ummtaalib

Not just delicate but also I found, some points quite beyond my understanding...It was Shaykh Riyadhul Haqq whose duroos were also available on audio tapes however unfortunately, the series was never completed. I enquired a couple of times a few years ago and was told inshaAllah he will one day continue. The notes I made were too many and were never typed up...I think they were recently buried along with other papers Jazaakillah Acacia for posting the text

Assalaamu 'alaykum warahmatullah Yes the books section (as well as the events section) is not open to all members. The decision was taken initially to restrict posting of unauthentic books and events. Perhaps we can lift this restriction and moderate more closely inshaAllah. Brother Arsalan, while browsing or searching, please feel free to report any posts which have doubtful info....Though a lot of posts were removed many remained and we were not able to read thoroughly every single post when the forum made changes. May I take this opportunity to say Jazaakallaahu khayran for your valuable and much appreciated contributions. May your reward be in abundance for the time spent in propagating haqq..aameen

Examination Success!! Examinations are trying times for people in all walks of life. Use these valuable tips to gain the most out of your exams. 1. Be punctual with your Salaah. This is your essential spiritual and mental boost. 2. Recite Sura Yaseen in the morning. Your day will go smoother. 3. Eat a healthy, wholesome and nutritious breakfast. Your body needs proper nourishment for your brain to function at optimum level. 4. Be early at your exam venue. This will decrease stress levels. 5. Don’t hang around with pessimists and those that didn’t study before writing. They will hamper your morale and confidence. 6. Commence your paper with Bismillah, Durood Shareef and preferably be with Wudhu. This will draw the help of Allah Ta’ala. 7. Study hard, make fervent Dua and request the Duas of your parents and the pious. Dua is the believer’s weapon. Masjid Poster downloadable here. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Hazrat Shaikh Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) once addressed some associates and said: "My beloved friends, make an effort to acquire the friendship of Allah Ta’ala. A poet exclaims: The one who wishes to acquire any lofty position has to burn the midnight oil." Thereafter Hazrat Shaikh Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) mentioned that once a person spent some time in the company of Hazrat Moulana Abdul Qaadir Raipuri (Rahmatullahi Alaihi). He engaged in zikr and spiritual exercises, etc. One day he said to Hazrat Raipuri, “I am carrying out my zikr, etc., but I do not feel the zikr having any effect on me as yet.” Hearing this, Hazrat Raipuri replied, “Continue to strive. Piety and acceptance is not a type of medicine that I can administer to you. You will have to continue striving to acquire it.” (Malfoozaate Hazrat Shaikh 1/108) Ihyaaudden

Done sister Haya...removed your post as you had quoted it At first I edited to say the couple was non-Muslim, then changed my mind...

Hanafi, Shafi’i or “Muhammadi”? Al-Miftah We are often faced with the question: “Why do you follow Imam Abu Hanifah, Imam Malik or Imam Shafi’i etc (rahimahumullah)? Aren’t we supposed to follow Sayyiduna Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)? A unique perspective My Respected Teacher, Al-Muhaddith Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (may Allah protect him and keep him in good health, and may Allah continue to allow us to benefit from Shaykh) writes: “It is crucial for every Muslim to know the command of Allah Ta’ala concerning all matters; salah, zakah, fasting and all other acts of worship, including monetary dealings etc. He should not embark on any deed without understanding the rule of Shari’ah and the command of Allah concerning that deed. If he is notified (by any scholar) of the view of Imam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) – or any other Imam for that matter – on that issue, he should indeed accept this, but with the following frame of mind: This is how Imam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) has understood the command of Allah and his Messenger (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), therefore I practice this as the way of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). My heart should be linked to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), it should believe that these are his commands and sunnats (ways) or I abstain from certain things because he (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has prohibited us from doing so. (i.e, these are not rules that Imam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) has enforced, but merely his understanding of the way of Muhammad sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) Shaykh writes further, Every Muslim ought to follow the way of Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). However since the vast majority of us don’t have the expertise to fully comprehend the sacred texts of Shari’ah (Quran and Sunnah) we therefore trust those who are qualified (The Imams of the four schools of thought) Therefore Muslims refer to themselves as: Hanafi, Shafi’e, Maliki and Hambali. The reality is that a muslim is a “Muhammadi” (A follower of Muhammad sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and in following him, he accepts the understanding of these Imams. (Extracted from his book: Ma’alim Irshadiyyah, pg.377)

Aurora An aurora is a natural light display in the sky predominantly seen in the high latitude (Arctic and Antarctic) regions. Green auroras occur when solar particles strike oxygen in the air. Other gases produce different colors. (Photo: NASA) NASA video, which shows a vivid Aug. 19 aurora.

The sheer beauty of them

Signs of Allah in Snowflakes Anyone who takes a close look at snowflakes can see that they come in a variety of shapes. It is estimated that a single cubic meter of snow holds about 350 million snowflakes! These flakes are all hexagonal and have crystal-like structures. However, each one of them possesses a unique shape. For years, scientists have been searching for answers to such questions as how these shapes ever came about, how it is that each one of them has a different shape and what provides their symmetry. Every bit of information that is gained reveals another magnificent mastery present in the snowflakes. The variety and perfection of the hexagonal structure of snowflakes is a manifestation of Allah's status as the Originator (al-Badi). Allah is the One Who made good everything that He has created. The formation of snowflakes constitutes yet another aspect of Allah's endless artistry. These thin, small flakes look like multi-pointed stars or tiny needle heads. The formation of the snowflakes in the pictures is truly amazing. For years, the orderly structure of snowflakes has caught people's attention. Since 1945, research has been carried out in a quest to discover which factors give the final shape to the crystals. A single snowflake is a pile of crystals consisting of more than 200 ice crystals. Snowflakes are made up of water molecules that are shaped in a perfect order. Snowflakes, one of nature's true architectural wonders, are shaped when water vapor gets cold while passing through clouds. This takes place like so: Passing through the clouds, water molecules scattered everywhere in a disorganized way throughout water vapor begin to lose their random movement due to the fall in temperature. After a while, the water molecules, moving more slowly, begin to form groups and consequently become solid. Yet, there is no disorder whatsoever in their groupings. On the contrary, they always unite as microscopic hexagonal forms that look similar to each other. Each snowflake at first consists of a single hexagonal water molecule, then other hexagonal water molecules come and attach to this first piece. According to experts on the subject, the basic factor that determines the shape of a snowflake is that these hexagonal water molecules are joined together just like links in a chain. In addition, the pieces of crystals, which normally should look alike, take on very different shapes according to the temperature and level of moisture.(1) Why is it that there is a hexagonal symmetry in all snowflakes and why is each of them different from the others? Why are their edges angled rather then straight? Scientists are still trying to find answers to these questions. Yet, this much is evident: Allah is the One Who has no partners in creation, is the Possessor of an endless power and the Originator of everything (Islamcan)

Fulfilling the Haqq of Shukr One should recite the following Duaa in the morning and evening: اللَّهُمَّ مَا أَصْبَحَ بِى مِنْ نِعْمَةٍ أو بِأَحَدٍ مِن خَلْقِكَ فَمِنْكَ وَحْدَكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ فَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ وَلَكَ الشُّكْرُ O Allah, whatever favour I enjoy this morning or any of your creation enjoys, it is solely from You alone. You have no partners, and You are the only being who is worthy of all praise, and You are the only being who is worthy of all thanks. عن عبد الله بن غَنَّامٍ البياضى رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال من قال حين يصبح اللهم ما أصبح بى من نعمة فمنك وحدك لا شريك لك فلك الحمد ولك الشكر. فقد أدى شكر يومه ومن قال مثل ذلك حين يمسى فقد أدى شكر ليلته (ابو داود رقم 5075 ، هداية الرواة 2/476) Hadhrat Abdullah bin Ghannaam (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever recites the following Duaa in the morning, then he has fulfilled the haq of shukr (gratitude) for that day. And whoever recites it in the evening, then he has fulfilled the haq of shukr (gratitude) for that night. اللَّهُمَّ مَا أَصْبَحَ بِى مِنْ نِعْمَةٍ بِأَحَدٍ مِن خَلْقِكَ فَمِنْكَ وَحْدَكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ فَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ وَلَكَ الشُّكْرُ Note: When reciting the Duaa in the evening, one will recite the word ما أمسى instead of ما أصبح. Ihyaauddeen

My first knowledge regarding inheritance came from a talk by Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat (hafizahullah)...regarding women's shares he said that even if the shares of the women are not neglected, the pressure is on them to give them up. He said, "The brother phones up the sister after the death of their father and he informs her she has inherited such and such an amount and then asks, 'What shall I do with it?'" Shaykh vehemently repeats the question, "What shall I do with it?" He then says, "In shyness or embarrassment, she feels she should give it away to her brother especially if she is better off than him! He should not ask her, he should simply send her a cheque and then if she feels she should gift it to her brother, she has every right to do so." It was a very strong speech! I think it was called "Wiraasat ki taqseem". Unfortunately I could not find it online. And yes, you are right, the subject is too complex for laypersons. The best way when death occurs in the family is to contact a reliable scholar.

Allah ta'ala grant acceptance! We were thinking of looking for Q/A's with simple examples of how a Mufti would calculate the heirs' shares. Unfortunately, nothing simple could be found. Due to the complex rules we thought it best not to touch this area. Perhaps you have compiled such examples? Unfortunately not many are even aware of the punishment awaiting those who simply do not care about the shares of the rightful heirs. In many communities when a person dies, his/her property is simply taken by the nearest kin. Women and often orphans especially are neglected when it comes to their rightful shares.

wa'alaykumus salaam warahmatullaahi wabarakaatuh! and I agree with sister Acacia's sentiments.... The recitation is so very beautiful however i expected 40 since that is what is written on the video and only 3 are recited....more parts to this perhaps?

Biryani Every Day in this Way The poor have a better appetite than the rich. They digest all their food. Their health is good and they are in joyous moods. They are seldom troubled by headaches and colds. The rich on the other hand have to routinely resort to medication. A rich and a poor man were friends. The poor man was plump and healthy whilst the wealthy man was thin and sickly. One day the wealthy man said to his poor friend: “You are poor, yet in appearance you seem better. You are plump and healthy. What do you eat?” The poor friend replied: “Every day I eat biryani and every month I make a new nikaah.” The wealthy man laughed in disbelief. “You are laughing?” said the poor man. “There’s nothing to laugh at. Tomorrow you are invited to meals at my place.” The wealthy man accepted, but was bewildered. The following day the wealthy man arrived at the home of his poor friend for the meal. The poor friend started to speak with his wealthy friend and the conversation carried on for a few hours. Then the wealthy man started to ask about the food. “It’s not yet ready”, the poor friend answered. “Wait awhile,” he said, and resumed the conversation. The wealthy man started to become hungry and restless. He demanded that the food be brought. When the host—the poor man—saw his guest had become terribly hungry, he said: “The biryani is not yet ready, but there is some left over roti and bhaji [greens]. Should I bring that?” “Bring whatever there is,” said the hungry visitor. “Bring it now!” The host brought the stale roti and bhaji and put it before his guest. The rich man whose hunger had created in him a beastly appetite fell upon the food like a madman. Every morsel brought out a cry of “Subhaanallah” from the inner recesses of his heart. When he had gobbled up all the food, the host brought the biryani. “Here is the main course.” But the guest had eaten with relish to his fill and therefore declined to have any of the biryani. “Eat,” said the host, “this is a deliciously rich meal.” The visitor replied: “What I ate was all that I could ask for. It was absolutely delightful.” The poor friend then remarked: “The biryani I have daily is what you ate; dry roti and bhaji. After a hard day’s work and becoming hungry this simple food is more delicious to us then your biryani, because you snack all day long and are really not hungry at meal time. This is what I meant.” The rich man now understood how the poor man ate “biryani” everyday and enjoyed his meals more than he [the rich man] did. Simplicity I am narrating a wonderful story of simplicity. Close to our town there is another town. A Hakeem Saheb stayed there. He is the offspring of our seniors. Once, Hazrat Moulana Gangohi (Rahmatullahi alaih) visited him. Quietly he approached Moulana [Gangohi] and without formalities he said: “You have many devotees here. If you say, then I will arrange for a da’wat [invitation to a meal] as I do not have food at my home today.” Look at that! Moulana’s visit was not at all a burden on him constraining him to borrow money and prepare meals. Since he had no food at home he frankly confessed to the visitor. And what a wonderful guest was Moulana (Rahmatullahi alaih) who replied: “Bhai! I am your guest. Since you have no food then I, too, will go without eating. Don’t ask anyone to give a da’wat.” The day passed and everyone was unmindful of eating. Close to Maghrib, a patient came and paid Hakeem Saheb eleven rupees and departed. Hakeem Saheb came to Moulana and said: “Hazratji! Allah Ta’ala has sent eleven rupees for your meals.” Moulana responded: “Bhai! Don’t spend and prepare extravagantly,” but Hakeem Saheb exclaimed: “Hazrat! That’s not possible. When I didn’t have anything I kept you hungry. Now, since Allah Ta’ala sent this money by virtue of your auspicious presence, I am going to arrange for a sumptuous meal. Accordingly, pilau, etc. were prepared and everyone enjoyed a hearty meal. Shaikhji’s Visit A person told an amazing story. He said that he visited a friend of his in Ilahabad. One day, he found the children of the host all merry and dressed up. They were saying joyfully: “Today Shaikhji is coming”. He says: “I thought to myself, ‘Perhaps some important guest was arriving.’ I waited in anticipation of meeting the guest. When considerable time had elapsed with no sign of any Buzrug arriving, and eating time also passing, I asked around about this Shaikhji. Someone said: “Today there’s no food here. These people have named ‘no food’ as ‘Shaikhji’. When there is no food at their home, they amuse their children with ‘Shaikhji’s visit’ and the children understand that no meals will be prepared for the day. The children spend the day in fun and play unperturbed about not eating.” Allahu Akbar! What patience and self-restraint! Leave alone the parents, the children were not even troubled. thejamiat.co.za

”نِعمَ النَّساءُ نِساءُ الأنصار لـَم يَمنَعهُنَّ الحَيَاءُ أنْ يَتَفَقَّهْنَ فِي الدِّين“ Translation: The best women are the women of the Ansār, for their modesty does not prevent them from learning about their religion. Aisha bint Abu Bakr RA

"With my veil I put my faith on display – rather than my beauty. My value as a human is defined by my relationship with God, not by my looks. I cover the irrelevant. And when you look at me, you don’t see a body. You view me only for what I am: a servant of my Creator. You see, as a Muslim woman, I’ve been liberated from a silent kind of bondage. I don’t answer to the slaves of God on earth. I answer to their King" Yasmin Mogahed

(Click on picture to enlarge)

The Reality of Death Death is indiscriminate. It takes anyone at anytime. There is a sequence for coming into this world, i.e. first the grandfather, then the father and then the son. However with regards to leaving, there is no system. The grandson may pass away while the grandfather is still living. We all have to return to Allah Ta‘ala. However, what we need to see is how can we make the return journey enjoyable and pleasant? The answer is simple: Make your life pleasant and beloved to Him, and He will make your end pleasant and enjoyable to you. Source: Al-Haadi

16 Amazing Uses for Honey Honey has been used as a remedy for ailments since the time of our beloved Prophet (s). Both the holy Qur’an and Hadith refer to honey as a healer of disease. ‘And thy Lord taught the bee to build its cells in hills, on trees and in (men’s) habitations….. there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colors, wherein is healing for mankind. Verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought’. (Translation of Quran 16:68-69) Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alaihi Wasalaam) said: ‘Honey is a remedy for every illness and the Qur’an is a remedy for all illness of the mind, therefore I recommend to you both remedies, the Qur’an and honey.’ (Bukhari) Medical: Honey has antibacterial properties and contains hydrogen peroxide. There is evidence that honey speeds the healing of wounds. 1. Bee Sting: Use instantly on bee stings. Apply honey directly to wound for temporary pain relief and faster healing. Apply a light dressing such as gauze or paper towel. (Be sure you have completely removed the stinger before applying honey). If you are allergic to bee stings see a doctor immediately. 2. For Curing Arthritis: A paste should be made from one part honey and two parts of luke warm water added with a small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. This paste should be massaged on the itching part of the body and the pain should recede within fifteen minutes in most cases. 3. Toothache: A paste made of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey when applied on the aching tooth (may be done 3 times a day) reduces the pain within a matter of 15 minutes 4. Reducing Cholesterol: Take two tablespoons of honey, three teaspoons of cinnamon powder and mix in 16 ounces of tea, when given to a cholesterol patient, reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10% within 2 hours. Pure honey is also sometimes used with food to check cholesterol. 5. Cure Colds: For those who are suffering from common or severe colds, they should take one tablespoon of luke warm honey with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses. 6. Stomach Upset: Honey taken with cinnamon powder also helps in curing stomach ache. For people who are suffering from gas problems, honey should be taken with cinnamon powder in equal quantities, relieves gas and pain in the stomach. 7. Immune System: The daily intake of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Researchers have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts and its use strengthens the white blood corpuscles. 8. Slowing Down the Aging Process: Ancient cultures used Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder for longevity. 4 spoons of honey, 1 spoon of cinnamon powder and 3 cups of water are boiled to make this tea. The prescribed amount is to drink 1/4 cup, 3 times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and slows down old age. 9. Weight Loss: Drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup water first thing in the morning (empty stomach). If taken regularly it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also drinking of this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body, even though the person may eat a high calorie diet. Dietary: Honey is healthy for you in moderation; it has amino acids and enzymes for digestion. 10. You can use it as a sugar substitute in baking 11. It tastes great on a spoon mixed with peanut butter! Or Cut, fresh peaches with some honey drizzled over top with milk makes a great treat! 12. The best type of honey is raw or organic honey. Try to get as natural as possible because some store-bought brands include added sugar, water, or syrups. Cosmetic: Use honey to look your best 13. Hair Loss: To prevent hair loss or baldness mix 1 tsp. of honey with 1 tsp. of olive oil and 2 tsp. of water to make a paste. Massage this mixture onto the areas needing it the most (for baldness it would go on those thinned or hairless spots). This is best done before bedtime and the mixture will be left on for the night. Wash your hair as usual in the morning and continue to treat your hair with this mixture regularly. Another honey mixture for these same issues would be a paste consisting of heated olive oil, 1 tbsp. of honey and 1 tsp. of cinnamon. Apply this to your scalp and leave it on for 5 to 15 minutes before washing your hair. 14. Conditioner: Using honey as a hair conditioner will increase the health of your hair follicles and your scalp at the same time. If your hair is on the oily side, decrease the olive oil to 1/4 cup when making the following mixture. Mix 1 cup of honey and 1/2 cup of olive oil. Massage the mixture onto the scalp and let it rest for a half hour before washing your hair as usual. 15. Radiant Hair: If your hair lacks shine or luster, a mixture of 2 tbps. of honey and 2 cups of warm water can help return the natural shine and will add health to your hair. After combining the solution, shake it thoroughly in a spray bottle with a wide nozzle and spray the mixture onto your hair. Brush it into your hair and let it dry or you can blow dry it. It is best to use a good quality of honey. 16. Honey Facial: Honey may be the perfect skin care product, as it kills germs and reduces swelling and inflammation. A honey face mask will gently clean your skin, while keeping it healthy, supple and beautiful. Add 1 tsp. of olive oil to the honey. Olive oil helps nourish and clean the skin at the same time. Unlike petroleum jelly, heavy lotions and other oils, olive oil will rinse cleanly away, leaving your skin moisturized and glowing. Break an egg, gently separating the yoke and adding it to the honey and oil mixture. The egg yoke will not only give your face mask a creamy texture, it will help remove oil and dirt from the skin. Egg yoke will remove the greasy shine from your face without drying. Mix the ingredients until creamy. Peel and slice two pieces of cucumber. Cucumber has gentle astringent properties, but is the same pH as skin. Including cucumber as part of your skin care regimen will help to restore the natural protective acid levels of the skin. Cucumber naturally nourishes and hydrates the skin and can help reduce circles from underneath the eyes. Apply a warm washcloth to your face to open the pores. Apply the honey face mask and cucumbers. Relax for about 20 minutes while you wait for the mask to work, then rinse with warm water. Once fully rinsed, splash a bit of cold water on your face to close your pores and firm the skin. islaaminfo

The good we are doing is not proof of our concern for the hereafter. Proof is finding fear in our hearts after sinning; that I have done something wrong and will be punished for it. Do we find this within ourselves? If we do not worry about the hereafter, we will be doomed after we die. Merely living with this dream that Allah ta'ālā will forgive us is foolishness. Allah ta'laa is also Raaziq (the Sustainer) but we still toil and work for our sustenance. Similarly Allah is Gafoor (the Forgiver) and Raheem (the Merciful) but for that person who strives through good actions and repenting sincerely.

Sacrifice enhances inner joy! www.eislam.co.za Relaxing in the lounge Sunday morning my wife called, 'How long will you be with that newspaper? Will you come here and make your darling son eat his breakfast?'. I tossed the paper away and rushed to the scene. My only son Faizaan looked frightened. Tears were welling up in his eyes. In front of him was a bowl filled to its brim with cereal containing the much needed vitamins needed by Faizaan after his month long illness. Faizaan was a pleasant child, quite intelligent for his age. He has just turned nine. He particularly detested the vitamin fortified cereal. My mother and my wife are traditional and believe firmly in the benefits of the cereal. I cleared my throat, and picked up the bowl. 'Faizaan, darling,why don't you take a mouthful of this cereal?Just for Dad's sake, dear. Faizaan softened a bit, and wiped his tears with the back of his hands. 'OK, Dad. I will eat - not just a few mouthfuls, but the whole lot of this. But, you should…' Faizan hesitated. 'Dad, if I eat this entire Cereal, will you give me whatever I ask for?'…'Oh sure, darling'… 'Promise?'... 'Promise'. I covered the soft hand extended by my son with mine, and clinched the deal. 'Ask Mom also to give a similar promise', my son insisted. My wife put her hand on Faizaan’s, muttering 'Promise'. Now I became a bit anxious. ' Faizaan dear, you shouldn't insist on getting a computer or any such expensive items. Dad does not have that kind of money right now. OK?' 'No, Dad. I do not want anything expensive'. Slowly and painfully, he finished eating the whole quantity. I was silently angry with my wife and my mother for forcing my child to eat. After the ordeal was through, Faizaan came to me with his eyes wide with expectation. All our attention was on him... 'Dad, I want to have my hair on my head shaved off, this Sunday!' was his demand. 'Atrocious!' shouted my wife, 'my child having his head shaved off? Impossible!' This is following the crazy “skin heads” culture capturing the youth in our community! Never,never,never will I allow it!!! 'Never in our family!' my mother rasped.' He has been watching too much of television. Our culture is getting totally spoiled with these TV programs!' Faizaan darling, why don't you ask for something else? We will be sad seeing you with a clean-shaven head.' 'No, Dad. I do not want anything else', Faizaan said with finality. 'Please, Faizaan, why don't you try to understand our feelings?' I tried to plead with him. 'Dad, you saw how difficult it was for me to eat that cereal'. Faizaan was in tears. 'And you promised to grant me whatever I ask for. Now, you are going back on your words. Was it not you who told me the stories of the Companions of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and how they kept to their promises! You did emphasize that we should honour our promises no matter what! It was time for me to call the shots. 'Our promise must be kept.' 'Are you out your mind?' chorused my mother and wife. 'No. If we go back on our promises, he will never learn to honour his own. Faizaan, your wish will be fulfilled.' With his head clean-shaven, Faizaan had a round-face, and his eyes looked big and beautiful. On Monday morning, I dropped him at his school. It was a sight to watch my hairless Faizaan walking towards his classroom. He turned around and waved. I waved back with a smile. Just then, a boy alighted from a car, and shouted, Faizaan, please wait for me!' What struck me was the hairless head of that boy. 'May be, that is the in-stuff', I thought. 'Sir, your son Faizaan is great indeed!' Without introducing himself, a man got out of the car, and continued,' That boy who is walking along with your son is my son Yunoos. He is suffering from… leukaemia(cancer).' He paused to muffle his sobs. Yunoos could not attend the school for the whole of the last month. He lost all his hair due to the side effects of the chemotherapy. He refused to come back to school fearing the unintentional but cruel teasing of the schoolmates. Faizaan visited him last week, and promised him that he will take care of the teasing issue. But, I never imagined he would sacrifice his lovely hair for the sake of my son! Sir, you and your wife are blessed to have such a noble soul as your son. I stood transfixed...and then, I wept. 'My little Angel, you are teaching me how self-less real love is!' The happiest people on this planet are not those who live on their own terms but are those who change their terms for the benefit of others. Allah, the Exalted, says: “... and do good that you may be successful" ( Qu’an 22:77) Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, " If anyone fulfils his brother's needs, Allah will fulfil his needs; if one relieves a Muslim of his troubles, Allah will relieve him of his troubles on the Day of Resurrection; and if anyone conceals his faults, Allah will conceal his faults on the Day of Resurrection ". (Hadith-Al-Bukhari and Muslim). The endeavour to sacrifice for others is an achievement on its own accord whether people recognize the contribution or not. Don’t delay in making that sacrifice as no act of kindness is ever wasted. “When you sacrifice something precious, you're not really losing it. You're just passing it on to someone else.”

Sunnats and Aadaab of Sleeping – Part 1 1. It is sunnah for one to sleep in the state of Wudhu. عن معاذ بن جبل رضي الله عنه قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم ما من عبد بات على طهور ثم تعار من الليل فسأل الله شيئا من أمر الدنيا أو من أمر الآخرة إلا أعطاه (ابن ماجة رقم 3881) Hadhrat Muaadh bin Jabal (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “The one who sleeps in the state of wudhu, and thereafter wakes up during the night (or turns from one side to the other), and asks Allah Ta’ala for anything of this world or the Hereafter, Allah Ta’ala will surely grant it to him. 2. One should dust the bed before sleeping. عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: إذا أوى أحدكم إلى فراشه فلينفض فراشه بداخلة إزاره ، فإنه لا يدري ما خلفه عليه (البخاري رقم 6320) Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “When any one of you retires to bed, then he should dust the bed with the inner-part of the tail of his lungi. The reason being is that one is unaware of what could have entered his bed in his absence.

(Click on picture to enlarge)

Diwali Celebrations Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam once stated on the occasion of Eidul Fitr, “Verily, every nation has a day of religious celebration and today is our day of celebration.” Bukhari As Muslims we do not participate in the religious celebrations of other faiths. Living in a multi-faith society does not mean that we sacrifice our values to appease others. We respect the right of others to celebrate as they wish but this does not mean that we need to do the same. There is nothing wrong with saying, “I am a Muslim and I do not celebrate or participate in Diwali celebrations.” This will gain you respect by displaying your faith and adherence to Islam. Fireworks are impermissible in Islam as it is considered an extravagant waste of money. However when the use of fireworks becomes part of the religious celebration of others, the severity of the sin increases many times over. Muslim businesses should realise that their sustenance comes from Allah and not by adopting avenues that displease Him. What may be gained materially in the sale of unlawful goods proportionately depletes the Barakah and blessings of our sustenance. So while Diwali is a time of celebration for Hindus, it is definitely not one for Muslims. We need to be clear on such issues so that Islam is preserved in its purity for our progeny to come. Masjid Poster downloadable here. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians