ummtaalib

Hearing the aayat of sajdah on the Musjid receiverQ: When one hears an aayat of sajdah being recited over the receiver, does one have to make sajdah? A: Yes. And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best. والأصل في وجوب السجدة أن كل من كان من أهل وجوب الصلاة إما أداء أو قضاء كان أهلا لوجوب سجدة التلاوة ومن لا فلا كذا في الخلاصة حتى لو كان التالي كافرا أو مجنونا أو صبيا أو حائضا أو نفساء أو عقيب الطهر دون العشرة والأربعين لم يلزمهم وكذا السامع كذا في الزاهدي ولو سمع منهم مسلم عاقل بالغ تجب عليه لسماعه ولو قرأ المحدث أو الجنب أو سمعا تجب عليهما وكذا المريض ولا تجب إذا سمعها من طير هو المختار ومن النائم الصحيح أنها تجب وإن سمعها من الصدى لا تجب عليه كذا في الخلاصة النائم إذا أخبر أنه قرأ آية السجدة في حال النوم تجب عليه وفي النصاب هو الأصح كذا في التتارخانية ولو قرأها سكران تجب عليه وعلى من سمعها كذا في محيط السرخسي المرأة إذا قرأت آية السجدة في صلاتها ولم تسجد لها حتى حاضت سقطت عنها السجدة كذا في المحيط (هندية 1/132) Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Xenophobic Attacks Allah Ta’ala states, “Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned (by oppression and evil deeds), that Allah may make them taste a part of what they have done, in order that they may return (to Allah).”(Quran) The xenophobic attacks presently unfolding are of grave concern. In the time of turmoil, unrest and violence that we currently face in South Africa, the first recourse is that we earnestly turn to Allah Ta'ala. We need to engage in abundant Dua, recitation of the Qur'aan Shareef, Istighfaar (seeking forgiveness), Salaat and Salaam (Durood) on our Beloved Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam, abundant recitation of Aayatul Kursi and Qunoot e Naazila in our Masaajid. We should also discharge Sadaqah, especially to the innocent victims of xenophobic attacks. We have an added responsibility since a considerable portion of foreigners are Muslim. Furthermore, we must improve and enhance our social dealings and Islaamic Akhlaaq (beautiful character) particularly with the indigenous communities of our country. Our personal reformation is the draw card to Allah’s mercy descending. May Allah Ta'ala protect us all and bless our land and the entire globe with peace, harmony and safety, Aameen. Masjid Poster downloadable here. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Xenophobia-Protection Du’as In times of difficulty as well as ease, we are dependent on Allah Ta’ala. When in prosperity, our Nabi (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) turned in appreciation to Allah. And when difficulty arose, he (sallallahu’alayhi wasalam) always turned only to Allah. In light of the recent xenophobic attacks, hereunder are some du’as from the Quran and Hadith that will be effective in such situations and which will -insha Allah- curb the violence, as such violence can easily over-boil… Quranic Du’as: When Nabi Nuh (‘alayhis Salam) was overwhelmed by the opposition of his people he recited the following du’a: رَبِّ إِنِّيْ مَغْلُوبٌ فَانْتَصِرْ Rabbi inni maghlubun fantasir ‘O Allah I am overpowered, so assist me.’ (Surah Qamar, verse: 10) When Nabi Ibrahim (‘alayhis Salam) left his family in a foreign land, he made this du’a: فاجعل أفئدة من الناس تهوي إليهم ‘O Allah…. turn the hearts of the people in their favour.’ (Surah Ibrahim, verse: 37) To link this du’a to ourselves we should recite the following: رَبَّنا اجْعَلْ أَفْئِدَةً مِّنَ النَّاسِ تَهْوِيْ إِلَيْنا Rabbanaj ‘al af-idatam minan naasi tahwi ilayna ‘O Allah turn the hearts of the people towards us.’ Nabi Ibrahim (‘alayhis Salam) and his followers made the following du’a –which Allah Ta’ala exhorts us to emulate-: رَبَّنا لا تَجْعَلْنا فِتْنَةً لِّلَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوا وَاغْفِرْ لَنا رَبَّنا إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْعَزِيْزُ الحَكِيم Rabbana la taj’al na fitnatal lilladhina kafaru, wagh fir lana rabbana innaka antal ‘azizul hakim. ‘O our Rabb, o not make us a test for the disbelievers, and forgive us o our Rabb, indeed you are most Powerful most Wise.’ (Surah Mumtahinah, verse: 5) When Nabi Musa (‘alayhis Salam) was driven out of his town he recited: رَبِّ نَجِّنِيْ مِنَ الْقَومِ الظَّالِمِيْن Rabbi najjini minal qawmiz zalimin ‘O Allah protect me from the oppressing people.’ (Surah Qasas, verse: 21) The followers of Nabi Musa (‘alayhis salam) made the following du’a when they were under the threat of Fir’awn: رَبَّنَا لا تَجْعَلْنا فِتْنَةً لِّلْقَوْمِ الظَّالِمِينَ وَنَجِّنَا بِرَحْمَتِكَ مِنَ الْقَوْمِ الْكافِرِين Rabbana la taj’alna fitnatal lil qawmiz zalimin, wa najjina birahmatika minal qawmil kafirin ‘O Allah, do not make us a test for the oppressive ones, and rescue us through your mercy from those who do not believe.’ (Surah Yunus, verses: 85-86) Du’a from the Hadith: Whenever Rasulullah (sallalalhu’alayhi wasallam) feared harm from any nation, he would recite the following du’a: اَللّٰهُمَّ إنَّا نَجْعَلُكَ فِيْ نُحُوْرِهِمْ وَنَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شُرُورِهِمْ Allahumma inna naj’aluka fi nuhurihim, wa na’udhu bika min shururihim ‘O Allah, We place you in front of them, and we seek your refuge from their harms.’ (Sunan Abi Dawud & Sahih Ibn Hibban) These du’as should be recited from the heart. We should cry and beg from Allah Ta’ala with the above. In addition to these du’as, we should: Give abundant charity in all forms. This could even be done by assisting those affected by these attacks. By donating aid to these people we will be securing our own safety insha Allah. Show mercy to those on earth, Allah will show you His Mercy. (hadith) Abstain from sin as much as possible. For sins are the biggest causes of difficulty. May Allah Ta’ala alleviate the sufferings of all mankind throughout the globe. Amin. Download Pdf for Notice boards here al-miftah

Marking the Grave Q: Should a grave be marked with a name plate for identification purposes or not? A: Placing a stone on the grave for identification purposes is permissible. However writing the life details of the deceased e.g. his age at the time of his demise, date of birth, etc. is not established in Deen and hence should be omitted. And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best. وفي جنائزها لا بأس بالكتابة إن احتيج إليها حتى لا يذهب الأثر ولا يمتهن قال الشامي في رد المحتار : قوله ( لا بأس بالكتابة الخ ) لأن النهي عنها وإن صح فقد وجد الإجماع العملي بها فقد أخرج الحاكم النهي عنها من طرق ثم قال هذه الأسانيد صحيحة وليس العمل عليها فإن أئمة المسلمين من المشرق والمغرب مكتوب على قبورهم وهو عمل أخذ به الخلف عن السلف اه ويتقوى بما أخرجه أبو داود بإسناد جيد أن رسول الله حمل حجرا فوضعها عند رأس عثمان بن مظعون وقال أتعلم بها قبر أخي وأدفن إليه من تاب من أهلي فإن الكتابة طريق إلى تعرف القبر بها نعم يظهر أن محل هذا الإجماع العملي على الرخصة فيها ما إذا كانت الحاجة داعية إليه في الجملة كما أشار إليه في المحيط بقوله وإن احتيج إلى الكتابة حتى لا يذهب الأثر ولا يمتهن فلا بأس به فأما الكتابة بغير عذر فلا اه حتى أنه يكره كتابة شيء عليه من القرآن أو الشعر أو اطراء مدح له ونحو ذلك حلية ملخصا (رد المحتار 2/ 237) Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Flowers on Graves Q: With regards to flowers on the grave: I am highly confused that this is not permissible. Putting flowers on the graves of loved ones has been passed on from generation to generation. Lots of Muslims do it so I am highly confused that we only know now that this is unacceptable. Is there a quranic ayath or hadith to refer to? A. It is Makrooh to remove grass, etc. which is growing naturally on the grave. It is not Makrooh to remove dry grass. Placing of flowers on the grave is not proven from the Sunnah nor was it the practice of the Sahaabah (Radhiyallaahu Anhum). Those in favour of placing flowers on the grave quote the narration wherein it is mentioned that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) passed by two graves whose inmates were receiving punishment. He asked for a green twig, broke it in two pieces and pushed one on each grave, hoping that the punishment will be decreased for as long as the twigs remain green. Using this narration as proof for placing flowers on the grave is erroneous for the following reasons: a) Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used green twigs and not flowers. b) He pushed them into the earth and did not place them on the grave. c) He was informed through revelation (Wahi) that they were receiving punishment. We will never know if the inmate of a grave is receiving punishment or not. We will have hope that the inmate is in comfort; therefore we beseech Allah Ta’aala for His mercy for the inmate of the grave. d) Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) pushed the twigs with his own blessed hands. The blessing in his hands could be the cause of the punishment being decreased. e) This incident is unique to Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and not for everyone because the condition of the inmates of the two graves was revealed to him and this privilege is his alone. Others do not receive revelation. Placing of flowers on a grave must be avoided. It is the custom of other nations and not of Muslims. Allah Ta’aala knows best. Mufti Siraj says: It is not permissible to place flowers on a grave because this is not established from any Hadeeth or practice of the Sahaabah. Furthermore, it is also a practice of the Nasaaraa in our times. It is therefore, Haraam and Bid’ah to place flowers on the grave. However, it will be permissible to place a dry twig or branch on the grave, but this should be done once only, not on a continuous basis. And Allah Ta’aala knows best. Moulana Yusuf Laher Checked by: Mufti Siraj Desai Source

Great find, Jazakallaahu khayraa. Adding book here and moving to books section d7cb61d4ab.pdf

Reward of a Hundred Martyrs for one who holds on to the Sunnah! “Whoever holds on to my sunnah at the time of corruption of my Ummah, will get the reward of a hundred martyrs” al-miftah

Serving one’s Parents: Sayyiduna Anas (radiyallahu’anhu) reports that a man came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and said: “I wish to participate in Jihaad, but I cannot afford it” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) enquird if any of his parents were alive, to which he said: “Yes! My mother is alive” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “Show Allah how your serve her. If you do so (duly) you will be like a: Haaji, a Mu’tamir (one doing ‘Umrah) and a Mujaahid (One striving in Allah’s way).” (Abu Ya’la, hadith:2760, and Tabarani with good chains.-Targheeb, vol.3, pg. 315 & Mukhtasar Ithaaf, hadith:5721) al-miftah.com

Reward for Hajj and Umrah Anas ibn Malik narrated that the Prophet said: "Whoever prays Fajr Prayer in congregation, and then sits and remembers Allah until the sun rises, then (after a while) prays two rak`has, he will gain a reward equal to that of making perfect Hajj and `Umrah. [The Prophet repeated the word "perfect" thrice.] (At-Tirmidhi)

Being Concerned of One’s own Islaah Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once mentioned: Nowadays we find a common sickness prevalent everywhere, that most people are worried about the faults and weaknesses of others, but do not pay any attention to their own weaknesses and inner maladies (whereas we are commanded in Shariah to be more concerned about our own islaah (reformation)). If only each person could focus on his own weaknesses and correct himself, he will save himself from a great amount of problems and difficulties. (Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat 6/399) Ihyaauddeen.co.za

Moving into a new home Question 1. I am soon going to move into my new home. I want to invite my friends and our local Musjid musallees to come to my new home to recite Qur'an and thereafter I will feed them. Is it permissible for me to do so? 2. When one moves into one's new home, what A'maal should one carry out in order to bring blessings in the home? Answer 1. At the occasion one moves into one's home, it is not an established practice in Deen for one to invite people to his home in order to recite the Qur'an and thereafter feed them. 2. Recite Surah Baqarah when you move into the home and ensure that all the A'amaal of the home are in accordance to the Sunnah. Generally when people move into a new home the greater concern is about the things in the home and making the home comfortable. However just as these things are important to some extent, the greater focus should be to make that home a home of barakah, blessings and a home that attracts the mercy of Allah Ta'ala. This will be obtained when one refrains from sin and the activities of the home are in accordance to the sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). On the other hand when activities of the home are not in conformity to the Sunnah, Salaah is not performed and nor is the Qur'an recited in the home, then evil influences, jinnaat, etc. enter the home. Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallaho anho) says: "In the house where the Qur'an is read, the household members increase, virtues and blessings multiply, angels descend upon them and Satan leaves the house. Whereas the house in which Qur'an is not recited, life therein becomes straitened and devoid of blessings, angels leave the house and Satan ravages it." Hadhrat Ibn Mas'ood (Radhiyallaho anho) and has reported that Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said: "A deserted house is one in which the Holy Qur'an is not recited." Ensure that Salaah is performed on time. The entire family should allocate some time daily to make ta'leem of the fazaail kitaabs (Fazaail A'amaal and Fazaail-e-Sadaqaat). And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best. عن عائشة رضي الله عنها ، قالت : قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : من أحدث في أمرنا هذا ما ليس منه فهو رد (مشكاة # 140) واتخاذ الدعوة لقراءة القرآن وجمع الصلحاء والقراء للختم أو لقراءة سورة الأنعام أو الإخلاص والحاصل أن اتخاذ الطعام عند قراءة القرآن لأجل الأكل يكره (رد المحتار 2/ 240) Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Receiving Such Rewards that Others cannot Reach One One should recite the following one hundred times: سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ Glory be to Allah Ta’ala, together with (reciting) His praises عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم قال من قال حين يصبح وحين يمسي سبحان الله وبحمده مائة مرة لم يأت أحد يوم القيامة بأفضل مما جاء به إلا أحد قال مثل ما قال وزاد عليه (ترمذي رقم 3469) Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “The one who recites the following duaa in the morning and evening one hundred times receives such abundant reward that none from the creation will come on the day of Qiyaamah with the amount of reward that he will have except the one who recites the same or recites more (or something greater): سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ Ihyaauddeen.co.za

All the above taken from sunniforum.com with thanks

Reward for Reciting each letter of Holy Qur’aan. “Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that “Alif, Laam, Meem” is a letter, rather I am saying that “Alif” is a letter, “laam” is a letter and “meem” is a letter.” [Tirmidhi] Reward for Intended Good Deeds: On the authority of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both), from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), among the sayings he related from his Lord (glorified and exalted be He) is that He said: "Allah has written down the good deeds and the bad ones." Then He explained it [by saying that] "he who has intended a good deed and has not done it, Allah writes it down with Himself as a full good deed, but if he has intended it and has done it, Allah writes it down with Himself as from ten good deeds to seven hundred times, or many times over. But if he has intended a bad deed and has not done it, Allah writes it down with Himself as a full good deed, but if he has intended it and has done it, Allah writes it down as one bad deed." [bukhari and Muslim]

Uttering the Shahada: `Ubadah bin As-Samit (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, "He who bears witness that there is no true god except Allah, alone having no partner with Him, that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger, that `Isa (Jesus) is His slave and Messenger and he (Jesus) is His Word which He communicated to Maryam (Mary) and His spirit which He sent to her, that Jannah is true and Hell is true; Allah will make him enter Jannah accepting whatever deeds he accomplished". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Mu`adh bin Jabal was riding on the beast with the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), when he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to him, "O Mu`adh!'' Mu`adh replied, "Here I am responding to you, and at your pleasure, O Messenger of Allah.'' He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) again called out, "O Mu`adh.'' He (again) replied, "Here I am responding your call, and at your pleasure.'' He (Messenger of Allah) addressed him (again), "O Mu`adh!'' He replied, "Here I am responding to you, and at your pleasure, O Messenger of Allah.'' Upon this he (the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) said, "If anyone testifies sincerely that there is no true god except Allah, and Muhammad is His slave and Messenger, truly from his heart, Allah will safeguard him from Hell.'' He (Mu`adh) said, "O Messenger of Allah, shall I not then inform people of it, so that they may have glad tidings.'' He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, "Then they will rely on it alone (and thus give up good works altogether).'' Mu`adh (May Allah be pleased with him) disclosed this Hadith at the time of his death, to avoid sinning for concealing. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abudhar (RZA) narrates that the Prophet (SAW) said: One who uttered (in sincerety) the Kalimah La Ilaha Illallah and died having faith therein, certainly he would enter Jannah. Abudhar says: I asked the Prophet (SAW), even if the person has committed fornication and theft? The Prophet (SAW) responded: yes, though he has committed fornication and theft; (Abudhar says) I said again, even if he has committed fornication and theft? The Prophet (SAW) said: Yes, though he has committed fornication and theft. (Abudhar says) I again asked: Even if he has committed fornication and theft? The Prophet (SAW) said: Yes, even if he has committed fornication and theft on the contrary to the will of Abudhar. [bukhari] "Announce to the people the tidings that whoever says: No god except Allah alone, without partner, Paradise is guaranteed for him." [Nasa'i]

Asking for Forgiveness: On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), from among the things he reports from his Lord (mighty and sublime be He), is that he said: "A servant [of Allah's] committed a sin and said: 'O Allah, forgive me my sin.' And He (glorified and exalted be He) said: 'My servant has committed a sin and has known that he has a Lord who forgives sins and punishes for them.' Then he sinned again and said: 'O Lord, forgive me my sin.' And He (glorified and exalted be He) said: 'My servant has committed a sin and has known that he has a Lord who forgives sins and punishes for them.' Then he sinned again and said: 'O Lord, forgive me my sin.' And He (glorified and exalted be He) said: 'My servant has committed a sin and has known that he has a Lord who forgives sins and punishes for sins. Do what you wish, for I have forgiven you.'" [Muslim (also by al-Bukhari).] On the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say: "Allah the Almighty said: 'O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it.'" [At-Tirmidhi (also by Ahmad ibn Hanbal). Its chain of authorities is sound.]

Having the Fear of Allah: On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "A man sinned greatly against himself, and when death came to him he charged his sons, saying: 'When I have died, burn me, then crush me and scatter [my ashes] into the sea, for, by Allah, if my Lord takes possession of me, He will punish me in a manner in which He has punished no one [else].' So they did that to him. Then He said to the earth: 'Produce what you have taken - and there he was!' And He said to him: 'What induced you to do what you did?' He said: 'Being afraid of You, O my Lord (or he said: 'Being frightened of You'),' and because of that He forgave him." [Muslim (also by Al-Bukhari, an-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah).]

Page 16: 2nd line - coma after the 2nd word, "we" would be better? Page 17: last line - no coma after "and" Page 18: last paragraph, 6th line: the M should not be capital in "Mercy" Page 19: 1st line of "General Principles": the end of the line going into the 2nd line seems incorrect 6th line: "Mercy and Pleasure" in the should not be capital letters 7th line: remove "and" after "soul" In point number 1:add a coma after "travelling" Page 20: point number 6 - 3rd line: add "the": "which are in the real sense" Page 21: add "sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam" after ""His Rasul" in the second line after the verse and again in the 2nd line of the next paragraph 3rd line of the 2nd paragraph after the verse: "in return for this, He has also promised two things" add full stop here. Then "first" with capiutal letter and coma after it and then again a coma after "second" in the next line Page 22: no need for the "but" in the first line after "kingdom" the space before the title "Final Appeal" needs to be deleted Alhamdulillah completed.... and may Allah ta'ala guide the ummah to unite and do such deeds which led to the glory of the past, aameen!

Oh You Hindu Awake! By Dr. Chatterjee INTRODUCTION Regarding the religion referred to as `Hinduism', JAWAHARLAL NEHRU said in his "THE DISCOVERY OF INDIA" (Page 37): "HINDUISM as a faith is vague, amorphous, many sided, all things to all men. It is hardly possible to define it, or indeed to say definitely whether it is a religion or not, in the usual sense of the word. In its present form, and even in the past, it embraces many beliefs and practices, from the highest to the lowest, often opposed to or contradicting each other." Source Read or Download and pass on to others! o-you-hindu-awake.pdf

Loving your fellow Muslim for the sake of Allah: On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Allah will say on the Day of Resurrection: 'Where are those who love one another through My glory? Today I shall give them shade in My shade, it being a day when there is no shade but My shade.'" [bukhari (also by Malik).]

Two kalimahs are such.. lighter on tongue heavier in weight Dearer to Rahman Subhanallahi wabihamdihi Subhanallahil Adheem.

Sitting in good gatherings: On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), who said: "Allah (glorified and exalted be He) has supernumerary angels who rove about seeking out gatherings in which Allah's name is being invoked: they sit with them and fold their wings round each other, filling in that which is between them and between the lowest heaven. When [the people in the gathering] depart, [the angels] ascend and rise up to heaven." He (the Prophet - peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Then Allah (mighty and sublime be He) asks them - [though] He is most knowing about them: 'From where have you come?' And they say: 'We have come from some servants of Yours on Earth: they were glorifying You (Subhana llah), exalting you (Allahu akbar), witnessing that there is no god but You (La ilaha illa llah), praising You (Al-Hamdu lillah), and asking [favours] of You.' He says: 'And what do they ask of Me?' They say: 'They ask of You Your Paradise.' He says: 'And have they seen My Paradise?' They say: 'No, O Lord.' He says: 'And how would it be were they to have seen My Paradise!' They say: 'And they ask protection of You.' He says: 'From what do they ask protection of Me?' They say: 'From Your Hell-fire, O Lord.' He says: 'And have they seen My Hell-fire?' They say: 'No.' He says: 'And how would it be were they to have seen My Hell-fire!' They say: 'And they ask for Your forgiveness.'" He (the Prophet - peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Then He says: 'I have forgiven them and I have bestowed upon them what they have asked for, and I have granted them sanctuary from that from which they asked protection.'" He (the Prophet - peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "They say: 'O Lord, among then is So-and-so, a much sinning servant, who was merely passing by and sat down with them.'" He (the Prophet - peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "And He says: 'And to him [too] I have given forgiveness: he who sits with such people shall not suffer.'" [Muslim (also by al-Bukhari, at-Tirmidhi, and an-Nasa'i).]

Forgiving a loan: On the authority of Abu Mas'ud al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: "A man from among those who were before you was called to account. Nothing in the way of good was found for him except that he used to have dealings with people and, being well-to-do, he would order his servants to let off the man in straitened circumstances [from repaying his debt]." He (the Prophet - peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that Allah said: "We are worthier than you of that (of being so generous). Let him off." [Muslim (also by al-Bukhari and an-Nasa'i).]

Giving water to a dog: Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "While a man was walking on his way he became extremely thirsty. He found a well, he went down into it to drink water. Upon leaving it, he saw a dog which was panting out of thirst. His tongue was lolling out and he was eating moist earth from extreme thirst. The man thought to himself: `This dog is extremely thirsty as I was.' So he descended into the well, filled up his leather sock with water, and holding it in his teeth, climbed up and quenched the thirst of the dog. Allah appreciated his action and forgave his sins". The Companions asked: "Shall we be rewarded for showing kindness to the animals also?'' He (PBUH) said, "A reward is given in connection with every living creature". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Paradise for giving call to prayer: On the authority of Uqbah ibn Amir (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say: "Your Lord delights at a shepherd who, on the peak of a mountain crag, gives the call to prayer and prays. Then Allah (glorified and exalted be He) will say: 'Look at this servant of Mine, he gives the call to prayer and performs the prayers; he is in awe of Me. I have forgiven My servant [his sins] and have admitted him to Paradise.'" [An-Nasa'i]