Wednesday 30 April 2014

Best Muslims

“The best of the Muslims is he from whose hand and tongue the Muslims are safe.”
Bismillah Irrahman IrRahim

"And those who annoy believing men and women undeservedly, bear on themselves the crime of slander and plain sin."
(Qur’aan 33:58)


Bismillah IrRahman IrRahim
"O’ you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former; nor let (some) women scoff at other women, it may be that the latter are better than the former; nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad is it, to insult one’s brother after having faith. And whoever does not repent, then such are indeed wrong-doers."
(Qur’aan 49:11)


“The best of people are those with the most excellent character.” [Tabarâni, Sahîh]
3.
“The best of people are those that bring most benefit to the rest of mankind.” [Dâraqutni, Hasan]
 The Prophet Mohammed -peace be upon him- said: "Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is oppressed." People asked, "…It is right to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?" The Prophet said, "By preventing him from oppressing others."

4.
“The best of people are those who are best in fulfilling [rights].” [Ibn Mâjah, Sahîh]
“The best of your garments are those which are white; shroud your dead in them and clothe your living with them. The best of that which you apply to your eyelids is antimony causing the eyelashes to grow and sharpening the eyesight.” [Ibn Hibbân, Sahîh]
The best of the prayer lines for men are the first rows, the worst being the final rows. The best of the prayer lines for women are the final rows and the worst are the first rows.” [Muslim]
“The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best of you to my family.” [Tirmidhî, Sahîh
“The best of you are those who feed others and return greetings.” [Abu Ya'lâ, Hasan]
“The best of days that you should perform cupping are the 17th, 19th and 21st of the month. I did not pass a single gathering of angels on the night of Isrâ’ except that they would say to me, ‘O Muhammad, perform cupping!’” [Ahmad, Sahîh]
“The most beloved words according to Allah the Most High are four: Subhânallah, Alhamdulillâh, Lâ ilâha illallah and Allahu Akbar; there is no problem with which one you start with.” [Muslim]
38.
“The most beloved of speech according to Allah is when the servant says, ‘Subhânallahi wa bihamdihî’ [How Transcendent is Allah and we praise him!].” [Muslim]
39.
“The most beloved of speech according to Allah the Most High is that which Allah chose for his Angels: Subhâna Rabbî wa bihamdihî, Subhâna Rabbî wa bihamdihî, Subhâna Rabbî wa bihamdihî.” [Tirmidhî, Sahîh]

“The best of you are those with the softest shoulders during prayer.” [Bayhaqi, Hasan]
“The best of you are those who are best to their families.” [Tabarâni, Sahîh]
“The best of you are those who learn the Qur’ân and teach it.” [Dârimi, Sahîh]
“The most beloved deed according to Allah is to have faith in Allah, then to maintain the ties of kinship, and then to command to good and forbid the wrong. The most abhorrent of deeds according to Allah is to associate partners with Him, then to cut the ties of kinship.” [Abu Ya'lâ, Hasan]
“The most beloved word according to me is that which is most truthful.” [Bukhâri]
“The most beloved fast according to Allah is the fast of Dâwûd; he would fast every alternate day. The most beloved prayer according to Allah is the prayer of Dâwûd; he would sleep half the night, stand a third and then sleep for a sixth.” [Agreed upon]

“The most beloved servant of Allah is he who is most beneficial to his dependents.” [Zawâ'id al-Zuhd, Hasan]
“The best of all deeds is the Prayer at its earliest time.” [Tirmidhî, Sahîh]
“The best of all deeds is the Prayer in its right time, to treat the Parents honourably and Jihâd in the path of Allah.” [al-Khatîb, Sahîh]


None can deny the parents' favor upon their children. The parents are the underlying reason for the existence of the child. They have reared him in his babyhood and experienced painstaking efforts to provide full comfort and sound well-being. Your mother had you in her womb while you were a parasite there sharing her food and whole being for nine months. In this context, Allah says:
"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..." (31:14)

It is a preliminary stage followed by incubation and breast feeding for two years marked by peculiar fatigue and hardships. The father, on his part, is meanwhile also fully engaged catering for his child and bringing him up, not sparing any sort of instructions or guidance he could provide his child with; the child, meanwhile, a helpless creature is neither harmful nor useful to himself.

Allah has always enjoined that children should be good and thankful to their parents and He says:
"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." (31:14)

"... 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 honor. 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 small." (17:23, 24)

The right of parents upon you is to do good with them. You should be good to them physically as well as monetarily, and also with your words and your actions. You should be obedient to them unless in it there is disobedience to your Lord or there is some harm to you. Be kindhearted to them and serve them as they need your help. In their old age, in case of any ailment or weakness, never consider them a burden on you, neither speak to them harshly, because one day you will also become as old as they are. You will be a father as they are your parents and, if life permits, soon you will be an old man before your children just like your parents became old before you. So you need the help of your children as your parents need you today. If you are doing good to your parents then you must have the good news of a great reward and a better showing from your children, because whoever remained good to his parents, his children will also be good to him; and whoever annoyed his parents, will also be annoyed by his children. It is the process of recompense that deeds provide the results accordingly "as you sow, so will you reap. Allah has ranked the rights due to the parents high next only to His and the Prophet's, Allah says:
"Worship Allah and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents..." (4:36)

And Allah also says:
"...give thanks to Me and to your parents... (31:14)

Being dutiful to one's parents assumes priority even over Jihad (fight in the cause of Allah) as is narrated in the tradition of Ibn Mas'ood  when he asked the Prophet (p.b.u.h.):
"Which deed is most beloved by Allah?" He said, 'Observing prayer in time.' "And next to that?" He said: 'Being dutiful to one's parents.' "And next to that?" He answered: 'Jihad (fight in the cause of Allah).'"

This Hadith (Prophetic saying) reported by Bukhari and Muslim points directly to the significance of the rights due to one's parents.

Unfortunately, most people have forgotten these rights, instead disobedience and severance of ties have risen to harden the hearts, and even they contempt and detest their parents. Some people have even deemed themselves superior to those two old good creatures. A recompense is sure in store for those disobedient children, sooner or later.
“The best of all deeds is that you bring happiness to your Muslim brother, pay off his debt or feed him bread.” [Ibn Adiyy, Hasan]

“The best of all charity is that which is given to the relative that harbours enmity against you.” [Ahmad, Sahîh]

“The best charity is to provide water.” [Ibn Mâjah, Hasan]
“The best prayer is that with the longest standing.” [Muslim
“The best of all worship is supplication.” [Hâkim, Sahîh]
Photo: Bismillah. Such an easy deed....make dua whilst travelling....

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:

Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah (SWT)), 

1. the supplication of the parent for his child, 
2. the supplication of the one who is fasting, 
3. and the supplication of the traveler. [al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi - Sahih] 

Alhamdulillah we are travelling all week, if you would like us to make dua for you then leave a comment below.

[Take 60 seconds...] request a dua and we will definitely make it for you whilst travelling...and people can seal it with Ameen!

May Allah swt grant us all the best in both worlds. Ameen.
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:

Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah (SWT)),

1. the supplication of the parent for his child,
2. the supplication of the one who is fasting,
3. and the supplication of the traveler. [al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi - Sahih]


“The bestof
the Believers with respect to Islam is the one from whose hand and tongue the Muslims are safe; and the best of the Believers with respect to Îmân are the most excellent of them in character; and the best of those who migrate is he who migrates from that which Allah the Most High has prohibited; and the best of Jihâd is when one strives against his soul for the sake of Allah, the Mighty, the Magnificent.” [Tabarâni, Sahîh]

Best of the best deeds

   go on, don’t be ordinary. Don’t be common. Don’t be typical …
Be the best.
Muhammad S.A.W,  told us:

1.
“The best of the Muslims is he from whose hand and tongue the Muslims are safe.” [Muslim]
2.
“The best of people are those with the most excellent character.” [Tabarâni, Sahîh]
3.
“The best of people are those that bring most benefit to the rest of mankind.” [Dâraqutni, Hasan]
4.
“The best of people are those who are best in fulfilling [rights].” [Ibn Mâjah, Sahîh]
5.
“The best of people during fitnah is a man who takes up the reins of his horse pursuing the enemies of Allah, causing them fear yet they make him fearful too, or a man who secludes himself in the desert fulfilling the rights of Allah upon him.” [Hâkim, Sahîh]
6.
“The best of mankind is my generation, then those that follow them and then those that follow them. Then there shall come a people after them who will become avaricious, who will love gluttony, and who will give witness before they are asked for it.” [Tirmidhî, Sahîh]
7.
“The best of people are those who live longest and excel in their deeds, whereas the worst of people are those who live longest and corrupt their deeds.” [Tirmidhî, Sahîh]
8.
“The best of women are those that please him [her husband] when he sees her, obeys him when she is commanded, and who does not secretly betray him with regards to herself and her money in that which he dislikes.” [Ahmad, Sahîh]
9.
“The best of women are those that please you when you see them, obey you when commanded, and who safeguard themselves and your money in your absence.” [Tabarâni, Sahîh]
10.
“The best of marriages are the easiest ones.” [Abu Dâwûd, Sahîh]
11.
“The best of your dates is the Borniyyû date; it expels disease yet does not contain any disease itself.” [Hâkim, Hasan]
12.
“The best of your garments are those which are white; shroud your dead in them and clothe your living with them. The best of that which you apply to your eyelids is antimony causing the eyelashes to grow and sharpening the eyesight.” [Ibn Hibbân, Sahîh]
13.
“The best quality of your religion is scrupulousness.” [Hâkim, Sahîh]
14.
“The best of your religion is that which is easiest.” [Ahmad, Sahîh]
15.
The best of the prayer lines for men are the first rows, the worst being the final rows. The best of the prayer lines for women are the final rows and the worst are the first rows.” [Muslim]
16.
“The best prayers for women are those performed in the most secluded parts of their houses.” [Ibn Khuzaymah, Sahîh]
17.
“The best of you in Islam are those who are most excellent in character as long as you deeply understand the religion.” [Ahmad, Sahîh]
18.
“The best of you are the best of you in fulfilling [rights].” [Ahmad, Sahîh]
19.
“The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best of you to my family.” [Tirmidhî, Sahîh]
20.
“The best of you are my generation, then those that follow them and then those that follow them. Then there shall come after them a people who will betray and be untrustworthy, will give witness even though they have not been asked to, will make vows yet will not fulfil them and obesity will appear amongst them.” [Bukhâri]
21.
“The best of you are those who feed others and return greetings.” [Abu Ya'lâ, Hasan]
22.
“The best of you is he from whom good is anticipated and safety from his evil is assured; the worst of you is he from whom nothing good is expected and one is not safe from his evil.” [Tirmidhî, Sahîh]
23.
“The best thing mankind has been given is excellent character.” [Hâkim, Sahîh]
24.
“The best of that which you treat yourself with is cupping.” [Hâkim, Sahîh]
25.
“The best of journeys undertaken are to this Mosque of mine and the Ancient House.” [Ahmad, Sahîh]
26.
“The best of which man can leave behind for himself are three: a righteous child who supplicates for him, an ongoing charity whose reward continues to reach him and knowledge which others benefit from after him.” [Ibn Hibbân, Hasan]
27.
“The best Mosques for women are the most secluded parts of their houses.” [Bayhaqi, Sahîh]
28.
“The best of the world’s women are four: Maryum bint ‘Imrân, Khadîjah bint Khuwaylid, Fâtimah bint Muhammad and Âsiyah the wife of Fir’awn.” [Ahmad, Sahîh]
29.
“The best of days that you should perform cupping are the 17th, 19th and 21st of the month. I did not pass a single gathering of angels on the night of Isrâ’ except that they would say to me, ‘O Muhammad, perform cupping!’” [Ahmad, Sahîh]
30.
“The best day on which the Sun has risen is Friday; on it Âdam was created, on it Âdam was made to enter Paradise and on it he was expelled. The Hour will not be established except on Friday.” [Muslim]
31.
“Verily, the best of perfume for men is that which is strong in smell and light in colour, and the best of perfume for women is that which is strong in colour and light in smell.” [Tirmidhî, Sahîh]
32.
“The most beloved of religions according to Allah the Most High is the ‘easy and flexible religion.’” [Ahmad, Hasan]
33.
“The most beloved of deeds according to Allah are the continuous ones, even if they are little.” [Agreed upon]
34.
“The most beloved of names according to Allah are ‘Abd Allah, ‘Abd’l-Rahmân and Hârith.” [Abu Ya'lâ, Sahîh]
35.
“The most beloved of deeds according to Allah are the prayer in its right time, then to treat the parents in an excellent manner, and then Jihâd in the path of Allah.” [Agreed upon]
36.
“The most beloved of deeds according to Allah is that you die and yet your tongue is still moist from the remembrance of Allah.” [Ibn Hibbân, Hasan]
37.
“The most beloved words according to Allah the Most High are four: Subhânallah, Alhamdulillâh, Lâ ilâha illallah and Allahu Akbar; there is no problem with which one you start with.” [Muslim]
38.
“The most beloved of speech according to Allah is when the servant says, ‘Subhânallahi wa bihamdihî’ [How Transcendent is Allah and we praise him!].” [Muslim]
39.
“The most beloved of speech according to Allah the Most High is that which Allah chose for his Angels: Subhâna Rabbî wa bihamdihî, Subhâna Rabbî wa bihamdihî, Subhâna Rabbî wa bihamdihî.” [Tirmidhî, Sahîh]
40.
“The most beloved of people according to Allah is he who brings most benefit, and the most beloved of deeds according to Allah the Mighty, the Magnificent, is that you bring happiness to a fellow Muslim, or relieve him of distress, or pay off his debt or stave away hunger from him. It is more beloved to me that I walk with my brother Muslim in his time of need than I stay secluded in the mosque for a month. Whoever holds back his anger, Allah will cover his faults and whoever suppresses his fury while being able to execute it, Allah will fill his heart with satisfaction on the Day of Standing. Whoever walks with his brother Muslim in need until he establishes that for him, Allah will establish his feet firmly on the day when all feet shall slip. Indeed, bad character ruins deeds just as vinegar ruins honey.” [Tabarâni, Hasan]
41.
“The most beloved of people to me is ‘Â’ishah and from the men, Abu Bakr.” [Agreed upon]
42.
“The best of people in recitation are those who when they recite, you see that they fear Allah.” [Bayhaqi, Sahîh]
43.
“The best of your leaders are those that you love and they love you, you supplicate for them and they supplicate for you. The worst of your leaders are those that you hate and they hate you, you curse them and they curse you.” [Muslim]
44.
“The best of you are those who are best in paying off their debts.” [Tahâwi, Sahîh]
45.
“The best of you are those with the longest lives and most excellent character.” [Bazzâr, Sahîh]
46.
“The best of you are those with the longest lives and best in action.” [Hâkim, Sahîh]
47.
“The best of you are those with the softest shoulders during prayer.” [Bayhaqi, Hasan]
48.
“The best of you are those who are best to their wives.” [Tirmidhî, Sahîh]
49.
“The best of you are those who are best to their families.” [Tabarâni, Sahîh]
50.
“The best of you during the ‘Period of Ignorance’ are the best of you in Islam as long as they deeply understand the religion.” [Bukhâri]
51.
“The best of you are those who learn the Qur’ân and teach it.” [Dârimi, Sahîh]
52.
“The best of companions according to Allah are those who are best to their companion and the best of neighbours according to Allah are those that are best to their neighbour.” [Tirmidhî, Sahîh]
53.
“The best of places are the Mosques and the worst of places are the markets.” [Tabarâni, Hasan]
54.
“The best supplication on the Day of ‘Arafah and the best thing that I and the Prophets before me ever said was, ‘Lâ ilâha illAllah wahdahû lâ sharîka lahû, lahû’l-mulk wa lahû’l-hamd wa huwa ‘alâ kulli shay’in Qadîr.’” [Tirmidhî, Hasan]
55.
“The best of provision is that which suffices.” [Ahmad in 'Zuhd', Hasan]
56.
“The best testimony is when one gives it before he is asked to do so.” [Tabarâni, Sahîh]
57.
“The best of dowries are the easiest.” [Hâkim, Sahîh]
58.
“The best of charity is that which still leaves you self-sufficient for the upper hand is better than the lower hand; start with those you are responsible for.” [Tabarâni, Sahîh]
59.
“The best of gatherings are those that are most open.” [Abu Dâwûd, Sahîh]
60.
“The most beloved deed according to Allah is to have faith in Allah, then to maintain the ties of kinship, and then to command to good and forbid the wrong. The most abhorrent of deeds according to Allah is to associate partners with Him, then to cut the ties of kinship.” [Abu Ya'lâ, Hasan]
61.
“The most beloved Jihâd according to Allah is that a word of truth be spoken to a tyrant ruler.” [Tabarâni, Hasan]
62.
“The most beloved word according to me is that which is most truthful.” [Bukhâri]
63.
“The most beloved fast according to Allah is the fast of Dâwûd; he would fast every alternate day. The most beloved prayer according to Allah is the prayer of Dâwûd; he would sleep half the night, stand a third and then sleep for a sixth.” [Agreed upon]
64.
“The most beloved dish according to Allah is that which most hands feed from.” [Ibn Hibbân, Hasan]
65.
“The most beloved servant of Allah is he who is most beneficial to his dependents.” [Zawâ'id al-Zuhd, Hasan]
66.
“The best of earnings is that of the labourer as long as he tries his best.” [Ahmad, Hasan]
67.
“The best of all deeds is to have faith in Allah alone, then Jihâd and then an accepted Hajj; they surpass all other deeds like the distance between the rising and setting of the Sun.” [Ahmad, Sahîh]
68.
“The best of all deeds is the Prayer at its earliest time.” [Tirmidhî, Sahîh]
69.
“The best of all deeds is the Prayer in its right time, to treat the Parents honourably and Jihâd in the path of Allah.” [al-Khatîb, Sahîh]
70.
“The best of all deeds is that you bring happiness to your Muslim brother, pay off his debt or feed him bread.” [Ibn Adiyy, Hasan]
71.
“The best of faith is patience and magnanimity.” [Ahmad, Sahîh]
72.
“The best of days according to Allah is Friday.” [Bayhaqi, Sahîh]
73.
“The best of Jihâd is that man strives against his soul and desires.” [Daylami, Sahîh]
74.
“The best Hajj is that with the most raised voices and flowing blood.” [Tirmidhî, Hasan]
75.
“The best of supplications is that of on the Day of ‘Arafah, and the best thing that was said by myself and the Prophets before me was, “Lâ ilâha illallah wahdahû lâ sharîka lahû.” [There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah alone, He has no partners.] [Mâlik, Hasan]
76.
“The best of dinars are: the dinâr spent by a man upon his dependents, the dinâr spent by a man upon his horse in the path of Allah and the dinâr spent by a man upon his companions in the path of Allah, the Mighty, the Magnificent.” [Muslim]
77.
“The best word of remembrance is: Lâ ilâha illallah and the best supplication is: Alhamdulillâh.” [Tirmidhî, Hasan]
78.
“The best word of remembrance is: Lâ ilâha illallah and the best [expression of giving] thanks is: Alhamdulillâh.” [Baghawi, Hasan]
79.
“The best of hours are those deep in the latter part of the night.” [Tabarâni, Sahîh]
80.
“The best of all martyrs are those who fight in the front line; they do not turn their faces away until they are killed. They will be rolling around in the highest rooms of Paradise, their Lord laughing at them – when your Lord laughs at a servant, there is no accounting for him.” [Ahmad, Sahîh]
81.
“The best of all martyrs is he whose blood is shed and whose horse is slaughtered.” [Tabarâni, Sahîh]
82.
“The best of all charity is the shade of a canopy [provided] in the path of Allah, the Mighty and Magnificent, to gift ones servant in the path of Allah and to gift ones she-camel in the path of Allah.” [Ahmad, Hasan]
83.
“The best of all charity is that which is given to the relative that harbours enmity against you.” [Ahmad, Sahîh]
84.
“The best of all charity is that you give it while you are healthy and desirous [of that money], hoping to become wealthy but fearing poverty. Don’t delay until you are about to breathe your last and then you say, ‘This is for ‘so and so’ and this is for ‘so and so”, for indeed, it has already been written that ‘so and so’ would receive that.” [Abu Dâwûd, Sahîh]
85.
“The best of all charity is when the one with little strives to give; start with those you are responsible for.” [Hâkim, Sahîh]
86.
“The best charity is to provide water.” [Ibn Mâjah, Hasan]
87.
“The best prayer after the obligatory ones is the prayer in the depth of the night, and the best fast after the month of Ramadhân is the month of Allah, Muharram.” [Muslim]
88.
“The best prayer is the prayer of the man in his home except for the obligatory prayer.” [Nasâ'î, Sahîh]
89.
“The best prayer is that with the longest standing.” [Muslim]
90.
“The best of all prayers according to Allah is the Friday morning prayer in congregation.” [Ibn Nu'aym, Sahîh]
91.
“The best fast is the fast of my brother Dâwûd; he would fast every alternate day and he would never flee [the battlefront] when the armies would meet.” [Tirmidhî, Sahîh]
92.
“The best of all fasts after Ramadhân is in the month that you call Muharram.” [Nasâ'î, Sahîh]
93.
“The best of all worship is supplication.” [Hâkim, Sahîh]
94.
“The best deed is the prayer in its right time and Jihâd in the path of Allah.” [Bayhaqi, Sahîh]
95.
“The best of the Qur’ân is: “Alhamdulillâhi Rabb’l-’Âlamîn”. [Hâkim, Sahîh]
96.
“The best of earnings is a blessed sale and that which a man earns with his hands.” [Ahmad, Sahîh]
97.
“The best of the Believers is the most excellent of them in character.” [Ibn Mâjah, Sahîh]
98.
“The best of the Believers with respect to Islam is the one from whose hand and tongue the Muslims are safe; and the best of the Believers with respect to Îmân are the most excellent of them in character; and the best of those who migrate is he who migrates from that which Allah the Most High has prohibited; and the best of Jihâd is when one strives against his soul for the sake of Allah, the Mighty, the Magnificent.” [Tabarâni, Sahîh]
99.
“The best of mankind is the believer between two honourable persons.” [Tabarâni, Sahîh]
100.
“The best of all days in the world are the ten days [of Dhul Hijjah].” [Bazzâr, Sahîh]
by Abu Eesa Niamatullah


Sunday 20 April 2014

Powerful benefits of saying “Bismillah”

Some Powerful benefits of saying “Bismillah”

on many and various occasions

All the movements of a Muslim accompanied with the saying “bismillah” are protected from the trickery of Satan as the tradition says:

“أغلق بابك وذكر اسم الله عز وجل فإن الشيطان لا بفتح بابا مغلقا وأطفئ مصباحك واذكر اسم الله وخمر إناءك ولو بعود تغرضة علبه واذكر اسم الله وأوك سقاءك واذكر اسم الله عز وجل “

“Shut/lock your door and mention the name of Allah Most Almighty and Majestic upon it for the Satan does not open a locked (or closed) door, and put out your lamps and mention the name of Allah, and cover your utensils even with a stick and mention the name of Allah, and close your containers and mention the name of Allah Most Almighty and Majestic upon it.” [Reported by Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Da`ood, and Timidthi]

And on Jabir ibn Abdullah may Allah be pleased with him, who said that he heard the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, say:

إذا دخل الرجل بيته فذكر الله عند دخوله وعند طعامه قال الشيطان: لا مبيت لكم ولا عشاء، وإذا دخل فلم يذكر الله عند دخوله قال الشيطان: أدركتم المبيت، فإذا لم يذكر الله عند طعامه قال: أدركتم المبيت والعشاء

“If a man remembers Allah as he enters his house and when he takes food, the Satan says: no place to stay the night and no food. And if he doesn’t remember Allah as he enters his house the Satan says: I found a place to spend the night. And if he doesn’t remember Allah as he takes food the Shaitan says: I have found a place to stay the night and have dinner.” [Reported by Muslim and Ahmad]

Abu Tamimah al-Hujaimi narrated upon the person who was riding behind the Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessing be upon him:

وعن أبي تميمة الهجيمي عمن كان ردف النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال كنت ردفه على حمار فعثر الحمار فقلت تعس الشيطان فقال لي النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم لا تقل تعس الشيطان فإنك إذا قلت تعس الشيطان تعاظم في نفسه وقال صرعته بقوتي وإذا قلت بسم الله تصاغرت إليه نفسه حتى يكون أصغر من ذباب [رواه أحمد بإسناد جيد والبيهقي والحاكم إلا أنه قال ( صحيح ) وإذا قيل بسم الله خنس حتى يصير مثل الذباب

“I was riding behind the Prophet, may the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him, on a donkey when it tripped, so I said ‘may the curse be upon the Satan’ whereupon the Prophet, peace and blessing be upon him, said to me: “Do not say ‘curse be upon the Satan’ because if you say this he aggrandizes himself and says ‘I have made him stumble by my power,’ but if you say ‘in the name of Allah’ he grows small in himself until he becomes smaller than a fly.” [Reported by Ahmad, al-Baihaqi and al-Hakim, and al-Albani verified it in Sahih at-Targheeb 3/118 no. 3129] and in another version “…but if you say ‘in the name of Allah, he shrinks away until he is smaller than a fly.”

The protection against the Satan is to say “bismillah” (in the name of Allah) since this is the major weapon as mentioned above, and we also find in the traditions that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

ستر ما بين الجن وعورات بني آدم إذا دخل الخلاء أن يقول بسم الله

“The screen between the jinn and the nakedness of the children of Adam when they go to the bathroom is to say  “bismillah” (in the name of Allah).” [Reported by Ahmad, Ibn Majah, at-Tabrani and others and confirmed] Note that it is not allowed to mention Allah’s name in the bathroom and thus one says it before entering as it is reported by Bukhari and others one should say before entering the toilet:

بِسْمِ الله  اللّهُـمَّ إِنِّـي أَعـوذُ بِـكَ مِـنَ الْخُـبْثِ وَالْخَبائِث “In the name of Allah. O Allah, I take refuge with you from all evil and evil-doers.” And after leaving the toilet: غُفْـرانَك ‘I ask You (Allah)  for forgiveness.’

And concerning the food we eat and animals we slaughter for food, Allah the Most Blessed and Exalted said:                                               فَكُلُواْ مِمَّا ذُكِرَ اسْمُ اللّهِ عَلَيْهِ إِن كُنتُمْ بِآيَاتِهِ مُؤْمِنِينَ

“Then eat of that over which the name of Allah has been mentioned, if you believe in His signs.” 6:118]

And Allah the Most Blessed and Exalted said

وَمَا لَكُمْ أَلاَّ تَأْكُلُواْ مِمَّا ذُكِرَ اسْمُ اللّهِ عَلَيْهِ وَقَدْ فَصَّلَ لَكُم مَّا حَرَّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِلاَّ مَا اضْطُرِرْتُمْ إِلَيْهِ

وَإِنَّ كَثِيرًا لَّيُضِلُّونَ بِأَهْوَائِهِم بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِالْمُعْتَدِينَ

“Why should you not eat of that over which Allah’s name has been mentioned, when He has already given you explicit knowledge of those things which He has forbidden for you, except in a case of extreme helplessness? As regards the majority of the people, they following their caprices, say misleading things without any knowledge. Your Lord best knows transgressors” [The Quran: al-An’aam 6:119]

And Allah the Most Blessed and Exalted said

وَلاَ تَأْكُلُواْ مِمَّا لَمْ يُذْكَرِ اسْمُ اللّهِ عَلَيْهِ وَإِنَّهُ لَفِسْقٌ وَإِنَّ الشَّيَاطِينَ لَيُوحُونَ إِلَى أَوْلِيَآئِهِمْ لِيُجَادِلُوكُمْ وَإِنْ أَطَعْتُمُوهُمْ إِنَّكُمْ لَمُشْرِكُونَ

Do not eat of that on which Allah’s Name has not been pronounced for sure it is rebellious sin.  Certainly the devils do inspire their friends to dispute with you, and if you obey them then you would indeed be polytheists and idolaters. [The Quran: al-An’aam 6:121]

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

” إن الشيطان يستحل الطعام أن لا يذكر اسم الله تعالى عليه “

“Verily the Satan deems as legal (for himself) the food that does not have the name of Allah mentioned upon it.” [Reported by Muslim]

And  the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“قال إبليس : كل خلقك بينت رزقه ؛ ففيم رزقي ؟ قال : فيما لم يذكر اسمي عليه“

“Iblees (the Satan) said: everybody’s sustenance has been determined so what is my sustenance? He (Allah) said: What has not had My name mentioned upon it.” [Reported by Abu as-Sheikh, and Abu Nu’aim, and Deya`a al-Maqdasi, and verified by al-Albani in as-Silsalah as-Sahihah no. 807]

And  the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“ما أنهر الدم وذكر اسم الله عليه فكلوا…”

“What spills and drains the blood (from the animal), and the name of Allah has been mentioned over it, then you may eat of it…”[Reported by al-Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Da`ood, Timidthi, an-Nasa`e,  Ibn Majah, and others]

And on Eidi ibn Hatim, may Allah be pleased with him:

‏ عن عدي بن حاتم قال : قلت : يا رسول الله إني أرسل كلبي وأسمي , قال : إن أرسلت كلبك وسميت فأخذ فقتل فكل , وإن أكل منه فلا تأكل , فإنما أمسك على نفسه , قلت : إني أرسل كلبي أجد معه كلبا آخر لا أدري أيهما أخذه ؟ قال : فلا تأكل فإنما سميت على كلبك ولم تسم على غيره  وفي رواية: ” وإذا أرسلت كلبك المعلم فوجدت معه كلباً آخر فلا تأكل ، فإنك إنما سميت على كلبك ولم تسم على غيره  [وفي رواية] :“إذا أرسلت كلبك المعلم فاذكر اسم الله ، فإن وجدت مع كلبك كلباً غيره وقد قتل فلا تأكل ، فإنك لا تدري أيهما قتله.“ متفق عليه

And Eidi Ibn Hatim, may Allah be pleased with him, said to the Prophet (peace be on him), O Messenger of Allah I send my dog and mention the name of Allah. The Prophet said: “If you send your dog and mention the name of Allah, then he goes and kills, then eat that which he catches for you, but if he eats from it do not eat from it since he only killed it for himself.”  Eidi Ibn Hatim said: Suppose I send my dog but I find another dog at the game, and I do not know which dog caught it?” The Prophet, peace be on him, replied, “Do not eat it, for while you mentioned the name of Allah over your dog, you did not mention it over the other dog.” [Reported by Bukhari and Muslim]

Abdullah ibn Masood, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: أتاني داعي الجن، فذهبت معه، فقرأت عليهم القرآن، قال: فانطلق بنا فأرانا آثارهم وآثار نيرانهم، وسألوه الزاد فقال:  لكم كل عظم ذكر اسم الله عليه يقع في أيديكم، أوفر ما يكون لحما، وكل بعرة علف لدوابكم. فقال رسول الله: فلا تستنجوا بهما فإنهما طعام إخوانكم .

A caller of the Jinn came to me so I went with him and read the Qur`an on them. He (ibn Masood) said: We went and saw their tracks and the evidence of the fires. They had asked him for provisions, and he said: You have every bone that the name of Allah has been mentioned upon as bountiful with meat as it ever was, and every dung dropping is the provision for your beasts.” So the Messenger of Allah said (to us): Therefore do no clean yourselves (after the call of nature) with these two (i.e. bones and dung) since they are the food of your brothers.” [Reported by Muslim]

Saturday 19 April 2014

Virtues of Surah Yaseen

The Virtues and Benefits of Surah Yasin (36)

1. The Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, 'Surely everything has a heart, and the heart of the Qur'an is Yasin. I would love that it be in the heart of every person of my people'[Bazzar]. (S.Muhammad Ali Sabuni, Tafsir-al-SabuniVol.2)

2. The Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, 'Whoever recites Yasin once Allah will record the reward of reciting the Qur'an ten times.'[Maqal, Tirmidhi 2812/A & Dhahabi]

3. It has been reported by Aisha (radiAllahu anha)that the Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wasalam) said that there is a surah in the Qur'an that intercedes for itsreciter and forgive its listener. Know! It is Surah Yasin. It is called 'Mu'amma' in the Torah. It was enquired, what is Mu'amma? The Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, 'it embraces the person with the goodness of this world and removes the dismay of the Hereafter'[Hashiya of Tafsir Jalalalayn , pg 368].

4. The Prophet said, 'Whoever recited Surah Yasin in the night seeking Allah's pleasure, Allah would forgive him'[Ibn Hibban, Darimi 3283/A, Abu Yala, Tabarani, Baihaqi & Ibn Mardawaih]


5. Ma`qil ibn Yasar (Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah's blessings and peace be upon him, his family, companions, andfollowers) said,"Ya Sin is the heart of the Qur'an. No one reads it intending thereby Allah and the Next Abode except that Allah forgives them. Recite it for your deceased ones." [Related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Nasa'i (this wording is his), and Hakim, who deemed it rigorously authenticated (sahih)]

6. Imam Ghazali explained that this is because soundness of faith rests on acknowledging Resurrection and Judgment, and Surat Ya Sin details this in the most emphatic of ways. Imam Fakhr al-Din al-Razi concurred.

7. Imam Tibi explained in his commentary on Mishkat al-Masabih that Surat Ya Sin was called 'the Heart of the Qur 'an ' because of what it contains of overwhelming proofs, decisive signs, subtle spiritual meanings, eloquent admonition, and stern warnings.

Relaxing quotes

Relaxing Islamic quotes


1-“Truly no one despairs of Allah’s Soothing Mercy except those who have no faith. ” (Qur’an, 12: 87)

2-When you feel overwhelmed and down with stress, remember Allah and do Zikr. Zikr refers to all forms of the remembrance of Allah, including Salat, Tasbeeh, making supplication (Dua), and reading Quran.
“And your Lord says: ‘Call on Me; I will answer your (prayer)…” (Quran 40:60)

3-“Remember Me, and I shall remember you; be grateful to Me, and deny Me not“
(Quran 2:152).

4-And the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) gave an example in the‘Sahih’ regarding the generous and stingy. He likened them to two men wearing metal armor. Whenever the generous person intends to give something in charity, his armor widens and relaxes until it drags and covers his feet. Whenever the stingy person intends to give charity, every ring of his armor stays in place and doesn’t widen or relax at all. So, this is like the relaxation that the charitable believer feels compared to the tightness that the stingy person feels…”

['Zad al-Ma'ad'; 2/22-26]

5-It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Hood, al-Waaqi’ah, al-Mursalaat, ‘Amma yatsaa’iloon [al-Naba’] and Idha al-‘shamsu kuwwirat [al-Takweer] have made my hair grey.”

(Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 3297. classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani, al-Saheehah, 955)

With regard to the virtues of Soorat al-Waaqi’ah, there is a hadeeth which speaks of its virtues, but that hadeeth is not saheeh.

It was narrated from Shujaa’ from Abi Faatimah that ‘Uthmaan ibn ‘Affaan (may Allaah be pleased with him) visited Ibn Mas’ood when he was sick. He said, “What is hurting?” He said, “My sins.” He said, “What do you need?” He said, “The mercy of my Lord.” He said, “Shall we not call the doctor for you?” He said, “The doctor made me ill.” He said, “Shall I order that your regular income [from the state] be restored to you?” He said, “You did not let me have it before today and I have no need of it now.” He said, ‘Then leave it to your family and dependents.” He said, “I have taught them something which, if they say it, they will never become poor. I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say, ‘Whoever recites al-Waaqi’ah every night will never become poor.”

(Narrated by al-Bayhaqi in Shu’ab al-Eemaan, 2/491. This hadeeth was classed as da’eef by Shaykh al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Da’eefah, 289)

6-Continuously relying on Allah or Tawakkul is an intrinsic part of your life as a Muslim or Muslima, and especially so during times of stress. Before you leave home for work, say ‘in Your Name Allah, I put my trust in Allah, and there is no power or force except with Allah’ (Bismillahi Tawakal to al Allah wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah).

7-“When you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah” (Quran 3: 159).

8-General advice from Prophet Muhammad (s) when you are in distress or suffering from anxiety:
In hadith #599 narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas in Sunan Abu Dawood, The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: If anyone continually asks pardon, Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress, and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide for him from where he did not reckon.

BUEATIFUL DUAS TO RECITE IN STRESS


Source for this dua subsection: Fiqh-us-Sunnah, volume 4, no 128
1. Ibn ‘Abbas reported, “The Prophet, peace be upon him, at times of sorrow and grief used to supplicate, La ilaha illa Allah Al-’Azim, Al-’Alim, la ilaha illa Allah, Rabbul ‘arshil ‘Azim, la ilaha illa Allahu, Rabbus-Samawati wa rabbul ardi wa rabbul ‘arshi karim (There is no god but Allah, the Mighty, the Forbearing, there is no god but Allah, the Lord of the mighty throne, there is no god but Allah, the Lord of the heavens and the earth, and the Lord of the throne of honor)’.”
Source: Bukhari and Muslim.
2. Anas said that when the Prophet, peace be upon him, was faced with a serious difficulty, he would always supplicate, “Ya Hayyu, ya Qayyumu, bi-rahmatika astaghithu (O the Living, O the Eternal, I seek help in Your grace).
Source: Tirmidhi
3. Abu Hurairah reported that whenever the Prophet, peace be upon him, was faced with a serious difficulty, he would raise his head to the sky and supplicate, “Subhan-Allah al-’Azim (glory be to Allah, the Mighty).” And when he implored seriously and strongly, he would say “Ya Hayyu, Ya Qayyum (O the Living, the Eternal One).”
Source: Tirmidhi
4. Abu Bakrah reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “The supplications of distress are, ‘Allahumma rahmataka arju, fala takilni ila nafsi tarfata ‘ain, wa aslah li sha’ni kullahu, la ilaha illa anta (O Allah, I hope for Your mercy, so give me not over to my self even for as little as wink of an eye, and set right all my affairs, there is no god but You).”
Source: Abu Daw’ud
5. Asma, daughter of ‘Amais, reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, asked her, “Shall I tell you words that you may say in times of pain or distress. These are, ‘Allah, Allah, Rabbi la ushriku bihi shai’an (Allah, Allah, my Lord, I associate none with Him).” Another narration says that these words should be said seven times.
Source: Abu Daw’ud
6. Sa’d ibn Waqas reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “The supplication made by the Companion of the Fish (Prophet Yunus) in the belly of the fish was, ‘La ilaha illa anta, subhanaka, inni kuntu minaz-zalimin (there is no god but You, You are far exalted and above all weaknesses, and I was indeed the wrongdoer)’. If any Muslim supplicates in these words, his supplication will be accepted.” In another report we read, “I know words that will cause Allah to remove one’s distress. These are the words (of supplication) of my brother Yunus, peace be upon him,”
Source: Tirmidhi
7. Ibn Mas’ud reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “If any servant of Allah afflicted with distress or grief makes this supplication, his supplication will be accepted: ‘O Allah, I am Your servant, son of Your servant, son of your maidservant. My forehead is in Your hand. Your command conceming me prevails, and Your decision concerning me is just. I call upon You by every one of the beautiful names by which You have described Yourself, or which You have revealed in Your book, or have taught anyone of Your creatures, or which You have chosen to keep in the knowledge of the unseen with You, to make the Qur’an the delight of my heart, the light of my breast, and remover of my griefs, sorrows, and afflictions‘.” A supplication in these words will be answered. Allah will remove one’s affliction and replace it with joy and happiness.
Source: Reported by Ahmad and Ibn Hibban
8. Anas reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, used to supplicate, “O Allah, there is no ease except what You make easy, and you alone can turn a difficulty into ease.” (Ibn As-sinni)
Source: Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Volume 4, #131
9. Allah’s Apostle used to say at the time of difficulty, “None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Majestic, the Most Forbearing. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Lord of the Tremendous Throne. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Lord of the Heavens and the Lord of the Honourable Throne.”

Surah Al-ikhlas

Surah Al-ikhlas


"Say He is Allah, the Only One. The Eternal, Absolute. He begets Not, and neither is He begotten. And there is none comparable onto Him." (Quran 112:1-4)

It was written in the Tafsir of Ibn Kathir: In his Book of Salah, Al-Bukhari recorded that Anas said, "A man from the Ansar used to lead the people in prayer in the Masjid of Quba'. Whenever he began a Surah in the recitation of the prayer that he was leading them, he would start by reciting `Say: He is Allah, One' until he completed the entire Surah. Then he would recite another Surah along with it (after it). And used to do this in every Rak`ah. So his companions spoke to him about this saying; `Verily, you begin the prayer with this Surah. Then you think that it is not sufficient for you unless you recite another Surah as well. So you should either recite it or leave it and recite another Surah instead.' The man replied, `I will not leave it off. If you want me to continue leading you (in prayer), I will do this; and if you all do not like it, I will leave you (i.e., I will stop leading you).' They used to consider him to be of the best of them to lead them in prayer and they did not want anyone else to lead them other than him. So, when the Prophet, sallalahu alayhi wasalaam, came they informed him of this information and he said, ‘O so-and-so! What prevents you from doing what your companions are commanding you to do, and what makes you adhere to the recitation of this Surah in every Rak`ah?’ The man said, `Verily, I love it.' The Prophet, sallalahu alayhi wasalaam, replied, ‘your love of it will cause you to enter Paradise.’

(112) AL-IKHLAAS
1) Recitation is equal to 1/3 of Qur'an
2) If one recites this surah 10 times, they are guaranteed palaces in Jannah
3) If recited 100 times, 25 years of sins forgiven
4) Recite for abundance in wealth
5) Safety in travelling, as well as for Hajat
6) Reciter gets protection from 'evil eye’



SURAH Al IKHLAAS

SAHEEH NARRATIONS  :
Sahih Muslim
by Imam Muslim, translation by Abdul Hamid Siddiqui , Volume: The Book of Prayers (Kitab Al-Salat)

1769.
Abu Darda' reported Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) as saying: Is any one of you incapable of reciting a third of the Qur'an in a night? They (the Companions) asked: How could one recite a third of the Qur'an (in a night)? Upon this he (the Holy Prophet) said:" He is Allah, One" (Qur'An. cxii.) is equivalent to a third of the Qur'an.
1770.
This hadith has been narrated by Qatada with the same chain of transmitters in these words: He (the Apostle of Allah) said: Allah divided the Qur'an into three parts, and he made:" Say: He, Allah is One." one part out of the (three) parts of the Qur'an.
1771.
It is reported on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Get together. for I am going to recite one-third of the Qur'an before you. And those who could get together gathered there. Then the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) came out and recited:" Say: He, Allah, is One." He then entered (his house). Some of us said to the others: Perhaps there has been some news from the heaven on account of which he has gone Inside (the house). The Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) again came out and said: I told you that I was going to recite one-third of the Qur'in; keep in mind, this (Surah Ikhlas) is equivalent to one-third of the Qur'an.
1772.
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) came out to us and said: I am going to recite before you one-third of the Qur'an. He (the Holy Prophet) then recited:" Say: He is Allah, One--Allah, the Eternal," to the end of the Surah.
1773.
'A'isha reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) sent a man in charge of an expedition and he would recite for his Companions during their prayer, ending (recitation) with:" Say, He is God, One." When they returned mention was made of it to the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him). He (the Holy Prophet) told them to ask him why he had done like that. So they asked him and he said: Verily, it is an attribute of the Compassionate One, and (for this reason) I love to recite it. The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) thereupon said: Inform him that Allah loves him.


Abu Sa'eed Al Khudri (r.a) said The Prophet said, 'By Him in Whose hand my soul is, it is equal to one third of the Quran [Bukhari, Muslim, Saheeh - Targheeb wa Tarheeb : 1480]


Anas (r.a) mentioned that A man said to the Prophet, 'I really love this surah'. The Prophet replied,'And your love for it will enable you to enter paradise [Tirmidhi 2826, Sahih]

“Whoever recites ‘Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad’ and completes it ten times, Allah will build a palace for him in Paradise.” [Al-Silsilah as-Sahihah'; # 589]

WEAK NARRATIONS  :

Whoever recites Surah Al ikhlaas twenty times , Allah will build for him a palace in paradise [ Munkar (rejected) - Al Da'eefa 1351]

Whoever recities surah al Ikhlas 100 times, he will be forgiven the sins of 100 years [Al Da'eefa :295]

Whoever recities surah al Ikhlas 100 times, Allah will write for him 1500 good deeds , as long as he does not have a debt [Al Da'eefa : 300]

Whoever passes by a grave and recites Surah Al Ikhlaas 11 times and gave the rewards to the dead, he will be awarded rewards equal to the number of how many dead people they are there [Al Da'eefa 1290]

Whoever prays Fajr and then recites Surah al ikhlaas 100 times before he speaks to anyone, then for each Surah Ikhlaas he recites , he is forgiven the sins of a whole year [Al Da'eefa : 405]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever recites Qul huwa Allaahu ahad ten times, Allaah will build for him a house in Paradise.” (Sahih al-Jami’ al-Saghir, 6472).

The Holy Prophet (s) once advised a poor person to always say ‘salaam’ when entering his house, even if there was nobody there, and then Recitie Surah Ikhlas. After a little while, the man became abundantly wealthy.

"whoever reads Surah Ikhlas when he enters his house, poverty will be eradicated from the family of that household and neighbours."


Reciting Surah Ikhlas 10 times at the end of every Fard-compulsory prayer will enter paradise from any of its Gates. "whoever accomplishes three things with a sound iman will enter paradise from any of its Gates, and will be married to the pure wives of his choice. He who forgives a murderer of kin; he who settles debts on another person secretly; and he who recites 10 times after every Fard-compulsory prayer Surah Ikhlas." Abu Bakr said: "or even doing any of these, O Messenger of Allah?" the Holy Prophet (s) then said: "or one of them."

Surah an-Nas [114] (The Mankind)

Surah an-Nas [114] (The Mankind)

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Say: 'I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind,

2. 'The King of mankind,

3. 'The God of mankind,

(1-3) This Surah describes three Attributes of Allah the All-Mighty. He gives sustenance to mankind, He is Sovereign and He is Worthy of worship. All things are created by Him, possessed by Him, and subservient to Him. He commands anyone who wants refuge to seek in it the Lord who has these attributes.

4. 'From the evil of the whisperer,

(4) Satan entices people to commit sins as he makes evil attractive to men. Only Allah can grant protection from the evil of Satan. According to a Hadith, the Prophet said, "With everyone of you there is a devil." The Companions asked, "Is there a devil even with you?" The Prophet said, "Yes, but Allah has granted me protection against him."

Bukhari and Muslim report that once when the Prophet was in seclusion (i'tikaf) in the mosque, his wife Safiyyah went to see him. When she left, the Prophet accompanied her to his house. On the way he met two Companions from Ansar who were passing by. They sped up their pace when they saw him. He called them and said, "This is my wife Safiyyah bint Huyay." They said, "Subhanallah! O Messenger of Allah, why are you saying this?" The Prophet said, "Satan flows inside man like blood. I feared, may be he put bad thoughts about me in your minds."

Al-Hafidh Abu Ya'la Musily quoted a Hadith which reported the Prophet as saying: "Satan puts his hand on the heart of man. If he celebrates the remembrance of Allah he removes his hand and if he forgets Allah, Satan overcomes his heart fully. This is the 'evil of the whisperer.' "

Ahmad ibn Hanbal reported a Hadith: The Prophet was once riding a mule and a Companion was riding behind him on it. The mule stumbled. The Companion spontaneously uttered, "May Satan perish." The Prophet says, "Do not say that. It encourages Satan," and he said, "I knocked him with my strength. But if you say, 'In the name of Allah' he is dwarfed and becomes like a fly." This proves that the remembrance of Allah helps overcome Satan while leaving it augments his power.

Ibn 'Abbas, says that the Satan is lying in wait for man. When he forgets Allah, he starts whispering, and when he begins the remembrance of Allah, he retreats.

Sulayman said: "I am told that in happiness and sorrow Satan bores into the heart of man, i.e., he deludes him. If man remembers Allah, he flees away." Ibn 'Abbas, also says that Satan preaches evil and when man obeys him, he leaves him.

5. 'Who whispers in the breasts of mankind.

6. 'Of jinn and men.'

(5,6) The expression "Who whispers in the breasts of mankind" may be interpreted in two ways. One interpretation is that Satan whispers in the chests of people belonging to the human race or the race of jinn. The other interpretation is that the devils from among the human race and the jinn whisper in the chests of other people. At another place Allah says:

"And so We appointed for every Prophet an enemy - devils among mankind and jinn, inspiring one another with adorned speech as a delusion ... " [Al-Qur'an 6:112]

Abu Dharr reported that once he went to the mosque and sat with the Prophet. He asked me, "Did you pray?" When I said no, he said, "Offer two rak'ah." When I again sat after finishing the prayer, he said, "Abu Dharr, seek refuge against the devils among men and jinn." I asked, "Are there devils among men also?" He said, "Yes." I asked him, "O Messenger of Allah, which is the greatest verse in the Qur'an?" He said, "The Verse of the Throne - (2:255)." [Imam Ahmad. This Hadith has also been reported by Nisa'i, Abu Hatim and others]

(s) Tafsir ibn Kathir (abridged)
(t) Habib Badr

Insight into bueatiful Surah FALAQ and surah An-Nas (the mankind) by Ali saaqib

Insight into bueatiful Surah FALAQ  and surah An-Nas (the mankind) by Ali saaqib


"Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) used to seek refuge from the jinn as well as from the evil eye until Surah al-Falaq and an-Naas were revealed. When they were sent down, he utilised them and left other things." [Tirmidhi]
 Regarding Surah al-Falaq and an-Naas, Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said that these are ayaat "the likes of which have never been seen before." [Sahih Muslim]
These two surahs are the best to seek Allah's protection with. Uqbah ibn Amir (radi Allahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: "No seeker of refuge can seek refuge with anything like these two." [Abu Dawud] And he (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: "O Uqba, learn to recite Surah al-Falaq, for you will never recite a surah more cherished by Allah and more profound in His sight than this surah." [Hakim, Dhahabi]

Al-Falaq (The Dawn)

Surah 113


Bismillaah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem
Qul a’uudhu birabbil falaq
Min sharri ma khalaq
Wa min sharri ghaasiqin idhaa waqab
Wa min sharrin naffaathaati fil ‘uqad
Wa min sharri haasidin idhaa hasad

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of the Dawn,
from anything harmful in Creation,
from the evil of darkness as it spreads,
from the evil of knotted spells,
from the evil of the envier when he envies.

Allah the most Exalted says, “And We send down of the Qur’an that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss.” (Surah al Israa: 82). 

It was narrated that Ibn Amir said, “I was driving the she-camel of the Messenger of Allah (sal-lal-laahu-alaihi-wa-sallam) during a journey. He said to me, ‘Uqbah, should I not teach you two best Surahs ever recited?’ He then taught me: ‘Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of the dawn,’ and ‘Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of men.’ He did not see me much pleased (by these two Suras).
When he (sal-lal-laahu-alaihi-wa-sallam) alighted for prayer, he led the people in the morning prayer and recited them in prayer. When the Messenger of Allah (sal-lal-laahu-alaihi-wa-sallam) finished his prayer, he turned to me and said, ‘O Uqbah, how did you see?’.” 
So please read them every morning and evening for they are a refuge for those who are in distress.
Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, narrated that every night, when the Prophet (sal-lal-laahu-alaihi-wa-sallam) would go to his bed, he would join his hands, then blow in them, as he recited in them: “Say: He is Allah, the One.” And “Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of Al Falaq” and “Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind.” Then he would wipe as much as he was able to off his body with them, beginning with them first of his head and face, and the front of his body. He would do this three times.”

Surah an-Nas [114] (The Mankind)


In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Say: 'I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind,

2. 'The King of mankind,

3. 'The God of mankind,

(1-3) This Surah describes three Attributes of Allah the All-Mighty. He gives sustenance to mankind, He is Sovereign and He is Worthy of worship. All things are created by Him, possessed by Him, and subservient to Him. He commands anyone who wants refuge to seek in it the Lord who has these attributes.

4. 'From the evil of the whisperer,

(4) Satan entices people to commit sins as he makes evil attractive to men. Only Allah can grant protection from the evil of Satan. According to a Hadith, the Prophet said, "With everyone of you there is a devil." The Companions asked, "Is there a devil even with you?" The Prophet said, "Yes, but Allah has granted me protection against him."

Bukhari and Muslim report that once when the Prophet was in seclusion (i'tikaf) in the mosque, his wife Safiyyah went to see him. When she left, the Prophet accompanied her to his house. On the way he met two Companions from Ansar who were passing by. They sped up their pace when they saw him. He called them and said, "This is my wife Safiyyah bint Huyay." They said, "Subhanallah! O Messenger of Allah, why are you saying this?" The Prophet said, "Satan flows inside man like blood. I feared, may be he put bad thoughts about me in your minds."

Al-Hafidh Abu Ya'la Musily quoted a Hadith which reported the Prophet as saying: "Satan puts his hand on the heart of man. If he celebrates the remembrance of Allah he removes his hand and if he forgets Allah, Satan overcomes his heart fully. This is the 'evil of the whisperer.' "

Ahmad ibn Hanbal reported a Hadith: The Prophet was once riding a mule and a Companion was riding behind him on it. The mule stumbled. The Companion spontaneously uttered, "May Satan perish." The Prophet says, "Do not say that. It encourages Satan," and he said, "I knocked him with my strength. But if you say, 'In the name of Allah' he is dwarfed and becomes like a fly." This proves that the remembrance of Allah helps overcome Satan while leaving it augments his power.

Ibn 'Abbas, says that the Satan is lying in wait for man. When he forgets Allah, he starts whispering, and when he begins the remembrance of Allah, he retreats.

Sulayman said: "I am told that in happiness and sorrow Satan bores into the heart of man, i.e., he deludes him. If man remembers Allah, he flees away." Ibn 'Abbas, also says that Satan preaches evil and when man obeys him, he leaves him.

5. 'Who whispers in the breasts of mankind.

6. 'Of jinn and men.'

(5,6) The expression "Who whispers in the breasts of mankind" may be interpreted in two ways. One interpretation is that Satan whispers in the chests of people belonging to the human race or the race of jinn. The other interpretation is that the devils from among the human race and the jinn whisper in the chests of other people. At another place Allah says:

"And so We appointed for every Prophet an enemy - devils among mankind and jinn, inspiring one another with adorned speech as a delusion ... " [Al-Qur'an 6:112]

Abu Dharr reported that once he went to the mosque and sat with the Prophet. He asked me, "Did you pray?" When I said no, he said, "Offer two rak'ah." When I again sat after finishing the prayer, he said, "Abu Dharr, seek refuge against the devils among men and jinn." I asked, "Are there devils among men also?" He said, "Yes." I asked him, "O Messenger of Allah, which is the greatest verse in the Qur'an?" He said, "The Verse of the Throne - (2:255)." [Imam Ahmad. This Hadith has also been reported by Nisa'i, Abu Hatim and others]

(s) Tafsir ibn Kathir (abridged)
(t) Habib Badr

Quran and hadith on seeking refuge in ALLAH

Allah, the Almighty, says, “And if an evil suggestion comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is Hearing and Knowing.” (Surah Al Araaf: 200).

On this account, Allah the Almighty says, “So when you recite the Qur’an, [first] seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the expelled [from His mercy].” (Surah An-nahl: 98).

Our Prophet (sal-lal-laahu-alaihi-wa-sallam) used to say, “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil, from his puffing up (nafkha), his spitting (naftha) and his evil suggestion (hamza).”

He (saw)said, “Whoever ties a knot and blows on it, he has practiced magic; and whoever practices magic, he has committed Shirk; and whoever hangs up something (as an amulet) will be entrusted to it.”

“O mankind, there has to come to you instruction from your Lord and healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers.” (Surah Yunus: 57)

“Say, “I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, the Sovereign of mankind. The God of mankind, from the evil of the retreating whisperer.” (Annas: 1-4).

Hypocrisy and breaking promises made to Allah

Hypocrisy and breaking promises made to Allah

How does hypocrisy develop? How does it take root in the heart? And what will be its consequences? Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) tells us clearly in the following Ayahs from Surah Tawbah:

And of them are some who made a covenant with Allah (saying): “If He bestowed on us of His bounty, we will verily, give Sadaqah and will be certainly among the righteous.”

Then when He gave them of His bounty, they became stingy, and turned away, averse.

So He punished them by putting hypocrisy into their hearts till the Day whereon they shall meet Him, because they broke that (covenant) with Allah which they had promised to Him and because they used to tell lies.

Know they not that Allah knows their secret ideas, and their Najwa (secret counsels), and that Allah is the All-Knower of things unseen.

Quran (Surah Tawbah: 75 – 78)

Reflections from these verses

Some hypocrites make promises to Allah that if He enriches them from His bounty, they will give away alms and become righteous.

But they fail to fulfill their vows and prove to be liars.
The hypocrites prefer to remain ignorant that Allah knows their secret ideas. But they delude only themselves with their pretence.
Allah knows the secret and what is more hidden than the secret. He has full knowledge of what is in everyone’s hearts. He The All-Knowing knows us better than we know ourselves, for He is the All-Aware of all unseen and apparent things, every secret, every session of counsel and all that is seen and hidden.
Hypocrisy is placed in the hearts of those who broke their promise and lied until the Day they shall meet Allah the Exalted, on the Day of Resurrection.
We should seek refuge with Allah from such an end.
In the Two Sahihs, it is recorded that the Messenger of Allah said:
islam on Hypocrisy and breaking promises made to Allah

(There are three signs for a hypocrite: if he speaks, he lies; if he promises, he breaks the promise; and if he is entrusted, he betrays the trust.)

Sunday 13 April 2014

surah fatiha...the opening

surah fatiha...the opening

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds,﴾1﴿ The Beneficent, the Merciful.﴾2﴿ Master of the Day of Judgment,﴾3﴿ Thee (alone) we worship; Thee (alone) we ask for help.﴾4﴿ Show us the straight path,﴾5﴿ The path of those whom Thou hast favoured; Not the (path) of those who earn Thine anger nor of those who go astray.﴾6﴿

The Importance of Salat




the salat performed five times a day eradicates that forgetfulness and heedlessness, and keeps the believer's will and awareness alive. It ensures that the believer constantly turns to Allah and assists him in living in the light of our Lord's commandments. The believer who stands in the presence of Allah in order to pray establishes a powerful spiritual bond with our Lord. It is revealed in one verse that the salat reminds people of Allah and keeps them from all forms of evil:

Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish salat. Salat precludes indecency and wrongdoing. And remembrance of Allah is greater still. Allah knows what you do. (Surat al-'Ankabut, 45)

Throughout history the prophets have communicated the salat made compulsory by Allah to their respective peoples, and have been role models for all believers by abiding by this observance in the best and most correct manner. Some verses on this subject read:

 - For Prophet Ibrahim (as):

[Ibrahim said:] "My Lord! Make me and my descendants people who establish salat. My Lord! Accept my prayer." (Surah Ibrahim, 40)

- For Prophet Isma'il (as):

Mention Isma'il in the Book. He was true to his promise and was a messenger and a prophet. He used to command his people to do salat and give the alms and he was pleasing to his Lord. (Surah Maryam, 54-55)

- For Prophet Musa (as):

I am Allah. There is no god but Me, so worship Me and establish salat to remember Me. (Surah Ta Ha, 14)

- For Prophet Isa (as):

He said: "I am the servant of Allah, He has given me the Book and made me a prophet. He has made me blessed wherever I am and directed me to do salat and give the alms as long as I live." (Surah Maryam, 30-31)

- Maryam, depicted as a role model for all women, was also commanded to establish salat:

Maryam, obey your Lord and prostrate and bow with those who bow. (Surah al 'Imran, 43)

 At what times has the salat been made obligatory?

In the Qur'an it is revealed that the times of the salat have been set out for believers as a religious observance:


When you have finished salat remember Allah standing, sitting and lying on your sides. When you are safe again do salat in the normal way. The salat is prescribed for the believers at specific times. (Surat an-Nisa', 103)

The timings of the salat are "dawn," "noon," "afternoon," "evening," and "late evening." The salat timings are clearly set out in several verses of the Qur'an. Some of these verses read:

So be steadfast in the face of what they say and glorify your Lord with praise before the rising of the Sun and before its setting. And glorify Him during part of the night and at both ends of the day, so that hopefully you will be pleased. (Surah Ta Ha, 130)

So glory be to Allah when you start the night and when you greet the day. Praise be to Him in the heavens and the Earth, in the afternoon and when you reach midday. (Surat ar-Rum, 17-18)

Our Prophet (saas) who, by the revelation and inspiration of Allah, best understood and interpreted the Qur'an, described for believers the times of day when the five salat prayers begin and finish. One of the best known hadith in which the timings of the salat are set out is that narrated by Jarir ibn 'Abdullah:

The angel Gabriel came to the Messenger of Allah and said to him, "Stand and pray," and they prayed the noon prayer when the sun had passed its meridian. He then came to him for the afternoon prayer and said, "Stand and pray," and they prayed the afternoon prayer while the length of a shadow of something was similar to the length of the object. Then he came at sunset and said, "Stand and pray," and they prayed the sunset prayer when the sun had just disappeared. Then he came at night and said, "Stand and pray," and they prayed the night prayer when the twilight had disappeared. He came again when dawn broke (and they prayed the morning prayer). Then Gabriel came on the next day at noon and said (to the Messenger of Allah), "Stand and pray," and they prayed the noon prayer when the length of the shadow of something was close to the length of the object. Then he came for the afternoon prayer and said, "Stand and pray," and they prayed when the shadow of something was twice as long as the length of the object. Then he came at the same time (as the previous day) for the sunset prayer, without any change. Then he came for the night prayer after half of the night had passed ("or," he said, "one-third of the night"). Then he came when the sky was very yellow and said, "Stand and pray," and they prayed the morning prayer. Then Gabriel said, "Between these times are the times for the prayers."

Establishing salat in awe means performing this religious observance in the presence of our Almighty Lord by feeling His might and grandeur, with fear and respect. A believer who wishes to properly fulfill this obligation must take measures against everything that might prevent this awed awareness and display the maximum scrupulousness to ensure the concentration and attention required in salat.

The correct performance of these prayers is a great opportunity to remember our Lord, praise Him, and worship Him as one god in the knowledge He is free of all imperfections. Indeed, in one verse Allah commands to do salat in order to remember Him:

I am Allah. There is no god but Me, so worship Me and establish salat to remember Me. (Surah Ta Ha, 14)


Saturday 12 April 2014

How to Handle Offensive Treatment

Hadith




“A believer who mixes with people and tolerates their abuse is better than one who neither mixes with people nor tolerates their abuse.” (Related by Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab, Al-Mufrad and Al-Tirmithi).


What the Prophet (Pbuh) is referring to here is mixing with people who are not good believers, because a believer does not abuse another.


It is often mentioned that a believer is an advocate of his faith. It is required of every Muslim to make Islam known to other people. That was the role of Allah’s last messenger, Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh), since the task of a messenger is to convey his message. The Prophet certainly did that in an exemplary way, devoting all his time and effort to the task he had in hand. He has left nothing Allah wants us to know without telling us about it. He conveyed his message completely, intact, clear and free of ambiguity. He received the testimony of his companions when he addressed them during his pilgrimage. He asked them repeatedly during his speech: “Have I conveyed this (meaning the principles of his message) to you?” They all replied time after time in one voice: “ Yes, indeed.” Every time, he raised his eyes to heaven and said: “ My Lord, be my witness.”


Every believer is required to do the same, i.e. to convey Allah’s message to people and to call on them to believe in it. That is because the message of Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) is the final, ultimate and complete version of Allah’s message to mankind, conveyed by earlier prophets and messengers. The central points are the same, although there are some differences of detail. The teachings of the Prophet, the duties he has outlined to us and the prohibitions he has emphasized provide a complete picture of the sort of way of life Allah wishes us to implement for our own happiness. Allah benefits nothing by our obedience nor does our disobedience affect Him in any way. The benefit is all ours. In order to convey the message to the people, a believer must mix with them and know them in their different situations and circumstances. He has to share with them much of their activities, and care about their fortunes. One who does not mix with people cannot convey anything to them. It is only through being in their midst that one can hope to be influential among them. A believer does not seek influence with people in order to achieve any personal gains, but only to make his word acceptable to them when he tells them of Islam and what Allah requires of them with regard to their beliefs and to their behaviour.


Sometimes, mixing with people is felt to be undesirable, specially when one is at the receiving end of people’s abuse in word and deed. Many people prefer to be alone because that spares them much trouble. What attitude should a believer adopt? Abdullah Ibn Umar (RA) quotes the Prophet (Pbuh) as saying: “ A believer who mixes with people and tolerates their abuse is better than one who neither mixes with people nor tolerates their abuse.” (Related by Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab, Al-Mufrad and Al-Tirmithi).


What the Prophet is referring to here is mixing with people who are not good believers, because a believer does not abuse another. It is well known that Islam inculcates the feelings of brotherhood among its followers and that believers do feel their brotherhood to be real. Therefore, even when they differ, they treat one another with mutual love and respect. But those who abuse a believer do so because they dislike the message he calls on them to adopt. He mixes with them in order to have a chance to convey it to them. When he does, then they may abuse him. It is such a person that the Prophet describes as better than one who prefers to isolate himself from people so that nothing of evil comes his way from them. However, if one feels that he will not be able to tolerate any ill-treatment he may receive, and that his attempt to repel such treatment may lead to more trouble, he may adopt an attitude of aloofness, provided that he continues to be with the Muslim community, attend congregational prayer, exchange greetings with believers, and fulfill his duties towards them, such as visiting those who are ill and attending funerals and so on.


The Prophet (Pbuh) also points out an important quality of a believer, namely tolerating abuse. Abdullah ibn Massoud (RA), a companion of the Prophet, reports that he overheard a man from the Ansar describing the distribution of the spoils of war by the Prophet, in these words: “By Allah, this is a division which is not intended to please Allah.” Abdullah thought that he should tell the Prophet of this. He says: “I came to him when he was sitting with a number of his companions and whispered my report of the incident to him. He took it very hard and it showed in his face. He was so angry that I wished I had not told him. He then said: “Moses suffered even greater abuse than this and he was patient and tolerated it.” (Related by Al-Bukhari and Ahmed). We should understand that there was some gap between the last expression by which the Prophet declares that he should not seek to retaliate against the person who made that remark, and the time when he felt so angry. As soon as he cooled down, he decided that he would not take any action against the man.


An even more telling example is the Prophet’s (Pbuh) own description of how Allah treats people. We should remember that human beings give every affront to Allah, without even thinking that they are in need of Allah’s grace and mercy every moment in their lives. Nevertheless, they give Him the most offensive of actions and remarks. He still grants them His grace and mercy. Abu Musa Al Ash’ari, a learned companion of the Prophet quotes him as saying: “There is no one who tolerates offensive remarks which he hears with his own ears more than Allah, the Almighty. They attribute to Him having a son and He still cures their illnesses and provides them with sustenance.”(Related by Al-Bukhari, Muslim and others). We need not comment on this fact. There is nothing more offensive to Allah than the false allegation that He has taken a son to himself. Yet, people claim that and still expect that Allah sends them rain and cures the ill and provides them with the goods of this life. He certainly does so and gives them a chance to correct their attitude. If they do, He gives them more of His grace. When we consider the Prophet’s (Pbuh) attitude and how Allah treats people, we realise that to be patient and to tolerate abuse which is showered on us because we advocate the message of Islam, is the proper attitude to be adopted by every Muslim.

30 Beautiful Hadiths and Quranic Verses on The Etiquettes of Speech !

30 Beautiful Hadiths and Quranic Verses on The
Etiquettes of Speech !

1. “And when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with ‘Salamaa’ (peaceful words of gentleness).” (Qur’an, 25:63)
2. “If they pass by some vain speech or play, they pass by it with dignity.” (Qur’an, 25:72)
3. “And be moderate in your pace and lower your voice; indeed, the most disagreeable of sounds is the voice of donkeys… But of the people is he who disputes about Allah without knowledge or guidance or an enlightening Book.” (Qur’an, 31:19-20)
4. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him) said: “He who gave up disputing while he is right, a palace of high rank in Paradise will be built for him. He who gave up disputing while he is a fabricator, a palace in the center of Paradise will be built for him.” (al-Tirmidhi who declared it as hasan)
5. “There are no people who went astray after having been guided except for indulging in disputation.” (al-Tirmidhi)
6. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ repeated three times, “Those who search deeply for confusing questions have perished.” (Muslim)
7. “Do not dispute with your brother, ridicule him, nor promise him and then break your promise.” (al-Tirmidhi)
8. Bilal ibn Sa’d radiAllahu `anhu (ra) said, “If you see a disputing, arrogant, and bigoted person, bear in mind that they are utterly lost.”
9. Luqman `alayhi assalam (as) said to his son, “O son! Do not dispute with the knowledgeable lest they detest you.”
10. `Umar (ra) said, “Do not learn knowledge for three things and do not leave it for three things. Do not learn it to dispute over it, to show off with it, or to boast about it. Do not leave seeking it out of shyness, dislike for it, or contending with ignorance in its stead.”
11. It was narrated that Abu Hanifa said to Dawud al-Taa’i, “Why do you prefer seclusion?” Dawud replied, “To struggle against myself to leave disputing.” Abu Hanifah said, “Attend meetings, listen to what is said, and remain silent.” Dawud said, “I have done so, but I have found nothing heavier than this.”
12. `A’ishah (ra) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “The most hated person with Allah is the most quarrelsome person.” (al-Bukhari)
13. Ibn Qutaybah said that his disputant said to him, “What is the matter with you?” He replied to him, “I will not dispute with you.” The disputant then said, “Thus you have come to know that I am right.” Ibn Qutaybah responded, “No, but I respect myself more than that.” At this the disputant retracted and said, “And I will not claim a thing that is not my right.”
14. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “The one initiating abuse incurs the sin of abusing as long as the other did not return it.” (Muslim)
15. “The believer does not curse.” (al-Tirmidhi who declared it hasan)
16. “The believer does not defame, abuse, disparage, nor vilify.” (al-Tirmidhi, sahih)
17. “Do not invoke Allah’s curse, His anger, or Hellfire.” (al-Tirmidhi who declared it hasan sahih)
18. “Men accustomed to cursing will not be intercessors or witnesses on the Day of Resurrection.” (Muslim)
19. Abdullah ibn ‘Amr (ra) narrated, “I asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ about what saves me from Allah’s wrath, and he said, “Do not become angry.” (al-Tabarani and Ibn Abdul Barr) Ibn `Umar, Ibn Mas’ud, and Abu Darda’ (ra) relate similar conversations on their own behalf.
20. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “He who is victorious over his passion at the time of anger is the strongest among you. He who forgives having the power to release (his anger and take revenge) is the most patient among you.” (a-Baihaqi in Shu’ab al-Imaan)
21. Abu Hurairah (ra) narrated, “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, ‘The strong person is not he who has physical strength but the person is strong if he can control his anger.” (al-Bukhari and Muslim)
22. `Umar ibn Abdul Aziz wrote to one of his governors and said, “Do not punish at the time of anger. If you are angry with any man, keep him in detention. When your anger is appeased punish him in proportion to his crime.”
23. ‘Ali ibn Zaid mentioned, “A man of the Quraysh spoke harshly to the Caliph `Umar Ibn ‘Abdul ‘Aziz who remained silent for a long time and then said, “You wish that the devil rouses in me the pride of the Caliphate and I treat you so rudely that you can take revenge tomorrow (in the Afterlife) on me.”
24. Ibn ‘Abbas (ra) narrated, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “And when you get angry, keep silent.” (Ahmad, Ibn Abi Dunya, al-Tabarani, and al-Bayhaqi)
25. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Anger is a burning coal. It burns in the heart.” (al-Tirmidhi and al-Bayhaqi)
26. “When anyone of you gets angry, let him perform ablution because anger arises from fire.” (Abu Dawud)
27. “Nobody swallows a more bitter pill than that of anger—seeking the satisfaction of Allah.” (Ibn Majah)
28. `Umar (ra) said, “He who fears Allah cannot give an outlet to his anger (by sinning). He who fears Allah cannot do what he likes.”
29. A nomad said to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ “Advise me.” And he ﷺ said, “If a man defamed you with what he knows about you, do not defame him with what you know about him. For the sin is against him.” The nomad said, “I never abused any person after that.”
30. Al-Hasan (ra) said, “He that did not safeguard his tongue did not understand his religion.”
You thought it was over didn’t you? Here is a little something extra to encourage us not only to avoid such negative traits, but to also proactively seek positive ones in their place.
10 Reasons to Strive for Generosity of Spirit and Kindness in Speech
1. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Kind speech and feeding (the hungry) guarantee you Paradise.” (al-Tabarani)
2. “And speak nicely to people.” (Qur’an, 2:83)
3. “When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (at least) return it equally.” (Qur’an, 4:86) Ibn Abbas commented on this and said, “He who greets you return his greeting in better words even if he were a Magian.1 He also said, “If Pharoah were to speak nicely to me, I would do so to him.”
4. Anas (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Verily there are chambers in Paradise; their insides and outsides can be seen – for him who spoke kindly and fed (the hungry).” (al-Tirmidhi)
5. He ﷺ also said, “A good word is also a charitable deed.” (Muslim)
6. “Ward off the Fire even if by giving half a date in charity. If you could not afford that then utter a kind word.” (al-Bukhari and Muslim)
7. `Umar (ra) said, “Generosity is an easy thing. It is a smiling face and kind words.”
8. Some wise men said, “Do not be stingy with a word that does not arouse your Lord’s wrath yet it pleases your brother. It may happen that Allah gives you the reward of those who do good works.”
9. “And let not those among you who are blessed with graces and wealth swear not to give to their kinsmen, the poor, and those who left their homes for Allah’s cause. Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not wish that Allah should forgive you?” (Qur’an, 24:22). Abu Bakr (ra) had cut off his financial support of his relative Mustah because Mustah had participated in the slander against his daughter `A’ishah (ra). After this verse was revealed, he resumed and even increased the amount he gave Mustah in financial support.
10. “Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the foolish.” (Qur’an, 7:199

The Feeling of Alienation (Al-Ghurabah) by Umm Muhammad


  

‘...so do not be deceived by their movement throughout the lands. “[1]
Among the realities of faith and facts of life is this: the true adherents to the Straight Path of Allah (as-sirat al-mustaqeem) are a small minority, living as strangers in society. The reason is none other than the deviation of most of mankind from that Path and their excessive attachment to this world. The Qur’an describes the majority of the earth’s population:
  ‘But most of the people do not know. “[2]
  ‘No, but most of them do not use their minds.”[3]
  ‘Most of the people do not believe.”[4]
  “They are not except like sheep. No, but they are even more astray.”[5]
The degree of alienation varies from time to time, place place, people to people for Muslims are a minority among the inhabitants of this earth, and believers are a minority among Muslims. Those of knowledge are few among believers, and those defending the Prophet’s sunnah are even fewer. In respect to this, the Messenger of Allah (saws) said,
  “Verily, my community among communities is like a white hair on a black bull. “[6]
Although they may find comfort in solitude and suffer isolation in the company of those who seek only to socialize these servants cannot neglect their duties because the Prophet (saws) declared,
  “The believer who mixes with people and patient in the face of their offense is preferable to the believer who does not mix with people and is not patient with their offense.”[7]
And Allah reminds them:
  “The believers are but brothers.”[8]
So how can one avoid his brother for whom he cares and. shares responsibility?

Always aware of Allah’s presence, however, such souls, seldom seek companionship elsewhere, knowing that He alone: can comprehend their concerns, appreciate their efforts and relieve their sorrows. And knowing that whatever the people might think, Allah enumerates and rewards that which is unnoticed - sincerity of intention, conscientiousness in deed, and pain born patiently in the heart. So these servants of Allah are careful to avoid what is doubtful or might possibly lead to Haram (that which is unlawful) and are indifferent to that which is of no benefit in the Hereafter. They fear Allah when dealing with others and even more so when dealing with the subtle affairs of their own hearts. They refuse to compromise tawheed, and seek oppurtunities for Jihaad. They cling to the sunnah when people have abandoned it and avoid innovation in religion while people find it good. They know the gravity of their sins and strive for forgiveness from their Lord. They are the ones whom the Prophet (saws) praised when he said,
  “Certainly Islam began as [something] alien, and it will become alien once again as it began. So, blessed are the aliens." [9]
Yet, human souls were created as social beings with a natural enjoyment of companionship and feelings of loneliness during periods of isolation. Therefore, Allah (subhanahu wa ta ‘ala) assures those who travel on His Path that, in spite of temporary alienation from contemporaries, they do belong to the best company of mankind — none other than the prophets, their supporters, the martyrs and the righteous[10]. Such is the reason for the supplication:
  “O Allah, guide me among those You have guided.”[11]
Remembering one’s companions removes sadness from the heart. Although they may be rare throughout the servant’s lifetime, he can certainly look forward to a joyful reception in the Hereafter. Ibn al-Qayyim said,
  “Every time you feel the loneliness of isolation, remember your companions who have preceded you and be eager to join them; and do not be concerned with others, for they will not avail you at all before Allah. And if they call out to you during your journey, do not turn to them, for whenever you respond to them, they will take you and set you in another direction.”
Some early scholars used to advise,
  “Keep fast to the path of truth, and do not succumb to loneliness because of the few who tread it; and beware of the path of falsehood, and do not be deceived by the many headed on it to destruction.”
In the words of Allah (subannahu wa ta ‘ala):
  “Say, Not equal are evil and good, even if you are impressed by the abundance of evil”[12]
  “And if you obey most of those on earth, they will lead you astray from the way of Allah. They follow nothing but speculation, and they are not but those who falsify “[13 ]
In another sense, however, the believer shares the company of all those creations that worship and praise Allah day and night throughout the universe, and thus, he is actually among the ranks of the majority of His creation.
  “To Allah gives praise that which is in the heavens and that which is on the earth. "[14]
For in addition to that portion of Jinn and mankind who worship Allah, the animals and plants are worshipping and praising Him. All the angels filling the heavens worship Allah. Seemingly inanimate bodies worship Allah. All forms of energy and matter worship Allah, submitting to the physical laws He has established for creation and praising Him in their own particular way.
  “And there is nothing that does not praise Him, but you do not understand their praise.”[15]
Finally, and above all, Allah Himself is with the righteous servant,[16] supporting his efforts and reassuring him.[17] So while Shaytan will attempt to infect him with loneliness and despair, his plan is frustrated and defeated by the realization that the believer is in harmony with the entire universe in submission to the will of Allah, whereas those who vainly try to oppose Him are but a small minority that will surely be overcome.
If the adherent to the Straight Path feels himself to be a stranger in this world, all men, in fact, are such. They were not created for this life but are merely travelers along the road to the final destination. So, whoever travels light, sending provisions on before him, will ease his burden and find his home in order upon arrival.
Footnotes
1 Surah Ghafir 40:4. Activities not disciplined by fear of Allah may appear impressive but are, in fact, void of blessing in this life and the next.
2 Surah Yusuf 12:21.
3 Surah al-Ankabut 29:63.
4 Surah Ghafir 40:59.
5 SurahAl-Furqan 25:44.
6 Al-Bukhari.
7 Ahmad and at-Tirmidhi - saheeh.
8 Surah al-Hujurat, 49:10.
9 Muslim and Ahmad.
10 See Surah an-Nisa’, 4:69.
11 From du ‘aa al-qunut taught by the Prophet (saws). Related by an-Nasa’i — hasan.
12 Surah al-Ma’idah, 5:100.
13 Surah al-An’am, 6:116.
14 Surah 59:1, 61:1, 62:1 and 64:1.
15 Surah al-Isra’, 17:44.
16 See Surah an-Nahl, 16:128.
17 “Do not weaken or grieve while you are superior” (Surah Ali’-Imran, 3:139)
If you are suffering, they [too] are suffering, but you expect from Allah that which they do not expect " (Surah an-Nisa’, 4:104)