ummtaalib

When choosing a carrier or doing any action we should ask ourselves why we have chosen what we have chosen. What is our intention? Is it because everyone is doing it and we simply jump on the bandwagon? "Which bandwagon are you jumping on? Are you jumping on Nooh's Safina or the Titanic?" Shaykh Hasan Ali *safina is a ship therefore it means Prophet Nooh AS's ship which was saved or the Titanic which sank

One should recite the following Duaa in the evening: أَمْسَيْنَا وَأَمْسَى الْمُلْكُ لِلَّهِ، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ، رَبِّ أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَ مَا فِي هَذِهِ اللَّيْلَةِ وَخَيْرَ مَا بَعْدَهَا، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا فِي هَذِهِ اللَّيْلَةِ وَشَرِّ مَا بَعْدَهَا، رَبِّ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْكَسَلِ وَسُوءِ الْكِبَرِ، رَبِّ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عَذَابٍ فِي النَّارِ وَعَذَابٍ فِي الْقَبْرِ We and the entire creation of Allah Ta’ala spend the evening for Allah Ta’ala. And all praises be to Allah Ta’ala. There is no deity besides Allah Ta’ala alone, who has no partner. To Him belongs the entire universe, and for Him is all praise and He has power over everything. O my Rabb, I ask you for the good of this night and the good of what is after it, and I seek Your protection from the evil of this night and the evil of what is after it. O my Rabb, I seek Your protection from laziness and the difficulty of old age. O my Rabb, I seek Your protection from the punishment of Jahannum and from the punishment in the grave. عن عبد الله رضي الله عنه قال كان نبي الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا أمسى قال أمسينا وأمسى الملك لله والحمد لله لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له قال أراه قال فيهن له الملك وله الحمد وهو على كل شيء قدير رب أسألك خير ما في هذه الليلة وخير ما بعدها وأعوذ بك من شر ما في هذه الليلة وشر ما بعدها رب أعوذ بك من الكسل وسوء الكبر رب أعوذ بك من عذاب في النار وعذاب في القبر وإذا أصبح قال ذلك أيضا أصبحنا وأصبح الملك لله (مسلم رقم 2723) Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would recite the following Duaa at the time of dusk: أَمْسَيْنَا وَأَمْسَى الْمُلْكُ لِلَّهِ، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ، رَبِّ أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَ مَا فِي هَذِهِ اللَّيْلَةِ وَخَيْرَ مَا بَعْدَهَا، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا فِي هَذِهِ اللَّيْلَةِ وَشَرِّ مَا بَعْدَهَا، رَبِّ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْكَسَلِ وَسُوءِ الْكِبَرِ، رَبِّ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عَذَابٍ فِي النَّارِ وَعَذَابٍ فِي الْقَبْرِ And he would recite the same Duaa at dawn, except that he would read the words اَصبَحْنَا وَ اَصْبَحَ الملكُ للهِ instead of أَمْسَيْنَا وَأَمْسَى الْمُلْكُ لِلَّهِ

We Can Earn Over a BILLION Rewards in Just a Few Seconds! Narrated ‘Ubaadah that the Messenger of Allah said, “Whoever seeks forgiveness for the believing men and believing women, Allah will write for him a good deed for each believing man and believing woman.” (Tabarrani) Islaaminfo

lol...she is not going to tell us Maryam. Hmmmm maybe we should bribe her with something

Wa'alaykumus salaam! Aishazaynap...where do you find so many messages? EDIT: split from the Islamic Picture Messages

no probs...please ask if you need further clarification here on anywhere else. InshaAllah If I can help I will...if not we can get advise from scholars inshaAllah : )

I think what the replies are saying is that yoga itself is not permissible due to the various reasons mentioned in the replies but simply using the stertching techniques as a means of exercise is allowed AS LONG AS (following from the reply).... personally I don't like copying or using anything even remotely connected with shirk...Alhadulillaahi Rabbil 'aalameen for Islam!!

Wa'alaykumus salaam ww! Gives me an opportunity to bump this topic

Wa'alaykumus salaam ww Maryam Look at post number 6 (InshaAllah it will become clear) however to further clarify it see below: ok see the following which is within the answer you have quoted: Here the women are using just the exercises/stretching techniques In Mufti Desai's reply the questioner is asking of the Yoga itself and so his answer is: inshaAllah this is of help Maryam

The Mahr of Hadhrat Aadam (Alaihis Salaam) Shaikh Abdul Haq Dehlawi (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) writes in “Madaarijun Nubuwah” that when Hadhrat Hawa (Radhiyallahu Anha) was created, Hadhrat Aadam (Alaihis Salaam) wanted to stretch forth his hands towards her. The angels then said, “Be patient until such time that the nikah is performed and you give her the mahr. Hadhrat Aadam (Alaihis Salaam) then inquired, “What is the mahr?” The angels replied, “The recitation of Durood upon Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). (According to another report, the mahr was twenty durood upon Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). (Fazaail Durood) يَا رَبِّ صَلِّ وَ سَلِّم دَائِمًا أَبَدًا عَلَى حَبِيبِكَ خَيرِ الخَلْقِ كُلِّهِمِ

عن أنس بن مالك رضي الله عنه عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم قال ما من عبدين متحابين يستقبل أحدهما صاحبه ويصليان على النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم لم يتفرقا حتى يغفر لهما ذنوبهما ما تقدم منهما وما تأخر رواه أبو يعلى (الترغيب و الترهيب رقم 2586) [1] Hadhrat Anas (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “When two Muslims, who love each another for the sake of Allah Ta’ala, meet and recite durood upon Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), their (minor) sins are forgiven before they separate. Ihyaaud Deen

Mahr (Wedding Dowry) in Islam Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur'an: "And give women their dowries with a good heart..." (Noble Quran Surah 4, Verse 4) Mahr (Dowry) is considered very component of Nikah. Allah has used the word “Faridah” for it. It means something fixed, decided and obligatory. It is obligatory on the husband to pay mahr to his wife unless she expressly by her own will without any pressure forgives him or returns the amount of mahr to him. Mahr belongs to the wife and it is to be given to her only. It is not the property of her parents or her guardian. No one can forgive the husband to pay the Mahr except the wife herself. If a husband dies without paying mahr to his wife, it will be an outstanding debt on him and it must be paid before the distribution of his inheritance among his heirs. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam has stated: Whoever marries a woman with a fixed dowry, whether the amount is small or substantial, while in his heart there is no intention to give her the dowry, he has cheated and deceived her. If he then passed away without having paid the dowry, he will meet Allah on the Day of Judgement as a Zaani (adulterer). (Targhib) Mahr is not a bride price. It is a woman’s right and it signifies a husband’s love and appreciation for his wife. In the Quran it is called “Nihlah” which means “a nice gift or present.” Mahr also signifies a husband’s commitment to take care of his wife’s financial needs. According to the Shariah, the mahr amount should be reasonable. It should be given according to the financial status of the husband and according to the time and place. Umar bin Khattaab Radhiyallahu Anhu said: “Do not go to extremes with regard to the dowries of women, for if that were a sign of honour and dignity in this world or a sign of piety before Allah, then Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would have done that before you. But he did not give any of his wives, and none of his daughters were given, more than twelve uqiyah*.” (Ibn Maajah) *An Uqiyah equals to 40 Dirhams (Silver coins). Twelve uqiyahs equal to 480 Dirhams. This amount is commonly termed as Mahr Fatimi, the current Rand equivalent as of today (5 Feb. 2014) is R 11 652.81. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians 223 Alpine Road, Overport, Durban

as I said to sister Maryam: InshaAllah all go well and Allah ta'ala grant success of both worlds eat well, get enough sleep, put in effort and then rely on Allah ta'ala ...and recite all the du'as with firm faith

Question: I have heard of a function which is called ‘let loose’. In this function there will be a book launch. Only females allowed are allowed .A fashion show will be taking place .The entire objective is for the women to have fun dressing up and leave their hair open etc. Please explain in view of Quran and Hadith if this is allowed and what advice can you give to our young girls with regards to this function. Answer:In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. Islam is a pure and dynamic religion that provides guidance for all facets of life including modes of worship, business and trade, and our dealings with others whether privately, or publically in social gatherings. Although Shari’ah does not forbid us from having fun and expressing our happiness, it still provides us guidance in expressing such feelings by setting out principles that maintain the standard of Islam. The event in question, accompanied with a fashion show, contains many elements that go against the morals and values Islam attempts to inculcate within us: 1) Kibr and Riyā (pride and vanity): The purpose of a fashion show is to show off one’s glamour by becoming eye candy for the audience.[1] Such an act creates pride in the heart and results in a negative impact on one’s īmān. Consider the following hadīth: عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: لَا يَدْخُلُ الْجَنَّةَ مَنْ كَانَ فِي قَلْبِهِ مِثْقَالُ ذَرَّةٍ مِنْ كِبْرٍ The Holy Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “That person will not enter jannah who has even an atom’s weight of pride in his heart.”[2] 2) Loss of Hayā: Allah Ta’ālā has created women with the inherent quality of shame and modesty (i.e. hayā). It is a special quality that signifies the chastity and lofty status of a woman. As a pure religion, Islam also promotes acts of modesty and self respect (i.e. hayā); the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: «إِنَّ لِكُلِّ دِينٍ خُلُقًا، وَإِنَّ خُلُقَ الْإِسْلَامِ الْحَيَاءُ» “Verily in every religion there is morality, the morality of Islam is modesty.”[3] In another hadith, the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) states: «الْحَيَاءُ مِنَ الْإِيمَانِ، وَالْإِيمَانُ فِي الْجَنَّةِ» “Modesty is part of faith, and faith will be in Paradise.”[4] The event in question attempts to “free” women from this quality by “loosening themselves” in front of other women and internally maligning the standard of a Muslim woman through behaving in a “fun” manner. 3) Tashabbuh (imitation): Like any other religion, there are certain values that are unique to Islam itself that make it stand out amongst the rest. It is for this reason the Holy Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) forbade us from sacrificing such values for the sake of imitating others (e.g. through fashion shows) under the facade of “fun” and “amusement”. Consider the following hadīth: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «مَنْ تَشَبَّهَ بِقَوْمٍ فَهُوَ مِنْهُمْ» The Holy Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “He who imitates a group of people is from amongst them.”[5] 4) Lahw: “Lahw” can refer to anything that does not reap any apparent benefit.[6] Although the event in question includes many activities of amusement and fun, it lacks the main essence of any true Islamic gathering, the remembrance of Allah Ta’ālā. A gathering devoid of such is deprived of the blessings of Allah the Almighty and the company of the angels. The Holy Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: إِنَّ لِلَّهِ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى مَلَائِكَةً سَيَّارَةً، فُضُلًا يَتَتَبَّعُونَ مَجَالِسَ الذِّكْرِ، فَإِذَا وَجَدُوا مَجْلِسًا فِيهِ ذِكْرٌ قَعَدُوا مَعَهُمْ، وَحَفَّ بَعْضُهُمْ بَعْضًا بِأَجْنِحَتِهِمْ، حَتَّى يَمْلَئُوا مَا بَيْنَهُمْ وَبَيْنَ السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا، فَإِذَا تَفَرَّقُوا عَرَجُوا وَصَعِدُوا إِلَى السَّمَاءِ Allah has mobile (squads) of angels, who have no other work (to attend to but) to follow the assemblies of Dhikr and when they find such assemblies in which there is Dhikr (of Allah) they sit in them and some of them surround the others with their wings till the space between them and the sky of the world is fully covered, and when they disperse (after the assembly of Dhikr is adjourned) they go upward to the heaven.[7] It is our humble advice that the hosts of this event rethink their approach in holding such a gathering and further make an effort to have an event that not only conforms to the ideals and principles of Islam, but also creates an environment that brings about fun and enjoyment while maintaining activities involving the remembrance of Allah Ta’ālā. This includes, but is not limited to recitation of the Quran, a set time for ‘ibādah, lectures[8] about famous Sahabiyyāt, and interactive youth talks that discuss topics relating to the struggles of the young in today’s environment. Insha-Allah, such an effort will not only bring enjoyment for the young, but it will also serve as a tool to boost one’s imān while simultaneously earning the blessings and pleasure of Allah Ta’ālā. And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai. idealwoman

Why Imitate Them? Ebrahim (Alayhis Salaam) had made it clear to his people who were disbelievers that he is free from them and their ways. After all, the kuffaar don’t imitate us Muslims, so why should we imitate them. Imitating them and leaving our Islamic ways is a sign of suffering from an inferiority complex. When we begin following them then the following things happen: 1. Our values will change 2. Our clothing will change 3. Hayaa and shame will be lost. 4. Eventually we will feel that there is no problem and harm in marrying them. Hence, we need to be totally different from them and they should not expect us to follow them. What we are required to do is to stay within the borders and parameters of deen and not go beyond. Source: Al-Haadi

The Fire Within It is a major cause of suspicions, malice, enmity and hatred. It often leads to gossip, slander, character assassination and even murder. It is the fire within…the fire called JEALOUSY. It was the first sin committed on earth when the son of Hazrath Aadam (AlaihisSalaam), Qabil, became jealous over his brother Habil. It eventually lead him to murder Habil. Therefore, Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has severely warned against this malady of the heart which destroys the fabric of society. HOPE HE HAS AN ACCIDENT Hasad (jealousy) occurs when one sees another person bestowed with some bounty and desires that the person should be deprived of it. For instance, one sees someone who has more wealth, beauty, intelligence or any other such bounty and begins to “burn” within his heart over the person who has been blessed. He then wishes that the blessing be snatched away from him in some way. He hopes that the person has an accident, or that someone should rob him of his wealth, etc. Much worse than this is to desire that a person be deprived from any bounty of Deen. For instance a person is pious, or he is blessed with the Qur’an in his heart or the knowledge of Deen, or he has been blessed with making some efforts for Deen. Upon witnessing these blessings upon him one now desires that they should be snatched away from him. This is a grave crime. OBJECTION AGAINST ALLAH TA’ALA To desire that somebody be deprived of the blessings which Allah Ta’ala has bestowed upon him is tantamount to a direct objection against Allah Ta’ala. The jealous person is actually objecting against Allah Ta’ala, that the person who was granted that blessing was not deserving of it, so why was it given to him? It should rather have been given to the objector! The severity of this crime is thus evident. Hence Rasulullah (sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said: “Hasad destroys one’s good deeds just as fire consumes wood.” In another narration it is described as something that “shaves off” one’s good deeds. MISERABLE Hasad does not only destroy one’s Hereafter. The immediate punishment in this world is that the jealous person is constantly ‘burning” from within. He simply cannot see the next person happy, hence he is always miserable. Happiness remains far away from him. Hasad is therefore among the most foolish crimes to commit. One destroys his happiness in this world and his rewards in the hereafter, yet he gains nothing in return. One desires the destruction of another person but in the process only brings destruction to oneself. Having realised that hasad is a serious disease, one should treat this malady with utmost urgency. Among the ways of removing hasad from the heart are the following: - Ponder over the harm you are doing to yourself and the utter foolishness of your action. The only thing that you will achieve is misery. Your evil desire is not going to change anything except to make you burn from within and to destroy your good deeds. - Praise the person you are jealous over in front of others. Do this even though you have to force yourself to do it. - Make dua for the person you are jealous of as much as possible. Ask Allah Ta’ala to protect the person’s bounties for him, increase it and grant him barakah therein. - Make salaam to him often - Occasionally give him some gift. Insha Allah by adopting the above remedies, the terrible evil of jealousy will be cleaned from one’s heart. One will also find happiness in this world and one’s good deeds will not be destroyed. islaaminfo.co.za

Who can stop something when Allah the Almighty allows it ...and who can allow it when He, the Almighty stops something!! Allaahumma lakalhamdu walakash shukr for Imaan!

“The best of companions in the sight of Allah is the one who is the best of them to his companion, and the best of neighbours near Allah is the one who is the best of them to his neighbour.” The supreme importance given to this duty towards neighbours by the Prophet of Islãm (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was not witnessed before in any other system of law. He set up positive rules in the jurisprudence of Islãm regarding treatment towards neighbours. This right has not only been conferred upon neighbours who are Muslims, but also on non-Muslims; thereby extending the rope of co-operation and fellow feeling among neighbours. Allah Ta’ãla declared in the Qur’ãn; “Be good to the parents, near of kin, orphans, the needy, relative neighbours and alien neighbours.” (4:36). Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam’s) treatment towards neighbours was exemplary. He was ever ready to forego his comforts and interests for the good of others. His treatment towards the As’hãbus Suf’fa and companions who closeted themselves in his Masjid by the side was very kind and friendly. Once Sayyidinah Ali (R.A.) requested for something to which he replied; “How can it be that I should give it to you. While the companions of Suf’fa should have their stomach wrapped on account of hunger.” Once the Prophet of Islãm (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said; “One whose neighbour is not safe from his troubles shall not enter paradise.” (Muslim). Islãm says that no man or woman will get salvation despite his or her piety, till he or she does not treat his or her neighbour well. This is as true to a particular individual as to a nation. The neighbouring nations should live in perfect peace and amity. It is further said that the character of a man is known only from his neighbour. Once Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said; “The best of companions in the sight of Allah is the one who is the best of them to his companion, and the best of neighbours near Allah is the one who is the best of them to his neighbour.” Once a man asked Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam); “O Messenger of Allah! How can I know when I do good and when I do bad?” Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied; “When you hear your neighbours say, you have done good, you have done good. And when you hear them say, you have done bad, you have done bad.” (Ibn Mãjah). Islãm teaches that every man should send food and gifts to his neighbour however insignificant. The neighbour has the right of being invited on festive occasions. Every sort of help should be extended towards a neighbour without any discrimination of caste, creed and religion. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said; “O Muslim women! No female neighbour must hold in contempt for her neighbour even a hoof of a goat.” (Bukhãri/Muslim). Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said; “When you cook broth, increase its water and give it to your neighbours.” (Muslim). Once Sayyidinah Ã’isha (R.A.) asked; “O Messenger of Allah! I have two neighbours. To whom among these two should I send some gift?” He replied; “To the one who is nearer to you of the two in respect of door.” (Bukhãri). These Ahãdith apply to both Muslims and non-Muslims. As followers of the supreme teaching of the beloved Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) we need to ask ourselves do we love our neighbour or do we harbour great jealousy and hatred for them. It is fine for the entire world to re-furbish their homes, purchase a new car etc, but not for our neighbours. As soon as we see any good in them the flames of jealousy intensifies within us. One of the prime reason for this is due to the pressure of wanting to keep up with ‘Jones’ scenario. The poor neighbour is now pressurised to also build an unneeded extension to his home or purchase the latest car just as his neighbour has. In doing so one then becomes obliged to take out an un-lawful mortgage, and in doing so violating the pristine laws of his Creator. The riches of one neighbour increases the poverty of the other neighbour. May Allah Ta’ãla grant us all the guidance to understand the beautiful teaching’s of Islãm, and the ability to act upon them. Ameen. AHÃDITH ON NEIGHBOURS ¨ Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said; “Sayyidinah Jibra’eel so persistently advised me for the fair treatment of the neighbour that I thought he (the neighbour) will be declared as heir of his neighbour.” (Bukhãri/Muslim). ¨ Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said; “He is not a believer who takes his meals to his fill but his neighbour, by his side, remains hungry.” (Mishkãt). ¨ Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said; “Whoso desires that Allah and His Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) love him, should speak the truth, return the trust to its owner safe and sound and treat his neighbours well.” (Mishkãt). ¨ Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said; “The first case of the two opposing persons to be presented before Allah on the Day of Judgment will be of two neighbours.” (Mishkãt). ATTARBIYAH ATTARBIYAH ISLÃMIC TARBIYAH ACADEMY 45 Boothroyd Lane, West Town, Dewsbury. WF132RB.

Real Respect If we use the strength, energy and keen intelligence of youth in opposing Shaytān and in pleasing Allāh ta‘ālā, the Giver of youth, then Allāh ta‘ālā will give us honour in this world too. A young person who lives a good life is looked on with respect by the whole community and he feels contentment within. One who does not live such a life, regardless of how cheerful he may look from the outside, will be suffering from a guilty conscience. When he sleeps, he sleeps with guilt on his mind; he knows deep down that he has no real status. A young person may strut around with pride and arrogance, acting big, but in his own eyes he has no respect for himself. In his own eyes he is detestable and useless. What status can a person have when he does not even have self respect? What greater disgrace can there be than when a man no longer has respect for himself? As for the one who dedicates his youth to Allāh ta‘ālā, he is gifted with self-confidence, self-satisfaction, self respect and peace. His heart is always happy because he knows he is trying to please his Lord. He cheers himself by thinking how happy Allāh ta‘ālā must be with him for sacrificing his desires to please Allāh ta‘ālā. He is happy that Allāh ta‘ālā loves him, knowing that it is He who has helped him to avoid sins and do good deeds. He is respected within his entire family and the whole community points him out as a role model for others. And when the time comes for his soul to be taken to the hereafter, an assembly of angels will rush to greet him. They will wrap his soul in a silk cloth, put it on a tray of gold, and take it to Jannah. He will be honoured in this world and honoured in the hereafter. The people of the earth will mourn him and utter words of praise in his remembrance. The good deeds he did for people in secret will then also be revealed. People will inform each other of how well he treated them, how he helped them in their hour of need and how he guided them to the right path. The angels will rejoice upon his arrival and Allāh ta‘ālā will order them to take His beloved servant to Jannah-al-Firdaws, the highest ranking Jannah. (Extracted from ‘The Gift of Youth’ by Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh)

Allah, The Most Exalted, says: "And We have not sent you (Muhammad) except as a mercy to mankind" (Qur'an Al-Anbiyah 21:107) The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was asked to curse the infidels. He said, “I have not been sent to curse people but as a mercy to all mankind.” (Hadith-Muslim) Note: Indeed the Last and Final Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was a Mercy to All of Humanity. His(pbuh) sublime conduct bears ample testimony to this fact. Being extremely kind-hearted, his eyes brimmed with tears at the slightest sign of inhumanity. His mercy was not confined to humankind but was extended to all of creation. www.eislam.co.za

Sunnats and Aadaab of Drinking – Part 4 1. One should drink in at least three sips. عن أنس رضي الله عنه قال : كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يتنفس في الشراب ثلاثا. متفق عليه . (مشكوة المصابيح رقم 4263) Hadhrat Anas (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to drink in three sips. وعن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما قال : قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : " لا تشربوا واحدا كشرب البعير ولكن اشربوا مثنى وثلاث وسموا إذا أنتم شربتم واحمدوا إذا أنتم رفعتم " . رواه الترمذي (مشكوة المصابيح رقم 4278) Hadhrat ibn Abbaas (Radhiallahu Anhuma) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: “Do not drink in one gulp like a camel, rather drink in two or three sips, and take the name of Allah Ta’ala when you begin drinking and praise Allah Ta’ala when you have completed drinking. 2. One should not drink from the chipped or broken side of the cup. وعن أبي سعيد الخدري رضي الله عنه قال : نهى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم عن الشرب من ثلمة القدح وأن ينفخ في الشراب. رواه أبو داود (مشكوة المصابيح رقم 4280) Hadhrat Abu Saeed Khudri (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) discouraged one from drinking from the chipped or cracked side of the cup. Similarly he discouraged us from blowing into the cup while drinking. 3. One should not blow into the utensil. عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما : أن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم نهى أن يتنفس في الإناء أو ينفخ فيه (ترمذي رقم 1888) Hadhrat ibn Abbaas (Radhiallahu Anhuma) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) discouraged one from breathing into the utensil or blowing into it (whilst drinking). Ihyaaud Deen

Endeavour to Inculcate the Mubaarak Qualities of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and his Sunnah While addressing a gathering of Ulama, Hazrat Shaikh Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandelwhi (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) mentioned: My beloved friends, you all should endeavour to study the Shamaail of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) (i.e. the blessed character and noble qualities of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and his mubaarak sunnah. As many sunnats one is able to inculcate within one’s life, one should do so. If one is unable to practise on any particular aspect or sunnah of the mubaarak life of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), then the least one should do is that one should love that Sunnah from the bottom of one’s heart and one should feel to oneself that this is the greatest quality and action, and there is nothing better than this. He should feel that it is on account of his own weakness that he is unable to practise upon this Sunnah. Shamaail-e-Tirmidhi.pdf Beautiful Sunnats of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam) to follow Daily!

By Sheima Rafiq a student at Rayyan Institute. Ikhlas means sincerity and, as believers, our actions, interactions and deeds are scrutinised closely – each moment recorded. Our eventual return to Allah is a reality we cannot escape from and the weighing of our deeds and their intentions, good and bad, is an event which we cannot help but worry about. Sincerity matters because all the good we claim to do is of no use if it wasn’t for it. If it wasn’t for sincerity in intentions, then our good is in fact not good at all. While we can attempt to deceive others and perhaps even ourselves, there is no way we can deceive our Creator for He knows our intentions. There is no running from that. Imam Ghazali (may Allah have mercy on him) explains sincerity as “the freeing of one's intentions from all impurities in order to become nearer to Allah. It – sincerity in actions -- is to ensure that the intentions behind all acts of worship and obedience to Allah are exclusively for His pleasure”. Shaykh Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said, “The servitude of the man is divided over the heart, the tongue and the remaining limbs of the body. From among those issues that are incumbent on the heart there are: sincerity, trust, love, patience, penitence, fear [of Allah], hope, firm belief and true intention. The Ummah has agreed that these actions of the heart are incumbent.” Here are five reasons why sincerity matters in everything we do: #1 – Sincerity is a cause for barakah (blessings) Any permissible act initiated to please Allah Most High augmented with sincere intentions will merit His Barakah; be it from the simplest of tasks to the most demanding. Yet certain conditions apply, for example, it is important to acknowledge that sincere intentions are not a means for justifying unlawful actions. #2 – Sincerity allows for Divine Guidance "And Allah increases those who were guided, in guidance, and the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for recourse. (Qur’an 19:76) It is a no-brainer that in order to be guided it is of utmost importance that our deeds are soaked in sincere intentions. Our success lies in following the path of the righteous and among the habit of our pious predecessors was to condition all their actions with sincerity, for without it, they knew the path to Allah was impossible to tread. #3 – Sincerity is demanded by the Qur’an and Sunnah Allah Most High says in the Qur’an: “Unquestionably, for Allah is the pure religion.” (39:3) Purity in one’s religion comes from freeing it from all forms of shirk and all types of ulterior motives, such as ostentation. The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “Actions are [judged] according to intentions.” (Bukhari) #4 – Sincerity ensures success both in the dunya (world) and akhirah (hereafter) Indeed, the consequences of our actions have a deep link with our initial intentions. Our intentions carve the path our actions take. Everything we do is affected by what we have intended. Good intentions result in an up-beat outlook coupled with patience, gratitude and appreciation of our peers. #5 – Sincerity is a prerequisite to activism and service in Deen If the intention to serve the Deen is flawed then failure awaits us as our intentions, no matter how great, becomes devoid of any barakah. At times, we will see that arguments may arise or a lack of accomplishment may become apparent at an early stage of our work. Therefore, it is essential to keep in mind that the value of sincerity is indeed immense in our Deen. Remember, a good intention “converts dust in to gold”. Hence, let us strive to ensure our virtuous deeds are conducted solely to please Allah Most High. Let our deeds radiate the aroma of sincerity, upheld with a strong conviction of true faith. I invite you to take a few minutes to reflect upon one action you performed today; perhaps one you execute as an accustomed daily habit. Contemplate upon your reasons for conducting that task… What were your reasons? Your intention? Rayyan Voices Newsletter of Rayyan Institute

Allamah Sakhaawi (Rahmatullahi Alayh) reports from Abu Bakr bin Muhammad (Rahmatullahi Alayh): “While I was once in the presence of Shaikh Abu Bakr bin Mujaahid (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) and it so happened that Shaikh Shibli (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) arrived. Abu Bakr bin Mujaahid (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) rose from his seat, stepped forward, embraced the saint and kissed his forehead in honour. I asked him: “How is it that you bestow such honour on Shaikh Shibli (Rahatullahi Alayhi) when you and all the Ulama of Baghdad are of the opinion that he is a mad man?” Abu Bakr bin Mujaahid (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) replied: “I have only done that which I saw Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) do to him.” He then related the following dream: “I had seen Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) in a dream and Shaikh Shibli appeared. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) rose and kissed him on his forehead. When I asked the reason for this great honour, Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) replied: “After every salaah, this man used to recite the following verse: لَقَد جاءَكُم رَسولٌ مِن أَنفُسِكُم عَزيزٌ عَلَيهِ ما عَنِتُّم حَريصٌ عَلَيكُم بِالمُؤمِنينَ رَءوفٌ رَحيمٌ ﴿١٢٨﴾ Verily the Messenger has come to you from among yourselves, it greatly causes him pain that you fall into distress and hardship, who is extremely anxious for your welfare, for the believers he is full of compassion and mercy. He thereafter would recite the following durood: صلى الله عليك با محمد صلى الله عليك يا محمد صلى الله عليك يا محمد Abu Bakr (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) continues: “After having seen this dream, I met Shibly (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) and asked him, “What durood do you recite upon Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) after salaah?” The reply he gave was exactly the same as I had seen in my dream” (Fazaail Durood) يَا رَبِّ صَلِّ وَ سَلِّم دَائِمًا أَبَدًا عَلَى حَبِيبِكَ خَيرِ الخَلْقِ كُلِّهِمِ

عن ابن مسعود رضي الله عنه قال إذا صليتم على رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم فأحسنوا الصلاة فإنكم لا تدرون لعل ذلك يعرض عليه قال فقالوا له فعلمنا قال قولوا اللهم اجعل صلواتك ورحمتك وبركاتك على سيد المرسلين وإمام المتقين وخاتم النبيين محمد عبدك ورسولك إمام الخير وقائد الخير ورسول الرحمة اللهم ابعثه مقاما محمودا يغبطه فيه الأولون والآخرون اللهم صل على محمد وعلى آل محمد كما صليت على إبراهيم وعلى آل إبراهيم إنك حميد مجيد اللهم بارك على محمد وعلى آل محمد كما باركت على إبراهيم وعلى آل إبراهيم إنك حميد مجيد رواه ابن ماجه موقوفا بإسناد حسن (الترغيب و الترهيب رقم 2588) Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports: “When you recite Durood upon Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), then recite Durood in the best of manners (complete devotion, concentration, love and respect), for certainly you do not know perhaps that Durood of yours will be presented before him. The students of Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood (Radhiallahu Anhu) asked: “Teach us how to recite Durood on Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood (Radhiallahu Anhu) replied: “Recite the following: أَللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ صَلَوَاتِكَ وَرَحْمَتَكَ وَبَرَكَاتِكَ عَلَى سَيِّدِ المرسَلِينَ وَإِمَامِ المتَّقِينَ وَخَاتَمِ النَّبِيِّينَ محَمَّدٍ عَبْدِكَ وَرَسُولِكَ إِمَامِ الخَيرِ وَقَائِدِ الخَيرِ وَرَسُولِ الرَّحْمَة اللَّهُمَّ ابْعَثْهُ مَقَامًا مَّحْمُودًا يَغْبِطُهُ فِيهِ الْأَوَّلُونَ وَالْآخِرُون اَللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى محَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ محَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيتَ عَلى إبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إبرَاهِيمَ إنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيد اللَّهُمَّ بَارِك عَلَى محَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ محَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلى إِبرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إبراهيمَ إنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيد O Allah, shower your special blessings and mercies and upon the leader of the Messengers,the Imaam of all the pious servants, and the seal of the Ambiyaa, Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) your servant and messenger, the imaam of all good and virtue and the messenger of mercy. O Allah, elevate him to the highest of positions, and make him worthy of the position of Maqaam Mahmood, in such a way that the former and the latter of the entire creation will all envy him. O Allah, shower Your mercy upon Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and the family of Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), as You showered Your mercy upon Hadhrat Ebrahim (Alaihis Salaam) and the family of Hadhrat Ebrahim (Alaihis Salaam). Indeed You are praiseworthy and most glorious. O Allah, shower Your blessings upon Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and the family of Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), as You showered Your blessings upon Hadhrat Ebrahim (Alaihis Salaam) and the family of Hadhrat Ebrahim (Alaihis Salaam). Indeed You are praiseworthy and most glorious. Ihyaaud Deen