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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/

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam said: “The best of Muslims is he from whose hand and tongue, other Muslims are safe.” (Muslim) “The best of people are those with the most excellent character.” (Tabarâni) “The best prayers for women are those performed in the most secluded parts of their houses.” (Ibn Khuzaymah) “The best of you are those who feed others and return greetings.” (Abu Ya’lâ) “The best of that which you treat yourself with is cupping.” (Hâkim) “The best of days that you should perform cupping are the 17th, 19th and 21st of the month. I did not pass a single gathering of angels on the night of Isrâ’ except that they would say to me, ‘O Muhammad, perform cupping!’” (Ahmad) “The most beloved of deeds according to Allah are the continuous ones, even if they are little.” (Bukhari) “The most beloved words according to Allah the Most High are four: Subhânallah, Alhamdulillâh, Lâ ilâhaillallah and Allahu Akbar.” (Muslim) “The best of provision is that which suffices a person.” (Ahmad) “The most beloved word according to me is that which is most truthful.” (Bukhâri) “The best word of remembrance is: Lâ ilâha illallah and the best supplication is: Alhamdulillâh.” (Tirmidhî) “The best of charity is that which is given to the relative that harbours enmity against you.” (Ahmad) “The best prayer is that with the longest (Qiyaam) standing.” (Muslim) “The best of all worship is supplication (dua).” (Hâkim) Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam was asked: “Which of the believers are the most intelligent?” He replied, “Those who remember death the most and are best prepared for what comes after it. They are the intelligent ones.” (Tabraani) Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Bursting the Bubble As exhausted as she was, she put in the extra effort. “Never mind if I’m tired, I’ll do it for my hubby,” she thought to herself. She wore attractive clothing and jewellery, applied perfume, prepared his favourite meal and dessert and even lit candles, hoping to please her husband by making it a ‘special evening’. Sadly, as soon as he entered, let alone appreciate and admire, and let alone a simple smile and a hug – he didn’t even spare her a second glance! He walked in, glued to his phone, absolutely oblivious to the loving wife who had eagerly awaited him all day. At that moment, her bubble burst and her heart was broken… After reading the above, most people would be quick to condemn the husband’s behaviour and classify him as insensitive, callous and uncaring. Now, consider the following: “Mummy! You know what aapa told us today?” Faatimah excitedly exclaimed as she ran in from madrasah. “Not now Faatimah! I’m busy!”her mother snapped while frantically typing on her phone. “Daddy! See what I made for you with my blocks!” Muhammad said, hopping with happiness. “Can’t you see that I’m on the phone?” his father scolded in irritation. In all the cases above, a person turned to someone that they love, hoping and expecting to receive warmth, love, attention and acceptance, and were instead brushed off abruptly and painfully ignored. Just as a wife feels hurt when her husband treats her indifferently, children similarly feel hurt when their parents treat them in this way. If the husband is guilty, the parents are also guilty and deserving of condemnation. In such a child’s eyes, his parents love their phones more than him as they cannot even put it down for a few minutes to give him attention and love. When the child sees that his parents have bonded with their phones more than with him, it is unsurprising that he develops a fascination with the phone and also wishes to acquire one to bond with. If it is not the phone occupying the parents, then regardless of what it is, it causes hurt and pain to the child – especially when it happens on a continuous basis. As fathers and mothers, we need to understand that parenting is not an eight-to-five occupation where we can knock off for the day,thereafter ignoring all responsibilities of the work place until the next morning. As parents, we can never feel, “I gave my children enough attention today, now it’s my turn to relax and I do not want them to disturb me or bother me.” We are on duty 24/7, and whenever our children come to us, we must show them warmth, love and attention. Failing to do so creates a serious complex in the child, affecting their emotional wellbeing and causing them to develop a dangerous craving for attention. When the wife is displeased with her husband for ignoring her, then due to her intelligence and age, she will be able to express herself with words or even tears. In the case of the child, he does not know how to communicate his need via words. Instead, when he desperately craves the attention and love of his parents, he looks for other ways to gain it – or he will seek the love from outsiders. Children are simple souls and do not understand diplomacy and tact. If a child wants a toy from another child, he will often snatch it without thinking twice. Likewise, when the parents do not give the child the attention that he wants, he tries to ‘snatch’ it from them. This often manifests in the form of naughty behaviour such as breaking things, tantrums, etc., as the child knows no other way to draw his parents’ attention. How sad that the child has to resort to this behaviour simply to make his parents look at him! Unfortunately, this plan backfires. The child is given attention – but in the form of scolding, punishment, etc. and this further entrenches the complex and craving within the child. The parents then lament and complain about the behaviour of their children, failing to realise that it is actually a shout for help from a child who is starving for love and knows no other way to express himself. The next time our child comes to us, even if it may be to show us a flower they picked in the garden, or a ‘picture’ that they scribbled with crayons, or to tell us something silly that their friend told them, or to show us their toy, let us not burst their bubble and break their hearts. Let us take out a few moments to give them our undivided love and attention. uswatulmuslimah

Sunni Taliban First Response to Shia Iran (Must Watch)

Jazaakallaahu khayran for showing the true situation... We need more of this for a while....especially regarding women's situation whcih is being really played up by the media. They have to find something I suppose since their is none of what they expected! One point: regarding number 3 "Revenge attacks" - does not the reporter mean revenge attacks on those who worked with the previous government? It didnt look like she meant the Shia?

Donna Nevel, a founding member of Jews Say No, highlights the historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict In conversations about Gaza, I have heard many thoughtful people in the Jewish community lament the loss of Palestinian lives in Gaza but then say, “But Hamas…” as if that were the heart of the problem. I’d like to suggest that, when we have these conversations about Hamas and Israel’s bombing campaign, we begin with the necessary context and historical perspective. The Nakba To create the Jewish state, the Zionist movement destroyed more than 400 Palestinian villages and expelled 700,000 Palestinians from their homes and land. Palestinians who remained in what became Israel were relegated to second-class citizenship, had much of their property confiscated and, to this day, have fewer rights than Jewish Israeli citizens. The 1967 Occupation In 1967, Israel occupied the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, and still occupies them until this day. Settlement Expansion, the Apartheid Wall and Gaza Over the past 47 years of occupation, Israel has illegally confiscated more and more Palestinian land; built an apartheid wall; systematically denied Palestinians basic human and civil rights, and engaged in state-sponsored violence; and forced the Palestinians in Gaza to live in appalling conditions that make it increasingly impossible to survive. Israel’s latest bombing campaign, Operation Protective Edge, has killed over 2,000 Palestinians, at least 450 of whom are children, and has displaced hundreds of thousands more. If those of us in the Jewish community who are committed to justice begin from these facts, I think it would become clearer — regardless of who the Palestinian leadership is — that the underlying problem really is the denial of freedom and basic human rights to millions of people, for decades. And, as a community, it should also become clearer where priorities need to be in order to have any integrity on this issue: addressing the Nakba of 1948 and the responsibility for the Nakba head-on, including the right of return for refugees; ending the occupation; ending the siege on Gaza; and recognizing the right to full equality for Palestinian citizens of Israel. Source

Pandemic periods: why women's menstrual cycles have gone haywire A majority of menstruating women have experienced changes to their cycle over the last year, surveys suggest. One of the main culprits? Persistent stress. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/mar/25/pandemic-periods-why-womens-menstrual-cycles-have-gone-haywire Persistent stress leaves us suspended in fight-or-flight mode. In threatening situations, a hormonal pathway in the body called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which links the brain with the adrenal glands, encourages the release of the stress hormone cortisol – preparing us to respond to the threat. However, if the brain is telling the body it needs to “respond” all the time (to anxious thoughts, changing circumstances, the stress of home schooling, the impact of loneliness, illness or bereavement), unregulated cortisol can suppress the normal levels of reproductive hormones in the body. This can lead to abnormal ovulation, which will disrupt the cycle – or even pause it altogether. For Muslim women whose cycles are affected by stress in this way, it can become serious simply because their manadatory acts of worship which require purity are affected. In this type iregular bleeding, previous habits are necessary to determine the stae of menstruation and purity

Question Many brothers ask by email about the issue of shaking hands with women in professional settings where, they say, not doing so would harm or impede their ability to function. They may not get hired, promoted, or accepted in professional areas (such as law) where Muslim presence is essential. I checked what some major contemporary traditional fuqaha, such as Shaykh Taqi Usmani and some of my teachers in Damascus, had to say, and they are very firm on this point. But the brothers who asked are saying that such answers belie a lack of understanding of “Western realities.” They are saying that it is not possible to function in professional Western work environments without shaking hands with women. What would you answer and advise about this issue? Answered by: Mufti Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf Assalamu alaykum In the name of the Inspirer of truth. No, it is not permissible to shake hands with women at all. There are many reports from the Prophet Sallallahi alayhi wasallam that he never shook the hands of any women, despite his status as a Prophet. All the allegiance (bay’a) he took was either without holding the hand or with a cloth tied around it. He explicitly informed the women when they extended their hands to him that he did not shake hands with women. (See Muhammad Ibn Sa’d, The Women in Madina, Chapter One: The manner in which the Messenger of Allah received women’s allegiance) Hence, we can find no leeway to change this ruling. Many non-Islamic practices are rife in the business and corporate world. We are constantly asked about the permissibility of sitting at the same table with a client where alcohol is served; the permissibility of holding private meetings with women behind closed doors without any third person in the room, performing Zuhr instead of Jumu’ah if one is occupied in a meeting at the time of the Khutbah; shedding the hijab to seek employment; shaving the beard for such purposes and so on; not to mention usury and interest bearing loans. The list is endless. So, how does a person want to assimilate, and sell his hereafter for this transient world? Yes, certain “fatwas” are to be found on these issues from so called scholars. Much of the religion has already been compromised in such a way. We are aware of a masjid in a city in California where “Islamic Dating” is promoted. Their practice is backed by seemingly convincing logical arguments which sounds very attractive, but how far can the matter be taken, and how much of the religion will remain if this course continues to be followed? Nobody said it was easy to follow the din in the twenty-first century; whether one is in a Muslim country or the West. Didn’t the Prophet Sallalahu alayhi wasallam say that a time will come when a person following his religion will be like one holding on to a cinder, and did he not say this world is a prison for a believer and a Paradise for the non-believer. One must remember that through perseverance and refraining from sin (sabr ani ‘l-ma’siyah) there are great rewards to be gained, despite the apparent monetary or such losses one may have to incur in this world. The regular American (since the issue of shaking hands with women is a greater problem in America) is normally very understanding and accommodating of other people’s religious requirements. If politely informed, they normally act with understanding and are prepared to be more accommodating. If the scholars begin to offer discretion and allowance on certain issues which are rigid in the Shari’a under the excuse of changing times, then how will the original rulings in those issues ever be revived? The sunna and proper practices will be lost for ever and innovations will take their place. Those who attempt to adhere to the correct rulings of Shari’ah in these issues would feel isolated and weak. Therefore, it must be made clear that the traditional jurists (muftis) who are not able to give discretions in such issues are not due to some short-sightedness or ignorance. It is merely to keep the religion intact and whole. Yes, if someone in certain situations is forced to act contrary to the sunna then that is a personal problem in which tawba (repentance) should be made. Whoever fears Allah, Allah will make a way out for them. And He knows best. Mufti Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf zamzam academy

Coronavirus has solved this problem forever, Alhumdolillah.

Jazaakillaahu khayraa I always thought these were all separate du'as

Question I’m not sure how to reconcile the rulings on nail polish and henna. if one of the reasons for the prohibition of nail polish is that it is adornment that can be seen by non-mahram men, how is the application of henna permissible? I don’t know if this is related but i was also curious about the ruling for nose rings and other visible jewelry. Answered by: Mufti Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf Assalamu alaykum In the name of Allah, the Inspirer of truth. The reason for discouraging nail polish and not henna is mostly because nail polish creates a barrier in the completion and validity of ablution (wudu). It coats the nails and does not allow the water to reach them, hence the integral of wetting every single portion of the arm for ablution is not fulfilled. Henna is different because it does not create a barrier but actually changes the pigment of the skin and then slowly fades out over time. Hence, it does not affect the validity of ablution. Since women have been permitted to adorn themselves in different ways, one of them by using henna and then with other jeweler like rings and earrings, they are allowed to wear them. A hadith narrated by Imam Abu Dawud in his Sunan recommends that women wear henna on their hands. Hence, there will be times when even women who are fully covered will not be able to conceal their hands (not considered awra anyway) and the henna or rings etc. on their hands will come into view for others. Obviously she is not to make a purposeful display of them but at times they will come into the view of others. The scholars have stated that there is no problem with this since this unintended display comes under the provision of the verse “And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (ordinarily) appear thereof….” [Surat al-Nur, 31] And Allah knows best. Mufti Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf https://www.zamzamacademy.com/2010/09/henna-jewelry-in-public/

If you focus on hurt, you will continue to suffer. If you focus on the lesson, you will continue to grow. Allah is enough!

Therapy through the Qur’an Series Aalimah S. Ahmed Zaynab Academy Online Session 1 – 27th March 2020 Aim of this Series Disclaimer: This series will not focus on major mental health problems like suicidal thoughts, clinical depression, etc and does not replace medical treatment. The series will focus on minor mental health problems and learning how to cope/manage, mentally and emotionally through practical and spiritual solutions. The focus will be on understanding and changing our thinking patterns (caused due to life experiences) because thoughts affect our emotions, which in turn affect our actions. Therapy through the Qur’an One’s beliefs and values can change the thought process. What we learn in the Qur’an is theoretical, and this series is about how can we incorporate it into our thought process and overcome and break the mental health problems. Introduction At present we are living in an unprecedented time of a pandemic – unprecedented in terms of being globally affected. With physical illness, families being closed in together in homes where there may be arguments, issues, etc., together with anxiety, fear and an uncertain future, mental health problems are likely to increase especially for people already suffering from anxiety and depression and for women who need to be strong to hold the family together. It is therefore very important to understand mental health especially through the Qur’an. The introduction session will cover understanding mental health, how to deal with minor mental health problems and how to approach mental health.

Someone came to the Mother of Khwaja Fariduddin Masud رضي الله عنه and said," to her your son is a great saint of Allah, every none muslim, who comes into his companyembraces Islam, hundreds of thousands of people have been guided to the straight path, due to him. How fortunate you are to be the Mother of such a great saint and Wali of Allah." She smiled and said "Rather how fortunate he is to have a mother who is a lover of Allah. Let me tell you how farid has reached the position he has, When he was a newborn before I would suckle him I would do wudu and then as he suckled I would recite the words of the Quran. As he grew older, I would do the chores around the house, he would follow me around and my tongue would be absorbed in zikr and durood, the remembrance of Allah and his messenger. Whilst others engaged in telling lies, I have never uttered a word of untruth, others spend their time slandering and backbiting others I have never uttered about anyone unless it was to point out a good quality of theirs. I would spend my nights, and days in the Ibadah of Allah. and never have these eyes of mine look or gazed at those things that Allah has forbidden. Before doing any action or uttering any word, I would first reflect whether I would be able to account for it on the day of qiyamah. If I did not have the taqwa in my heart if I had not been an abidaa, zakira, and zahida for all my life then how would Fariduddin have achieved such heights. Rather you should congratulate him for having a mother like me. The questioner said " I was told that Paradise lays at the feet of the mother only now do I fully realise, the significance of what that means." Julaybib

Q. How many days after Hajj is a Haaji’s Duas still accepted for forgiveness? A. A Haaji’s Dua of forgiveness for himself and for others continues from the days of Hajj until the 10th of Rabi-Ul-Awwal which is approximately 90 days. One may continue to request the Haaji to make Dua for himself/herself until the 10th of Rabi-Ul-Awwal. Sayyiduna Ibn Umar Radhiyallahu Anhuma reports, “The Haaji will be forgiven and for whom the Haaji seeks forgiveness, for the remainder of the Month of Zul-Hijjah (20 days from the 10th of Zul-Hijjah), the Month of Muharram (30 days), the Month of Safar (30 days) and 10 days of the Month of Rabi-Ul-Awwal (10 days).” (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah) Note: The common notion that the Haaji’s Dua is accepted for 40 days from the days of Hajj is unsubstantiated. The Haaji’s Dua being accepted for approximately 90 days from the days of Hajj is substantiated. And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Ismaeel Bassa Confirmation: Mufti Ebrahim Desai (The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.) Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

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

Assalamu alaikum Found a great site refuting atheism and secularism in Urdu. http://ilhaad.com/

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

Question: My older sister does not cover her face and she puts on perfume and goes out. I called her a fasiqah. Was i wrong? If a person younger than me commits an open sin and i call them a faasiq, is it ok? How does the Shariah deal with open sinners? If, for example, your ustaads or parents do open sins then how should you deal with them or your children or students? Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, The Most Merciful. As-salaamu `alaykum wa-ramatullahi wa-barakatuh. There are two issues in your query. · Reference to a wrong practise and reference to the wrong doer. · Attitude and conduct towards the wrong doer. While a sinful act does constitute fisq (transgression) and a sinful person is a faasiq (transgressor), that does not imply that one should address a sinful person as a faasiq. Allah advises us to correct and guide people with wisdom, love and care. See the following verses of the Qur`an; {ادْعُ إِلَى سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ } [النحل: 125] “Call to the path of your Rabb with wisdom and good counsel”. (Suratun Nahl, Verse 125). {فَقُولَا لَهُ قَوْلًا لَيِّنًا لَعَلَّهُ يَتَذَكَّرُ أَوْ يَخْشَى} [طه: 44] “Speak to him with soft (kind) words, perhaps he may take heed or he may fear”. (Sura Taha, Verse 44) Accordingly, it was against wisdom and softness to call your sister faasiqah. It is advisable to show love and care and win the love of a person before advising the person. Changing and reforming one is not only a duty, it is a skill and an art. The focus is on making one practice rather than merely informing what is right and wrong. And Allah Ta`ala Knows Best. Hussein Muhammad. Student Darul Iftaa Arusha, Tanzania Checked and Approved by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

How do you live in the UK without participating in interest? Q: My question pertains to interest which I know is forbidden in Islam and is seen as a great sin. But in the UK, through mortgages, insurances, etc., it seems virtually impossible to avoid riba/interest. I have looked into Islamic banking in the UK but I see it to be an awful alternative as it still essentially charges riba but with some clever play on words and has been dismissed by the consensus of scholars. So, my question is: how do you live in the UK without participating in interest as I am struggling to see alternatives? A: The prohibition of interest is clearly and explicitly mentioned in the Noble Qur’aan. Allah Ta`ala states: “And Allah has permitted sale and prohibited riba – interest.”[1] On the Day of Qiyaamah, the one who consumed interest will wake up in such a state of bewilderment and shock that it will seem as if he has been affected by the evil touch of Shaitaan. Allah Ta`ala speaks of this in another aayah: “Those who consumed interest will rise [on the Day of Qiyaamah] like the one who has been afflicted by the evil touch of Shaitaan.”[2] In yet another aayah, Allah Ta`ala sounds an extremely severe warning to those who deal in interest despite understanding its evil and prohibition. Allah Ta`ala says: “If you do not do so [desist from dealing in interest] then be prepared to wage war against Allah and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).”[3] In Surah Aal-e-Imraan, Allah Ta`ala has sounded another warning. Allah Ta`ala says: “O you who believe, do not consume interest multiplied manifold and fear Allah so that you be successful. And fear the fire (of Jahannum) which has been prepared for the disbelievers.”[4] Commenting on this aayah, Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) said: “This is the most fearsome aayah in the entire Qur’aan Shareef, for Allah has warned the believers of the fire of Jahannum, which has been prepared for the disbelievers, if they do not refrain from the haraam of interest.”[5] Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has also sounded stern warnings against those who consume riba. Hazrat Abdullah bin Hanzalah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said: “Consuming one dirham of riba knowingly is worse than committing zina thirty-six times.”[6] In another Hadith, Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is reported to have mentioned: “The fire of Jahannum is more deserving for the one who nourished his body with haraam (riba).”[7] Hazrat Jaabir (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) cursed the one who consumes interest, pays interest, the scribe of the interest-bearing deal and the witness to such a deal.”[8] Interest outwardly seems to be a means of increase in wealth, yet in reality is a means of decrease. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said: “No matter how much the interest may be, it will result in decrease (of wealth).”[9] The prohibition and severity of interest understood from the above-mentioned Aayaat and Ahaadith will undoubtedly appeal and strike sense into any understanding and intelligent individual. When the prohibition of riba (interest) was revealed, the general Muslim public were undergoing constraints far worse than those which the present-day Muslims face. For months on end, not even a fire could be lit in the houses of many. Stones had to be tied on their bellies to fight the pangs of starvation and hunger. They did not have sufficient clothing to cover their entire bodies. Nights would be spent in darkness, for a lamp could not be lit to provide light. Their infant children would constantly cry out of hunger. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) himself had to give his armour which he used in jihaad as collateral for the grains that he purchased from a Jew in order to provide for the needs of his blessed wives, and in this very condition did he leave this world. The greatest solution to the present economic crisis is to inculcate contentment in our lives. Despite the severe constraints that the Muslims were facing during the era of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), Allah Ta`ala commanded Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) not to cast his gaze at the worldly riches of the kuffaar. Involving oneself in interest will bring no benefit to an individual. In fact, it will be a means of loss and detriment, as is understood from the aforementioned Hadith wherein Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said: “No matter how much the interest may be, it will eventually decrease (and result in loss).” In another Aayah of the Qur’aan, Allah Ta`ala speaks of the evil worldly consequence of interest, saying: “Allah Ta`ala obliterates riba.”[10] Hence, a Muslim should totally refrain from dealing in interest. Muslims can never progress by means of something which Allah Ta`ala has explicitly prohibited, nor can it ever be a solution to their problems and constraints. Adopting the ways of the kuffaar will in no way bring a person anywhere close to success. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) never worried about his ummah having to face poverty and financial constraints, for their purpose of life is something much greater and nobler than merely amassing worldly riches and enjoying a luxurious life. Their purpose is pleasing Allah Ta`ala and earning maximum rewards for the hereafter. In one Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned: “I do not fear faqr (poverty) befalling you, but I fear that the world will be spread out before you, as it was spread out before those who preceded you. Then you will compete with one another in amassing its riches, as they had competed, eventually leading to your destruction and ruin, as it had destroyed them.” [11] Hazrat Ibnu Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said: “Whoever suffers from hunger or want and he conceals his need, Allah Ta`ala takes the responsibility of sustaining him with halaal sustenance for a whole year.”[12] In such times of constraints and hardship, a mu’min should turn his focus and attention to Allah Ta`ala, for it is only Allah Ta`ala’s assistance that can rope a person out of the predicament that he is facing. Further, one should live within his means and budget his spending. If one is really in debts, then he should request his creditors to grant him some leniency and respite. (Extracted from Fatawaa Mahmoodiyyah, 24/349-365) We make dua that Allah Ta`ala guides the ummah towards earning halaal, emulating the Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and refraining from any involvement in riba (interest). [1] وَأَحَلَّ اللّٰهُ الْبَيْعَ وَحَرَّمَ الرِّبَوٰا (سورة البقرة: ٢٧٥) [2] اَلَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ الرِّبٰوا لَا يَقُومُونَ إِلَّا كَمَا يَقُومُ الَّذِى يَتَخَبَّطُهُ الشَّيْطٰنُ مِنَ الْمَسِّ (سورة البقرة: ٢٧٥) [3] فَاِنْ لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا فَاْذَنُوْا بِحَرْبٍ مِّنَ اللّٰهِ وَرَسُولِهِ (سورة البقرة: 279) [4] یٰۤاَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ اٰمَنُوْا لَا تَأْكُلُوا الرِّبٰوا اَضْعَافًا مُّضٰعَفَةً ، وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ (سورة آل عمران: ١٣٠) [5] فتاوى محموديه 24/350 ، مدارك التنزيل 1/282 [6] عن عبد الله بن حنظلة غسيل الملائكة رضي الله عنه قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم درهم ربا يأكله الرجل وهو يعلم أشد من ستة وثلاثين زنية ( مسند أحمد # 21957) [7] عن جابر بن عبد الله رضي الله عنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال لكعب بن عجرة ... يا كعب بن عجرة إنه لا يدخل الجنة لحم نبت من سحت النار أولى به ( مسند أحمد # 14441) [8] عن جابر رضي الله عنه قال لعن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم آكل الربا وموكله وكاتبه وشاهديه وقال هم سواء ( صحيح مسلم # 1598) [9] عن ابن مسعود رضي الله عنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال الربا وإن كثر فإن عاقبته تصير إلى قل (مسند أحمد # 3754) [10] يَمْحَقُ اللّٰهُ الرِّبٰوا (سورة البقرة: ٢٧٦) [11] عن المسور بن مخرمة رضي الله عنه أنه أخبره أن عمرو بن عوف الأنصاري وهو حليف لبني عامر بن لؤي وكان شهد بدرا أخبره أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ... قال فأبشروا وأملوا ما يسركم فوالله لا الفقر أخشى عليكم ولكن أخشى عليكم أن تبسط عليكم الدنيا كما بسطت على من كان قبلكم فتنافسوها كما تنافسوها وتهلككم كما أهلكتهم (صحيح البخاري # 3158) [12] عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما قال : قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم : من جاع أو احتاج فكتمه الناس كان حقا على الله عز و جل أن يرزقه رزق سنة من حلال ( شعب الإيمان # 10054) Answered by: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

As-Salaam alaikum, Says Allah Ta'ala in ayat 28 of Surat Ra'ad of the Holy Qur'an:-- "Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest/satisfaction." (13:28) And in Hadith, we have learnt it that the Prophet, Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam, said:- "There is a piece of flesh in the body, if it becomes good (reformed), the whole body becomes good but if it gets spoiled, the whole body gets spoiled and that is the heart." Sheikh Abu Abdullah at-Tirmidhi Hakeem, may Allah be Merciful to him, said:-- "The Zikr [Remembrance ] of Allah moistens the heart and cultivates tenderness in it. When the heart is bereft of Zikrullah, the heat of the nafs overtakes it; the fire of lust reaches it; and it becomes barren and hard." Indeed, the life of the heart (qalb) is related to Allah's Remembrance. Man has only to implant Allah's Name firmly in his heart, what follows is amazing. So, be engaged in Zikr always... or most of the time. With that, you find out that even though our hands cannot feel Allah Ta'ala, the mind cannot grasp Him but the heart would vividly recognize Him... Tabaraka Wa Ta'ala. With regular, constant Zikr, the heart can discern Allah, Jallah-Jalalahu, hear Him, entreat, Obey and act according to His Will.

ZAO List of Ibadaat in Odd Nights.pdf

You are unique and you are loved You, my brother or sister who is experiencing difficulty in your life, try to be strong and remind yourself of all the wonderful things in life. This world is so full of beauty, from the stars in the sky to the taste of a sweet apple in your mouth; from flowers blooming in spring time to the majesty of a lightning storm. There is so much to see and experience. There is so much mystery. Open your eyes to it. There are miracles all around you. As far as your own existence, know that your life has meaning and purpose. Allah put you here on this earth for a reason. You are a unique person, the only one of your kind in the universe, and as such you are a treasure. Just as Allah created the stars, the oceans, and the majestic trees, He created you. In fact you dwarf them, because you are a creature of complexity and free will. If it seems that those around you do not value you, it may be only that they do not know how to show it. Parents who were raised in families that do not express love freely may be uncomfortable showing affection to their own children or spouses. But that does not mean that they do not love you and care about you deeply. Know, in any case, that Allah values you and cares about you. In one of the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) we are told that, "Allah is more loving and kinder than a mother to her dear child." In another saying, the Prophet (pbuh) said, “Allah has one hundred parts of mercy, of which He sent down one between the jinn, humankind, the animals and the insects, by means of which they are compassionate and merciful to one another, and by means of which wild animals are kind to their offspring. And Allah has kept back ninety-nine parts of mercy with which to be merciful to His slaves of the Day of Resurrection.” - Saheeh Muslim, al-Tawbah, 6908 Also, please believe that I care about you as well, even without knowing you, as do others who write about these subjects and speak about them. That is why we do it, because we care. I would like to talk about why suicide is not the Muslim way; and to suggest a way forward for those who are having these thoughts.

Dealing with Teenage Crushes Q. Being a girl, is it Haram to have crushes on boys or to like them? (Question received from a teenage girl) A. You have posed a very important question which affects the lives of every one of us when we are young. At this age you sometimes feel that you are in control of your feelings and desires and at times it feels like your hormones are running amok and you need to do something fast to deal with them. Sometimes you start feeling attracted to boys and think it’s the greatest thing that could happen to you. You may even think that its ok to talk to them, that it’s not like you are doing anything wrong or being bad. You think its ok, you are only friends. You may even tweet or Facebook or WhatsApp them. At other times, you treasure yourself as you remember that since you are a Muslim girl, you should be lowering your gaze and obeying Allah’s commands. That you should be saving yourself up for the man who will treasure, care, honour, respect and love you as Allah Ta’ala has commanded. That you don’t want to be treated like “just another woman in a skirt”. You want to be special. You remember that Allah Ta’ala loves you very much and that you are destined for Jannah if you remain His obedient servant who submits willingly and fully to His commandments. So my dear sister, I respond to you by suggesting that you love Allah Ta’ala the most. That no matter what challenges and temptations you are faced with, first and foremost, you ask yourself, “Will Allah Ta’ala be pleased with me if I do this?” Ponder over every action and deed of yours before you step forward and act upon your thoughts. Be clear in your mind that whatever decision you make, it will be one that will please your Creator and that if you had to take your last breath at that moment, you can rest assured that Allah Ta’ala was pleased with you and that you will enter Jannah. Treat this world as your prison, knowing full well that whatever displeases Allah Ta’ala will be harmful to you and whatever pleases Allah Ta’ala will be good for you. Allow me to suggest that you learn all about your duties, responsibilities and rights as a Muslimah. What contribution you can make to your family, your community and to yourself also. Learn about how you have been blessed as a creation of Allah Ta’ala. Ask and plead to Allah Ta’ala that He should grant you only that what is good for you in this world and the hereafter and to protect you from what is harmful for you in this world and the hereafter. So, the need of the moment is to avoid the opposite sex until you are truly ready for marriage, to improve your knowledge and practice of Islam and to save yourself for that man who will honour, treasure and shield you from preying eyes and indecency. Lower your gaze my sister, cover yourself as Allah Ta’ala has commanded you to and keep yourself occupied with the Quran, salaah, zikr and give charity for it wipes out sins. Love comes after marriage. Before marriage, it is infatuation which results in pain, disappointment, disaster, and regret. The person who knows that you could be tempted to fall for him before marriage, will not trust you to be faithful to him. If you could disobey Allah Ta’ala, he will figure that you are likely to disobey him also. However, if he knows that you are loyal and faithful to your Creator, he will undoubtedly have full conviction that you will be loyal to him and won’t ever betray him. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) - Social Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Question I have a question about my menses…I have asked a few scholars about it and read some books, but no one has given me an answer yet about my specific case, therefore, every time I have my menses, I get very confused and don’t know what to do… The way I get it is like the following: Fr the first seven days, the discharge is red then for the rest 21-22 days it varies from month to month. 1) Sometimes I can get yellow discharge from days 8 to 13 and then no discharge from days 14 to 17 then yellow discharge from day 17 to 21. 2) Or I can get yellow discharge from days 8 to 16 then no discharge from days 17 to 20 then yellow discharge on days 21-22. 3) And sometimes, I can get continuous discharge from day 8 till day 21. 4) Also sometimes I might get yellow discharge from days 8 to 12, then no discharge on days 13-15, then discharge on days 16-18 then no discharge on days 18-21. 5) And sometimes it’s even different than that. So can u please give me the general ruling regarding my case so I can apply it any time I see yellow discharge…I read the answer where it says that if I see yellow discharge after or before I see red discharge then it is menstruation, if I see it any time other time, then it is istihadah, but this doesn’t work when I apply it to my case because it would be more than 10 days….What I normally do is stop praying when I see the red discharge and after 10 days, I start praying again until I see the red discharge in the next month….so I stop praying 10 days and pray for around 18-19 days…..is that correct? Answer Your matter is simple and clear. Your menses will be from the time you get a red discharge until the completion of the tenth day. It is immaterial that the colour of the discharge after the red discharge is yellow or any other colour besides white within the ten day period. Your discharge after ten days will be Istihaadha until you get the red discharge again the next month. You will be regarded as pure during your Istihaadha. Perform Wudhu at the beginning of every Salaat time. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best Mufti Ebrahim Desai