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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.

The origin of the word Bak Bak (بك بك) --------- In Urdu, whenever someone is babbling around (talking foolishly), we say in Urdu to him: "bak bak na karo" (i.e. do not talk foolishly and in vain). This is normally used as a slang but it is interesting to note that a similar expression is used in the classical Arabic language. The famous companion of the Prophet SAW, 'Abd Allah bin 'Umar RA once said to the famous governor Hajjaj bin Yusuf, who was known for his tyranny and transgression when he extended the Khutbah of Jumuah to the extent that the time for prayer was about to pass: إنما نجيء للصلاة فصلِّ الصلاة لوقتها، ثم بقبق بعد ذلك ما شئت من بقبقة. أخرجه ابن سعد في الطبقات (4/149). "We only come to pray, so perform the prayer at its appointed time, then baq baq after that whatever baq baq you want to do." ~Smile Originally posted by Mugheerah Luqman

The Arabic word for punishment is "ta'zir - support". This is "because the idea underlying punishment is to give real help to the criminal by punishing him." —Ma'ariful Qur'an V8 pg 84 with the reference of Mufradat al-Qur'an by Raghib

One should recite the following dua when overcome by fear أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ، مِنْ غَضَبِهِ وَشَرِّ عِبَادِهِ، وَمِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَأَنْ يَحْضُرُون I seek protection through the complete words of Allah Ta’ala from His anger, the evil of His servants, the whispers of the Shayateen and of their presence. عن عمرو بن شعيب، عن أبيه، عن جده، أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يعلمهم من الفزع كلمات: أعوذ بكلمات الله التامة، من غضبه وشر عباده، ومن همزات الشياطين وأن يحضرون (سنن أبي داود، الرقم: 3893) Hazrat Abdullah bin Amr (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) would teach the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) to recite the following dua when experiencing fear: أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ، مِنْ غَضَبِهِ وَشَرِّ عِبَادِهِ، وَمِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَأَنْ يَحْضُرُون ihyaauddeen..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]

Salaam. Multiple explosions and gun fights attributed to ISIS. 3 explosions so far. Multiple deaths and injuries including US troops. r/afghancivilwar (reddit) is a good source for quick information.

ASKIMAM.ORG A GIFT TO THE UMMAH FROM MUFTI EBRAHIM DESAI (RAHIMAHULLAH) The new redesign and revamp of Askimam was something Mufti Ebrahim Desai (Rahimahullah) had overseen for the past two years. It was his heart’s desire to launch the upgraded Askimam during Ramadhan. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the launch was delayed and it was Mufti Sahib’s last wish and directives for Askimam to be launched on Eid al-Adha 1442. It was Allah’s will that Mufti Sahib would be returned to Him during the blessed days of Hajj, and that the launch would be delayed further and instead, be a living memory and Sadaqah Jariyah for our beloved Mufti Sahib. The entire Askimam website and all its contents will remain accessible, as a legacy and a Sadaqah Jariyah for our beloved teacher and guide Mufti Ebrahim Desai (Rahimahullah). It was his life project, and we have full hope in Allah Ta’ala that He will make this website a living memory of Mufti Ebrahim Desai (Rahimahullah). We ask the readers of Askimam.org to continue making Dua and Isaale Thawab for Mufti Ebrahim Desai. To Allah belongs all praise and only He is the Everlasting. MESSAGES FROM SENIOR ULAMA • Hazrat Mufti Ahmed Khanpuri Sahib (Hafidhahullah) • Mufti Muhammed Hashim Amod Sahib (Hafidhahullah) • Moulana Ebrahim Pandor Sahib (Hafidhahullah) • Mufti Saeed Motara Sahib (Hafidhahullah) • Ml Ahmed Chohan Sahib (Hafidhahullah) Read more: http://askimam.org/public/announcement/63 Welcome message: http://askimam.org/public/announcement/61 Launch Video: _________________ *DARUL IFTAA MAHMUDIYYAH* *35 Candella Road* *Sherwood, Durban - South Africa* 📧 *Email:* [email protected] *Twitter*: @Darul_iftaa | @MuftiEbrahim *Web* Darulmahmood.net | Daruliftaa.net | Askimam.org | Idealwoman.org | One-Humanity.net *Subscribe to the Darul Iftaa WhatsApp service:* https://wa.me/27673474561 by sending us a message and saving the number to receive updates.

Imām ibn Rajab Al Ḥanbali رحمه الله recorded in his Kitāb Latāif al Ma'arif that 'Abdullāh ibn Mubārak رحمه الله visited Imām Sufyān ath-Thawrī رحمه الله on the evening of the day of Arafah and he found him crying He asked him: Who is the greatest loser on this day? Sufyān replied: "The one who thinks Allāh shall not forgive him!"

What is Tasawwuf (Sufism)? Are those who follow it on a different religion than islam or is it a different sect within islam? Why even using such term if the Prophet ﷺ or the Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them) never used it themselves? I felt obliged to make this post due to the amount of ignorance and confusions people have regarding Tasawwuf. This post, if Allah wills, will clear up some of the confusions. *Note that I only intend to briefly explain this topic and not its entirety.* To begin with, there are many theories regarding the origin of the word tasawwuf purily looking from a linguistic point of view. Some say it comes from "suf" (wool) because those who were upon the path of tasawwuf wore wool clothes. Some say it comes from safa meaning purification, and so on. But all these theories do not change the meaning of tasawwuf in the shari'a. This is only purely looking from a linguistic point of view. Regarding tasawwuf itself, it's not a sect. It's a science, just like the science of fiqh and the science of aqeedah. It has its own principles backed up by the Qur'an and the Sunnah. Just like how the Prophet ﷺ or the Sahabah never used the term fiqh but its principles can be found in the Qur'an and the Sunnah. The reason why we began to use the term tasawwuf is to distinguish its science (knowledge) from other sciences. As for defining tasawwuf, there are many definitions given by the scholars but all focus on one concept, which is purification of the inner self (which results in ihsaan), living according to the Shari'a and remembrance of Allah (dhikr) as well as the righteous people ‏Imam Ghazali defined tasawwuf as complete devotion of one's heart to Allah: التصوف هو تجريد القلب لله تعالى واحتقار ما سواه أي تخليص القلب لله تعالى واعتقاد ما سواه اعتقادات أنه لا يضر ولا ينفع فلا يعول إلا على الله فالمراد باحتقار ما ساه اعتقاد أنه لا يضر ‏ولا ينفع وليس المراد الازدراء التنقيص. Imam Nawawi said that there are 5 principles for tasawwuf: أصول طريق التصوف خمسة: تقوى الله في السر والعلانية، إتباع السنة في الأقوال والأفعال، الإعراض عن الخلق في الإقبال والإدبار، الرضا عن الله تعالى في القليل والكثير، الرجوع إلى الله في السراء والضراء. 1- (Taqwa) Fearing Allah in secret and in public; 2 - Following the Sunnah in both words and deeds; 3 - Not considering the acceptance or rejection of the creation; 4 - Satisfaction with Allah in little and much; 5 - Turning to Allah in both good and bad times ‏Imam Zakariya al-Ansari said: "التصوف علم تعرف به أحوال تزكية النفوس، وتصفية الأخلاق وتعمير الظاهر والباطن لنيل السعادة الأبدية." "Tasawwuf is a science defining the ways of purifying one's nafs (soul), purifying one's akhlaq (morals) and improving what is apparent and hidden to achieve eternal happiness." Three things can be learned from this: Tasawwuf aims at purifying one's soul, morals and keeping oneself busy with ibada (worship), following the ways of the Prophet ﷺ, etc. Examples of tasawwuf from the Qur'an: "He it is Who sent among the unlettered ones a Messenger (Muhammad SAW) from among themselves, reciting to them His Verses, purifying them (from the filth of disbelief and polytheism)..." [Sura al-Jumu'ah 62:2] Imam Fakhr ad-Din ar-Razi said regarding this verse: {وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ} أي يطهرهم من خبث الشرك ، وخبث ما عداه من الأقوال والأفعال "(purifying them) meaning purification from the (spiritual) filth of shirk and the filth of other words and deeds" "And your Lord says, 'Call upon Me; I will respond to you.' [Sura Ghafir 40:60] "Did I not enjoin upon you, O children of Adam, that you not worship Satan - [for] indeed, he is to you a clear enemy. And that you worship [only] Me? This is a straight path." [Sura Ya-Sin 36:60-61] "Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous (those who have taqwa)." [Sura Hujurat 49:13] "There is not upon those who believe and do righteousness [any] blame concerning what they have eaten [in the past] if they [now] fear Allah and believe and do righteous deeds, and then fear Allah and believe, and then fear Allah and do good; and Allah loves the doers of good." [Sura al-Ma'idah 5:93] Examples of tasawwuf from the Sunnah: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "Verily, Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but rather He looks at your hearts and actions." [Sahih Muslim 2564] And he ﷺ said, "The strong are not the best wrestlers. Verily, the strong are only those who control themselves when they are angry." [Sahih Muslim 2609] And he ﷺ said, "He who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of pride shall not enter Paradise." [Sahih Muslim 91c] Then why do we see people who call themselves Sufis but go against the Shari'a? Those who claim to follow the path of tasawwuf but go against the main principles of tasawwuf should not be a reason to call into question the soundness of this science (tasawwuf). It can be argued that one of the reasons for this is entering the path of tasawwuf without an educated shaykh or teacher. Knowledge plays an important role in this, just like how it is important in the hadith. Not every person who claims to follow tasawwuf represents tasawwuf. Why do we need tasawwuf? People are not free from sins and having bad qualities. The knowledge of tasawwuf, taken from the Qur'an and Sunnah, is needed to clean our heart and nafs. Imam Ghazali said that there is a degree in the science of tasawwuf that every muslim must know: ‏فإذا كان الغالب أن الإنسان لا ينفك عن دواعي الشر والرياء والحسد فيلزمه أن يتعلم من علم ربع المهلكات ما يرى نفسه محتاجا إليه وكيف لا يجب عليه وقد قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم ثلاث مهلكات شح مطاع وهوى متبع وإعجاب المرء بنفسه Summary of this thread: -Tasawwuf is a science backed up by the Qur'an and the Sunnah; -The essence of tasawwuf has been known since the time of the Prophet ﷺ; -The name "tasawwuf" has been used to distinguish it from other sciences; -People who contradict the correct path of tasawwuf should not be a reason to call into question the soundness of this science; -Tasawwuf is needed to purify ourselves, increase our worship, obedience, ihsaan (sincerity), etc. I ask Allah to guide and forgive us all, ameen.

Yesterday, June 12, the Palestinian flag was painted on each door of the houses of Lifta village, whose residents were forcibly displaced because of the Nakba (1948), and the phrase “we will return” was written on the doors of the displaced houses, signifying the affirmation of the return and that we will not leave Lifta and will not allow the occupation forces to carry out their plans to destroy Lifta and build a new Jewish neighborhood on what was left of this village.The flags were painted in a specific position, a specific place on the sides of the doors, with a specific symbol above them, the letter ש. The reason is that this is a joint action by Palestinians and anti-Zionist Jews who are resisting the occupation together.This is a reference to the Jewish "Mezuzah", one of the most ancient traditions of the Jewish people, who put a special box with a sacred scroll inside it on the sides of the doors to their houses (the letter ש symbolises one of the holiest names of God, which is written in each and every Mezuzah). This is meant to protect the home, and anyone living or staying in it. This practice is of high significance to the Jewish people, since it originated from the story of Moses liberating them from being slaves in Egypt - a story they tell each year on the holiday of Pesach (Passover in English).For the Jews, their liberation from Egypt is one of the most symbolic stories in their religion. It has now been used in a striking way to address the occupation in its own language. This symbol is to express their freedom and protection while they occupy the land and people of Palestine ! This time it was used to remind the occupying state and the Zionist regime of the following : 1. The Palestinians deserve to be free, too.2. The homes of Palestinians from which they were expelled and from which they are still being expelled also deserve protection.3. The Palestinian right of return is sacred and guaranteed by all international forums and United Nations resolutions (Resolution No. 194).4. The Jews who participated in this work recognize the Nakba and what happened to the Palestinian people in 1948, and that this slogan is to challenge the occupation and remind it of the truth that it has always tried to obliterate.Over one of the door arches, they wrote the quote from the Torah, in which God commanded the Jews to put his name on each and every door of their houses :"וּכְתַבְתָּם עַל מְזוּזֹת בֵּיתֶךָ וּבִשְׁעָרֶיךָ"The bodies of the adults have left, but the young have inherited the truth and followed the paths of their fathers and grandfathers. Eye On Palestine (@eye.on.palestine) • Instagram photos and videos

The content in this topic has been taken from Menstrual Matters Whitethread Institute. Menstruation is a part of every woman’s life. For a young girl, it will mark her entrance into womanhood and the point at which she is responsible for her worship in accordance with Islamic laws (Shari’ah). For a woman, it will be a constant part of her life, through monthly cycles, pregnancies and even menopause. Given the way hayd (menstruation) and nifas (post-natal bleeding) are so intimately connected to a woman, it is imperative that she understands the rules that govern them. She must know when she is obligated to pray and fast and when she must abstain from certain acts of worship. The tutorials aim to help women gain clarity and understanding of how to differentiate between the differnt types of bloods they experience. Index 1. Key Terms - it is very important to know the different types of blood women experience 2. Minimum & Maximum Frames - Shari'ah has stipulated the minimum and maximum limit to the bloods 3. Colours of blood - Women experience different colours of blood. This tutorial shows which colours can be considered 4. Habits - Habits are formed in the number of days a woman bleeds (in menstruation and post-natal bleeding) 5. Recording Cycles - This tutorial shows how imporatnt it is for women to record their cycles 6. Number & Place - It is not just about the number of days a woman bleeds. It is also at which place of the month she bleeds 7. Early Blood - Women's habits fluctuate and some months she may beging bleeding earlier than expeceted. What does she do? 8. Post-natal Bleeding (Nifas) - Definition and rulings 9. Miscarriage - Rulings on how to determine the bleeding after a miscarriage 10. Menopause - Rulings 11. Attaining Ritual Purity - How and when to attain purity aftre bleeding

Emotional WellbeingPhysical WellbeingSelf Improvement The Beast In The Mirror: Overcoming Body Dysmorphic Disorder “Mirrors are perpetually deceitful. They lie and steal your true self. They reveal only what your mind believes it sees.” – Dee Remy Are you finding yourself in front of your mirror on a regular basis and noting all of your imperfections? Are you embarrassed to leave the home because of a minor flaw or blemish on your face? Is plastic surgery on the horizon for you in the near future? If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may be dealing with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). The DSM-IV defines BDD as “a preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance. If a slight physical anomaly is present, the person’s concern is markedly excessive. This preoccupation often causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. This preoccupation is not better accounted for by another mental disorder (eg, dissatisfaction with body shape and size in anorexia nervosa).” BDD is distinguished from anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa , to the extent that patients w anorexia or bulimia disorders are preoccupied with their overall weight and body shape. BDD however focuses on a specific area and is not related to weight or dieting. An example might be an adolescent who thinks that her breasts are too large and wants to have plastic surgery to reduce their size but is otherwise unconcerned about her weight and is eating normally. Recent statistics indicate a many as 50% of patients diagnosed with BDD undergo plastic surgery to correct their perceived physical defects. Individuals with BDD often focus so much on the defect, they often lose sight of the whole self. A person with a pimple on their nose might feel it is considerably larger than it actually is and their reactions fit their perception rather than reality. This may be caused by an error in the visual processing region of your brain. This visual processing error can lead to low self-esteem, high suicide risk, and repeated cosmetic surgery. Although the symptoms appear psychological in nature, new research by UCLA psychiatrist Jamie D. Feusner appears to indicate it might actually be linked to problems with seeing the big picture in the brain. In the study, subjects were shown blurred pictures of their own faces while inside the fMRI machine. Dr. Feusner observed, compared to healthy control subjects, those subjects identified with BDD showed much less activity in the brain region responsible for forming visual details into composite forms. This inability to see the whole picture generalized to other activities as well, including looking at pictures of houses. People with BDD tend to have difficulty seeing the whole picture and cannot process the context of what they are looking at. This perceptual error seems to be the underlying reason individuals suffer from a distorted self image, which defines BDD. Causes of BDD Although recent research points to an error in the visual processing region of the brain, other research indicates the cause might be related to low seratonin levels in the brain. Seratonin, a neurotransmitter produced by the brain, is often associated with depression and mood disorders when levels are below normal in the brain. Another significant factor in the development of BDD is the influence of the mass media, particularly the role of advertising in spreading images of physically “perfect” men and women. Impressionable young children and adolescents absorb the message that anything short of physical perfection is unacceptable. This may lead to developing distorted perceptions of their own faces and bodies. Family of origin plays an important role in our self perceptions, which can increase our vulnerability to BDD. Children whose parents are obsessed with appearance, dieting, and/or bodybuilding; or who are highly critical of their children’s looks, are at greater risk of developing BDD. A history of trauma and abuse can also be an additional factor. When an individual with a history of trauma or abuse buries their feelings about the abuse or traumatic incident, the oppressed feelings can emerge in the form of obsessions about physical features. This “reassignment” of feelings is called displacement. An example that best describes this displacement is an adolescent with a history of physical abuse as a young child becoming obsessed with body building and strength. Individuals with BDD can have symptoms similar to OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) since anxiety is at the root of both disorders. Symptoms of BDD include: Ritualistic Behavior: Ritualistic behavior refers to actions that the individual performs to manage anxiety and that take up excessive amounts of his/her time. Individuals are frequently upset if someone or something interferes with or interrupts their ritual. For individuals diagnosed with BDD, these ritualistic behaviors may include exercise or makeup routines, assuming specific poses or postures in front of a mirror, etc. Camouflaging: Individuals with BDD usually spend a great amount of time camouflaging “problem” feature or body part with makeup, hats, or clothing. 94% of individuals with BDD have reported camouflaging. Mirror Obsession: Abnormal behavior around mirrors, large storefront windows, or similar reflecting surfaces is common with individuals with BDD. A majority of individuals diagnosed with BDD frequently check their appearance in mirrors or spend long periods of time doing so. A few react in the opposite direction and avoid mirrors when possible. Fishing for Compliments: Individual with BDD frequently ask for reassurance from others about their appearance. Self Comparisons: Individuals with BDD frequently compare their own appearance to others. Social Avoidance: Due to their insecurities, individual with BDD often avoid activities outside the home, including school and social events*. *The loss of functioning resulting from BDD can have serious consequences for the individuals future. Adolescents with BDD often cut school and may be reluctant to participate in sports, youth groups, or hold part-time or summer jobs. Many individuals are unable to remain in school, form healthy relationships, or keep steady jobs. Adults with muscle dysmorphia have been known to turn down job promotions in order to have more time to focus on their imperfections by working out more at the gym or fitness centers. The economic consequences of BDD can include overspending on cosmetics, clothing, or plastic surgery. Treatment Individuals with BDD often respond well to medications such as antidepressants as well as individual therapy using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). CBT has been found useful in reducing BDD symptoms. With CBT, individuals learn to see themselves in the mirror without the need for negative self talk or tendency to focus on the negative defects. CBT also challenges inaccurate self-perceptions the individual might have about themselves. Relaxation techniques paired with CBT work well for individuals with BDD. In more severe cases, hospitalization may be warranted for individuals with BDD. Since BDD patients have a high rate of self-destructive behavior, including performing surgery on themselves at home (e.g. liposuction followed by skin stapling, removing facial scars with sand paper, or even sawing down their teeth), hospitalization might be the best place for them to get the help they need. Individuals with severe cases of BDD have a high rate of attempted and completed suicide. Out of 100 individuals diagnosed with BDD, 48% have been hospitalized for psychiatric reasons and 30% had made at least one suicide attempt. Prevention The best preventive strategy appears to be simply challenging the perception of those afflicted with unrealistic images of themselves. Despite the pervasive influence of the mass media in our lives, we must educate ourselves and our children about the realities of those supposed “perfect” images we are exposed to. Point out the airbrushing and photo-shopping involved in getting models to look a certain way. Most importantly, talk to young children about the pitfalls of trying to look “perfect”. Teach them the importance of being well rounded, mentally and physically. Stop complimenting girls and boys on just their physical appearance and attributes. Compliment them on being smart, kind, compassionate, and generous rather than on being beautiful and cute. By doing so, you are teaching them to value themselves as a whole rather than a physical part or feature. Lastly, educate yourself on the symptoms of BDD and pay attention to changes in your children’s dress and behavior. Early intervention is key. Dr. Nafisa Sekandari mentalhealth4muslims

On the 25th of November Major General (Hafiz) Muhammad Abdul Aziz was promoted to Lieutenant General and given the strategic command of defense of Lahore. He is the first Madarsah graduate promoted to this level, leads Taraweeh Salah ever year to this day and is a Deobandi. https://www.24newshd.tv/25-Nov-2020/lt-gen-aziz-new-commander-lahore-corps-karachi-corps-goes-to-lt-gen-nadeem Hard nose, professional Solider, potentially marked as the next Army Chief of Pakistan. 2 of the 6 Generals promoted by Imran Khan Government yesterday have Sunnah beards His bright future and seniority can be seen in the order of promotions and the Tweet

Talk by : Mufti Faisal al-Mahmudi Topic : Khushu' in Salah and Social Media 2020_10_02_13_47_12

﷽ Ehsan An individual enthusiastically informed Arif-billah Hadhrat Dr. Abdul Hayy Arifi (RH) that by Allah’s grace he had attained the station of Ihsan. That is, worshipping Allah as though you see Him and if that is not possible then as though He sees you. Shaykh Dr. Arifi (qaddas sirrahu) congratulated and encouraged him. And then inquired that if this ihsan was attained only in prayers (salah) or it was also present at other times, like dealing with house hold members, especially wife. The individual looked in bewilderment at Shaykh and informed that he thought this ihsan was only meant to be limited to prayers and ritual worship. Shaykh Arifi explained to the audience in detail that this is a common mistake. We tend to limit deen to formal acts of worship (Ibadaat). Our all other activities seem to be independent of the fact that each and every moment of our life we are as much a slave of Allah as in prayers and other worship. The genuine ihsan is perpetual. The slave is aware that he is being watched and he will be accountable for whatever he does. Hence, he has utmost respect and does not do any thing inappropriate. Remember this is an intentional and a voluntary act of thinking. As per instruction of Sayyidi wa sanadi Shaykh Mawlana Muhammad Taqi Usmani sahib (Allah SWT preserve him & allow us to benefit from him abundantly. Ameen) setting aside an allocated time every day to think repeatedly that: ‘I am in front Allah SWT & He is watching me’, is essential for achieving it. It becomes a habit in second nature only by doing it repeatedly. Practice makes perfect. Gradually it becomes almost like an instinctive performance, like breathing or drinking. Wa ma taufiqi ilabillah!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?edufilter=NULL&v=BkXSfnyF8QE

Yes i felt it would be thawaabahul..insha-allah Acacia will change it after checking

Durud equivalent to 10,000 durud STATUS: NO SOURCE Question What is the authenticity of the following and can it be circulated? A person who reads اللهم صل على محمد أفضل صلواتك, this is equivalent to reading durūd 10,000 times and if read on Friday, it is equivalent to 700,000 times. بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم Answer We have been unable to locate the narration in the ḥadīth books available to us, nor in the reliable books of durūd, and the wording suggests it is not authentic. One should therefore avoid circulating it unless the source is identified and the chain verified. Allah knows best Yusuf Shabbir 16 Ramaḍān 1440 / 21 May 2019 Approved by: Mufti Shabbir Ahmed and Mufti Muhammad Tahir Islamicportal

An Accepted Qurbaani – How? When Sayyiduna Aadam and Hawwa (alaihimas salaam) came to live in the world and started having children, it so happened that they had twins from every pregnancy, one of the two being a boy, while the other, a girl. When the issue of marriage came, since there was no one other than brothers and sisters – and a brother cannot be married to his sister – Allah Ta‘ala instructed that the boy born from one set of twins should marry the girl born from the other set of twins and vice-versa. But, the girl born with the first boy, Qaabil, was beautiful while the girl born with the second boy, Haabil, was unattractive. When the time of marriage came, the unattractive girl born with Haabil fell to the lot of Qaabil according to the law. This enraged Qaabil. He turned hostile to Haabil and started insisting that the girl born with him should be given to him in marriage. Sayyiduna Aadam (alaihis salaam) did not accept the demand. However, to remove the division between Haabil and Qaabil, he proposed that they should both offer their respective sacrifice for Allah Ta‘ala. Whoever has his sacrifice accepted will be the one to have that girl. He was certain that the sacrifice to be accepted will be the sacrifice of the one who has the right to marry her, that is, the sacrifice of Haabil. In that era, an open sign of a sacrifice being accepted was that a fire would come from the sky and consume the sacrifice; and the sacrifice which was not consumed by the fire was the sign of its non-acceptance. Haabil owned a flock of sheep and goats. He happily offered the sacrifice of the best and healthiest sheep he possessed. Qaabil was a grain farmer. He offered a few poor quality grains as his sacrifice. As was customary with them, a fire came from the sky and ate up the sacrifice offered by Haabil while the sacrifice offered by Qaabil remained lying where it was, untouched. Qaabil was further enraged and said to his brother: “I will kill you.” Haabil responded in a peaceful manner: “Allah Ta‘ala only accepts from those who possess taqwa (Allah consciousness).” That is, if you had been conscious of Allah Ta‘ala, practising taqwa and piety, your sacrifice too would have been accepted. Since you did not do so, the sacrifice was not accepted. Hence, why blame me for it? (Tafseer Ibni Katheer vol. 2, pg. 43 and Ma‘aariful Quraan vol. 3, pg. 112) Lessons: 1. If we desire that our Qurbani (sacrifice) be accepted in the Divine court, it is essential for us to adopt Taqwa in every aspect of our lives, since the meat and blood does not reach Allah Ta‘ala, rather it is the Taqwa which is seen by Him. 2. When we see that Allah Ta‘ala has given someone a particular blessing, we should regard our deprivation as a result of our own shortcomings and sins. Thus we should repent from our wrong ways instead of wishing and worrying about ways through which the other person could be made to lose the blessing that he is enjoying. uswatulmuslimah

Forgot to add: Aisha reported: When the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, would lie down for sleep, he would blow into his hands, recite the two chapters of refuge, Surat al-Falaq and al-Nas, and he would wipe his hands over his body. (Bukhari) “It is reported in the Sunan of Abu Dawud and Ibn Maajah from Asmaa’ bint ‘Umays (radhiya Allahu ‘anhaa) that she said, ‘Rasulullah (‘Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa ‘alaa aalihi wa sallam) said to me, “Shall I teach you some words that you should say at the time of كرب Karb or in Karb (heartache, distress, gloom)? Say: ‏أَللَّهُ ‏ ‏أَللَّهُ رَبِّي لَا أُشْرِكُ بِهِ شَيْئًا “Allahu Allahu Rabbi Laa Ushriku Bihi Shai’a” Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that whenever the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was faced with a serious difficulty, he would raise his head to the sky and supplicate, “Subhan-Allah al-’Azim (glory be to Allah, the Mighty).” And when he implored seriously and strongly, he would say, “Ya Hayyu, Ya Qayyum (O the Living, the Eternal One).” (Tirmidhi)

Wa'alaykumus salaam warahmatullah dear sister Safiyah In order to help you insha-allah we will need your habits in menstruation and the purity between menstruation. Do you have a record of the dates before the problem started? If you do then let us know and we will contact you

Benefits of Smiling! The Messenger of Allah Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said, “To smile in the company of your brother is charity.” (Bukhari) It seems that nothing has more power to elevate a mood than the impact of a genuine smile. The benefits of a smile extend not only to the recipient of the warm gesture but also to the smile’s originator. “A smile is a little curve that sets a lot of things straight.” 1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive – People are spending millions on cosmetic products and procedures to make them look better. If you want to look better, try adding a genuine smile. It’s cheaper and much more attractive. The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don’t go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day — you’ll look younger and feel better. 2. Smiling Changes Our Mood - Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There’s a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood. 3. Smiling Is Contagious - When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. 4. Smiling Relieves Stress - Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps prevents us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you’ll be better able to take action. Smiling helps to promote release of a “feel good” group of hormones called endorphins. These are the same group of hormones responsible for the runners high you hear so much about. If you don’t have time to get to the gym for a hard run, try adding a smile to boost these natural, stress relieving hormones. 5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System - Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling. 6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure - When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference? 7. Smiling is medication - Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug and leads to a healthier immune system. Various studies conducted over the years have shown that smiling can boost the functioning of the immune system. This may help to reduce your risk of developing everything from the common cold to chronic diseases such as cancer. Could there be a less expensive medicine than this? 8. A smile inspires others - When you smile you also send a positive message that can potentially change someone else’s mood for the better. The person you graced with your smile may go on to pass the kindness to someone else. Who knows how far your original smile will travel? 9. Smiling promotes Success - Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.When you smile, you appear confident and capable. Given the choice between two equally qualified job candidates, the smiling candidate is going to be perceived as being more of a team player and easier to work with. Who do you think is more likely to get the job offer? 10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive -Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It’s hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that “Life is Good!” Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling. Smile!!! It does not cost a cent and can make a person’s day! “It takes seventeen muscles to smile and forty-three to frown”. The greatest reason for smiling is because it is a sunnah [practice] of our Beloved Messenger of Allah Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. The Messenger of Allah had a smiling face and advised us to entertain our guest with a smiling face and good conduct. Posted by E ISLAM Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Women: Covering Feet Hanafi Fiqh > Qibla.com Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani When do we have to cover feet? Answer: The fatwa position in the Hanafi school is that a woman’s feet are not `awra. As such, it is not legally obligatory to cover them in the prayer or outside the prayer. [As mentioned in Radd al-Muhtar and elsewhere.] However: 1. Caution and scrupulousness would entail covering the feet, because it is obligatory according to other sunni schools (such as the Shafi`is), and it is a strong position within the Hanafi school that they are `awra. This is especially true for prayer, but it is best even outside the prayer when in the presence of those one must cover in front of. 2. It is only allowed to uncover the feet up to the ankles. Anything above the ankles is from one’s `awra. Many women wear skirts or dresses (such as jilbabs) that normally cover the ankles, but reveal the leg area above this while walking (especially in the wind, etc). There is nothing like safety. In general, the scholars remind us that one should not apply the Shariah as a dry list of do’s and don’ts. Rather, we should have the intention that we are following Allah’s commands and the guidance of His Messenger (Allah bless him & give him peace), out of love and thanks. And Allah alone gives success. Wassalam, Faraz Rabbani Source

I like how you use smiley after every sentence mashaAllah. Keep smiling sis :) Pleased to meet you too dear :)

السلام علیکم Just wanted to share that fatwaa.com (website of Mufti Ismail Moosa HA) has become alive again.

Various Forms of Tawassul and Istighatha and their Rulings <QUESTION> I wanted to know the Islamic position on seeking intermediaries to Allah, and on seeking help from the dead and calling onto them. Some say it is allowed, and others say it is major shirk. Can you please explain in detail? <ANSWER> In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful, You have asked about two different issues; and, as such, both will be treated separately. The first relates to supplicating Allah using an intermediary (known as Tawassul), and the second relates to calling upon and seek the help of other than Allah (known as Istighatha and Isti’ana). Supplicating Allah through Intermediaries (Tawassul) A detailed answer on this issue was previously posted (on our website). Nevertheless, here is a summary of what was outlined in that answer: There are three ways of supplicating Allah through a means or intermediary: 1) Seeking intermediary through one’s actions (tawassul bi ‘l-a’mal) This refers to using one’s good deeds and righteous acts as an intermediary when supplicating Allah Most High. For example, one says, “O Allah, please fulfil my need in consideration of such-and-such good deed I carried out on that particular day.” This type of Tawassul is permitted, and even recommended, according to all major classical Imams – with no disagreement on its permissibility. The proof for its permissibility is the famous incident described by the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) of three people from a nation before us who were blocked in a Cave. Each one of them beseeched Allah by naming a righteous deed, and then said, “O Allah, if I did this seeking only your pleasure, then relieve us [from this distress].” Consequently, Allah made the rock to move away and they all came out of the cave. (Bukhari and Muslim) 2) Seeking intermediary through living persons (tawassul bi ‘l-ahya) This refers to using a living person as an intermediary when supplicating Allah Most High, due to his righteousness and closeness to Allah. For example, one says, “O Allah, please fulfil my need in consideration of such-and-such pious slave of yours and your love for him.” This type of Tawassul is also permitted according to all major classical Imams and jurists, with no disagreement on its permissibility. The proof for its permissibility, amongst others, is that which is related by Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (Allah be pleased with him) that the Companion Sayyiduna Umar ibn al-Khattab (Allah be pleased with him) sought rain from Allah at the time of drought through the intermediary of the uncle of the Prophet, al-Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib (Allah be pleased with him). (Sahih al-Bukhari) 3) Seeking intermediary through deceased persons (tawassul bi ‘l-amwat) This refers to using a person who has passed away – such as a Prophet or saint – as an intermediary when supplicating Allah Most High, due to his righteousness and closeness to Allah. For example, one says, “O Allah, please fulfil my need in consideration of your Prophet whom you love” or “O Allah, I ask you through your Prophet.” This form of Tawassul is permitted according to the vast majority of classical Imams (salaf) and jurists (fuqaha) including the four Sunni Schools of Islamic law. Only Imam Ibn Taymiya and those who followed him object to it, saying that it negates the concept of Tawhid. Among the many proofs of its permissibility is the Hadith of Uthman ibn Hunayf (Allah be pleased with him) in which the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) advised a man complaining of blindness to offer two Rak’ats prayer and then supplicate saying, “O Allah, I ask you and turn to you through my Prophet Muhammad, the Prophet of Mercy...” (Tirmidhi) The same Uthman ibn Hunayf, after the passing of the Prophet (peace be upon him), advised a person who visited him repeatedly, concerning something he needed, to do the same. (Al-Mu’jam al-Kabir of Tabarani and classed as authentic (sahih) by al-Bayhaqi, Mundhiri, al-Haythami and others). Moreover, if the second form of Tawassul (through living persons) is permitted, then the third form (through deceased persons) should also be allowed, since in both cases one supplicates Allah and not the individual. It is not through a physical body or through life or death; rather, through the positive meaning attached to the person in both life and death. In reality, both the second and third forms can simply be considered as manifestations of the first form, i.e. seeking intermediary through one’s actions. This is because when one uses Tawassul in supplication, one merely highlights the lofty position of the person before Allah and one’s love for him, i.e. saying, “O Allah, this certain Prophet of yours is very close to you. I do not possess any good deeds, but I have love for the pious. Pardon me and forgive my sins due to this love I have with this pious servant of yours”. As such, the thing being presented before Allah is the ‘love’ and ‘connection’ with the Prophet, which in reality is a righteous deed. Before ending this section, it is important to note that one’s supplication (dua’) is not in need of Tawassul. To believe that Dua’ is not accepted, or the chances of its acceptance are less, should Tawassul not be carried out, is an erroneous understanding. One may never use an intermediary in supplication, and by doing so, would have not done anything wrong. And Allah knows best. Calling Upon and Seeking the Help of other than Allah (Istighatha and Isti’ana bi ‘l-ghayr) There are various ways of calling upon and seeking the help of other than Allah: 1) Calling upon others in imaginary terms This is when a poet – for example – addresses a Prophet, saint or even inanimate objects in imaginary and figurative terms, merely to express love and desire. Such poetry has been related from a number of Imams and great scholars of Islam in which they address the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), pious individuals, the city of Madina, birds, mountains, and so on and so forth. This type of calling out is, in of itself, permitted because the intention is not to call upon the addressee and the belief is not that they are directly hearing; rather, it is done out of mere longing and love. However, in an atmosphere where such words may be misconstrued or lead to incorrect beliefs, they should be avoided. (Fatawa Usmani by Mufti Taqi Usmani 1/58-5) 2) Seeking help from one another in worldly matters This refers to asking help from a living person in matters ordinarily in his control or in apparent causes (al-asbab al-zahira). For example, seeking help from a medical doctor for treatment, taking medicine, or asking an engineer to fix one’s vehicle. This obviously is permitted and does not require any proof, provided one holds the one whose help is being sought merely as a means, and Allah alone as the true effecter. 3) Requesting living persons for Dua’ This refers to requesting a living person such as a scholar, pious individual, parent, friend or traveller to supplicate on one’s behalf, with the understanding that the chances of his Dua’ being accepted are great because of his rank, location or situation. This also is without doubt permitted. The proof for its permissibility is the Hadith in which the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said to Sayyiduna Umar (Allah be pleased with him) when the latter was departing for Umra, “O my brother, do not forget us in your supplications.” (Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi) 4) Requesting deceased persons for Dua’ This is done in two ways: a) Going to the grave of a Prophet or pious individual and requesting him to supplicate on one’s behalf. For example, one says, “Oh such-and-such person, pray for me that Allah Most High fulfils my work.” The ruling concerning this returns to the issue of whether the dead are able to hear in their graves. There is a ‘legitimate’ difference of opinion between the Companions and classical scholars on this issue, with many – such as Imams Ibn Abd al-Barr, Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Ibn Qutayba and Ibn Kathir (Allah have mercy on them) – affirming the hearing (sima’) of the dead, and this is also the position of the Companion Abdullah ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with him). Among the proofs supporting this position is the Hadith narrated by Anas ibn Malik (Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Verily when the servant is put in his grave, and his companions turn away from him, he hears the noise of their sandals.” (Sahih Muslim) Secondly, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) addressed the disbelievers from the dead of Badr saying, “We have found true what our Lord promised us, did you find true what your Lord promised you?” Umar (Allah be pleased with him) said, “O Messenger of Allah! You are speaking to bodies that have no souls?” The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, “You do not hear better [than them] to what I say to them, except that they are unable to reply.” (Bukhari and Muslim) Thirdly, the great exegete (mufassir) Imam Ibn Kathir (Allah have mercy on him), under the commentary of Surah al-Rum (3:438), relates a Hadith from Imam Ibn Abd al-Barr, who authenticated it, from Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with him), from the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “None passes by the grave of his Muslim brother that he knew in the world and greets him except Allah restores his soul to him and he returns the greeting to him.”(Tafsir Ibn Kathir) On the other hand, the position of Sayyida A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) and a group of scholars is that the dead do not hear, using as proof the statement of Allah Most High, “Truly you cannot cause the dead to listen.” (Qur’an 27:80) As such, in accordance with the position that the dead can hear in their graves, it would be permitted to request the deceased for Dua’ and intercession at his grave. Conversely, in accordance with the position that the dead are unable to hear in their graves, it would not be permitted. Since, this is a matter of genuine scholarly difference, no one position should be considered as absolute and decisive. It is possible that Allah Most High makes the dead in the grave hear a speech out of His Infinite Power, and Allah knows best. b) Requesting a Prophet or deceased saint from a distance (and not at his grave) to supplicate on one’s behalf. For example, whilst sitting at home, one says, “O Prophet, please pray for me that Allah forgives my sins.” Since, there are no such examples in Hadith literature or from the practice of the Companions and early Muslims, this is best avoided. Most scholars consider it to be impermissible, given that there is no ‘clear’ evidence suggesting that one’s request will be heard or conveyed to the deceased person. Indeed, the Hadith mentions that salutations (salawat) recited upon the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) are conveyed to him [by the angels], but there is no mention of Dua’ requests being conveyed to him. Indeed, it is ‘possible’ that Allah Most High conveys the message to the deceased, but since there are no proofs or examples, it is best to refrain – especially in the case of deceased persons besides the Prophet such as saints and the righteous. 5) Calling upon and seeking help from deceased persons in worldly matters through Allah’s granting This means asking help from a deceased person in matters ordinarily in the control of living persons or in apparent causes (al-asbab al-zahira). For example, asking a deceased person for money or asking him to help fix one’s vehicle – believing that he is merely a means and not independent of Allah, and that only Allah helps in absolute terms and without Him no one can help. 6) Calling upon and seeking help in matters of the unseen through Allah’s granting This refers to asking a deceased (or living) person such as a Prophet or saint for help in matters of the unseen (al-umur al-ghaybiyya) which are not ordinarily in the control of humans. For example; asking for good weather, children, prosperity or help in times of distress such as saying “O Messenger of Allah, help me (Ya Rasul Allah Madad)” or addressing the person in the grave and saying “Assist me in my trial” or “O Saint, grant me children” – believing that the one whose help is being sought is merely a means and not independent of Allah, and that only Allah helps in absolute terms and without Him no one can help. Although some scholars may allow these two types of Istighatha (5 and 6) subject to one having a sound belief that it is only Allah who helps in absolute terms, the opinion of many other scholars including most of my teachers (and the position which I hold to be correct) is that such type of Istighatha is an ‘expression’ of Shirk and hence prohibited even if done with a sound belief. Seeking help in a matter not ordinarily in the control of the one whose help is being sought may create a doubt that he is independent in that action, because there is no immediate external reason from Allah’s design in His creation. Since it is a practical expression of Shirk, means to Shirk and resembles the Shirk of the Polytheists (mushrikun), it is forbidden. It is in order to block the means to ‘clear’ Shirk, especially in our times, given the widespread nature of ignorance and corrupt beliefs within the masses. However, the perpetrator of such Istighatha will not be guilty of actual Shirk and disbelief (kufr), rather a sinful act. One must be careful in deeming other Muslims as polytheists (mushrikun) or out of the fold of Islam, especially when the person in question may be a scholar and generally has sound beliefs. 7) Calling upon and seeking help from deceased (or living) persons in absolute terms This refers to asking a Prophet or saint directly for help, believing that Allah Most High has delegated some of his powers to him in a particular area, after which he has become independent in those powers, and can do whatever he wants, whenever he wants, gives to whoever he wants and withholds from whoever he wants, without needing permission from Allah in each and every moment of executing those powers (like the King’s delegation of powers to his viceroy and other officials). For example, asking a saint to grant children with the belief that he has been given complete control of this area by Allah Most High. Istighatha with this type of belief is clear and major Shirk, and takes one out of the fold of Islam, because one is assuming that the deceased shares a certain characteristic of Allah Most High. This was the type of Shirk committed by the idolaters and polytheists of Makka, and severely condemned by Allah Most High. Unlike worldly kings, Allah does not have such subservient rulers working under Him who, after having received powers from Allah, become independent themselves. The worldly kings require such deputies because of their weaknesses, whilst Allah Almighty has no such need. All matters are in His hands, and nothing is in the hand of another in an independent fashion. Allah Most High says, “Whatever you worship, other than Him, are nothing but names you have coined, you and your fathers. Allah has sent down no authority for them. Sovereignty belongs to none but Allah. He has ordained that you shall not worship anyone but Him. This is the only right path. But most of the people do not know” (Qur’an 12: 40) And, “Say, Who is the One in whose hand lies the kingdom of everything and who gives protection, and no protection can be given against him, if you have knowledge?” (Qur’an 23: 88) It is in this independent fashion we have been taught to seek only Allah’s help in Surat al-Fatiha, “You alone do we worship, and from You alone do we seek help.” (Qur’an 1: 5). The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said, “When you ask, ask [only] Allah; and when you seek help, seek help [only] from Allah.” (Bukhari) This is even more serious when the one whose help is being sought is regarded as omnipotent (qadir al-mutlaq), i.e. he has absolute, permanent and intrinsic powers in which he is not always dependent on the Will of Allah, and that this power was not given to him by Allah. Such a belief was not even held by the disbelievers and idolaters of Makka about their objects of worship. And Allah knows best [Mufti] Muhammad ibn Adam Darul Iftaa Leicester , UK

Daughter bought a brand new Iphone 6. She got a screen protector along and beautiful phone cover as well. She showed her new phone to her dad and the conversation is as follows.. Dad: this is a nice phone. How much did you pay for it? Daughter: it's 700 dollars for the phone, 20 dollars for the phone cover, 5 dollars for the screen protector. Dad: oh why did you get the screen protector and the phone cover, you could have saved 25 dollars. Daughter: dad! I've spent 700 dollars on my phone whats the point if I don't spend 25 dollars for its safety? And more over this cover makes my phone look beautiful. Dad: is it not an insult to the apple company that it did not make the phone safe enough? Daughter: no dad! They in fact recommend us to get the screen protector and the phone cover for its safety. And I dint want it to get damaged. Dad: does it reduce the beauty of the phone? Daughter: no it doesn't. It makes my phone look more beautiful. Dad looked at his daughter and smiled lovingly. And said, my daughter you know I love you, you paid 700 dollars for a phone and you spent 25 dollars for its safety. I've paid my life on you and what is the point If you do not cover yourself with hijab for your own safety. This phone will not be questioned on aakhirah but my daughter you and me will be questioned.