AL-HADIYAH Volume 1, Issue 1
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Inheritance From The Prophet
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Knowledge of Allah’s Deen is the Best Inheritance
HOME SWEET HOME
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To Return Home....To Attain Paradise
Let Us Return To The Quran
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Let The Quran Speak To You, Not the Other Way Around
INDEED, WE HAVE MADE THAT WHICH IS ON THE EARTH ADORNMENT FOR IT THAT WE MAY TEST THEM [AS TO] WHICH OF THEM IS BEST IN DEED. (SURAH AL-KAHF: 7)
SAHL BIN SA’D REPORTED: THE PROPHET (PBUH) SAID TO ‘ALI, “BY ALLAH, IF A SINGLE PERSON IS GUIDED BY ALLAH THROUGH YOU, IT WILL BE BETTER FOR YOU THAN A WHOLE LOT OF RED CAMELS.”
Contents About Al-Maghrib Institute
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Divine Link– Fiqh Of Salah
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La Ilaha Illa Allah
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Inheritance From The Prophet
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Let Us Return To The Quran
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(SAHIH MUSLIM)
ASK HEBA
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A Taste Of Uloom-ul-Quran– Route 114
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Ever Wondered About Their Love
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ARE YOU A “MUSLIM” OR AN “AMERICAN MUSLIM”?
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What Is Your Ride To Jannah
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HOME SWEET HOME
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Salawat Upon Our Beloved Prophet
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From The Editor Bismillahi Ar-Rahmani Ar-Raheem Assalamualikum Wa Rahmathullahi Wa Barakathuhu Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam, All Praises belong to Allah Subhanahu wa tha’ala, The Lord of all that exists. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, And I bear witness that Muhammed bin Abdullah is His Final Messenger and His slave, may peace and blessings be upon him. It gives me great pleasure to bring to you, on behalf of all “Haadi” brothers and sisters, this “Hadiyah” (Gift), which I hope that you will make it your own, benefit from and contribute to its growth. With this little gift, I pray that it will be a source of light of ‘ilm (knowledge) and ‘ilm itself- ‘ilm that will be beneficial and will draw each and every one of us closer to Our Lord, insha Allah. I make dua’ that Allah SWT blesses us with only beneficial knowledge, aameen. May Allah Azza Wajal forgive us for our shortcomings. I request the readers to not attribute the contents to Al-Maghrib Institute, rather they maybe view points of the students– sometimes coinciding and sometimes not. As students of knowledge, the methodology is to base your views or come to conclusions according the Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam. And this is what we strive to achieve– to truly walk the path of those upon whom Allah is pleased with. I hope to give you a taste of the Al-Maghrib seminars. That being said, I would like to encourage all members of this community and communities all over U.S. to enroll in these degree seminars; I guarantee that you will find them way beyond your expectations. We are so fortunate to have an institute as such, and very highlyqualified instructors to learn from, and we cannot afford to miss these opportunities of learning Allah’s Deen. “Verily, those who fear Allah, from among His servants, are the learned.” (Surah Al-Faatir: 28) After Allah, I would like to thank all the brothers and sisters who contributed to this effort in various ways, be it through article contributions or even advices and suggestions. I would like to thank my better half specifically for making sure that I had everything I needed to work to make this effort successful. And our Ameer Br. Junaid, who would always reply promptly to all my emails; and helped me in every way possible. May Allah preserve him and his family, and increase them in goodness. Last but not the least; I have to mention my thanks to Br AbooZaid, who was there to provide me with intellectual mentorship with his experience and talents. On a personal level, this humble effort made me realize that whatever you hope to achieve, you need to work towards that goal– and our ultimate goal here, is to please Our Lord Azza Wajal. You may face obstacles and hardships along your path, but you need to survive through it, with two weapons: Tawakkul (complete reliance) upon Allah and Dua. And always believe that “Verily, with hardship, comes ease” and “Allah is The Best of Planners”. Once again, I pray that you will benefit from this Hadiyah. Please contribute to the growth of this magazine through your suggestions and comments, and article contributions. I really look forward to hearing your feedback. Email us at alhadiyah@qabeelathaadi.org to contact us and connect with us. JazakumAllah khayran and Happy reading!!! Fathimah Zainulabideen 4
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To study overseas is indeed a very enriching experience, but not everyone is blessed with such an opportunity. Our hectic schedules often sideline our in-depth study of Islam. It is for this reason that AlMaghrib Institute was established, and has dedicated itself to providing courses on Islam in a two weekend, intensive seminar format. These trademark double-weekend university-style seminars carry students toward a bachelor's degree in the Islamic Studies. The two-weekend Al-Maghrib Institute structure is our way of thinking outside the box. Can Islam be taught in an eight-week summer program or in a twohour halaqah on Sundays? Our communities concede that this can be done. Then why can't those same hours be put into a two weekend intensive format, with high quality instruction and material for maximum benefit? This is what Al-Maghrib Institute seeks to do. In the past, people would come to Rasulullah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – spend a short time with him and with the companions, then return to their people, successfully bringing, not just a few people, but their entire nation into the fold of Islam. It was their sincerity, their strong minds, and their strong wills that allowed for this change to take place, with the grace of Allah. These are the qualities that Al-Maghrib Institute seeks to resurrect in its students – Sincerity, Strong minds, and Strong wills. The Course Material: Experience has shown us that most Muslim students prefer a course taught from a variety of Islamic books and not just one source. Thus, most seminars will be based on a number of classical works instead of just one text. For example, in the first Tafseer seminar, the information will be gathered from At5
Tabaree, Ibn Katheer, Al-Qurtubee, as well as others. The following methods are used in our trademark AlMaghrib double-weekend seminars: Instructors assign recommended reading and share tips on how to prepare academically, mentally, and spiritually for the seminar, so that students can familiarize themselves with the material and maximize the benefit they acquire from the seminar. The seminars will usually be comprised of six days of instruction: with classes on Friday evening and all day Saturday and Sunday for two consecutive weekends. The two-weekend seminar will consist of 35-45 hours of class time. The seminar will include interactive sessions and activities such as Jam sessions and Gem boards, which encourage students to interact with the material they have learned and introduce them to innovative, reflective ways of expressing their thoughts and feelings about the seminar. An onsite exam of the material will be administered approximately one month after the seminar, to ensure that students retain the information learned, and to evaluate the level of the students' comprehension. For the seminar to count towards a bachelor's degree in Islamic Studies, the student is required to take the exam and receive a passing grade. Power Point presentations and other Audio/Visual methods are routinely used during the seminars. Each student registered for the seminar receives a binder that outlines the material and facilitates absorption of the information taught.
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From Our Ameer’s Desk Dear Readers, Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmathullah Al Hadiyah, our quarterly publication, is an initiative started with the intent to connect a gap within the community - the need to provide an avenue to the student of Islamic knowledge in giving back to the community. This magazine, is planned, written and managed by the students themselves with a focus relevant to the local community and we pray that Allah SWT puts Barakah in this effort inshAllah. We have most very often heard this Hadith quoted from Sahih Bukhari "Pray as you see me pray", this along with many narrations on the action and purpose of praying is viewed, interpreted and implemented in many different ways, ways so many that in a community as diverse as this where Muslims from more than 50 Nationalities live and practice Islam, the varied actions of Salah need to be understood to foster a mutual respect of each other. In this regard, Qabeelat Haadi, the Bay area chapter of Al-Maghrib institute has organized a double weekend seminar "Divine Link - Fiqh of Salah" taught by Sheikh Yaser Birjas during the weekends of October 23 and October 30, come join us in learning about the various rulings of the most basic form of worship - Salah. Walaikumsalam Farooqi J. Syed
You Don’t Want To Miss This!! Divine Link: Fiqh of Salah welcomes back our beloved sheikh, Yasir Birjis. Who has become one of our many moons who has illuminated our hearts into stars. The sheikh has blessed our community through the years teaching us the Fiqh of Love, The Code of Scholars: Usool Fiqh, Heavenly Hues: Thematic Tafsir, and most recently The Code Evolved: Evolution of Fiqh. Above the academic aspects of the varies sciences the sheikh has introduced to our community he carries on the tradition of his Sheikh, Sheikh Uthaymeen (Rahimahu Allah) with an isnad back to the Prophet (sallahu alayhi wa salaam) of not only teaching us the correct aqeedah but foremost letting us benefit and learn from his character, and if the only reason to attend Fiqh of Salah was to study the character of the sheikh it would be a loan full of barakah from Allah Azza Wajal insha’ Allah and Allah is the source of all strength. As the first day of class comes upon us (Oct. 23rd at the MCA banquet hall) I prepare myself to hasten to the front row. We thank Allah who is Al-Haadi, the one who guides, for guiding us to the Haqq (Truth). Who sent down the Revelation of the Quran and Sunnah for all of mankind and Jinn as a Mercy and Reminder for those who believe in Allah, His Messengers, and the Last Day. Who establish Salah and give Zakah, who submit in the religion of Islam and are to be known as Muslims. We thank Allah 6
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that He is giving our community the opportunity to takbir after you stand for the 3rd rakah. We got into study the divine link we have with Him, As-Salah, further discussion on weak hadith and I mentioned both the physical and spiritual aspects. the hadith collection Bulugh al-Maram, Attainment of the Objective. According to the Evidences of the On the last day of The Code Evolved I was praying Ordinances, contained many weak hadith that I noSalat-ul-Isha and after the first tashahud while still ticed brothers would follow, for example wiping over sitting I raised my hands for the takbir. After salah a the bottom and top of the sock when doing wudu as brother asked me why I did the raising of the hands stated in hadeeth #54 of Bulugh al-Maram and classiwhile still sitting and I said there is an opinion that fied as Da'if. Sheikh Birjas said to the effect what Al you can raise the hands while sitting instead of after -Hafiz Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani (d. 852 H.) who comyou stand. We decided to ask Sheikh Yasir Birjas on piled the book of hadith Bulugh al-Maram did was the issue and where I thought there were two differ- compile all the hadith on a specific topic that the Fuent ahadith making both opinions valid. Sheikh Bir- qaha were using to come to religious rulings. jas informed us there was only one hadith on the subject and it was an issue of grammar and his humble SubhanaAllah! Now upon us is our next Al-Maghrib opinion was that Imam Shafi' was the strongest of the double weekend seminar starting Oct. 23rd. Divine 4 Imams in grammar and that Imam Shafi's opinion Link: Fiqh of Salah taught by our beloved teacher, was that you should do the raising of the hands and Sheikh Yasir Birjas. Reminiscent of Imam Bukhari
Narrated Mus’ab bin Sa’d Radhiyallahu anh: I offered prayer beside my father and approximated both my hands and placed them in between the knees. My father told me not to do so and said, "We used to do the same but we were forbidden (by the Prophet) to do it and were ordered to place the hands on the knees." (Sahih Al-Bukhari) SubhanAllah! Let us show the same passion and desire to perfect our Salah (even the little details) and learn how to pray the way our Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam used to pray. having a dream swatting flies and interpreting it as a sign to weed out all the weak hadith, how fitting is it that our community has the opportunity to study the chapters pertaining to the Salah of one of the most sought after compilation of hadith compilations Bulugh al-Maram. We have the opportunity to systematically go over the authentic and weak hadith floating about our community with a qualified sheikh to solidify our salah and follow the Sunnah of Rasoolullah and in accordance to his (sallahu alayhi wa salaam) hadith "Pray as you have seen me pray". In this class we will cover the topics: The times of Salat (prayer), Al-Adhan (the call to prayer), The conditions of Salat (prayer), Sutra (screen) in prayer, Khushu’ in Salah, Sujud-as-sahw and other matters, Voluntary Prayer, Prayer in Congregation and the imamate, The prayer of a traveler and a sick person, AlJumu'a prayer, Salat-ul-Khauf (prayer in time of fear), The prayers of the two 'Eid (festivals), Salat-ulKusoof (prayer at an eclipse), and Salat-ul-Istisqa (prayer for rain) inshallah found within the pages of Bulugh al-Maram and whatever more or less Allah wills. So I urge you my brothers and sisters to hasten to attend this class and solidify your connection with your Creator. Jazakumullah Khayr!!
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La Ilaha Illa Allah By Umme Maryam Cruising uphill Tahoe we see nature’s mani- Magian, as an animal produces a perfect young ani-
mal: do you see any part of its body amputated?" Then he recited: “So, set you your face towards the religion as a Hanif (Monotheist). Allah's Fitrah with which He has created mankind. No change let there be in Allah's Creation, that is the straight religion, but most men know not.” (Surah Ar-Rum: 30)
fest beauty. Each curve, every bend is in itself a piece of art. An ornament which exalts the mind and spirit. Adding to the beauty we see the tall pines standing firmly, beaming with pride and grace, yet humbled. The evergreens providing just the perfect shade we can ever imagine. We just can't miss out on the amazing obedience that the nature displays here. SubhnaAllah! The sweet melodies of the birds, the charming symphonies of the insects- all just add up. All seem to be singing the same phrase. The ambience is all about submission. It is all about obedience. It is all about Tawheed. IT IS ALL ABOUT “LA ILAHA ILLA ALLAH”. They bow down they submit trying to convey a very strong message.
But, the bigger question still remains! Are we truly the Abds (slaves) of Allah?! Are we worthy of this title? Is our life truly reflecting Al-Islam? Are we what we had testified to, declared and promised? Allah Azza Wajal, Ar-Raheem and AlKareem guided us all along. Despite the fact of blessing us with Al-Islam, Allah did not leave us wandering in darkness. He provided us with Guidance of all kind- sent down Prophets, Books and placed manifest signs (Ayat-ul-Kawniya) in nature. Do we have the insight to see? Do we truly recite, reflect and ponder?
“And the herbs (or stars) and the trees both prostrate.” (Surah Ar-Rahman: 6) Night never replaces day; Day never displaces night. The soothing splashes of the oceans never go beyond a certain point. All are so submitting to its Creator (Al-Khaliq)’s will and serving us. SubhanAllah! All of them are sweet reminders- sober yet constant and repeated- of the covenant we ratified with Allah Subhanahu wa tha’ala when we were asked:
Let’s take a step back and think! Are we really worshipping Allah or is it our nafs (ourselves) who is the illah? Or is it our wealth that’s ruling our nafs? Or is it our kids who we bow down to? Or is it our intellect whose the master of all? Or is it LAILLAHA ILLADUNIYA? (A’oodhubillah– I seek refuge in Allah) What are our priorities? What are our aims, objectives and goals? Is it Aakhirah or is it Duniya , Duniya and Duniya? Nothing beyond Duniya? What about our Salah -are we really establishing it? Is it affecting our lives? Our relations are they sincerely for Allah? Our dream house- is it through halal means? Our religious commitments- are they solely for Allah, The Most Exalted and The Magnificent? Our kids- do we really consider them as an amanah (trust from God)?
"Am I not your Lord?" And our souls answered: They said: "Yes! We do testify!" (Surah Al-A'raf: 172) So tawheed was engrained in us. It was made part of our fitrah (innate nature). As narrated by Abu Hurairah (R): Allah's Apostle said, "No child is born except on Al-Fitrah (Islam) and then his parents make him Jewish, Christian or 8
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Our income and spending- do we ever seriously think we would be answerable before Allah? Our ranks / positions- are we really worthy of it? If we have a big YES to all these questions that we should be asking ourselves, THENWhy are we facing so much fitnah? Why are we going through so much today? Why is our next generation- our legacy for tomorrow so confused? Where are we heading to? The only sole reason is that we fail to realize the deeper meaning the true essence of LA ILAHA ILLA ALLAH. How can we?! We have insulated ourselves. We are indulged in the fleeting pleasures of this duniya that it has masked our fitrah. So much so that we are confident to go against it. We are actually racing away from
Aakhirah which is the only ultimate reality and this reality will hit only the one who understands the reality of “THERE IS NO DEITY WORTHY OF WORSHIP BUT ALLAH" and that we will be and we are answerable to Him. Then only we can truly strive to preserve and cherish all the bounties bestowed upon us. Then only can we claim to be real ambassadors of Islam. Let’s all join hands and understand its meaning to be da’ee fee sabeelillah and take a new turn which would take us to ultimate horizons InshaAllah. We don’t have to fret or dismay when the day wanes or the farewell gleams when dawn fades to dusk and dusk to night. The mother earth will swing back to light again, inshAllah. Alhamdullilah we still have time on our side. So let’s make the best use of it and proclaim the message.
Narrated 'Aisha: The Prophet said "Jibreel continued to recommend me about treating the neighbors Kindly and politely so much so that I thought he would order me to make them as my heirs. Sahih Al-Bukhari
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Inheritance from the Prophet
By Umm Sulaym
Who is richer than the one who inherits from the Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam mentioned in
the hadeeth of Abu Darda' reported in Musnad Ahmad, at-Timidhi and others, so with such an inImam Ahmad, the founder of the Hanbali school of heritance, can any worship Allah better than them? thought in Islamic Jurisprudence was once asked, "What is sincerity in seeking knowledge?" There is no doubt that this status is earned on acAnd his reply was, "That you desire to remove igno- count of their knowledge and its superiority. This status is not only for the scholars, as the students of rance from yourself." the inheritors of the prophets are also share in that We know that it is the scholars who, while they may inheritance. have struggled extensively in their intention, are amongst the most sincere worshippers of Allah sub- When Safwan ibn 'Assal radhia Allahu anhu came to hanahu wa ta'ala. Allah testifies to this in the Qur'an the Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam and said, in a number of places; most explicitly the ayah in "Yaa RasulAllah, I came to seek knowledge!" The Surah Faatir, where He says, "Indeed, among His Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, servants, it is but the learned who fear Al- "Welcome you knowledge seeker! Indeed the angels surround the knowledge seeker with their wings, lah," (35:28). then they pile on top of each other until they reach This is because the best knowledge is knowledge of the lower heaven out of their love of what he is Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and 'the learned', as the seeking." SubhanAllah, what an honor this is! scholars have agreed (with variation) is referring to those with knowledge of Allah and the religion. Ibn Wouldn't any one of us want to be surrounded by Kathir says that this ayah means "only those who the angels in such a way? have knowledge truly fear Him as He should be feared, because the more they know about the Al- The ayat and ahadeeth we have mentioned should be mighty, All-Powerful, All-Knowing Who has the sufficient in conveying the importance of knowlmost perfect attributes and is described with the most edge and when we read them and reflect upon them, beautiful Names, the more they will fear Him." Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam?
As Ibn Rajab mentions in "Warathat alAnbiyaa'" ("Heirs of the Prophets"), this knowledge of Allah is followed by knowledge of the pillars of iman and then of the halaal and haraam and one’s obligations, etc. So for the one who learns his religion, will he not be able to worship Allah better than the one with less knowledge? Even in His Book, Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala says, "Say: Are those who know equal to those who do not know?" (39:9). And our Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, "A single knowledgeable believer is harder on Satan than one thousand devout worshippers." (At-tirmidhi, Ibn Majah) "The scholars are the heirs of the prophets," as the 10
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it should create within us a burning desire to learn, Allah better, with more khushoo' (Consciousness), but that desire is often overwhelmed by excuses and conviction, and sincerity. barriers projected by our own shortcomings. Although two people might pray side by side, the The Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, quality of the prayer of the one who doesn't know the "Seeking knowledge is obligatory on every Mus- ahadeeth related to the prayer is starkly different lim." [Ibn Majah, Albani said it's Sahih]. Would any from the prayer of the one who does. sensible person suggest that the righteous scholars of this Ummah wasted their time and studied knowledge In numerous places in the Qur'an, you will find Allah in too much depth? Only one who is naive and has testifying on behalf of knowledge and its people. been deprived of the sweetness of knowledge and its Shouldn't this jumpstart our hearts in anxiousness for pursuit would suggest such a thing. So it is by the knowledge? How then are we still disillusioned into efforts of the scholars that we realize that knowledge believing the knowledge we have is enough? If from is an ocean, and the act of seeking knowledge be- the creation of Allah, the scholars carry the greatest knowledge in both quality and quantity, and they comes a continuous obligation. dedicate their lives to the knowledge, and the knowlAs we seek Allah's provision in this dunya, we edgeable are those who truly fear Allah, are we better should also seek it in the akhirah. There are many than them, to shun an opportunity to learn our deen evidences pertaining to the treasure awaiting the and improve in our worship of Allah? seeker of knowledge in the akhirah. Sufficient is the hadeeth in Muslim and others, in which the Prophet At-Tabaraani reported that Abu Bakrah said that the salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, "Any person who Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, "You goes along a course seeking knowledge, Allah will should be a scholar, or a student, or a listener, or a make for him the path to Jannah easy because of lover of knowledge and scholars, and you should not it." Beyond the obvious implications of this hadeeth, be the fifth which makes you perish." if we look even deeper, we'll realize that for the one who seeks knowledge it should lead him to worship Which one will you be?
Don’t forget to pack these in your backpack when you set out for seeking your treasure of ‘ilm:
1. Always supplicate to Allah, to give you
"know" that you "know" not much.
strength and the right knowledge, knowledge 4. Gain the fruit of knowledge and wisdom, and that will benefit you in both the worlds, and
not simply knowledge. The fruit is implying it
knowledge that will learn you to a better per-
in one's lives.
son. 2.
5. Respect the one who teaches you, even if
When one seeks knowledge, it should be
you do not agree to him completely . Be po-
for the sake of Allah SWT. One should al-
lite in asking questions.
ways pray to Allah, to purify his intentions.
6. Do not be among the one who teaches and
Gain knowledge to worship and enslave
enjoins good and forbids evil while we, our-
yourselves to Allah- thus, please Allah SWT. 3. Show humility. Remember Allah is The AllKnower of all things. "Know" enough to
selves do not practice it. 7. This one is a must– and perhaps a little to find: Remember the 3 P’s- Persistence, Perseverance and Patience.
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Let Us Return To The Qur’an By Umm Aisha
The Qur'an is by no doubt, the most important book and not interpreting it with other than its actual interin our lives. We all keep saying that. But are we really giving this book, its due right? The Book that is the Speech of Allah SWT. The Book that is a Mercy and Blessing from Our Lord Almighty, and indeed, it is Our Lord’s Mercy that He allows the sinning imperfect man to take benefit from this flawless speech! One of the main ways of not respecting the Qur'an is when we recite it, we do so only to get the Blessings, Ajar (reward), Hasanat that comes with it. Of course, it is true that they is a lot of reward in reciting it. And we should continue to recite it regularly and repeatedly. But our intention should be to really understand it, learn it and implement it by obeying what it guides us to, the commands of Allah, and avoiding what has been prohibited. We are supposed to be "Shuhadah" (witnesses) for the true message, against the rest of mankind who do not have this Guidance. All of us have a copy or more of The Holy and Noble Qur'an, and we say that we respect it. But are we really respecting it in the way that it deserves to be respected, in the way that we ourselves deserve?! We show respect to it in the secondary and tertiary aspects like not allowing dust to settle on it, not writing in it, keeping it elevated, touching it only when we are in the state of wudu, and at the most, memorizing a little from it. Let's just really reflect upon this!
pretation.''
So, how can we return to the Quran and seize this blessing from Allah for our benefit and success in both the worlds? 1. Renew and Redefine our intentions: When we read a book for a course study or for an exam, what is our intention? We want to understand and take maximum benefit from it so that it helps us better when we need to apply it where it has to be applied. Even when we read a novel at our leisure, we want to understand the plot, the important characters etc, and we even try to take lessons from them. When we read the ingredients on the grocery before buying it, we look for the key words, like Gelatin etc. We rarely read anything mindlessly, and even if we do, we realize that we haven't gained anything out of it, and turn back the pages and re-read it. Qur'an is the book of Guidance for those who fear Allah, and this is what we should take from it. The Key word is "Guidance". Allah SWT says: That is The Book in which there is no doubt, guidance for the Muttaqin. (2: 2) 2. Approach the Qur'an with an open mind:
Allah SWT says: Those to whom we gave the Book recite it as it should be recited (Yatlunahu Haqqa Tilawatihi) they are the ones who believe therein. And whoso disbelieve in it, those are they who are the losers. (2:121)
Is what we want from the Qur'an consistent with what the Qur'an wants from us? Do we try to approach the Qur'an with our own personal principles, notions, desires and views of life, and try to bring the words of Allah SWT, in terms with our thoughts and notions? And then we claim that this is what the What is The correct recitation? Abu Al- Qur'an teaches us?! `Aliyah said that Ibn Mas`ud Radhiyallahu anh said, "By He in Whose Hand is my soul! The right Tila- We should allow the Qur'an to speak for itself, to wah is allowing what it makes lawful, prohibiting guide us, to show us the truth from falsehood, the what it makes unlawful, reciting it as it was revealed right from wrong. If the purpose of the Qur'an is by Allah, not changing the words from their places, this, then why not bind ourselves, and commit to fol12
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lowing it sincerely, instead of trying to justify our whether we share those characteristics and change for actions which do not adhere to the teachings of the the better. The Qur'an is talking about the reality of things happening to us and around us whether or not, Qur'an and the Sunnah? we realize and accept it. For example, in the story of This is the difference between the Muslims of today, Bani Isra'eel, we learn about their insincerity to Allah and the Sahabah of the Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwas- and His Prophets, their laziness, how they turn back salam. They would sincerely look to walk upon the to their old ways, their ingratitude towards their right path, without the slightest of deviations, focused Lord, their qualities of hypocrisy, their weak emaan, in their mission to attain Jannah. If they had to elimi- and their inconsistency in the worship of Allah etc. nate some cultural acts that they had been following And then we even curse them, view them as the before Islam, out of ignorance, they would do so worst among the disbelieving people. Do we ponder completely removing it from the roots, sincerely with upon whether we exhibit the similar characteristics in their hearts and actions. While, today, our society has front of Our Lord? We have to realize that the mesadopted customs and rituals which are not from the sages within the stories are independent of the actual teachings of Qur'an or Sunnah and we do not like to stories and time. be told so. When the Qur'an shows that it is wrong, we still do not want to give it up. This shows the ex- 4. Qur'an has been revealed for the individual act same kind of pride in the way of the fore-fathers "YOU": that the Mushrikeen (polytheists) in Makkah during the time of Muhammed and Ibraheem Alaihumassa- It doesn't matter if the other person is following the Qur'an or not; what matters and will affect you is lam showed! depending on how much you chose to live by the Qur'an. On the Day of Judgment, we will stand in Today, we pride ourselves for our thought-to-be-so front of Allah SWT alone, no one to help us or harm high level of intelligence and advancements that we us except our deeds and how we approached the feel we can always make the right decisions and do Book of Guidance. So, we cannot afford to "not folthe right thing. And this, gradually has started to corlow" the Qur'an just because others are not, this rupt our beliefs too. In Islam, we believe that we should never be our excuse. need Divine Guidance, that is, The Qur'an- unlike If we got an email from our most beloved, a friend or what rationalists and philosophers today claim that family member we love a lot, what would we do? God has given us all the intelligence that is needed to How will you read this letter that has been addressed guide ourselves. So, let's keep a check on ourselves to none but yourself? How much haste and excitewhere we stand! ment would be there as you read it? Likewise, the Qur'an is addressed to "you", and it is from The One 3. Release the Qur'an from any constraints of time we claim to love the most! We say the Qur'an is the and space: most important possession, most valuable property. But do we treat it that way? We seek Blessings for The Qur'an was revealed and preserved, and will be our gatherings and functions by starting with the preserved until the end of mankind for the purpose of ayahs of The Holy Qur'an; but do we follow and showing the truth. We have to believe that every obey what it expects us to?! When the Qur'an was ayah in the Qur'an is a message for us to reflect upon revealed, Allah was either commanding to do someand learn from it. We know the stories from the thing that is good for mankind (on an individual's Qur'an, but do we know the messages and numerous level and/or for the mankind as a whole) or it was lessons it brings to us? We read the tafseer, and then prohibiting something that is not good for us. And move on with complacence, that such and such things how much of this do we take seriously? happened in the past. Why did Allah SWT, The AllKnower, and The Most-Wise, preserve it in the 5. Living under the shade of Qur'an as long as you Qur'an? The Message is for us, so that we can check live: 13
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Our efforts to become closer to Allah should be continuous and consistent at all times. Our emaan is subject to increase and decrease. Emaan is not something static; so if it isn't increasing, it decreases. Allah Azza Wajal keeps talking to us about the struggles between truth and falsehood, and the treacherous temptations of the Duniya and Shaytan. We do not know where/what we are falling into unless we strive and experience the contentment and the real happiness that comes with submission and obedience to the Lord Almighty.
Allah says: Those who listen to the Word and follow the best thereof, those are (the ones) whom Allah has guided and those are men of understanding. (Surah Az-Zumar: 18)
How foolish would it be if we did not hold firmly to the rope of Allah, and instead chose to fall into the dark traps set up by Shaytan! How foolish would it be if we chose fleeting worldly pleasures over the eternal bliss?! May Allah SWT make among those who are wise, and know Him, and listen and turn our hearts to His Guidance, Mercy and Blessing- The The more we turn to the Quran with Sincerity and a Qur'an....aameen! strong will to live under the shade of the Guidance, the more Allah Blesses us with goodness. The more (Compiled from a gem-packed session durfrequently we reflect upon an ayah, the more wisdom ing Uloom-ul-Quran by Sh. Jamaal Zarabozo, and understanding and comprehension Allah bestows may Allah preserve him and his family) upon us.
Some Gems From Surah AlFathiha:
Had We had sent down this Qur'an upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and coming apart from fear of Allah . And these examples We present to the people that perhaps they will give thought. (59: 21)
Islam is a religion of balance. Islam has taught us to choose the middle way, in the sense, that it requires us to follow certain things and strive to become a better individual, but at the same time, there is no hardship or extremism. Similarly, Surah Al-Fathiha also balances the concept of Allah Azza Wajal’s indefinite and Bountiful Mercy with His Justice on the Day of Judgment, of which He alone is The Owner and has Sovereignty over. Surah Al-Fathiha introduces and teaches us about Our Lord, the Lord of the worlds, and then about mankind (the three categories). It introduces to us Our Creator, The Master and then how we, as His creations, willingly enslave ourselves to The Master. This Surah establishes the relationship between “Ilm” (Knowledge) and “Amal” (Action), and how one cannot exist without the other. How “almagdhoobi alaihim” are those who had the knowledge, and yet, did not act upon it (The Jews, for example) and “adh-dhaalleen” are those who worshipped and had the actions, but they chose to go astray as they did not have the right knowledge to act upon (for example: The Christians). At the least, one recites this surah 17 times, and we say “Iyyaka Na’budu”- “To You Alone, do we worship and willingly enslave ourselves to”. A slave is a slave at all times. Are we really living up to what we say 17 times a day?! 14
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Heba Alshareef is a teacher and author of “Release Your Inner Queen of Sheba!� She has been mentoring women around the world to discover their unique talents, act on their aspirations to achieve great things, and find authentic happiness. She lives with her husband and five children near Toronto, Canada. Visit her online at: www.iamsheba.com about the times that a certain somebody hurt me. I feel I have forgiven the person. Is forgetting part of forgiveness too? What advice do you have for me? Jazakillah khayran. There was a sister in one of the workshops I presented who mentioned a memorable quote that went like this: "holding onto a grudge is like swallowing poison yourself but hoping someone else will die." Forgiveness is indeed a gift that we give ourselves, a selfish (in a good way) act that frees us to live our best lives. It's a funny thing about forgetting though. Some might say, "oh, I'll never forget" in a way that means they haven't forgiven either. Others might perceive forgetting as a sort of assault on themselves - a belittling of the injustice served unto them. Here's what I think is the most practical and useful way of looking at it: The Prophet Muhammad SAW has said: "The believer does not fall from the same hole twice." If "forgive and forget" means making the same mistakes again and again or turning the other cheek to an obvious abuse, then it becomes incumbent upon you not to forget. But if forgetting means freeing you of negativity and unburdening yourself from limitations to your time and your deeds, then forgetting will work to your favor. It's always best to give your Muslim brother or sister the benefit of the doubt, the 70 excuses that will keep them in your favor - and the more you are able to do this without falling into any holes again, the better. However, there are times when "forgive and forget" is easier said then done. If you find yourself in such a position, it would help to see a Muslim counselor in your area insha Allah. May Allah SWT ease your burden and lead Sister "hard-hearted"- I still haven't forgotten you to that which is best. Sister "Flickering intentions" - After reading your book "Release Your Inner Queen of Sheba", I have started to believe that it's ok if you have an inclination towards being motivated to do things for significance. I find it difficult to keep my intentions purely for the sake of Allah. Please advice! Jazaki Allahu khayran for the question, especially since by asking it, I think that you're going to be just fine, insha Allah. If you weren't concerned with the intentions and the reward for the things you do, you likely wouldn't bother to ask it. I think that it's important to always know that we're all motivated by a number of factors and when one or two factors are dominant - it becomes the "vehicle" by which we accomplish things. Motivating factors are just that - factors used to motivate us. Having clarity and knowledge of our dominant motivating factors makes it easier for us to accomplish tasks. That's it! It shouldn't be about your ego or your desire to receive praise or even your need for certainty, adventure or love. It should be about what gets you to act - to lead your best life. And significance can definitely play a big part in that it's probably the motivating factor that will lead people to make contributions that will benefit others more so than the others. For those motivated by significance, it's important to always remember that pleasing Allah SWT should be the ultimate goal. It's about showing HIM, azza wa jaal, that you can achieve, that you can be the best that you can be. It's about continually renewing your intentions and reminding yourself that the more accolades you acquire or the more praise you receive means nothing if you fail to do it for the sake of Allah SWT.
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Tawakkul–The Winning State Of Mind By Suhaib V.
Tawakkul is a fundamental part of the nance from unforeseen directions and the exciteIslamic Aqeedah. A person with true faith will always rely on Allah by assigning all his affairs to Allah and maintain the heart in the state of peace and tranquility. He puts in his best possible efforts to do what Allah expects him to do in each and every matter and does not worry about the results. Umar Bin Khattaab, radhiallahu `anhu heard the Messenger of Allah, Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam saying, “If you trust Allah with right kind of Tawakkul, He will provide you sustenance as He provides for the birds – they go out in the morning with empty stomachs and come back in the evening with full stomachs.” (Tirmidhi) We need to remember two aspects of thawakkul here. Firstly, Tawakkul does not mean to sit idle and not strive for sustenance in this life, hoping for a pure miracle from Allah. The real Tawakkul, as evidenced by verses of Qur’an & Hadeeth quoted above, is to continue with steadfastness on the responsibilities and duties Allah is expecting of you in the best way you can, without worrying about the results, instead leaving the results totally to Allah. If you study the above hadeeth itself, it does not tell that the birds are just sitting in their nests; rather they are going out, working for their satisfying their needs and coming back.
ment followed by it will be enjoyed by only those who tawakkul to Allah.
It is a fact that peace of mind is the greatest thing a person can acquire in this world. It outweighs all the other things that a person can possess. A mutawakkil will be free from all worries and will be leading a peaceful life. It is a totally liberating, very empowering state of mind that a true believer attains because of his trust in and reliance on the power and support of Allah and because of the contentment he feels in serving Allah without being concerned about the results that Allah provides for his untiring efforts. This kind of resolute trust in and reliance on Allah– Tawakkul – provides such tranquility to one’s heart. The Messenger of Allah, Salla Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam said, "How wonderful it is for a believer that he always ends up with goodness: If he suffers and remains steadfast, it is rewarding; if good things happen and he thanks Allah, that is also rewarding." (Sahih Muslim) He who puts all his trust in Allah is like a baby. Just as the infant is not aware of having anything else to turn to, except its mother, the completely trustful person [al-mutawakkil] feels himself guided in no other direction, except toward his Lord!
Secondly, the hadeeth does not imply that Allah will provide lot of wealth and provisions, happiness and trial-free lives, to the person who relies on Allah; rather his needs will be taken care in some manner. It may be apparent result of his efforts or it may be by some other means he never thought of. It is worth to remember the Qur’anic verse “And whoever fears Allah, He will provide him a way out and will provide for him from an unforeseen direction. And whoever relies on Allah, He is sufficient for him”(Surah At-Talaq: 2-3). Allah doesn’t say that, he will not give anything to those who are not conscious about Allah. But the suste16
“Say, He is The Most Merciful we have believed in Him, and upon Him we have relied.” (Surah Al-Mulk: 29)
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All praise is to Allah who has commanded the be- romanticizing of the fast of Dawud alayhi sa-
laam? The answer is probably not. After a few days of regular eating we think to ourselves how did we ever complete the fast of the month of Ramadan. The month of Ramadan is a time for fasting and contemplation and I’m reminded that Ibn Masood (radiallahu anhu) did not engage in a lot of nawafil fast because he wanted to have energy to study the Quran. I say we don’t have to mirror the rest of the year’s acts of worship to reflect exactly like the month of Ramadan but we do have to strive for the The feeling the Muslim gets when fasting is inde- pleasure of Allah with the same determination. May scribable. It is a mix of the physical and the spiritual Allah make our lives full of good deeds and obediupliftment that someone who is not on tawhid cannot ence to Him. understand. They see you fasting at school or work and only see the physical sacrifice but they cannot Today, post month of Ramadan my naseeha, my adsee the spiritual elevation. Fasting is the one good vice. It isn’t to focus on nawafil fast. The nawafil deed between you and Allah. The only good deed fast is your own advice to yourself. You see the that cannot be taken away on the Day of Judgment benefits of fasting and have already promised yourfrom those you did injustice to. Brothers and Sisters, self that this year you will perform many days of establish regular nawafil days of fasting throughout nawafil fast. the year. Get a group of friends for support and strive hard in the path of Allah. May Allah make our I leave you with this. You have to be conscious of test easy and accept our fast and grant us Jannathul what you are doing! It’s all about being conscious. When you are conscious of what you are doFirdaws. ing you will keep on doing good; habits have intenNow here we are after the month of Ramadan and tions only when you are conscious of what you are knowing the benefits of fasting, where is our fasting doing - the intention of pleasing Allah. So of our the 6 days of Shawwal? Fasting Mondays and Thurs- good habits now that the month of fasting is over; days? Fasting ayaam al-beed the 13th, 14th and 15th how many of us have been at the masjid every of each month? Will we follow through with our night? How many of us have said Salaam Alaikum lievers to fast the month of Ramadan in order that they may achieve Taqwa. (Surah Baqara:183) “ O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” That we leave off the lawful for the sake of Allah in order that leaving off the haram will be that much easier. While we are fasting our stomachs don’t understand our mind now overpowers lust.
Ever-Lasting Ramadan By Turner Schafer
to another Muslim they didn’t know? How many of us have smiled at another believer? How many of us have read a single ayah from the Quran since the end of Ramadan? It’s not because we don’t love these things but because we aren’t conscious of why we were doing them in the month of Ramadan. So what benefit did the month of Ramadan bring? Why haven’t we become conscious that we are a traveler in this world and we are traveling down the road to the Day of Standing? Let us all plant a seed in our hearts, a seed to believe in the Day of Judgment. A seed that wants believe in Allah with sure faith. A seed that says my end goal is to be counted among the believers. A seed that wants to love Allah; that wants to love the Quran. A seed that admits the things you are doing haram are haram! A seed to believe that Allah can give you 17
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that strength to change. I remind you of Surah At-Takathur and encourage you to read it’s tafsir: The mutual rivalry (for piling up of worldly things) diverts you, Until you visit the graves (i.e. till you die). Nay! You shall come to know! Again nay! You shall come to know! Nay! If you knew with a sure knowledge (the end result of piling up, you would not have been occupied yourselves in worldly things). Verily, You shall see the blazing Fire (Hell)! And again, you shall see it with certainty of sight! 8. Then on that Day you shall be
asked about the delights (you indulged in, in this world). Brothers and Sisters- plant that seed of sure faith and make dua to Allah, the one who turns hearts and the one who guides you to As-Sirat-ulMustaqeem. The path that is straight both forward and upwards towards Him. To believe that no matter what obstacles you face on that path following As -Sirat-ul-Mustaqeem that Allah will not burden a soul more than it can bear and dying as a Muslim is indeed the true success. May Allah forbid for us to die as anything other than a Muslim.
Some Tips for An Ever-lasting Ramadan, That You Can Stick on Your Refrigerator or Office Clip-board 1. Don’t stop making dua that your Ramadan get accepted by Allah. Scholars of the past would make dua for six months after Ramadan that their deeds, fasting and prayers got accepted; and then six months that Allah blesses them with another Ramadan. This way, your “Ramadan Spirit” stays alive the whole year around just as cherished memories are kept alive by talking and thinking about it often. 2. Establish your most important obligatory act of worship- Salah! And “establish” means “perfect” it. Allah SWT never commanded us “to pray” (Swallu); He commands us to “Establish it” (Aqim-us-Salah). Volumes can be spoken about the importance of this act of ibadah- Salah is the only act that has even been mentioned in the Quran as “Emaan” (faith) itself. 3. Invest your energy, time and money in seeking knowledge about Allah and His Dheen through His Kalam (Quran) and Sunnah of our Prophet. Ramadan is an annual bootcamp- when you are constantly engaged in seeking ‘ilm, you get to stay fit for each year’s boot camp- and every year, it gets better, and it should! 4. Be in good company and around pious people- who will take you on the road to Jannah.
5. Keep ties and relations with people in general- be it Muslims or Non-Muslims; be nice. Keep your intention to spread the light of Islam, rather than you being influenced by them. 6. Habituate what you practiced in Ramadan. You have proven to yourself that you can increase your good deeds and ibadah, this Ramadan. Practically, it is natural that your eman will be higher in Ramadan than ever- but strive as much as you can to not sink considerably to where you had started out. 7. Put in a little more effort than before, in educating your family, especially your kids about Islam, and do good collectively. Learn together- when you teach your children, you also train yourself to practice more, and if you don’t, your kids make sure you do! 8. In Ramadan, you shut down your television so that you can channel your time to more rewarding acts! And you have tasted its sweetness. Continue to do so! 9. Do your dhikr on a daily basis- Quran and Dhikr are the two lines of communication with your Lord- Quran is how The Lord Almighty communicated to us, and Dhikr Allah is how we communicate with Him Azza Wajal.
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A Taste Of Uloom-ul-Quran– Route 114 By Umm Zubayr The Prophet Sallallahu alayhi wa- resulting in a book that is both re- Quran into a book form in order to sallam was alone in a cave, when a figure emerged and commanded that he recite or read. The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam, frightened and bewildered replied, “I cannot read” and then Jibreel alayhissalam, grabbed him and squeezed until he could not bear it anymore and ordered him again to read. The Prophet again replied that he could not read. Thereupon he caught him for the third time and pressed him and then released him and said, 'Read in the name of your Lord, who has created (all that exists) has created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous." (96.1, 96.2, 96.3) and thus began the revelation of the Quran. (Sahih Al-Bukhari) There are several meanings as to what the word quran actually means however, the majority and the strongest opinion (according to our instructor) states that the word ‘quraan’ means to recite; it means the recitation or that which is recited. The Qur’aan describes itself in a number of different ways using adjectives and nouns, reflecting its status and lofty position. Of the many names used is The Kitaab, or that which is written, this is the first name of the quran that’s mentioned:
cited and written.
preserve it. Abu Bakr Radhiyallahu anh was initially against the
Another name that we find is Furqaan, Allah says: ‘Blessed be He who sent down the criterion (of Right and wrong, i.e. This Qur’aan) to His slave (Muhammad) that he may be a warner to the 'Alameen’ (Surah Al-Furqan: 1)
The word Furqaan comes from the root Fa-Ra-Qa which means that which separates. Applied in this context, it separates and distinguishes between truth and falsehood, light and darkness, good and evil and there is no better guide in this life than this Furqaan because Allah refers to it as a separator and those who follow it will be idea but eventually gave in and thus began the official compilation amongst the successful. of the Quran. A second compilaDuring the period of time which tion took place during the Khilafat the Quran was being revealed, the of Uthmaan Radhiyallahu anh and Sahabah recorded the verses on this time, it was compiled keeping what they could find, on leaves in mind, the need for it to be preand barks- on anything that they served and so the mushafs were could find. The Quran wasn’t sent along with reciters to teach compiled into a book during the the correct recitation to the people time of the Prophet’s lifetime, of the Muslim lands. About 4-8 there was no pressing need to do copies were made for this purpose, so. The Arabs were accustomed to and of course it was hand-written. memorizing everything since they (SubhanAllah- compare it to our were an illiterate nation therefore times when we have millions of actually compiling the Quran and printed copies in the best format and style. During those times, peo‘This is the Book (the Qur’aan), placing it in the form of a book ple cherished it in style and beauty whereof there is no doubt, a guid- was not necessary. However, after in their hearts and today, our hearts ance to those who are Al- the death of the Prophet, in a battle fail to realize the Quran’s beauty (Battle of Yamamah), over 70 of Muttaqoon.’(Surah Al-Baqara:2) the huffadh passed away and this and added to it, the history of its compilation.) The names Quran and Kitaab are worried some of the Sahabah. actually complimentary, quran is Worried and concerned, they ap- After learning about the compilarecited and the kitaab is written proached Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq, tion of the Quran, the stages of the Khalifah, about compiling the 19
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revelation, and all that followed, there was one resounding lesson that stuck; that we don’t give the Quran, its haqq (right that it deserves). Of the miracles presented to previous nations, only a few witnessed them, but our miracle, the Quran has been preserved for all to see, yet we turn away from it. After learning about the compilation of the Quran and the preservation of the Quran, one’s awe and love of the Quran will be renewed. As our reverence of the Quran increases, our desire to read and interact with it should also increase. Amongst the most basic of means of changing our relationship with the Quran is adjusting the state of mind that we are in when we approach the Quran. Once we have personalized the message of the Quran, then we can’t help but turn to it for guidance. Allah azza wajal says:
“Has not the time yet come for those who believe that their hearts should be humble for the remembrance of Allah and what has come down of the truth? And that they should not be like those who were given the Book before, but the time became prolonged to them, so their hearts hardened, and most of them are transgressors.” (Surah Al-Hadeed, 57:16) Indeed the time has come for our hearts to be humbled by the Remembrance of Allah. Let us be amongst those who learn from the mistakes of those before us, let us be amongst those who take care not to follow in the footsteps of the nations that preceded us, let us hold fast to our book, our gift from Allah azza wajal, our treasure, let us keep our tongues moist with its recitation and our minds open to its guidance, for verily we have been heedless for far too long!!
Ever Wondered About Their Love By Asfia Khan In a small village on multiple nights, a silent prayer took flight. For the child that had not yet been seen; floating inside, struggling for its being. For its ‘qadr’, a righteous life and all the goodness; a mother’s lips parted for forgiveness. Ever wondered about her love; started before the birth, so selfless a love. The aches and pains so patiently borne; with not the slightest sign of forlorn. With every painful turn, a smile of joy; waiting for their baby: girl or boy. The evenings spent in planning for their ward; nights in servitude to the Lord. Ever wondered about their love; started before the birth, so selfless a love. Our first words- their baby’s treasure; recorded and celebrated with great pleasure. Spreading their loving arms to break our fall; cuddle and guide us to always stand tall. To the school and back a father’s chore; seldom did he complain of his back being sore. Ever wondered about his love; growing with passing years, so abundant a love. The sleep they sacrificed praying for our future; the changes they underwent for a calmer nature. The words they taught to acquaint us of religion; the Quran they read to broaden our vision. Enrolled in the best schools, to make us bright; although not on their pockets was it always light. Ever wondered about their love; growing with passing years, so abundant a love. And now as we become adults from a child; our parents approach an age equally mild. Remember to love them, as they loved us; to help and protect them as they protected us. Treat your parents with mercy; a command entrusted on us by our Lord who loves clemency. Wonder in amazement and recall their love; unconditional, everlasting, so pure a love. 20
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Hold their hands, if they stumble in a walk; hold it gently, like they did, when you first started to walk. Listen to them, hear what they say; for those ears took note of your every sigh and pray. Be patient if they spill at dinner; remember the messes we made when we were younger? Wonder in amazement and recall their love; unconditional, everlasting, so pure a love. And when they cross the age of sagacity; let not your wisdom demean their faculty. Never did they tire of repeating to you; so let not their request of repetition then bother you. A kind word and a warm hug, is all it takes; to dispel their anxieties that keeps them awake. For, to be treated with kindness is every parents’ right; beware then of even the smallest slight. If they are far, do not despair; your good deeds and righteous acts will be the answer to their prayer. Call them often and make them feel important; they’ve given up their lives so we could be brilliant. And If they no longer exist, do not be upset; supplicate to Allah that they be in peace wherever they rest. For, to be treated with kindness is every parents’ right; beware then of even the smallest slight.
Allah SWT commands:
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. (Surah Luqman: 14)
And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, "My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small." (Surah Al-Isra’: 24)
In Arabic, the words “Abu” and “Umm” have a degree higher than “Walid” and “Walida” even though both of them mean “Father” and “Mother” respectively. The latter has the implication of simply being biological parents whether or not, they contributed to your nurturing and moulding you into who are today. The former terms, on the other hand explains more that they not only are your biological parents, but also the ones who brought you up, loved and cared for you, provided for you etc. In this ayah, notice that Allah uses the word “Walidaihi” which shows us the importance of respecting and loving your parents just for the fact that they gave birth to you and are your biological parents. SubhanAllah! Our generation gap with our parents or difference of opinion with them is not excuses, for not being kind and dutiful to them. And then, Allah SWT also elevates the position of your mother, as she is the one who bore more hardships, just with the usage of “Ummuhu” Indeed, Food for your thoughts!
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ARE YOU A MUSLIM OR AN “AMERICAN-MUSLIM”? From The Perspective of Aboo Zaid I used to think that the idea of an American-Muslim out to get you, you'll adopt a more guarded personalidentity was silly. “I am a Muslim”- end of story. I have my complete way of life, my laws, my history, my role models, my etiquette, my connection to my Lord via a divinely prescribed method as well as direct access to His Mighty Words. “Why in the world would I need to prefix American before a complete way of life,” I reasoned? Fast forward 5 or 6 years and my view has changed. Perhaps due to the growth of my kids or the increased volume of my dealings with Non-Muslims since becoming Muslim myself, or my furthered awareness of the corruption, racism, and oppression in Muslim lands, I've come to see my earlier position as being ideological. I now believe it to be an essential outlook for Muslims living in America, to consciously adopt the identity of “American-Muslim.”
ity and a less empathetic personality than someone who views himself as being “home” and viewing the people to be generally good-hearted, well-intentioned people. Loyalty to the Ummah
“They will be open to hearing more about it (Islam) once you start showing concern for them and taking an active role in adding
Even though I am an American, once I became Muslim, I thought my only reason for staying here in a Non-Muslim country is for my relatives and for “da’wah.” How else could I justify staying here and paying taxes while the American military seemed intent on raiding Muslim lands? While America funnels so much money to Israel who continues to expand settlements making life miserable for my Palestinian brothers and sisters?
value in their life.”
Why Identity Matters Upon simple reflection, it is easy to realize that how we view ourselves affects our behavior and affects our relationship with others. When a cop puts on his uniform he holds himself to different level of conduct and interacts with people in a different way. Someone who sees himself as benefactor of an institution will behave differently than one who views himself as a victim of that institution. If you consider yourself an honest person, you'll behave differently than one who sees the world as a corrupt place and doesn't consider the impact of his personal deceptions as “making things any worse.”
My former viewpoint failed to account for my daily realities and the true context of the world we live in today. The concept of the “Muslim Body” or the “Ummah” is theoretical. We share a sacred bond with our brothers and sisters around the world that has to be respected, that has rights. However, to consider it to have any political weight is naive. There is no Islamic political body in the world that we “report back to.”
And I have let go of the idea that some small group of good brothers and sisters somewhere in the world will crop up any moment, establish a just land, and we'll just bring our families over there and live in an Islamic utopia. Our Ummah didn't decay over night and it won't rebuild overnight at a political level. Of If you are in a “foreign” land where most people are course nothing is beyond the Power of Allah, but we 22
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need to take note of the general laws of cause an effect and how a state grows in the modern world. The means for statehood are quite significant today with sophistication in media, management, and psychology being key means for thriving under the lights of the contemporary world stage. Loyalty to America Our case here in America is different than the emissaries of the companions who traded in Non-Muslim lands. They would go there, trade, do da’wah, and return back to h e a d q u a r t er s after s ome time. Their identity was “Muslim” without any qua lifi ca tion as it should have been. In our case, we're not returning “home” anyw h er e f or “Islamic” reasons. We're as home as we can get in terms of the living in a place where we can do good for the “Ummah.” For the reasons above, it becomes justifiable and necessary, in my opinion, to adopt the identity of an American-Muslim for anyone living here. We're not Muslims, who happen to be living in America by chance. If we're adults, we've consciously made this choice for a set of benefits.
Implicit in that is an agreement, a treaty to be productive members of this society and be loyal to it. Loyal meaning we actively support it and help it in areas of good and we work within the system to oppose its evil. “Within the system” is the key distinction and a crucial mindset for a healthy identity. Some hold the view, even though they categorically reject any type violent rebellion, that we should take opportunities as they are presented to “undermine” the system in places where it contradicts the sacred Shariah law. This stems from a deep love and loyalty to the Shariah but fails to recognize the implicit treaty we've made by living here. This is the mindset of someone who has not adopted the American-Muslim identity, one who reserves his loyalties solely for the Shariah, even though we lack a practical manifestation of a Shariah based state in the world today. The problem with this mentality is that you're not fooling anyone. If you lack regard for the system here and a genuine desire for the betterment of this society, that sentiment is read loud and clear by your colleagues, neighbors, and other nonMuslim acquaintances. How will you build trust, the first ingredient needed for the dawah, if the people who interact with you see you as someone who wants to subvert their law and doesn't really want to work within this society? What's the Solution? Be an American-Muslim. Be grateful for the opportunities that are here and the general open mindedness and sensitivities of the people, especially compared to France and other European countries. Instead of seeking to implement pieces of Shariah which were designed to work in a system, work within this system as you have agreed. Genuinely wish for a better life for your Non-Muslim acquaintances as you do your Muslim brothers and sisters in all aspects of life. Your wish for their guidance will then be better received; your message more readily listened to. This is a largely agnostic society. Most people you encounter will place zero value on your religious knowledge. But they will be open to hearing more about it once you start showing concern for them and
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AL-HADIYAH taking an active role in adding value in their life. Once you show your relevance to their life, your manners will start to be noticed, your demeanor, your habits, and soon enough the platform will be there for a meaningful da’wah opportunity. What about American foreign Policy? We've got to distinguish between the people and government. Serious brain washing campaigns have been launched on the American public to marginalize us and cast aspersion on Islamic values. We can vehemently oppose American foreign policy while not condemning the citizenry at an individual level. Give them a chance to know you with you put-
A HAADI PRESS RELEASE don't have a functional Islamic state. Being an American-Muslim does not mean you put on rose colored classes and see the world through the lens of red, white and blue. It simply means intending to be part of the fabric of this society, be leaders that the people need and look up to, while workFinal Caveats ing to affect change within the It needs to be stated that becom- system. ing an American-Muslim and viewing our existence here with a If you want to betray the system, more integrated approach, should- undermine it, then leave. But if n't lead to satisfaction. It still you stay, help it as an American, should cause some reservation in an American-Muslim. Embrace the heart that we use “Free” your reality and live strong. Don't checking accounts and allow our live on the margins in a theoretimoney to be invested with inter- cal world, wishing about what est. It should still hurt that our tax could be, but offering no tangible dollars fund oppressive military benefit to your surroundings. campaigns. It should still be a source of dissatisfaction that we ting your best foot forward before deciding they are against you. You may be surprised. I've heard stories of the most anti-Muslim Americans turning 180 degrees upon getting to know a Muslim really well.
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What is Your Ride to Jannah By Farooqi J. Syed The goal of a Muslim, in all humility, is to attain a - reciting it, perfecting it, teaching it and propagating level of piety by which Allah in all His mercy not only lets them in to Paradise but also prevents the fires of hell away from them. So, how do we understand piety and how do we quantify the level required. Some approach this philosophically and some approach it literally, but what better way to approach it than the practical way of the Last and final messenger Muhammad ibn Abdullah (May peace and blessings of Almighty Allah be on him).
it. Some choose to serve the poor and the destitute, with the intention to serve Allah and for His sake only. Some choose to serve the orphans, to get close to the Messenger on yaum-al-qiyamah - the Day of recompense. And some choose to be scholars in the path of Allah, for the sake of His dheen and to propogate it.
What was his way, how did he teach the Sahaba, the rightly guided companions, and how did they pass on this information - Numerous ahadith abound on this subject, from the way a Bedouin was taught about the basic deeds of tawheed, Salah, Sawm, & Zakah and that was enough for him, to the additional teachings to the sahabah of specific dua/recitation of the quran or a practice - additional to the basic pillars that would guard them against hellfire and make Jannah that much more closer.
The path you trod on, at times may be filled with hardships, like travelling in the desert– but never lose focus– Know how to differentiate between the mirages that fool you and the real oasis where you will experience pure bliss, and drink from the cool fountain of AlKawthar insha Allah.
The teaching of our Prophet and Messenger (SAWS) was as specific to an individual as it was general to the public, able to fit the needs of a desert dwelling Bedouin to people of intellect. With so many ways to attain piety and with each individual the piety level is a sliding scale, it is up to us to make the choice to earn "thawab" - or grade points from Allah. Mandatory deeds done consistently will bring a balance where insha Allah our bad deeds will not outweigh The choices are many as the Prophet (SAWS) has our good deeds and we can hope for mercy from our taught us, so whatever your choice is, be mindful though, before you choose, be consistent and fear Lord Subhanahu Wa Tha’ala. Allah, as Allah Azza Wajal knows what is in the Else, we can choose one ride to Jannah, this choice is hearts and minds of His Creations. a conscious additional to the mandatory. We, as creations are weak, we err and we sin, we are Some choose to be the first to Salah, before time and not made perfect, let not the fear of errors or the fear in the first saff (row) and in Jama’ah. Some choose of being exposed to errors stop us, from choosing a Sawm, fasting as the Messenger used to fast and the ride to Jannah. Make that choice now, voluntarily, days he used to fast. Some choose Sadaqah, charity consciously and deliberately. for the sake of Allah and over and above the mandatory Zakah. Some have an affinity to serve the Quran 25
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By Alia Rija Ansari Imagine being given the famous red, sparkly and glittery shoes of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and being told, “Click your heels three times, and picture your home, sweet home.” What is that warm and cozy place that draws up in our minds as we close our eyes? And then we get a sudden urge to blink and escape into the comforts of a place called Home. Do we picture a nice cottage-like, 4 bedroom house at the end of a cul-desac with a mailbox and a driveway, or is it a mansion that is illuminated by the gleaming spectacle of its foundation made of alternating bricks of gold and silver in an vast, luscious, green land? If it is the former instead of the latter, my dear friend, you have chosen to settle for the short end of the stick. In order to elaborate on the reason for the promising bargain that some of us may make, we must remind ourselves of the story of our creation. When Allah (swt) created Adam (pbuh), he commanded him, "And "O Adam, dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat from wherever you will ...” (Quran 7:19). From this verse, we realize that Allah (swt) created Adam and Eve (May Allah be pleased with them both) to be the residents of Paradise, which was their original abode before they were sent down
A HAADI PRESS RELEASE to earth. Adam (pbuh) did not have a nationality associated with any part of this world; rather, his homeland was Paradise. So consider the reality, my friends. If we are the children of Adam and Eve (pbut), and they were the dwellers of Paradise, then who, from among us, is willing to give up his/her supreme right to call Paradise his/her eternal home and final abode for the expense of a few good memories in this world? Let us remind ourselves of the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), on the authority of Abdullah ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with them both), he relates that the Prophet (pbuh) once held my shoulders and said: “Live in this world as if you are a wayfarer or a stranger.” (Bukhari). A wayfarer travels in order to eventually make his way back home, to his/her final destination; and although, he may utilize the given facilities and, at times, be faced with multitudes of obstacles during his travel, he should never lose sight of his mission and the way to his final destination. We are the fortunate travelers from the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who says, “The people of paradise are divided into 120 rows, 80 rows will be from this Ummah and 40 of them from all of the other nations combined.” (Tirmidhi). The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) tells us in a beautiful hadith that, “The believers, after being saved from hellfire, will be stopped at a bridge between hellfire and paradise. At this place, mutual retaliation will be estab26
lished among them, regarding the wrongs they have committed in the world against each other. After they are cleansed, they will be admitted into paradise, and by Him whose hand Muhammad’s soul is in, every one of them will know his dwelling in paradise better than he knew his dwelling in this world “(Bukhari). SubhanAllah! Being the children of Adam (pbuh), each person will know precisely where his palace is, even better than his address in Duniya. Each person will be equipped with a special GPS, which will instinctively guide him to know exactly where he belongs in Paradise. Allah (swt) says, "And those who have believed and done righteous deeds - We will surely assign to them of Paradise [elevated] chambers beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally. Excellent is the reward of the [righteous] workers. Who have been patient and upon their Lord rely.” (Quran, 29:58-59) As believers, it is our faith that Allah (swt) will reward each one of us with lofty mansions beneath which rivers flow, given that we are righteous and perform good deeds. On the other hand, if we refuse to abide by the laws of Allah (swt) and neglect to acknowledge the oneness and supremacy of Allah (swt), then know that Allah (swt) is just and severe in punishment. Ibn Qayyim says that as a believer, we should be like a bird with two wings, one wing of hope and the other wing of fear, with each of them balanced. If we fail to maintain a balance between the two, and comfort ourselves solely from hope, then we will surely fall short in pursuing Paradise. Similarly, if we live with excessive fear of Allah (swt) and his punishment,
AL-HADIYAH then it is likely that we will give up the struggle at the expense of our hopelessness. My dear friends, this temporary world is created as a means of testing the human beings to see which one of us performs the best deeds. What awaits us in the hereafter is far better and everlasting. The words in our language and the limited capability of our minds does not give us the ability to fathom any kind of description of Paradise, yet we need to be constantly reminded of the hereafter to get a closer understanding of it and create a longing in our hearts towards it. Imagine standing at the entrance of Paradise as the angels call upon you from all 8 gates, hoping you would enter Paradise through their gate. Consider the honor that Allah (swt) has given his righteous slaves that the angels are competing for their closeness. SubhanAllah!In order that our hearts continually long for Jannah and we do not lose focus, we have verses in the Quran and various traditions of the Prophet (pbuh), we learn about the events and provisions of Paradise. As you enter the colossal gates of Paradise, the angels present themselves at your service and you are offered meals and drinks of which, the taste is nothing like what we would have tasted before. As you walk through Paradise, you see a lofty mansion, one on top of another, beneath which a river flows, with a brick of gold and a brick of silver put together with pure musk, gleaming, and displaying the most extraordinary architecture which you have never even imagined before, right in front of you. As you enter, you are overwhelmed with the most beautiful things arranged in such a
A HAADI PRESS RELEASE peculiarly wonderful way, just as you like it. You will spend months, even years, admiring the beauty of your palace, and feeling the soft fabrics and appreciating the beautiful colors and the stunning décor. Because there is no time limit in Paradise, as it is eternal, a person can spend years upon years engrossed in admiring the smallest things that they come across. In your mansions, you will have, at your service, innumerous youth “Wildaanun Mukhalladoon” youth that will live for eternity, they never change and they never grow in age. Imagine not having any responsibilities, and your entire purpose of being is for pure enjoyment. Once you’ve seen your entire palace, you will be escorted to your rivers of water, milk, honey, and wine, respectively, and when you taste the contents of each river you will be delighted by the sweet and extraordinary taste of even ordinary drinks like water. A person will imagine that there is nothing better than this, but one of the most wonderful attributes of Paradise is that it keeps getting better and better. So imagine, my dear friends, being able to meet our most beloved Prophet, Muhammad (pbuh). Imagine sitting in his company, and having his attention towards us, and speaking to him about anything we wish until our hearts are content. Imagine asking him about his migration, and Makkah and Madina. SubhanAllah! How about meeting Adam (AS) and asking him about the beginnings of this world when he was the first to arrive here! We can even ask about dinosaurs. Imagine, meeting Aisha (RA), Khadija (RA), Abu Bakr (RA), Umar (RA), the previous Prophets! 27
This is Paradise, my friends. When the dwellers of Paradise would ask: ‘Oh Allah what can be more excellent than this?’ Allah will say, ‘I shall cause my pleasure to be upon you and I shall never afterwards be annoyed with you.’ (Sahih Muslim) This will be a moment when the psychological happiness of the people of Paradise cannot be described. They would imagine there can be nothing better than that...but wait! It gets better…it only gets better… Allah would lift the veil from his face!! And of the things given to the people of Paradise, NOTHING will be dearer to them than the sight of Allah (swt), The Mighty and The Glorious. Imagine, dear friends, there can be nothing that is more pleasing to a slave like the enjoyment and happiness of seeing the face of his Rabb. The biggest deprivation of all for the people of hell is to never be able to see the face of their Creator, Allah (swt). The people of the higher ranks will be able to see their Lord more than the people of the lower ranks. We pray that Allah grants all of us high ranks in Jannathul Firdaws, aameen. And imagine, after all of this, Allah (swt) asks you, ‘Say, what do you want O son of Adam, and I will give it to you…” So…Say, O son of Adam, O Ummah of Muhammad (pbuh), What do you want? This temporary world or Home, Sweet Home…? May Allah give us the Tawfeeq to struggle in the way of Allah (swt), seeking his pleasure and reward, so that we may be able to enter this eternal paradise that is ever-pleasing and everlasting, with His Mercy and Blessings. Ameen.
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Oh Allah, Give Your Blessings Upon Our Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu Alaihi Wasallam) By “Islamforsalvation”
"Allah Almighty says: "Lo! Allah and His angels shower blessings on the Prophet. O ye who believe! -The one who distributed edibles among others and Ask blessings on him and salute him with a worthy went without meals himself. salutation." (Surah Al-Ahzab: 56) -The one whose house was simple and modest, built of clay bricks, palm leaves and trunks, and whose Benefits of asking Blessings to Prophet (SAWS) food was simple, consisting mostly of barley bread. The Prophet (SAW) said: "Whoever prays for -The one tired and wounded by people of Al-Taif - Allah's blessings upon me once, will be blessed for it yet never, did he pray against them. by Allah ten times." (Muslim 1/288) -On a group journey, when one companion volun"The closest of people to me on the Day of teered to sacrifice a lamp, another to skin it, another Resurrection will be the ones who invoked blessings to cook it; the one who volunteered to gather wood on me the most." (At-Tirmidhi ) from desert telling to the companions “I know that you are eager to do it all, but Almighty God is not Ways to tell Blessing upon Prophet (SA)WS pleased with the slave who distinguishes between There are numerous ways to tell blessing himself and his companions, and considers himself upon Prophet(SA). As-Salath ul-Ibrahimiyyah is the better than others.” salawaath we recite in our daily prayers. -When Islam spread far and wide, wealth began to "Allahumma Salli 'ala- Muhammadin wa accumulate; yet this king mended his own shoes, azwajihi wa dhurriyyatihi kama sal-laita 'ala ali swept the floor and helped his wives in household Ibrahim; wa barik 'ala Muhammadin wa azwajihi wa chores. dhurriyyatihi kamabarakta 'ala ali Ibrahim innaka -A young man served him for 10 years and not even hamidun majid." once did the master condemn the young man for Narrated Abu Humaid As-Sa'idi (radiAllahu something he did wrong or failed to do right! anhu); The people asked, "O Allah's Apostle! How -A life filled with care and affection for this Ummah shall we (ask Allah to) send blessings on you?" Al– the one who said “Ummati Ummati, Ummati" " My lah's Apostle (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) rePeople, My People, My People" while his soul was plied,"Say: O Allah! Send Your Mercy on Muhambeing parted from his body. mad and on his wives and on his offspring, as You -The religious teacher, social reformer, moral guide, sent Your Mercy on Abraham's family; and send administrative colossus, faithful friend, wonderful Your Blessings on Muhammad and on his offspring, companion, devoted husband, and a loving father. as You sent Your Blessings on Abraham's family, for -A life so simple and gentle that when he was among You are the Most Praiseworthy, the Most Glorious. the people and a newcomer wanted to know about [Sahih al-Bukhari; Vol 4:#588] him, he had to ask, “Which one of you is the Prophet”? O Allah - Give Your Blessings on Our Be- Keeping our lips in constant remembrance and loved Prophet (SA) and his Family! love for our Prophet (SAWS) We are enjoined to pray to Allah to bestow How deep was his (SA) love and concern more honor and mercy on His Prophet (SA) - an ex- towards us? He really cared for our life. And one of pression of our love for the Prophet (SA), which in the ways to show our love to our beloved (SAWS) is turn is an indication of our deep faith in Allah. The to increase our salawath upon him. We can fill our invocation of Blessings on the Holy Prophet is styled nights and days, our free time and journey time, our in Arabic as "Salawat", or "salah ala al-nabi", in Per- mornings and evenings, with salawath on the Prophet sian as "Durud", and in Urdu as "Salawat-o-Salaam". (SA). Let us decide – brothers and sisters - to live a 28
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life dedicated to salawath upon the mercy to the man- innaka Hamidun Majeed. kind – Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu alaihi wa“O Allah! Send Your Mercy on Muhammad salam). and on the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your Mercy on Ibrahim and on the family of Ibrahim, for 'Allahumma Salli 'ala Muhammad wa ala 'aali Mu- You are the Most Praise-worthy, the Most Glorious. hammad, kama sal-laita 'ala Ibrahima wa 'ala 'aali O Allah! Send Your Blessings on Muhammad and Ibrahima, innaka Hamidun Majeed. Allahumma the family of Muhammad, as You sent your BlessBarik 'ala Muhammad wa ala 'aali Muhammadin, ings on Ibrahim and on the family of Ibrahim, for kama Barakta ala Ibrahima wa 'ala 'aali Ibrahima, You are the Most Praise-worthy, the Most Glorious.”
Balance Your Hope of Allah’s Mercy With This Fear By Mansoor Aleem And I stand there in ter- me; bright and shiny and smiling- cover them; seeing that they had ror, oceans of people standing around me, all in a state of awe and fear. And I never thought this day would come. I would always hear about it and put it behind me. “I have time. I got my degree to take care of, job is draining me off, “oh I cant miss that party.” More and more excuses everyday- and now- I am standing here.-waiting for my Lord. Yes, “My Lord!” The Lord I disobeyed at each and every step, thinking that the life was just for fun and there was no purpose; it was for enjoyment and fleeting pleasure. And even if there was a purpose, I am still very young anyway. My throat is drying up; fear and terror is taking over me greatly, and here it is what everyone is waiting for! Ya Allah! May my father, mother, brothers, sisters, children and everyone in the whole world be sacrificed for you. Its my Rabb, my Creator- and I stand there being a sinful slave. All I can remember is my laziness and carelessness- how could I have been that neglectful- why didn’t I listen to people who were always trying to guide me to the good. And I thought they were just foolish people, wasting my time and theirsand now- I see those faces around
expecting all good from their Rabb. Lo and Behold! Allah reveals His shin! Ya Allah! My Rabb! I want to fall down in sujood in front of my Creator- humiliated, humbled and lowered; but- what’s happening?! I can’t
"What led you into Hell-Fire?" They will say: "We were not of those who prayed" even move my back; it’s as stiff as a marble slab. What is happening to me! I want to scream in helplessness. May I be crushed and turn into dust and fall down in humility in front of my Lord- I am crying and crying. The whole creation is prostrating to Allah and I stand like an arrogant human denying the superiority of my Rabb. I want to cry but my throat is choking! And some words start echoing in my ears: The Day that the shin shall be laid bare, to prostrate, but they shall not be able. Their eyes will be cast down, ignominy will 29
been summoned aforetime to bow in adoration, while they were whole (and had refused). (Surah Al -Qalam: 42-43) I used to read the words of Allah but never paid attention to it.. These words were just words for me. I was called to bow down in front of my Lord five times a day and I ignored the call. Every time I would hear the azhan and turn a deaf ear to it- and now- now I am here! Humiliated, hated, cursed-and now I know my abode. No! It can’t be true! It can’t be happening! Now I am remembering more and more. “Except the Companions of the Right Hand. (They will be) in Gardens (of Delight); they will question each other. And (ask) of the Sinners: "What led you into HellFire?" They will say: "We were not of those who prayed" (Surah Al - Muddathir: 39-42) No, ya Allah! .I want to be your obedient slave, I want to be among those who you became pleased with. I just stand there, waiting- to be sent to my final abode. I know it has been too late, and I have lost all that could avail me. I am left with nothing but my sins– still hoping for The Mercy of My Rabb– I wait and wait....
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Know Your Lord, Al-Jabbaar By Alaa Sulaiman
Al-Jabbaar comes from the three letter root word Ja-ba-ra. Jabara is understood by examples: He (a bone-setter) set his arm, or reduced it from a fractured state. He restored a man from a state of poverty to wealth, or competence or sufficiency; or He benefited a poor man. The former meaning is the more appropriate explanation: The poor man being likened to one who has a broken bone, and his restoration to wealth, or competence, being likened to the setting of the bone; Wherefore he is called “faqeer” as though the vertebrae of his back was broken. Al-Jabbaar means the “One who subdues wrong and restores right” (M. Asad); “The Irresistible” (Yusuf Ali). Jabbaar also means “The one who magnifies himself”. The name Al-Jabbaar appeared once in the Quraan: Surah Al-Hashr Verse 23:
He is Allah, than whom there is no other God, the Sovereign Lord the Holy One, Peace, the Keeper of Faith, the Guardian, the Majestic, the compeller, the Superb. Glorified be Allah from all that they ascribe as partner (unto Him) In that verse, Allah (SWT) is glorifying Himself
by mentioning His names and Attributes. He describes himself with all these names that exemplify His eternal characteristics which shows and proves His existence and His right to be worshipped alone (not to associate partners with Him). When AlJabbaar is put together with “Al-Mutakabir” (The Supreme) it brings out a third meaning that it is because of Allah’s supreme’s status, He’s able to compel everything from His creation. When one hears the name “Al-Jabbaar”, the first few meanings that come to mind are: power, strength etc. Al-Jabbaar is indeed the one who is all powerful and in full control of everything. But Al-Jabbaar is also the one who takes revenge from Al-Jababirah/Al -Zalimeen (the Oppressors). He’s the one who heals the wounds for those who are injured or hurt (physically or emotionally): the orphans, the oppressed and the weak. When a creation is being treated unfairly and they have no power to take their rights back, they turn to Al-Jabbaar who will heal their wound and get them their rights back at the same time. That is why Al-Jabbaar is such a deep name since it illustrates two meanings that are opposite to each other (one who is just and powerful and at the same time, the one who is there for the weak and the oppressed). This indeed proves how Allah Subhanahu wa tha’ala is perfect in His names and attributes.
Comic Relief: From The Fatawa of Sheikh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-Uthaimeen, rahimahUllah: Questioner: Is it allowed for a man to be with his female servant, and what can see of her? Answer: If he marries her, then she can uncover her face in front of him, and this is the solution.... But I am afraid that if she becomes his wife, she will demand a female servant, and then this will be a problem! Questioner: Is it allowed for me to buy a rooster so that when it crows, I ask Allah of His bounty? Answer: I don't know about this! It's ordained for a person that when he hears the crowing of a rooster that he ask Allah of His bounty, but I am afraid that your rooster will be silent! Alhamdulillah, you ask Allah for His bounty if you hear the rooster or not! Ask of His bounty always. 30
“Share The Khayr� (As Sh Yasir Birjas would say): Want to see your articles/ poems etc. in Our Magazine? Want to advertise your businesses or organizations? Like to Design the Front Cover for us? Would like to donate for the growth and more outreach of AlHadiyah? Email us at alhadiyah@qabeelathaadi.org Go to http://www.qabeelathaadi.org/alhadiyah to access an ecopy of Al-Hadiyah
Turkish Rose Sherbet Recipe 4 fragrant petals of a leafy Rose, red or pink 3-4 tbsp sugar, you can add more if you prefer it sweeeter 1 cup water 1 tsp lemon juice Place rose petals and sugar in a medium sized bowl. Crush the petals with the sugar using your hand until the petals break down very well. Add lemon juice and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Cover the bowl and leave in the fridge* for at least 4-5 hours. Drain using a strainer over a bowl. Serve with ice cubes. * I prefer to leave this drink in the fridge over night. The taste and colour are much better in this way. [taken from Turkishcookbook.com]
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