ummtaalib

Status Of The Beard All the great scholars of Islam unanimously agree on this issue that to grow a beard no less than the length of a fist is Wajib (compulsory) upon all Muslim men as it is a distinctive sign of Islam, and it is haram (forbidden) for a mature stable Muslim to shave his beard. This verdict was reached on the grounds that there are numerous ahaadith where the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam is explicitly commanding the Muslims to grow a beard. In this respect a few ahaadith from Bukhari and Muslim are quoted below. Ibn Umar quotes the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "Cut short the moustache and lengthen the beard." (Bukhari and Muslim) Abu Huraira quotes the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "Shorten the moustache and lengthen the beard." (Muslim) Ibn Umar quotes the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "Grow (lengthen) the beard." (Muslim) Yahya ibn Kathir says that, once a person from Ajam (external province) who had grown a moustache and shaved off the beard entered the mosque. The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam asked him, "What motivated you to do this act?" He replied that his Lord had ordered him to do so. The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, "Allah has ordered me to shorten my moustache and lengthen my beard." Besides these ahaadith, there are other ahaadith which support the necessity of growing the beard. Therefore, to shave, or trim one's beard less than the length of a fist is haram (forbidden) and anyone contradicting this ruling will be committing a major sin and regarded as a fasiq (immoral person). The above mentioned ruling applies to all Muslims as a general rule, as for an Imaam or a Hafiz it becomes all the more important to grow a beard as he will have to lead the prayers. And the Imamat (leadership) of a person who shaves or trims his beard is makrooh-e-tahrimi (severely disliked), although the prayer behind such a person will be valid. It is stated in a hadith of Ibn Majah that (page 77), 'Let not a sinful and immoral person lead in a prayer of a true believer.' It is also stated in Raddul Mukhtar (page 560, vol. 1), 'It is makrooh-e-tahrimi for a fasiq (immoral person) to lead the prayers. An Imaam is the best person in the community worthy of leading the people in their prayers, he should be pious and apparently free from sin and immorality.' In a hadith of the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam it is stated, "If you wish that your prayers are accepted, than the most pious amongst should act as your Imaam, for he is a messenger between you and your Lord." It is apparent from these ahaadith that an Imaam must grow a beard in order to lead the prayers. According to all four schools of thought (Madhabs), it is compulsory upon a Muslim man to grow a beard and refrain from shaving it, or trimming it to less than the length of a fist. Given below are fatawas (religious verdicts) issued by the four Madhabs and it's leading scholars on the issue of growing the beard. Hanafi madhab: To trim the beard when it is less than a fist's length, as done by some modern people and hermaphrodites is not permissible in the opinion of all the jurists. To shave the beard as done by unorthodox Jews, Hindus and others is also not permissible. (Durre Mukhtar) Maliki madhab: To shave the beard is haram and to trim it in such a manner that it changes one's natural and normal facial features is also haram. It is also quoted in Kitabul Ib'daa', that without doubt the four Madhabs are agreed that the beard should be lengthened and that shaving it is haram. Shafi madhab: It is quoted in Al Ibaab', that Imaam ibn Ar'rifaah says that Imaam Shafe'ee, in his book, Kitabul Umm, has categorically stated that shaving the beard is haram. Al Azraiy says that the correct position in the Shafe'ee madhab is that to shave the beard without a valid medical reason is haram. Similar verdict of prohibition has been issued by Zarakhshi, Baihaqi in his book, Shu'ab Al Iman, and by his teacher Qa'ffal Shashi in Muhasin As Shar'iyyah. Hanbali madhab: It is narrated in Shar'hul Muntahaa' and Shar'hul Manzoomatul Adaab, the most accepted view is that it is haram to shave the beard. Some Ulama like the author of 'Insaf', have categorically stated that it is haram. There is no report from anyone to the contrary. Sheikhul Islam ibn Taymiyyah says, "Shaving the beard is haram." Ibn Hazm has narrated Ijma (consensus of the Muslims) regarding the obligation of trimming the moustache and keeping the beard, he brings the following ahaadith in support of this Ijma: "Oppose the Mushrikeen polytheists), trim the moustache and lengthen the beard." (Muslim) "Whosoever does not trim his moustache, he is not from amongst us." (Ahmed Tirmidhi and Nasai) The following are some fatawas given, issued by some prominent Muftis of the Arab world, in recent time regarding the necessity of keeping the beard. Sheikh ibn Abdur Rahman Al Banna writes in Fathur Rabbani, "Shaving the beard is strictly haram. This is the madhab of Hanbalis and Zahiriyyah." Sheikh Nasir Uddin Albani writes, "Due to the above references, it is wajib to lengthen the beard and to shave is haram." Sheikh Abu Bakr Al Jazari writes, "One should leave his beard until it fills his face, because the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam has ordered, shorten your moustaches and lengthen your beards." We can conclude from what has been said that to keep a beard is compulsory and to trim it or shave it is haram. Keeping the beard has been the practice of the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam, as it has also been the practice of the earlier Prophets before him. When Musa alaihis salaam returned from his journey of Mount Tur and found the Israelites engrossed in idolatry, he became furious and in severe anger he pulled the beard of his deputy (and brother) Haroon alaihis salaam who said: "O son of my mother, seize me not by my beard nor my hair." In the books of ahaadith, numerous hadith describe the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam as having a copious beard. Umm Ma'bad radiyallahu anhu says that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam had a copious beard. At an age when moral and spiritual decline is at its peak, acting upon a single prophetic tradition could insure success in the hereafter. It is narrated in a hadith, "One who is steadfast upon my Sunnah at the decline of my Ummah, for him there is the reward of a hundred martyrs." One Maulana has said, "Within a body there is nothing which we can imitate the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam. Our hands, feet, chest, eyes, ears, nose etc. cannot imitate the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam. There is only one thing and that is the beard, in which we can imitate the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam. He had a full, dense beard. We should try to imitate him in this matter." Acting upon the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam brings the pleasure of Allah and in turn great rewards in the hereafter. Similarly, opposing the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam brings the displeasure of Allah. It is stated in a hadith, The messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihe wasallam has cursed those men who imitate women and those women who imitate men. The beard is a distinctive sign of a man and removing it is like imitating a woman and anyone who commits this crime earns himself the displeasure of the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam and to displease the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam is to displease Allah. May Allah save us all from Allah's displeasure and wrath. Ameen. Modern scientists and doctors have realised the benefits of keeping a beard. One doctor writes, that by continually shaving, the veins of the sight are affected, resulting in failing eyesight. Another doctor writes that a lengthy beard stops harmful germs from reaching the throat and chest. Another goes so far as to say, "If men shaved for seven generations, the men in the eighth generation will have no beards. This means that the sperm gets weaker in every generation, until in the eighth this quality is completely destroyed." Keeping the beard is the right of every individual. Therefore, even parents cannot order their children to shave the beard. The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, "There is no obedience to any creation when the creator is being disobeyed." In such situations where children are forced to shave their beard by their parents, the children must oppose them, for there is no obedience to anyone when the rules of Shari'ah are asked to be violated. A Muslim should strive hard to imitate the blessed Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam in all aspects of their life and refrain from imitating the non-Muslims. There are numerous ahaadith in many books of hadith which describe the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam as having a full beard. Given below are some ahaadith regarding this: Ali radiyallahu anhu narrates that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam was neither too tall nor too short. He had long hair and beard. Bukhari and Abu Dawood narrate from Abu Ma'mar, who says, "We asked Khabbab radiyallahu anhu, did the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam recite the Qur'an in Zuhr and Asar prayers?" He replied, "Yes." We asked him how he knew this. He said, "From the movement of his beard." Muslim narrates from Jabir ibn Samura radiyallahu anhu, who says, "The front part of the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam's hair and beard had become grey. When he used to apply oil, it was not apparent but when the hair was unkempt it use to become apparent. The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam had a dense beard." At'a ibn Yasir radiyallahu anhu says, "The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam was in the mosque, when a man entered who's hair and beard were unkempt. The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam indicated towards him with his hand as though he was ordering him to adjust his hair and beard. The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, 'Is this not better than coming with unkempt hair like shaitan.'" Aisha radiyallahu anha relates that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, "Ten things are of nature in which shortening the moustache and growing a full beard are mentioned." Amongst the fitraat (Deen) of Islam is the cutting of the moustache and the lengthening of the beard, for surely the Majoos (Fire worshippers) lengthen their moustaches and cut their beards. In these two hadith, it has been mentioned that the beard is the natural beauty of a man. To shave it is a unnatural act. Also, shaving the beard is imitating the Kuffar, which is forbidden in Islam. Ibn Al Jawzy narrates in Al Wafa Bi Ahwal Al Mustafa from Ali ibn Abi Talib that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam had a full beard. Tirmidhi narrates in his Shamaail from Abu Hala, who used to describe the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam. He says that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam had a copious beard. Muslim narrates from Ibn Umar that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, "Oppose the Mushrikeen (polytheists), shorten the moustache and lengthen the beard." In another hadith, the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam warns the Muslims not to imitate the Kuffar. It is stated in the hadith: The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, "One who imitates another nation, he is from amongst them." This is a severe warning to those Muslims who wish to imitate the non Muslims in their dress and appearance. Anas radiyallahu anhu narrates that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam, most of the time used to oil his hair and comb his beard. The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam used to take care of his beard and hair. In one of the hadith that has been previously mentioned, the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam told a man to comb his hair and beard. He also given the similarity of a man who has unkempt hair and beard with the devil. To conclude, the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam has emphatically commanded the Muslims to grow a beard. He also gave a severe warning to those who oppose this command, especially those people who openly oppose it. In a hadith it is mentioned: "All the sinners of my Ummah are forgiven except those who commit sins openly." This is a warning to those people who openly shave their beards and have no shame in doing this act. May Allah give us all the ability to act upon the commands of the Shari'ah. Ameen. inter-islam

Ruling on Growing a Beard and Moustache We have been contacted by an enquirer who would like to know about the requirements of facial hair within the Islamic tradition, specifically is wearing a beard a requirement of the faith? Also, what is the Islamic perspective on growing a moustache? Any information that you can provide would be greatly appreciated. ANSWER In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful, Growing a beard is an extremely emphasised and encouraged way (Sunnah) of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), and held by the Muslim scholars to be necessary (wajib) for a man. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) repeatedly instructed the growing of a beard in many narrations, and his own habitual and continuous practice was that of growing a full beard. Thus, the obligation of keeping a beard is clear from the statements of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), the statements of the great Imams and the constant practice of the early Muslims (salaf). 1) Sayyiduna Abd Allah ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “Trim (your) moustaches and lengthen/grow (your) beards.” (Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim) 2) Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “Cut off moustaches, leave beards and do otherwise than the fire worshippers.” (Sahih Muslim, no. 260) 3) Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “Trim moustaches, lengthen/leave beards and do not imitate the Jews.” (Tahawi, Sharh Ma’ani al-Athar, 4/230) 4) Sayyiduna Abd Allah ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) ordered the trimming/clipping of moustaches and the leaving of the beards.” (Sahih Muslim, no. 1/222) In the above Hadiths, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) categorically commanded the keeping of the beard in many different ways, and with using different words. In the English translation of the above narrations (Hadiths), it is not possible to clearly observe the different wordings used. However, those who may look at the original Arabic text of these narrations will see that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) used different phrases and words to emphasise the keeping of the beard. The great Hadith master, Imam al-Nawawi (Allah have mercy on him) states in his renowned commentary of Sahih Muslim: The words: A’fu, Awfu. Arkhu, Arju and Waffiru have all been used; the meaning of all of which is to leave the beard as it is.” (Sharh Sahih Muslim, 3/151) In the above narrations, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) explicitly commanded the growing of the beard. According to the scholars of the “science of juristic principles” (usul al-Fiqh), the explicit command (amr) of the Qur’an and Sunnah signifies the obligatory nature of an act (al-Amr li al-Wujub) unless otherwise proven. (See, for example: al-Nasafi, Kashf al-Asrar Sharh al-Manar, 1/37 for the Hanafi school, al-Baji, Ihkam al-Fusul fi Ahkam al-Usul, p.79 for the Maliki school, al-Shirazi, al-Luma’ for the Shafi’i school and Ibn Badran, Nuzhat al-Khatir al-Atir, 2/43 for the Hanbali school). The Messenger of Allah’s (Allah bless him & give him peace) constant practice was also that of keeping a beard: 5) Abu Ma’mar relates that we asked Khabbab (Allah be pleased with him) whether the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) used to recite the Qur’an in the Zuhr and the Asr prayers. He replied in the affirmative. We said, “How did you come to know of this?” He replied, “From the movement of his beard.” (Sahih al-Bukhari1/971 & Sunan Abu Dawud, no. 801) 6) Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that when the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) performed ablution (wudhu), he would take a handful of water and put it under his jaws and pass it through his beard. He said, “This is what my Lord ordered me to do.” (Sunan Abu Dawud, no. 145, Sunan al-Bayhaqi, 1.54 and authenticated by al-Hakim) 7) Sayyiduna Jabir ibn Abd Allah (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace)…….had a thick beard….” (Sahih Muslim, no. 1823) The four Sunni schools of Islamic law (madhhabs) also quite clearly mention the impermissibility of shaving the beard: The Hanafi School The great Hanafi jurist, Imam al-Haskafi (Allah have mercy on him) states in his Durr al-Mukhtar: “It is unlawful for one to trim his beard….And as for shortening it when it is less than a fistful, as some North Africans and effeminate men do, this is something no one (i.e. of the Hanafi scholars) has said is permitted.”(See: Radd al-Muhtar ala al-Durr al-Mukhtar, 2/113, Kitab al-Sawm) This position is also confirmed in other works, such as al-Bahr al-Ra’iq, Fath al-Qadir, al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, Bada’i al-Sana’i and al-Ikhtiyar. The Maliki School Imam al-Dasuqi (Allah have mercy on him) states: “It is unlawful (haram) for a man to shave off his beard, and the perpetrator will be disciplined.” (Hashiyat al-Dasuqi ala Sharh al-Kabir, 1/90, Kitab al-Taharah) The Shafi’i school It is stated in Sharh al-Ubab: “The two shaykhs of the school (i.e. Nawawi & Rafi’i) state that it is Makruh (disliked) to shave the beard, but Ibn al-Rif’a objected to this stating that Imam Shafi’i (Allah have mercy on him) himself categorically mentioned in his book “al-Umm” that shaving the beard is unlawful (haram). Imam al-Azra’i said that the correct position of the school is that, to shave the beard without a valid medical reason is unlawful.” (Sharh al-Ubab & Hashiya Ibn Qasim al-Abbadi, 9/376) Imam Ibn Qasim al-Abbadi also stated in his Hashiya: “It is said that, shaving of the beard is unlawful.” (See: Hashiya Ibn Qasim al-Abbadi ala Tuhfat al-Muhtaj, 2/468, Kitab al-Salat) The Hanbali School Imam al-Bahuti (Allah have mercy on him) states: “(From the acts of nature (fitrah) is to lengthen the beard in a way that it should not be trimmed at all. It is stated in the school that, this is as long as it does not become abnormally long in a way that it causes abhorrence. And it is unlawful (haram) to shave it off.” (Kashaf al-Qina’, 1/75). This is also confirmed in the other major Hanbali works, such as: al-Insaf, 1/121 by al-Mawardi, Sharh Muntaha al-Iradat, 1/85 by al-Bahuti and al-Rawdh al-Murbi’, 27-28 also by al-Bahuti. The above statements of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) and the statements of the jurist (fuqaha) go a long way in proving that to shave the beard (or trimming it to a very thin line which in effect is shaving) is unlawful (haram). A Muslim (and especially one who classes himself to be practicing) can never look with favour towards the act of shaving the beard. Length of the beard As far as the length of the beard is concerned, there is no doubt in the fact that the practice of the Mercy of both worlds, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) and his Companions (Allah be pleased with them all) was that of keeping and growing the beard to at least a fistful. The Hadith quoted above from Sahih al-Bukhari, wherein Khabbab (Allah be pleased with him) said that, they (sahaba) came to know of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) reciting in his prayers due to the movement of his beard, is a clear proof of this. One can imagine the length of the Messenger of Allah’s beard if the Companions could see it moving from standing behind him in prayers. Similarly, there are other narrations that clearly state that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) had a very thick and copious beard. Imam al-Bukhari relates in his “Sahih” from Sayyiduna Abd Allah ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “Do otherwise than those who ascribe partners to Allah (al-mushrikin): leave beards, and trim moustaches.” And Ibn Umar, when he went on Hajj or Umra, would grasp his beard with his hand, and removed what was in excess of it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 7/206) Other Companions such as Abu Hurayra and Umar ibn al-Khattab (Allah be pleased with them all) are also reported to have trimmed their beards to a fistful, thus the practice of the Sahaba, who understood the Sunnah more than anyone else, is a clear proof on the permissibility of trimming the beard to a fistful. The great Hanafi jurist, Imam Ibn Abidin (Allah have mercy on him) states: “when a narrator (Ibn Umar, in this case), does something in contradiction to what he has narrated (the words “leave/grow beards”), it indicates that the original ruling (of not trimming the beard at all) has been superseded (mansukh) by a subsequent one–permitting the beard to be trimmed, in this case. But trimming it when it is already less than a handful is not permissible in the Hanafi school (Ibn Abidin: Radd al-muhtar ala al-durr al-mukhtar, 2/113) Thus, as also quoted earlier, the Hanafi School is quite clear, in that it is unlawful to trim the beard shorter than a fistful, as mentioned by both Imam al-Haskafi and Imam Ibn Abidin. There is also an opinion in the school that, to trim the excess hair of a fistful is necessary (wajib), although the preferred opinion is that it is recommended (mandub) to trim it to a fistful. (See: Durr al-Mukhtar) The Maliki School is also quite clear in that it is impermissible to trim the beard unless it is extremely long. However, they don’t restrict this to a fistful. Imam Shaykh Ali al-Sa’idi al-Adawi (Allah have mercy on him) states: “There is nothing wrong (in the sense that it is recommended) in trimming the beard if it is exceptionally long…..It will be impermissible to trim it if it was not long enough or was only slightly long. Some commentators (on the risala) explained the meaning of “lengthiness” (kathra) that which is considered to be abnormal, for leaving (such a lengthy beard) causes abhorrence in one’s appearance…….I would say: Some commentators have mentioned that trimming the beard when it has not grown (very) long will be unlawful similar to shaving it. But the apparent interpretation (of the text) is that the point of prohibition – as we have already demonstrated to you – is when clipping results in disfigurement (muthla), and this clear in the absence of lengthiness or when it is slightly long and one goes overboard in trimming. As for when it is (very) long and clipping it doesn’t produce disfigurement, then the apparently correct interpretation is that it is contrary to what is more appropriate (khilaf al-awla).” (Hashiya of Shaykh Ali al-Adawi on the commentary (sharh) of Imam Abu al-Hasan to the Risala of Ibn Abi Zayd al-Qayrawani, 1/409/410) Imam al-Qarafi (Allah have mercy on him) states: “From the nature (fitrah) is the lengthening of the beard unless it becomes extremely long (Jiddan), in which case, it would be recommended to trim it.” (al-Zakhira, 13/278) The Shafi’i school, which is the most liberal on the beard issue, states that it is disliked (makruh) to trim the beard. Imam al-Nawawi (Allah have mercy on him) states: “The correct opinion is that it is disliked to trim the beard unrestrictedly (mutlaqan), rather, it should be left uncut however it grows.” (al-Majmu’, 1/290) Imam Ibn Hajar (Allah have mercy on him) says in his Tuhfa: “The outward purport (dhahir) of what our imams say is that it is unconditionally disliked to trim the beard.” (Tuhfat al-Muhtaj, 9.376) The Hanbali School mentions that to leave the beard is necessary, and permissible to trim it to a fistful. (See: Kashaf al-Qina’, 1/75) The upshot of all of the above is that, all the four schools of Islamic law regard the trimming of the beard less than a fistful as blameworthy (unlawful, according to the three schools and disliked according to the Shafi’i school). Thus, one should not trim his beard less than a fistful. Scholars and those associated to Da’wa work must take extra care with regards to this. Even if trimming the beard less than a fistful is considered to be disliked, it is unfitting for a person active in Islamic work to involve himself in such a practice, for a person is more effective with his actions than his words. Some individuals try to justify the shaving of the beard using many excuses, such as, it could be an obstacle in the way of effective Da’wa, etc, but these excuses are just that. When we have the clear guidance from the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), then there is no other way for us other than that of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) If the service to Islam and Muslims is done with adherence to the laws of Shariah, then one will be rewarded. However, service to Islam and the Muslims, whilst forgoing the injunctions of Islam is neither effective nor acceptable by Allah Almighty. Consider the following incident recorded by Imam Ibn Kathir in his al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya, Imam al-Tabari in his Tarikh and Imam Ibn al-Athir in his al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh: “When the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) wrote a letter to the King of Persia (kisra) inviting him to Islam, he (kisra) tore the latter apart and then sent two of his people to the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace). When they entered onto the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), their beards were shaven and they had grown a big moustache, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) disliked to even look at them, and said; “Who commanded you to do this? They replied that their Lord (kisra) had ordered them to do so. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said, “But my Lord has ordered me to shorten my moustache and lengthen my beard….” (al-Bidaya Wal-Nihaya, 4/269/270) In the above episode, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) disliked even to look at the Messengers of Kisra, for they had grown their Moustaches and shaved off their beards. This should serve as a great deterrent for all those who do not want to hurt the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) in any way, and thus abstain from any practice that would be disliked by him. Before parting with the issue, I would like to mention that, the position taken above is according to my understanding of the Islamic ruling with regards to the beard, and this is what I have learnt from the majority of my teachers. This is also the position held by the scholars of the Indian Subcontinent and elsewhere. However, there are other major scholars, especially in the Middle East, who hold a more lenient position with regards to the trimming of the beard. And, as you have seen, that there is nothing clear and decisive in the Shafi’i school stating that the beard must be grown to a fistful unless one will be sinful, thus many great Shafi’i scholars (from Yemen, for example) do not consider growing the beard to a fistful as obligatory, rather merely somewhat disliked if not kept. Therefore, it is necessary that we have full conviction in what we believe and respect the opinions of others, as long as it falls into the category of valid Ijtihad. The most one may do is offer sincere advice (nasiha) while respecting others’ right not to follow the opinion one believes to be correct. This is the path of tolerance, and mercy. The ruling on Moustache The trimming and shortening of the moustache has been emphatically mentioned in many narrations of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), as we have seen above, thus, there is no need to repeat these narrations. The Hadiths from the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) mention two things: 1) Some state, “Shorten your moustaches.” 2) Others state, “Remove your moustaches.” (See: Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). Thus, all the Schools of Islamic law agree on the fact that, it is impermissible to leave the moustache in a way that it covers the upper lip, for it is against the Sunnah and unhygienic, especially when eating. It would be unlawful to grow a very long moustache, as is customary in many people. Zayd ibn Arqam (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “Whosoever does not shorten his moustache is not one from us.” (Sunan Tirmizi, no. 2761, Sunan Nasa’i, no. 14 and Musnad Ahmad, 4/366, and Imam al-Tirmizi classed it to be authentic). Sayyiduna Abd Allah ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) used to trim or take from his moustache, and the friend of Allah (khalil), the Prophet Ibrahim (blessings be upon him) would also do the same.” (Sunan Tirmizi, no. 2760 and Musnad Ahmad, 1/301) However, the scholars differ as to whether it is better to shorten the moustache or remove it and shave it altogether. The relied upon opinion in the Hanafi School is that, it is even better to remove one’s moustache, though the sunnah is achieved by shortening the it such that it no longer covers the upper lip. Imam Ibn Abidin (Allah have mercy on him) states that the opinion of shaving off the moustache being a Sunnah, was chosen by many scholars. (Radd al-Muhtar) Imam al-Tahawi said that it is a Sunnah to shave the moustache, and it is better than shortening it, affirming that this is the position of Abu Hanifa and both his main students (Allah have mercy on them). (See: Tahawi, Sharh Ma’ani al-Athaar, 4.229, He also reported, with his authentic chains of transmission, that this was from the practice of great Companions, including Abd Allah ibn Umar, Abu Hurayra, Abu Sa’id al-Khudri, Abu Usayd al-Sa’idi, Rafi’ ibn Khadij, Jabir ibn Abd Allah, Anas ibn Malik, and others. (ibid.) Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (Allah have mercy on him) used to shave his moustache, thus the Hanbali position is also similar to that of the Hanafis. The Maliki School states that the moustache should not be completely removed, rather only shortened. The Shafi’is also hold a similar view. This is what I have, and Allah knows best. [Mufti] Muhammad ibn Adam Darul Iftaa Leicester , UK Source

On one occasion Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) mentioned: Apart from the abundant virtues that have been reported regarding sickness, the Hadith mentions the immense rewards for the sick. It is well-known that when a person exercises patience, he is rewarded. However some researchers (Muhaqqiqeen) opine that in sickness a person receives a separate reward for sickness and a separate reward for being patient. Since sickness is not in one’s volition, instead it comes from the side of Allah Ta’ala, and patience is in one’s volition, therefore both are two separate things and a person will be rewarded for both separately. I always say that in principle, even though a person does not exercise patience when he is ill, he will still receive the reward for sickness. However, he will also be taken to account for not fulfilling the command of Allah Ta’ala with regard to exercising patience. In the month of Ramadhaan many people fast, yet they do not perform their Salaah. They will be rewarded for fasting, though they will be taken to account for not performing Salaah. (Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat 10/ 215) ihyaauddeen

Where do I start? By Abu Muhammad Yusuf Imagine waking up one morning to find everyone smiling, just peace, harmony, tranquillity, mutual love, respect, serenity…wouldn’t it be divine? We all desire to change the world for the better, but where do we start? A wise man once said; When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town .I couldn’t change the town, so I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I know the only thing I can change is myself. And suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world. So what is really the secret to changing world? Actually it's not such a big secret! Allah Ta’ala gives us the perfect and most wise solution: “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Quran-Surah Rad, 13:11) If we desire change, then let us change what is within ourselves first and have high hopes and good expectations about gaining help from our Creator. The Messenger of Allah Ta’ala (peace be upon him) is reported to have said that Allah says: "I treat my servant according to his expectations from Me and I am with him when he remembers Me…if he takes one step towards Me, I will take ten steps towards him. If he walks towards Me, I will run unto him.” (Hadith: Bukhari & Muslim) Often we fear and resist change. Boldness, courage and determination are essential components of change. The secret of change is not to fight the old, but to refocus and build the new. We need to take it one step at a time. Rome was not built in a day and a journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step. Sometimes it's the smallest decisions we make that can change our life forever. If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will Insha Allah change. Allah,The Most Wise, is always there to Help and Guide us. So let us not delay and try to be the change that we wish to see in the world. eislam

Two Arab youngsters were chatting at an airport in the UAE… talking about their trip to Morocco & their proposed plans & how they had lied & fooled their parents into believing that they were going for Umrah. Little did they realise they were being overheard by an Arab jamaat brother. Feeling rather uneasy about what these boys were up to, the brother contemplated whether to approach & advise them or to remain silent. Being Arab, his straight forward nature coupled with deep compassion was inherent… & having the Ummah’s concern at heart, he just couldn’t remain silent… So he approached them & informed them of what he’d heard. The only thing that kept coming to his mind which he felt would deter them from their plans & he expressed it to them was, “What if your death come in Morocco!!” “How will your parents feel if they had to receive news of that??” He then convinced them to cancel their 10 day trip to Morocco. Alhamdulillah, Allah turned their hearts & they did. Arrangements were then made for them to meet with a jamaat in Jeddah who would make arrangements for their Umrah & so they left for Jeddah. On their way for Umrah, as was Muqaddar(destined), they passed away… انا لله وانا اليه راجعون Now forever, will these 2 boys receive the reward of Umrah & so will the brother who made Amr bil Ma’roof & Nahiy ‘anil Munkar/who enjoined the good & forbade the evil. May Allah Ta’ala make us from those who fulfill this task(Amr bil Ma’roof & Nahiy ‘anil Munkar) which was exclusive to the Ambiya alayhimussalaam & now is the obligation of each person of this Ummah. آمين يا رب العالمين (Story was related by Ml Ahmad Suleman Khatani, South Africa. Sat, May 18, 2013) Source

Humility of Shaikhul Hind (Rahimahullah) Moulana Mu`een-ud-Deen Ajmeri [رحمه الله] was renowned for his mastery in the field of philosophy. He had once heard of the prominence and piety of Shaikh-ul-Hind Moulana Mahmood-ul-Hasan [رحمه الله]. Hence, he decided to travel to Deoband and pay him a visit. It was during summer. When he arrived at the home of Shaikh-ul-Hind [رحمه الله] he met a person dressed only in a lungi and a vest. He introduced himself to him and said, I have come to meet Hadhrat Moulana Mahmood-ul-Hasan Sahib. This person welcomed him in with a lot of respect and seated him saying, You will soon meet him. Whilst waiting, this person served Moulana Ajmeri with refreshments. Moulana Ajmeri told him, Kindly inform Hadhrat Moulana Mahmood-ul-Hasan. This person replied, Dont worry and make yourself comfortable. After a little while, this person now brought some food and insisted on Moulana Ajmeri that he partakes of the meal. Moulana Ajmeri told him, I have come to meet Hadhrat Moulana Mahmood-ul-Hasan. Please inform him. This person told Moulana, He has been notified. Partake of the meal and you will meet him. After Moulana Ajmeri partook of the meal, this person began fanning him. When this continued for some time, Moulana Ajmeri became annoyed and said, You are wasting my time. I have come to meet Moulana and it has been so long yet you have not let me meet him. This person then said, The reality of the matter is that there is no Moulana over here. However, this insignificant servants name is Mahmood. Hearing this reply, Moulana Ajmeri was totally astounded and realised the worth of Hadhrat Shaikh-ul-Hind [رحمه الله]. source

"Lo! My Salāh and my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allāh, Lord of the worlds." (Glorious Qur’ān 6:162) Udhiyah [Qurbānī] By Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh Virtues Of Udhiyah [Qurbānī] • Udhiyah is a practice commanded by Allāh ta‘ālā: ... So turn in prayer towards your Lord and sacrifice (animals). (108:2) • There is nothing dearer to Allāh ta‘ālā during the days of udhiyah than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgement with its horns, hair, and hooves (to be weighed). The sacrifice is accepted by Allāh ta‘ālā before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore, sacrifice with an open and happy heart. (At-Tirmidhī, Ibn Mājah) • Zayd ibn Arqam radhiyallāhu ‘anhu relates that the Companions radhiyallāhu ‘anhum asked, “O Rasūlullāh! What is udhiyah?” He replied, “It is the sunnah of your father Ibrāhīm ‘alayhis salām.” They asked again, “What benefit do we get from it?” He answered, “A reward for every hair (of the sacrificed animal).” “And (what reward is there for animals with) wool, O Rasūlullāh?” they asked. “A reward”, he said, “for every fibre of the wool.” (Ibn Mājah) • When a person slaughters an udhiyah animal, he is forgiven at the fall of the first drop of blood, and verily, the animal shall be brought forward on the Day of Judgement with its blood, meat etc., and shall be increased in weight seventy times more than its own weight, and thereafter it will be placed on the scale of deeds. (Kanz-al-‘Ummāl) On Whom is Udhiyah Wājib? • Udhiyah is wājib on every Muslim who is of sound mind, mature (who has reached the age of puberty), muqīm (i.e. he is not a Shar‘ī traveller) and possesses the amount of fifty two and half tolas of silver (612.36 grams) or wealth equivalent to that value which is in excess of one’s aslī (basic) needs. It is not necessary that this amount be in one’s possession for a complete lunar year. It’s possession during the three days of udhiyah will make udhiyah obligatory. Udhiyah is not incumbent on a child or an insane person whether they own wealth equivalent to the amount above or not, nor is it wājib upon their guardians to perform it on their behalf. Similarly, it is not wājib on a Shar‘ī traveller. NOTE: A Shar‘ī traveller is he who goes on a journey with an intention of travelling forty eight miles. He will be treated as a traveller as soon as he goes out of his town. • It is highly virtuous for one on whom udhiyah is not wājib to offer sacrifice for the Pleasure of Allāh ta‘ālā. He will be eligible for all the reward mentioned in the ahādīth. • During the days of udhiyah, sadaqah and charity cannot compensate for udhiyah nor fulfil the wājib. Udhiyah is a unique ‘ibādah. Just as zakāh cannot compensate for hajj, or sawm (fasting) cannot compensate for salāh, similarly charity cannot compensate for udhiyah. However, if the days of udhiyah had passed, and the udhiyah was not offered despite being obligatory due to not knowing, negligence or for some other reason, then it becomes wājib to give in sadaqah the price of udhiyah animal or the animal itself to the poor. • If a traveller returned home or a person acquired the required wealth on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah before sunset, it will be wājib upon him to perform udhiyah. • A traveller who makes an intention of staying at a certain place for fifteen days or more, no longer remains a traveller. He must offer udhiyah if he possesses the prescribed amount. Days of Udhiyah • The days of udhiyah are the tenth, eleventh and twelfth of Dhul-Hijjah. The first day is better than the second, and the second better than the last. Time for Udhiyah • In towns and cities where Jumu‘ah and ‘Īd are performed, Udhiyah is not permissible before the ‘Īd salāh. If the Udhiyah has been offered before the ‘Īd salāh, it will have to be repeated. Therefore, the time for udhiyah commences after ‘Īd salāh on 10th Dhul-Hijjah until before the sunset of 12th Dhul-Hijjah. • It is permissible, but not preferable to perform udhiyah at night. The Udhiyah Animal • It is permissible to offer in sacrifice a goat or she-goat, sheep of all kinds, cow, bull, buffalo or camel. • It is necessary that the goat is one (full) year old, whether male or female. A cow, bull or buffalo will have to be two years old, and a camel five years. Animals that are younger are not suitable for udhiyah. • A sheep (of any kind) not less than six months old, so strong and fat that it appears to be one year old will suffice for udhiyah, otherwise it will have to be one (full) year old. • A cow, bull, buffalo or camel will suffice for seven persons provided no one’s share is less than one seventh and the niyyah (intention) of all partners is to attain thawāb (for udhiyah), and not merely to obtain meat. • The udhiyah of only one person can be performed from a goat, sheep or ram. • If an animal seller says that the animal has reached the required age, and outwardly there is no sign to disprove it, then it is permissible to rely on his statement. • Animals that are castrated can be used for udhiyah. In fact this type of animal is preferable. • The following cannot be used for udhiyah: Animals that are blind, one-eyed or have lost one-third or more of their eyesight. Animals that have lost a third of the ear or the tail. Similarly, the animal which has no ear from birth. An animal whose horn has been broken off from the root. An animal which has one leg lame to the extent that it walks on three legs only and is unable to use the fourth leg. An animal so lean and thin that its bones have no marrow. An animal so weak that it cannot walk to the place of slaughtering on its own. An animal completely toothless or one that has lost most of its teeth. • It is virtuous to purchase the animal for udhiyah a few days prior to slaughtering and care must be taken in feeding and nursing it. Masnūn Method of Sacrifice • It is more virtuous to slaughter the animal with one’s own hands. If one does not know how to slaughter, it is preferred that he remain present while someone else is sacrificing the animal. It is not necessary to make the niyyah (intention) of udhiyah with the tongue, however it is necessary to say ‘Bismillāhi Allāhu Akbar’ when slaughtering. • Use a sharp knife and slaughter the animal quickly so that it does not suffer. • Do not sharpen the knife in front of the animal. • After slaughtering, do not skin the animal before it becomes completely cold. • Do not slaughter one animal in the presence of another. • It is mustahab (desirable) for one who intends to perform udhiyah to refrain from cutting hair or clipping nails from 1st Dhul-Hijjah to 10th Dhul-Hijjah, (i.e. until after udhiyah). The Udhiyah Meat and Skin • It is permissible to eat the udhiyah meat. It can also be distributed to relatives and friends, whether wealthy or poor, Muslims or non-Muslims. It is better to divide it into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends and one for the poor and needy. • The skin of the udhiyah animal can be kept for personal use, e.g. using it as a prayer-mat, water bag etc. • If the skin of the udhiyah animal is sold, then it is wājib to give that amount in sadaqah to the poor (i.e. those who are eligible for zakāh). • It is not permissible to give meat, fat, etc. of the sacrificed animal to the butcher as his wages. • The meat of the animal slaughtered by partners should be shared by weight and not by estimation. • The rope, cover, etc. of the animal should be given away as sadaqah. Udhiyah On Behalf Of The Deceased If one has been favoured by Allāh ta‘ālā with wealth, then he should also perform udhiyah on behalf of Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam, his Sahābah radhiyallāhu ‘anhum, his Ummah, the Prophets ‘alayhimus salām and for his own living or deceased relatives, friends and teachers who have conveyed Dīnī knowledge. One should always remember and never overlook our beloved Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam and perform udhiyah on his behalf. Abū Talhah radhiyallāhu ‘anhu has related that the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam sacrificed one ram and while sacrificing another he said, “This is on behalf of every one of my Ummah who believed in me and testified (to my prophethood).” (At-Tabrānī) It is a matter for deep thought and consideration that the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam kept his Ummah in his mind while offering the sacrifice and it is deplorable for the Ummah not to remember him at the time of udhiyah. © Islāmic Da'wah Academy

Sports and Entertainment in Islam By Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani Translated by Zameelur Rahman www.deoband.org Zuhayr ibn Harb narrated to me: ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn Mahdi narrated to us: from Sufyan: from ‘Alqamah ibn Marthad: from Sulayman ibn Buraydah: from his father: that the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “He who played backgammon is like one who dyed his hand with the flesh and blood of swine.” (Sahih Muslim) His statement “dyed his hand with the flesh and blood of swine”: Al-Qurtubi said, “This is an allusion to sacrificing and slaughtering it while [it is know that] its slaughter is prohibited (haram).” Al-Nawawi said, “It is an allusion to eating it because the one who consumes swine his hand is polluted by the flesh of swine and if he slaughters it his hand is polluted by its blood.” Whatever [the case], the hadith proves the impermissibility of playing backgammon, and the ‘ulama have agreed on this with the exception of what was narrated from Ibn al-Mughaffal, Ibn al-Musayyab and Abu Ishaq al-Marwazi as [mentioned] in Nayl al-Awtar (8:85). The majority have analogised it to chess, thus taking the view of its impermissibility also. Al-Haskafi said in al-Durr al-Mukhtar: Playing backgammon is prohibitively disliked, and likewise chess … al-Shafi’i permitted it as did Abu Yusuf according to one narration, and the commentator of al-Wahbaniyyah versified this and said: There is no harm in chess, which is one narration transmitted From the great scholar, the Qadi of the East and the West (i.e. Abu Yusuf) This is when there is no gambling, and no persistence, and one does not forsake an obligation, for otherwise it is prohibited by consensus. (See Radd al-Muhtar 6:394) Moreover, although al-Shafi’i (may Allah have mercy on him) did not take the view of the prohibition of chess, it is however disliked (makruh) even according to him, as was explicated by al-Nawawi, although its reprehensibility is less than the reprehensibility of backgammon. It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas, Ibn Umar, Abu Musa al-Ash’ari, Abu Sa’id and ‘A’ishah (Allah be pleased with them) that they disliked chess. It was related in Daw’ al-Nahar from Ibn ‘Abbas, Abu Hurayra, Ibn Sirin, Hisham Ibn ‘Urwah, Ibn al-Musayyab and Ibn Jubayr (Allah be pleased with them) that they deemed it permissible. This was [mentioned] in Nayl al-Awtar (8:95), but I did not find the transmission from them in the books of hadith. The Ruling of Entertainment (malahi) and Sports (al’ab) in the Shari’ah As regards to the ruling of entertainment and sports in general, my teacher and my father ‘Allamah Mufti Muhammad Shafi’ (may Allah have mercy on him) compiled an independent treatise on it, published in his book Ahkam al-Qur’an. I will summarise in what follows the conclusions that he reached after enumerating the texts narrated on the subject, by quoting certain of his different statements: Know that the pure and magnanimous Shari’ah of the Chosen One does not prohibit gains and benefits which the human nature is disposed to, and it does not approve of monasticism (rahbaniyyah) and absolute asceticism (tabattul), rather it demands civilisation and proper social intercourse. Yes, it prohibits extremism in entertainment and total immersion in it whereby one is distracted from the necessities of religion and livelihood. From what is acknowledged is that one of the needs man is disposed to is [the need to] exercise the body and relax the heart and give it enjoyment from hour to hour. Hereof, he (upon him be blessing and peace) said, “relax the hearts from hour to hour.” Abu Dawud transmitted it in his Marasil from Ibn Shihab in mursal form, and Abu Bakr al-Muqri’ in his Fawa’id and al-Quda’i from him from Anas (al-Jami’ al-Saghir). And hereof the practice of joking occurred in his (Allah bless him and grant him peace) sayings and actions. It was narrated from the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) that he said “entertain [yourselves] and play, for indeed I dislike to see harshness in your religion.” Al-Bayhaqi narrated it. And it was narrated from ‘A’ishah (Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Do you have with you any amusement (lahw), for indeed the Ansar love amusement?” Al-Hakim narrated it. Hereof, it was transmitted from ‘Ali and ‘Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud (Allah be pleased with them): “the heart becomes bored just as the body becomes bored, so search for it paths of wisdom.” And it was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas (Allah be pleased him) that when talk about the Qur’an and traditions became excessive he would say to one near him “entertain us” i.e. immerse [yourself] in poetry and stories. And [others] besides him said “relax the hearts along with [doing] dhikr“. This is [mentioned] in Kaff al-Ru’a’ on the margins of al-Zawajir (1:164) … The upshot of the discourse is that relaxing and giving enjoyment to the heart and likewise exercising the body are from the permissible benefits and human interests which the magnanimous Shari’ah has not prohibited completely. Yes, it prohibits extremism and total immersion in it whereby it harms the worldly life or the afterlife. This is the underlying reason in the permissibility of some [forms of] entertainment in some situations, since this [type of] amusement (lahw) with this intention and purpose is no longer futile (lahw), rather it pertains to an interest and benefit, as has preceded in the hadiths cited on the permissibility of swimming, archery and competition with the crossbow, and racing with camels and beasts and riding horses and playing with the family, for although these are in the form of futile entertainment, because engaging in them is with the correct purpose and [contains] benefits for this life and the afterlife, it is excluded from true futility (lahwiyyah), and is thus made permissible, and at times is recommended. Yes, one who did these with the intention of amusement (talahhi) and play (tala’ub) it would indeed be prohibited and disliked. The fuqaha (jurists) have clarified this. Just as amusement (lahw) occasionally becomes a benefit with the intention and is excluded from futility (lahwiyyah), similarly good deeds occasionally become futile by a corrupt intention, or because of its prevention from the remembrance of Allah it relates to [mere] play and disobedience. He (upon him be blessings and peace) said, “All things not from the remembrance of Allah are futile (lahw) and play (la’b).” Al-Suyuti mentioned this in al-Jami’ al-Saghir with the abbreviation [indicating it was transmitted] by al-Nasa’i and he placed by it the sign for “sound” (hasan).” … Once you understand that amusement sometimes becomes a benefit by the right intention and an anticipated benefit and benefits become futile by a corrupt intention or total immersion in it whereby it distracts from the remembrance of Allah, then it should be clear to you why the fuqaha differed about a certain [form of] entertainment, since one permitted it [when it is done] for a good purpose and with a good intention … and the one who prohibited it prohibited it because of his lack of confidence in that good intention and acceptable objective in respect to the corrupt practices that will result and because of what he discovered by experience that its harm is greater than its benefit. … Hence, the rule in this subject, according to our [Hanafi] scholars, acquired from their principles and statements, is that entertainment by itself which has no purpose behind it, and does not have a beneficial goal in the worldly life or the afterlife is prohibited (haram), or prohibitively disliked (makhruh tahriman) and this is a matter that is agreed upon in the ummah and the imams have concurred upon this. And that which contains an objective and a religious or worldly benefit, if its prohibition is mentioned in the Book or the Sunnah, like in backgammon, it is prohibited or prohibitively disliked, and that benefit and goal is legally [hukman] negated due to its opposition to the transmitted prohibition since its harm is greater than its benefit … and this too is agreed upon amongst the imams. However, its prohibition may not have been established according to some of them and thus they permitted it and gave a dispensation in it, and it may be established according to others, so they forbade it and disliked it. This is the case with chess since the prohibition narrated about it is disputed from the perspective of narration and transmission. It is established according to the Hanafis and the generality of the fuqaha so they disliked it, and it is not established according to Ibn al-Musayyab, Ibn al-Mughaffal and in a narration according to al-Shafi‘i too, so they permitted it. As regards to that which prohibition from the Lawgiver has not been mentioned, and contains a benefit and interest for the people, then it is by jurisprudential opinion of two types: [1] First, that which experience has shown its harm is greater than its benefit and its evils outweigh its uses, and that one who engages in it is distracted from the remembrance of Allah alone and the [obligatory] prayers and mosques, that will join what has been prohibited because it shares the ‘illah (ratio legis or underlying reason) so it is prohibited or disliked. [2] Second, what is not so [i.e. experience has not shown it to be harmful], if people engage in it with the intention of amusement and play it is disliked, and if engaging in it is for the purpose of acquiring that benefit, and with the intention of seeking to attain that benefit, it is permissible; rather it may rise to the level of recommendation (istihbab) or greater than that. This is a summary of what my father Shaykh Mufti Muhammad Shafi’ concluded in Ahkam al-Qur’an (3:193-201). Based on this principle, sports which are intended to exercise the bodies or minds are permissible in themselves, so long as they do not contain other sins, and so long as one is not totally immersed in them to the degree that they infringe on the responsibility of man in his religion and his living. And Allah Most High knows best. Takmilah Fath al-Mulhim, 4:380-2

Tests by Allah سبحانه و تعالى By Ebrahim Saifuddin Allah سبحانه و تعالى has tested the people of the past in various ways and will keep on testing His creation. He has informed us about these tests in the Quran. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also informed us that Allah سبحانه و تعالى will test us from time to time. Sometimes hardships and losses occur in life due to our sins. To wash of these sins in this world, Allah سبحانه و تعالى inflicts upon us these hardships: Narrated by 'Ayesha: Allah’s Apostle ﷺ said, “No calamity befalls a Muslim but that Allah expiates some of his sins because of it, even though it were the prick he receives from a thorn.” (Sahih Bukhari Vol. 7, Book 70, #544) And again by a different narrator: Narrated by Abu Said Al-Khudri and Abu Huraira: The Prophet ﷺ said, “No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.” (Sahih Bukhari Vol. 7, Book 70, #545) Paying for sins in this world is much easier than paying in the Hereafter. It is a blessing in disguise which Allah سبحانه و تعالى bestows upon us and saves us from the payment of these sins in the Hereafter. The Quran informs us what to do when we face these tests in our life and also tells us about the reward that we will receive if we are successful in dealing with the situation in the way we are expected to: Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, Who say, when afflicted with calamity: “To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return”:- They are those on whom (Descend) blessings from Allah, and Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance. – [Quran 2:155-157] We are to be patient during hard times and always remember that Allah سبحانه و تعالى is the Creator of everything and We all will return to Him. No deed is lost in front of Allah and we will be rewarded for even the minutest good that we ever did do. Trials afflicting us can be signs of His Love. It is narrated that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: Narrated By Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle ﷺ said, “If Allah wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts him with trials.” (Sahih Bukhari Vol. 7, Book 70, #548) Misfortune can bring a person towards the right path. It can make better Muslims out of people. Observing patience, remembering Allah سبحانه و تعالى and turning only to Him for help and guidance during such times, will help us attain Allah’s forgiveness and His rewards. Allah سبحانه و تعالى tests man through various agencies, both through adversity and prosperity. A person with a luxurious life is tested to see how much he spends in the way of Allah سبحانه و تعالى and how much he is thankful to Allah سبحانه و تعالى for the blessings bestowed upon him. Another can be tested by the things he desires but does not and/or cannot possess. What do these people do is actually their test. Does the person deviate from the way of Allah سبحانه و تعالى to pursue the worldly gains? Every soul shall have a taste of death: and We test you by evil and by good by way of trial. To Us must ye return. [Quran 21:35] The Quran reminds us that in periods of hardships, we are to remain patient, remember Allah, and protect ourselves from committing that which is declared unlawful by Allah سبحانه و تعالى: Ye shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your personal selves; and ye shall certainly Hear much that will grieve you, from those who received the Book before you and from those who worship many gods. But if ye persevere patiently, and guard against evil,-then that will be a determining factor in all affairs. – [Quran 3:186] An important thing that we should always remember is that everyone is tested. If we declare that we are Muslims, that does not mean that we will not be tested in this world. The Quran is very clear on this issue: Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, “We believe”, and that they will not be tested? – [Quran 29:2] One should not think or feel that he is the only unique person going through such times or that Allah سبحانه و تعالى is displeased with him. Every single person faces difficulties to the best of their capacity. Surely Allah is not unjust and does not over burden a soul: On no soul doth Allah Place a burden greater than it can bear – [Quran 2:286] This world is an abode for tests and one should not deny or avoid these but should face them and pass them successfully. A person can be put into hardships for a number of reasons and we might not know those reasons when undergoing a certain loss but what we must do is always remember Allah سبحانه و تعالى, be patient, abstain from what is unlawful, give charity and ask Him to help ease out our hard times. If we do fail to do this then we should turn to Allah سبحانه و تعالى and ask for forgiveness. Allah سبحانه و تعالى is Most Merciful and InshaAllah He will forgive us for the wrong that we do.

Writes dr76 sahib..... From the Mashaikh this useless fellow visited in the past.. i have heard them stress a lot on two things.. 1.Ikhlaas 2.Niyyat A Shaikh of my town, someone very close to me since 1993 - Hazrat Dr. Ali Malpa sahab damat barakatuhum ( khalifa of Hazrat Maulana Shah Wasiullah sahab ilahabadi And Hazrat Maulana Shah Abrar ul Haq sahab Hardoi .) would advise me many times on the lofty benefits of Ikhlaas and rectifying Niyyat.. Once while in Madina Munawwara in the service of Hazrat Rasul Ahmed sahab db ( a very old founding Tableeghi elder of the blessed city) on seeking permission to depart I requested Hazrat to make dua for ikhlaas.. He said, Ikhlaas Allah ke khazanon me se ek azeem daulat hai.. aur Allah use deta hai jo uske raaste me qurbaniyan deta hai.. (Ikhlaas is a great wealth from the treasures of Allah سبحانه وتعالى He bestows it upon those who give sacrifices in his path..) While in a suburb of Darbhanga (Bihar, India) in the Presence of an eminent Naqshbandi Mujaddidi Shaikh, Hazrat Maulana Shams ul Huda sahab db , I asked Hazrat to make dua for Ikhlaas.. Hazrat replied.. beshak.. Ikhlaas ek bahot badi nemat hai.. lakhon me kisi ek ko hasil hoti hai.. (surely.. Ikhlaas is a great bounty from Allah سبحانه وتعالى , only one in lakhs may have attained it..) And the words of Hazrat Maulana Ahmed Ali lahori sahab seems like written in gold.. Sabhi to hain usi ke.. par uska koee ek.. Hazaron me na milega ..laakhon me tu dekh.. Everyone belongs to him alone.. but he loves the one amongst.. In thousands u may not find him.. behold him among the lakhs.. dr76 sahib then begins the translation of the a Majlis where Hazrat spoke on Ikhlaas and its rewards in Wasiyatul irfan that was Published from the Khankah of Hazrat Maulana Shah Wasiullah sahab Read HERE...

The Greatest Means of Attaining Allah's Love for us Following the Sunnah of the beloved of Allah sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam "Say, [O Muhammad عليه الصلاة و السلام], if you (really) love Allaah then follow me. Allaah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Soorah Aali 'Imraan, 3:31) Ibn-Kathir (r.a) said in his Tafsir: “Allah’s (s.w.t) love is attained by following the Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam. This honourable Ayah judges against those who claim to love Allah yet do not follow the way of Mohammad sallallaahu 'alayhiw asallam and his religion in all his statements, actions and conditions.” Tafsir 2/145 Optional Worship Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that Allah said: “I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshipper of mine. And the most beloved things with which My slave comes nearer to Me, is what I have enjoined upon him; and My worshipper keeps on coming close to Me through performing Nawafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him, then I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hands with which he grips, and his legs with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My protection (refuge), I will protect him.” [Al-Bukhari]. Tests "The greatest reward comes from the greatest trial. When Allaah loves people, He tests them, and whoever accepts it gains the pleasure of Allaah and whoever complains earns His wrath. [Tirmidhi] Loving, Visiting & Helping one another for His sake "My love is guaranteed for two who love one another for My sake; My love is guaranteed for two who visit one another for My sake; My love is guaranteed for two who help one another for My sake; My love is guaranteed to for two who uphold ties with one another for My sake." [Ahmad] Being Humble towards Believers & Stern towards Disbelievers "O you who believe! Whoever from among you turns back from his religion (Islam), Allaah will bring a people whom He will love and they will love Him; humble towards the believers, stern towards the disbelievers, fighting in the way of Allaah, and never fear of the blame of the blamers." [al-Maa'idah 5:54]

اللَّهُمَ ارْزُقْنِىْ حُبَّكَ وَ حُبَّ مَنْ يَّنْفَعَنِىْ حُبُّهُ عِنْدَكَ Allahummar-zuqnee hubbaka wa hubba mayyan-fa'anee hubbuhu 'indaka O Allah! Grant me Your Love, and the love of that person whose love would benefit me in Your presence.

وعن أبي الدرداء، رضي الله عنه ،قال‏:‏ رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم‏: :‏ ‏'‏كان من دعاء داود عليه السلام ،‏‏"‏اللهم إني أسألك حبك، وحب من يحبك، والعمل الذي يبلغني حبك 'اللهم اجعل حبك أحب إليّ من نفسي، وأهلي، ومن الماء البارد‏".‏‏ ‏ رواه الترمذي وقال حديث حسن. The prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam said, 'One of Prophet Dawud's supplications was: Allahumma inni as'aluka Hubbaka, wa Hubba man yuHibbuka, wal-'amalalladhi yuballighuni Hubbaka. Allahumm-aj'al Hubbaka ahabba ilayya min nafsi, wa ahli, wa minal-ma'il-baridi. ' O Allah! I ask You [to grant me] Your Love, the love of those who love You, and deeds which will cause me to earn Your Love. O Allah! Make Your Love dearer to me than [the love of] myself, my family and the cold water [winter]. - At-Tirmidhi.

Acquiring the Love of Allah Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat (Hafizahullah) "The key to acquiring the love of Allāh ta'ala is: 1. Adopting the company of the pious (especially one's shaykh). 2. Abstaining from sins. 3. Being punctual with one's ma'mūlāt (prescribed practices). When someone enters the company of his shaykh, his heart is kindled with the Love of Allāh . However, when he leaves that blessed company, the flame of love is threatened by the gusting winds of the environment around him. If, affected by these winds, a person were to commit a sin, the love of Allāh ta'ala would be extinguished. It is therefore necessary to safeguard yourself from sins. Another necessity for keeping the flame of love kindled is fuel, which in this case is the remembrance of Allāh ta'ala prescribed by one's shaykh in the form of ma'mūlāt. Thus, punctuality in attending the company of one's shaykh, abstinence from sins and completing one's ma'mūlāt are necessary steps towards securing the Love of Allāh." Posted on www.shaykh.org Sunday, March 20, 2011

10 Ways of Developing Love for Allah Adapted from Shaykh Ibn Qayyim's (rah) Madarij-us-Saalikeen Shaykh Ibn al-Qayyim (rah) says: 'The reason which cause mahabbah (love) of Allaah to develop, are ten: First: Reciting the Qur'aan, reflecting and understanding its meaning and its intent. Second: Drawing closer to Allaah 'the Most High' through optional deeds, after fulfilling the obligatory duties. Third: Being continuous in the dhikr (remembrance) of Allaah, with the tongue, the heart and the limbs' under all circumstances. The more continuant the dhikr, the more muhabbah develops and intensifies. Fourth: Giving precedence to what Allaah loves over personal loves, when being overcome by desires. Fifth: Contemplating and deliberating over the Names and Attributes of Allaah. Sixth: Recognizing and remembering the favors and bounties of Allaah both manifest and hidden. Seventh: To be humble and submissive before Allaah and this is the greatest matter. Eighth: To be in seclusion reciting the Qur'aan, during that time in which Allaah descends to the lowest heaven (which is the last third of every night), finishing this recitation with seeking Allaah's forgiveness and repenting to Him. Ninth: To sit in the gatherings of the true and sincere lovers of Allaah, reaping the fruits of their speech, and not to speak except if there is benefit in it and that you know that such talk will increase you in goodness and that it will benefit others as well. Tenth: To stay clear of all those causes which distances the heart from Allaah the Mighty and Majestic. So these are the ten reasons which cause the person to develop true love for Allaah and to reach the rank of al-muhabbah, by which he reaches his Beloved.

What Brings About the Love for Allah [instinshaq Naseemul-Uns min Nafahaati Riyaadil-Qudus, pp. 22-30] 1: Recognizing the bounties Allah has bestowed upon His slaves. These bounties [are so many that they] cannot be counted or enumerated. [Allah says:] “If you count the blessings of Allah, never will you be able to count them.” [Quran 14:34] Hearts naturally have love for those who do good to them. Love for a blessing is from the general aspects of thanking the one who has bestowed a bounty. It is said that thanks is with the heart, tongue and limbs. 2: Another cause is to have knowledge of Allah by His Names, Attributes and Actions. The one who knows Allah, loves Him. Whoever loves Him, obeys Him. Whoever obeys Allah is honored by Him. Whoever Allah honors, He will have him live close to Him. Whoever lives close to Him, has attained the glad tidings. 3: One of the great causes [that leads to having love of Allah] is the specific knowledge that comes about through pondering over the creation of the heavens and the earth and what Allah has created. In the Quran, there is much mention of the signs of Allah that indicate His Greatness, Power, Majesty, Perfection, Eminence, Compassion, Mercy, Strength, Subjugation and other of His beautiful Names and exalted Attributes. Whenever one’s knowledge of Allah is strengthened, one’s love for Him is also strengthened and one’s love for obeying Him is also strengthened. He will then experience the pleasure of worship, whether it be in prayer, remembrance or other forms of worship. 4: Another cause that will bring about love for Allah is to act towards Allah with sincerity and purity while going against one’s desires. This is a cause for Allah to bless a slave and when He blesses the slave, the slave loves Him. 5: One of the greatest causes that bring about one’s love for Allah is increasing one’s remembrance of Allah. Whenever a person loves something, he remembers it more often. And it is through the remembrance of Allah that the hearts find tranquility. In fact, one of the signs of having love for Allah is the constant remembrance of Allah by one’s heart and tongue. 6: One of the causes that brings about Allah’s love for His slave is reciting the Quran often and pondering over its meaning, in particular those verses that contain Allah’s Names, Attributes and Actions. Having fondness for that action will lead the slave to love Allah and Allah to love Him. 7: Another of the causes of love for Allah is remembering what has been mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah concerning the believers seeing their Lord in the Hereafter and visiting them and gathering together on the Day of Abundance. That will definitely bring about in a person love for Allah. Qibla.com

How True are our Claims of Love for Allah Many people claim to love Allaah سبحانه و تعالى and His Messenger عليه الصلاة و السلام, and how easy it is to make claims. No one should be deluded by the trickeries of the ego. One must know that love has signs pointing to it and fruits that manifest themselves upon the heart, tongue, and body. If one wants to see to it that they do not deceive themselves, let him place himself in the scales of true love and test his soul with its signs. Among these many signs are the following: (1) That one loves to meet the Beloved by way of unveiling and witnessing in the abode of peace (Paradise). It is inconceivable that the heart loves something, except that it also loves to meet and see it. If someone knows that there is no way for him to reach his beloved save by departing from the world and separating from it by death, then that person must see to it that he loves death and does not seek to flee from it. Death is the key to the meeting. The Prophet عليه الصلاة و السلام said: "Whoever loves to meet Allaah, Allaah loves to meet them." [1] For this reason, the noble Companions - may Allaah be pleased with them all - loved martyrdom in the path of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى, and when the battle cry was called, they would be heard saying: "Welcome to the meeting with Allaah!" (2) That one prefers what Allaah سبحانه و تعالى loves over what he loves - both internally and externally. Such a persona adheres to His obedience and steers clear from laziness and following his caprice. He who loves Allaah سبحانه و تعالى will not disobey Him. For this reason, Shaykh Ibn al-Mubaarak رحمه الله said: You disobey the Deity yet you manifest love for Him? By my life, that is an utterly unique scale If your love for Him were true you would have obeyed Him The lover is obedient to the one whom he loves Driving home a similar point, it was said: I abandon that which I desire for that which you desire Therefore, I am pleased with that with which you are pleased Even if it displeases my ego Obedience to Allaah سبحانه و تعالى and love for Him necessitates following His Messenger عليه الصلاة و السلام in statements, actions, and character. The Exalted said: "Say, [O Muhammad عليه الصلاة و السلام], if you (really) love Allaah then follow me. Allaah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Soorah Aali 'Imraan, 3:31) (3) That one engage in frequent remembrance of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى; not letting his tongue or heart desist from it. He who loves something will remember it frequently: Your vision is in my heart and your remembrance is upon my tongue Your abode is in my heart so how could you be absent? (4) That one's intimacy is through solitary retreat and intimate conversations with Allaah سبحانه و تعالى, and reading His Book. Such a person is constant in his night prayers and he seizes the opportunity found in the stillness and quietness of the night. The lowest level of love is to taste the sweetness of being alone with the Beloved and to take delight in intimate conversations with Him. (5) That one does not feel regret over what has passed him by of things besides Allaah سبحانه و تعالى, whereas at the same time, he feels immense regret over the hours lost that were not filled with Allaah's remembrance and obedience. Such a person frequently returns to his senses after periods of heedlessness with feelings of remorse and repentance. (6) That one tastes the sweetness and feels delight with acts of worship and that they do not weigh heavily upon him. (7) That one shows concern and pity for all of Allaah's servants, showing mercy towards them, while at the same time, showing severity and harshness towards all of Allaah's enemies. The Exalted said: "Muhammad (عليه الصلاة و السلام) is the Messenger of Allaah, and those who are with him are severe against the disbelievers, and merciful among themselves." (Soorah al-Fath, ?:29) (8) In addition to his loves, he is both fearful and optimistic, under the force of Divine awe and exaltation. It might be imagined that fear contradicts love, but this is not the case. Truly realising (Allaah's) exaltation, by necessity, obligates awe, just as truly realising the Divine Beauty obligates love. The lovers possess fear commensurate with their level, such as the fear of turning away, the fear of being veiled (from the Divine), and fear of being made distant. For this reason, some of the lovers said: The beloved; I knew him, and from him I fear And none love you save he who knows you (9) That one conceals his love, abstains from pretentious claims, and that out of exaltation, awe, honour towards the Divine and jealous guarding of His secret, one takes caution from outwardly manifesting ecstasy and love. Some of the lovers were unable to conceal their love, causing them to say: It conceals itself, yet the tears expose his secret And his very breaths make manifest his ecstasy Some of them said: How is the condition of one whose heart is with another And how can he conceal the secret in his breast (10) That one finds intimacy with Allaah سبحانه و تعالى and has good pleasure with Him. The sign of intimacy with Allaah سبحانه و تعالى is that one delights in Allaah's remembrance and finds no intimacy with the creation. When he intermingles with people, he is like a lone man in a crowd, and when he is all alone, he is like a society unto himself. Sayyiduna 'Ali - may Allaah enoble his face - described the lovers of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى who find their intimacy with him: "They are a people who were taken by knowledge to the reality of the command, so they directly experienced the spirit of certitude. They found softness in that which the people of extravagance found rugged. They found intimacy with that in which the ignorant found loneliness. They kept the company of the world with their physical bodies, while their spirits were attached to the higher assembly. They are the vice-regents of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى upon His earth and the callers to His religion." [2] [3] Notes: [1] Agreed upon [2] Imam al-Ghazzali رحمه الله: Ihya' 'Uloomud-Deen, The Book of Love [3] Shaykh 'Abdul Qadir 'Isa رحمه الله: Realities of Sufism, pp. 256-258 Source

The Natural Inclination Of The Heart Is To Love Allah The Natural Inclination Of The Heart Is To Love Allah The heart has only been created for the worship of Allah, and this is the natural disposition (fitrah) upon which Allah created His servants as the Prophet said, Every new-born child is born upon the natural disposition and it is his parents that make him a Jew, Christian or a Magian, as an animal produces a perfect young animal, do you see any part of its body amputated? Then Abu Hurairah, said, recite if you wish the saying of Allah, The Fitrah of Allah with which He has created mankind. No change is there in the creation of Allah. [Surah Rum (30) : 30], [Bukhari and Muslim] So Allah has made the natural disposition of His servants to love Him and worship Him Alone, so if the natural disposition was to be left as it is without corrupting it, then it would be cognizant of Allah, loving Him Alone; but the natural disposition does become corrupted due to the sickness of the heart - such as the parents making it a Jew or a Christian - even though this be by the Will and Pre-decree of Allah, just like the body is altered by amputation. But, even after this, it is possible for the heart to return to the natural disposition if Allah makes this easy for the one who does his utmost to return it to the natural disposition. The Messengers were sent to affirm and re-establish the natural disposition and to perfect it, not to alter it. So when the heart loves Allah Alone, making the religion sincerely for Him, it will not be tried by the love of anyone else, not to mention be tried with passionate love because were it to be afflicted with passionate love then this would diminish its loving Allah alone. This is why when Yusuf was tried with this passionate love (directed to him) his love of Allah Alone, making the religion sincerely for him, did not allow him to be overcome by this, rather Allah said, Thus it was, that We might turn away from him evil and illegal sexual intercourse. Surely he was one of Our chosen, guided slaves. [Surah Yusuf (12) : 24] As for the wife of al-Aziz, it was because she and her nation were polytheists that she was afflicted with passionate love. No one, is afflicted with passionate love except that this diminishes his singling out Allah Alone for worship and his faith. The heart that repents to Allah, fearing Him, has two routes by which it can remove this passionate love: Repenting to Allah and loving Him, for indeed this is more satisfying and purer than anything else, and nothing will be left to love alongside Allah. Fearing Allah, for indeed fear is the opposite of passionate love and removes it. This love can also be removed by fearing the occurrence of a harm that is more hateful to one than leaving this love. So when Allah is more beloved to the servant than anything else, and more feared by him than anything else; then he will not fall into passionate love or find any love that would compete with his love of Allah, except in the case of negligence or at a time when this love and fear has become weak by his leaving some of the obligatory duties and by performing some of the prohibited actions. For indeed faith increases with obedience and decreases with disobedience, so each time a servant obeys Allah out of love and fear, and leaves a prohibited action out of love and fear, his love and fear becomes stronger, and any love or fear of anything else besides Allah will disappear from his heart. Extracted from the book- 'Diseases of The Heart and Their Cures' based on Fatawa of Ibn Taymiyyah Source

The Ranks of Love The scholars have mentioned that love has ten ranks: (1) Connection ('alaaqa). This rank was named as such because of the heart attaching itself to the Beloved. (2) Desire (iraada). This is the inclination of the heart to its Beloved and its pursuit of Him. (3) Ardent love (sabaaba). This is due to the flowing (insibaab) of the heart's love with the Beloved in a manner of which its owner has no control, just as water flows down a slope. (4) Infatuation (gharaam). This is the love that is fixed within the heart and inseparable from it - it's attachment to the heart is like a creditor's (ghareem) attachment to the one in debt (also called ghareem). (5) Affectionate love (widaad). This is the pure unadulterated love and its core. (6) Enamoured love (shaghaf). This is when love reaches the inner fortifications of the heart. Imaam al-Junayd رحمه الله said: "Enamoured love is when the lover sees no sterness (from his Beloved); rather, he sees it all as justice and loyalty": Your punishment ('adhaab) is sweetness ('adhb) for me And Your sternness against me on account of my desires is justice from You (7) Passionate love ('ishq). Passionate love is the extreme love that would cause one to fear for its possessor. (8) Subservient love (tatayyum). This is worship and humility. It is said "Love made him subservient (tayyamahu)", meaning that it lowered him in humility and caused him to worship. (9) Worship (ta'abbud). This rank is above subservient love, for this is when the servant possesses nothing for his self. (10) Intimate friendship (khulla). This is a rank held only by the two intimate friends of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى: Ibraaheem and Muhammad - may Allaah's peace and blessings be upon them both. This rank is that of love which permeates the heart and soul of the lover, so much so that there remains no place for other than the Beloved. [imaam Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله: Madaarij as-Saalikeen] Source