ummtaalib

Reciting Surahs of the Qur’an in Order during Prayer QUESTION What is the ruling on reciting the Surahs against the order of the Qur’an in prayer? I recently performed Eid Salat behind an Imam and he recited Surah al-Ghashiyah in the first Rak’at and Surah al-A’la in the second. Will a prayer offered in this manner have to be repeated and will it be necessary to make Sujud as-Sahw? The Imam did not perform the Sujud as-sahw. ANSWER In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful, According to the Hanafi School, reciting the Surahs in the order that they are in the Qur’an is necessary (wajib) inside the Fardh and Wajib prayers such as the five daily obligatory prayers, the Jumu’ah prayer, the Witr prayer and the Eid prayer. As such, reciting the Surahs in a reversed order deliberately is considered to be prohibitively disliked (makruh tahriman) in these prayers, although it is not disliked in voluntary (nafl) prayers. Imam al-Haskafi (Allah have mercy on him) states in his al-Durr al-Mukhtar whilst discussing the disliked acts of prayer: “…And that one recites the Surahs in a reversed order unless when one completes the Qur’an, in which case one will recite from Surah al-Baqarah. It is stated in al-Qunya (m: name of a book) that if one recited Surah al-Kafirun in the first Rak’at and Surah Alam tra (al-Fil) in the second Rak’at… thereafter one remembered, then one should complete the Surah one is reciting (i.e. Surah al-Fil). And it is said that one should stop what one is reciting and start again. And none of this is disliked in the voluntary (nafl) prayer.” Imam Ibn Abidin (Allah have mercy on him) explains the above by stating: “(al-Haskafi’s statement: “And that one recites the Surahs in a reversed order”) such as reciting in the second Rak’at a Surah that is antecedent to the one recited in the first Rak’at. This is so because reciting the Surahs in order is from the necessary acts (wajibat) of recitation.” (Radd al-Muhtar ala al-Durr al-Mukhtar, 1/546-547) It is stated in Maraqi al-Falah: “It is disliked (m: prohibitively) to recite a Surah antecedent to the one already recited. Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (Allah be pleased with him) said: “Whoever recites the Qur’an in a reversed order will himself be treated that way…” (Maraqi al-Falah, P: 352) It should be remembered; however, that the condition for reciting the Surahs in a reversed order being prohibitively disliked (makruh tahriman) is that it be done deliberately and intentionally. If one recites the Surahs in a reversed order out of forgetfulness or mistake, it is not considered prohibitively disliked. Imam Ibn Abidin (Allah have mercy on him) states: “Reciting the Surahs in a reversed order (tankees)… is only disliked when it is done deliberately. If, however, it is done out of forgetfulness, then it is not disliked, as mentioned in Sharh al-Munya.” (Radd al-Muhtar, 1/547) As for repeating the prayer or performing the prostration of forgetfulness (sujud al-sahw), indeed the general principle (qa’idah) is that “Any prayer offered with an element of prohibitive dislike attached to it, it is necessary to repeat it” (kullu salatin uddiyat ma’a karahat at-tahrim, tajib i’adatuha) but, as explained by Imam Ibn Abidin, this is when a prohibitively disliked element comes into the prayer by leaving out a Wajib that is of the prayer itself, and not a Wajib that is of something else. It is for this very reason that if one offers one’s prayer individually without joining in with the congregation (jama’ah), it is not necessary to repeat the prayer, even though offering the prayer in congregation (without having an excuse) is a Wajib, but this Wajib is not of the prayer itself. Imam Ibn Abidin (Allah have mercy on him) states after discussing the above: “This is supported by the fact that they (the fuqaha) have said reciting the Qur’anic Surahs in order is Wajib. However if one recites them in a reversed order, one is sinful, but offering a prostration of forgetfulness (sujud as-sahw) is not necessary because observing the order of the Surahs is of the necessary elements (wajibat) of reciting the Qur’an (qira’at) and not of the prayer itself, as mentioned in al-Bahr (of Ibn Nujaym) in the chapter of making mistakes.” (Radd al-Muhtar, 1/457) As such, the prostration of forgetfulness and/or repeating the prayer is not necessary due to the fact that the necessity (wujub) of reciting the Surahs in order is of the necessary elements (wajibat) of reciting the Qur’an (qira’at) and not of the prayer itself. Having said this, although the prostration of forgetfulness (sujud as-sahw) is never necessary, it may be better to repeat the prayer (if possible) in the case of reciting the Surahs in a reversed order deliberately. This is so because certain contemporary Fuqaha in their Fatawa works have stated that the prayer should be repeated. Imam Ibn Abidin himself has declared that repeating the prayer (i’adah) is necessary in situations such as performing the prayer in cloths containing pictures and praying whilst there is a suppressing need to urinate or defecate, both of which are prohibitively disliked and do not require the prostration of forgetfulness. (See: Fatawa Darul Uloom 2/224 & Radd al-Muhtar 1/457) Finally, if an Imam recites the Surahs in a reversed order, the follower should simply assume that he did it forgetfully or by mistake, because it is one’s duty to interpret the actions of others in the best light, as the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) has commanded us in many hadiths. In conclusion, we learn the following points: 1) It is necessary in Fardh and Wajib prayers to recite the various Surahs of the Qur’an in order and prohibitively disliked to recite them in a reversed order deliberately. 2) It is not disliked to recite the Surahs in a reversed order unintentionally and forgetfully. 3) There is no prostration of forgetfulness whether this is done deliberately or unintentionally. 4) It is also not necessary to repeat the prayer, though better to do so if this is done deliberately. 5) If an Imam was to do this in prayer, one should assume that it was done unintentionally. And Allah knows best [Mufti] Muhammad ibn Adam Darul Iftaa Leicester , UK Source

Tasbeehaat and Duaa at the Time of Tahajjud Before commencing one’s tahajjud salaah, one should recite Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) ten times, Tahmeed (Alhamdulllah) ten times, Tasbeeh (SubhaanAllah) ten times, and Istighfaar (Astaghfirullah) ten times. Thereafter one should recite the following Duaa اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَاهْدِنِي وَارْزُقْنِي وَعَافِنِي أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنْ ضِيقِ الْمَقَامِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ O Allah, forgive my sins, guide me to the straight path, grant me sustenance and bless me with aafiyah (good health and good conditions). I seek the protection of Allah from the difficulty of the day of Qiyaamah. عن عاصم بن حميد قال: سألت عائشة ماذا كان النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم يفتتح به قيام الليل ؟ قالت لقد سألتني عن شيء ما سألني عنه أحد قبلك . كان يكبر عشرا . ويحمد عشرا . ويسبح عشرا . ويستغفر عشرا . ويقول: اللهم اغفر لي واهدني وارزقني وعافني ) ويتعوذ من ضيق المقام يوم القيامة . (ابن ماجة رقم 1356، ابو داود رقم 766) Hadhrat Aasim bin Humaid (Rahmatullahi Alaih) reports: “I once asked Hadhrat Aaisha (Radhiyallahu Anha) regarding the zikr which Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to recite at the time of Tahajjud before commencing his Tahajjud salaah. Hadhrat Aaisha (Radhiyallahu Anha) replied: ‘You asked me regarding something that no one before you has asked me.’ She then said: ‘Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would recite Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) ten times, Tahmeed (Alhamdulllah) ten times, Tasbeeh (SubhaanAllah) ten times, and Istighfaar (Astaghfirullah) ten times. Thereafter he would recite the following Duaa and then seek protection in Allah Ta’ala from the difficulty of the day of Qiyaamah. اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَاهْدِنِي وَارْزُقْنِي وَعَافِنِي Ihyaauddeen.co.za

Different Narrations Question There are different narrations with the most well known being reading tasbih & tahlil 33 times and takbir 34 times. My question is whether one could read it once? In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful. Answer Tasbih Fatimi is the prayer given by the Prophet of Allah (SAW) to Saaidah Fatima (RA) when she asked the Prophet of Alllah (SAW) for a servant. The full Hadith is that it was reported by Saaiduna Abu Hurairah (RA) that Saaidah Fatimi (RA) had come to the Prophet of Allah (SAW) asking him for a servant. He said, “ Shall I not guide you to what is better than a servant? Read Tasbih of Allah 33 times and Tahmid of Allah 33 times and Takbir of Allah 34 times at the time of each prayer and at the time of your sleep.” (Mishkat P209 V1 Sahih Muslim) One should recite the aforementioned tasbih, tahlil 33 times and takbir 34 times. However if a person is busy and does not have time to complete the above dua, then by merely reading each one of them 10 times will suffice and one will be rewarded as well. It is reported by Saaiduna Abdullah Ibn-Amr bin- Aas (RA) that the Prophet of Allah (SAW) said: “There are two virtuous deeds which no Muslim does but enter paradise. Behold they are easy and those who act upon them are few. He shall recite Tasbih of Allah 10 times at the end of each prayer and his Tahmids 10 times and his Takbirs 10 times.” (Mishkat P211 Sunan Abu DawudP 335 v2 Sunan Tirmizi P178 v2) If a person does not have time to recite even that then by reciting tasbih and tahlil once there are many virtues. It is narrated by Saaiduna Ibn Abbas (RA) that the Propeht of Allah (SAW) said: “Those who will first be called to Paradise on the Day of Judgement will be those who praised Allah secretly and openly.” (Mishkat P201) Saaiduna Ibn Masud (RA) narrates that the Propeht of Allah (SAW) said: “I met Ibrahim (AS) on the night I was taken to Paradise. He said: “O Muhammad! Convey my greeting to your followers and inform them that Paradise is of pure earth and of sweet water and it has got vast fields. Its plantations are glorifications to Allah (Tasbih) and Praise of Allah (Tahlil) and there is no God but Allah (La Illaha Illalah) and Allah is the greatest. (Takbir) (Mishkat P202) Only Allah Knows Best. Mohammed Tosir Miah Darul Ifta Birmingham

Are you Stressed? Question: I tend to get stressed out very easily. And because of that I often get anxiety attacks leaving me sick and unable to sleep. Is there any specific dua for anxiety? Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. In this world of means, we have to adopt means to fulfill our needs and overcome our challenges. We then make Dua to Allah to put Barakah in the means we have adopted and to make the means successful and effective. Your anxiety attack due to stress is a medical condition. You should consult your physician and follow his/her advise. Reading Tasbeeh- Faatimi after every Fardh Salaah is very effective against stress and anxiety. Tasbeeh- Faatimi is to recite: • 33 times Subhan’Allah( Pure is Allah)• 33 times Alhamdulillah(All praise is due to Allah)• 34 times Allahu Akbar( Allah is the greatest) Thereafter make Dua to Allah for your needs. And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best Mufti Ebrahim Desai. http://idealwoman.or...e-you-stressed/

Is there any special form of Ibadah for the Night of Mi'raj Q. I just wanted to know if there is any special Salaah or Ibadah to do on the night of Mi’raaj? (Question published as received) A. There is no special type of Salaah or Ibadah prescribed for the night on which Mi’raj took place. There is no record that Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and the Sahabah Radiyallahu Anhum prescribed any special type of Ibadah on this occasion nor did they affix any significance to the date on which Mi’raj took place. After the demise of the Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam, no one from amongst his companions is reported to have celebrated this night as an auspicious night. This proves that the celebration of the 27th night of Rajab, being Lailatul-Mi’raj, has no basis in the Sunnah or in the practice of his noble companions. Had it been a commendable practice to celebrate this night, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam and his blessed companions would have given specific directions for it. Therefore, it is not a Sunnah to celebrate Lailatul-mi’raj’. We cannot declare any practice as a Sunnah unless it is established through authentic sources that Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam or his noble Companions have recognized it as such, otherwise it may become a Bid’ah about which Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has given stern warning, “Whoever innovates something in our religion which is not a part of it, it will be rejected.” (Ibn Majah) And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tar Mahomed Confirmation: Mufti Ebrahim Desai (The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh.) Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)

Value Ramadān (Part 2) Guidance and advice for the Blessed Month from Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh Time for Taqwā The common definition of Taqwā is to abstain from the disobedience to Allāh ta‘ālā be it minor or major. In the initial stages this will seem difficult. However, if one strives and compels his nafs to stay away from the disobedience to Allāh ta‘ālā, then Allāh ta‘ālā will honour him with true Taqwa by enlightening his heart with the nūr (light) of Taqwā. Once this happens, one will no longer have to struggle to avoid sins as before; rather the heart will develop a disliking for them. His condition will become like that of a person who has to walk through a path with filth all around. He will be repulsed at the very thought and will try his utmost to avoid that route. However, if he is compelled then he will be very careful as not to let the filth dirty him or his clothes. If by chance some filth does dirty his clothing, he will not be able to rest in peace until it is washed off. Similar is the case of that person whose heart is enlightened with the nūr (light) of Taqwā. He will have an aversion to sins, and if he was to slip and commit a sin, he will not be able to rest in peace until he makes Tawbah (repentance) and cleans his heart from the filth of sinning. There is no better time to adorn ones heart with true Taqwā then the month of Ramadān. The one who values Ramadān and spends his time wisely will become a muttaqī. Value Time We should make the most out of this Ramadān as only Allāh ta‘ālā knows who will live to see the next Ramadān. Value every moment by: • Carrying out as much ‘ibādah (worship) as possible. • Spending as much time in the masjid as possible. • Staying away from every sinful activity. A large tank full of milk with only a few drops of urine or alcohol is useless. Similarly a tank full of ‘ibādah mixed with a few ‘drops’ of sin will have no value. • Staying away from the internet. Many people use the internet for good reasons and with good intentions, and then end up on sites that cause us to sin. We move from site to site without even realising that we are committing sins. Furthermore, the internet is such a waste of our time that we log on for only a few minutes, but hours pass in futility without us even realising. • Staying away from answering unnecessary e-mails; they can wait until after Ramadān.

Give Due Right to your Occupation (Part 2) By: Haqqseeker A Doctor: Being a doctor you are in one unique profession that offers you the opportunity to achieve dual-purpose objective in life: 1. Attaining closeness to Allah: A doctor or any other person connected to the medical profession can attain closeness to Allah if he ponders on the amazing way Allah has created the human body and the way each organ functions. Allah Ta’ala urges man to examine his own physical features in the following ayah: “Do they not reflect within themselves?” (Surah Ar-Rum verse 8) At times a surgeon operates on the human body whilst its interior organs are displayed right in front of his eyes. If the operation involves open heart surgery where the chest is cut open and surgery is performed on the muscles, valves, or arteries of the heart, he gets the opportunity to witness the wonderful functions this organ performs. This is just one organ. The human body contains approximately 79 organs. The brain, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, tongue, teeth, lungs, kidneys, liver, etc. are all wonders from Allah and each one has a unique function or functions to perform. 2. Serving humanity: A doctor can serve humanity like no other professional can. For any person, good health is a vital thing and he is ready to do anything to achieve it. You are in a profession where Allah has granted you to become the means of achieving that ‘good health’. However, there are some conditions that you have to fulfill to achieve the two purposes mentioned above: Firstly, you must treat your patients with the intention of pleasing Allah only and without the element of greed involved in it. Consider your patients as persons very close to you. Some time back a doctor passed away in India and his funeral was attended by thousands of people, all wailing beyond control. The reason? He never charged his patients more than twenty rupees per visit and as a result he had attained the title “Rs. 20 doctor”! Secondly, if as a surgeon you are about to operate on your patient, then offer two Rakaats of Salatul Haajat (a prayer offered for the accomplishment of particular purpose or need). Whilst performing the surgery it is very important to constantly make zikr of Allah the Most High. Allah will insha-Allah make things easy for you and He may grant you success in your endeavour. Thirdly, if an operation goes well and the patient starts recovering then you must thank Allah profusely and offer your gratitude to Him in whatever way you can. This is the time when the element of pride must never enter your heart. ______________________________________ Out of numerous occupations and professions only seven have been touched briefly here. Due to some limitations like space, time, etc. it is beyond our reach to deal with all the occupations. However, given below are some vital points that can help you in whatever job or occupation you are involved in: i) Never miss a single one of your five daily Salah, however busy you may be. Salah has been given the status of a head in a body as illustrated in the hadith given below: Sayyiduna Ibn Umar Radhiyallahu Anhu narrates: The Messenger of Allah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam stated the following: “The place of prayer (Salah) in religion is like the place of the head in the body.” (Majmaul-Awsat) ii) A deception runs deep through many of us that if Allah has given us a lot of wealth it means that Allah is pleased with us. We easily confuse material “success” as a criterion of the pleasure of Allah. We tend to forget that Allah gives the luxury and the materials of this lowly life to even the worst criminals and tyrants, such as Fir’aun and Qaroon, and Allah withholds it from some of His closest fellows. We all know that Allah’s most beloved servant Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam spent his entire life in extreme poverty, so much so that according to a hadith for three consecutive crescents no fire used to burn in his house (i.e. nothing used to be cooked). iii) As a Muslim, we have to firmly believe that all the wealth of this world belongs to Allah. Humans are only the appointed trustees to manage and distribute the wealth among them and among those who are needy. If Allah has endowed a person with plenty of wealth, then ensure that besides paying zakat, look at the needs of the poor, the deprived ones and the physically handicapped ones around us. Support charities like orphanages, widow homes etc. Many Muslims are starving due to the ongoing wars. Donate freely to some reliable NGO’s that are helping these people who are suffering immensely. Lastly, but most importantly, give plenty as Sadaqatul-Jaaria to projects like building masajid, madaris etc. _____________________________________ A very special occupation: In conclusion there is one work, occupation, profession or whatever you want to call it that is unique in every respect. If you were to write about it and even if you fill volumes you cannot give justice to it. The occupation we are talking about is that of a ‘housewife’. A housewife is a woman whose responsibility is running or managing her family’s home—caring for her children and giving them proper Islamic tarbiyat (training or upbringing), cooking, arranging to buy goods that the family needs in everyday life, housekeeping and maintaining the home. However, the most important role she has to play is that of an ‘ideal wife’. Allah says in His Noble Qur’an: “And among His Signs is that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find tranquillity in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect.” (Surah Ar-Rum verse 21) She has to be his solace, his right hand in every respect, the one who shares his problems, guards his wealth, saves him from indulging in haram. And what reward she gets for being an ideal wife? In a hadith Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said: “If a woman dies while her husband is pleased with her, she will enter Paradise.” (Tirmidhi) Allah Ta’ala has created a woman and moulded her in such a way that she fits perfectly in that occupation. May Allah guide us to give due justice to whatever profession we are in such a manner that we win His pleasure. Ameen. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

The Prohibition of Prostrating to Other than Allah by Mawlana Zafar Ahmad 'Uthmani Translated by Zameelur Rahman Hadiths (1) Qays ibn Sa‘d (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: I came to al-Hirah and I saw them prostrating to their governor, so I said [to myself]: “Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace) is more deserving of being prostrated to.” Then, I came to the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) and I said to him: “Verily I went to al-Hirah and I saw them prostrating to their governor, while you, O Messenger of Allah, are more deserving of being prostrated to.” He said: “What is your opinion, if you were to pass by my grave, would you prostrate to it?” I said: “No.” He said: “Then don’t do [this]. Were I to instruct anybody to prostrate to another, I would have instructed women to prostrate to their husbands, due to the right that they have over them.” Abu Dawud narrated it as mentioned in Nayl al-Awtar, and he weakened it because of Sharik al-Qadi, but this is incorrect as Sharik’s hadiths are hasan. (2) ‘Abdullah ibn Abi Awfa narrated: When Mu‘adh (may Allah be pleased with him) arrived from Sham, he prostrated to the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace). Thereupon, he said: “What is this, O Mu‘adh?!” He said: “I went to Sham, and I found them prostrating to their high priests and their patriarchs, so I wished in my soul to do this for you.” Thereupon, Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “Don’t do [this], for were I to instruct [anyone] to prostrate to another besides Allah, I would instruct the woman to prostrate to her husband.” Ahmad and Ibn Majah narrated it. [Al-Shawkani] said in Nayl al-Awtar: “Ibn Majah narrated it with an acceptable chain (isnad salih), for Azhar ibn Marwan and al-Qasim al-Shaybani are reliable (saduq).” He also said: “Al-Bazzar transmitted the aforementioned story of Mu‘adh from the chapter with a chain whose narrators are the narrators of the Sahih. Al-Bazzar and al-Tabrani also transmitted it with another chain which contains al-Nahhas ibn Fahm who is weak.” He also said: “The matter of prostration is established in the hadith of Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) according to al-Bazzar, from the hadith of Suraqah according to al-Tabrani, from the hadith of ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) according to Ahmad and Ibn Majah, from the hadith of ‘Ismah according to al-Tabrani and from others.” He said thereafter: “Thus, these hadiths, [saying] that ‘if it was appropriate to prostrate to a mortal, I would instruct the wife to [do] this for her husband,’ each of them supports the other, and each of them strengthens the other.” Commentary I say: The hadiths of the chapter explicitly prove the impermissibility of prostrating to other than Allah, and they prove that it has been specified for the Everlasting God and it is not suitable for a mortal, whether a prophet or a saint, whether living or dead. The distinction between [the prostrations of] worship (ta‘abbud), reverence (ta‘zim) and greeting (tahiyyah) is a baseless distinction invented by extremists, because Mu‘adh did not prostrate to the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) due to his belief regarding him that he is divine, rather because he is a Prophet and Messenger, and despite this the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) did not make a concession for him in this, rather he told him that prostration is an act of reverence (ta‘zim) that is exclusive to Allah, and is not suitable for a mortal. Likewise, if the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) were to instruct a woman to prostrate to her husband, he would not give this instruction because he is a god, but because he is deserving of reverence, and despite this, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) did not make a concession therein, and he explained that this act of reverence has been specified for Allah Almighty. Hence, since prostration is an act of reverence specified for Allah Almighty, whoever establishes it for other than Him, he has made him a partner with Allah in this act of reverence specified for Him, so he becomes a polytheist (mushrik). Therefore, Shams al-A’immah al-Sarakhsi said: “Prostration to other than Allah by way of reverence is disbelief (kufr).” Al-‘Ayni said in al-Binayah: “In this age, they do not prostrate to the sultan but out of reverence and awe, so there is no doubt concerning their disbelief.” Al-Mahbubi said in Sharh al-Jami‘ al-Saghir: “As for prostration to other than Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He), it is disbelief in the absence of coercion. That which the ignorant Sufis do before their shaykh, it is absolutely forbidden and the worst of innovations, so they must be prohibited from [doing] this.” As for the prostration of greeting (tahiyyah), it appears from the verdicts [of the later Hanafi jurists] that it is not disbelief, but only unlawful (haram). However, this distinction between the prostration of reverence and [the prostration of] greeting, in that the first of them is disbelief and not the second, is not clear to me because just as reverence of other than Allah with that which is an act of reverence specified for Allah Almighty is polytheism, based on this same [principle], greeting with that which is an act of reverence specified for Allah Almighty is practical polytheism, just as there would be no difference if one prayed to another by way of greeting [him]. If it is said: The prostration of greeting was permissible for previous nations, we say: We do not concede that this prostration was in this form [i.e. with the forehead on the ground], because it is possible that it was by way of bowing as [mentioned] in His statement: “Enter the door, bowing (sujjada)” (2:58). [Even] if it is conceded that it was in this form, it was not at that time an act of reverence specified for Allah Almighty, and polytheism only arose from the angle of [its] specification [for Allah], so when there was no specification, there was no polytheism. Thus, this doubt is removed. Moreover, that which the ignorant do at the graves of the saints and mashayikh, it is not from the category of greeting (tahiyyah), rather it is from the category of reverence (ta‘zim), since if it was from the category of greeting it would be like salutation and shaking hands so there would be no reason to specify it to the graves of saints and mashayikh. Hence, since they specify it to their graves and their souls, it shows their intention is excessive reverence, not an act of greeting [that is] common to them and others. Thus, the distinction between reverence and greeting does not avail them if it was established [that there is a difference between them], so what if it is not established? There is no doubt, therefore, that this act of theirs is disbelief and practical polytheism. Allah knows best. I‘la al-Sunan 17:429 deoband.org

Important Zakaat Clarification - What is Hawlaanul Hawl?

Can the husband pay Zakat on behalf of his wife? Question: A couple has a certain amount of gold which is in the custody of the wife. Will she have to pay on her own or can her husband pay on her behalf? Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful As-salāmu ʿalaykum wa-raḥmatullāhi wa-barakātuh Zakāt is liable on the owner of the gold. The owner is the person who bought it, was gifted it or inherited it. Therefore, if the wife owns the gold, she is responsible to pay the Zakāt of the gold. However, the husband may pay its Zakāt on her behalf.[1] And Allah Taʿālā Knows Best Checked and Approved by Mufti Ebrahim Desai [1] وَلَوْ تَصَدَّقَ عَنْهُ بِأَمْرِهِ جَازَ وَيَرْجِعُ بِمَا دَفَعَ عِنْدَ أَبِي يُوسُفَ، وَإِنْ لَمْ يَشْتَرِطْ الرُّجُوعَ كَالْأَمْرِ بِقَضَاءِ الدَّيْنِ، وَعِنْدَ مُحَمَّدٍ لَا رُجُوعَ لَهُ إلَّا بِالشَّرْطِ، وَتَمَامُهُ فِي الْخَانِيَّةِ (البحر الرائق (2/ 227)) وَلَا يُؤَدِّي عَنْ زَوْجَتِهِ، وَلَا عَنْ أَوْلَادِهِ الْكِبَارِ، وَإِنْ كَانُوا فِي عِيَالِهِ، وَلَوْ أَدَّى عَنْهُمْ أَوْ عَنْ زَوْجَتِهِ بِغَيْرِ أَمْرِهِمْ أَجْزَأَهُمْ اسْتِحْسَانًا كَذَا فِي الْهِدَايَةِ. وَعَلَيْهِ الْفَتْوَى كَذَا فِي فَتَاوَى قَاضِي خَانْ. وَلَا يَجُوزُ أَنْ يُعْطِيَ عَنْ غَيْرِ عِيَالِهِ إلَّا بِأَمْرِهِ كَذَا فِي الْمُحِيطِ. (الفتاوى الهندية، دار الفكر (1/ 193)) Source

Give Due Right to your Occupation (Part 1) By: Haqqseeker It is the responsibility of a Muslim man to earn for himself and his family a pure and halal sustenance. Whether you are a lowly paid servant or a prestigious professional with a highly lucrative income, feeding your family with halal sustenance can be a means of earning immense rewards from Allah if you do it according to the commands of Allah and the Sunnah of Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam. Given below are some of the occupations and professions that you may be involved in and how you can turn these careers into a means of earning great blessings from Allah. An employee: Work with all sincerity and trust. Try to train yourself to work efficiently. Maintain strict punctuality. Have good relationships with your colleagues and co-workers even if they are not Muslims. Always be content. Never ever think of taking anything that does not belong to you even if you are in a great need. This way you will win the confidence of your employer and insha- Allah, Allah will open ways for you from where you never expected. A businessman: Whether you own a small shop or a large supermarket, be considerate about your customers all the time. See that you always give them the best. Never hide any faults or defects that might be in the items you are selling. If they return anything for one reason or another, never say ‘No’ to them. Accept the item and give them full refund. Sahaba who went to various countries won people into Islam merely by showing great qualities of muaamalat (business dealings) that were present in them through the influence of Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam. Always ensure that you stock halal items in your establishment. Lastly, treat all your employees with respect and always think of their needs. An industrialist: if you are involved in the manufacturing business, especially that of the food products, you have to establish the best Islamic ways of manufacturing your products. If you are in the production of food items then ensure that the raw materials you use in the manufacture of your products should not be from haram or doubtful sources. The meat you use should be from animals slaughtered in the Zabihah way (slaughtered according to Islamic rites in order to be suitable for consumption). You should also understand that preparing Halal food also requires that it should be prepared in the most hygienic manner, meeting international food safety standards. In short, it should be contamination-free, chemical-free, healthy food. That way you will not only win many customers but you will also gain the pleasure of The Almighty Allah. One very important aspect that we tend to overlook when investing our capital in our business is the source of that capital. It must be a pure source and it should not in the form of a loan obtained from a bank on payment of interest or any money acquired through unjust means. Also ensure that you show kindness to your workers. Give them fair wages. The yardstick of justice, fairness, kindness, treating the employee as one would love to be treated and avoiding exploitation are the principles fixed by Islam. These should be kept in view while fixing wages and in the general employer-employee relationships. An architect, a structural engineer etc.: Being one of the professionals mentioned here, you might have been partly responsible for bringing into existence a tall building resembling Burj Khalifa or an extraordinarily beautiful structure like Taj Mahal. You may start considering yourself a highly skilled person in your profession and this can breed a sense of pride in you. While you may be basking in the glory of your success you should not forget that everything of this world is transitory. It is going to come down one day. Whereas you should give full justice to the responsibilities your profession demands, your main concern should be to prepare for the life of the hereafter which is going to be your permanent abode. You should always be humble towards people and especially in front of Allah. Thank Allah profusely for whatever favors He has granted you, whether connected with the abundance of your resources or with your intellectual abilities. A teacher: Your students are trusts handed to you by their parents. Teach them with all sincerity, whether they are Muslims or not. The principle quality you have to maintain is ‘love’. Show love to these children and Allah will make it easy for them to absorb whatever you teach them. As a Muslim teacher teaching in a non-Muslim country, you are able to manifest the importance of Islam through your behaviour. When the students and their parents will see the pure and pristine Islamic etiquettes in you, then they will be inspired to accept Islam. In this manner, a good Muslim teacher is also a da’ee (caller to the Faith) as he is able to spread Islam through his good behaviour. Impart to them the best tarbiyat (right upbringing). However, make sure that the lessons you are asked to teach them do not go against the Shariah. To Be Continued… Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Jazaakallahu khayran for this. More info on voting: Voting

The Obligation of Taqlid – Shaykh Fazlur Rahman Azmi The following book is with regard to the obligation of Taqlid (following qualified scholarship) and the harms of abandoning it, with special regards to making Taqlid of an Individual Mujtahid Imam of the highest rank. It was written by Shaykhul Hadith Fazlur Rahman ‘Azmi of South Africa. The authors biography is available here in detail: Biography of Shaykh Azmi TheObligationofTaqlid_fazlurRahmanAzmi.pdf darultahqiq

Value Ramadān (Part 1) Guidance and advice for the Blessed Month from Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh Valuing Ramadān The blessed month of Ramadān is a month of blessings, mercy and forgiveness. This sacred month will pass without us realising what valuable and precious moments were wasted. What has gone cannot come back, and what has been lost cannot be re-acquired. For one who wishes to acquire the pleasure of Allāh ta‘ālā, even one moment is sufficient. Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam has said in a hadīth that Ramadān is a month, the beginning of which is mercy, the middle of which is forgiveness and the end of which is deliverance from the Fire of Jahannam. (Ibn Khuzaymah) From the first of Ramadān, the Mercy of Allāh ta‘ālā descends upon those very pious servants who have no sins in their book of deeds. As far as the sinners are concerned, they are of two types: sinners of a lesser degree, and those who are so filthy that were they to die in their present condition they would go straight into the Fire of Jahannam. As far as the sinners of a lesser degree are concerned, their sins are forgiven after their striving for 10 days. Upon seeing their hard work and effort, Allāh ta‘ālā showers His forgiveness upon them at the end of the first 10 days. For those filthy with sins upon whom Jahannam was wajib (incumbent), after working hard for 20 days, Allāh ta‘ālā's forgiveness enshrouds them and they are then granted deliverance from the Fire of Jahannam. How merciful is Allāh ta‘ālā! We ask Allāh ta‘ālā that He grant us Jannat-ul-Firdaws with His eternal Pleasure and save us from the Fire of Jahannam. Āmīn. Memorable Ramadān Make this Ramadān a memorable one. Make it a Ramadān you will remember for the rest of your life. Make it such that, inshā’allāh, in Jannah you will say it was this Ramadān from when my life changed forever and in which Allāh ta‘ālā made me His walī (special friend). To make this Ramadān a memorable one, abstain from disobeying Allāh ta‘ālā, our Creator. Do not even think about disobeying Allāh ta‘ālā throughout the blessed month. In order to safeguard yourself from disobeying Allāh ta‘ālā; avoid gatherings and mixing with people as many sins such as backbiting and slandering take place when one mixes with people. Safeguard your tongue by only saying what is good and rewarding. Always think before you speak. Safeguard your ears and eyes from those things which are disliked by Allāh ta‘ālā.

Prepare for Ramadān (Part 5) Guidance and advice for the Blessed Month from Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh Virtues of Ramadān As soon as the month of Rajab begins we should commence daily readings from the book 'Virtues of Ramadān' by Shaykh-ul-Hadīth, Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Zakariyyā rahimahullāh. We should motivate ourselves, allocate time and sit daily with the family and read this book collectively throughout Rajab. Shaykh-ul-Hadīth, Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Zakariyyā rahimahullāh was a saintly person and his words have an amazing effect on the heart which will help us spiritually prepare for the blessed month and also benefit from it.

A Muslim Nurse Had the Answer I was on a visit to one of the Islamic centres in Germany when I noticed a woman dressed in full Islamic hijab. I had never seen such proper hijab in the West. Glad because of what I had seen, I thanked Almighty Allah. Later, a friend suggested that I learn from her husband about how she had become a Muslim — which I did. Her husband related: My wife is German. She is an obstetrician and gynaecologist. She used to have a clinic for treating sexually transmitted diseases, which could infect women. She conducted vast research in this area, and one of the specialists suggested that she go to another country where the demographics may show different results in order to make her research more comprehensive. She went to Norway and stayed there for three months. There she found results similar to the ones reached in Germany. So, she decided to go to work in Saudi Arabia for a year. And she began to read about the history and culture of this Muslim country. At that point, she felt contempt for the Muslim woman. She wondered how these women could submissively accept the hijab. She saw it as quite humiliating. A Turning Point The husband continued to relate the story of his wife’s conversion, and he quoted her as saying: When I arrived in Saudi Arabia, I discovered I had to wear a cloak over my body. I hated that. It made me feel like a prisoner, and I felt extremely humiliated by it. I decided, however, to accept that as the price I had to pay to complete my medical research. I worked for four continuous months at the clinic, and I saw hundreds of women. I did not come across a single case of sexually transmitted diseases. I began to feel bored and somewhat restless. For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in Charity, for men and women who fast, for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah’s praise — for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward. (Al-Ahzab 33:35) When seven months had gone by without adding a thing to my research, I became frustrated. I left the clinic one day, feeling angry and upset. One of the Muslim nurses asked me about what was bothering me, and I told her about it. She smiled and said something in Arabic, which I could not understand. When I asked her to explain, she said, “What you are seeing is the fruit of virtue; it is the reward that we get for following the guidance of Almighty Allah, Who says: I was really touched by the Qur’anic verse quoted by the nurse. I started to think about it, and I continued to read more of the Qur’an and the hadiths. Eventually, Almighty Allah guided me to the understanding that the dignity and honour of women are in virtue and hijab. I realized that most of what was written about the hijab in the West is from a Western standpoint, which has little understanding of true virtue and dignity. Ethical Life in Danger I started to think about how the West had managed to change our views on hijab. And to make a long story short, anyway I looked at it, I found that virtue came to change and became a rarity as a result of the media using women to alter the norms of the society. What I fear most today is that Muslims end up following that same road of liberalism and shamelessness. Following the way of life of our religion is our only hope of salvation from the same fate. It is truly disturbing that AIDS has begun to be evident in the Arab region. This disease is the result of the collapse of a value system and the spread of sexual corruption. We find that the values and ethics of Islam are constantly under attack in the media. People are flooded with movies and programs that reflect total lack of shame and virtue. I know this may sound outrageous to non-Muslims. But, it is true that we today live in a world that feeds itself sins and illicitness disguised under the cover of freedom and modernism. What would one expect to happen next? It has to be more of the same fruits we are getting now. We can only escape from such madness and corruption by being committed to our faith and by observing the laws set by Almighty Allah at all times. In a Qur’anic verse, Almighty Allah warns: Indeed, those who like that immorality should be spread among those who have believed will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And Allah knows and you do not know. (An-Nur 24:19) Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Prepare for Ramadān (Part 4) Guidance and advice for the Blessed Month from Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh Talk About Ramadān We should make a habit of talking about the virtues and blessedness of Ramadān as soon as Sha`ban dawns upon us. Those of us who know the virtues of this month should explain to others. The more people become conscious of its virtues, the more likely they are to benefit from Ramadān. Free Your Time We should free up ourselves before Ramadān begins. When we go abroad, we endeavour to complete all tasks in hand prior to our departure. Similarly, we should fulfil all the tasks we are able to prior to Ramadān, and become free in this month as much as possible to devote time to ‘ibādah. Anything that can wait until Ramadān is over, let it wait.

Women’s prayer Assalamu alaykum Question In the hanafi mad-hab, what is the best way for a woman to pray? Some say just like the Prophet (S) but then other say he advised his wives to pray differently. If we are supposed to pray differently (in a more concealing fashion, how I understand it), then what about when I’m praying at home? Wouldn’t there be no need to conceal oneself if you’re alone? Should I pray differently in public? Can you please reference specifically to how high to raise one’s hands, how straight the back should be in ruku, where hands placed in sajdah/how straight back should be, how the legs should be in sitting, and can you please refer to the hadith that says there should be distance between the thighs and the stomach, in relation to women’s prayer? Answered by: Mufti Abdullah Nana Verified by: Mufti Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf In the name of Allah, Most Gracious Most Merciful The Salafis or Ahle Hadith in today’s time claim that a woman’s salat is just like that of men and there is no need for a woman to perform salat in a concealing manner as recommended by the Imams of the four schools. They claim that the hadiths which describe the method of prayer for men is general and applies to women as well. They do not consider the fact that the laws for women are different from the laws of men in many aspects of Din, including salat. For example, women have to cover their hair whereas men do not have to. They have also overlooked the fact that there are clear and explicit hadiths which describe the women’s method of prayer to be different from that of men. It has not been reported that any Sahabi or Tabi’s ever considered the salat of women to be the same as that of men. This is an incorrect view that goes against all four schools of Fiqh, not just the Hanafi school (please refer to Chapter 4 pg. 67 in The Salah of Women). There are numerous ahadith of Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, and many statements of the Sahaba and Tabi’in which prove that a woman should offer her prayer in a concealing manner. You should rest assured that this method of prayer is completely correct and accordance to the teachings of Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam. For a detailed answer to your question, I advise you to read a book entitled The Salah of Women published by Madrasah Arabia Islamia in Krugersdorp, South Africa [available at Al-Rashad Books]. I will now try to answer the different aspects of your question by quoting relevant excerpts from this book. Women should perform their salat in a concealing manner at all times because Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam has commanded them to do so in a general sense without restricting it to any particular situation or time. Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam said, “The salat of a woman is not accepted unless she wears a veil.” (Sunan Bayhaqi) This is a general statement applying to all situations. Also, even if a woman is in the privacy of her home and there is no one to look at her, the angels are still there and a person should dress modestly in their presence. A woman should not look upon this as a burden, rather she should consider it as a commendable action deserving of reward. Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam said, “Indeed Allah looks at her (the woman who conceals herself by attaching her stomach to her sides) and says, ‘O My Angels. Bear witness that I have forgiven her.” (Sunan al-Bayhaqi) Regarding the exact method of a woman performing salat, we would advise you to consult with a sister who is well-versed in Islamic knowledge and to have her teach you how to practically offer your salat. This method has proven to be very effective and informative. If this is not possible, then you should refer to the books. I will outline the method of prayer for women below taking from The Salah of Women: The great scholar of hadith, Imam Bayhaqi has mentioned a general rule regarding the manner of a woman’s salat. He writes, “The separating factor between the laws of salat of males and females is that of concealment. A woman is commanded to do all those actions which are more concealing for her.” (Sunan al-Bayhaqi) 1. When beginning salat, a woman should raise her hands to her shoulders without taking her hands out of her cloak. This is mentioned in a hadith of Majma’ al-Zawa’id and was the practice of Umm al-Darda as is reported in Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah. 2. Women should bow down slightly, just enough for the hands to touch the knees. Do not bend down so much that the back becomes completely straight like the males. 3. The hands should be placed in line with the ears and close to the ears while in sajdah. The fingers should be close together and facing the qiblah. 4. The manner of sitting in salat for women is to sit on the left buttock, take the feet out to the right and keep the right thigh on the left thigh. The feet must be kept horizontally on the ground and not kept erect. Abdullah Ibn Umar Radhiyallahu ‘Anhu said that women during the time of Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wa sallam were then ordered to draw themselves close together and lean onto one side by resting on their left buttocks and completely contracting themselves.” (Jami’ al-Masanid). Abul Wafaa Afghani adds, “This is the most authentic narration of this chapter. It is for this reason that Imam Abu Hanifa has made it the basis of his madhab.” 5. The ahadith describing the manner of the salat of Rasulullah Salallahu Alahyi Wa Sallam state that he used to separate his thighs from his stomach. (Sunan Tirmidhi, Sunan Abi Dawud). However, this is in reference to the salat of men. There are explicit ahadith which emphasize that the salat of women is different in this aspect. Abdullah Ibn Umar Radhiyallah Anhu reports that Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam said, “When a woman sits during sajdah, she should place her one thigh over the other and when she prostrates, she must attach her stomach to her thighs so that it is more concealing for her.” (Sunan Bayhaqi) In all, there are twelve narrations from Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, the Sahaba, and the Tabi’in in this regard. We will not quote all of them at this juncture for the sake of brevity. 6. For benefit’s sake, I also wish to include another relevant issue regarding the salat of woman. Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam commanded men not to spread their arms on the ground like a dog (Sahih Muslim, Tabrani). However, this command does not apply to women. Yazid bin Habib narrates that Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam passed by two women who were performing their salat. He said to them, “When you prostrate, then make the parts of your body touch the ground because a woman is unlike a man in these aspects.” (Maraasil Abi Dawud) Allah knows best. May Allah give us all the divine inspiration to offer a perfect salat. Mufti Abdullah Nana Source

Muslim Degeneration and its only Remedy by Mawlana Ihtishaamul Hasan Kaandlawi muslim_degeneration_and_its_only_remedy.pdf

Degeneration Of The Ummah Shaykh Sulaiman Moola In this lecture Shaykh. Sulaiman Moola explains the reason for the degeneration of the ummah today. http://www.muslimcentral.com/sulaiman-moola-degeneration-ummah/

The Solution for the Crisis of the Ummah A few leading personalities had once come to Hazrat Shaikh Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) with the aim of seeking advice from him regarding the various efforts that could be implemented in trying to improve the situation in Baytul Muqaddas and Palestine. The advice that Hazrat Shaikh (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) gave them was such that it contains guidance for all Muslims at large. An extremely pertinent portion of Hazrat Shaikh (rahmatullahi ‘alaih)’s advice has been reproduced below: “Wherever calamities and tragedies of this nature occur in the world, then there is no Muslim who does not feel distressed and grieved over what is transpiring. However, at the same time, there is no denying that everything that is happening is a result of nothing but our own actions. You are all well acquainted and abreast with the news. Who can deny the enmity that the disbelievers have for Islam? Their ridiculing Islam and spreading corruption and immorality in the world, their adopting all means to eliminate and exterminate Islam from the face of this earth, and every other effort that is taking place against Islam is now going on for some time in the Arab lands. In these trying circumstances, where the world is against Islam, if one has to ponder and reflect, one will realize that it is only the infinite grace and mercy of Allah Ta’ala that allows us to continue. Otherwise, the amount of transgression and sins that the Muslims are involved in warrants His divine punishment. Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’aan Majeed: Whatever misfortune befalls you is because of what your hands have earned, and for many (of them) He grants forgiveness. To understand this verse, one may consider the following illustration. A certain person’s brother or son is meted the death penalty on account of him killing someone. For the person to feel affected and grieved through losing his brother or son is natural due to the bond of mutual love that they share among themselves. However, he will have to come to terms with realizing that the consequences his brother had faced were purely on account of his own actions. Allah Ta’ala speaks about the corruption the Banu Israa’eel were previously involved in and how Allah Ta’ala had subjected them to oppression and tyranny at the hands of their enemies. Whatever had occurred was, in reality, a consequence of their own actions. And We declared to the Banu Israa’eel in the Book, “You will surely spread mischief on the earth twice and be elated with mighty arrogance! When the appointed time for the first of the two came, We sent against you some of our servants given to terrible warfare: They entered the very innermost parts of your homes; and it was a promise bound to be fulfilled. Then We gave you your turn to overpower them, and increased your strength with wealth and sons, and made you greater in number. If you do good, you will do it for your own benefit, and if you do evil, it will be against yourselves. Later, when came the time appointed for the second, (We sent others) to disfigure your faces, and to enter the Musjid as they had entered it before, and to completely destroy whatever they prevail upon. It may be that your Lord may (yet) show Mercy unto you; but if you revert (to your sins), We shall revert (to Our punishments). Are all these incidents which are recounted in the Qur’aan Majeed mere fables and fairytales? My heart’s desire is that those people, who are orators and also well versed in history, should take lesson from the manner in which the disbelievers of that era dealt with the Muslims when the Muslims moved off the straight path, and they should thereafter warn the Muslim Ummah so that they may pay heed as well. This is what I am requesting from you. The essence of this advice is to first remove the corrupt substance and rot before attending to the wound. If the corrupt substance and rot is left in the body, you can well imagine what the result of merely applying a bandage to the surface will be. Allah Ta’ala says: Not your desires, nor the desires of the People of the Book (can prevail. The system of Allah is that) whoever works evil, will be compensated accordingly. And nor will he find, besides Allah, any protector or helper. The evil effects and consequences of a sin perpetrated by an individual are such that they will be confined to that individual. However, when oppression and sins are carried out by people collectively, especially when the oppression involves openly opposing Islam and Deen, then the consequences that follow also affect the people collectively. This worthless servant has written in detail regarding the causes for the degeneration of the Ummah in his book, Al-I’tidaal, in answer to the question “Why are the Muslims facing oppression and tyranny at the hands of the disbelievers?” This book was published in Sha’baan 1357 A.H. approximately thirty years ago. I have already presented this book to you twice before. I first presented it to you a few years back, and the second time I presented it to you was during Shawwaal of last year. When you arrived here, hearing of the problems that had erupted in Sahaaranpur, then during the course of one of our conversations, I had made reference to this article. On that occasion, I also presented this book to you. Even if you now tell me that you want this book, it can be sent to you as many times as you wish. لن يصلح آخر هذه الأمة إلا ما أصلح أولها The latter portion of this Ummah will never be reformed except through that which reformed the first portion of this Ummah. According to the above statement, the need of the time is for us to remain firm on Deen and hold fast onto the example set by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum), together with valuing and showing respect to it. It is only in this that the Ummah will find success, victory and honour. The story of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) travelling to Shaam is well known and you are perhaps aware of it as well. While Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was proceeding to Shaam, he arrived at a place where he needed to cross through water and mud. He thus dismounted from his camel, removed his leather socks, placed them on his shoulder and crossed. Seeing this, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) said, “What will the people of Shaam say if they see you in this condition?” Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) acceded to the request of Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and accepted to ride a fine horse and to wear new clothing. However, after a little while, perceiving the change in his heart, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) dismounted the horse and removed the new clothing he was given to wear. He then addressed Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and the Muslims in the following words: فقال عمر أوه لم يقل ذا غيرك أبا عبيدة جعلته نكالا لأمة محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم إنا كنا أذل قوم فأعزنا الله بالإسلام فمهما نطلب العز بغير ما أعزنا الله به أذلنا الله Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) exclaimed, “Aah! If someone besides you had said that, o Abu Ubaidah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), I would have made him an example for the Ummah of Muhammed (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! We were undoubtedly the most disgraced of nations, then Allah Ta’ala granted us honour through Islam. If we ever seek honour in something besides that through which Allah honoured us, Allah will disgrace us.” I have also mentioned the incident of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and numerous other incidents of this nature in my book, Al-I’tidaal. All these incidents clearly show that the success and salvation of the Muslims lies in holding fast to Islam, not casting Islam aside and abandoning it, or even worse, destroying Islam and idealizing the ways of the disbelievers. During the Mubaarak life of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), when there was a need for adopting some means to call people for Salaah, and some Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) suggested lighting a fire or blowing into a trumpet, then Rasululah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) strongly rejected these suggestions on the basis that they resembled the ways of the disbelievers (the fire worshippers and the Christians). How strange it is to find that it is the Ummah of this very same Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) who are now striving to emulate the disbelievers in every facet of their lives! They are so overawed by the disbelievers that in every department of their lives, they examine their conduct and behavior and thereafter emulate them. When Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) began to recite from the Toraat in the blessed presence of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), the noble countenance of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) began to change out of anger, and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was greatly disturbed. On realizing his error, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) immediately sought forgiveness. Imagine, when this was the extent of dissatisfaction brought to the heart of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) when he had seen Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) recite the book of the Jews, then how more disturbed and hurt would he not be to see that his Ummah now regard his guidance and the guidance left by his Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) to be worthless, and thus adore the ways of the West and other disbelievers, after which they are prepared to pay any price to try and adopt and promote their ways in their lives. You yourself consider the extent of pain that we are causing to the Mubaarak heart of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) through our actions. When our actions cause such pain to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) (-may my life be sacrificed for him!), then as great as the resulting anger and reprimand of Allah Ta’ala may be (in order for us to come back on the straight path), it is actually His pure mercy upon us that He is not sending His Divine punishment upon us and destroying us entirely. Otherwise, had it not been His grace and forgiveness upon us, we are not worthy of living in this world. You know more of these circumstances and conditions than I do, since you are more acquainted with the news and world conditions. You have substantial influence over people, as you interact with them. Therefore, in diverse ways, you should effectively convey your message to people and conscientise them so that they may take stock of their lives and reform their actions. In this way, as much as the enmity for Islam may be, they will be able to work towards decreasing it. Rather, they will even be able to look for ways to try and remedy the situation. According to this worthless servant, this is the one and only solution to the situation in Baytul Muqaddas and Palestine – that we return to Allah Ta’ala and come back onto the Mubaarak Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and abandon the ways of the disbelievers. I wish to write more on this issue. However, because people will not listen to an uninfluential personality, and because modernists do not subscribe to the ideas of simple people, you should merely mention to them the solution that I have spoken of briefly and concisely. You may also mention it to those who have always been affiliated with me. If you wish, you may also discuss it with those of your guests who are linked to me. (Tarbiyatus Saalikeen pg. 624)

Prepare for Ramadān (Part 3) Guidance and advice for the Blessed Month from Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh More Time in the Masjid When Rajab commences we should increase the time we spend in the masjid. We should start for example by sitting for an extra five minutes after salāh. We should increase this time after ten days, and continue increasing it until we enter the blessed month of Ramadān, when we should increase it even further. If work commitments do not allow this during weekdays, then it should be done on weekends. If we think about how much time we normally spend in the blessed environment of the masjid, we would have to admit that it is the bare minimum or just a little bit more. Relaxing Before Ramadān Some people relax for a few days before Ramadān, intending to busy themselves in ‘ibādah once Ramadān begins. Sometimes this relaxed attitude leads them to sin, with a reassuring feeling that they will make tawbah in Ramadān. Firstly, how do they know they will live to see Ramadān? Secondly, the sin committed may have a negative spiritual impact which may last for the duration of Ramadān, preventing the perpetrator from repenting and doing good deeds, even in the blessed month.

Prepare for Ramadān (Part 2) Guidance and advice for the Blessed Month from Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh Reaching the Shore Reaching the month of Rajab is akin to reaching the shore of Ramadān. This is why the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would read the following du'ā with anticipation upon the advent of Rajab: Allāhumma barik lana fī rajabin wa sha'bān wa balighnā Ramadān. “O Allāh! Bless us in the months of Rajab and Sha'bān, and make us reach Ramadān (by granting us life until then).” (At-Tabrānī) Start Preparing Early The advent of the month of Rajab is a signal for us to begin preparing for the month of Ramadān. If we start gearing up from the month of Rajab, then upon the commencement of the month of Ramadān we will have a set routine of ‘ibadah that we can gradually increase as the month progresses. In this way we will be able to fully benefit from the blessed month. If we intend to increase our ‘ibadah only after the month of Ramadān has begun, then by the time we get into gear, many days of Ramadān would have passed, and we would have wasted valuable opportunities.

Duaa at the Time of Tahajjud One should recite the following Duaa at the time of Tahajjud: اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ قَيِّمُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ لَكَ مُلْكُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ اَنْتَ نُورُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَن فِيهِنَّ وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ الْحَقُّ وَوَعْدُكَ الْحَقُّ وَلِقَاؤُكَ حَقٌّ وَقَوْلُكَ حَقٌّ وَالْجَنَّةُ حَقٌّ وَالنَّارُ حَقٌّ وَالنَّبِيُّونَ حَقٌّ وَمُحَمَّدٌ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ حَقٌّ وَالسَّاعَةُ حَقٌّ اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ أَسْلَمْتُ وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْكَ أَنَبْتُ وَبِكَ خَاصَمْتُ وَإِلَيْكَ حَاكَمْتُ فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ أَنْتَ الْمُقَدِّمُ وَأَنْتَ الْمُؤَخِّرُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ O Allah, all praise belongs to You and You are the sustainer of the heavens and the Earth and whatever is contained within them. All praise belongs to You and to You belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the Earth and whatever is contained within them. All praise belongs to You and You are the noor (i.e. light) of the heavens and the Earth and whatever is contained within them. You are Haqq, Your promises are true and Your meeting is true. Your speech is true, Paradise is true and Hell is true. The messengers are true and Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is true. The last hour is true. O Allah, I have surrendered to You alone. I have Imaan upon You alone. I have placed my trust and reliance upon You alone. It is only towards You that I turn. It is only on account of You (i.e. with Your help) do I dispute (with the kuffaar in proving the truth). It is only towards You do I turn for judgement. Thus forgive my sins, my past sins and my future sins, those sins done in secret and those sins committed openly. You are the first and You are the last. There is none worthy of worship besides You, and there is no power (to do good) nor any ability (to abstain from evil) except with the help of Allah Ta’ala. عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما قال كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا قام من الليل يتهجد قال: اللهم لك الحمد أنت قيم السموات والأرض ومن فيهن، ولك الحمد لك ملك السموات والأرض ومن فيهن ولك الحمد أنت نور السموات والأرض ومن فيهن ولك الحمد أنت ملك السموات والأرض ولك الحمد أنت الحق ووعدك الحق ولقاؤك حق وقولك حق والجنة حق والنار حق والنبيون حق ومحمد صلى الله عليه وسلم حق والساعة حق اللهم لك أسلمت وبك آمنت وعليك توكلت وإليك أنبت وبك خاصمت وإليك حاكمت فاغفر لي ما قدمت وما أخرت وما أسررت وما أعلنت أنت المقدم وأنت المؤخر لا إله إلا أنت ( أو: لا إله غيرك) قال سفيان: وزاد عبد الكريم أبو أمية "ولا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله (بخاري رقم 1120) Hadhrat ibn Abbaas (Radhiallahu Anhuma) reports that when Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would stand up to perform tahajjud at night, he would recite the following duaa: اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ قَيِّمُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ لَكَ مُلْكُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ اَنْتَ نُورُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ الْحَقُّ وَوَعْدُكَ الْحَقُّ وَلِقَاؤُكَ حَقٌّ وَقَوْلُكَ حَقٌّ وَالْجَنَّةُ حَقٌّ وَالنَّارُ حَقٌّ وَالنَّبِيُّونَ حَقٌّ وَمُحَمَّدٌ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ حَقٌّ وَالسَّاعَةُ حَقٌّ اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ أَسْلَمْتُ وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْكَ أَنَبْتُ وَبِكَ خَاصَمْتُ وَإِلَيْكَ حَاكَمْتُ فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ أَنْتَ الْمُقَدِّمُ وَأَنْتَ الْمُؤَخِّرُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ Ihyaauddeen.co.za

Great! Jazaakillahu khayraa sister