ummtaalib

Old and cold with no one to hold – Part 3 Yusuf Omar – Radio Islam 4. The front porch reeks of loneliness. Many of the residents sat or stood outside their neatly decorated homes in the front porch. They never come outside to mingle with others or to admire the perfectly trimmed flowers highlighted by the afternoon sun. They came out because they couldn’t stand the loneliness inside. They sensed activity outside and, like a child in a candy store, they couldn’t resist. They miss the days of being with family. They long for the day when they will be surrounded by their own children again. They probably think of how they thought life would end up and how life really ended up. How they imagined playing with grandchildren while being looked after by their children. How they would go on Sunday picnics with the children and grandchildren. Remember, they are aged but they are still human. Their needs and wants might have changed over the years but they still have needs and wants. Society needs to understand this point. Old does not mean life is over. Life has changed but it is not over. Everyday they sit in that porch finding something to do or someone to talk to. At the end, they slowly make their way back into that empty lifeless home hoping that one day, maybe one day, when they walk in, they will be met with smiles. Smiles, from the most important people in their lives. In fact, it should be called an old-age house, not an old-age home because it is people, love and smiles that turn a house into a home. Take out some time and go visit one of these homes. Take the kids with. It will teach them lifelong lessons. One of the students started crying as she spoke to one of the residents. I was surprised to see my students helping another elderly lady clean her garden. The same students that look at each other’s faces in the class when you say “someone open the window please” were now happily cleaning someone’s garden. The trip definitely had a great impact on them. Only Allah knows the tears and pain that such homes see on a daily basis. Similarly, only Allah can truly fight for their cause. Believe me, you don’t want to be an enemy in that battle. I hope this piece makes you think again if ever the thought of putting your parents in a home crossed your mind. Remember, they might say that it is not a problem. The reason they say this is because they love you and they don’t want to be a burden to you. In reality, they don’t want to go there. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Old and cold with no one to hold – Part 2 Yusuf Omar – Radio Islam 2. They feel it, deep down. This point is primarily structured around one incident in particular. I never witnessed the incident but a few of my students experienced it. They later related the story to me. They visited a home and the elderly aunty invited them in. As they sat down in the lounge, tears started flowing from her eyes. I suppose because they were kids it reminded her of her own kids. She really opened up to them and told them her story. Maybe she just needed to get it out. She told them how her kids forgot about her. Two of them married and successful somewhere in South Africa. A third now living it up in Australia. With tears rolling down her cheeks she told them how they don’t come see her anymore. When the students showed me which house the lady lived in, I noticed she was standing outside looking at us. I only assume that as she looked at us her head was flooded with thoughts of when will her kids will visit her like how the students did. There are many elderly folks like this. They will never open up to adults and they definitely won’t open up to their own kids but deep down, they feel the pain. The thought of your offspring walking out of your life when you need them most must be a devastating feeling. It’s high up there on the worst feelings list. Even worse than loving someone who loves someone else or telling someone you his best friend and he replies with a ‘k’. 3. They’ll never criticise their own. Even though the above mentioned lady spoke about her kids, notice how she only opened up to the students. Others never opened up at all. Yes, they spoke about various other issues but despite the circumstances, they never blamed their children. I got the feeling that most would never criticise their children. Most will blame the situation but they’ll never blame their children. This stems from the natural love that a mother, and father, has for their children. It’s a love that is divine. If you are a parent and are reading this, it will be easy to relate. You might reprimand you child or even use your hand but you’ll never speak bad about him/her in front of others. To the world, your kids must be angels. Isn’t it unfortunate that some of us abandon the very people that would never speak against us. To be continued..

Old and cold with no one to hold – Part 1 Yusuf Omar – Radio Islam I recently had the privilege of visiting a home for the aged, or what we commonly refer to as an old-age home. Now, I call it a privilege because many of us never get this opportunity. Even though entrance is free and there are no high walls to jump, for some reason, we just never take out the time to visit such homes. I had this opportunity as part of a development programme. Arrangements were made for some students to visit the home so that they realise the importance of looking after their parents in old age. As their teacher, I tagged along and reaped the benefits as well. I’ll be honest, when I first got off the bus I was really impressed. The light-brown face bricked houses with little lush gardens outside all built in a systematic order really got the smile out of me. The brightly painted window panes with matching door frames that really made the cute door bells and address boards stand out was almost like candy to the eyes. I started thinking that maybe people underestimate this place. This seems like a cool place. I mean, if you old, why would you want to live in the big wide world. Why experience traffic and the rush of everyday life at that age when you could be chilling in this awesome looking place with all others your age. For a moment, the beauty blew me away. But then, slowly, beauty started ripping at the seams making way for loneliness to expose its pitiable head. As the students went from to home visiting the residents, I quietly walked around the place to observe the happenings and to make sure that the students do what they supposed to do (That’s 90% of a teacher’s job). While slowly roaming around the peaceful environment, I met up with a few residents who were sitting outside and baking in the afternoon sun. It was a mixed bag. Some were happy to see us and appreciated the fact that we took out time to meet them while some were expecting gifts so they never take too kindly to our visits when they saw us smiling with empty hands. The events of that one afternoon is just too much for one article. To make it easier, I am going to break it up for you and mention the most important lessons in point form. If you ever thought of putting your parents in a home during old age, here’s four points to make you think again. 1. They want love, not gifts. When some of the residents got upset because we showed up with no gifts, it really surprised me. I mean this was a home for the aged, not necessarily a home for the poor. Some homes had cars parked outside, others had decent looking furniture so why get upset for gifts. At first, this question baffled me but then I realised something. “It’s not the value of the gift, it’s the love and attention behind the gift” Passing long days alone in a home eventually makes you feel unwanted. The desire for attention naturally eats you up inside. Not just the elderly, it can happen to any person. That hunger for love and attention builds up to such an extent that even a small gift is enough to temporarily feed it. Of course, the need for love and attention sprouts from the absence of family, the absence of children. In reality, they don’t want our gifts, they don’t even want our smiles. All they want is that love and attention from their own kids. That attention and love they gave decades ago, they want it back, even just a fraction of it. To be continued…

SOL-“Shout out Loud” By Abu Thuwayba How often do we not “Shout out Loud” (SOL) when we get a little angry or irritated? Does this not happen to those persons that are supposedly near and dear to us? Generally we are so “busy” that we seldom get a chance to introspect and realize the harm that our spontaneous and outburst of SOL causes to ourselves and those whom we attack. A wise old man gathered his students and asked them this question: ‘Why do people who are angry shout at each other even though they are nearby?’ The students came up with various possibilities but no answer satisfied the wise man. He then said to his students: ‘The reason that angry people shout at each other is that their hearts are very far apart. Thus, they need to scream and shout to make themselves heard to each other.’ He went on explaining: ‘Don’t you see that when people like each other they speak softly and gently. This is because their hearts are nearer. And when that love is greater, they whisper in each other’s ears due to their hearts being even closer.’ He paused and continued: ‘And when their love is intense, their hearts are practically one and then they do not even need to speak. A mere glance is enough to convey their love or even the slightest message.’ When your voice is raised, whether at your spouse, child, parent or any close one, pause a while and think: ‘Is my heart actually far from the person I claim is close to me?’ Often anger and irritation acts as an anesthetic on the mind, blotting out reason and causing a person to SOL. The damage of harsh words are immense and the harm can be irreversible and leave permanent scars. A moment of introspection will calm the mind and allow reason and rationality to return. The Qur’aan states: Be moderate (or show no insolence) in your walking and lower your voice. Verily, the harshest of all voices is the voice (braying) of the donkey. ( Qur’an 31:19) A wise scholar once said: “Raise your words and not your voice. It is rain that causes flowers to grow and not thunder” Anger and raised voices serve no purpose except to tear people further apart. Try using a gentle voice and enjoy the results! www.eislam.co.za

The Dynamics of a Fatwa A fatwa is a culmination of fiqh (jurisprudence) which has its roots in the Quran, Hadith, Ijmā’ (consensus of the Sahabah), and Qiyās (analogy). The academic content of a fatwa is like the mountaintop that is uplifted by the entire mountain and further supported by the surface of the ground and its underground structures. When a request for a fatwa is made, a Mufti is required to exert himself and apply his mind to the best of his ability to arrive at a ruling of Sharia. In doing so, he has to be cognizant of all the structures of Sharia: Quran, Hadiths, Ijmā’, and Qiyās. The fuqahā’ (jurists) had comprehensive knowledge of the Sharia, as well as the practical aspects of life. They condensed Sharia in broad principles, within which the entire Sharia is encapsulated and from where all the issues of Sharia flow. It is these principles that help a Mufti to navigate his way in arriving at a decision not expressly mentioned by the fuqahā’. The fuqahā’ had insight and wisdom that directed them deep into the hearts of people to deduce rulings based on intentions; hence the maxim: لا ثواب إلا بالنية Reward is only attainable through intentions. (Ibn Nujaym, Al-Ashbāh Wa Al-Nazā’ir, pg. 20. ‘Ilmiyyah.) They understood that issues had to be analyzed according to their purpose; hence the maxim: الأمور بمقاصدها Affairs are determined according to their purpose. (Ibid, pg. 27) The fuqahā’ understood the psychological onslaught faced by an individual as well as the onslaught of the Shaytān to distract him from the worship of Allah. They, in turn, brought great relief through the following maxim: اليقين لا يزول بالشك Certainty is not eradicated through doubts. (Ibid, pg. 56) As human beings, we are created weak. We tend to lose courage with difficulties. Creating ease and removing difficulties bring relief to us in worshipping Allah; hence the maxims: المشقة تجلب التيسير Difficulty draws ease. (Ibid, pg. 75) الضرر يزال Hardships are removed. (Ibid, pg. 85) We are living in a multicultural world with various traditions and customs. Islam, being a practical religion, considers norm and traditions; hence the maxim: العادة محكمة Norm will judge. (Ibid, pg. 93) In this age of scientific calculations and technological advancements, calculated ijtihād has to be conducted to arrive at correct and appropriate decisions; hence the maxim: الاجتهاد لا ينقض بالاجتهاد An ijtihād does not invalidate an ijtihād. (Ibid, pg. 105) Taqwā is the essence of the Sharia. It is the means of spiritual revival and upliftment. In our daily practices, taqwā is always upheld; hence the maxim: اذا اجتمع الحلال و الحرام غلب الحرام When halal and haram gather, haram will overpower the halal. (Ibid, pg. 109) In this world of power and dominance, there has to be some order. One has to be in control and the other has to submit. The one in power has to be given some autonomy to maintain justice and equity; hence the maxims: التابع تابع A subordinate will be regarded as a subordinate. (Ibid, pg. 120) تصرف الإمام منوط بالمصلحة The power of the imam will be based on the best interest of issues. (Ibid, pg. 123) A human being is prone to do wrong. When he is being criminalised, consideration should be given to the possibility of error and wrong judgement by those in power; hence: الحدود تدرأ بالشبهات Capital punishments are removed by doubts. (Ibid, pg. 127) The dignity of a human being is always upheld; hence: الحر لا يدخل تحت يد أحد A free person is never under anyone. (Ibid, pg. 131) At all times, we ought to interpret the speech of a human being according to his human intellect; hence: إعمال الكلام أولى من إهماله Considering one’s speech is better than invalidating it. (Ibid, pg. 135) When he is silent, that too is considered: لا ينسب إلى ساكت قول A statement is not attributed to a silent person. (Ibid, pg. 154) While preference is given to a fard act, at times, voluntary acts are given more virtue to promote sublime character and goodwill: الفرض أفضل من النفل إلا في مسائل A fard act is more virtuous than a nafl act, except in certain issues. (Ibid, pg. 157) There is a balance of justice and fairness between personal dealings and dealings with others; hence: ما حرم أخذه حرم إعطاؤه That which is impermissible to take is impermissible to give. (Ibid, pg. 158) While all laws are designed for the well-being of human beings, we cannot ignore the fact that we also live in a world of some selfish people. In the general interest of human beings, such people will have to be dealt with accordingly: من استعجل الشيء قبل أوانه عوقب بحرمانه Whoever seeks an issue before its time will be punished by being deprived of it. (Ibid, pg. 159) Family and blood relationships are endorsed and strongly considered; hence: الولاية الخاصة أقوى من الولاية العامة Specific guardianship is stronger than general guardianship. (Ibid, pg. 160) The abovementioned maxims are not conclusive and exhaustive. They do, however, provide a glimpse into a perfect and absolute Sharia. ذكر بعض ما لا يتجزأ كذكر كله Mentioning part of that which is indivisible is like mentioning everything. (Ibid, pg. 162) The AskImam.org website aims to guide the ummah with the Shar’ī rulings based on the guidelines set out by our illustrious fuqahā’. While we attempt to analyze the questions and circumstances presented to us and attempt to issue rulings to the best of our ability, we also take cognizance of the fact that we can never be perfect. لا عبرة بالظن البين خطأه There is no consideration of conjecture when error is clear. (Ibid, pg. 161) We use the laws as our guide and, if we have erred, it is attributed to us; this we have to accept: إذا اجتمع المباشر والمتسبب أضيف الحكم إلى المباشر When the direct pursuant (person who is directly involved) and the means come together, the ruling will be attributed to the direct pursuant. (Ibid, pg. 163) In any event, the pleasure of Allah Ta’ālā is the common goal of all. Hence, the maxim: إذا اجتمع أمران من جنس واحد‏,‏ ولم يختلف مقصودهما‏,‏ دخل أحدهما في الآخر غالبا‏ When two issues of the same nature come together with a common purpose, one is usually included in the other. (Ibid, pg. 132) By: Mufti Ebrahim Desai darulifta

Duaa when Experiencing Sleeplessness at Night If one experiences sleeplessness, he should recite the following Duaa اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ السَّمَاوَاتِ السَّبْعِ وَمَا أَظَلَّتْ وَرَبَّ الْأَرَضِينَ وَمَا أَقَلَّتْ وَرَبَّ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَمَا أَضَلَّتْ كُنْ لِي جَارًا مِنْ شَرِّ خَلْقِكَ أَجْمَعِينَ، أَنْ يَفْرُطَ عَلَيَّ أَحَدٌ مِنْهُمْ، أَوْ أَنْ يَطْغَى، عَزَّ جَارُكَ، وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُك O Allah, the Rabb of the seven skies and whatever its shadow falls upon, and the Rabb of the (seven) earths and whatever creation it carries (above it), and the Rabb of the Shayaateen and of whom they lead astray, be my guardian (and protect me) from the evil of all Your creation, that anyone of them exceed the bounds in dealing with me, or harms me, Your protection is great and Your name is exalted. عن خالد بن الوليد رضي الله عنه أنه أصابه أرق فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم ألا أعلمك كلمات إذا قلتهن نمت قل اللهم رب السموات السبع وما أظلت ورب الأرضين وما أقلت ورب الشياطين وما أضلت كن لي جارا من شر خلقك أجمعين أن يفرط علي أحد منهم أو أن يطغى عز جارك وتبارك اسمك. رواه الطبراني في الكبير والأوسط واللفظ له وإسناده جيد إلا أن عبد الرحمن بن سابط لم يسمع من خالد (الترغيب والترهيب رقم 2483) Hadhrat Khaalid bin Waleed (Radhiyallahu Anhu) reports that he was experiencing sleeplessness at night. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said (to him): “Should I not teach you a duaa, which if you recite it, you will be able to sleep at night: اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ السَّمَاوَاتِ السَّبْعِ وَمَا أَظَلَّتْ وَرَبَّ الْأَرَضِينَ وَمَا أَقَلَّتْ وَرَبَّ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَمَا أَضَلَّتْ كُنْ لِي جَارًا مِنْ شَرِّ خَلْقِكَ أَجْمَعِينَ، أَنْ يَفْرُطَ عَلَيَّ أَحَدٌ مِنْهُمْ، أَوْ أَنْ يَطْغَى، عَزَّ جَارُكَ، وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُك

The Best of You… One of the great expositions of Almighty Allah’s divinity is the creation of the spouse. The system of procreation is in itself unique as well as divine. Mind boggling is the fact that the entire human race has been extracted from a single couple; Nabi Adam (‘alayhis salam) and Sayyidah Hawwa (radiyallahu ‘anhu). Some relationships can only be nurtured with love. Other relationships need added compassion or loyalty. Encapsulating all of the above, Allah Ta’ala says: “And of the signs of His (supremacy) is that He has created for you spouses from your own kind, so that you may attain tranquility there from. He has also created between you (the spouses) love and compassion. Indeed in these are signs for those who ponder.” (Surah Rum: 21) What is our Title? Once, upon learning of some husbands abusing their wives, Nabi (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) said: “The best of you is he who is the best towards his wife.” (Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 4786, 4977) In one narration Rasulullah (sallallahu ’alayhi wasallam) said: “Those (who abuse their wives) are not the best of you.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 2139) He (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) even said: “I am the best among you towards my wives.” The question is: Which of the two contrasting titles do we deserve?! A Role Model even inside the Home Just as our beloved Prophet (sallallahu ’alayhi wasallam) was a role model for outside the home, so too was he a model within the home. The extent of his flexibility with his beloved wives actually sets the tone for compassion and understanding in every marriage! Love, live every other thing, is despised only when applied in the incorrect manner. But if it is articulated in the proper way, one is actually rewarded for it. Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) being the paragon that he is, even raced with his beloved wife, Sayyidatuna ‘Aaishah (radiyallahu ‘anhu). She says: “He did so on two occasions, once allowing me to outrun him.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 2571; Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 4691) Despite his unimaginable burden of Prophet-hood and Leadership, “Whenever Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) would be at home, he would always have a smile on his blessed face.” (Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d) He would assist in the daily chores. (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 676). How often do we do so? She further elaborates: “He (would express his love by even) drinking from the same side of the cup as I did. He would even lie in my lap and recite Quran”. (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 690-691) Did such acts of love ever cross our minds?! In a narration of Sahih Muslim, Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) is described as being ‘soft and willing to comply with his wife’s wishes.’ Much Exhortation The exhortation of Rasulullah (sallallahu ’alayhi wasallam) towards considering the rights of the wife are so many that practically every book of hadith has a complete chapter dedicated to this topic. In fact, Imam Nasai (rahimahumallah) and others have compiled separate books on this. Perhaps the magnitude of importance that Rasulullah (sallallahu ’alayhi wasallam) attached to this could be understood from the fact that he distinctively reminded the ummat of it during his final sermon. His words were: “Behold! Treat your wives kindly, for they are only with you to fulfil your needs…if they are obedient to you, then do not search for reasons to ill-treat them. Behold! Like you have rights over your wives, so do they upon you. Their rights are: that you are kind towards them as well as feed and clothe them. (Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1163) Ignorance of these sublime sunnats and failure to adopt them have led to the alarming rise in marital breakdown! The code of conduct for a Muslim husband is quite clear; He never resorts to physical or even verbal abuse. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 2137) Unfortunate are those who fail in this regard. It is they who are not “the best of you.”! al-miftah

Q. Assalamualakum. Is theta healing permissible, JazakAllah. (Question published as received) A. ThetaHealing is described, on their official website, as a meditation technique and spiritual philosophy - not specific to one religion but accepting them all - with the purpose of getting closer to the Creator. It is a training method for your mind, body and spirit that allows you to clear limiting beliefs and live life with positive thoughts, developing virtues in all that we do. Through meditation and prayer, the ThetaHealing Technique creates a positive lifestyle. (http://www.thetahealing.com/about-thetahealing.html) The Fatwa Department of the Jamiatul Ulama KZN has reviewed the ThetaHealing system and has ruled it impermissible as it contains elements, beliefs and philosophies that are incompatible and inconsistent with Islamic beliefs and teachings. Thus, the Muslim community is advised to refrain from using this system as it may lead to very negative consequences on one’s Imaan. And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Ismaeel Bassa Confirmation: Mufti Ebrahim Desai (Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh) Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

You will have to ask for the reference at the site brother. I just searched and copy pasted the answer for you.

Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) – Part Eleven Glimpses of the Austerity and Asceticism of Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu): Sa‘eed bin ‘Ataa’ bin abi Marwaan (rahimahullah) narrates the following from his father: I once saw Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) performing Salaah while wearing only a lower garment. I therefore said to him, “O Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)! Do you have no clothing besides this sheet?” Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “If I had another sheet, you would see me wearing it.” I replied, “But a few days did pass in which I saw you wearing two sheets.” To this, Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “O my nephew! I gave those two sheets to someone who was more in need of them than me.” On hearing this, I exclaimed, “By Allah! You are definitely in need of those two sheets!” Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) responded saying, “O Allah! You forgive!” He then addressed me and said, “Indeed you attach much importance to the dunya! Do you not see me wearing this sheet while I possess another which I wear to the musjid? I possess goats which I milk, camels on which I carry my provisions and we have slaves who serve us and suffice for us by seeing to the preparation of our food. Which favor of Allah can be greater than the favors which we are enjoying?” (Ibn Sa’d 4/178) Abu Qilaabah narrates that Abu Asmaa’ Rahabi (rahimahullah) once entered into the presence of Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) in Rabzah. On entering, he found that the wife of Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was with him. She was a dark skinned woman who wore earrings and had no trace of saffron or khalooq (a type of perfume) on her body. Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) addressed him and said, “Do you not see what this dark skinned woman is instructing me to do? She is instructing me to go to Iraq. When I go to Iraq, the people will overcome me with their dunya. Behold! Indeed my beloved friend (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) promised and warned me that there is a path which is very slippery before reaching the bridge which is over Jahannum. It is more likely that we will be saved if we traverse this path with a load that is easy to bear than if we traverse it with a full load. (Ibn Sa’d 4/178) Ja’far bin Burqaan narrates that Ghaalib bin Abdir Rahmaan met a man who mentioned the following: If all the items in the home of Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had to be gathered, the shawl of this person (referring to a person who was nearby) would be more valuable than all those items combined. Ja’far bin Burqaan thereafter mentions that he recounted this narration to Mahraan bin Maymoon (rahimahullah) who said, “I do not think that the combined contents of the home of Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) equaled even two dirhams in value.” (Ibn Sa’d 4/175)

Beneficial Advices HERE

Religion is Easy. Do not make it difficult Allah Ta’ala has said in the Quran, Hadith Beneficial Advice

Would stepping into a puddle make my clothes impure Question If I am running and I step in a puddle, is the water that splashes on me regarded as impure or pure? Answer: In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful. There are two situations to the aforementioned question. If there were no impurities in the puddle, then your clothes, shoes etc… will remain pure and paak. If there were impurities in the puddle then your shoes and the area of the clothes where the puddle splashed on to will be considered impure. If the impurity is visible the clothes and shoes will become pure by removing the filth itself even if this is achieved by washing it once. If its removal is difficult, there is no harm if some trace remains. If the impurity on the other hand is invisible, it is to be washed three times and squeezed after each wash. (Nurul Idah p.87 & Durre Mandhuud p.471 v.1) Only Allah Knows Best Mohammed Tosir Miah Darul Ifta Birmingham. Source

Wash only that part which is soiled by impurity Impurity coming on a blanket Question I saw a spot of blood on the blanket. I was on my monthly cycle but there was already blood spot on another place which was not impure blood. But I noticed another spot and I’m not sure whether it’s impure or not though the bedding etc is not stained. If I give the blanket for washing in laundry as the blanket is big and difficult to wash will it suffice and be pure? Answer Yes it will suffice. However you do not have to wash the entire blanket for it to be pure, just wash the area which is soiled with impurity. And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best. Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach) Source

Purifying Items Q: If there is impurity on a table or chair, how many times do I have to wipe it? Is it necessary to wipe it three times or if no traces of impurity is seen. If traces of something invisible like urine etc are there does wiping once or twice suffice. Also if I wash blood stained or impurity stained clothes in washing machine once will they be pure? Do I have to run rinse 3 times as I feel I am wasting water. A: If urine or any impurity has come on it, water will have to be used to remove the urine, impurity, etc. Merely wiping will not suffice. And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best. Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach) Source

Purifying Clothes

Touching Impurities & Wudhu Merely touching impurities does not break wudhu. (Fatāwa Mahmodiyyah, Vol.5,Pg.74)

Dried Impurity

Wet hand do not contract impurity from impure garments unless the hand comes into direct contact with Najaasat. Question My clothes was napaak (ritually impure). I touched my clothes and my body was sweaty. I then touched another object and think that the sweat passed onto that object. Before I could clean that object, somebody else touched this object. And they touched this object with sweathy/wet hands becuase they came out of the bathroom. How far does the najis (impurity) go. The clothes, my hands, and the object are now cleaned, but that person is going everywhere touching things, washing his hands, etc. Is the najaasat continuing? Answer Your hands did not become Naapaak, nor the object that you touched afterwards. The other person’s hands also did not become Naapaak. There is no need to delve into matters of cleanliness and impurity with a fine-tooth comb. Shari’ah has made it easy. A moist or sweaty hand does not contract impurity from impure garments unless the hand comes into direct contact with Najaasat. Mufti Siraj Desai Askmufti.co.za Source

A Decision cannot be based on Doubt / Suspicion

Visibility of traces of filth

Istishab al-wasf Key Principles Relating to Certainty, Doubt, and Baseless Misgivings (waswasa)

Many people suffer from doubts regarding purity which makes it very difficult and opens doors to the whisperings of Shaytaan. Once the problem is recognised and correct guidance is sought from qualified scholars and thereafter acted upon, Inshaa-allah the doubts can be overcome. Here under we will try to compile information which we pray becomes beneficial to sufferers of doubts regarding purity . Post 2. Istishab al-wasf & Key Principles Relating to Certainty, Doubt, and Baseless Misgivings (waswasa) Post 3. Visibility of traces of filth Post 4. A Decision cannot be based on doubt Post 5. Wet hand do not contract impurity from impure garments unless the hand comes into direct contact with Najaasat. Post 6. Dried Impurity Post 7. Touching Impurity & Wudhu Post 8. Purifying clothes Post 9. Purifying Items Post 10. Wash only that part which is oiled with impurity Post 11. Stepping in a Puddle Post 12. Religion is Easy. Do not make it difficult

Friends By Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh It is very important for every Muslim to make sure that his choice of friends and the company he keeps is correct. It has been proven through experience that the habits and behaviour of friends and associates slowly enter into an individual. Without realising, a person begins to adopt the style and behaviour of his friends. We are all witnesses to this fact. Sadly, I can recall many incidents where those who were pious, religious and good in character lost all of their good qualities because they kept bad company and associated with an inappropriate circle of friends. I have also seen others who were drowning in sins and evil, who underwent a complete revolution in their lives after adopting the company of a pious person of high moral standards. Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam advised, A person is on the way of his friend. Therefore he should think very carefully whom he is making a friend. (At-Tirmidhī, Abū Dāwūd, Ahmad) Sincere Friends We need friends who are sincere, genuine and, true in their friendship. Those who care for our well-being from every aspect are true friends. Those who have concern not only for the needs of this temporary life but also for the requirements of our everlasting life are our real friends. Allāh is Sufficient for Love There is only one Supreme Being Who is worthy of 'true' love and friendship and this is Allāh ta‘ālā. For love and friendship, He alone is enough. Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam commented, If I were to take a khalīl (intimate friend) other than my Lord, I would have taken Abū Bakr. (Al-Bukhārī) Here, despite such close ties and such a strong bond of friendship with Sayyidunā Abū Bakr radhiyallāhu ‘anhu, Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam explains that the highest level of intimacy is reserved only for Allāh ta‘ālā. However, when one becomes engrossed in Divine love and then in the light of this love, one befriends and loves somebody, then inshā’allāh this form of friendship will prove beneficial in both worlds. This is an extract from the booklet ‘Friendship & our Young Generation’ published by the Islāmic Da'wah Academy