ummtaalib

Part Seventeen Glad Tidings of Jannah Hazrat Abu Moosa (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) narrates the following: I was once in the blessed company of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in one of the orchards of Madinah Munawwarah when a person came and sought permission to enter the orchard. Hearing the person’s request, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said to me, “Allow him to enter and give him the glad tidings of a high stage in Jannah.” I thus opened the door for the person and found him to be none other than Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). I conveyed to him the glad tidings which Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had mentioned, at which he praised Allah Ta‘ala in gratitude. Soon thereafter, another person came and requested to enter the orchard. Hearing his request, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said to me, “Allow him to enter and give him the glad tidings of a high stage in Jannah.” I thus opened the door for the person, and found that he was none other than Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). I conveyed to him the glad tidings which Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had mentioned, at which he praised Allah Ta‘ala in gratitude. After some time, another person sought permission to enter the orchard. Rasululah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said to me, “Allow him to enter, and give him the glad tidings of a high stage in Jannah, together with a trial that he will face.” When I opened the door, I found that the person was none other than Hazrat ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). I informed him of what Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had mentioned, at which he praised Allah Ta‘ala in gratitude and then said, “From Allah alone do we seek assistance.” (Saheeh Bukhaari #3693)

Benefits of Smiling! The Messenger of Allah Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said, “To smile in the company of your brother is charity.” (Bukhari) It seems that nothing has more power to elevate a mood than the impact of a genuine smile. The benefits of a smile extend not only to the recipient of the warm gesture but also to the smile’s originator. “A smile is a little curve that sets a lot of things straight.” 1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive – People are spending millions on cosmetic products and procedures to make them look better. If you want to look better, try adding a genuine smile. It’s cheaper and much more attractive. The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don’t go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day — you’ll look younger and feel better. 2. Smiling Changes Our Mood - Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There’s a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood. 3. Smiling Is Contagious - When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. 4. Smiling Relieves Stress - Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps prevents us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you’ll be better able to take action. Smiling helps to promote release of a “feel good” group of hormones called endorphins. These are the same group of hormones responsible for the runners high you hear so much about. If you don’t have time to get to the gym for a hard run, try adding a smile to boost these natural, stress relieving hormones. 5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System - Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling. 6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure - When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference? 7. Smiling is medication - Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug and leads to a healthier immune system. Various studies conducted over the years have shown that smiling can boost the functioning of the immune system. This may help to reduce your risk of developing everything from the common cold to chronic diseases such as cancer. Could there be a less expensive medicine than this? 8. A smile inspires others - When you smile you also send a positive message that can potentially change someone else’s mood for the better. The person you graced with your smile may go on to pass the kindness to someone else. Who knows how far your original smile will travel? 9. Smiling promotes Success - Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.When you smile, you appear confident and capable. Given the choice between two equally qualified job candidates, the smiling candidate is going to be perceived as being more of a team player and easier to work with. Who do you think is more likely to get the job offer? 10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive -Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It’s hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that “Life is Good!” Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling. Smile!!! It does not cost a cent and can make a person’s day! “It takes seventeen muscles to smile and forty-three to frown”. The greatest reason for smiling is because it is a sunnah [practice] of our Beloved Messenger of Allah Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. The Messenger of Allah had a smiling face and advised us to entertain our guest with a smiling face and good conduct. Posted by E ISLAM Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Part Sixteen Purchasing a Well in Jannah When the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) migrated to Madeenah Munawwarah, the water that was found in Madeenah Munawwarah was difficult for them to drink due it being bitter. However, there was a Jew who had a well of sweet water named Roomah, and he used to sell the water of this well to the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum). Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) asked the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum), “Who will buy the well of Roomah and donate it to the Muslims so that he will be equal to them in drawing its water, and he will receive a well in Jannah in exchange?” Hazrat ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) went to the Jew who was the owner of the well and offered to purchase Roomah from him. However, the Jew refused to sell the entire well, and instead sold half of the well to Hazrat ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) for twelve thousand dirhams. Hazrat ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) immediately donated it to the Muslims, and then said to the Jew, “If you wish, we can hang two buckets (so that we can both use the well at the same time), or if you prefer, I will use it on one day and you will use it on the next day.” The Jew replied that he preferred to alternate days with Hazrat ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). Thereafter, when it was the day of Hazrat ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), the Muslims would come to the well and draw sufficient water to last them for two days. Seeing that the Muslims were no longer buying water from him, the Jew said to Hazrat ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), “You have spoilt my well (as I can no longer sell the water to people)! Buy the other half from me.” Hazrat ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) thus purchased the other half of the well from him for eight thousand dirhams. (Istee‘aab vol. 3 pg. 157)

Part Fifteen Glad Tidings of Martyrdom Hazrat Anas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) once ascended the Mountain of Uhud with Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and Hazrat ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). The mountain then began to tremble and shake (out of the excitement of these blessed personalities placing their feet on it). Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) stamped his mubaarak foot on the mountain and addressed it saying, “Be still, O Uhud, for upon you are none other than a Nabi, a Siddeeq and two martyrs.” (Saheeh Bukhaari #3686)

Take a lesson from the farmer's donkey!!! One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey. He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off! MORAL : Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up. Remember the five simple rules to be happy: 1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive. 2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happens. 3. Live simply and appreciate what you have. 4. Give more. 5. Expect less from people but more from yourself. You have two choices... smile and close this page, or pass this along to someone else to share the lesson

For those not able to do Hajj, reflect on the beautiful words of Imam ibn Rajab al-Hanbali (Rahimuhullaah) who said... "Whoever is not able to stop at Arafah, then stop at the limits of Allaah He has set. Whoever is not able to spend the night at Muzdalifah, let him spend the night in obedience to Allaah to come close and attain nearness to Him. Whoever is not able to slaughter at Minaa, then let him slaughter his desires so by it he can reach his objective. Whoever was never able to reach the house because it is far, then proceed towards The Lord of the Ka'bah, for He is closer to him than the jugular vein." Lataaif al Ma'arij. p633

What do you do all day?? A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pyjamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and 20 wrappers strewn all around the front yard. The door of his wife's car was open, and so too the front door to the house and there was no sign of the dog. Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall. In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing. In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door. He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife.. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened. He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls. As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pyjamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went.. He looked at her bewildered and asked, 'What happened here today?' She again smiled and answered, 'You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world I do all day?' 'Yes,' was his incredulous reply. She answered, 'Well, today I didn't do it.'

The Advice of Hazrat Eesa (Alayhis Salaam) وعن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما عن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم أن عيسى عليه السلام قال إنما الأمور ثلاثة أمر تبين لك رشده فاتبعه وأمر تبين غيه فاجنتنبه وأمر اختلف فيه فرده إلى عالم رواه الطبراني في الكبير بإسناد لا بأس به (الترغيب والترهيب 1/184) Hazrat ibn Abbaas (Radhiyallahu Anhuma) reports from Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) that Hazrat Eesa (Alayhis Salaam) said: “There are three types of matters. 1) A matter which its being righteous and good is clear to you, thus you should follow it. 2) A matter which its misguidance and wrong is clear to you, thus you should abstain from it. 3) A matter which is unclear and there is a difference in regard to it, thus in this situation you should refer it to a rightly guided Aalim (and seek his guidance).” ihyauddeen.co.za

A Unique Bank Account! www.eislam.co.za Imagine you had a bank account that deposited $86,400 each morning. The account carries over no balance from day to day, allows you to keep no cash balance, and every evening cancels whatever part of the amount you had failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw out every dollar each day! We all have such a bank. Its name is Time. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever time you have failed to use wisely. It carries over no balance from day to day. It allows no overdraft so you can’t borrow against yourself or use more time than you have. Each day, the account starts fresh. Each night, it destroys an unused time. If you fail to use the day’s deposits, it’s your loss and you can’t appeal to get it back. There is never any borrowing time. You can’t take a loan out on your time or against someone else’s. The time you have is the time you have and that is that. Time management is yours to decide how you spend the time, just as with money you decide how you spend the money. It is never the case of us not having enough time to do things, but the case of whether we want to do them and where they fall in our priorities. Allah Ta’ala, The Most Wise says: “By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.” (Quran, 103: 1-3) The Messenger of Allah Ta’ala Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: “There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) health and free time for doing good” (Hadith- Bukhari). “I will pass this way but once, so let me do whatever good I can now for I may never pass this way again!”

Sterling advices of Sayyiduna Umar (Radhiyallahu Anhu) The famous Taabi’ee, Saeed ibn Musayyab (Rahimahullah) reports that Sayyiduna Umar (Radhiyallahu Anhu) laid down guidelines for the people, each one filled with wisdom: 1. Always assume the best about your brother unless you learn something about him that you cannot reconcile. 2. Never assume the worst about any statement that a Muslim makes as long as you are able to make a good interpretation. 3. One who exposes himself to suspicion must never blame anyone who holds a bad opinion of him. 4. Whoever guards his secrets will retain the choice [and control of it] in his hands. 5. Ensure that you keep true friends to stay under their wings because they are a source of beauty during times of prosperity and a means of protection during times of hardship. 6. Ensure that you speak the truth even if it leads to your death. 7. Never delve into matters that do not concern you. 8. Do not ask about matters that have not occurred because that which has already taken place is enough to keep you occupied from that which has not. 9. Never seek your needs from one who does not love to see your success. 10. Never keep the company of a sinner, as you will learn his sinful ways. 11. Keep away from your enemy. 12 & 13. Beware even of your friends, except for the trustworthy one and none can be trustworthy unless he fears Allah. 14. Be humble in speech. 15. Lower yourself in obedience of Allah. 16. Stand firm against His disobedience. 17. Consult in your matters those who fear Allah, indeed Allah says: "It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah." (Surah Faatir, Verse: 28) (Rawdatul ‘Uqala of Imam Ibn Hibban, pg.82-83 with a chain of reliable narrators) Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

The Soccer World Cup From another corner... by Moulana Imraan Khamissa (Executive Member - Jamiatul Ulama KZN) At this critical juncture we find ourselves in a period where the talks, discussions, topics of conversation and focus of media networks, newspapers and various media centres around the Soccer World Cup. Many people would spend large sums of hard earned money to witness this spectacle live, while others would spend hours of valuable time glued to the television watching every move of their favourite team. I would like to draw a parallel between the World Cup and our lives as Muslims. It is really amazing how players engaged in a football match or any other code of sport find their lives guided and governed by the rules of the game. They are cognisant of the fact that if the rules are broken or the laws are flouted penalties would follow. The player is guided by the lines and boundaries and parameters of the game which he plays. As Muslims we have been sent for a greater purpose, the lines and boundaries that govern us are the lines and boundaries chalked out for us by Allah Ta’ala. Allah says in the Glorious Quran: “These are the boundaries set by Allah, do not transgress them.” (Surah 2 Verse 229) How strange it is that a person is so mindful about the 2 linesman watching his actions from either side of the field while he is unmindful of the Kiraaman Kaatibeen, on either side of his shoulder, writing all his actions. How strange it is that a person would dare not touch the ball with his hand in the penalty area for fear of the referee penalizing him, while he dares to venture into touching that which Allah has prohibited him from, without any fear of impunity or repercussions. How strange it is that a person on the soccer field is so cautious about not being caught off side, while he does not care if Allah catches him in places where he is not supposed to be. How strange it is that when a free kick of the opposing team is so dangerously placed that it is a threat to the goals, players rally together to form a line of defence, while we do not think of standing together to resist the onslaught on Islam from those opposing the deen. Allah says in the Holy Quran: “Indeed Allah loves those who fight in His Cause, in rows as if they are a solid structure.” (Surah 61 Verse 4) How strange it is that we would do whatever it takes to be like our sporting heroes in terms of dress code , hairstyle and external appearances, to show our identity and loyalty; but there is nothing in us to show that we are the followers of the Greatest Nabi Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). How strange it is that a person fears the yellow warning card of the referee but fails to respond to the mild reprimands that have come from Allah in the form of trials and tribulations; the yellow card in the form of some sickness, the yellow card in the form of death in the family, the yellow card in the form of some financial loss, the yellow card in the form of a narrow escape from an accident or the yellow card in the form of relief from life threatening situation. How strange it is that we are wary about the red card of the referee which would signify suspension or expulsion for a short period from the field of play, but totally unconcerned about those actions that would shift us out from Jannah for ever. How strange it is that a person understands that after the final whistle is blown no matter how many goals are scored they cannot count in his favour, but the same person fails to understand that when the final whistle for his life is blown no more good deeds could be added to his account for the Aakhirah. How strange it is that a person would never think of putting his team at a disadvantage by scoring his own goal, but thinks nothing about doing harm to his own deen by his very own actions. How strange is that a player is concerned about the millions of people around the world watching him in action but he seems to be unperturbed about the day when every deed of his will be played out in front of mankind on the Day of Qiyaamah. Remember my dear brothers, the matches in the World cup may go into injury time but as far as our life is concerned our time span in this world would not end a second earlier nor delayed a second later. "...when their appointed time comes they cannot delay it for a moment nor can they bring it any earlier.” (Surah 16 Ayat 61) Sometimes a person is at the mouth of the goals but fails to put the ball at the back of the net. We say “He missed a sitter”, “He missed a golden opportunity”. How often has Allah presented us with golden opportunities to gain nearness to him with the opportunity to look after aged parents, opportunities to assist the needy, opportunities to perform Salaah, opportunities to give charity, opportunity to smile or reconcile friendship and family ties and opportunities to turn to him in repentance. Shaytaan is playing a more dangerous game with us. He is sure to sit on our path tackling and defending ensuring that we do not reach our goal. How often have we heard of a team scoring in the final seconds of a game to clinch victory. Shaytaan will continue to try to snatch away our Imaan until the final throes of death. Our defences have to be on full alert at all times. As Muslims we should not be running after the World Cup. Rather we should actually be vying with each other for the cups that surround the pond of Kauthar from the Mubaarak hands of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). If only we would make Allah our Goal, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) our Model and the Quran our book of rules and regulations, we would be heading in the right direction. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

What’s After Ramadan Yesterday, Muslims were waiting for Ramadan, however, today they are saying goodbye to it, as if this month were moments long. And as this month passed quickly, life does, and so people die and move to the hereafter. The end of Ramadan reminds us with the closeness of death. The end of Ramadan reminds us with the saying of the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam), “Live in this world like a stranger or a bye-passer”. Ibn Omar used to say, “If you wake up, don’t wait for the evening, and if you reach the evening, don’t wait for the morning. Take advantage of your good health and your life”. (Al Bukhari). The Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) also said, “My example in this life is just like a traveler who takes shelter under a tree and then leaves it and goes”.(Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah and al-Hakim) What is there after Ramadan? Do the lessons of Ramadan end with it, or continue after it? To answer this question, we shall briefly go over these lessons: Fasting: We’ve learned from fasting how to soften our souls and break their desires and performing the concept of Uboodiyah to Allah alone. The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) encouraged us to continue fasting six days during the month of Shawwal when he said, “Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan and he follows it with six days of Shawwal as if he fast the whole year” (Sahîh Muslim (1163)). It was the tradition of the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) to fast Mondays, Thursdays, three days of each lunar moth, the day of Arafah, Ashourah and most of Sha’ban and Muharram. Praying Taraweeh: Praying at night was the habit of the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) all his life, and he used to encourage his followers to do so. He (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) said, “Do qiyam-ul-lail, the night prayer; it used to be the good deeds of the pious people before you. It draws you closer to your Lord, it causes your sins to be forgiven, and it causes you to avoid doing bad deeds”(Reported by al-Tirmidhi and Ahmad). Allah Ta'ala describes his pious servants that “they used to sleep a little at night” in Surat Al-Sajdah. The recitation of the Quran: Do not stop reading the Quran after Ramadan. We made reading the Quran, and spending a few minutes per day to recite or listen to it, a part of our daily schedule. Make this habit live longer than this one month so you can be amongst those whom Prophet Muhammad described, "Read the Qur'an, for verily it will come on the Day of Judgment as an intercessor for its companions." (Muslim). Charity: Allah Ta'ala says, “those who spend their wealth day and night, secretly and publicly, their reward is with their lord…’(2:274). The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) was very generous, like wind loaded with rain. Remember that Allah Ta'ala will compensate you for what you spend, and that spending is a sign of having Eeman. Spending from your wealth will benefit you in your life and in the hereafter. The Messenger of Allah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) said, “When the son of Adam dies, his deeds will be terminated except in case of one of these three: a continual charity, or a beneficial knowledge, or a pious son who prays for his father.(Muslim) Abandoning the Evil: Abandoning the evil and committing sins is a must in Ramadan and outside Ramadan. It is the deed of the people of true faith. There is no goodness in a Muslim who doesn’t do evil in Ramadan but as soon as Ramadan ends, he goes back to his evil deeds. Knowing that Eid is an excellent chance to wash the hearts from hatred and bad feeling, the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) says, “It’s not allowed for a Muslim to avoid his brother over three nights. They both meet, but this turns away and that turns away, and the best of them is the one who initiates Salam”. So be better than your brother and initiate the Salam (Bukhari). I ask Allah Ta'ala to bless you all, to accept our Ibadah, and to free us all from the hellfire. Ameen. Islaaminfo

A Motivational Eid Story-The Caliph and the New Clothes The little boy came running to his mother crying with a request. “Jarir and Mughiz have both got new clothes for Eid. Can I have some new clothes as well?” The mother picked him up and wiped his tears. Their mother, Fatima bint Abdul Malik(RA), was no ordinary woman. Her father, grandfather and each of her four brothers were at one time or another Caliph and leader of the Muslim Ummah. In fact, her own husband was the present Caliph, Umar ibn Abdul Aziz(RA) – who ruled the world’s largest empire that stretched from the Atlantic to the Indian oceans. She promised him that she would check with his father to see if he could have new clothes for Eid. When Umar ibn Abdul Aziz returned home, his wife related her sons request to him. The Caliph had a pained look in his eyes. “Fatima, you know how much I value my children, but all the money I have is in front of you”, he said motioning towards the sparsely furnished hut. Though a Caliph, Umar took care to live honestly and did much to ensure justice. Fatima agreed with her husband, but she said that maybe it would be possible to buy very cheap clothes for him and he would just be happy with something new to wear. The tears have left satins on his cheeks. Finally, the Caliph, saddened by the plight, agreed and wrote a letter to his treasurer requesting that his pay be advanced a month early so that he could buy his child something to wear on Eid. But the honest and pious Caliph had an equally honest treasurer who wrote a letter in reply to the Caliph. The Caliph read the letter with tears flowing from his eyes: “Amir Ul-Mumineen, I have great respect for you and I trust and obey you completely. However, if you could guarantee to me that you will live through the next month and do your service to the people (which will entitle you to your pay) then the money can be advanced to you. If you cannot give the assurance of your life, then how can the treasury pay you and why are you taking the rights of the poor, orphans and widows onto your shoulders?” Caliph Umar ibn Abdul Aziz realised his mistake. Fatima bint Abdul Malik, washed the old clothes. The day of Eid arrived and the whole area of Damascus was buzzing with joy and celebration with people clad in their new attires. Caliph Umar ibn Abdul Aziz also set out for the Eid Prayer holding the hand of his son, both father and son wearing their clean old clothing. The young boy’s face shone brightly, as he walked alongside his father, convinced that the eternal pleasure and comforts of Jannah (Paradise) are by far superior to the comforts of this temporary world. One has to wonder if they were made from the same dust as us. Once we (Muslims) were kings on this Earth, but it wasn’t because we were large in number that we were respected. It wasn’t because we were powerful that we were victorious. It wasn’t because we were successful that we were admired. It wasn’t because our women were beautiful that they were treated with honour and dignity. It wasn’t because we were intelligent that our example was emulated. It was all due to the faith of Islam and the practical implementation of its pristine priciples! Sometimes, it’s worthwhile reflecting on how far we’ve fallen so we know how high we need to climb!< /o:p> WhatsApp : If you would like to receive E ISLAM WhatsApp Motivational Messages please send us a message with your NAME and CITY /COUNTRY via WhatsApp to +27 74 582 7786

Aameen to the Du'a! Eid Mubarak to all our members!

Jamiatul Ulama KZN Eid Message We feel a sense of great sadness as the blessed month of Ramadaan departs, its beautiful days and its fragrant nights. We will soon leave the special month of the Qur’an, the month of piety, patience, mercy, and forgiveness. May the departure of Ramadaan find us as better individuals than we were at its commencement. The Day of Eid is a day of great joy and happiness for the Ummah. It is a day wherein we are encouraged to enjoy the Halaal bounties of Allah that we had refrained from for specified times during Ramadaan. Such is Allah’s compassion for His servants on this day that fasting, which is an act of great virtue, is prohibited on the day of Eid. On this occasion one and all should enjoy the bounties of Allah. While the day of Eid is a day of immense happiness, we cannot remove the sense of sadness that touches our hearts at the thoughts of our suffering brethren in many parts of the world especially in Syria, Rohingya, Kashmir, Yemen, Afghanistan, in many parts of Africa as well as our Brothers and Sisters who are incarcerated unjustly in so many parts of the world. O’ most Kind and Merciful Allah, fill their hearts with peace and joy on the Day of Eid. Restrain the hands of the oppressors and grant peace and happiness to the Muslim Ummah, Ameen. The Jamiatul Ulama KZN takes this opportunity of wishing the Muslim Ummah a most joyous and spiritually uplifting Eid. We also take the opportunity of expressing our heartfelt gratitude to our well-wishers, donors and sponsors. May Allah Ta’ala reward you abundantly, Ameen. Eid Mubaarak, Taqabballallaahu Minnaa wa Minkum. Have a blessed Eid and may Allah accept from us all, Ameen. Ahmed Yusuf Mahomedy Ameer – Jamiatul Ulama KZN

The Night Before Eid Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has said; The night of Eidul Fitr, the night that is called Laylatul Jaa’izah (The night of prize giving), comes along. On the morning of Eid, Allah Ta’ala sends down the Malaaikah, to all the lands of the earth, where they stand at the entrance of roads, calling out with a voice that is heard by all except man and jinn: “O Ummah of Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), come out of your houses towards a Lord that is noble and gracious, who grants much and pardons the big sins.” When they go towards the places for their Eid Salaah, Allah Ta’ala says to the Malaaikah: “What is the reward of that worker who has completed his work?” The Malaaikah reply: “O Lord and master, it is only right that he should receive his reward in full.” Allah Ta’ala then says: “I call you to witness, O My Malaaikah, that for their having fasted during the month of Ramadhaan, and for their having stood before Me in prayer by night, I have granted to them as reward My pleasure and have granted them forgiveness.O My servants ask now of Me, for I swear by My honour and My greatness, that whatsoever you shall beg of Me this day in this gathering of yours for the needs of the Hereafter, I shall grant you, and whatsoever you shall ask for your worldly needs, I shall grant it. I swear by My honour that, as long as you shall obey My com­mands, I shall cover up your faults. By My Honour and My Greatness do I swear that I shall never disgrace you together with the sinful people and disbelievers. Go now from here, you are forgiven. You have pleased Me and I am pleased with you.” The Malaaikah on seeing this great reward given by Allah Ta’ala upon the ummah of Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) on the day of Eidul Fitr become greatly pleased and happy. (As reported in Targheeb.)

Guidance and advice for the Blessed Month from Shaykh-ul-Hadīth, Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh News of ‘Īd The following two advices will help to maintain the momentum of Ramadān and safeguard us from wasting the remaining precious moments of Ramadān, due to the excitement of the advent of ‘Īd. 1) On the 29th of Ramadān remain occupied in devotions to Allāh ta‘ālā, as the precious moments are slipping away quickly. Do not endeavour to find out before Maghrib whether the moon has been sighted or not. 2) If however you learn before Maghrib that the moon has been sighted, then do not inform others until after Maghrib so that they are not distracted and become negligent. Keep yourself engaged in ‘ibādah (worship), as for you it is still Ramadān until Maghrib. Presentation Night (Laylat-ul-Jā’izah) The whole of Ramadān was a spiritual tournament and the night of ‘Īd (i.e. the night before ‘Īd day) is when the winning team is awarded their prize. If you are given the ability to worship Allāh ta‘ālā during this auspicious night then it is an indication that you are in the winning team. In order to be eligible for a prize the least we should do is to refrain from every sin and engage in a little bit of extra ‘ibādah for a while during this night. © At-Tazkiyah

Should Women attend the Eid prayer? Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuh Respected Brothers and Sisters in Islam There is a trend starting in various places to have Family Eidgaahs and women are being encouraged to attend the Eid Salaah. Those that encourage women to go to the Musjid and to attend the Eid Salaah, generally do so based on the narrations stating that in the time of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, women used to attend the congregational prayer in the Musjid and the Eid Prayer as well. In this regard, it is important to take note of the following: Women in the time of the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) were not prevented from going to the Musjid. This was primarily due to the fact that they had the unique opportunity of praying behind the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) Himself. That was an act that cannot be paralleled today. Secondly, they used to observe all the requirements of Shariah including those of proper covering (hijab), hence they were not prohibited from attending the congregational prayers. Despite this, the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) still advised and encouraged them to pray in their homes. Sayyida Umm Salama (R.A) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said, “The best Musjid for a woman is the inner part of her home.” (Musnad Ahmad & Tabrani) Sayyida Umm Salama (R.A) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said, “A woman’s prayer in her inner room is better than her prayer in the outside room, and her prayer in the outside room is better than her prayer in the courtyard, and her prayer in the courtyard is better than her prayer in the Musjid.” (Mu’jam of Imam Tabrani) Sayyida A’isha (R.A) said, “If the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was alive to see what women are doing now (in that period of time), he would surely have prevented them from attending the prayers in the Musjid just as the women of Banu Isra’il were prevented.” (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim) The renowned Hadith scholar and Hanafi jurist, Imam Badr al-Din al-Ayni (Allah have mercy on him) states whilst commentating on the above statement of Sayyida A’isha (Allah be pleased with her): “Had Sayyida A’isha (R.A) witnessed what women are involved in the various types of innovations and wrongdoings these days, she would have been even more extreme in her preventing women from entering the Musjids… Also the fact that there had not been a long time between her statement and the demise of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), and also the fact that women in her time were not involved in even one portion of a thousand of what women are up to these days.” (Umdat al-Qari, 3/230) The scholars of Islam always considered this aspect of the fitna and therefore many of them ruled that women should not attend the Salaah, neither at the Musjid nor at the Eid Gaah (Musallah). After quoting the hadeeth regarding women attending the Eid Salaah in the time of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, Imam Tirmidhi (R.A) has reported from Imaam Abdullah ibn Mubarak (R.A) and Sayyiduna Sufyaan As Thawri (R.A) that they considered it makrooh for the women to attend the Eid Salaah. Imam Tirmidhi (R.A) also made reference to the statement of Sayyidatuna Ayesha (R.A) that was quoted above. (Sunan Tirmidhi Vol.2 Pg.430 #539-40). Hereunder is a short list of the scholars of the past who also discouraged/prevented women from attending either the five Salaahs in Masajid or the Eid Salaah: Sayyidatuna Ayesha (R.A) (Sahih Al Bukhari) Sayyiduna Abdullah b. Mas’ood (R.A) (Majma’uz Zawaahid) Sayyiduna Abdullah b. Umar (R.A) (Musannaf ibn Abi Sheyba #5845) Sayyiduna Urwa b. Zubayr (R.A) (Musannaf ibn Abi Sheyba #5846) Sayyiduna Qasim b. Mohammed b. Abi Bakr Faqih Al Madinah (R.A) (Musannaf ibn Abi Sheyba #5847) Sayyiduna Ibraheem Nakh’ee (R.A) (Musannad ibn Abi Sheyba #5844, #5848) Sayyiduna Abdullah b. Al-Mubarak (R.A) (Sunan Tirmidhi #539-40 Vol.2 Pg.420) Imaam Malik (R.A) (Umdatul Qari Vol.3 Pg. 305) Sayyiduna Sufyaan As Thawri (R.A) (Sunan Tirmidhi) Imam Abu Yusuf (R.A) student of Imaam Abu Hanifa (R.A) (Umdatur Qari Vol.3 Pg. 305) There are various other references that can be cited as well from the books of Hadith and Fiqh. Thus, based on the above, women should not go to the Masjid for Salaah or attend the Eid Salaah as it is strongly discouraged in light of the fitna that is prevalent. And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Taahir Hansa Confirmation: Mufti Ismaeel Bassa Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

The Fiqh of Eid al-Fitr Download the above article as a pdf file here

ADOPT 5 QUALITIES OF A CHILD Allama Jalal Uddin Suyuti r.a, a great scholar born in 849 A.H and passed away in 911 A.H, said: قال الإمام السيوطي: خمس خصال في الاطفال لو كانت في الكبار مع ربهم لكانوا أولياء. لا يهتمون بالرزق. ولا يشكون من خالقهم إذا مرضوا . ويأكلون الطعام مجتمعين. واذا خافوا جرت عيونهم بالدموع. واذا تخاصموا تسارعوا إلى الصلح He said there are 5 qualities children have which we should embed within ourselves to become awliya of our time. There are many things we can learn from children. The 5 qualities children have that we should adopt, are as follows: 1. لا يهتمون بالرزق Children are not concerned about when their next meal will come. Allamah Ibn Battal Maliki (RA) used to say, ‘You really are your imaan and your tawwakkul’. Your tawwakul is not complete until you have true faith on the ayah ‘There is no creature on earth whose sustenance is not on Allah’ [11:6]. وَمَا مِن دَابَّةٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ إِلَّا عَلَى اللَّهِ Allah has control over every single creature and He looks after everyone. Our Imaan and our reliance on this verse is more than the money we have in our pocket. Children do not worry about their next meal, they rely on Allah. This does not mean, that we should sit at home and rely on Allah rather we must adopt the means like the way you tie a camel, thereafter, have tawakkul in Allah. We should not be overindulged in the dunya where our entire focus is dunya, dunya, dunya whereby we neglect the aakirah. 2. ولا يشكون من خالقهم إذا مرضوا When children are unwell they do not do not complain about Allah. Qadhi Shurayh (RA) saw an individual complaining to his friend of a headache so the Qadhi said ‘Never complain to anyone else of Allah. I have not been able to see with one eye of mine for the past 15 years. I have not seen a human being with this eye and have not seen a path for the past 15 years but I have never told anyone to this day. I told you only to teach a lesson. So, the second quality we learn is not to complain about Allah. 3. يأكلون الطعام مجتمعين Children sit down and eat together. Friends normally try to sit and eat together, the sahaba complained to Rasulullah (s.a.w) that ‘Oh Messenger of Allah! We eat but our bellies are not satisfied’ Rasulullah (s.a.w) replied ‘maybe you are eating separately’.1 Nowadays there is no love at home. There was a time when everyone used to sit together and eat from one platter. That time we used to have the bowl of curry in the centre with rice around it and people used to sit and eat from that one platter. Today let alone eating from one plate, even our times of eating is not the same. Our homes have become hotels, everyone checks in at different times and checks out at a different time. Unfortunately, this is why we don’t have the love we used to have in those days. Children are an example of the lesson for us to sit together and eat. 4. واذا خافوا جرت عيونهم بالدموع When children fear, they tear. Hadrat Mawlana Masehullah Jalalabadi (RA) mentioned to us many years ago when we were there in Jalalabad. He used to tell us ‘try and learn how to cry before Allah and if you cannot cry, at least make the face of a crying individual’ Cry! If you can’t then at least make the face of a crying individual. Saalih al-Muzani (RA) was reading the Quran in a dream in front of Rasulullah (s.a.w), who said to him ‘Oh Saalih! You are reciting the Quran but where are the eyes that are swelling with tears?’ Rasulullah (s.a.w) told Abdullah ibn Masood (r.a) to read from surah Nisaa and he started reading until he came to the verse of the Quran, فَكَيْفَ إِذَا جِئْنَا مِنْ كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ بِشَهِيدٍ, ‘What will happen when we will bring you in front of the entire community and you will be witness over everyone’. He was told to stop and saw Rasulullah (s.a.w) crying.3 This is why it is important we understand the words of the Quran, otherwise, we are reciting about Jahannam and we are smiling because we don’t understand the message. We should take a lesson from children who cry when in fear, we too should cry in front of Allah. 5. واذا تخاصموا تسارعوا إلى الصلح When children quarrel or get into an argument they reconcile very fast. We should ponder on this. There are people we do not speak to in our life and then we don’t speak to them for years and years. Thereafter it continues to the next generation. We even write a will saying make sure you don’t speak to his family because I didn’t speak to his family. These are few lessons we can learn from children. [The above is an edited transcript from a lecture by Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Nawab حفظه الله] To listen to the audio or check out other articles click here www.saleemnawab.com Source

Valuing the Last Ten Days of Ramadān By Shaykh-ul-Hadīth, Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh The month of Ramadān is full of blessings. Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said: And it is a month the first part [first ten days] of which is mercy, the middle part [middle ten days] is forgiveness and the last part [last ten days] is emancipation from the Fire (of Jahannam). (Ibn Khuzaymah) Having passed through the first ten days of ‘mercy’, we find ourselves in the second ten days of ‘forgiveness’ and approaching the last ten days, wherein Allāh ta‘ālā emancipates His servants from the Fire of Jahannam. Now, we will find people with different mind-sets; some will count down the days in eager anticipation of ‘Īd after which they will not have to stay hungry and thirsty for long hours anymore; some will have spent the major part of Ramadān exerting much effort in devotion to Allāh ta‘ālā and thus feel that they can now relax in the last ten days as they have, in their opinion, carried out much ‘ibādah already; and some will not have done anything of note until now and feel that there is no point of doing anything in these remaining days. All these mind-sets are incorrect, as the last ten days of Ramadān hold great significance and virtue over the first twenty days of Ramadān. One only needs to examine the conduct of Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam during the last ten days to understand their virtue. The Conduct of Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam during the Last Ten Days Sayyidah ‘Ā’ishah radhiyallāhu ‘anhā reports that when the last ten days of Ramadān would enter, Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would tighten his waist belt, stay awake at night and awaken his family. (Al-Bukhārī) In this hadīth, Sayyidah ‘Ā’ishah radhiyallāhu ‘anhā has mentioned three things: 1. Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would tighten his waist belt, which refers to preparation for exerting himself in ‘ibādah. 2. Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would stay awake throughout the nights of the last ten days of Ramadān and worship Allāh ta‘ālā. 3. Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would awaken his family also for ‘ibādah and tahajjud so that they too can acquire the blessings of the blessed nights. The fact that Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would especially exert much effort in devotion during the last ten days of Ramadān, shows the virtue and significance of these last ten days. And why would Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam not exert effort during these last ten days, when they have been specified for the Night of Qadr. Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, Seek Laylat-ul-Qadr during the last ten days of Ramadān. (At-Tirmidhī) The Virtues of Laylat-ul-Qadr Laylat-ul-Qadr is a night full of blessings and goodness. ‘Ibādah carried out on Laylat-ul-Qadr is better than ‘ibadah carried out continuously for a thousand months (83 years and four months). Allāh ta‘ālā says: Verily! We revealed it (the Qur’ān) during the Night of Qadr (from Al-Lawh Al-Mahfūz to the first heaven). Do you know what is the Night of Qadr? The Night of Qadr is much better than a thousand months. The angels and the Rūh (Sayyidunā Jibra’īl ‘alayhis salām) descend in it by the Command of their Rabb with every decision. It (this night) is full of peace. And (all of this) remains (from sunset) until the break of dawn. (97:1-5) Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said: During the Night of Qadr, Jibra’īl ‘alayhis salām descends with a group of angels and they make du‘ā of mercy for every servant who stands or sits remembering Allāh ta‘ālā (engaged in worship). (Al-Bayhaqī) Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam also said: Whoever stands in worship during the Night of Qadr with Īmān and hope of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven. (Al-Bukhārī) If we understood the virtues and the blessings of this great night, we too would exert great effort towards acquiring these blessings just as our pious predecessors did. It is reported regarding Qatādah rahimahullāh that he would complete the entire Qur’ān every three nights during the first twenty days of Ramadān and every night during the last ten days. In order to become deserving of the virtues of Laylat-ul-Qadr, one must exert every effort and do everything he can. One easy way of becoming deserving of the blessings of the Night of Qadr is to observe the i‘tikāf of the last ten days of Ramadān. Sayyidunā Abu Sa‘īd Al-Khudrī radhiyallāhu ‘anhu narrates that Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, Verily, in search of Laylat-ul-Qadr I performed i‘tikāf of the first ten days and then extended it to the next ten days for the same purpose; then I was told that this night is in the last ten days; so those who are performing i‘tikāf with me should perform the i‘tikāf of the last ten days. (Al-Bukhārī, Muslim) The Importance and Virtue of I‘tikāf We learn from the Sīrah of our beloved Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam that the i‘tikāf of the last ten days of Ramadān was a practice that he sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would not miss. Sayyidah ‘Ā’ishah radhiyallāhu ‘anhā said that Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would observe i‘tikāf in the last ten days of Ramadān until he passed away. (Al-Bukhārī, Muslim) Sayyidunā Anas radhiyallāhu ‘anhu said that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam observed i‘tikāf during the last ten days of Ramadān. One year he could not observe the i‘tikāf, so the following year he observed i‘tikāf for twenty days. (At-Tirmidhī) Mentioning the virtues of i‘tikāf, Sayyidunā Ibn ‘Abbās radhiyallāhu ‘anhu says that Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, He (the one observing i‘tikāf) refrains from sins (as he confines himself to the boundary of the masjid) and is rewarded for all good deeds (that he cannot do due to being in i‘tikāf e.g. visiting the sick or participating in janāzah salāh) like that person who carries out good deeds. (Ibn Mājah) The one performing i‘tikāf, through the blessing of staying within the confines of the masjid, is able to refrain from sins which he may have committed outside of the masjid. Along with this, he is able to engage in so many worships e.g. salāh, dhikr, tilāwat, du‘ā. Moreover, every moment of his is a means of reward as i‘tikāf in itself is also a worship; hence the one performing i‘tikāf gains the reward of i‘tikāf even whilst eating and sleeping. I‘tikāf: A Fortune The one observing i‘tikāf is extremely fortunate for he disassociates himself from everything and throws himself into the Court of His Lord and Creator. He remembers Him, praises Him, glorifies Him and sincerely seeks His Forgiveness; he cries over his past mistakes and beseeches His Creator for His Mercy and seeks nothing but His Pleasure. His days and nights are spent only in this pursuit. The author of Marāqī-Al-Falāh states that if i‘tikāf is observed with sincerity, then it is amongst the most virtuous deeds. Our Task in Hand So if one is able to perform i‘tikāf during the last ten days, he should most definitely do so. The ladies should also perform i‘tikāf at home. If one is not able to perform i‘tikāf for all of the last ten days, he should perform i‘tikāf for however many days he is able to. And if one is so busy that he cannot spend even one day in i‘tikāf then the least he should do is value each and every moment of the last ten days, especially the nights. He should refrain from every minor and major disobedience to Allāh ta‘ālā carry out actions which please Him to acquire Divine Pleasure. May Allāh ta‘ālā grant us the tawfīq to value the remaining days of Ramadān, especially the last ten days. May He bless us with the virtue of Laylat-ul-Qadr. May He accept those who have intended to carry out the Sunnah i‘tikāf and may Allāh ta‘ālā make this Ramadān a turning point in our lives and enable us to live a life of obedience until we depart from this world. Āmīn. © Riyādul Jannah (Vol. 27 No. 5/6, May/June 2018)

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