ummtaalib

by Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh Hajj is an invitation from the Lord of all the Worlds to visit His Sacred House and an opportunity for us to correct the shortcomings and faults we find in our lives. All intending pilgrims should be focused on the great journey that awaits them and prepare for it as best as possible. In addition to the essential task of learning the injunctions of Hajj, there are a number of other points that should be given special attention by all those who are about to become the Guests of Allāh ta‘ālā. 1. Sincerity Intending pilgrims should examine their intentions and ask themselves why they are going for Hajj. Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said: ‘Actions are only according to intentions.’ (Bukhāri, Muslim) If one’s intention is correct and sincere, the deed is accepted, but if it is incorrect then the deed does not receive acceptance. Regarding the intentions for Hajj, Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam predicted: ‘Near to Qiyāmah, the affluent of my ummah will perform Hajj merely for leisure whilst the middle-class of my ummah will perform Hajj for the sake of trade, the scholars will perform Hajj for show (and ostentation) and the poor will perform Hajj in order to beg.’ (Kanzul ‘Ummāl) We need to examine our intentions. We should not be going just to appease relatives and friends who keep ‘pestering’ us to go or because we desire the title of Hājī. Our sole intention should be to please Allāh ta‘ālā who created us and who granted us the health, wealth and opportunity to visit Makkah Mukarramah and to fulfil His Command. Moreover, we have to endeavour to maintain this sincerity all the time whilst performing the rites of Hajj and after we return, until our last breath. 2. Tawbah As we are to acquire a unique proximity to Allāh ta‘ālā and be His guests of honour, it is inappropriate to go as offenders, guilty of disobedience. Therefore the next task for us is to make tawbah (repent) from all sins, major and minor. Perform two raka‘āt nafl salāh with the intention of repentance and make sincere tawbah from all past sins. Regardless of whether sins relate to the Rights of Allāh ta‘ālā or the rights of His creation, or whether they relate to the realm of akhlāq (moral conduct), ‘ibādāt (worship), mu‘āmalāt (transactions) or mu‘āsharah (social interaction), tawbah is necessary in each case. There are certain preconditions for tawbah: For those sins which only violate the Rights of Allāh ta‘ālā, such as drinking alcohol, fornication, gambling, failure to perform salāh or give zakāh etc., there are three conditions. The first condition is immediate abstention from such sins. Secondly, there must be regret in the heart for having committed these sins; a feeling of remorse about disobeying Allāh ta‘ālā who brought us into existence when we were nothing. Thirdly, there must be a firm intention never to engage in those sins again in the future. If a sin also involves violation of the Rights of Allāh’s ta‘ālā creation, e.g. defrauding someone, slander or backbiting, then in all such cases a fourth condition will also have to be met. It will be necessary to make amends to the person whose rights were violated, e.g. if someone’s wealth was misappropriated, it will have to be returned or forgiveness sought. If the violation was such that it cannot be compensated for materially, forgiveness must be sought from the victim and his displeasure must be abated. When a servant fulfils all these conditions, then, as appears in a hadīth: ‘A person who repents from sin is like one who has no sin.’ (Ibn Mājah, Tabrāni) True tawbah results in a commitment to perform the five daily salāh and to complete any qadhā salāh, to discharge zakāh on time and to settle any past zakāh and to fulfil the obligation of qurbānī and to pay sadaqah for previously missed qurbānīs. If we have oppressed or wronged someone, we must seek their forgiveness; if we have defrauded or usurped somebody’s wealth, we must return it; if we are on bad terms with somebody, we must reconcile our differences. The reason behind meeting people before departing for Hajj is just this; that we ask for forgiveness and reconcile any disputes that may exist between us. Superficially saying, ‘Forgive me,’ is not enough to secure forgiveness, we have to genuinely make an attempt to please the person whom we have wronged. Nowadays, we go to meet and seek forgiveness from those whom we are on good terms with and where there is no real need to seek forgiveness, yet we do not go to see and make peace with those with whom we have some quarrel. 3. Trust in Allāh ta‘ālā A further point worth addressing is the anxiety felt by those intending to go for Hajj. There are two reasons for this: firstly, the quite natural apprehension of travelling to a foreign country, and secondly, the negative comments made by those who have been to Hajj before. It should be understood that throughout the whole journey of Hajj, inshā’allāh you will witness 99% comfort and a mere 1% of difficulty. Shaytān however, in order to ruin our ibādah, makes us look only towards the 1% so that upon our return, we complain about the difficulties encountered in the sacred places and spoil our Hajj. The consequence of such disrespectful talk is that other servants of Allāh ta‘ālā become discouraged from performing Hajj. The reality is that every journey has its hardships, even travelling to the Airport involves discomfort and inconvenience. Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam commented: ‘Travel is a portion of suffering.’ (Bukhāri, Muslim) The journey of Hajj is long, with approximately two to three million people from all over the world congregating at one specific place. Often they all flock to one place at one time to perform the very same ibādah! Organising for such an event is beyond the capacity of any organisation/government, it is only possible through the Power of Allāh ta‘ālā. In such circumstances, the minute amount of inconvenience we may encounter is totally insignificant; the sheer bliss of just casting a single gaze at the House of Allāh ta‘ālā outweighs all the difficulties. Therefore pilgrims returning from Hajj are requested to only relate the positive and complimentary tales of their journey and to forget any negative experiences. Relating negative experiences is a Shaytānic ploy designed to ruin the reward of our Hajj. And if, due to our stories of hardship, someone decides against going for Hajj, we may be held responsible. So those going for Hajj, and in particular those going for the first time, should pay no attention to the tales of others. The journey of Hajj is a comfortable one, free of any threat, where everything is available. Of course, being a journey, it has some inconveniences, as do all journeys, but we should place our trust in Allāh ta‘ālā and remove all anxieties from our minds. My late respected father, Hāfidh Ibrāhīm Dhorat rahimahullāh, used to say a wonderful thing to those intending to go for Hajj. He would say, ‘When we go to visit somebody and become their guest, we do not need to worry about our sleeping arrangements or meals etc. Our host takes full responsibility for us and repeatedly asks us our preferences and if we need anything, we simply request it from our host. Now when this is our state of affairs when our host is a human, is it conceivable that when we go as guests of Allāh ta‘ālā, the Creator, He will not fulfil our needs?’ So we need to realize that during Hajj we are the guests of Allāh ta‘ālā. And if we do experience any inconvenience, we should think that Allāh ta‘ālā is making us go through some minor problems in order to wipe out the mountains of sins we have committed in the past and to save us from the eternal troubles of the Hereafter. 4. Selection of Travelling Companions When selecting travelling companions, care should be taken to choose pious and righteous people, possibly people who have performed Hajj before. If it is possible to travel with a pious scholar, then all the better. The group should not be too large and fellow travellers should be like-minded, able to get on with, assist and serve each other without considering it a burden. Experience shows that during Hajj, if people of dissimilar temperaments travel together, some disagreement or other always crops up. Obviously Hajj is a journey in which rancour and bitterness are to be avoided. It has been seen that friendships that develop during Hajj remain lifelong as do hostilities. Accordingly, our companions should be pious people, who will prompt us when we are neglectful and make us incline towards Allāh ta‘ālā, the Ākhirah and the successful accomplishment of our goal. 5. Avoid Unnecessary Luggage Another point to remember is to avoid taking along unnecessary items. This will make the journey easier, particularly at customs, and whilst travelling to and fro between the airport and hotels. Everything is available at our destination and can be purchased when needed. Essentials to take along are necessary clothing, toiletries, etc. Generally, people take along many superfluous items from home and then end up going through hardship because of them. 6. Refrain from Unfounded Customs During the time leading up to departure, we must refrain from all disobedience to Allāh ta‘ālā, including those customs and traditions which displease Him. We do many things just because others do, e.g. inviting lots of people for a meal before going for Hajj. It should be remembered that whatever act is done merely for show incurs the displeasure of Allāh ta‘ālā, not His Pleasure. Should someone give an invitation out of affection, which is accepted out of affection, then it will be a rewarding deed. If however, one feels compelled to offer an invitation because other relatives have done so, then the act of inviting is just for show and devoid of any reward. Furthermore the intending pilgrim, having been invited by so many people, feels obliged to arrange a meal for them too. Thus, just before setting off on his blessed journey, the intending pilgrim hires out a hall and invites lots of people to a function resembling a wedding party in its extravagance. There is no need for such formalities and excesses. We should beware lest the burden of sins we already bear prior to going for Hajj is added to by such behaviour. 7. Acquire and Study a Book on Hajj Every intending pilgrim should acquire a book on Hajj in the language he is most comfortable with. The book should not be too brief nor should it be overloaded with masā’il and it should be written by an authoritative and experienced ‘ālim. Repeated study of this book, preferably under the supervision of a reliable ‘ālim or mufti, will ensure a firm grounding in the method of Hajj. And whatever is not clear should be clarified again with a qualified authority. 8. Study ‘Virtues of Hajj’ The masā’il of Hajj can be acquired through the above method, but to give life to the rites of Hajj and to endow them with their true spirit, ‘Virtues of Hajj’ should be studied carefully. It should also be taken along and read during the journey of Hajj. Source

by Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh Whenever the blessed name of our beloved Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam is mentioned, the one who is fortunate to utter this name and also the one who is fortunate to hear his name should, with utmost love and reverence, say, ‘sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam.’ Nowadays, there is great negligence amongst youth in this regard. Some years ago, with the now older generation, we would see such great love and enthusiasm in reciting salāh ‘alan nabī (durūd); whenever the following verse would be recited in the khuṭbah, everyone would read some formula of salāh ‘alan nabī: Truly, Allāh and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet; O you who believe! Send salutations and abundant greetings upon him (too). (33:56) T his verse contains a command from Allāh ta‘ālā to send salāh ‘alan nabī as this is an action performed by both Allāh and His angels. However, for the youth nowadays this verse doesn’t bring any response. When it is recited we do not see anyone reading salāh ‘alan nabī audibly or even silently. The ‘Ulamā have deduced from this verse that it is fard (compulsory) to send salutations and greetings upon the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam at least once in a lifetime. Thereafter, whenever one participates in any gathering, be it a dars (lesson) on the Qur’ān or ahādīth, a lecture or even an informal gathering, then the first time the blessed name of the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam is mentioned it is wājib (obligatory) to read salāh ‘alan nabī; thereafter, every time, in the same gathering, whenever the blessed name is mentioned it is mustaḥab (desirable) to read salāh ‘alan nabī each time. What Love Dictates Remember, love and reverence for the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam dictates that even if the sharī‘ah had not stipulated that salāh ‘alan nabī be read when his blessed name is mentioned, we would still send salutations and greetings upon him in abundance. So, whenever we hear the verse above read in a khutbah, we should read salāh ‘alan nabī. There are many formulae for salāh ‘alan nabī. The most virtuous is the formula that we read in salāh. The shortest formula is ‘sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam’. This is the formula commonly used by the Muhaddithūn and is probably the most frequently recited form. Our love for the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam should be such that we should not think of it to be a burden; rather, we should be eager to read it whenever we can. If, during a lecture, the scholar is explaining a point and happens not to mention the name of the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam for some time, we should feel that something is missing and eagerly await the mentioning of the blessed name so that we can say salāh ‘alan nabī. Love and reverence for the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam also dictates that we do not shorten his name when writing it. Many, instead of writing ‘Muḥammad’ in full, suffice with writing ‘Mohd’. We write an article or letter of many pages and the only word that we find that we can shorten is the blessed name of the beloved of Allāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam! Similarly, many do not write, for example, ‘sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam’, sufficing with ‘s.a.w’. Again, in the whole letter, article, etc. are these the only words that we can find to shorten? There is a similar trend in the Urdu language where the letters ‘Sād’ or ‘Sād, Lām, ‘Ayn and Mīm’ are used to represent ‘sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam’. Ponder for a while that who is planting these thoughts in your mind about shortening the name and salutation for our beloved Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam. What does this show regarding our love and reverence for our beloved Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam? Writing the Durūd I remember when I was a student in Dār-al-‘Ulūm, the way we were taught by our elders and the culture in the madrāsah was such that as the blessed name of the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam was mentioned again and again, it was very difficult to take down all the notes from the lectures and also write the name of the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam with salutations. Therefore, in our notes, wherever we had to write the blessed name of the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam and salutations, we would leave out a blank space and after class, in our own time, with our best handwriting we would write the salutations in our note books. I would also like to bring an important point to the attention of many lecturers, who speak with the most eloquent language and accents, yet, when it comes to salāh ‘alan nabī they quickly mumble the words, void of love and reverence. Is this the level of our love and reverence for our Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam? Nothing but Benefit In reading salāh ‘alan nabī there is nothing but benefit for us: 1. Allāh ta‘ālā sends ten mercies upon a person who recites salāh ‘alan nabī once. 2. Ten sins are forgiven. 3. The person’s rank is raised by ten degrees. 4. Ten rewards are written for him. 5. There is acceptance of du‘ā where salāh ‘alan nabī is recited at the beginning and at the end. 6. The person will be blessed with the intercession of Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam. 7. Allāh will forgive his sins. 8. Allāh is pleased with him. 9. The person will be nearer to the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam on the Day of Judgement. 10. The person will have all his worries removed in this world and the Hereafter. The great luminary in the field of tazkiyah and ihsān, Shaykh-al-Hadīth, Shaykh, Mawlānā Muhammad Zakariyyā rahimahullāh would often receive letters regarding different problems, and he would reply with appropriate answers. However, one point he would emphasise on in every reply was to be punctual in the recitation of salāh ‘alan nabī. “There is a solution to every problem in sending salutations upon Muhammad sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam.” Daily Practice Finally, the great shaykh, Shaykh Mawlānā Rashīd Aḥmad Gangohī rahimahullāh would instruct that salāh ‘alan nabī be read a minimum of 300 times daily by every Muslim. In the beginning, we could read the shortest formula of salāh ‘alan nabī mentioned above. After that we should try to recite salāh ‘alan nabī with the most virtuous salāh ‘alan nabī mixed in after every 10-15 of the shortest formula. This figure of 300 should be increased on the day of Friday, as the day of Friday has a special affinity with the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam. May Allāh ta‘ālā enable us to read salāh ‘alan nabī in abundance and have true love and reverence for our beloved Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam. Source

“There was a companion of ours in Glasgow who became ill and was hospitalized. He was admitted for three days and on the fourth day the attendant nurse said, “Marry me”. He [the brother in Glasgow] asked, “Why? I am a Muslim, you and I cannot become companions.” She said, “I’ll become Muslim”. “What’s the reason?” it was asked. She said, “In all my time that I have served in hospitals, except you, I have never seen a man lower his gaze in front of a woman.” “In my life you are the first person who lowers his gaze when seeing a woman.” “I come, and you close your eyes. Such great modesty can be taught by none other than a true religion.” The protection of one’s gaze entered Islam in her. She became Muslim. They both got married. By now, that girl has become the means of bringing so many other girls into Islam. How many of the women there have become Muslim.” [Mawlana Tariq Jamil] http://sabil.wordpress.com/2007/05/04/a-nurse%e2%80%99s-proposal/

York Mosque praised for offering EDL protesters tea A mosque has been praised for serving tea and biscuits to English Defence League supporters after the far-right group arranged a demonstration there. About six people turned up to protest at the mosque in Bull Lane, York, on Sunday and were invited inside to play football with worshippers. More than 100 supporters of the mosque had gone there after learning of the planned EDL protest. Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu said the mosque's response was "fantastic". He said: "Tea, biscuits, and football are a great and typically Yorkshire combination when it comes to disarming hostile and extremist views." 'Proud moment' Father Tim Jones, who went to the Bull Lane mosque, which is situated in his parish, said: "I've always known they were intelligent and compassionate people and I think this has demonstrated the extent to which they are people of courage - certainly physical courage and also a high degree of moral courage. "I think the world can learn from what happened outside that ramshackle little mosque on Sunday." Hull Road ward councillor Neil Barnes said it had been a "proud moment for York". He said: "I don't think I'll ever forget the day that the York Mosque tackled anger and hatred with peace and warmth - and I won't forget the sight of a Muslim offering a protester tea and biscuits with absolute sincerity." Fears over a demonstration grew after Yorkshire EDL Scarborough Division posted a message on its Facebook page calling for supporters to gather outside the mosque. Imam Abid Salik said: "We did have a few people who did come to protest but when they came some of the members of the mosque went over and they engaged in a conversation. "Some people went over with cups of tea and biscuits, they were talking for about 30 or 40 minutes and then they came inside, which was a really, really beautiful thing." http://www.muftisays.com/forums/37-news-articles/7503-woolwich-murder-aftermath-and-the-media.html

Shaytaan got thrown out, forever accursed. What did he do wrong? He refused to perform Sajdah (prostrate)...he refused to make ONE Sajdah. How many Sujood do we refuse to make everyday? Something to think about!

wslm yes will have to type it up though...ia will post

wa'alaykumus salaam wishing you all the best too brother in Islam, May Allah ta'ala guide us all on the straight path and safeguard us from the ploys of shaytaan, aameen

March 7th, 2007 By Joanna Francis Writer, Journalist – USA Between the Israeli assault on Lebanon and the Zionist "war on terror," the Muslim world is now center stage in every American home. I see the carnage, death and destruction that have befallen Lebanon, but I also see something else: I see you. I can't help but notice that almost every woman I see is carrying a baby or has children around her. I see that though they are dressed modestly, their beauty still shines through. But it's not just outer beauty that I notice. I also notice that I feel something strange inside me: I feel envy. I feel terrible for the horrible experiences and war crimes that the Lebanese people have suffered, being targeted by our common enemy. But I can't help but admire your strength, your beauty, your modesty, and most of all, your happiness. Yes, it's strange, but it occurred to me that even under constant bombardment, you still seemed happier than we are, because you were still living the natural lives of women. The way women have always lived since the beginning of time. It used to be that way in the West until the 1960s, when we were bombarded by the same enemy. Only we were not bombarded with actual munitions, but with subtle trickery and moral corruption. Through Temptation They bombarded us Americans from Hollywood, instead of from fighter jets or with our own American-made tanks. They would like to bomb you in this way too, after they've finished bombing the infrastructure of your countries. I do not want this to happen to you. You will feel degraded, just like we do. You can avoid this kind of bombing if you will kindly listen to those of us who have already suffered serious casualties from their evil influence. Because everything you see coming out of Hollywood is a pack of lies, a distortion of reality, smoke and mirrors. They present casual sex as harmless recreation because they aim to destroy the moral fabric of the societies into which they beam their poisonous programming. I beg you not to drink their poison. There is no antidote for it once you have consumed it. You may recover partially, but you will never be the same. Better to avoid the poison altogether than to try to heal from the damage it causes. They will try to tempt you with their titillating movies and music videos, falsely portraying us American women as happy and satisfied, proud of dressing like prostitutes, and content without families. Most of us are not happy, trust me. Millions of us are on anti- depressant medication, hate our jobs, and cry at night over the men who told us they loved us, then greedily used us and walked away. They would like to destroy your families and convince you to have fewer children. They do this by presenting marriage as a form of slavery, motherhood as a curse, and being modest and pure as old-fashioned. They want you to cheapen yourself and lose your faith. They are like the Serpent tempting Eve with the apple. Don't bite. Self-Value I see you as precious gems, pure gold, or the "pearl of great value" spoken of in the Bible (Matthew 13: 45). All women are pearls of great value, but some of us have been deceived into doubting the value of our purity. Jesus said: "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you" (Matthew 7: 6). Our pearls are priceless, but they convince us that they're cheap. But trust me; there is no substitute for being able to look in the mirror and seeing purity, innocence and self-respect staring back at you. The fashions coming out of the Western sewer are designed to make you believe that your most valuable asset is your sexuality. But your beautiful dresses and veils are actually sexier than any Western fashion, because they cloak you in mystery and show self-respect and confidence. A woman's sexuality should be guarded from unworthy eyes, since it should be your gift to the man who loves and respects you enough to marry you. And since your men are still manly warriors, they deserve no less than your best. Our men don't even want purity anymore. They don't recognize the pearl of great value, opting for the flashy rhinestone instead. Only to leave her too! Your most valuable assets are your inner beauty, your innocence, and everything that makes you who you are. But I notice that some Muslim women push the limit and try to be as Western as possible, even while wearing a veil (with some of their hair showing). Why imitate women who already regret, or will soon regret, their lost virtue? There is no compensation for that loss. You are flawless diamonds. Don't let them trick you into becoming rhinestones. Because everything you see in the fashion magazines and on Western television is a lie. It is Satan's trap. It is fool's gold. A Woman's Heart I'll let you in on a little secret, just in case you're curious: pre- marital sex is not even that great. We gave our bodies to the men we were in love with, believing that that was the way to make them love us and want to marry us, just as we had seen on television growing up. But without the security of marriage and the sure knowledge that he will always stay with us, it's not even enjoyable! That's the irony. It was just a waste. It leaves you in tears. Speaking as one woman to another, I believe that you understand that already. Because only a woman can truly understand what's in another woman's heart. We really are all alike. Our race, religion or nationalities do not matter. A woman's heart is the same everywhere. We love. That's what we do best. We nurture our families and give comfort and strength to the men we love. But we American women have been fooled into believing that we are happiest having careers, our own homes in which to live alone, and freedom to give our love away to whomever we choose. That is not freedom. And that is not love. Only in the safe haven of marriage can a woman's body and heart be safe to love. Don't settle for anything less. It's not worth it. You won't even like it and you'll like yourself even less afterwards. Then he'll leave you. Self-Denial Sin never pays. It always cheats you. Even though I have reclaimed my honor, there's still no substitute for having never been dishonored in the first place. We Western women have been brainwashed into thinking that you Muslim women are oppressed. But truly, we are the ones who are oppressed; slaves to fashions that degrade us, obsessed with our weight, begging for love from men who do not want to grow up. Deep down inside, we know that we have been cheated. We secretly admire and envy you, although some of us will not admit it. Please do not look down on us or think that we like things the way they are. It's not our fault. Most of us did not have fathers to protect us when we were young because our families have been destroyed. You know who is behind this plot. Don't be fooled, my sisters. Don't let them get you too. Stay innocent and pure. We Christian women need to see what life is really supposed to be like for women. We need you to set the example for us, because we are lost. Hold onto your purity. Remember: you can't put the toothpaste back in the tube. So guard your "toothpaste" carefully! I hope you receive this advice in the spirit in which it is intended: the spirit of friendship, respect, and admiration. From your Christian sister with love. * This article is published with the kind permission of the author. The original can be found on Crescent and the Cross. Joanna Francis is a writer and journalist. She manages her own blog.

The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam supplicated to Allah: "Make the last part of my life its best, and let my last action be my best, and let my best day be the day I meet You." Tabrani

wa'alaykumus salaam sis Yes the soldier may have served there but Muslims cannot do what this person did taking the law into his own hands and that's what we're condemning.

assalaamu 'alaykum I don't know where you got this translation you've quoted from brother but its incorrect.....the following is a pdf from here: sabr.com/.../1-the-holy-quran-text-and-translations?...3%3Apickthall...pd...‎ and this is the translation from the PDF by Pickthall: (note the "in" in red) Surah 103. Al-Asr 1. By the declining day, 2. Lo! man is in a state of loss, 3. Save those who believe and do good works, and exhort one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance. And also I have the same translation as above in my copy here My advice is to access translations from safe sites only as the Qur'an and Hadith can be changed on the internet.

The following are reliable translations and commentaries: Qur'an made Easy by Mufti A. H. Elias Illuminating Discourses on the Noble Qur'an' By Mufti Aashiq Ilahi https://nmusba.wordpress.com/2013/02/06/illuminating-discourses-on-the-noble-quran-tafseer-anwarul-bayan-5-vols-set-by-shaykh-ashiq-ilahi-madni-r-a/ Ma'ariful Qur'an By Mufti Shafi Download http://www.islamicstudies.info/quran/maarif/maarif.php?sura=1 The Meaning of the Glorious Qur'an By Marmaduke Pickthall http://www.khayma.co...hall/index.html The Meaning of the Noble Qur'an By Shaykh Mufti Taqi Usmani http://www.islamicbu..._mufti_taqi.pdf http://freepdfhostin.../fbe989a93a.pdf

wa'alaykumus salaam w You have missed my point brother. Read this again I prefer to rely on the opinions of known and reliable scholars. if they say there exists mistakes in a certain translation then for my own safety it is best for me to not read that translation. Now how can I then discuss these issues being a layperson with no knowledge of Arabic or any of the sciences with another layperson? Brother we do not encourage such discussions here. Please refrain from posting links to sites, the content of which is unrelaibale. Jazaakallah

"I am as My Servant Thinks (expects) I am." The Prophet (Sallallahu 'alayhi wasallma) said, “Allah the Most High said, ‘I am as My servant thinks (expects) I am. I am with him when he mentions Me. If he mentions Me to himself, I mention him to Myself; and if he mentions Me in an assembly, I mention him in an assembly greater than it. If he draws near to Me a hand’s length, I draw near to him an arm’s length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed.’” [sahih Al-Bukhari] Commentary: The Scholars (may Allah have mercy upon them) commented on the above Hadith Qudsi, where the Prophet (Salallahu 'alayhi wasallam) said that Allah said, “I am as my slave expects Me to be”: Ibn Hajar (may Allah have Mercy upon him) said: “meaning, I am able to do whatever he expects I will do.” [Fath al-Bari] Imam Nawawi (may Allah have Mercy upon him) said: “The scholars say that expecting the best of Allah is to expect that He will have Mercy on him and relieve him of hardship.” [sharh Sahih Muslim] Imam Nawawi (may Allah have Mercy upon him) also said: “al-Qadi ‘Iyad said that this means He will forgive him if he seeks such, will accept his repentance if he repents, will answer him if he supplicates, and will suffice him if he asks for something. It is also said that it refers to having hope and longing for relief, and this is more correct.” [sharh Sahih Muslim] Ahmad bin ‘Umar al-Qurtubi (may Allah have Mercy upon him) said: “It is said that His Saying “I am as my slave expects Me to be” means if one expects an answer when he supplicates, his repentance to be accepted, something repugnant to be repelled from him, his deeds to be accepted that are performed with their proper conditions…And this is supported by his saying: “Call upon Allah while you are certain that you will be answered.” Likewise, it is incumbent upon the one who repents, seeks Forgiveness, and does good deeds to exert himself in fulfilling his obligations while he is certain that Allah will accept his actions and Forgive his sins, as Allah has promised that He will accept any truthful repentance and righteous deeds. So, whoever performs such a deed and believes and expects that Allah will not accept it and that it will not benefit him, this is despair from the Mercy of Allah, and is from greatest of the major sins. Whoever dies upon this will be delivered to that which he expected.” [Al-Mufhim li ma Ushkil min Talkhis Kitab Muslim] Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have Mercy upon him) said: “Most people – in fact, all of them except those protected by Allah – assume other than the truth, and assume the worst. Most people believe that they are deprived of their rights, have bad luck, deserve more than what Allah gave them, and it is as if they are saying: ‘My Lord has wronged me and deprived me of what I deserve,’ and his soul bears witness to this while his tongue denies it and refuses to openly state this. And whoever digs into his soul and comes to know its ins and outs will see this in it like fire in a triggered explosion…And if you dig into anyone’s soul, you will see that he blames fate and would rather have something else happen to him than what actually did, and that things should be this way or that…So, dig into your own self: are you protected from this? If you are safe from this, you have been protected from something great. Otherwise, I do not see that you have been saved.” [Zad al-Ma’ad] Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have Mercy upon him) also said: “The more you have good expectations of your Lord and hope in Him, the more you will rely on and trust in Him. This is why some explained true reliance and trust to be having good expectations of Allah. In reality, having good expectations of Him leads to relying on and trusting in Him, as it is unthinkable that one can trust in someone that he has bad expectations of or no hope in, and Allah Knows best.” [Tahdhib Madarij as-Salikin] He (may Allah have Mercy upon him) also said: “The one who hopes in Allah should always be optimistic, cautious, and hopeful in Allah’s bounty, expecting the best from Him.” [Tahdhib Madarij as-Salikin] Sayyid Qutb (may Allah have Mercy upon him) said: “As for the believers whose hearts are connected to Allah, whose souls are close to Him, who experience His constant bounty – they do not despair of the Mercy of Allah even if they are surrounded on all sides by disaster and severe hardship. The believer is in the mercy of the shade of his faith, the pleasure of his connection to his Lord, and the tranquillity of his confidence in his Guardian even when he is in the throes of hardship and disaster.” He (may Allah have Mercy upon him) also said: “The believing heart assumes the best of its Lord, and always expects the best from Him. It expects good from Him in times of ease and times of hardship, and it believes that Allah wants good for him in either situation. The secret of this is that his heart is connected to Allah, and the flow of good from Allah is never cut off. So, whenever the heart is connected to Him, it touches upon this fundamental reality and experiences it in a direct and sweet way.” [Fi Dhilal al-Qur’an] Some of the Salaf (may Allah have mercy upon him) said: “Whenever a crisis comes your way, utilise your good expectations of Allah in order to repel it. This will bring you closer to relief.” [al-Faraj Ba’d ash-Shiddah] Sa’id bin Jubayr (may Allah have Mercy upon him) would supplicate: “O Allah, I ask you to grant me true reliance on You and good expectations of You.” [siyar A’lam an-Nubala] ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud (radi Allahu anhu) said: “By the One besides Who none is worthy of worship, the believer is not given anything good better than his good expectations of Allah, and by the One besides Who none is worthy of worship, no servant of Allah expects good of Him except that Allah gives him what he expected, since all good is in His Hand.” [Husn adh-Dhann bi Allah] Sufyan ath-Thawri (may Allah have Mercy upon him) would say: “I do not want to be judged by my father, as my Lord is better to me than my father.” [Husn adh-Dhann bi Allah] ‘Ammar bin Yusuf (may Allah have Mercy on him) said: “I saw Hasan bin Salih in a dream, and I said: “I was hoping to meet you! What can you inform us of?” He replied: “I give you the glad tidings that I see nothing better than to have good expectations of Allah.” [Husn adh-Dhann bi Allah] And Allah knows best! Taken from Here

Brother, I'm not a scholar so I cannot discuss and "compare" Qur'an translations and commentaries. It would be very foolish of me indeed if I start discussions on issues I have no knowledge of. Therefore it is best on to rely on Ulama who are pious and knowledgeable in many sciences of Islam. As far as the Maududi translation is concerned please read the first post. I do not make decisions while relying on my own understanding but on the verdicts of Scholars. I apologise for nor adding Maududi sahib Here but it has now been added. I hope this is helpful. The following are reliable translations and commentaries which I know of: Illuminating Discourses on the Noble Qur'an' Mufti Aashiq Ilahi Ma'ariful Qur'an by Mufti Shafi Qur'an made Easy by Mufti A. H. Elias The Meaning of the Noble Qur'an by Mufti Taqi Usmani The Meaning of the Glorious Qur'an by Mohammad Pickthall inshaAllah will to the list

Mufti Taqi Usmani (Damat Barakutuhum) states in his discourses: "The modern culture and civilisation have a queer philosophy. If a woman is preparing food in her house for her husband and children, this is retrogression outmodedness. If the same woman becomes an, air hostess and serves the passengers becoming a target for their covetous glances, this is called freedom and modernism. If a woman stays in her house and manages the household affairs for her parents, sisters and brothers, this is called captivity and disgrace. On the other hand if she takes the job of a sales-girl in a shop and attracts the customers with her bewitching smiles and serves humbly her officers in an office is freedom and an honour. This is all condemnable."

Masha-Allah, these talks do not just condemn the actions of 2 extremists in Woolwich so as to be accused of being "sellout Imaams" but take the issue head on with all the pertinent factors involved. They chide the media and the government in sidelining the devote Muslims who follow Islaam only to be labelled an extremist. The dreaded foreign policy for fomenting this hatred in the first place. Mawlana Shams (Ebrahim College) Sermon describing his meeting with the deputy prime minister - Woolwich Murder - Not in Our Name by Mufti Abdur Rahman ibn Yusuf Source

At IslamicTeachings we do not allow the tafseer of Maududi sahib. Please see below: http://maududiexamined.wordpress.com/ There is a brief review of Maududi’s life and works, by the late Muhaddith of Pakistan: Shaykh Muhammad Yusuf Banuri, ['The Maududi Calamity'] in the following words : “I admired many things about Maududi Saheb and detested many. For a long time I did not wish to degrade him. I felt that from his innovated style of presentation the modern generation could benefit. Although at times such compositions appeared from him that it was not possible to endure it, but taking into consideration the Deeni (religious) well being, I tolerated and kept silent. I did not foresee that this fitnah (mischief) would spread worldwide and have a detrimental effect on the Arab world; that every day from his master pen new buds would keep on blossoming, and indecent words would be used regarding the Sahabah kiraam Ridhwanullahi Alayhim and the Anbiyya (Prophets) Alayhimus Salaam. Later on, such things appeared commonly in the Tafhimul Quraan. Now it has become known without doubt that his writings and publications are the greatest fitnah of the present time, notwithstanding a few beneficial treatises that have appeared. It is the case of, ‘and the sin of them is greater than their usefulness.’[surah al-Baqara: 219] Now that stage has been reached where to keep silent seems to be a great crime. It is regretted that for forty years an offensive silence was kept. Now the time has dawned, where without fear of rebuttal and censure all his writings from A to Z should be thoroughly studied with a view to fulfill the demands for the preservation of the Deen with Haqq (truth) and justice.” May Allah accept this small effort and protect the Ummah from misguidance. Aameen.

لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ وَهُوَ حَيٌّ لَا يَمُوتُ بِيَدِهِ الْخُيْرُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٍ Translation: There is no Lord except Allah. He is One and has no partners. His is the Kingdom and for Him are all praises. He gives life and gives death. He is eternal and everlasting In His control is goodness, and He has power over everything. (Tirmidhi) idealwoman.org

Question: Is fashion shows and high teas encouraged in islam where women leave their homes and dress up to participate in these events especially prior to Ramadaan. please advise me from both a taqwa as well as fatwa level. Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. A woman is permitted to leave her home out of a necessity that is valid in Shari’ah. Attending to exhibit in a fashion show and high teas is not a valid excuse in Shari’ah for a woman to leave her home. Therefore, even from a fatwa point of view it is not permissible. Furthermore, we have heard of many unislamic factors in such shows. And Allah knows best; Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

By: Sheikh Mufti Ebrahim Desai (Hafidhahullah) Pregnancy is a great bounty of Allah Ta’ala. The condition of pregnancy is also a great act of Ibadah. When a woman is performing Salaah, she is engaged in Ibadah only while she is in Salaah. Once the Salaah is over, she is not engaged in the Ibadah of Salaah. Similarly when one is engaged in Zikr, that act of worship is confined to the time one is engaged in that act of worship. When one finishes the Tilaawat of the Quran or finishes Zikr, that form of worship has ended. The form of worship in pregnancy is unique. A pregnant woman carrying a child in her womb and overcoming all the challenges that come with the pregnancy, nausea, hormonal imbalances, mood swings, diet imbalances etc, are all acts of Ibadah throughout her term of pregnancy. In 10 months, which is translated to 300 days, 7, 200 hours, 432,000 minutes, 25,920,000 seconds, in every moment she is in Ibadah. Furthermore, a pregnant woman’s minor sins are forgiven. If she makes intentions of Taubah in her pregnancy, her major sins will also be forgiven. By the time she ends her pregnancy, she is like a newborn child just like her newly born child. It is just like she returned from an accepted Hajj, where she has said Labbayk and seen the Ka’bah Shareef. When a woman is pregnant, she says Labbayk to all the challenges that come with it and she witnesses the Qudrah (power) of Allah in her child.

Dear sisters, I would like to invite all women to join me on a quest to understand and acknowledge the beauty of Hijaab. In this article, I will point out: 1. Reasons for donning the Hijaab 2. Criteria to be met in fulfilling the requirements of Hijaab 3. Reasons for aversion from Hijaab 1. Reasons for donning the Hijaab:As Muslims, we submit ourselves to the commands of Allah Ta’ala and the guidance of Rasulullah Sallallāhu Alayhi Wasallam.Each person, regardless of age, gender or status will be judged on the Day of Reckoning according to his or her actions and intentions. NOBODY is exempt from the divine laws of Allah Ta’ala. The Hijaab is a divine injunction placed upon fellow sisters who have are regarded as adults in terms of Shariah, through attaining puberty or 15 years of age if puberty is delayed. Every woman needs to understand that it is a law of Allah Ta’ ala and to don the Hijaab. Through donning the Hijaab she will Insha’Allah: Earn Allah’s pleasure Define her role as a woman Maintain her modesty, dignity and honour Retain her identity as a ‘ Believing woman” Protect herself from the harsh elements Protect herself from the glances of men who are not her mahrams ( thus removing the fear of fitnah) Islam preserves the modesty, beauty and worth of women. We have been commanded in the Quran to lower our gazes and to draw our cloaks(veils) over our bodies (Hijaab). We have been commanded not to exhibit ourselves or to mix freely with non mahrams. A rose smelled too often loses its fragrance. It is mentioned In Abu Dawud Rasulullah Sallallāhu Alayhi Wasallam, indicated to Asma (Radi Allahu Anha) that when a girl reaches the age of puberty, she should cover herself except for 2 areas, to which he pointed to the face and hands. In these times of fitna when people’s passions are aroused in various ways, the Ulama have ruled that the Niqaab or Purdah (face covering) is Waajib. 2. Criteria to be met in fulfilling the requirements of Hijaab:Hijaab must be: Loose fitting Non revealing ie: thick and not transparent Not resemble that of men’s clothing or the disbelieving women Not for pomp or show Not be perfumed It may be of any colour. Many women opt for the black abayas as they are concealing, least attention seeking and easily available commercially. You are not wearing Hijaab if you: Beautify yourself with the curse of the ‘camel hump’ style Hijab/Scarve. Wear abayas or veils which are stretchy material, tie backs or tight fitting Wear transparent scarves or abayas Wear fitted leggings, short sleeves, deep necks, short tops etc with scarves and no cloak Wear ‘migrating’ scarves which sit on your head exposing a lot of hair, or which otherwise sits on the shoulders. 3. Reasons for aversion from Hijaab:Sadly, many sisters cite the following as ‘reasons’ for not donning the Hijaab: I’m not ready for it. Maybe when I’m older I don’t want to be a hypocrite and look holy when I am not It is so hot, so I am afraid that when I put it on I will not have the willpower to continue with it and will stop. How can I wear it to work? I don’t want to be labelled a fundamentalist! But if I cover up, then my husband will gaze at other women and what if he leaves me because of the Hijaab? And besides, where is the proof that we need to cover up anyway? All these excuses have no merit in them. We are ambassadors for our Deen. We are the flag bearers of Islam! We are the flag bearers of Haqq! As a professional, I can vouch that Hijaab can still be maintained at the workplace, as many sisters wear it with pride. It is hot in summer, yes. But surely we can choose to wear light cotton clothing underneath our non revealing abayas. Do not think about falling off the wagon, because if you do then you most likely will. Think positive thoughts that the Almighty will be pleased with you and that His pleasure is above all else. And to my dear sisters who will wait until after marriage to wear the Hijaab or who refuse to wear it because of fear of divorce, do not become a slave to your suspicion. Be stylish at home and ignore the whisperings of Shaytaan. Keep your faith strong and seek help from Allah Ta’ala. Written by: Sister Ayesha Vadia Moola for Idealwoman.org