and churches I thought to myself: ‘These people are nothing compared to me. I believe and worship one Allah.’ At that moment I heard a voice from within me saying: ‘This Iman that you have, is not due to your goodness in any way. If you so wish, We will show you right now.’ Immediately I felt as if something left my heart and flew away. That was my Imaan leaving me.” Shaikh Shibli says: “We were overjoyed. Our caravan arrived in Baghdad with great joy. The Shaikh’s places of teaching and preaching were reopened. In a short while his students numbered over forty thousand. Allah again returned to him his knowledge of Qur’an and Hadith and blessed him with further knowledge.” (Al-Mustatraf) ~~end~~ The story shows that it does not matter who a person is. He may be of a high rank in any field and it was Allah ta’ala Who had made him مُقَدِّم however in a second, Allah ta’ala can be الْمُؤَخِّرُ and the person can lose everything and be demoted. In the story Allah ta’ala had made Shaykh Al-Andalusi of the Muqaddimeen and then of the Mu’akhkhireen. Counsel How do we connect with these names? To know that the Tawfeeq of any good deed is only through Allah ta’ala’s Ihsaan. He gives us the ability to do good and He protects us from sin and therefore not to be proud regarding any blessing one has as in the story of Shaykh Al-Andalusi. Not to blame others for our failures or being demoted. All failures, be they worldly or Deeni, are from Allah ta’ala and He is الْمُقَدِّمُ and الْمُؤَخِّرُ. When feeling we are losing or being left behind then to make Du’a saying, “O Allah! You are الْمُقَدِّمُ and الْمُؤَخِّرُ so help me advance and progress.” *~~*~~*

From Jamali muhammadi of Shaykh Yusuf Motala رحمة الله عليه

Denture Implants 26th December 2017 السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته Question: My father in law’s teeth are all falling out and it causes him in difficulty in consuming food. He is thinking about getting denture implants done. Is this permissible? الجواب حامداً و مصلياً In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Answer Denture implants, or artificial teeth generally come in two forms; detachable and non-detachable. Non-detachable one requires a surgical operation in order to remove the teeth as opposed to detachable ones. Islamically, there is no harm for any old person, such as your father in-law, to have denture implants of either type if all of the teeth have fallen [or falling] due to old age to easily allow consumption of food especially strong solid foods. This is permitted under the ruling of removing extreme difficulty (raf’ul haraj) and constrain (mushaqat), a justified principle in determining legal rulings. It is recommended that he uses detachable ones first, but if he struggles with it then to resort to Non-detachable ones. It must be remembered that detachable dentures must be removed during Fardh Ghusl. [Allãh Knows Best] Written by (Mufti) Abdul Waheed Answer Attested by Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam JKN Fatawa Department jknfatawa

Is Orthodontic Treatment Permissible? 24th February 2020 السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته Question: I am aware of a Hadīth where Allāh Almighty cursed the one who files their teeth (amongst other things). I am considering having orthodontic treatment to correct tooth crowding, but in order to do this, they would have to shave the sides of the teeth around 2mm to make space and then place braces so to straighten the teeth to prevent them from protruding out of the mouth and ease when biting food. is this permissible? الجواب حامداً و مصلياً In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Answer: Orthodontic treatment covers a wide range of problems relating to the teeth, such as underbite, overbite, overcrowding and misplaced midline etc.[1] Different treatments are used depending on the situation to correct the condition e.g. braces, aligners and jaw repositioning. In the above case of overcrowding, the teeth would need to be reshaped this is known as ‘slenderising’, thereafter braces be attached to ensure the teeth remain aligned. [2] Concerning your query, the prohibition in the Hadīth by the Noble Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam, refers to those occasions when women in those days filed and shaped their teeth to increase their beauty and to look younger.[3] This resulted in purposefully enhancing or decreasing the natural features that Allāh Almighty created a person with. This type of change falls under the category of tagh’yeer al-khalq [altering the natural creation of Allāh I],[4] which is not allowed under any circumstance. Your case, on the other hand, is due to a medical reason (overcrowding of the teeth) which is to realign the shapes of the teeth to their natural position so to avert the difficulty when biting or chewing food. This prohibition, therefore, does not apply to you and you are permitted to undertake this treatment.[5] [Allāh Knows Best] Written by: Apa Gul-e-Maryam Reviewed by: Mufti Abdul Waheed Attested by: Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam JKN Fatawa Department [1] https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/teen-oral-care/what-is-orthodontics [2] https://www.smileworksliverpool.co.uk/blog/overcrowding-in-adults/ [3] Sharah Nawawi A’la Muslim, Hadith No 2125, Vol 14 , Pg 106 بالفاء والجيم والمراد مفلجات الأسنان بأن تبرد ما بين أسنانها الثنايا والرباعيات وهو من الفلج بفتح الفاء واللام وهي فرجة بين الثنايا والرباعيات وتفعل ذلك العجوز ومن قاربتها في السن إظهارا للصغر وحسن الأسنان لأن هذه الفرجة اللطيفة بين الأسنان تكون للبنات الصغار [4] Sharah Sahih Bukhari Li Ibn Battaal, , Vol 9, Pg 167 باب: المتفلجات للحسن فى هذا الحديث البيان عن رسول الله أنه لا يجوز لامرأة تغيير شىء من خلقها الذى خلقها الله عليه بزيادة فيه أو نقص منه التماس التحسن به لزوج أو غيره، لأن ذلك نقض منها خلقها إلى غير هيئته، وسواء فلجت اسنانها المستوية البنية ووشرتها أو كانت لها أسنان طوال فقطعت طلبا للحسن، [5] Fathul Bari, Vol 10,Pg 377 قوله باب المتنمصات قال ويستثنى من ذلك ما يحصل به الضرر والأذية كمن يكون لها سن زائدة أو طويلة تعيقها في الأكل أو إصبع زائدة تؤذيها أو تؤلمها فيجوز ذلك والرجل في هذا الأخير Sharah Nawawi A’la Muslim, Hadith No 2125, Vol 14 , Pg 107 وَأَمَّا قَوْلُهُ الْمُتَفَلِّجَاتُ لِلْحُسْنِ فَمَعْنَاهُ يَفْعَلْنَ ذَلِكَ طَلَبًا لِلْحُسْنِ وَفِيهِ إِشَارَةٌ إِلَى أَنَّ الْحَرَامَ هُوَ الْمَفْعُولُ لطلب الحسن أما لواحتاجت إِلَيْهِ لِعِلَاجٍ أَوْ عَيْبٍ فِي السِّنِّ وَنَحْوِهِ فلابأس والله أعلم Jknfatawa

الْقَادِرُ الْمُقْتَدِرُ الْقَادِرُ and الْمُقْتَدِرُ will be discussed together. Translation الْقَادِرُ is translated as The All Powerful, The Empowered and The Capable and الْمُقْتَدِرُ is translated as The Creator of All Power, The All-Determining and The Prevailing. They both mean The One Who has power. مُقْتَدِر is a more emphatic form of قَادِر. This is a trait very much present in the Essence (Dhaat) of Allah ta’ala. He has power over every moment and He has the ability/potential to do whatever He wants. كُنْ فَيَكُونُ – Be and it is. He just has to intend for something and it happens, good or bad. He does not have to even say, “كُنْ” as He just has to intend it and it happens and whatever He decides to do, no one can stop Him. Power hungry People Humans have power to some extent however it is temporary. It is from Allah ta’ala and it is a trust (Amaanah). The power of humans also has weakness and fault. It is not absolute. The Haqeeqee (True) power is Allah ta’ala’s alone with no weakness or fault. Yet people are power hungry and power is very corruptive. We see this historically where a person may start off good however on gaining a little power, they become corrupted and abuse the Amaanah given to them. Power intoxicates people and they begin to think they deserve it. Some people are nice to everyone however show their power over their children by being abusive. We should not abuse the Amaanah of power given to us over people i.e. in our family, people working under us, over students etc. It should be used in a constructive way for Tarbiyah and not to abuse. Knowing Allah ta’ala is الْقَادِرُ and الْمُقْتَدِرُ will keep these negative traits in check. Hadith - Asking for position of Authority It has been reported on the authority of ‘Abdul Rahman bin Samura RA who said, The Messenger of Allah sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said to me: “Abdul Rahman, do not ask for a position of authority, for if you are granted this position as a result of your asking for it, you will be left alone (without God’s help to discharge the responsibilities attendant thereon), and if you are granted it without making any request for it, you will be helped (by God in the discharge of your duties).” Hadith – Allah ta’ala has more Power over us Abu Mas’ood al-Ansari reported, “When I was beating my servant, I heard a voice behind me (saying), ‘Abu Mas’ood, bear in mind Allah has more dominance over you than you have upon him. I turned and (found him) to be Allah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam. I said, ‘Allah’s Messenger, I set him free for the sake of Allah.’ Thereupon he said, ‘Had you not done that, (the gates of) Hell would have opened for you, or the fire would have burnt you.’” In the Qur’an Allah ta’ala’s power is Wasee’ – comprehensive, unlimited and emphasized. It is mentioned 12 times in the Qur’an as الْقَادِرُ, 4 times as الْمُقْتَدِرُ 45 times as الْقَدِيرُ When one views Allah ta’ala as الْقَادِرُ, one does not need others. It prevents a person from turning to others and will turn to Allah ta’ala at all times. Allah ta’ala’s power is such that it does not need tools or means. Just intention is enough. Major countries which are so advanced scientifically and in other ways are often left powerless by an occurrence of natural disasters or an illness like a virus. They cannot do anything about it and even fear it. Through occurrences like a tsunami or a volcano erupting with molten lava covering and destroying beautiful islands, Allah ta’ala is showing His power. The commentary mentions that there is no such thing as a coincidence. Everything occurs with the power of Allah ta’ala. He often shows His power for our betterment especially when a person boasts about themselves and this can even be a pious person boasting about his piety. Story regarding Sa’eed bin Musayyab, an early Muslim He was with some people and said for 40 years he has been in the Masjid before the Adhaan was called. Soon thereafter he ended up arriving at the Masjid as people were leaving.Allah ta’ala showed him that it was not through his own power that he had arrived early at the Masjid for 40 years. Counsel To know Allah ta’ala is our Mawlaa/Master and is Qaadir over everything and does what He wants. With this realisation a person will not have hopes in people. His hopes will be in Allah ta’ala. Even when someone does something for them they realise it is through the power and Fadhl of Allah ta’ala. *~~*~~*

الصَّمَدُ Translation الصَّمَدُ is translated as The Satisfier of All Needs and The Eternal. Definition It is defined as The One Who we turn to for all our needs and One Who satisfies all the needs of the creation of this world and the Aakhirah. He is sufficient for all of creation and He is self-sufficient. We need Him and He does not need anyone. Another definition is that He does not need nourishment and He is Baaqee (Eternal) and we are temporary. Another way to understand it according to a commentator is that الصَّمَدُ is a comprehensive collection of all His traits. Some Scholars say this name is the Ism A’dham. In the Qur’an It is mentioned only once in Surah Ikhlaas, اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ - Allah is the Self-Sufficient (independent of all, while all are dependent on Him); A man heard another man reciting Qul Huwa Allaahu Ahad and repeating it. The next morning he came to the Messenger of Allah sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam and told him about that. The man thought that it was too little, but the Messenger of Allah sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “By the One in Whose hand is my soul, it is equivalent to one-third of the Qur’an.” [Bukhari] Counsel To connect to this name we should know He is The One Who can satisfy all our needs and so we should have all our hopes in Allah ta’ala and not in others. *~~*~~*

الْاَحَدُ Translation الْاَحَدُ is also translated as The One but here there is more of a connotation of being alone. The Difference الْوَاحِدُ between and الْاَحَدُ الْوَاحِدُ is being unique and الْاَحَدُ is being alone. The number one in Arabic is وَاحِد and it has a second i.e. number two in Arabic is إثنان. It can be made feminine and a person can be described as وَاحِد - a unique person. الْاَحَدُ is alone in His attributes. There is no number two after it and it cannot be ascribed to a person i.e. a person can be described as كَريم but not اَحَد. It is exclusive to Allah ta’ala. Definition Ibn Katheer (Rahimahullah) says it is that being Who has no Mithl (Example). There is no similar Being to Him. اَحَد is exclusive to Allah ta’ala and nothing is comparable to Him in terms of His essence and His Sifaat. It is mentioned only once in the Qur’an in Surah Ikhlaas and it is used in the indefinite form which in Arabic, gives a word more expanse / comprehensiveness because when something is definite it is limited. Surah Ikhlaas It is regarded as one-third of the Qur’an. Scholars say the Qur’an is divided into three major themes and one of these is Tawheed and Surah Ikhlaas is all about Tawheed which is why it is regarded as one-third of the Qur’an. The first verse of Surah Ikhlaas is an affirmation of Tawheed and thereafter His prefect Sifaat are mentioned. In this Surah all the different ways of rejecting Tawheed are alluded to in a subtle way. Ways of Rejecting Tawheed There are different ways a person can reject Tawheed; • To reject Allah ta’ala altogether as atheists do • To believe in God but to not believe in His attributes • To believe in God and in His attributes but to do Shirk in deeds. There are different levels of Shirk and some Muslims also commit Shirk • To ask help from others • To attribute children to God as the Christians and the Mushrikeen did Ahad! Ahad! The story of Bilaal RA is known to everyone. When he was persecuted he kept repeating Ahad! Ahad! Why did he not say Waahid! Waahid!? It was because he was asked to accept the idols of the Mushrikeen and he was saying, “He is the Only One, there is no one like Him.” Scholars say it was an expression of his love for Allah ta’ala as when a person loves someone, they often mention the name of their beloved. It was also an answer to his tormentors and this tormented them in return. It is also said that he repeated the name as even though he was tormented, taking Allah ta’ala’s name gave him pleasure. There were so many Sahaba RA, but the name of Bilaal RA is known to every child. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam loved him and Allah ta’ala granted him the status of being the first to call out the Adhaan. After the death of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam he moved to Damascus and only returned to Madeenah once. Hasan RA requested him to call out the Adhaan and when he did, it brought back memories to the people of Madeenah of the time when the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam was among them and Ahad! Ahad! was where it all began. Counsel To connect to this name, use it in Du’a to call out to Allah ta’ala and in any difficulty turn to Him first which we forget to do when a situation occurs. A person with firm Yaqeen in Tawheed will turn to Allah ta’ala in all situations and in all ‘Ibaadah. *~~*~~*