ummtaalib

Q: Is it permissible to use soap or shampoo in Ihraam? A: It is impermissible for one in the state of ihram to use shampoo or perfumed or scented soap. If a person used shampoo or perfumed or scented soap once or twice then sadaqah becomes waajib on him. If he uses it many times then damm becomes waajib. و لو غسل رأسه أو يده بأشنان فيه الطيب ، فإن كان من رآه سماه أشنانا فعليه صدقة إلا أن يغسل مرارا فدم ( غنية الناسك ص 249) (انظر أيضا: معلم الحجاج ص 231) ( وغسل رأسه ولحيته بخطمي ) لأنه طيب أو يقتل الهوام بخلاف صابون (الدر المختار) قال العلامة الشامي: قوله ( بخلاف صابون ) في جنايات الفتح لو غسل بالصابون والحرض لا رواية فيه وقالوا لا شيء فيه لأنه ليس بطيب ولا يقتل اه ومقتضى التعليل عدم وجوب الدم والصدقة اتفاقا ولذا قال في الظهيرية وأجمعوا أنه لا شيء عليه اه ومثله في البحر وكذا في القهستاني عن شرح الطحاوي فافهم (شامي 2/489) Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Two Points of Neglect During Ḥajj by Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat ḥafiẓahullāh It is saddening to see that we spend thousands of pounds to fulfil this important obligation, yet we become negligent with regards to certain important commands of Allah Subhaanahu wata 'ala, consequently becoming deprived of the spirituality of Hajj and adversely polluting our hearts with sin, rather than enriching them with the spiritual vibes of Hajj. Read More..... Part 1 two_points_of_neglect.pdf Part 2 two_points_of_neglect_02.pdf

ISESCO denounces British journalist’s false allegations about a study to move Prophet’s tomb Rabat 03/09/2014 The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) roundly condemned untrue allegations published by Andrew Johnson in the British newspaper The Independent, in which he says that the Saudi authorities are considering a presumed proposal formulated in a consultation document by a local academic suggesting to move the tomb of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to al-Baqi’ cemetery. ISESCO refuted the allegations as unfounded, deeming them a spiteful plot to malign Islam and Muslims and distort the image of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has always been the trusted custodian and guardian of the Muslim world’s holy sites and architectural heritage, and shown full sensitivity and commitment to the needs of pilgrims and visitors from all around the world. “This is a malicious slander meant to foment further unrest and plunge the Muslim world into irreversibly destructive strife, as part of a vast plot by criminal Zionism and colonialism to exacerbate the deadly sectarian divide and terrorism plaguing the whole region,” ISESCO went on. ISESCO also called on Muslims everywhere to reject such vicious and erroneous claims, stressing that the Prophet’s tomb is and will always remain intact. It also invited Saudi Arabian authorities to sue both the journalist and the newspaper for publishing such unverified material and hideous propaganda. Source

The British newspaper article had reported that the tomb of the Prophet Mohammad in the holy city of Madinah could be “destroyed” and the Prophet’s remains removed. (Photo: The Independent). Saudi Arabia rebuffs British media reports on ‘plans to destroy’ Prophet’s tomb 4 September 2014 Riyadh/Mumbai: The Saudi Arabian authorities Wednesday denied any plan to move or destroy the Prophet’s Tomb adjacent to the Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah al-Munawwerah, and termed the news reports being circulated in the media as false, fabricated and misleading. Putting a question mark over the publication of the news report – first carried by a British daily, and then followed blindly by many media houses especially those in India, a Saudi daily has accused ‘The Independent’ of ‘news theft, and ‘mistranslation’ of its report carried on the issue on August 25. “There is no question of moving, destroying or making any change in the present status of the Prophet’s Tomb”, a top Saudi official is quoted as saying by the local media. He also rebuffed the said reports as misleading, fabricated and totally false. “This is something which we cannot even dream of doing. The report is baseless”, he said. Meanwhile, Mowafaq al-Nowaysar, the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Saudi newspaper The Makkah accused the Independent of “theft,” claiming they have “robbed” one of their journalists of his efforts. In an editorial on Wednesday, Nowaysar said the Independent “fell in the trap of misunderstandings after it mistranslated” an Arabic article that was posted in Makkah Newspaper on Aug 25. On Monday the British newspaper reported that the tomb of the Prophet Mohammad in the holy city of Madinah could be “destroyed” and the Prophet’s remains removed to an anonymous grave. The article states that there are calls for the Prophet’s tomb to be “isolated,” not destroyed, explained Nowaysar. He also accused The Independent of previously stealing content from his newspaper. The Independent is claiming the story as an exclusive, and many media outlets around the world carried the report having credited the paper as breaking the story. Following the publication of the report in Bangladeshi media, Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat, a religion-based organisation, has announced to lay siege to the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka on Sunday. Speaking to Al Arabiya News on Wednesday, Omar al-Mudhwahi, the Saudi journalist who wrote the Makkah newspaper report said: “If they insist on stealing my work, at least they should allow me to provide them with an accurate translation … I would be glad to”. “I had initially written about the proposal after reading a study by Saudi academic Dr. Ali bin Abdulaziz al-Shabal in a publication published on behalf of the General Presidency of the Two Holy mosques.” In response to the allegations of “theft,” Deputy Managing Editor at the Independent, Will Gore, told Al Arabiya News on Wednesday they were “not aware of Makkah’s report” a week earlier. “The information for our article was brought to our attention by the Saudi academic Dr. Irfan al-Alawi, who had read directly the work of Dr. Ali bin Abdulaziz al-Shabal and was concerned by its content. This follows on from previous Independent articles over recent years about the approach of the Saudi authorities to historical sites in Makkah and Madinah,” Gore said. The news has also hit headlines in the Indian Urdu dailies with quotes from Saudi Arabian authorities who denied the report as baseless. The Urdu dailies also criticised the Indian media houses of carrying the Independent report with verification. “The Indian English dailies not only carried The Independent report without the needed verification but they also deleted some paras in the report that contradicted claims made by in the UK daily’s report”, a Mumbai based Urdu daily said. Source

The Reward of Haj There are several deeds which Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has equated to the reward of Haj. Those who are not undertaking the Haj journey, may reap the reward of Haj by virtue of the following deeds: 1. Wudhu at home before attending Congregational Salaah: Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has stated: “One who purifies himself (makes Wudhu) and leaves his home to attend the Fardh Salaah in congregation, receives the reward of a Haji in the state of Ihram, and if he leaves for the Salaatud-Dhuhaa (Chaast), he gets the reward of Umrah.” (Abu Dawud) 2. Salaatul Ishraaq: Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has stated: “Whoever offers his Fajr Salaah in congregation, and then remains seated making the Zikr of Allah until (approximately 15 mins after) sunrise after which he offers two Rakaats of Salaah (Ishraaq), will receive the reward of one complete Haj and one complete Umrah.” (Sunan Tirmidhi) 3. Going to the Masjid to acquire Knowledge: Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has stated: “Whoever goes to the Masjid for the purpose of learning or teaching Knowledge, receives the reward of a Haji whose Haj was perfect.” (Tabarani) 4. Serving one's parents: Sayyiduna Anas Radhiyallahu Anhu reports that a man came to Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam and said: “I wish to participate in Jihad, but I cannot afford it.” Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam enquired if any of his parents were alive, to which he replied, “Yes! My mother is alive.” Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said: “Show Allah how you serve her. If you do so you will be like a Haji, a Mu'tamir (one performing Umrah) and a Mujaahid.” (Targheeb) Note: The promises of “Reward of Haj” are restricted to the reward only. It does not mean that the compulsory Haj will be fulfilled by these deeds. (Sharh-Nawawi) Masjid Poster downloadable here. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians 223 Alpine Road, Overport, Durban

1) Patience: “And Allah loves as-Sâbirun (the patient).” (Surah Imran 3:146) 2) Justice and Dealing with Equity: “O ye who believe! Be steadfast witnesses for Allah in equity, and let not hatred of any people seduce you that ye deal not justly. Deal justly, that is nearer to your duty. Observe your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is informed of what ye do.” (Surah Maeda 5:8) "For Allah loves those who are fair (and just)." [surah Al Hujurat 49:9] 3) Putting Trust in Allah: “Certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).” (Surah Imran 3:159) 4) Kindness: Ayesha (رضي الله عنها) narrated: The Messenger of Allah ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said: “Allah loves kindness in all matters.” (Bukhari) 5) Repentance: “Truly, Allah loves those who turn unto him in repentance.” (Surah Baqarah 2:222) 6) Piety: “Verily, then Allah loves those who are al-Muttaqun (the pious).” (Surah Imran 3:76) "For Allah loves the righteous (the pious)." [surah Al Tawbah 9:4] Reported by Sa`d bin Abu Waqqas (رضي الله عنه :): Messenger of Allah ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ) said, "Allah loves a slave who is pious, free of all wants and the unnoticed.'' 7) Good-doing: “Truly, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good-doers).” (Surah Baqarah 2:195) 8) Purification: “And Allah loves those who make themselves clean and pure.” (Surah Tawbah 9:108) 9) Humility of the Rich: Sa’d Ibn Abi Waqqas (رضي الله عنه ) said: Allah’s Messenger ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ) said: “Allah loves the believer who is pious and rich, but does not show off.” (Muslim) 10) Magnanimity: Al-Hakim narrated: The Messenger of Allah ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ) said: “ Allah is All-Generous and He loves generosity in sale, purchase and judgment.” 11) Virtuosity: The Messenger of Allah ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ)said: “Allah loves the believer who is poor but virtuous enough to refrain from begging though he has many children.” (Muslim and Ahmed) 12) Love for the Sake of Allah: Al-Tabarâni, Ibn Ya’lâ, Ibn Hibban and Al-Hakim narrated: Allah’s Messenger ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said: “If two individuals love each other for the sake of Allah, the stronger in love to his brother will be more loved by Allah.” 13) Continuous Performance of Righteous Deeds: Allah’s Messenger ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said: “The best loved deeds to Allah are the ones that are continuous even if they are not very many.” (Bukhari and Muslim) 14) Sabr (Patience): "And Allah Loves those who are firm and steadfast (As-Sabirin (the patient))." [surah Ali 'Imran 3:146] 15) Praying Salaah on time: “The thing that Allah loves most is when his people pray salaah on time.” (Hadith- Bukhari) 16) Good Manners and Conduct: Al-Tirmidhi narrated: Allah’s Messenger ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said: “The best loved by me and the nearest to me on the seats on the Day of Resurrection are those who have the best manners and conduct amongst you, who are intimate, are on good terms with others and are humble, and the most hated by me and who will be on the furthest seats from me are those who are talkative and arrogant.” Love of Allah is the basis of worship that should be directed to Him alone. Any other love should be for his sake too. The real love of Allah is to do whatever He ordained and to abandon whatever He forbade, in addition to Following Rasulullah ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ)’s Sunnah. Whoever obeys someone or something other than Allah and His Messenger ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ), or follows any saying other than theirs, or fears other than Allah or seeks the pleasure of other than Allah, or puts his trust in other than Him, does not love Allah, nor does he love His Messenger ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ). Muslims should also love one another and wish the best for one another. Allah’s Messenger ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said: “One will not be a true believer unless he loves for his brother what be loves for himself.” (Bukhari) islaaminfo

A UNIQUE MOMENT FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF DUA Sayyiduna Ubadah bin Samit (Radiyallahu Anhu) reports that the Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever’s sleep is broken in the night and he recites the following Dua and thereafter asks Allah to forgive him or he makes Dua, Allah will forgive him and accept his Dua. And if he makes Wudhu and performs Salaah, Allah will accept his Salaah. The Dua is: لاَ إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ المُلْكُ وَلَهُ الحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ، اَلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ، وَسُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ، وَلَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلاَ حَوْلَ وَلاَ قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ Transliteration: Laa Ilaaha Illallaahu Wahdahu La Shareeka Lahu Lahul Mulku Wa Lahul Hamdu Wa Huwa Alaa Kulli Shay’in Qadeer, Alhamdulillah, Wa Subhanallah, Wa Laa Ilaaha Illallaahu Wallaahu Akbar, Wa Laa Hawla Wa Laa Quwwata Illaa Billah Translation: There is no god besides Allah, the One, He has no partner and to Him alone belongs all kingdom and praise and He is able over everything. All praise is due to Allah, glory be to Allah and there is no god besides Allah and Allah is the greatest, and there is no might and power except by Allah. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith #: 1154) Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians 223 Alpine Road, Overport, Durban

The Virtues of the Concluding Verses of Surah Baqarah 1. Hazrat Abu Mas’ood radiyallahu anhu reported Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "If anyone recites the two verses at the end of Surah Baqarah at night, they will be enough for him." (This either means that he will not need to indulge in Tahajjud prayer, these verses will compensate for it or they will be enough in protecting him overnight.) 2. Hazrat Nu’man ibn Bashir radiyallahu anhu reported Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "Two thousand years before creating the Heavens and the Earth Allah inscribed a book from which He sent down two verses, with which He concluded Surah Al-Baqarah. The devil will not come near a house in which they are recited for three nights." 3. Aifa ibn Abdul Kilai radiyallahu anhu told of a man who asked Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam which Surah of the Qur’aan was the greatest and was told that it is Surah Ikhlaas (Qul huwallahu ahad). He asked which verse of the Qur’aan was greatest and was told that it is the Throne Verse (Allahu La ilaah illa Huwal Hayyul Qayyum). He asked, "O’ Prophet of Allah which verse would you like for yourself and your Ummah?" The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam replied, "The end of Surah Al-Baqarah, for it is one of the treasures of Allah’s Mercy, kept under his throne which he gave to this Ummah, and there is no good in this world and the next which it does not include." 4. Shabi rahmatullahi alaihe says that Hazrat Abdullah ibn Mas’ood radiyallahu anhu has said, "Whoever prays at night ten verses of Surah Baqarah the devil will not come to that house until morning: Its first four verses, the Throne and the two verses following it and its last three verses, the first being lillahi maa fis samaawaati." 5. Jubair ibn Nufair reported Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "Allah Ta’ala finished Surah Baqarah with two verses which I have been given from His treasure which is under the Throne; so learn them and teach them to your women-folk for they are a blessing, a means of approach (to Allah Ta’ala) and a supplication." Inter-Islam

The Virtues of Surah Baqarah This Surah has excellent qualities and it gains great reward for its reader, it is called the pavilion of the Qur’aan. Khalid ibn Ma’dan has said that, the reason of this is that, this Surah has great virtues and contains law, commands and advice in abundance. Hazrat Umar radiyallahu anhu learnt this Surah along with acquiring its understanding in 12 years and his son Hazrat Abdullah radiyallahu anhu in 8 years. 1. Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri radiyallahu anhu relates from Usaid ibn Hudhair radiyallahu anhu saying that one night he was reciting Surah Baqarah with his mare tied beside him. It began to run round in circles so he stopped reciting due to which the mare stopped moving. He resumed his recitation and again it went round in circles, so he stopped reciting and it stopped moving. Once more he recited and even on this occasion the mare moved round in circles, so he terminated his Qur’aanic recital, for his son Yahya was near it and he was afraid it might injure him. When he had moved him back he raised his head towards the sky and saw something like a canopy, which appeared to have lamps in it. When he told the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam of it in the morning, he said, "You should keep on reciting Ibn Hudhair, you should keep on reciting Ibn Hudhair." He replied, "I was afraid, O’ Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihe wasallam , that it might trample on Yahya who was near by. Therefore, I went to him, and when I raised my head to the sky and saw something like a canopy, which appeared to have lamps in it. I went out but could not see them." The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam asked whether he knew what it was and when he replied in the negative, he said, "Those were the angels who had drawn near to listen to your voice. If you had continued reciting, the people would have looked at them in the morning and they would not have concealed themselves from them." Muslim has narrated, "They went up into the air" instead of "I went out." 2. Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu reported Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam to have said, "Do not make your houses graveyards. The devil flees from the house in which Surah Baqarah is recited." (Muslim) 3. Hazrat Abdullah ibn Mas’ood radiyallahu anhu has been reported to have said that, "Everything has a hump and the hump of the Qur’aan is Surah Baqarah. Everything has a core and the core of the Qur’aan is Surah Al-Mufassal." (Da’ramee) 4. Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu has said that Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam sent a large army in a Jihad campaign, thereupon he asked every one of them to read that much Qur’aan which one knew. Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam happened to pass by the most elderly in age, so he asked how much Qur’aan he knew. The man replied this much and this much and Surah Baqarah. Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, "Now go, for you are their Ameer (Leader)." Upon this a noble man said, "Nothing prevented me from learning Surah Baqarah but I was afraid that I could not keep its commandments." Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam further stated, "Learn the Qur’aan and keep reciting it. Because the similitude of the Qur’aan for one who learns, recites and uses it in prayer at night is a bag filled with Musk whose fragrance diffuses itself everywhere; and he who learns it and goes to sleep having it within him is like a bag with Musk tied up in it." Inter-Islam

Question and Answer: Q. I wanted to know if we men can remove hair on our chest, back and tummy? (Query published as received) A. Although better to abstain from, there is no prohibition in removing hair on the body such as the chest, tummy and back etc. (Raddul Muhtar). If the hair is excessive in these areas and appears unsightly, it may be trimmed or removed. And Allah Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Q: A person touched his wife in the state of Ihraam with lust. What is the condition of his Hajj? A: One damm becomes waajib upon him. و لو جامع فيما دون السبيلين أو باشر أو عانق أو قبل أو لمس بشهوة إمرأة أو أمردا أنزل أو لم ينزل فعليه دم ( غنية الناسك ص 268) (انظر أيضا: معلم الحجاج ص 241/ شامى ج 2 ص 554 / مناسك ملا على ص 343 ) Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

How much should the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam be loved? And: How? ANSWER In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful, This is a very short question, the answer of which requires a long treatise, coupled with a high level of piety and spirituality of which I am certainly void, thus not in a position to really answer it. It would be best answered by those who have reached the higher level of spirituality and possess the true love for the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace). In any case, I will attempt to mention here briefly what I have heard from some of my teachers on this issue. Loving the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) is an obligation upon every Muslim male and female. Allah Most High says to the Messenger of Allah: “Say: If you do love Allah, follow (and love) me, Allah will love you.” (3:31) Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “None amongst you is a (perfect) believer until I do not become more beloved to him than his father, his children and all the people.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Iman, No. 15) As for the question ‘How much should the Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) be loved?’ is concerned, this is answered in the following verse of the Qur’an: “Say (O Messenger of Allah): If it be that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your spouses, or your relatives, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline or the dwellings in which you delight are dearer to you than Allah, His Messenger or the striving in His cause, then wait until Allah brings about His decision, and Allah guides not the rebellions.” (Surah al-Tawba, 24) Abdullah ibn Hisham (Allah be pleased with him) narrates: “We were with the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) and he was holding the hand of Umar ibn al-Khattab (Allah be pleased with him). Sayyiduna Umar said to Him: “O Messenger of Allah! You are dearer to me than everything except my own self.” The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “No, by Him in Whose Hand is my soul, (you will not have complete faith) till I am dearer to you than your own self.” Then Umar (Allah be pleased with him) said to him: “However, now, by Allah, you are dearer to me than my own self.” The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “Now, O Umar (you are a complete believer).” (Sahih al-Bukhari) The above verse of the Qur’an and the Hadith clearly illustrate the fact that, the love of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) which is obligatory is that you love him more than anything and everything besides Allah Almighty Himself. His love must be more than your own parents, children and all the beloved things. This is something that is easy to claim, but the time of judging this would be when one is confronted with choosing between a command of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) and other worldly benefits. When one is faced with choosing between the command and desire of a beloved, such as one’s parents, children or spouse and the guidance of the blessed Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), or when one has to choose between temporary worldly monetary gains and the order of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) to abstain from it. In such cases, if one gave the Messenger of Allah’s command preference over other things, then that would be a sign of true love. However, if preference is given to wealth or the desires and wishes of a beloved over the command of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), then unfortunately, the person’s claim of having complete love for the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) will be incorrect. Therefore, the love for the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) which is obligatory is that one adheres to all of his commands, implements his ways (sunnah) in one’s life and gives preference to him and his ways over everything and anything in this world. As far as the second question ‘How should he be loved?’ is concerned, there are many ways of loving him. My respected teacher and spiritual guide, Shaykh Mawlana Muhammad Yusuf Mutala (the patron of many Islamic institutes in the west including the famous Dar al-Uloom, Bury, UK, a great scholar of Hadith & Tasawwuf and the disciple of the famous Shaykh Muhammad Zakariyya al-Kandahlawi (Allah have mercy on him) is renowned for his extreme love for the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace). In his discourses, he relentlessly encourages the importance of loving the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) and encourages people to acquire this love. He normally gives the following advice: “Love of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) is an obligation (fardh) similar to other obligations, such as performing Salat, giving Zakat, performing Hajj, etc. Every Muslim male and female must have this love for him unless the warning in the Qur’an is quite severe. Many of us claim to have love for him but our actions imply the opposite. The way to love him is that every moment of our life, our hearts and minds must be kept focussed on him. Whatever we may be doing, our minds should be with the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace). Each and every action we do, we should ask ourselves “Is the Messenger of Allah happy and pleased with this action of mine?” Don’t let your hearts and minds turn away from the mercy of both worlds for even one moment.” (End of Shaykh Yusuf’s advice) The above shows the importance of keeping that special connection and bond with the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) at all times. We must abstain from any action that may displease him and consequently displease Allah Almighty. We must strive to the best of our ability in following his Sunnah and guidance. Secondly, we should learn and study about his personality and life in general (sirah). We should study his life in depth and then endeavour to follow in his footsteps. Thirdly, we should send blessings (salat & salam) on him, as Allah Almighty Himself has ordered us in the Qur’an. May Allah Almighty grant us all the true love of our beloved Messenger (Allah bless him & give him peace) and that we follow his ways (sunnah), thus attain his pleasure in this world and intercession in the hereafter. And Allah knows best [Mufti] Muhammad ibn Adam Darul Iftaa Leicester , UK

Loving the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) is an obligation upon every Muslim male and female. Allah Most High says to the Messenger of Allah: “Say: If you do love Allah, follow (and love) me, Allah will love you.” (3:31) Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “None amongst you is a (perfect) believer until I do not become more beloved to him than his father, his children and all the people.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Iman, No. 15) Abdullah ibn Hisham (Allah be pleased with him) narrates: “We were with the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) and he was holding the hand of Umar ibn al-Khattab (Allah be pleased with him). Sayyiduna Umar said to Him: “O Messenger of Allah! You are dearer to me than everything except my own self.” The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “No, by Him in Whose Hand is my soul, (you will not have complete faith) till I am dearer to you than your own self.” Then Umar (Allah be pleased with him) said to him: “However, now, by Allah, you are dearer to me than my own self.” The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “Now, O Umar (you are a complete believer).” (Sahih al-Bukhari) The love of the Messenger of Allah sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam which is obligatory is that you love him more than anything and everything besides Allah Almighty Himself. His love must be more than your own parents, children and all the beloved things.

The Virtues of Surah Fatihah 1. Hazrat Abu Saeed ibn Al-Mu’alla radiyallahu anhu said, "While I was praying in the Masjid, the Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam called me. I did not answer him then, but went to him afterwards and explained that I had been praying, whereupon he asked me whether Allah Ta’ala had not said, ‘Respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you.’ adding, ‘Let me teach you the greatest Surah in the Qur’aan before you leave the Masjid.’ He then took me by the hand and when we were about to go out I reminded him of his promise to me that he would teach me the greatest Surah in the Qur’aan. He said, Surah Fatihah which is the seven oft-repeated verses in the Mighty Qur’aan which has been given to me." 2. Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu reported that when Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam once asked Ubayy ibn Ka’ab radiyallahu anhu, what he recited in his prayers. He replied Umm-ul Qur’aan (Surah Fatihah) the Holy Prophet radiyallahu anhu proclaimed, "By Him in whose dominion my soul is, nothing like it has been revealed in the Torah, the Gospel, the Psalms, or the Qur’aan and it is seven of the oft-repeated verses in the Mighty Qur’aan which I have been given." 3. Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu reported Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "If anyone observes a prayer in which he does not recite Umm-ul Qur’aan, it is deficient (he said this three times) and incomplete." When someone said to Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu that we remain behind the Imaam, he replied, "Recite it inwardly," for he had heard Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam declare that Allah Most High had said, "I have divided the prayer into two halves between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks.’ When the servant says, ‘Praise be to Allah Lord of the Universe.’ Allah most high says, ‘My servant has praised Me.’ When he says, ‘The Compassionate the Merciful.’ Allah most high says, ‘My servant has lauded Me.’ When he says, ‘Possessor of the Day of Judgement.’ He says, ‘My servant has glorified me,’ When he says, ‘Thee do we worship and of Thee do we ask help.’ He says, ‘This is between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks.’ Then when he says, ‘Guide us in the straight path, the path of those whom thou hast favoured; not of those with whom Thou art angry nor of those who go astray.’ He says, ‘This is for My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks." 4. Hazrat Abdul Malik ibn Umair radiyallahu anhu reports that Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, "In Surah Fatihah there is a cure for all ailments." 5. Ambari in his ‘Kitaabur-Rad’ through his own chain of narrators has mentioned from Mujahid ibn Jabr rahmatullahi alaihe that Iblees the accursed of Allah Ta’ala lamented on four occasions: first when he was cursed; secondly when he was cast out of Heaven to the Earth; thirdly when Hazrat Muhammad sallallahu alaihe wasallam was given the Prophethood; fourthly when Surah Fatihah was revealed and it was revealed in Madinah. 6. Hazrat Abu Saeed radiyallahu anhu has said, "We were out on a journey. After a while we stopped to camp. Suddenly a girl came along saying that the chief of the clan has been bitten by a snake (or stung by a scorpion) and our menfolk are away from home. Is there anybody amongst you who can recite Ruqyah (incantations)? Whereupon a man stood up with her, we never used to cast any suspicion on him regarding him reciting Ruqyah (incantations). Nevertheless, he recited some charm on the chief and he was healed. Then the chief ordered 30 goats to be given to him, and he gave us milk to drink. When he returned we inquired, "Do you really know this science (or we inquired, were you reading spells)?" He replied, "I merely read Surah Fatihah." We said, "Don’t say a word about this till we return (or until we ask Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam)." When we came to Madinah, we brought this incident to the notice of Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam . Thus he replied, "And how did he know that Surah Fatihah is read as a Ruqyah (incantation)? Divide and assign a share for me as well." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Muslim and Sunan Abu Dawood) 7. Hazrat Ibn Abbas radiyallahu anhu narrates that once Jibraeel u was sitting with the Apostle sallallahu alaihe wasallam when all of a sudden he heard a noise from above and raised his head. Thereafter he said, "This is a door of heaven which has been opened today and never has it been opened save this day, and from there has descended an angel." The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam further said, "This is an angel which has come down to Earth and never has he come down but this day. He has given greetings and has said, ‘Receive the good news of two lights, which have been bestowed on you, which no Prophet before you has been bestowed with. One is Surah Fatihah and the other, the concluding portion of Surah Baqarah, you will recite no word of it but you will be granted reward for it." inter-islam

Islamic Inheritance Laws Simplifying & Understanding 'Ilmul Faraaidh according to the Hanafi Madhab

Sabr Jameel - Beautiful Patience Beautiful patience (sabr jamîl – Yûsuf 12:83) and panic Mujâhid said: “Beautiful patience is patience without any panic.” ‘Amr ibn Qays said: “Beautiful patience means to be content with adversity and to surrender to the will of Allâh.” Yûnus ibn Yazîd said: I asked Rabî‘ah ibn ‘Abdu’l-Rahmân: “What is the ultimate of patience?”He said: “To be outwardly the same at the time of affliction as one was the day before it struck.” (This does not mean that a person does not or should not feel pain or anguish; patience in this instance means that one refrains from panicking and complaining.) Commenting on the meaning of beautiful patience, Qiyas ibn al-Hajjâj said: “The person who is suffering from some affliction should behave in such a way that nobody is able to distinguish him from others.”

We have all heard the phrase, “following in someone’s footsteps”. It is used figuratively to mean that we look up to that someone who has set an excellent example. Hence following in their example is a means to avoid errors and harms, and to gain benefit and goodness. I have always wondered why “footsteps” were used as the metaphor, and not something else. I still do not know about that. But I often wonder about whose footsteps we could follow who has set excellent example. The simple and correct answer is the Final Messenger of Allah, Muhammad, upon whom be peace and blessings of Allah Ta’ala. Yet Allah has left us a more profound imprint of footsteps to follow. It would be imperative for us to trace back to those footsteps that the Beloved Final Messenger of Allah reminded us about, helped us to reorient to that original message and provided lasting guidance to keep on the path those footsteps. Allah Reveals in the Qur’an: And remember that Ibrahim was tried by his Lord with certain Commands, which he fulfilled; He (Allah) said,” I will make you an Imam to the people.” (Ibrahim) said, “And also from my off springs?” He (Allah) said, “My covenant does not include the wrong-doers.” [2:124] I have left the word “Imam” in its original form. This word, linguistically means, “leader”. Generically it carries a much more profound meaning. It refers to “pattern” or “example” to follow. Following from the verse quoted above, the next verse says to the effect: Remember we made the House a place of assembly for mankind, and a place of safety; and take the Station of Ibrahim as a place for prayer and We enjoined Ibrahim and Isma’il that they purify My House for those who circle it, or take it as a retreat, or bow or prostrate themselves therein. [2:125] Allah Ta’ala makes reference to the Station of Ibrahim, as a place of prayer. Whilst the Ka’aba is referred to in general here, there is also a deeper message, which I will return to a little later. Reference is also made to the following verse: In it are Signs manifest (of matters memorial)‐ The Station of Ibrahim; whoever enters it attains safety…. [3:97] Certainly, there are Signs for those who reflect. Behold! We pointed the site of the House to Ibrahim, saying, “Do not associate with me anything; and purify my House for those who circle it, or stand up, or bow or prostrate themselves. [22:26] This is a powerful verse that culminates meaning from other verses that refer to Ibrahim, Prophet of Allah, upon whom be peace. It is the verse that confirms regarding Ibrahim, upon whom be peace, that: Allah is the Truth, so follow the way of Ibrahim, the upright one; and he was not one of the polytheists. [3:95] They affirm the position of Ibrahim being the Imam, the leading model of Tawhīd‐ Oneness of Allah and that no partner is to be associated with Allah. This is the Station of Ibrahim, upon whom be peace. The Way of Ibrahim was perfected and re‐affirmed by the Final Messenger, upon whom be peace and blessings of Allah, who is from amongst the off‐springs of Ibrahim. The final Messenger, re‐affirmed the rituals revealed to Ibrahim, peace be upon him, which we know today as Hajj. What is profoundly important in all these verses is that Allah Ta’ala points out to Ibrahim, upon whom be peace, the “foundations of the House”: Purity & sincerity Beneficial action by returning one’s intention to Allah Uprightness and steadfastness Submission before Allah One of the rituals that symbolises all of this is the circumambulation of the Ka’bah. “Ţawafa”, from which is derived the word for circling around the Ka’aba, means to make effort to go in circle… if one has ever experienced centrifugal force of being forced away from the circle, and the effort needed to maintain balance in the locus of a circular motion, can really understand the meaning of this. There is another meaning to Ţawafa, which refers to spilling over, like good deeds would. The overflowing of the river banks utilises the same words, because with the overflow, the river leaves behind rich sediments full of minerals and nutrients for new planting. When actions are beneficial, they are exponential and greatly effecting of so many others, just live the overflowing river. Ţawāf is a Sign of this. The key concept attributed to the message related to Ibrahim, upon whom be peace, is Tawhīd; it is repeated oft‐enough times in the Qur’an in this context, in the verses relating to the Ka’bah. And Ibrahim, peace be upon him, was the perfect exemplar, model and Imam regarding Tawhīd. Which leads me to following in someone’s footsteps. The Station of Ibrahim contains a stone…. A stone etched with the deep effort of Ibrahim, peace be upon him. It is an imprint of the footsteps of the Prophet of Allah, Ibrahim, upon whom be peace. People who visit the Sacred House, would die to see it, or even touch it… and that is where the problem may arise. It may help to re‐read the verses quoted above and reflect on the many parts of advice and commands in them. There is a constant reminder of being purified, being focussed on Allah, that no partner be associated with Allah…. That the Station of Ibrahim is a manifest Sign. That Sign is what is etched on the stone‐ the footsteps of the Messenger of Allah, Ibrahim, peace be upon him. The footsteps and indeed the stone is not meant to be marvelled over, but to be a reminder of the utmost striving of Ibrahim to returning everything to the Oneness of Allah. Upon the finishing of Ţawāf, it is recommended that one prays a two‐unit prayer in close proximity to the Station of Ibrahim. It is recommended that we recite Surah al‐Kafiroon and Surah al‐Ikhlas in the prayer. Both of these chapters compel us to remind ourselves firstly of how easy it is towards disbelief, and we seek no part in that; and secondly that we should we be sincere in embracing and submitting to the Oneness of Allah… that all we do and engage in requires our effort to turn to Allah alone. Upon arriving at the Station of Ibrahim, a pure heart looks to the site where Allah pointed the site for the Sacred House. He experiences the foundations of the House, and firmly realises the Oneness of Allah and associates no partner to Him. Him alone is the devotion towards. Not even the stone with the footsteps of Ibrahim so artistically presented, which can be a diversion for the purified heart. The visitor to the Sacred House does not get lost in the magnificence of the etched footsteps, the archaeological marvel, but is fully conscious of the Truly Magnificent that the footsteps is supposed to direct us towards. Being awed by the etched footsteps and its worldly magnificence is being awed by creation. It is supposed to be a Sign, not the possessor of the heart. The Station of Ibrahim is a Sign, for those who wish to reflect, and a Reminder, for those who wish to remember. It is a reminder of the footsteps Ibrahim took to be elevated to his Station of being the righteous, the true monotheist. May Allah give all the Pilgrims the Providence and Success to walk in the footsteps of Ibrahim, peace be upon him © 2011, Afroz Ali by Imam Afroz Ali seekersguidance

Q: A person in the state of Ihraam indulged in sexual relations. What is the condition of his Hajj? Can you please explain in detail the laws pertaining to a Mufrid, Mutamatti’ and a Qaarin in this situation. A: If a person indulged in sexual relations before wuquf in Arafah then his Hajj will become invalid. However he is required to continue with the Haj and fulfil the remaining rituals of Hajj. He will have to make Qadha of the Hajj as well as slaughter one damm (i.e. sheep or goat). If he indulged in sexual relations after wuquf in Arafah before performing Tawaafe Ziyaarat and shaving his head then his Hajj will remain valid. However he has to slaughter a camel or cow. If he indulged in sexual relations after wuquf in Arafah, after shaving his head or performing Tawaafe Ziyaarat the Hajj will remain valid. However he has to slaughter a sheep or goat. The above-mentioned rulings relate to the one who performed Ifraad or Tamattu’ Hajj. As for the one performing Qiraan Hajj then the following laws will apply: If he indulged in sexual relations before making tawaafe umrah and wuquf in Arafah then both Hajj and Umrah become invalid and the damme shukr falls off. However he is required to continue with the Hajj and fulfil the remaining rituals of Hajj. He will make Qadha of one Hajj and one Umrah and he has to slaughter 2 damms. If he indulged in sexual relations after Tawaafe Umrah and wuquf in Arafah but before shaving his head and performing Tawaafe Ziyaarat then the Hajj and Umrah will remain valid. He has to slaughter one camel or cow and one sheep or goat and the damme shukr will remain waajib on him. If he indulged in sexual relations after Tawaafe Umrah (four rounds or more) but before wuquf in Arafah then in this case the Umra will be complete and his Hajj will become invalid. He will make Qadha of one Hajj and he will slaughter 2 damms. The damme shukr falls off. If he indulged in sexual relations after Tawaafe Umrah and wuquf in Arafah but before shaving his head and performing Tawaafe Ziyaarat then the Hajj and Umrah will remain valid. He has to slaughter one camel or cow for the Hajj and one sheep or goat for the Umra. The damme shukr will remain waajib. If he indulged in sexual relations after Tawaafe Umrah and wuquf in Arafah and after shaving his head but before performing Tawaafe Ziyaarat then the Hajj and Umrah will remain valid. Regarding this case the Fuqahaa differ as to what compensation becomes waajib on this person. Some Ulama are of the opinion that one damm becomes waajib for the Hajj and one damm becomes waajib upon him for the Umra while other Ulama opine that one damm becomes waajib on him for the Hajj and there is nothing waajib on him for the Umrah. (ووطؤه في إحدى السبيلين ) من آدمي ( ولو ناسيا ) أو مكرها أو نائمة أو صبيا أو مجنونا ذكره الحدادي لكن لا دم ولا قضاء عليه (قبل وقوف فرض يفسد حجه وكذا لو استدخلت ذكر حمار أو ذكرا مقطوعا فسد حجها إجماعا ( ويمضي ) وجوبا في فاسده كجائزه ( ويذبح ويقضي ) ولو نفلا ولو أفسد القضاء هل يجب قضاؤه لم أره والذي يظهر أن المراد بالقضاء الإعادة ( ولم يتفرقا ) وجوبا بل ندبا إن خامر(اي خاف) الوقاع ( و ) وطؤه ( بعد وقوفه لم يفسد حجه وتجب بدنة وبعد الحلق ) قبل الطواف ( شاة ) لخفة الجناية … قل الشامى: قوله ( لخفة الجناية ) أي لوجود الحل الأول بالحلق في حق غير النساء وما ذكره من التفصيل هو ما عليه المتون ومشى في المبسوط و البدائع والإسبيجابي على وجوب البدنة قبل الحلق وبعده وفي الفتح أنه الأوجه لإطلاق ظاهر الرواية وجوبها بعد الوقوف بلا تفصيل وناقشه في البحر و النهر وأما لو جامع بعد طواف الزيارة كله أو أكثره قبل الحلق فعليه شاة لباب قال شارحه القاري كذا في البحر الزاخر وغيره ولعل وجهه أن تعظيم الجناية إنما كان لمراعاة هذا الركن وكان مقتضاه أن يستمر هذا الحكم ولو بعد الحلق قبل الطواف إلا أنه سومح فيه لصورة التحلل ولو كان متوقفا على أداء الطواف بالنسبة إلى الجماع اه وظاهره أن وجوب الشاة في هذه المسألة لا نزاع فيه لأحد خلافا لما في شرح النقاية للقاري حيث جعلها محل الخلاف المذكور قبله نعم استشكلها في الفتح بأن الطواف قبل الحلق لم يحل به من شيء فكان ينبغي وجوب البدنة ويعلم جوابه من التوجيه المذكور عن شرح اللباب هذا ولم يذكر حكم جماع القارن قال في النهر فإن جامع قبل الوقوف وطواف العمرة فسد حجه وعمرته ولزمه دمان وسقط عنه دم القران وإن بعدهما قبل الحلق لزمه بدنة للحج وشاة للعمرة واختلف فيما بعده اه وتوضيحه في البحر ( شامى ج 2 ص 560) ولم يذكر المصنف حكم القارن إذا جامع وحكمه أنه إن كان قبل الوقوف بعرفة وطواف العمرة فسد حجه وعمرته ولزمه دمان وقضاؤهما وسقط عنه دم القران وإن كان بعد طواف العمرة أو أكثره قبل الوقوف فسد الحج فقط ولزمه دمان أيضا وقضاء الحج فقط وسقط عنه دم القران وإن كان بعد الطواف (اي طواف العمرة) والوقوف (اي وقوف عرفة) قبل طواف الزيارة لم يفسدا وعليه بدنة للحج وشاة للعمرة إن كان قبل الحلق اتفاقا واختلفوا فيما إذا كان بعد الحلق في موضعين الأول في وجوب البدنة للحج أو الشاة وقدمناه والثاني في وجوب شاة للعمرة فالذي اختاره صاحب المبسوط والبدائع والأسبيجابي أنه يجب شاة للعمرة والذي اختاره الوبري أنه لا يجب شيء لأجل العمرة لأنه خرج من إحرامها بالحلق وبقي إحرام الحج في حق النساء واستشكله الشارح بأنه إذا بقي محرما بالحج فكذا في العمرة ورده في فتح القدير بأن إحرام العمرة لم يعهد بحيث يتحلل منه بالحلق من غير النساء ويبقى في حقهن بل إذا حلق بعد أفعالها حل بالنسبة إلى كل ما حرم عليه وإنما عهد ذلك في إحرام الحج فإذا ضم إحرام الحج إلى إحرام العمرة استمر كل على ما عهد له في الشرع فينطوي بالحلق إحرام العمرة بالكلية فالصواب ما عن الوبري ا هـ (البحر الرائق ج 3 ص 19) ( انظر أيضا: معلم الحجاج ص 241، ص 283/ غنية الناسك ص 268/مناسك ملا علي ص 337) Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)