ummtaalib

An Explanation of Tasawwuf and its Practices The following article is a translation of a section from the Urdu work, Tasawwuf Kiyā He, by Mawlānā Manzūr Nu’mānī. It comprises of a group of essays written by the author on his observations on Tasawwuf and, in particular, the practices (ashghāl) prescribed by the Sūfī guides (mashāyikh). He offers a strong argument for the need for Tasawwuf and a rationale for the specific practices designed by the scholars of Tasawwuf for spiritual reform. Although the original work comprises of essays by other authors, only those by Mawlānā Manzūr Nu’mānī are presented in this translation. His discussion and analysis is concerned mostly with the practical dimensions of Tasawwuf as they have been observed throughout history amongst its orthodox champions and handed down to its true inheritors in the present time. The other essays (which are not included in this translation) deal with Tasawwuf from its historical and academic/philosophical dimensions also. Read PDF Mawlana-Manzur-Numani-on-Tasawwuf.pdf darulmaarif

Posting selfies Question Is it halal to take pictures of my self on a phone and post them to social medias such as facebook and instagram? Answer In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. The pictures of facebook and Instagram are digital. The ruling of digital pictures is a highly contested issue amongst highly respected ‘Ulama and academics. Many contend that digital pictures are not the same as regular photographical pictures while others are of the opinion that they are in the same ruling as regular pictures.[1]As such, we advise against the use of digital pictures. Furthermore, irrespective of the academic debate referred to above, it is a well-known fact that pictures on social networks are a means of connecting and maintaining immoral relationship especially with the opposite gender. Shari’ah has closed all doors to immorality. There are many verses of the Qur’an and Ahadith in support of that.[2] As such, posting pictures of oneself on social networks like facebook and Instagram is not permissible. And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best Zakariya Memon Student Darul Iftaa Chatham, Canada Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai. Daruliftaa.net

Hayaa in Dressing The Mubaarak lifestyle of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) was an embodiment of Hayaa (shame and modesty). From his ibaadat to his eating, sleeping, interacting and even attending the call of nature, every action portrayed the highest levels of shame and modesty. In every dimension of his Mubaarak life, he ensured that the desired degree of Hayaa was never compromised. On one occasion Hazrat Asmaa(Radiyallahu Anha), the respected sister of Hazrat Aaisha (Radiyallahu Anha), entered the home wearing a thin garment. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) disapproved of this type of clothing for the women of his ummah and immediately corrected her. He explained to her that the entire body of a woman should be covered in a manner that together with the cloth being non-transparent, even the shape of the body should not be discernible. (Sunan Abi Dawood #4106) This lesson of Hayaa, taught with respect by the master (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam), was so deeply entrenched in the heart of Hazrat Asma (Radiyallahu Anha) that it remained with her till the end of her life. Hence, it is reported that when she reached old age, her beloved son Hazrat Munzir bin Zubair (Radiyallahu Anhu), after returning from Iraq, sent her a cloth as a gift which was of very fine and superior quality. She had lost her sight, and so held the fabric in her hand feeling it carefully. Then with disappointment she said: “Return the gift to him.” When the cloth was returned to Munzir (Radiyallahu Anhu), he was hurt at this. He came to Hazrat Asma(Radiyallahu Anha) and said to her: “O my mother, the cloth is not transparent! (Hence, it is fine for you to wear).” Hazrat Asma (Radiyallahu Anha) replied: “Even though it is not transparent, however due to it being tight, it will still reveal the shape of the body.” He thereafter bought for her common garments made in Marw and Quhistaan. She accepted them saying, “It is these types of garments that you should give me to wear.” (Attabaqaatul Kubra li ibn Sad, pg. 199) One can well imagine what will be the response of our beloved Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and the Sahaabah (Radiyallahu Anhum) if they were to witness the tight fitting and body revealing clothing worn by the Muslim women of today.

Islam – The Perfect Code of Life Islam is the perfect code of life. It provides complete guidance in all spheres of life and teaches man how to conduct and how to fulfil his worldly and deeni needs. Islam advocates respecting human rights and promotes sublime conduct when interacting with the creation. In aspects of honesty, trustworthiness, kindness to parents, respect to elders, and decency in manner, speech and dressing, Islam is second to none. From among the core values that Islam encourages one to adopt is the quality of Hayaa (shame and respect). In essence, hayaa (shame and respect) is the stepping stone to acquiring the true morals, values and ethics of Islam. After examining the various laws and injunctions of Islam, whether relating to the domestic, social or economic aspects of one’s life, one will reach the conclusion that the element of Hayaa (shame and respect) forms an integral part of all practices. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم :لكل دين خلق وخلق الإسلام الحياء (موطا إمام مالك رقم 1610) Every religion has a distinguishing characteristic, and the distinguishing characteristic of Islam is Hayaa (shame and respect). In a humble attempt to promote hayaa, this series in future will be dedicated to this topic. It is hoped that, Insha Allah, it will make us more conscious of the various aspects of shame and modesty. May Allah Ta’ala enable us to truly adopt hayaa in every facet of our lives. Aameen. Ihyaauddeen

Hajj is no insignificant ritual. Rather, it is a great worship which encompasses both physical struggle and sacrifice of wealth. It is an ‘ibādah of expressing love for the Creator and showing a personification of the submission of Ibrāhīm ‘alayhis salām Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat

Gifting a flat without legal transfer Q. My late sister had gifted her flat to my nephew ten years ago. My nephew has been staying in the flat since the last ten years. Does the flat form part of my sister’s estate or does it belong to my nephew. Keep in mind that the transfer of the flat to my nephews name only took place after my sister passed away? A. You stated that your sister had already gifted the flat to your nephew ten years ago. If this is the case, then the ownership had already transferred to your nephew at that time. The ‘transferal of the flat’ to your nephews name after your sister passed away will not affect the ownership of your nephew. (Badaai-us-Sanaai’ 7/223) And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Ismaeel Bassa Confirmation: Mufti Ebrahim Desai Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Sunnats and Aadaab of Qurbaani 1. Qurbaani is a great and meritorious ibaadat in Deen. Special mention has been made regarding it in the Holy Qur’aan and its abundant virtues and significance have been emphasised in the Ahaadith of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Allah Ta’ala says: لَن يَنَالَ اللَّـهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَـٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ It is neither the meat nor the blood (of the animal) that reaches Allah Ta’ala, instead it is the piety of your heart (ikhlaas) that reaches Him. عن زيد بن أرقم رضي الله عنه قال قال أصحاب رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : يا رسول الله ما هذه الأضاحي ؟ قال : سنة أبيكم إبراهيم عليه السلام. قالوا : فما لنا فيها يا رسول الله ؟ قال : بكل شعرة حسنة . قالوا : فالصوف يا رسول الله ؟ قال : بكل شعرة من الصوف حسنة. رواه أحمد وابن ماجه (مشكوة المصابيح رقم 1476) Hadhrat Zaid bin Arqam (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that the Sahaabah (Radhiallahu Anhum) once enquired from Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam): O Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), what is the significance of this action of Qurbaani? Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied: “It is the practice of your forefather Hadhrat Ibraahim (Alaihis Salaam).” The Sahaabah then asked, “O Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), What reward will we receive through carrying it out?” Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied, “For every strand of hair (on the back of the animal) you will receive a reward.” The Sahaabah then asked: “O Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), what about wool?” Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied: “For every fibre of wool (on the back of the animal) you will receive a reward.” 2. On the day of Eid, the best and most beloved action to Allah Ta’ala is the spilling of blood. عَن عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنهَا قَالَت : قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيهِ وَسَلَّمَ : مَا عَمِلَ ابْنُ آدَمَ مِن عَمَلٍ يَومَ النَّحْرِ أَحَبَّ إلى اللهِ مِن إِهرَاقِ الدَّمِ وَإنَّهُ لَيَأتِي يَومَ القِيَامَةِ بِقُرُونِها وَأشْعَارِها وَأَظْلَافِها وَإنَّ الدَّم لَيَقَعُ مِن اللهِ بِمَكَانٍ قَبْلَ أَن يَقَعَ بِالأَرْضِ فَطِيبُوا بِهَا نَفْسًا. (مشكوة المصابيح رقم 1470) Hadhrat Aaisha (Radhiallahu Anha) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “There is nothing dearer and more beloved to Allah Ta’ala (from the monetary transactions) during the days of Qurbaani than the spilling of blood (i.e. the sacrificing of animals). The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Qiyaamah with its horns, hair and hooves.The sacrifice is accepted by Allah Ta’ala even before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore carry out the Qurbaani in a condition that your heart is pleased and happy to fulfil the command of Allah Ta’ala. 3. Before the Qurbaani as well as at the time of Qurbaani one should not be cruel or ill-treat the animal in any way; rather he should treat it kindly and compassionately. عن شداد بن أوس عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال : " إن الله تبارك وتعالى كتب الإحسان على كل شيء فإذا قتلتم فأحسنوا القتلة وإذا ذبحتم فأحسنوا الذبح وليحد أحدكم شفرته وليرح ذبيحته " . رواه مسلم (مشكوة المصابيح رقم 4073) Hadhrat Shaddaad bin Aus (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Allah Ta’ala has ordained kindness upon everything. When you kill (the enemy in Jihaad), then kill in a good manner (i.e. do not mutilate the body etc.), and when you slaughter, then slaughter in a good manner and sharpen your knives and allow the animal to die easily. 4. If one possesses the means, then it is mustahab for one to slaughter a nafl Qurbaani on behalf of Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), the Sahaabah (Radhiallahu Anhum) and the pious of the Ummah. عن علي رضي الله عنه أنه كان يضحى بكبشين أحدهما عن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم والآخر عن نفسه فقيل له فقال أمرني به يعني النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم فلا أدعه أبدا (ترمذي رقم 1495) It is reported regarding Hadhrat Ali (Radhiallahu Anhu) that he used to slaughter every year at the time of Qurbaani two sheep, one on behalf of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and the other on behalf of himself. When asked why he had slaughtered on behalf of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), he replied, “Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) had told me to do so, thus I will never leave it out throughout my life.” 5. One should hasten to fulfil the obligation of Qurbaani. Carrying out the Qurbaani on the first day is more rewarding than the second day, and carrying out the Qurbaani on the second day is more rewarding than the third day. عن جابر بن عبد الله قال : شهدت مع النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم الأضحى بالمصلى فلما قضى خطبته نزل عن منبره فأتى بكبش فذبحه رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم بيده وقال بسم الله والله أكبر هذا عني وعمن لم يضح من أمتي (ترمذي رقم 1521) Hadhrat Jaabir (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that I was present with Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) on the occasion of Eid ul Adha. When Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) completed the khutbah, he descended from the mimbar and a sheep was brought before him for Qurbaani. Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) slaughtered the sheep with his own hands while reciting the takbeer بسم الله والله أكبر. This Qurbaani is on behalf of myself and those from my ummah who cannot perform Qurbaani (i.e. the reward of this Qurbaani I convey it to those from my ummah who cannot perform Qurbaani.) 6. It is Sunnah for one not to eat anything on the morning of Eid. The first thing one should consume should be the meat of the sacrificed animal. عن ابن بريدة عن أبيه رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم كان لا يخرج يوم الفطر حتى يأكل . وكان لا يأكل يوم النحر حتى يرجع (ابن ماجة رقم 1756) Hadhrat Buraidah (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would always eat something before leaving for the Eid salaah. However, on the occasion of Eid ul Adha he would not eat until he returned from the Eid salaah (and partook of the sacrificed animal). 7. It is impermissible for one to fast on the 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul Hijja. عَنْ نُبَيْشَةَ الْهُذَلِيِّ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: أَيَّامُ التَّشْرِيقِ أَيَّامُ أَكْلٍ، وَشُرْبٍ، وَذِكْرِ اللهِ (مسند أحمد رقم 20722) It is reported from Nubaisha (Radhiallahu Anhu) that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "The days of Tashreeq are days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah Ta'ala. 8. One should within one’s means, try to purchase the best animal for Qurbaani. The healthier (i.e. the more valuable) the animal is the more the reward one will receive in the Hereafter. عن عائشة وعن أبي هريرة أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم كان إذا أراد أن يضحي اشترى كبشين عظيمين أقرنين أملحين موجوءين . فذبح أحدهما عن أمته لمن شهد لله بالتوحيد وشهد له بالبلاغ . وذبح الآخر عن محمد وعن آل محمد صلى الله عليه و سلم (ابن ماجة رقم 3122) Hadhrat Aaisha (Radhiallahu Anha) and Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah (Radhiallahu Anhu) had reported that when Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) intended making Qurbaani, he purchased two large-sized, horned, black and white, castrated rams. He slaughtered one on behalf of his entire ummah and the other one on behalf of himself and the family of Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). (i.e. he conveyed the thawaab of the first to his entire ummah, and the second to his family). 9. It is mustahab to fatten the animal for Qurbaani. قال يحيى بن سعيد سمعت أبا أمامة بن سهل قال كنا نسمن الأضحية بالمدينة وكان المسلمون يسمنون (البخاري رقم 5553) Yahya bin Saeed (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) reports that he heard Abu Umaamah bin Sahl (Radhiallahu Anhu) say: “We used to fatten our Qurbaani animals in Madina Tayyiba and all the Muslims (i.e. the Sahaabah) used to do the same . 10. If one is capable, it is best for him to make Qurbaani of his animal himself. If this is not possible, then he should at least witness his qurbaani being done provided hijaab is observed between the males and the females (i.e. intermingling should not take place). عن علي رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم قال يا فاطمة قومي فاشهدي أضحيتك فإن لك بأول قطرة تقطر من دمها مغفرة لكل ذنب أما إنه يجاء بلحمها ودمها توضع في ميزانك سبعين ضعفا قال أبو سعيد يا رسول الله هذا لآل محمد خاصة فإنهم أهل لما خصوا به من الخير أو للمسلمين عامة قال لآل محمد خاصة وللمسلمين عامة (الترغيب رقم 1662) Hadhrat Ali (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that on one occasion Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) told Hadhrat Faatima (Radhiallahu Anha): “Witness your Qurbaani animal being sacrificed. With the first drop of blood that falls, your sins will be forgiven. Its meat and blood will be placed in your scale of good deeds and multiplied seventy times. Hadhrat Abu Saeed (Radhiallahu Anhu) asked Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam): “O Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is this reward exclusively reserved for your family or for all Muslims. Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied: “It is for all Muslims.” 11. A woman can also slaughter her own animal provided she does not appear before strange men. 12. Do not slaughter the animal in the view of other animals. 13. One should use a sharp knife to slaughter. Do not cause difficulty to the animal by using a blunt knife at the time of slaughtering. عن عبد الله بن عمر رضي الله عنهما قال أمر رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم بحد الشفار وأن توارى عن البهائم. وقال إذا ذبح أحدكم فليجهز (ابن ماجة رقم 3172) Hadhrat Abdullah ibn Umar (Radhiallahu Anhuma) reports that Rasulullah (Sallalllahu Alaihi Wasallam) commanded that the knives be sharpened (before slaughtering the animal) and carry out the Qurbaani in a condition that it be concealed from the other animals. And when you slaughter the animal, then hasten in the slaughter. 14. Do not sharpen the knife before the animal. وعن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما أن رجلا أضجع شاة وهو يحد شفرته فقال النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم أتريد أن تميتها موتتين هلا أحددت شفرتك قبل أن تضجعها (الترغيب رقم 3422 ) Hadhrat ibn Abbaas (Radhiallahu Anhuma) reports that on one occasion a person had laid his animal down for slaughtering and was sharpening his knife (in view of the animal). Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) reprimanded him saying: “Do you want to kill this animal twice? Why didn’t you sharpen your knife before bringing your animal here to be slaughtered?” 15. One should bring the animal to the place of slaughter gently. One should not drag the animal. عن ابن سيرين أن عمر رضي الله عنه رأى رجلا يسحب شاة برجلها ليذبحها فقال له ويلك قدها إلى الموت قودا جميلا (الترغيب رقم 1674) Hadhrat ibn Sireen (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) reports that Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu) saw a man dragging his goat along by its leg to slaughter it. Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu) reprimanded him saying: “Woe be to you, why do you drag it? Lead it along towards its death in a beautiful manner. 16. One should place the animal on its left side facing towards the qiblah.[1] عن انس بن مالك رضي الله عنه قال : ضحى رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم بكبشين أملحين أقرنين ذبحهما بيده وسمى وكبر ووضع رجله على صفاحهما (ترمذي رقم 1494) Hadhrat Anas (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) slaughtered two horned, black and white rams. He slaughtered them with his own hands while reciting the tasmiya and takbeer and placed his leg on their sides. 17. One should not commence the skinning until the animal is completely cold and there is no sign of life left in the body. [2] 18. The person cutting the animal should hold the knife with his right hand and cut the animal as swiftly as possible. 19. At the time of slaughtering, one should recite the tasmiya in the following manner: بِسمِ اللهِ اللهُ أكْبَر In the name of Allah Ta’ala, and Allah Ta’ala is the greatest. 20. If the tasmiya was left out intentionally the animal will be carrion. وَلَا تَأْكُلُوا مِمَّا لَمْ يُذْكَرِ اسْمُ اللَّـهِ عَلَيْهِ And do not eat (of that meat) on which the name of Allah Ta’ala had not been taken (at the time of slaughtering). 21. Before slaughtering, it is sunnah for one to recite the following duaa: إنِّي وَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّذِي فَطَرَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ عَلَى مِلَّةِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ حَنِيفًا وَمَا أَنَا مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ إنَّ صَلَاتِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحْيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلَّـهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَبِذَلِكَ أُمِرْتُ وَأَنَا مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ اللهُمَّ مِنكَ وَ لَكَ I have firmly turned myself towards that Being who has created the heavens and the earth, while I am upon the Straight Deen of Ibraaheem )Alaihis Salaam), and I am not among the Mushrikeen. Verily, my Salaah, my sacrifice, my life and my death are for Allah Ta’ala, Lord of the worlds. He has no partner, with this I have been commanded and I am among the Muslimeen. O Allah! This sacrifice is due to You granting us the ability to do so and it is for You. عن جابر بن عبد الله رضي الله عنه قال ذبح النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم يوم الذبح كبشين أقرنين أملحين موجئين فلما وجههما قال : إنى وجهت وجهى للذى فطر السموات والأرض على ملة إبراهيم حنيفا وما أنا من المشركين إن صلاتى ونسكى ومحياى ومماتى لله رب العالمين لا شريك له وبذلك أمرت وأنا من المسلمين اللهم منك ولك عن محمد وأمته باسم الله والله أكبر. ثم ذبح. (مشكوة المصابيح رقم 1461) Hadhrat Jaabir (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that on the day of Qurbaani, Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) slaughtered two black and white, horned, castrated rams. When Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) placed them down to slaughter them, he recited the following duaa: إنِّي وَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّذِي فَطَرَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ حَنِيفًا وَمَا أَنَا مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ إنَّ صَلَاتِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحْيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلَّـهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَبِذَلِكَ أُمِرْتُ وَأَنَا مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ اللهُمَّ مِنكَ وَ لَكَ 22. It is mustahab that one eats from the Qurbaani animal and one feed others. Though it is permissible for one to keep the entire Qurbaani meat for one’s own needs, however it is best that the Qurbaani meat be divided into three portions. One portion should be kept for one’s immediate family, the second portion be distributed among one’s relatives and friends, and the third portion be distributed among the poor and needy.[3] عن عابس بن ربيعة قال قلت لأم المؤمنين : أكان رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم ينهى عن لحوم الأضاحي ؟ قالت لا ولكن قل من كان يضحي من الناس فأحب أن يطعم من لم يكن يضحي ولقد كنا نرفع الكراع فنأكله بعد عشرة أيام (ترمذي رقم 1511) It is reported regarding Hadhrat Aabis bin Rabee’ah (Radhiallahu Anhu) that he once asked the mother of the believers Hadhrat Aaisha (Radhiallahu Anha): “Did Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) prevent us from eating the meat of the Qurbaani animal?” Hadhrat Aaisha (Radhiallahu Anha) replied, “No, Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) allowed us to eat the meat of the Qurbaani animal as much and as long as we wish. However, during the mubaarak life of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) there were many people who were poor and could not carry out Qurbaani, hence Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) encouraged us to distribute the meat among them and to feed them. We would consume from the Qurbaani animals shoulder for over ten days. 23. It is recorded in the Hadith that the best of actions carried out on the day of Qurbaani is the spilling of blood. However, Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has explained that the action that will earn one greater reward is joining of family ties that have been severed. Hence, together with carrying out the obligation of Qurbaani, we should ensure we maintain family ties. عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم في يوم أضحى ما عمل آدمي في هذا اليوم أفضل من دم يهراق إلا أن يكون رحما توصل رواه الطبراني في الكبير (الترغيب رقم 1661) Hadhrat ibn Abbaas (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said on the day of Eid ul Adha: “There is no action more virtuous than the spilling of blood (Qurbaani) on this day, except the joining of family ties (that have been severed). Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach) [1] قوله (فاضجعه)اي على اليسار و هو الظاهر لانه ايسر في الذبح (بذل المجهود 4/70) [2] ( و ) كره كل تعذيب بلا فائدة مثل ( قطع الرأس والسلخ قبل أن تبرد ) أي تسكن عن الاضطراب وهو تفسير باللازم كما لا يخفى ( و ) كره ( ترك التوجه إلى القبلة ) لمخالفته السنة (الدر المختار 6/296) [3] و يستحب أن يأكل من أضحيته و يطعم منها غيره و الأفضل أن يتصدق بالثلث و يتخذ الثلث ضيافة لأقاربه و أصدقائه و يدخر الثلث و يطعم الغني و الفقير جميعا (الهندية 5/300)

Making up missed Qurbani Q. Qurbani was Wajib on a person but he failed to make Qurbani. Now he realizes his fault. What should he do to make up? A. The person should make sincere Taubah and give the value of the Qurbani animal in Sadaqah to the poor. The value of the animal on the day of Qurbani will be considered. (Ahsanul Fatawa, Vol: 7, Pg: 533, HM. Sa’eed) And Allah Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Making up for Udhiya (Qurbani or the Ritual Slaughter) in another Country for Past Obligations <QUESTION> I only found out Qurbani was wajib not long ago. According to Mufti Muhammad’s answer I must make qadha for my past years. Now I am a student and I have the money but it will slightly inconvenience me next year when I hope to broaden my studies. My father has been giving his qurbani every year. He lives here in the UK but he sends money to his brother in Pakistan who purchases a goat from there and sacrifices it for him. The goat is a lot cheaper there which is why he buys it from there; however it is still very expensive for me to accumulate my 5 outstanding years. Can I take countries with low exchange rates (i.e., some place like Iraq, Yemen) and accumulate the amount equivalent of my 5 years according to these rates and then distribute the sadaqa wherever necessary? <ANSWER> In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful, Performing a ritual slaughter (udhiya) is necessary (wajib) upon every adult Muslim male and female who is sane, resident and owns 613.35 grams of silver or its equivalent in any form, which is in excess of one’s personal needs. As such, if an individual has in his/her ownership the equivalent of the above-mentioned amount in cash, stock, personal ornaments or in any other form, provided it is surplus to one’s basic needs, then this individual will be under an obligation to offer the ritual slaughter (udhiya). Udhiya can only be performed in the days designated for it, namely the three days of Eid al-Adha. These three days are the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhu’l Hijjah. Slaughtering an animal with the intention of Udhiya outside these three days (and nights) will not be valid or recognised. (Fatawa al-Hindiyya, 5/291-294) It should also be remembered that it is incorrect and invalid to give in charity instead of slaughtering an animal. The Shariah has prescribed different forms and modes of worship; hence, each one them holds its importance and special merit. Just as one is not allowed to give in charity in place of observing a fast in Ramadhan or give money to a poor person instead of travelling for Hajj, it is similarly not permitted to give some money in charity as an alternative to the ritual slaughter. Udhiya is an independent form of worship and cannot be substituted with something else. (See: Islamic Months by Mufti Taqi Usmani, P: 145) However, if an individual, out of ignorance or laxity, did not carry out the obligation of Udhiya during the time designated for it, then he must make up for this by giving the price of an Udhiya in charity to those poor individuals who are entitled to receive Zakat. This does not mean that giving in charity is an alternative; rather, this is only when one was not able to slaughter the animal during the prescribed days. During the three days of Eid, the obligation will only be discharged by slaughtering the animal. With regards to making up (qadha) for the ritual slaughter, the renowned Hanafi jurist, Imam al-Haskafi (Allah have mercy on him) states: “If the ritual slaughter was not offered and the designated days have gone by, then one should give the live animal away in charity.” Imam Ibn Abidin (Allah have mercy on him) comments on the above by stating: “(His statement: “give the live animal away in charity” because one is now unable to acquire the rewards by sacrificing and slaughtering the animal. If one wishes to give the animal’s price in charity, then that will also be sufficient…” (Radd al-Muhtar ala al-Durr al-Mukhtar, 6/320) Imam Ibn Abidin (Allah have mercy on him) further states that a well-off individual must give the price of the animal in the case of not purchasing an animal. However, if he had already purchased an animal, then he has a choice between giving the price of the animal or the living animal itself in charity …” (See: Radd al-Muhtar, 5/321) Therefore, if the individual (upon whom Udhiya was Wajib) had already purchased an animal but was unable to slaughter it until the days of Udhiya had gone by, then he has an option between giving away the animal itself in charity without slaughtering it, and giving the price of the animal in charity. The second situation is where one had not purchased an animal for Udhiya. In this case, one only has the option of paying the price of an Udhiya animal in charity. Now, what is the price that one is required to pay in charity? Imam al-Haskafi (Allah have mercy on him) answers this question by stating: “The meaning of “its price” is the price of a goat that is adequate.” Imam Ibn Abidin (Allah have mercy no him) explains the above by stating that if one had purchased the animal, then the price is obviously known to one. However, if one had not purchased an animal, then one will have to pay the price of a goat that is acceptable and adequate to be slaughtered as Udhiya. This goat should be of average type, as mentioned in other books. Based on the above texts of Ibn Abidin and Haskafi, most scholars are of the opinion that only the price of an average goat that is worthy of being slaughtered will suffice as a make up for the ritual slaughter. It would not be permitted to give the price of a seventh of a camel or cow. (See: Imdad al-Ahkam, 4/274). Others, however, state that the responsibility will be discharged even if one paid the price of a seventh of a camel or cow (See: Fatawa Mahmudiyya, 14/343). As such, it would be better and precautionary to pay the price of an average and standard goat. Finally, the price of this goat will be that of the country where one pays the charity. If one intends to give the charity in another country, then one must ascertain the market price of a goat in that particular country, and then give the money to those entitled to receive Zakat in that area. In conclusion, you must first repent and seek Allah's forgiveness for not being able to perform the ritual slaughter (udhiya) for the previous years. Thereafter, you need to pay the price of an average standard goat as charity to poor individuals who are entitled to receive Zakat. You can make this payment in whichever country you wish, with the local market price of the goat being that which you need to pay. It will not be allowed to take the market price of a goat of one country and pay that price in another. And Allah knows best [Mufti] Muhammad ibn Adam Darul Iftaa Leicester , UK

Carrying out Qurbaani overseas Q: In my country there are organisations that do Qarabani and send the meat to needy countries, the price differs by which country it goes to. Is it ok if my husband does this as a Qarabani for himself and our son? And is it ok to choose which ever one suits our pocket? A: Yes. However there are two important aspects that have to be taken into consideration when carrying out the qurbaani. The first is that one should purchase an animal that has good meat and the second is that the person or the organisation you have appointed to carry out the qurbaani should be reliable. And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best. فروع الشاة أفضل من سبع البقرة إذا استويا في القيمة واللحم والكبش أفضل من النعجة إذا استويا فيهما والأنثى من المعز أفضل من التيس إذا استويا قيمة والأنثى من الإبل والبقر أفضل قال الشامي : والأصل في هذا إذا استويا في اللحم والقيمة فأطيبهما لحما أفضل وإذا اختلفا فيهما فالفاضل أولى تاترخانية (رد المحتار 6/322) رجل اشترى للأضحية شاتين بثلاثين درهما كان ذلك أفضل من شاة واحدة بثلاثين (فتاوى قاضيخان بهامش الفتاوى الهندية 3/349) وشراء شاتين بثلاثين أفضل من شراء شاة بثلاثين (الفتاوى البزازية بهامش الفتاوى الهندية (6/290) الفتاوى المحمودية 26/265 Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Qurbani overseas when Eid dates differ Q. We live in US our eid is on 6th nov we give qurbani in Pakistan or India and usually they have eid 2 days after our,if they slaughter on 2nd or 3rd day of eid will our qurbani be valid? A. The Fuqahaa have stated that it is preferable that one slaughters the Qurbani with one’s own hands or at least witness his Qurbani being slaughtered in front of him. Nevertheless, if you have your Qurbani done overseas, it will be valid and permissible. If you have your animal slaughtered overseas (eg; in Pakistan or India) and the day of Eid is one day before or after Eid in your country (USA), the country in which the animal is slaughtered will be taken into consideration. Therefore, if the day of Eid falls one or two days before USA in India or Pakistan and the Qurbani animal is slaughtered on that day, the Qurbani will be valid. (ad-Durrul Mukhtar, Vol: 6, Pg: 318, Darul Fikr) والمعتبر مكان الأضحية لا مكان من عليه And Allah Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Aqeeqah Or Qurbani? Q. A person needs to do Aqeeqah for his child during the days of Qurbani. He can only afford one sheep. Should he do the Aqeeqah for the child or should he do Qurbani? (Question published as received) A. It should be noted that Qurbani is a Wajib (Mandatory) act and Aqeeqah is a Mustahab (preferable) act. By a person possessing the Nisaab amount during the days of Qurbani, Qurbani becomes Wajib upon him. (Fatawa Mahmoodiyyah, Vol: 17, Pg: 512). A person will not be sinful for omitting a Mustahab act but will be sinful for omitting a Wajib act. He should therefore do Qurbani instead of the Aqeeqah. He may do the Aqeeqah for the child at a later stage when he can afford it. And Allah Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Will Nafl Qurbani count as the Waajib Qurbani? Q: A person did not make a waajib Qurbani one year thinking that he did not own the amount of nisaab. He instead made a nafl qurbaani. After some years he realised that he had wealth put away which would have made qurbaani waajib on him. What does he do? Will the nafl qurbaani be counted for that years waajib qurbaani? A: The nafil Qurbaani will not be counted for the missed year's waajib Qurbaani. He should make Qadha of the missed Qurbaani by giving the current value of a qurbaani animal to the poor with the intention of the Qadha Qurbaani. And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best. (و) تصدق (بقيمتها غنى شراها او لا) لتعلقها بذمته بشرائها اولا فالمراد بالقيمة قيمة شاة تجزى فيها. قال علامة ابن العابدين قوله (و تصدق بقيمتها غنى شراها او لا) كذا فى الهداية و غيرها كادرر و تعقبه الشيخ شاهين بان وجوب التصدق بالقيمة مقيد بما اذا لم يشتر اما اذا اشترى فهو مخير بين التصدق بالقيمة او التصدق بها حية كما فى الزيلعى ابو السعود واقول ذكر فى البدائع ان الصحيح ان الشاة المشتراة للاضحية اذا لم يضحّ بها حتى مضى الوقت يتصدق الموسر بعينها حية كالفقير بلا خلاف بين اصحابنا فان محمدا قال وهذا قول ابى حنيفة و ابى يوسف و قولنا اه (رد المحتار 6/321) Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Making Qurbaani before the Eid Salaah Q: Is it permissible to make Qurbaani before the Eid Salaah? A: It is not permissible to make Qurbaani before the Eid Salaah in the city. However, in the villages or farms (where Eid salaah does not take place) it is permissible after subah saadiq. (وأول وقتها بعد الصلاة إن ذبح في مصر ) أي بعد أسبق صلاة عيد ولو قبل الخطبة لكن بعدها أحب وبعد مضي وقتها لو لم يصلوا لعذر ويجوز في الغد وبعده قبل الصلاة لأن الصلاة في الغد تقع قضاء لاأداء زيلعي وغيره ( وبعد طلوع فجر يوم النحر إن ذبح في غيره ) وآخره قبيل غروب يوم الثالث (الدر المختار 6/ 318) Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Will Charity suffice for Qurbani Q. If Qurbani is Wajib on me, do I have to do the physical Qurbani or can I just give the same amount of money in charity? (Question published as received) A. During the days of Qurbani, Sadaqah and charity will not compensate for the physical observance of Qurbani. Just as Zakah cannot compensate for Hajj, nor fasting compensate for Salaah, similarly charity cannot compensate for Qurbani. However, if the days of Qurbani have passed, and the Qurbani was not offered due to ignorance, negligence or for some other reason, then it becomes Wajib to give in Sadaqah the price of Qurbani animal or the unslaughtered animal itself to the poor. (Bada’ius Sana’I’, Vol: 5, Pg: 66, al-Mabsoot, by Sarakhsi, Vol: 12, Pg: 14) And Allah Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Doing Qurbani On Behalf Of The Wife Q. My wife has sufficient money to do Qurbani but I would like to do Qurbani for her from my money. Will it be accepted? A. You can do Qurbani on behalf of your wife provided that you obtain her consent to do so. (al-Fatawa al-Hindiyyah, Vol: 5, Pg: 297) And Allah Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Checked and Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Desai Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Is Qurbani Obligatory If Nisab Not In Possession For A Full Year? Q. What if a person have the nisaab amount during days of eid but it was not exactly 1 year that he/she had that money. it was saved from around 5 months ago, is qurbani then obligatory? A. Qurbani will still be obligatory on this person even though he/she did not possess the Nisaab amount for one full year. The fact that the person possesses the Nisaab amount during the days of Qurbani renders Qurbani Wajib on him/her. And Allah Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Intention For Multiple People In One Qurbani? Q. Salaam.Can u make niyyat for multiple people in 1 qurbani(passed away)?Or does it have to be just one. e.g 1 sheep-Nabi(S.A.W) and marhooms (Question published as received) A. You may make the intention of the Thawaab (rewards) going to multiple people in one Qurbani animal if it is a Nafl (optional) Qurbani you are performing. When Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) performed Qurbani, he ordered two animals. He slaughtered one animal as his Wajib Qurbani and the other as optional on behalf of his entire Ummah (which consists of millions of individuals). With regards to the obligatory discharging of Qurbani 1 sheep will suffice for only one person. And Allah Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Rulings on the Qurbani al-balagh Time of Qurbani Qurbani can only be performed during the three days of Eid, namely the 10th, Ilth and 12th of Zulhijjah. It is only in these days that slaughtering of an animal is recognized as an act of worship. No Qurbani can be performed in any other days of the year. Although Qurbani is permissible on each of the three aforesaid days, yet it is preferable to perform it on the first day i.e. the 10th of Zulhijjah. No Qurbani is allowed before the Eid prayer is over. However, in small villages where the Eid prayer is not to be performed, Qurbani can be offered' any time after the break of dawn on the 10th of Zulhijjah. Qurbani can also be performed in the two nights following the Eid day, but it is more advisable to perform it during daytime. Who is Required to Perform Qurbani? Every adult Muslim, male or female, who owns 613.35 grams of silver or its equivalent in money, personal ornaments, stock-in-trade or any other form of wealth which is surplus to his basic needs, is under an obligation to offer a Qurbani. Each adult member of a family who owns the above mentioned amount must perform his own Qurbani separately. If the husband owns the required quantity, but the wife does not, the Qurbani obligatory on the husband only and vice-versa. If both of them have the prescribed amount of wealth, both should perform Qurbani separately. If the adult children live with their parents, Qurbani is obligatory on each one of them possessing the prescribed amount. The Qurbani offered by a husband for himself does not fulfil the obligation of his wife, nor can the Qurbani offered by a father discharge his son or daughter from their obligation. Each one of them should care for his own. However, if a husband or a father, apart from offering his own Qurbani, gives another Qurbani on behalf of his wife or his son, he can do so with their permission. No Alternate for Qurbani Some people think that instead of offering a Qurbani they should give its amount to some poor people as charity. This attitude is totally wrong. Actually, there are different forms of worship obligatory on Muslims. Each one of them has its own importance and none of them can stand for the other. It is not permissible for a Muslim to perform salah instead of fasting in Ramadan, nor is it permissible for him to give some charity instead of observing the obligatory Salah. Similarly, Qurbani is an independent form of worship and this obligation cannot be discharged by spending money in charity. However, if somebody, out of his ignorance or negligence, could not offer Qurbani on the three prescribed days (10th, 1lth and 12th Zulhijjah) then, in that case only, he can give the price of a Qurbani as sadaqah to those entitled to receive Zakah. But during the days of Qurbani no Sadaqah can discharge the obligation. The Animals of Qurbani The following animals can be slaughtered to offer a Qurbani: 1. Goat, either male or female, of at least one year of age. 2. Sheep, either male or female, of at least six months of age. 3. Cow, ox buffalo of at least two years of age. 4. Camel, male or female, of at least five years of age. One head of goat or sheep is enough only for one person's Qurbani. But as for all other animals like cow, buffalo or camel, one head of each is equal to seven offerings thus allowing seven persons to offer Qurbani jointly in one such animal. If the seller of animal claims that the animal is of the recognized age and there is no apparent evidence to the contrary; one can trust his statement and the sacrifice of such an animal is lawful. Rules about Defective Animals The following defective animals are not acceptable in Qurbani: 1. Blind, one eyed or lame animal. 2. An animal so emaciated that it cannot walk to its slaughtering place. 3. An animal with one-third part of the ear or the nose or the tail missing. 4. An animal that has no teeth at all, or the major number of its teeth are missing. 5. An animal born without ears. The following animals are acceptable in Qurbani: 1. A castrated he - goat. (Rather, its Qurbani is more preferable). 2. An animal that has no horns, or its horns are broken. However, if the horns of an animal are uprooted totally so as to create a defect in the brain, its Qurbani is not lawful. 3. An animal the missing part of whose ear, nose or tail is less than one third. 4. A sick or injured animal, unless it has some above mentioned defects rendering its Qurbani unlawful. The Sunnah Method of Qurbani It is more preferable for a Muslim to slaughter the animal of his Qurbani with his own hands. However, if he is unable to slaughter the animal himself, or does not want to do so for some reason, he can request another person to slaughter it on his behalf. In this case also, it is more preferable that he, at least, be present at the time of slaughter. However, his absence at the time of slaughter does not render the Qurbani invalid, if he has authorized the person who slaughtered the animal on his behalf. It is a Sunnah to lay the animal with its face towards the Qiblah, and to recite the following verse of the Holy Quran: I, being upright, turn my face towards the One who has created the heavens and the earth, and I am not among those who associate partners with Allah. ( Al-An'am, 6:79) But the most essential recitation when slaughtering an animal is: Bismillah, Allahu Akbar. (In the name of Allah, Allah is the greatest). If somebody intentionally avoids to recite it when slaughtering an animal, it does not only make his Qurbani unlawful, but also renders the animal haram, and it is not permissible to eat the meat of that animal. However, if a person did not avoid this recitation intentionally, but he forgot to recite it when slaughtering the animal, this mistake is forgiven and both the Qurbani and the slaughter are lawful. If somebody is unable to recite "Bismillah Allahu Akbar" in the Arabic language, he can recite the name of Allah in his own language by saying, "In the name of Allah". Distribution of the Meat If an animal is sacrificed by more than one person, like cow or camel, its meat should be distributed equally among its owners by weighing the meat strictly and not at random or by mere guess. Even if all the partners agree on its distribution without weighing, it is still not permissible according to shari'ah. However, if the actual weighing is not practicable due to some reason, and all the partners agree to distribute the meat without weighing, distribution by guess can be done with the condition that each share necessarily contains either a leg of the animal or some quantity of its liver. Although the person offering a Qurbani can keep all its meat for his own use, yet, it is preferable to distribute one-third among the poor, another one-third among his relatives and then, keep the rest for his personal consumption. All parts of the sacrificed animal can be used for personal benefit, but none can be sold, nor can be given to the butcher as a part of his wages. If somebody has sold the meat of the Qurbani or its skin, he must give the accrued price as sadaqah to a poor man who can receive Zakah. - See more at: http://www.islamicteachings.org/forum/topic/21038-important-qurbani-masaail/#sthash.1tBUZHdZ.dpuf Rulings on the Qurbani al-balagh Time of Qurbani Qurbani can only be performed during the three days of Eid, namely the 10th, Ilth and 12th of Zulhijjah. It is only in these days that slaughtering of an animal is recognized as an act of worship. No Qurbani can be performed in any other days of the year. Although Qurbani is permissible on each of the three aforesaid days, yet it is preferable to perform it on the first day i.e. the 10th of Zulhijjah. No Qurbani is allowed before the Eid prayer is over. However, in small villages where the Eid prayer is not to be performed, Qurbani can be offered' any time after the break of dawn on the 10th of Zulhijjah. Qurbani can also be performed in the two nights following the Eid day, but it is more advisable to perform it during daytime. Who is Required to Perform Qurbani? Every adult Muslim, male or female, who owns 613.35 grams of silver or its equivalent in money, personal ornaments, stock-in-trade or any other form of wealth which is surplus to his basic needs, is under an obligation to offer a Qurbani. Each adult member of a family who owns the above mentioned amount must perform his own Qurbani separately. If the husband owns the required quantity, but the wife does not, the Qurbani obligatory on the husband only and vice-versa. If both of them have the prescribed amount of wealth, both should perform Qurbani separately. If the adult children live with their parents, Qurbani is obligatory on each one of them possessing the prescribed amount. The Qurbani offered by a husband for himself does not fulfil the obligation of his wife, nor can the Qurbani offered by a father discharge his son or daughter from their obligation. Each one of them should care for his own. However, if a husband or a father, apart from offering his own Qurbani, gives another Qurbani on behalf of his wife or his son, he can do so with their permission. No Alternate for Qurbani Some people think that instead of offering a Qurbani they should give its amount to some poor people as charity. This attitude is totally wrong. Actually, there are different forms of worship obligatory on Muslims. Each one of them has its own importance and none of them can stand for the other. It is not permissible for a Muslim to perform salah instead of fasting in Ramadan, nor is it permissible for him to give some charity instead of observing the obligatory Salah. Similarly, Qurbani is an independent form of worship and this obligation cannot be discharged by spending money in charity. However, if somebody, out of his ignorance or negligence, could not offer Qurbani on the three prescribed days (10th, 1lth and 12th Zulhijjah) then, in that case only, he can give the price of a Qurbani as sadaqah to those entitled to receive Zakah. But during the days of Qurbani no Sadaqah can discharge the obligation. The Animals of Qurbani The following animals can be slaughtered to offer a Qurbani: 1. Goat, either male or female, of at least one year of age. 2. Sheep, either male or female, of at least six months of age. 3. Cow, ox buffalo of at least two years of age. 4. Camel, male or female, of at least five years of age. One head of goat or sheep is enough only for one person's Qurbani. But as for all other animals like cow, buffalo or camel, one head of each is equal to seven offerings thus allowing seven persons to offer Qurbani jointly in one such animal. If the seller of animal claims that the animal is of the recognized age and there is no apparent evidence to the contrary; one can trust his statement and the sacrifice of such an animal is lawful. Rules about Defective Animals The following defective animals are not acceptable in Qurbani: 1. Blind, one eyed or lame animal. 2. An animal so emaciated that it cannot walk to its slaughtering place. 3. An animal with one-third part of the ear or the nose or the tail missing. 4. An animal that has no teeth at all, or the major number of its teeth are missing. 5. An animal born without ears. The following animals are acceptable in Qurbani: 1. A castrated he - goat. (Rather, its Qurbani is more preferable). 2. An animal that has no horns, or its horns are broken. However, if the horns of an animal are uprooted totally so as to create a defect in the brain, its Qurbani is not lawful. 3. An animal the missing part of whose ear, nose or tail is less than one third. 4. A sick or injured animal, unless it has some above mentioned defects rendering its Qurbani unlawful. The Sunnah Method of Qurbani It is more preferable for a Muslim to slaughter the animal of his Qurbani with his own hands. However, if he is unable to slaughter the animal himself, or does not want to do so for some reason, he can request another person to slaughter it on his behalf. In this case also, it is more preferable that he, at least, be present at the time of slaughter. However, his absence at the time of slaughter does not render the Qurbani invalid, if he has authorized the person who slaughtered the animal on his behalf. It is a Sunnah to lay the animal with its face towards the Qiblah, and to recite the following verse of the Holy Quran: I, being upright, turn my face towards the One who has created the heavens and the earth, and I am not among those who associate partners with Allah. ( Al-An'am, 6:79) But the most essential recitation when slaughtering an animal is: Bismillah, Allahu Akbar. (In the name of Allah, Allah is the greatest). If somebody intentionally avoids to recite it when slaughtering an animal, it does not only make his Qurbani unlawful, but also renders the animal haram, and it is not permissible to eat the meat of that animal. However, if a person did not avoid this recitation intentionally, but he forgot to recite it when slaughtering the animal, this mistake is forgiven and both the Qurbani and the slaughter are lawful. If somebody is unable to recite "Bismillah Allahu Akbar" in the Arabic language, he can recite the name of Allah in his own language by saying, "In the name of Allah". Distribution of the Meat If an animal is sacrificed by more than one person, like cow or camel, its meat should be distributed equally among its owners by weighing the meat strictly and not at random or by mere guess. Even if all the partners agree on its distribution without weighing, it is still not permissible according to shari'ah. However, if the actual weighing is not practicable due to some reason, and all the partners agree to distribute the meat without weighing, distribution by guess can be done with the condition that each share necessarily contains either a leg of the animal or some quantity of its liver. Although the person offering a Qurbani can keep all its meat for his own use, yet, it is preferable to distribute one-third among the poor, another one-third among his relatives and then, keep the rest for his personal consumption. All parts of the sacrificed animal can be used for personal benefit, but none can be sold, nor can be given to the butcher as a part of his wages. If somebody has sold the meat of the Qurbani or its skin, he must give the accrued price as sadaqah to a poor man who can receive Zakah. - See more at: http://www.islamicteachings.org/forum/topic/21038-important-qurbani-masaail/#sthash.1tBUZHdZ.dpuf

Remaining Patient in the face of Adversity Hazrat Shaikh Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) writes: There are numerous places in the Qur’an and hadith where we are exhorted and encouraged to remain patient in the face of adversity. One should not consider the difficulties and hardships one undergoes as a sheer misfortune and calamity. Instead, at times, Allah Ta’ala out of His infinite grace and wisdom puts one through certain trials during his life in order to bless him with His divine grace. (Fazaail-e-Sadaqaat [urdu], Part 2 –pg.369)

“Orphans" - with Parents! By Abu Muhammad Yusuf It’s a beautiful sunny day, Moosa and Fatima, two bubbly and vibrant 5 year old twins, try to draw their parent’s attention to the lovely sandcastles they had been constructing for hours in the garden. Dad is too busy viewing television and replying to emails on his Blackberry mobile while mum has for the last few hours been chatting with her friends and updating her Facebook page. Mum and dad, hardly take notice of their kid’s achievement. Both parents are usually so involved in their work and social environments that they “hardly” get time for their kids. Apart from the first four weeks spent with mum after birth both Moosa and Fatima have ever since infancy been inhabitants of a day care centre. In the evenings mum picks them up on her way back home from office. Dad returns usually late in the evening and both parents barely have time to interact with their kids before its time to sleep and wake-up again. A strange phenomenon of children with both parents but are “modern day orphans”. Due to many parents deep engrossment in the material and social environment, they are unable to spend basic and vital time with their children, thus neglecting them and reducing them to the level of “modern day orphans”. Parents are there, but in reality they are not “there”. Child neglect, very common type of child abuse, is a pattern of failing to provide for a child's basic needs; it not only relates to lack of food, education and clothing but extends to the child’s emotional and spiritual needs as well as hygiene and supervision. Child neglect is not always easy to spot and the guilty parents are so often oblivious of this syndrome. Recently a teacher from Primary School asked her students to write an essay about what they would like for them... At the end of the day while marking the essays, she read one that made her very emotional. Her husband, that had just walked in saw her crying and asked her:- What happened? She answered:- Read this. It's one of my student’s essays. Oh Allah, tonight I ask you something very special: Make me into a television. I want to take its place. Live like the TV in my house. Have my own special place and have my family around ME. To be taken seriously when I talk... I want to be the centre of attention and be heard without interruptions or questions. I want to receive the same special care that the TV receives when it is not working. Have the company of my dad when he arrives home from work, even when he is tired and I want my mum to want me when she is sad and upset, instead of ignoring me... and... I want my brothers to fight to be with me... I want to feel that family just leaves everything aside, every now and then, just to spend some time with me and last but not least make it that I can make them all happy and entertain them... Allah I don't ask you for much... I just want to live like every TV. At that moment the husband said:- 'My God, poor kid. What horrible parents! She looked up at him and said:- 'That essay is our son's!!! Makes you think doesn't it?? The significance of child neglect should come as no surprise, given the present day lack of parental care and nurturance. It is so crucial to offer our children care in terms of educational training, emotional support and spiritual guidance. The heart of a child must be filled with love and Imaan(faith). A child’s mind must be entertained with proper guidance, knowledge and wisdom and not left to be nurtured by peer pressure, social networking and immoral television programs. Allah Ta’ala, The Most Exalted says: “ O ye who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire …”(Qur’an- 66:6). The Noble Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Everyone of you is a protector and guardian and responsible for your wards and things under your care and a man(parent) is a guardian of his family members, and is accountable for those placed under his charge." (Hadith-Bukhari and Muslim) Every word, facial expression, gesture, or action on the part of a parent gives the child some message about self-worth. It is sad that so many parents don't realize what messages they are sending. One of the greatest titles in the world is parent, and one of the biggest blessings in the world is to have caring and loving parents to call mum and dad. There is no friendship, no love, like that of the parent for the child. Have fun with your kids, laugh with them, talk to them – children remember having fun more than they remember having things. When they’re older, they look back and remember fun things you did together, not the expensive play stations, ipods, mobiles or toys they had. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon hin) was casual and loving towards children. He once kissed his grandchild while another companion of his witnessed this action and said; “I have ten children and have never kissed one of them.” The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) cast a look at him and said, “Whoever is not merciful to others will not be treated mercifully.” (Hadith-Al-Bukhari) Children are a great boon both in this world and even more in the hereafter... The Noble Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) in this context, said: When someone dies, their works (righteous acts) come to an end, apart from three: Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity), beneficial knowledge, or a pious child who prays for them (the deceased). (Related by Imam Muslim in his "Sahih"; Al-Tirmidhy, Al-Nasa'y and Imam Ahmad) And never …yes never neglect and create “orphans” of them while both of you are still around…Children are indeed among our greatest assets…Love and care for them when they need it most and they will love and care for you when you need it most! Source

Hadhrat Uthmaan (Radhiallahu Anhu) and Remembering the Grave It has been reported about Hadhrat Uthmaan (Radhiallahu Anhu) that when he would stand over a grave, he would weep so bitterly that his beard would get wet with tears. Someone asked him, “You do not weep so severely when you remember Jannah and Jahannam as you do when you are reminded about the grave.” He replied, “I have heard Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)saying, "The grave is the initial stage of the Aakhirah; if one escapes punishment in it, all the following stages are much easier, but if one does not escape punishment in the grave, all the next stages are severer than it.’ I also heard him saying, “I have never seen a sight more horrifying than that of the grave.” (Fazaail Sadaqaat pg. 568) lhyaauddeen

Reverence and Love for the Haramayn Sharīfayn By Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh The Status of Haramayn Sharīfayn Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Al-Madīnah Al-Munawwarah are by far the most important and virtuous places in Islām. They are held in high esteem by every Muslim and demand respect and honour from all. Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Al-Madīnah Al-Munawwarah are both located in Al-Hijāz. Al-Hijāz is a state of the Arabian Peninsula located on the coast of the Red Sea and is known in the Tawrāh as Fārān. Being a mountainous area of rugged and rough terrain with an extreme climate, outwardly it appears to be one of the most uninhabitable places on earth. Yet, it is the mother of all lands and the land blessed by Allāh ta‘ālā, possessing endless virtues. The Messenger of Allāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said at the liberation of Makkah: Indeed Allāh had sanctified Makkah the day He created the heavens and the earth; hence it is sanctified by Allāh until the Day of Judgement. (Al-Bukhārī) In a another hadīth, we find the Messenger of Allāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam saying: Dajjāl shall enter every city except Makkah and Al-Madīnah. There is not a single entrance of Makkah and Al-Madīnah but that there are rows of angels guarding it. (Al-Bukhārī) The Haramayn Sharīfayn are sanctified by Allāh ta‘ālā, hence these places demand from us love, honour and respect. In fact, to love, honour and respect these places is a sign of true piety. Allāh ta‘ālā says in the Qur’ān: The one who observes the sanctity of the Symbols of Allāh, then such things emanate from the piety of the hearts. (22:32) In the above verse the “Symbols of Allāh” refer to everything which is associated with Allāh ta‘ālā, in particular anything to do with the rites of Hajj and ‘Umrah. The Haramayn Sharīfayn are without doubt from the Symbols of Allāh ta‘ālā and their sanctity is a clear indication of taqwā held in the heart. Love for the Haramayn Sharīfayn Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Al-Madīnah Al-Munawwarah are the most beloved places to Allāh ta‘ālā and our beloved Messenger Muhammad sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam. At the time of Hijrah (the migration from Makkah to Al-Madīnah), when leaving Makkah Al-Mukarramah, the Messenger sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam turned around and looking back at Makkah Al-Mukarramah said: By Allāh, you are the best of Allāh’s earth, and the most beloved of Allāh’s earth to Him. If I were not forced out from you, I would not have left you. (At-Tirmidhī) We also find the Messenger sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam supplicating to Allāh ta‘ālā with the words: O Allāh, make Al-Madīnah beloved to us just as Makkah is beloved; or even more... (Al-Bukhārī) The love of Allāh ta‘ālā and His Messenger sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam for Haramayn Sharīfayn necessitates every Muslim to have love for them and to yearn and desire to visit them. If one truly has love for Allāh ta‘ālā and His Messenger sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam then every pebble and stone of the Haramayn Sharīfayn will become beloved and precious in his eyes. The walls and buildings of the Haramayn, the people and even the animals of the Haramayn shall all become beloved because of their proximity to the Haramayn. This is the sign of ‘ishq i.e. true love. It is a reality that when one has true love for someone or something then the heart will inevitably love everything associated with the beloved. ‘Allāmah Al-Ālūsī Al-Baghdādī rahimahullāh explaining love says, “Whosoever loves someone, loves the close ones of his beloved. He loves everything connected to his beloved be they: his servants; his home; his property; his locality; the walls of his home; his dog; and donkey etc. This is the manifestation of ‘ishq and the rule of mahabbah. Majnūn ‘Āmirī has captured this in his couplet regarding his beloved Laylā. He says: I pass by the homes of Laylā; I kiss this wall and that wall; It is not the love of the walls which has engulfed my heart; it is the love of she who dwells within them...” The Journey to the Haramayn; a Journey of Love The traveller to the Haramayn expresses this very love in his journey to the blessed lands. The whole structure of this journey resembles the obsession and enthusiasm of a true ‘āshiq (lover), leaving behind and bidding farewell to everyone and everything to join his beloved. When the moment arrives to travel to the blessed lands, his manner is that of a true ‘āshiq who can no longer bear his distance from the blessed lands of his beloved Allāh ta‘ālā, the Haramayn. His condition is such that his heart and mind are calling out to Allāh ta‘ālā: To live in separation from you is not possible for a human; I am very grateful this life is not eternal. This ‘āshiq then leaves his home overwhelmed by love, oblivious of the difficulties and burdens of the journey, as he is to join the gathering of the ‘ushshāq (lovers) at the House of the Beloved. I seek your permission so I may also join them; I have heard the ‘ushshāq are to gather at your House soon. Thereafter, he dons the two cloths of ihrām. Without normal clothing, perfume or any other adornment; he is the sight of a pauper. These are no longer important; he is required by His beloved to don the clothing of love. His garments mean nothing; he is entranced by the love and desire to reach the blessed lands. His tongue is moist with the remembrance of Allāh ta‘ālā, reciting on each step his message of love: Here I am at Your service, O Allāh, Here I am at Your service. Here I am at Your service, You have no partner, Here I am at Your service. Indeed all praise, favour and kingdom is Yours, You have no partner. This is the call of the ‘āshiq to his beloved. As he draws ever closer his heartbeat quickens and his desire increases. When finally he reaches his condition is such that he feels: My heartfelt desire has brought me to the home of my beloved; I have entered the garden of Jannah alive. This is the condition of a true ‘āshiq and the same should be the case of every believer blessed with travelling to the Haramayn; the fire of true love for Allāh ta‘ālā burning in his heart. Love Demands Adab (Good Conduct) and Obedience True love compels a person to honour, respect, act with adab and obedience to the beloved. Hadrat Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Zakariyyā rahimahullāh would often quote the famous saying: Love itself will teach you the etiquettes of love. If one claims to have true love for someone or something, yet fails to honour, respect, act with adab and obey that person, their claim shall be deemed false. The following couplet is attributed to the undisputed Imām of Hadīth and Fiqh, ‘Abdullāh ibn Mubārak rahimahullāh: You disobey Allāh whilst outwardly displaying His love? This is indeed a repulsive action; If your love was true you would have obeyed Him; The lover is always obedient to the beloved. The famous sūfī and shaykh of the third hijrī century, Ruwaym ibn Ahmad rahimahullāh was asked to define love. He said, “Love is obedience in all situations.” Therefore, our love for the Haramayn Sharīfayn demands that we keep in mind all the etiquettes of the Haramayn Sharīfayn and act accordingly. The pinnacle of these etiquettes is to spend time in the Haramayn Sharīfayn in total obedience to Allāh ta‘ālā; fulfilling every compulsory action, refraining from everything unlawful and detested, along with trying our utmost to practice the optional and preferred actions. The slightest disrespect to anything or anyone there should be unthinkable. May Allāh ta‘ālā grant us His true love which will lead to love and adab for everything associated with Him, including the Haramayn Sharīfayn. Āmīn. © Riyādul Jannah Islamic Da'wah Academy

Thoughts in Salaah

15 Tips to Raising Great Children Children are easily influenced by their surroundings. These days, it is extremely difficult to expose our children to an ideal Islamic environment given the influences from media, friends and even other members of the family. With television, radio, Internet and forms of media mostly touting un-Islamic values, it is up to parents and adults close to the children to set the correct example. It is impossible to shield our children from all the negative forces that can shape their minds and, ultimately, their behavior. However, by our own example and showing them better options, we can set them on the true path, which is to obey the commandments of Allah Ta’ala and our Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him). Here are some tips you may want to follow in helping your children grow up with Islamic values. 1) Start by teaching them the importance of Worshipping only Allah: The best thing any Muslim parent could ever teach their children is to emphasize, from the day they can comprehend, that Allah (the Almighty) is One and no one is worthy of worship except Allah (the Almighty). This is the fundamental message of our Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and it is our key to Paradise. 2) Treat them kindly: Kindness begets kindness. If we are kind to our children, they in turn will show kindness to others. Our Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was the best example in being kind to children. 3) Give them examples of Muslim heroes: Instead of Batman or Superman, tell them about real heroes such as Abu Bakr, 'Umar ibn al-Khattab, Uthman ibn 'Affan, 'Ali bin Abi Talib and others. Tell them how Muslim leaders brought a real peaceful change in the world and won the hearts of Muslims and non-Muslims alike. 4) Let children sit with adults: It is preferable for children to be among adults, especially when listening to Islamic lectures. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) would often put children in the front row when he spoke to the people. 5) Make them feel important: Consult them in family matters. Let them feel they are important members of the family and have a part to play in the growth and well being of the family. 6) Go out as a family: Take family trips rather than allowing your children to always go out only with their friends. Let your children be around family and friends from whom you want them to pick up their values. Always remember that your children will become who they are around with most of the time. So, watch their company and above all give them YOUR company. 7) Praise them: Praise is a powerful tool with children, especially in front of others. Children feel a sense of pride when their parents’ praise them and will be keen to perform other good deeds. However, praise must be limited to Islamic deeds and deeds of moral value. 8) Avoid humiliation: Similarly, do not humiliate them in front of others. Children make mistakes. Sometimes, these mistakes occur in their efforts to please the parents. If you are unhappy with your children, tell them in private. 9) Sports: The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged sports such as swimming, running and horse riding. Other sports that build character and physical strength are also recommended, as long as the children maintain their Islamic identity, wear appropriate clothes and do not engage in unnecessary mixing. 10) Responsibility: Have faith in their abilities to perform tasks. Give them chores to do in line with their age. Convince them that they are performing an important function and you will find them eager to help you out again. 11) Don’t spoil them: Children are easily spoiled. If they receive everything they ask for, they will expect you to oblige on every occasion. Be wise in what you buy for them. Avoid extravagance and unnecessary luxuries. Take them to an orphanage or poor area of your city once in a while so they can see how privileged they are. 12) Don’t be just friends: It is common in the West for parents to consider their children as friends. In Islaam, it doesn’t work that way. If you have ever heard how friends talk to each other, then you will know that this is not how a parent-child relationship should be. You are the parents, and they should respect you, and this is what you should be teaching them. The friendship part should be limited to you and them keeping an open dialog so they can share their concerns with you and ask you questions when they have any. 13) Pray with them: Involve them in acts of worship. When they are young, let them see you in Salaah. Soon, they would be trying to imitate you. Wake them up for Fajr and pray as a family. Talk to them about the rewards of Salaah so that it doesn’t feel like a burden to them. 14) Emphasize the permissible: It is not always good to only say, “This is haraam, that is haraam”. While you must educate them on what are haraam things, Islaam is full of halaal; tell your children to thank Allah (the Almighty) for the bounties He has bestowed on them- not just for food and clothes. Tell them to be thankful for having eyes that see, ears that hear, arms and legs and, the ultimate blessing, Islaam in their hearts. 15) Set an example: As parents, you are the best example children can have. If you talk to your parents rudely, expect your children to do the same to you. If you are disrespectful to others, your children will follow too. Islaam is filled with Divine advice on the best ways to bring up your children. That makes it an obligation upon parents to be good Muslims so their children will try to emulate them. If you don’t take Islaam seriously, neither will your children. It goes back to our third point, which is to give them Islamic heroes. As a parent, you should be their number one hero. Idealmuslimah