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

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

TITLE How do we know that failure was because of laziness or Taqdeer? QUESTION How can we determine that behind our failure in a specific task whether our laziness is culpable or Allah's will is responsible? ANSWER In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. We are living in the world of means. [Asbaab]. We are required to adopt means to fulfil our needs. If one sits back and does not adopt means, then the failure is definitely attributed to one’s negligence. When one adopts means, he should not trust in his means, as the means are not effective in themselves. Our belief is Allah is muassire haqeeqi [the real causer of effects]. To place ones trust in ones means is against our belief. Once a person adopts all the necessary means in achieving anything, he should place his trust in Allah and Taqdeer. Whatever happens after that, whether ones objective is fulfilled or not, it is the decision of Allah. If ones objective is not fulfilled, he will still be rewarded for adopting means and submitting to Allah and Taqdeer. The greatest act of worship is to submit to Taqdeer and be happy with the decree of Allah. If this attitude is entrenched in an individual, he will have no grief and regrets for anything. And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best Ridwaan Ibn Khalid Esmail [Kasak] Student Darul Iftaa Katete, Zambia Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai. http://askimam.org/public/question_detail/37393

6 Easy Ways to Stay Healthy World Health Day (7 April 2019) Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah Radhiyallahu Anhu narrated that Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, “Indeed [among] the first things a person will be asked about on the Day of Qiyamah is that it will be said to him, ‘Did We not make your body healthy and give you cool water to drink?” (Tirmidhi) 1. Feed your soul We are commanded by Allah the Almighty, to pray five times a day. However, apart from the blessings and benefit we gain from Salaah in the Hereafter, does it have health benefits as well? According to an article, during Salaah when you go into sujood, extra blood flows to your brain. Extra blood supply to the skin on your face helps prevent diseases, drains the sinuses and makes it less likely for you to get bronchitis. When a person breathes normally, only two thirds of the capacity of the lung is exhaled out and the remaining one third remains in the lung as a residual air. During sujood, the abdominal visra press against the diaphragm. The latter presses against the lower part of the lungs and the lower lobes. When you breathe during sujood, the remaining one third residual air is aired out, helping your lungs remain in a healthy state. As Muslims, we do not pray with the intention of gaining these health benefits, but rather, to worship the Almighty Allah. These benefits are mere side dishes, while worshiping and getting closer to Allah is our main dish. 2. Feed your body “Eat of the good things which We have provided for you.” (2:173) It is established in the medical practice that we must have a balanced diet with all the right amounts of carbs, proteins, vitamins and minerals etc. in order to help our systems function to their optimal abilities. We also know that eating excessively can cause numerous diseases such as diabetes, vascular diseases, stroke, heart attack etc., and that moderation is the key. “Eat and drink, but avoid excess”. (20: 81) 3. Feed your mind Challenge your brain. Mental activity not only improves your intelligence, but your brain is the centre of everything in your body. If it is healthy, then you are less at risk to attract diseases. The first word revealed in the Quran was “Iqra” which means “read”. Allah is sending us a direct message. We are encouraged to read, read, read! We should read every and anything we can get our hands on, as long as its halal. We should be learning from the cradle to the grave. While what we deem traditionally as Islamic knowledge is at the forefront of what we should know, it is useful for us to realise that Allah is the creator of all things. So, when we are at school and are learning about plateaus and volcanoes in geography, or about protons, neutrons and electrons in chemistry, we are learning about the world in which Allah created us and we should not disregard the importance of this knowledge rather as Muslims we become more aware of the majesty of Allah’s power and grandeur. 4. Feed your heart Research has shown that when you smile, your body releases endorphins which automatically make you happier, and in a brighter mood. Smiles are like high-fives to your immune system; your whole body thanks you just for smiling. The endorphins released during a smile also act as natural pain killers, so when you’re in physical, emotional or mental anguish, try smiling and see the difference it makes! Smiling is Sunnah as well! Our beloved Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, “Your smiling in the face of your brother is considered charity.” (Tirmidhi) 5. Feed your relationships The Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, “The best of you is the best to his family and I am the best amongst you to my family”. (Tirmidhi) In Islam, family matters. They are the people who will be there for you no matter what happens. They love you unconditionally and we all have a duty to keep our family relations in good order. We are taught to treat our parents with respect and to treat our children with kindness while leading them on the right path of Allah. Having good relationships with our family reduces stress and confusion which at times ages us and makes us unhealthy. We need to be positive and mend all broken relationships in order to have a truly successful and healthy life. 6. Feed your emotions Contrary to popular belief, emotions are not a sign of weakness. It is actually a strength, in that it allows us to handle every and any type of situation thrown at us. We are not mere robots and we need to embrace that. Knowing ourselves allows us to embrace ourselves for who we are and to accept the way we feel. Emotions are given their due place of importance in all Islamic teachings as fundamental elements of the human soul. Islam teaches moderation in everything, aiming to create equilibrium so that one is always at peace with one’s self, the universe, and most importantly, Allah. In Islam, the concept of managing emotions is a pretty easy and simple one. The whole concept sums up in two easy points: looking at the people below us in worldly matters and looking at the people above us in religious matters. This allows us to be focused and content with what we have, and to know where we are headed, rather than shy away from what we experience or feel inadequate about what we do possess. Staying healthy can be really easy. All we need to do is stay positive and implement these few steps and we will, Inshallah, be on our way to a more healthy lifestyle! By Sister Nasmira Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

السلام علیکم جزاك الله خيرا for this beneficial topic. I've moved it from general Islamic articles to the health section. Hope it is fine with you.

A British doctor says: "In Britain, medicine is so advanced that we cut off a man's liver, put it in another man, and in 6 weeks, he is looking for a job."... ...The German doctor says: "That's nothing, in Germany we took part of a brain, put it in another man, and in 4 weeks he is looking for a job." The Russian doctor says: "Gentlemen, we took half a heart from a man, put it in another's chest, and in 2 weeks he is looking for a job." The American doctor laughs: "You are all behind us. A few months ago, we took a man with no brain, no heart, and no liver and made him President. Now, the whole country is looking for a job!"

Q. Can a women perform Tawaaf-e-Ziyaarah in Haidh? Does she have to perform Tawaaf-e-Widaa if she is in Haidh? (Question published as received) A. A woman in the state of menstruation (Haidh) will perform all the rituals of Hajj during the five days of Hajj expect for the following two rituals: 1) Tawaaf-e-Ziyaarah: The performance of Tawaaf-e-Ziyaarah is a compulsory (Fardh) act of Hajj, which is performed after pelting on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah until the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. A woman in the state of menstruation cannot perform Tawaaf-e-Ziyaarah until her menstruation has terminated. She should wait for her menses to terminate and then perform Tawaaf-e-Ziyaarah even if it terminates after the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. N.B. If a woman performs Tawaaf-e-Ziyaarah in the state of menstruation, a penalty of a big animal (Badanah) i.e. cow, camel etc. becomes necessary (Waajib) to compensate for it. In doing so, the performance of Tawaaf-e-Ziyaarah will be fulfilled and the Hajj would be completed. 2) Tawaaf-e-Widaa: The performance of Tawaaf-e-Widaa is a necessary (Waajib) act of Hajj for non-residents of Makkah, which is performed before departing from Makkah Mukarramah after performing all the rituals of Hajj. A woman in the state of menstruation is exempt from performing Tawaaf-e-Widaa, if she has completed all her rituals of Hajj and it is time to depart. In such a case, no form of penalty will apply. (Muallimul-Hujjaaj 183/186/196/197/231) 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)

Question: What is the ruling if a woman makes tawāf al-ziyārah in the state of haydh ? Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh . As long as a woman cannot perform the tawāf al-ziyārah due to her haydh there is no penalty for her in delaying it even if she does it after its time has passed (sunset on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah.) If a woman performs tawāf al-ziyārah while in haydh then in such a case it is wājib for her to repeat that tāwaf in a state of purity as long as she is present in Makkah. Repeating the tawāf will erase the penalty that would otherwise have been wājib on her for making tawāf al-ziyārah while in haydh. However if she does not repeat the tawāf al-ziyārah which she had performed while in haydh the tawāf will still be valid, but a penalty of one camel or one cow will now have to be given within the precincts of the Haram. She should also make istighfār for entering Masjid Al-Harām and doing tawāf inhaydh. And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai. http://jamiat.org.za/blog/tawaf-al-ziyarah-in-the-state-of-haidh/

Lady: My husband just swallowed paracetamol by mistake, what shall I do? Dr: Give him headache now. Why waste medicine! :D

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)

A miser was on his death bed. He told his wife to put all his money in a box and bury it with him. She promised him she would. Soon after that he died. At the funeral her friend asked her if she had done as she had promised. She said yes she had and her friend looked very shocked. She smiled and said, "I deposited all the money in the bank, wrote him a cheque and put it in the box. If he can cash the cheque, he can have the money!"

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

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

Yes one day is 24 hours so from Monday 6pm to Tuesday 6 pm is one day and yes exact amount should be noted

Keeping a record of your menstrual cycle is absolutely essential because many rulings depend on it. It is extremely important to keep a record of the exact time and date when bleeding begins and stops. In cases where habits become irregular and problems arise, it is keeping a record which saves a woman from unnecessary hardship of rulings such as having to perform a Ghusl for every Salaah. A simple calendar can be quite sufficient though nowadays it is quite easy to keep a record with various apps which are easily available. Attached are different types of charts you can print out. Yearly Menstruation Record Chart.docx Menstruation Recording Chart.docx

Detailed Fiqh of Menstruation Course Mufti Abdur-Rahman Mangera will be teaching an advanced course on the Fiqh of Menstruation. The course will cover ‘Allama Ibn ‘Abidin’s commentary of Imam Birgivi’s detailed menstruation manual (Dhukhr al-Muta’ahhilin). The class will facilitate a solid understanding of the issues related to menstruation and is well-suited for those who have found the subject elusive and difficult to fully comprehend. The course is aimed at creating a specialisation in this field and help provide the ability and expertise to assist others. Classes will begin on Monday 25th February 2019 and will run from Monday to Thursday for approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Instructor: Mufti Abdur-Rahman Mangera Start Date: Monday 25th February 2019 Duration: 4 to 6 Weeks Students will have access to the course material and recordings until 5 May 2019 Cost: £49.00 Times: Mondays to Thursdays from 11.30am to 1:00pm British Standard Time (6.30am to 8am US Eastern Time) Venue: Whitethread Institute 329-333 High Street (2nd floor) Stratford London E15 2TF (former site of Interlink College) The course is available online and onsite with recordings available for students in different time zones who cannot attend live. REGISTER HERE

"Be like walking feet. The foot infront has no pride and the foot behind is not ashamed, because both know their situation will change."

1. Objective of visiting the graveyard. When one visits a graveyard, his intention should be to remind himself of death and life after death and to jolt oneself to prepare for that. Rasulullah (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) has said; كُنْتُ نَهَيْتُكُمْ عَنْ زِيَارَةِ الْقُبُورِ، فَزُورُوهَا؛ فَإِنَّهَا تُزَهِّدُ فِي الدُّنْيَا، وَتُذَكِّرُ الْآخِرَةَ سنن ابن ماجه (1/ 501) “I had prohibited you from visiting the graveyard, now visit it because it (the visiting) withdraws one from the world and reminds of the hereafter”. (Sunan Ibne Majah). 2. When one enters the graveyard he should read; [1] السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ أَهْلَ الدِّيَارِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمِينَ، وَإِنَّا، إِنْ شَاءَ اللهُ لَلَاحِقُونَ، أَسْأَلُ اللهَ لَنَا وَلَكُمُ الْعَافِيَةَ Transliteration: Assalamulaykum ahlad diyaar minal mu`mineen wal muslimeen. Wa inna in sha Allahu bikum lahikuun. As`alullaha lana walakumul aafiyah Translation: Peace be on you, O beleivering dwellers of this dwelling, soon when Allah wishes we shall meet together. I ask Allah A`fiyya for us and for you. 3. One should give due respect to the deceased as he would have given him when he was alive, Rasulullah(salallahu alayhi wa sallam) has mentioned; "كَسْرُ عَظْمِ الْمَيِّتِ كَكَسْرِهِ حَيًّا" سنن ابن ماجه ت الأرنؤوط (2/ 541) “Breaking the bone of a deceased is like breaking his bone whilst he was alive” (Sunan Ibne Majah) 4. One should abstain from trampling any grave as we have been warned against it in a Hadith; نَهَى النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَنْ تُجَصَّصَ القُبُورُ، وَأَنْ يُكْتَبَ عَلَيْهَا، وَأَنْ يُبْنَى عَلَيْهَا، وَأَنْ تُوطَأَ. سنن الترمذي ت بشار (2/ 359) “Nabi (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) has prohibited that graves be solidified, something be written on them, something be built on it or it be trampled” (Sunan-at-Tirmidhi) 5. One should abstain from sitting on a grave as Nabi (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) has said; «لَأَنْ يَجْلِسَ أَحَدُكُمْ عَلَى جَمْرَةٍ فَتُحْرِقَ ثِيَابَهُ، فَتَخْلُصَ إِلَى جِلْدِهِ، خَيْرٌ لَهُ مِنْ أَنْ يَجْلِسَ عَلَى قَبْرٍ» صحيح مسلم (2/ 667) (It is better that one of you sits on a burning amber and it burns his clothes and gets on his skin than sitting on a grave). (Saheeh Muslim) We can see the severity of sitting on graves from this hadith. 6. One should make as much dua, istigfaar and tilaawat as he wishes and make the intention that the reward of that reading be a gift for the deceased (this will not decrease the reward of the reader himself). N.B a person can make an intention that the reward be passed to all muslims who have passed away.[2] 7. It is preferable one reads Sura Yaseen, Sura Mulk, Sura Fatiha, Sura Zilzaal, Sura Takaathur, Sura Ikhlaas and Ayatul Kursi. 8. One should abstain from talking anything about worldly things, since the graveyard is a place to remind one of death and the hereafter. 9. One may raise his hands and make dua as long as raising the hands does not resemble those who worship graves. If making dua creates such an impression, face the qibla when making dua. 10. When visiting the graveyard, one should use the opportunity to make Tawba, Istigfaar and to reform oneself. Think of the day one will be placed in the Qabr (grave). As much as the deceased appreciate our visiting them and sending thawaab, a person should make his own preparation for death whilst he is alive. And Allah Ta`ala Knows Best. Hussein Muhammad. Student Darul Iftaa Arusha, Tanzania Checked and Approved by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

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.

Does acid reflux break the fast? Q. I have reflux in pregnancy but I'm trying to fast today and it's already came up my throat twice. will my fast be accepted? (Question published as received) A. An Acid reflux occurs when part of the stomach contents travels back up the oesophagus (sometimes into the throat and even into the mouth). Acid reflux happens unintentionally/involuntarily. If one experiences acid reflux whilst fasting, the fast will only break if the contents enter the mouth and is then swallowed intentionally. If the contents enter the mouth and is swallowed involuntarily or spat out, the fast will not break. (Kitaabul Fataawa 3/389) In any event, the fast will not be effected if it does not reach the mouth or if it is not swallowed. And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Ismaeel Bassa Confirmation: Mufti Ebrahim Desai Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Seeking fame: Bishr ibn al-Haarith said: لا يَجِدُ حَلاوَةَ الآخِرَةِ رَجُلٌ يُحِبُّ أَنْ يَعْرِفَهَ النَّاسُ "A man who loves to be known by the people will not taste the sweetness of the hereafter" Source: Siyar A`lam al-Nubala' May Allah سبحانه وتعالى grant us sincerity in our sayings and actions.

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

Wa'alaykumus salaam warahmatullaah Insha-allah will do. Allah ta'ala grant you and studentsease and 'ilmun naafi'ah and success of both worlds, aameen