Sunday, December 19, 2010

Getting rid of boredom - Muslim Style!

Time is precious. There is no doubt about that. It is not an enemy that we need to “kill”, rather it is an asset that needs to be used most wisely. A believer recognizes that he only has one chance to live this life so all his efforts & energies are focused towards attaining a good position for himself in the life of the Hereafter; the life that will last forever.

The importance of time can be realized, knowing that Allah swears by it in the Qur’an: “By Al-Asr (the time)” [Qur’an 103:1]

The Prophet (sal’Allahu alayhi wasalam) said: “There are two blessings which many people do not make the most of and thus lose out: good health and free time.” [Sahih Bukhari, 6412]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "Wasting time is worse than death; because death separates you from this world but wasting time separates you from Allah."

If a believer truly tries, he can make his entire day an act of ibadah for Allah (SWT). Here are just a few examples of productive & healthy pastimes that I could think of:

1. Exercising (because Allah loves a fit & healthy believer)

2. Caring for and spending quality time with our spouses (an act pleasing to Allah and worthy of great merit & reward insha'Allah)

3. Nature walks & hikes (to admire the beautiful creations of Allah & reflect upon them)

4. Sometimes a good Nature Documentary can boost your emaan to unimaginable heights (I recommend BBC's PLANET EARTH, 5 DVD set)

5. Learning history of the world (the beginnings & ends of the nations of the past)

6. Reading Islamic books (books of tafsir, hadith, seerah etc.)

7. Gardening, arts & crafts, calligraphy

8. Brushing up your skills in target shooting (be it archery, pistol shooting or rifle etc.)

9. Visiting the family & close friends (to maintain the ties of kinship)

10. Finding good, righteous friends with whom you can regularly meet to discuss ideas (not people!)

11. Getting involved in da’wah (via various media that are available)

12. Learning a beneficial new skill (e.g. a specific computer software or application)

13. Listening to lectures via audio/video or attending them in person – taking summarized notes and distributing them to those whom you know

14. Taking part as a volunteer in a charity organization for the sake of Allah... and so on.

Please do share if you too have some great ideas!

I pray that may Allah guide us to the straight path and allow us to make the most of our time.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

The 10 Best Days of the Year!


Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Raheem. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord & Sustainer of the heavens and the earth.

As a general principle, all people are the same, all months are the same, all days are the same and so on – unless, Allah the Almighty declares so otherwise. For example, in the case of people, yes they are all the same, be they rich or poor, strong or weak, black or white; but in the sight of Allah, special are those who are most obedient to Him and best in deeds. Likewise all months are the same, except the month of Ramadan, which Allah (SWT) has declared to be the best, most virtuous of them.

And so, all days are the same - except the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, which have been declared to be the 10 best days of the year!

How does that affect me, you ask? Well, it provides you with a wonderful opportunity to do good deeds for the sake of Allah and to maximize your acts of worship during this time to seek the pleasure of Allah and stack up on limitless rewards in the Hereafter! Sound fair?

Such is there importance that Allah (SWT) swears an oath by them in the Qur’an:

"By the dawn; by the ten nights." [Qur’an 89:1-2].

The earliest scholars/commentators of the Qur’an agree that these are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.

According to an authentic hadith from Sahih Bukhari (2/456), narrated Ibn Abbaas (r.a.) that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said:

"There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." The people asked, "Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?" He said, "Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing."

These ten days also include Yawm Arafah (the Day of Arafah), on which Allah perfected His Religion. Fasting on this day will expiate for the sins of two years.

“This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion” [Qur’an 5:3]

These days also include Yawm al-Nahar (the Day of Sacrifice), the greatest day of the entire year and the greatest day of Hajj, which combines acts of worship in a way unlike any other day.

So firstly, we know that these ten days are better than all the other days of the year, without exception - even better than the last ten days of Ramadan! Though the last ten nights of Ramadan are considered to be better as they include Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), which is better than a thousand months. (Ref: Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 5/412).

How do we increase our worship during these days?

1. Fasting:

It is Sunnah to fast, as this is among the best of deeds, especially on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah.


In a hadith from Abu Dawud and Nisaai (4/205), it was narrated that:

"The Prophet (s.a.w.) used to fast on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah, on the day of Ashoora’, on three days of each month, and on the first two Mondays and Thursdays of each month."

2. Repentance (Tawbah / Istighfar):

Repentance for our sins is an obligation for us and thus becomes even more important on days which are special in the sight of Allah. The idea for us during these days is to repent sincerely before Allah and seek His forgiveness and follow this up with lots of ibadah (acts of worship) and good deeds. Such a repentance combined with good deeds is a sure sign of success. Allah says:

"But as for him who repented, believed and did righteous deeds, then he will be among those who are successful." [Qur’an 28:67]

3. Remembrance of Allah (Zikr):

During this time we need to remember Allah (zikr) as much as possible and to perform acts of worship for Him.

In a hadith from Ahmad (7/224), narrated by Abdullaah ibn Umar (r.a.), the Prophet (s.a.w.) said:

"There are no days greater in the sight of Allah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel (La ilaaha ill-Allah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) and Tahmeed (Al-hamdu Lillaah)".

It is Sunnah to recite the following phrases loudly, for men and quietly for women, whether you are at home or in the market or in the masjid:

Takbeer (Allahu Akbar)

Tahmeed (Al-hamdu Lillaah)

Tahleel (La ilaha ill-Allah)

Tasbeeh (Subhaan Allah)

The Takbeer may include the words: "Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaaha ill-Allah; wa Allahu akbar wa Lillaahi’l-hamd (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise)," as well as other phrases.

4. Revive a Sunnah:

Takbeer at this time is an aspect of the Sunnah that has been forgotten so it should be pronounced loudly, in order to revive the Sunnah and as a reminder to the negligent. Ibn Umar and Abu Hurayrah (r.a.) used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, and the people would recite Takbeer when they heard them (though this was not done in unison).

Reviving a Sunnah that has been almost forgotten is a highly meritorious deed, as the Prophet (s.a.w.) said in an authentic hadith from at-Tirmidhi (7/443):

"Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward."

What not to do!

The Sunnah indicates that the one who wants to offer a sacrifice must stop cutting his hair and nails and removing anything from his skin, from the beginning of the ten days until after he has offered his sacrifice, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

"When you see the new moon of Dhu’l-Hijjah, if any one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, then he should stop cutting his hair and nails until he has offered his sacrifice." According to another report he said: "He should not remove anything from his hair or skin." [Sahih Muslim]

Brothers and sisters, the opportunity is now; no one knows if they will be able to get the same chance next year. So let us do what best we can now insha’Allah to make the most of these 10 days and strive for our home in the Hereafter.

May Allah have mercy on us and pardon us for our sins.

For detailed fatwas on the subject please visit the links below:

1. Do’s and don’ts for the first 10 days of Dhul Hajj http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/1699/

2. Specific ruling on cutting the nails & hair http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/83381/

Saturday, October 30, 2010

70 Great Sins (Al Kaba'ir)

If you avoid the great sins which you are forbidden to do, We shall expiate from you your (small) sins, and admit you to a Noble Entrance (of Paradise). ~ Qur’an 4:31

The following is a list of the 70 great sins in Islam, as prepared by Imam Shamsuddin Al-Dhahabi (1274-1348). Though the list is not exhaustive but it gives us a good indication of the greatest sins as described in the Qur'an and sunnah.

.


1. Associating anything with Allah

2. Murder

3. Practicing magic

4. Not Praying (the 5 daily prayers)

5. Not paying Zakat

6. Not fasting in Ramadan, without excuse

7. Not performing Hajj, while being capable

8. Disrespecting parents

9. Abandoning relatives

10. Fornication and Adultery

11. Homosexuality (sodomy)

12. Interest (riba - borrowing or lending)

13. Wrongfully consuming the property of an orphan

14. Lying about Allah and His Messenger

15. Running away from the battlefield

16. A leader's deceiving his people and being unjust to them

17. Pride and arrogance

18. Bearing false witness

19. Drinking (alcohol)

20. Gambling

21. Slandering chaste women

22. Stealing from the spoils of war

23. Stealing

24. Highway Robbery

25. Taking false oath

26. Oppression

27. Illegal gain

28. Consuming wealth acquired unlawfully

29. Committing suicide

30. Frequently lying

31. Judging unjustly

32. Giving and accepting bribes

33. Women imitating men or men imitating women

34. Being cuckold

35. Marrying a divorced woman in order to make her lawful for the husband

36. Not protecting oneself from urine

37. Showing-off

38. Learning knowledge of the religion for the sake of this world and concealing that knowledge

39. Betrayal of trust

40. Recounting favours

41. Denying Allah's Decree

42. Listening (to) people's private conversations

43. Carrying tales

44. Cursing

45. Breaking contracts

46. Believing in fortune-tellers and astrologers

47. A woman's bad conduct towards her husband

48. Making statues and pictures

49. Lamenting, wailing, tearing the clothing, etc. when an affliction befalls

50. Treating others unjustly

51. Overbearing conduct toward the wife, the servant, the weak, and animals

52. Offending one's neighbour

53. Offending and abusing Muslims

54. Offending people and having an arrogant attitude toward them

55. Trailing one's garment in pride

56. Men wearing silk and gold

57. A slave running away from his master

58. Slaughtering an animal which has been dedicated to anyone other than Allah

59. To knowingly ascribe one's paternity to a father other than one's own

60. Arguing and disputing violently

61. Withholding excess water

62. Giving short weight or measure

63. Feeling secure from Allah's Plan

64. Offending Allah's righteous friends

65. Not praying in congregation but praying alone without an excuse

66. Persistently missing Friday Prayers without any excuse

67. Usurping the rights of the heir through bequests

68. Deceiving and plotting evil

69. Spying for the enemy of the Muslims

70. Cursing or insulting any of the Companions of Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.)

Brothers & sisters, being humans we all make mistakes and we all sin but the best among the sinners are those who repent before their Lord and make an honest and sincere effort to mend their ways. As Allah (SWT) says in the Glorious Qur'an:

"Say: "O My slaves who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah, verily Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful" And turn in repentance and in obedience with true Faith your Lord and submit to Him, before the torment comes upon you, (then) you will not be helped" ~ Qur'an 39:53-54

Monday, October 25, 2010

Is it cool to disobey parents?


Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Raheem.

Allah (SWT) says in the Glorious Qur'an:

“And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years give thanks to Me and to your parents. Unto Me is the final destination”
[Luqmaan 31:14]

“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour. And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: ‘My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was young.’”
[al-Isra’ 17:23-24]

It is not for a son or daughter to say as much as " uff " to his/her parents, thereby showing even the slightest bit of frustration. Instead we have been commanded to lower to them our wings of submission, showing the utmost respect and to pray for them.

Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings be upon him) said: “Two things for which the punishment is hastened in this world: injustice and disobedience to parents.”
[Narrated by al-Haakim, Saheeh al-Jaami’, no. 2810.]

“Worship Allah and join none with Him (in worship); and do good to parents”
[al-Nisa’ 4:36]

The Prophet (peace & blessings be upon him) said: “The pleasure of Allah is in pleasing one’s father and the anger of Allah is in angering one’s father.”
[Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 1821]

Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings be upon him) said: “Shall I not tell you of the greatest of major sins?” – three times – his companions (may Allah be pleased with them) said, “Yes, O Messenger of Allah.” He said: “Associating others in worship with Allah, and disobeying one’s parents,” – and he was reclining, but he sat up and said, “And false speech and false witness.”
[Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2654; Muslim, 126]

When can a person disobey his/her parents?

In the Qur'an, Allah (SWT) has mentioned only one condition under which it is commanded to disobey parents; and that is if they are taking you away from the path of Allah, asking you to associate partners with Allah. However, even in this scenario, the permission is not given to be rude or aggressive with the parents. Allah (SWT) mentions in the Qur'an:

"And We have enjoined on man to be good and dutiful to his parents, but if they strive to make you join with Me anything (as a partner) of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not. Unto Me is your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do.”
[al-Ankaboot 29:8]

May Allah (SWT) make us of those who are extremely kind to their parents; who go out of their way to comfort and care for them in the best possible manner.

Following the Sunnah - A concise reply to Qur'an-only Muslims

Following the Sunnah

A concise reply to Qur’an-only Muslims

Bismillah. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Alameen (all worlds). We praise Him, we seek His help and we ask for His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allah from the evil of ourselves and from the evil consequences of our evil actions. Whomsoever Allah guides there is none to misguide & whomsoever Allah leaves to go astray there is none to guide. And I testify and bear witness that there is no one worthy of worship except Allah; He is One and has no partners. And I bear witness that Muhammad (s.a.w.) is the servant of Allah and His final messenger.

My dear brothers & sisters, I draw your attention to a great fitnah that is plaguing the Muslim ummah, especially in today’s times when certain groups of pseudo-Muslims wish to follow their own whims and desires and not submit completely to the wishes of Allah, the All-Mighty. One such group has been trying to preach a new brand of Islam, arguing and debating with minimal knowledge & understanding of our beautiful deen (way of life).

This is the fitnah of rejecting the ahadith or the sunnah; i.e. the way, the sayings and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w).

The purpose of this note is not to undermine anyone, as many of our brothers and sisters often get into such groups by accident, without realizing the grave consequences of their errors. Insha’Allah the aim is to educate and enlighten our fellow Muslims and non-Muslims alike, as to what is meant by the sunnah (way) of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) and what is its importance in Islam.

MAIN GROUPS KNOWN TO OPPOSE AHADITH

The two major groups involved in propagating this fitah are:

1. Those who are the followers of Rashad Khalifa, an Egyptian-American who at first rejected the ahadith, then even some verses of the Qur'an and even went as far as to declare himself to be a messenger of Allah! Consequently, he was assassinated in Tucson, AZ in 1990.

2. The second group are those who follow Ghulam Ahmed Pervez from Lahore, who died in 1985 after being declared a “kafir” (disbeliever/heretic) by many of the renowned Islamic scholars of the time.

ARE ALL AHADITH AUTHENTIC & TRUE?

Before we discuss our main subject, it is important to define a few terms and clarify some fundamental concepts.

1. Sunnah: The way or lifestyle of the Prophet (s.a.w). This includes things he commanded the Muslims to do (making them wajib or obligatory) and things that he did without commanding anyone to do them (recommended acts in Islam).

2. Ahadith: This is the plural of the word “Hadith”, which are the sayings of the Prophet (s.a.w.) as narrated by his companions.

Note that a Muslim does not follow (or even believe) ALL ahadith, rather he follows only those that are known to be authentic or good (i.e. sahih or hasan). Other types of ahadith are weak (da’eef) ahadith and even fabricated (maudu’) ahadith. (The classification of ahadith is a science in and of itself and is one of the most effective and detailed referencing systems in the world!)

Weak ahadith are sometimes used by scholars to support an already confirmed issue but never as a source of primary evidence. Fabricated ahadith are never (and should never be) used, as they are known to be a concoction or a forgery. Sadly, today there are certain groups amongst the Muslims who would stoop so low as to use these sayings to prove their point. This is clearly impermissible in Islam and equates to attributing lies to the Prophet (s.a.w).

THE WISDOM OF ABU BAKR (R.A.) IN INTERPRETING AHADITH

After hearing of the outstanding night journey of the Prophet (s.a.w.), known as “Isra wal Miraaj” (mentioned in Chapter 17 of the Qur’an), the Mushirks of Makkah had a good laugh and wanted to tell all the believers and disbelievers alike of what Muhammad (s.a.w.) had claimed. The news of this reached Abu Bakr (r.a.), one of the closest companions of the Prophet (s.a.w.), who was asked “O Abu Bakr, your friend (Muhammad s.a.w.) is saying unbelievable things. He said he went to Jerusalem during the night and ascended to the heavens!”

To this Abu Bakr (r.a.) gave a very unique reply. A reply which today forms the very basis for how we interpret the ahadith of the Prophet (s.a.w). He said IF he is saying it, then it is true.”

Pay close attention to these words my dear brothers and sisters; today if we know that a particular saying of the Prophet (s.a.w.) is authentic (sahih), will we believe it as Abu Bakr (r.a.) believed or will we be of those who reject it?

The Prophet (s.a.w.) was the truthful one, who was never reported to have lied even once in his life; so much so that even his enemies knew him as “As-Saadiq” (the one who always speaks the truth). He was commanded by Allah (SWT) to deliver the message clearly and to explain and elaborate upon the meaning of the Qur’an.

“And We have also sent down unto you (O Muhammad s.a.w.) the reminder (this Qur'an), that you may explain clearly (expound) to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought.” (An-Nahl 16:44)

10 REASONS WHY WE FOLLOW THE SUNNAH

1. Over 20 times in the Holy Qur’an, Allah (SWT) has mentioned:

أَطِيعُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ ٱلرَّسُولَ” – “Obey Allah AND Obey His messenger (Muhammad s.a.w.)”

Note that it does not just say “Obey Allah”, instead it mentions that we must obey both Allah and His messenger. Everything that Muhammad (s.a.w) said was not from his own account but what he had been taught by the angel Jibril (a.s).

2. Over a dozen times in the Holy Qur’an, Allah (SWT) mentions: “We have sent down (or revealed) the Qur’an AND Hikmah.”

This Hikmah (meaning wisdom) is none other than the teachings of the Prophet (s.a.w.) as he practically showed us how to perform and obey the commands of Allah.

3. Allah (SWT) mentions in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:151) “Similarly (to complete My Blessings on you), We have sent among you a Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) of your own, reciting to you Our Verses and purifying you, and teaching you the Book (the Qur'an) and the hikmah (i.e. the Sunnah, Islamic laws), and teaching you that which you knew not.”

4. Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:7) “And whatever the Messenger gives you, take it, and whatever he forbids you, leave it. And fear Allah: truly Allah is severe in punishment.”

This verse is a clear cut and stern warning to those who reject the authentic sayings of the Prophet (s.a.w).

5. Similarly, it is mentioned in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:36) “It is not fitting for a Believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger to have any option about their decision…”

6. In Surah An-Nisa (4:80), Allah (SWT) says “Whoever obeys the Messenger, he indeed obeys Allah…”. This verse again emphasises that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) is not teaching you things from his own account, instead whatever he commands you, it is from Allah.

7. In Surah Aal-e-Imran (3:31), Allah (SWT) tells the Prophet (s.a.w.) “Say (O Muhammad, to mankind): ‘If you (really) love Allah, then follow me (i.e. the way of Prophet Muhammad). Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’”

This clearly means that for a person to prove that he loves Allah, he MUST follow the way and the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w).

8. Allah (SWT) stresses this point further in Surah An-Nisa (4:65) when He swears a mighty oath by swearing upon Himself and says “But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad s.a.w.) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.”

9. In Surah Al-Ahzab (33:21) Allah (SWT) says “Indeed you have in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad S.A.W.) an excellent example for the one who hopes in Allah and looks to the Last Day.”

10. Dear brothers and sisters, when Allah, the Almighty has put the two i.e. Qur’an and Sunnah together, who are we to separate them? If you read Surah Shuara (Chapter 26) you will find all the messengers repeating the same message over and over again: “Fear Allah and obey me”, “Fear Allah and obey me”, “Fear Allah and obey me”. How then can we take obedience to Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) outside the fold of Islam? – Please think.

SOME EASY QUESTIONS FOR HADITH REJECTERS

1. How do you know how to pray (salah) using the Qur’an alone?

2. How do you know how much Zakat to pay using the Qur’an alone?

3. Without referring to ahadith, can you find out if it is permissible for a Muslim to eat the meat of dogs, donkeys and vultures?

4. Hadn't the Qur’an been reached to us from the same sources we received our authentic ahadith (i.e. from the lips of the Prophet S.A.W.)?

5. Why would Allah preserve the Qur’an and not preserve the meaning?

6. How much is the Jizyah that the People of the Book have to pay?

7. Does the Qur’an say that cross dressing is haram (i.e. men dressing like women and women dressing like men)?

8. Is it permissible for a man to look at a naked man?

9. Can a person pray (salah) naked?

10. How do we know the order of the alcohol revelations? Maybe the first of the Qur’anic revelations said it was haram and then the later ones came saying that is was okay except during prayer times. How do you know the order of its revelations by using the Qur’an alone?

11. It says in the Qur’an to shorten the prayer when you travel. How long do you have to travel? How short to cut the prayer?

12. The Qur’an asks for the hands of the male or female thief to be cut if found guilty of stealing. Is it ok to cut the hands of a man caught stealing a chocolate or candy?

13. Surah 2:173 shows that Allah (SWT) gave an order for the Muslims to change their Qibla from Bayt Al Maqdis in Jerusalem to the Kabah in Mecca. However, there is no Qur’anic verse that shows the first order that Allah gave to make the Qibla towards Jerusalem. Does this not prove that there are revelations to Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) besides the Qur’an?

14. In Surah 66:3, the Prophet (s.a.w.) told his wives that he knew because Allah had informed him about it. Show a Qur’anic verse where Allah had informed the Prophet (s.a.w.) about it. You cannot. Does this not prove that there are revelations to Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) besides the Qur’an?

15. The Qur’an has been passed on to us by Mutawattir narrations. Mutawattir narrations are narrations by so many people that it is just impossible for all of them to get together to plot and lie. Similarly, we have so many Mutawattir ahadith that teach things that are not in the Quran. How can you then simply reject the authenticity of these ahadith with no sound evidence?

16. There are many prophecies that the Prophet (s.a.w.) made about events of the future and about the state of his ummah; all of which have come true thus far. Note that none of these prophecies had been mentioned in the Qur’an, so where was the Prophet (s.a.w.) getting this knowledge from, if not via revelation from Allah (SWT)?

MISINTERPRETING THE QUR’AN

Why would a person not misinterpret the Qur’an if the sunnah is taken away? Here are a few examples for you to ponder over:

1. The Qur’an says that men could beat up their wives. But we know according to hadith that this is a spiritual/light beating and not a harmful physical one. What is to stop a man from misinterpreting the Qur’an and beating the hell out of his wife?

2. The Qur’an says “Allah sends His Blessings (Graces, Honours, Mercy) upon the Prophet (Muhammad s.a.w.) and also His angels. O you who believe! Send your blessings on him (Muhammad s.a.w.), and greet him with the Islamic way of greeting.” Sadly some deviated groups from amongst the Muslims have taken this verse as a license to worship Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) asking for his help & assistance instead of only asking Allah (SWT). If they had any understanding of the sunnah, they would realize that this is a clear exaggeration and it was certainly not something that the Prophet (s.a.w.) commanded his followers to do. Instead he sincerely warned his followers of this!

3. The Qur’an says “And kill them (the kafirs) wherever you find them”. Hadith tell us that this verse was revealed during battle and its scope is limited only to the battlefield i.e. when under attack. What is to stop an ignorant Muslim to launch an attack against an innocent non-Muslim civilian if the knowledge of the sunnah is not there?

Brothers and sisters do you see the severe fitnah in this? It is clear that those who reject the sunnah open doors to great evils and ills in society.

Allah (SWT) revealed the Qur’an in stages to the last and final messenger, Muhammad (s.a.w.); if the sunnah was not to be followed He the All-Mighty could just as easily have sent the Qur’an alone on its own, without any messenger.

We seek refuge in Allah (SWT), asking for His protection from this great fitnah that is plaguing the Muslim ummah and we pray to Him to make us of those who are the best of Muslims – who find within themselves no resistance in completely following the Qur’an and the sunnah of the Prophet (s.a.w).

May Allah (SWT) guide us all to the truth and may He grant us the courage to act upon it.

Asalam o’Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatu.

“O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him, and speak (always) the truth. He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.) he has indeed achieved a great achievement” (Al Ahzaab 33:70-71)

(Based on the commendable works of Dr. Uthman bin Mu’allim and Bassam Zawadi - may Allah reward them for their efforts.)

Can Muslims celebrate Shab-e-Miraaj? (the night of the Isra and Miraaj)

Q. What is the ruling on celebrating the night of the Isra’ and Mi’raaj, which is the 27th night of Rajab?

Praise be to Allah.

There is no doubt that the Isra’ and Mi’raaj (the Prophet’s Night Journey and Ascent into heaven) are two great signs of Allah which point to the truthfulness of the His Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and the greatness of his status before Allah. They are also signs of the great power of Allah, and of His exalted position above His creation. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Glorified (and Exalted) be He (Allah) [above all that (evil) they associate with Him] Who took His slave (Muhammad) for a journey by night from Al Masjid Al Haraam (at Makkah) to Al Masjid Al Aqsa (in Jerusalem), the neighbourhood whereof We have blessed, in order that We might show him (Muhammad) of Our Ayaat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc.). Verily, He is the All Hearer, the All Seer” [al-Isra’ 17:1]

There are mutawaatir reports from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that he was taken up into the heavens, and their gates were opened for him, until he passed beyond the seventh heaven, where his Lord spoke to him as He willed, and enjoined the five daily prayers upon him. At first Allah, may He be exalted, enjoined fifty prayers, but our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) kept going back and asking Him to reduce it, until He made them five, so they are five obligatory prayers but fifty in reward, because each good deed is rewarded tenfold. To Allah be praise and thanks for all His blessings.

With regard to this night on which the Isra’ and Mi’raaj took place, there is nothing in the sahih ahadith to indicate that it is in Rajab or in any other month. Everything that has been narrated concerning a specific date for these events cannot be proven to have come from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) according to the scholars of hadeeth. Allah has wise reasons for causing the people to forget it. Even if the date were proven, it would not be permissible for the Muslims to single it out for particular acts of worship, and it is not permissible for them to celebrate it, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and his companions (may Allah be pleased with them) did not celebrate it and they did not single it out in any way. If celebrating it was something that is prescribed in Islam, the Messenger would have told his ummah about that, either in word or in deed. If any such thing had happened, it would have been well known, and his companions would have transmitted the information to us. They narrated from their Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) everything that his ummah needs to know, and they did not neglect any aspect of the religion, rather they were the first ones to do anything good. If celebrating this night had been prescribed in Islam, they would have been the first people to do so. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was the most sincere of people, and he conveyed the message to the people in full, and he fulfilled the trust. If venerating and celebrating this night were part of the religion of Allah, then the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would have done that and would not have concealed it. Since no such thing happened, it is known that celebrating it and venerating it is not part of Islam at all. Allah has perfected this ummah’s religion for it and has completed His favour upon them, and He condemns those who introduce things into the religion which Allah has not ordained. Allah says in His holy Book, in Soorat al-Maa’idah (interpretation of the meaning):

“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion” [al-Maa’idah 5:3]

And Allah says in Soorat al-Shoora (interpretation of the meaning):

“Or have they partners with Allah (false gods) who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not ordained?” [al-Shoora 42:21]

In the sahih ahadith it is proven that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) warned against bid’ah (innovation) and stated clearly that it is misguidance, so as to show the ummah how serious the matter is and put them off it.

For example, it is narrated in al-Sahihayn from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever introduces anything into this matter of ours that is not part of it will have it rejected.” In a report narrated by Muslim it says: “Whoever does any action that is not part of this matter of ours will have it rejected.”

In Sahih Muslim it is narrated that Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to say in his khutbah on Friday: “The best of speech is the Book of Allah and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The worst of matters are those which are newly-invented, and every innovation is a going astray.” Al-Nasaa’i added with a jayyid isnaad: “and every going astray will be in the Fire.”

In al-Sunan it is narrated that al-‘Irbaad ibn Saariyah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) delivered an eloquent speech to us which melted our hearts and caused our eyes to flow with tears. We said: O Messenger of Allah, it is as if it is a farewell address, so advise us. He said: “I advise you to fear Allah, and to listen and obey, even if a slave is appointed over you. Whoever among you lives will see many differences, so I urge you to adhere to my Sunnah and the way of the rightly-guided caliphs who will come after me, and cling firmly to it. Beware of newly-invented matters, for every newly-invented matter is an innovation and every innovation is a going astray. And there are many ahadith with a similar meaning.

Warnings against bid’ah (innovation) have been narrated from the companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and from the righteous salaf after them, because this is no more than adding things to the religion and instituting a religion that Allah has not ordained, and it is an imitation of the enemies of Allah, the Jews and the Christians, in their additions to their religions and introducing into them things that Allah had not ordained. It also implies that there is something lacking in Islam, and that it is not complete, and it is well known that this leads to great mischief and evil, and goes against the verse in which Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion” [al-Maa’idah 5:3]

It also goes against the ahadith of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) which warn against innovation (bid’ah).

I hope that the evidence we have quoted will be sufficient to convince the seeker of truth that this bid’ah is wrong, i.e., the innovation of celebrating the night of the Isra’ and Mi’raaj, and that it is not part of the religion of Islam at all.

Because Allah has enjoined being sincere towards the Muslims and explaining what Allah has prescribed for them in their religion, and because it is haraam to conceal knowledge, I thought that I should point out this innovation, which is so widespread in many regions that people think it is part of the religion, to my Muslim brothers. Allah is the One Whom we ask to set the affairs of all the Muslims straight, and to bless them with knowledge of Islam, and to help us and them to adhere steadfastly to the truth, and to forsake everything that goes against it, for He is able to do that. May Allah send blessings and peace upon His slave and Messenger, our Prophet Muhammad, and his family and companions.

- Fatwa by Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allah have mercy on him)

Jumu'ah Prayers: Here we come!

Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Raheem.

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Alameen (heavens & the earth, jinns, mankind & all that exists).

My dear brothers & sisters, there are many distinguishing features and virtues that Allah (SWT) has bestowed upon the day of Friday and not on any other day. And the most important act of worship for any Muslim on this day is none other that the Jumu'ah prayer. Allah (SWT) says in the Glorious Qur'an:

“O you who believe! When the call is proclaimed for the Salat (prayer) on Friday (i.e. Jumuah prayers), come to the remembrance of Allah and leave off business (and every other thing); That is better for you if you did but know!” [Qur’an 62:9]

It was narrated from Abu’l-Ja’d al-Damari that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever neglects three Jumu’ahs, Allah will place a seal upon his heart.”

[Abu Dawood, 1052]

WASHING AWAY THE SINS

Narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The five daily prayers, and from one Jumu’ah to the next, are an expiation for whatever sins come in between, so long as one does not commit any major sin.”

[Sahih Muslim, 233]

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever does ghusl then comes to Jumu’ah, and prays as much as Allah decrees for him, then listens attentively until the khutbah is over, then prays with him (the imam), will be forgiven for (his sins) between that and the next Jumu’ah and three more days.”

[Sahih Muslim, 857]

GOING EARLY FOR FRIDAY PRAYERS

Narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever does ghusl on Friday like ghusl for janaabah, then goes to the prayer (in the first hour, i.e., early), it is as if he sacrificed a camel. Whoever goes in the second hour, it is as if he sacrificed a cow; whoever goes in the third hour, it is as if he sacrificed a horned ram; whoever goes in the fourth hour, it is as if he sacrificed a hen; and whoever goes in the fifth hour it is as if he offered an egg. When the imam comes out, the angels come to listen to the khutbah.”

[Sahih Bukhaari, 814 and Sahih Muslim, 850]

WALKING TO THE MASJID ON FRIDAY

It was narrated from Aws ibn Aws al-Thaqafi that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever does ghusl on Friday and causes (his wife) to do ghusl, and sets out early, and comes close to the imam and listens and keeps quiet, for every step he takes he will have the reward of fasting and praying qiyaam (tahajjud prayer) for one year.”

[Sahih al-Tirmidhi, 410]

HOW TO PREPARE FOR FRIDAY PRAYERS?

1 . A good Muslim starts preparing from Thursday evening in anticipation of the Friday prayers. The most unfortunate person will be he who does not even know as to when Friday will fall, so much so that he will ask the people in the morning as to which day this is.

2 . Getting out ones nicest, cleanest clothes and keeping them ready.

3 . On the day of Jumu'ah, ghusl (bath) should be made. Clipping the nails and using miswak are also some things that are highly recommended.

4 . After making ghusl, a person should wear the best clothing that he possesses, and if possible, he should also apply perfume.

5 . One should try and go very early to the masjid, as the merits for doing so are great in the sight of Allah!

6 . There is a lot of reward in reciting Surah Al-Kahf (Chapter 18 of the Qur’an) on Fridays; its noor (light/wisdom) will guide you from one Friday to the next.

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever reads Surat al-Kahf on the day of Jumu’ah, will have a light that will shine from him from one Friday to the next.”

[al-Haakim 2/399, al-Bayhaqi 3/249]

7 . Send peace & blessings upon the Prophet (s.a.w.) as much as you can since the reward for this on Friday is greater than on any other day.

It was narrated from Aws ibn Aws that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The best of your days is Friday. On that day Adam (peace be upon him) was created; on that day he died; on that day the Trumpet will be blown; and on that day all of creation will swoon. So send a great deal of blessings upon me, for your blessings will be shown to me.” They said, “O Messenger of Allah, how will our blessings upon you be shown to you when you have turned to dust?” He said, “Allah has forbidden the earth to consume the bodies of the Prophets, peace be upon them.”

[Abu Dawood 1047]

8 . A lot of dua should be made on Friday.

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) mentioned Friday and said: “On this day there is a time when no Muslim stands and prays, asking Allah for something, but Allah will grant him it” – and he gestured with his hands to indicate how short that time is.

[Sahih Bukhari 893, Sahih Muslim 852]

Having read the above, can a Muslim even think of depriving himself of the merits & rewards associated with this fard responsibility? We ask Allah (SWT) to forgive our sins, to always keep us firm on the rightly guided path and to make us of those with whom He is greatly pleased!

Thanks for reading; Jazzakum'Allahu khairan!