Issue 2

*USD 8.00

AL-HADIYAH A HAADI PRESS RELEASE

31 Not “Just For Laughs”

Savor The Sweetness of Divine Link

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The Soul Cries Over The World

POEM

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Vol. 1, Issue 2

SPECIAL FEATURES INTERVIEW WITH SHAYKH YASER BIRJAS

WORDS TO ADVISE, NOT SHAMESHAYKH MOHAMMED HUSSEIN

8 10 Things Muslim Men Find Attractive In Muslim Women

Exclu

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CAN SOME KNOWLEDGE MAKE YOU UGLY

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Reality Check: Confused With All The Info Out There?

WHO ARE THE TRUE INTELLECTUALS?

CONTENTS From The Editor- 3 Words To Advise, Not Shame- 4-5 Tales Of As-Suffa– 6-7 10 Things Muslim Men Find Attractive In Muslim Women– 8-10 Savor The Sweetness Of Divine Link- 10 Can Some Knowledge Make You Ugly– 11-12 Got Dhikr?!- 13 Poem – The Soul Cries Over The World– 14-15 INTERVIEW WITH SHAYKH YASER BIRJAS– 16-17 Your Neighbor And You– 18-19 You Will Not Believe Until You Love Each Other– 20-22 Amazingly Ordinary– 23 ASK HEBA– 24 Lessons From The Letter– 25-26 Call Of Duty– 27 Reality Check: Confused With All The Info Out There?- 28-29 Taqwa; True Success– 30 Not “Just For Laughs”- Why do you need to attend “Fiqh Of Love”- 31

FROM THE EDITOR In The Name Of Allah, Ar-Rahman; Ar-Raheem Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah Dear Readers, Alhamdulillah, the second issue of our quarterly magazine AL-HADIYAH is out now. And I am excited about it! Because this issue has richer content than the first one which shows we are improving mashAllah walhamdulillah. We have articles written by students of Shaykh Jamaal Zarabozo and still better, we have a featured article written by Shyakh Muhammed Hussain, the Imam of our community in Santa Clara (may Allah preserve them all). We have in this publication an interview with Shaykh Yaser Birjas, taken when he had come here for our previous seminar– Divine Link: Fiqh Of Salah. Read some random points compiled by me, in this edition.

InshAllahu Ta’ala, our next class is “Fiqh Of Love” taught by Shaykh Waleed Basyouni and I would like to invite you to attend this class so that you can taste the sweetness of beautiful knowledge presented beautifully by our highly-esteemed Shaykh Waleed. This class is important for you, whether you are married,, single and looking to marry, or divorced (or think you need a divorce– may Allah protect you from all evil). Shaykh will be educating us about Love and Marriage in Islam and you will benefit a lot if you have been happily married for the last 10-25 years– this is a guarantee from the Shaykh himself mashAllah. For a taste that will tickle your intelligent brains for more, read the article compiled by one of his students, “Can Some Knowledge Make You Ugly” We have our “ASK HEBA” featured too, where Sr Heba Alshareef graciously answers questions related to personality development, time management and other personal issues. MashAllah, she is a very wise woman who has been mentoring women all over the world. If you would like to ask her a question, please post them as comments under “ASK HEBA” in our website and it will be answered in our next edition inshAllah.

I would also like to thank the Co-Editor, Br Turner Schafer who manages the AL-HADIYAH website mostly, and also happens to write well mashAllah. Flip through the pages to find“Tales of As-Suffa”.

Last but not the least, I would like to share a lesson I learnt while involved in this project as Editor. And that is, no matter how carefully I would have scrutinized and tried to make this beautiful, it is always going to be imperfect. It is said about a great scholar that he edited and made changes to his book atleast 40 times, and still he was able to find mistakes afterwards. SubhanAllah, man is indeed imperfect; we need to humble ourselves constantly. Only Allah Azza Wajal is Perfect and The Omniscient! And so are His Book, His Kalam– The Noble Qur’an. Isn’t it the Greatest Blessing that Allah has revealed for us, His Perfect words– for the imperfect mankind?! Let’s turn to it with sincere gratitude!

“If 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.” (Surah AlHashr: 21) Jazakum Allahu khayr! I hope you will find this effort beneficial! Your continued support will not go unrewarded on the Day of Judgment. May Allah increase us in Taqwa and make us among the dwellers of Jannah. Aameen.

Fathimah Zainulabideen Chief– Editor http://qhaadi.org/alhadiyah/

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WORDS TO ADVISE, NOT SHAME Shaykh Muhammad Hussein was born in 1964. He finished his undergraduate degree in Agricultural Engineering from Cairo University in 1986. He finished memorizing Quran in 1988 and got his Ijazah in Hafs the same year. He went to Saudi Arabia and taught Quran there for seven years in Imam Muhammed Bin Saud University of Islamic Studies (now King Khalid University) in Abha. During his time there, he earned ijazah in Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Imam Malik's Muwatta, Sunan An Nisai and Sunan Abi Dawud. He came to the US in 1994. He earned his Master's degree in Islamic studies. His Master's thesis was titled "Tareeqa as shadhiliyya fee Amreeka as shimaliyya".(The Shadhili Tareeqah in North America). He is currently defending his Phd thesis in Aqeedah wa Akhlaq this summer inshAllah. He has 25 years of counseling experience for youth and adults alike and counsels community members all year round.

Shaykh Muhammad has four children mashAllah. He gives regular Quran Halaqaat in Masjid An-Nur and MCA. His students love him and pray that Allah Subhanahu wata’ala accept his efforts.

ers, sisters and children, in hopes that Allah Subhanahu wata’ala benefits us with it in this world and the hereafter, and that it is a running charity (sadaqa jaariya) for us after we have moved to the grave.

BY SHAYKH MUHAMMED HUSSEIN

Verily, all praise is due to Allah, we thank Him, ask

Why have I chosen this topic of research?

Him for help and forgiveness, and we seek refuge with Allah from the evils of ourselves and from the evils of our deeds. Whomsoever Allah guides is indeed guided, and whomsoever Allah misguides won't find anyone to guide him.

1. Due to the increase in divorce rates amongst Muslims.

2. To maintain and protect the Islamic identity.

3. So that the new generation can benefit from the experiences of those before them.

4. Due to many of the youth becoming addicted to drugs.

5. It is an obligation upon myself and others to give advice to the Muslims.

6. Due to the need of the Muslim ummah to face its problems internally, before doing da’wah to other nations.

7. To leave no room for the innovators and secularists to attack Islam and Muslims.

8. For leadership of the world (especially with the world being driven by carnal desires, materialism, and the spilling of innocent blood).

Allah Subhanahu wata’ala says, "O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him]" (Surah Aal Imran: 102), "O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer." (Surah An-Nisaa’: 1). Allah also said, "O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice. He will [then] amend for you your deeds and forgive you your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great attainment." (Surah Al-Ahzaab: 70-71).

As thus, it is critical to have those who return mankind As for what follows, this article is written for my broth- to the origins in terms of monotheism and character.

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I will thus discuss, in detail, some of the most important social problems and how to solve them, while asking Allah, the most Elevated, the Exalted in Might, for His help, and while following the footsteps of our beloved Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam and his beloved companions, especially Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali (radhiyAllahu anhum), may Allah gather us with them and make us from those who follow them, not the ones who innovate.

It is known that if we want to begin fixing, we have to start at an individual level. An individual is a natural byproduct of a family that was established based on shared responsibilities between two spouses. As thus, I will focus on marriage and what is related to it, along with the benefits of it and how to maintain this relationship as long as we remain on the surface of the earth, and then we will talk about the most important problems and how to solve them. With Allah's permission, I will give real examples of some of the most important problems I have come across in my life and how to solve them.

First: Why should we get married?

Unfortunately, many people don't understand why they get married. Most women, Muslims or non-muslims, have a goal of wearing the white dress, receiving gifts, having parties without understanding what comes after that. The strange thing is that this lack of understanding transfers to men, especially the Muslims, so they don't understand the reality of marriage in the Islamic law.

As a result, I'll focus on five reasons for marriage.

1. To search for affection and mercy. Humans are created as emotional beings, and so they need a way to fill these emotional needs or they would end up going away from the straight path. The human needs belief in Allah as a Lord, with Islam as a religion, and with Muhammad Sallallahu alaihiwasallam as a Prophet and Messenger. These are the most important things that a human needs - belief with love.

The Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam said, "None of you shall believe until I become more beloved to him than himself, his family, his wealth, and all the people."

Allah Subhanahu wata’ala says, "Say, [O Muhammad], "If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful."" (Surah Aal Imran: 31) So the love of Allah with monotheism and without ascribing partners with Him, and loving the Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam) by following him and not by innovating, and the love of all of the messengers, and the righteous people, the companions, and whosoever follows them with good deeds until the Day of Judgment.

After this, the normal human needs love from a special kind between men and women, the seed of which grows in marriage, which Allah calls, "a solemn covenant." Allah Azza Wajal said, "And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought." (Surah Ar-Rum: 21) So the successful marriage relationship is built off affection and mercy.

To Be Continued.....

Jazakum Allahu Khayr, brothers (Shaykh’s students) who translated these wonderful words of wisdom!

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Tales of As-Suffa

By Turner Schafer

This is the story of the Slaves of Ar- get a bit comfortable, just enough to One of the Sahabah Tufayl bin Amr Rahman. This is our story- the story of the converts; stories of Hijra, extreme poverty and sacrifice, stories of the orphans and our love for our mothers. These are our stories From Darkness to Light, from a boy to a man, so come with me; let me take you back 1400 years to a particular night. The night, the crisp desert air is snapping in and out of the lungs; gravel cracking under bare footsteps.

The moon illuminating the faces of the faithful, visibility low but the familiarity lets one find the way with ease. On this particular night one of the sahabah, Abu Bakr As-Siddeeque Radhiya Allahu anh hungry comes out into the night looking for food and he sees the Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasalam- he came out of his house too and he sees Umar Radhiya Allahu anh, he came out of his house too and they had stones tied to their bellies suffering, burning inside and when they showed the Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam their stone he pulled his up and showed them two; he was suffering twice as much as his ummah always . One of the companions saw them and they were invited and the man went in and told his wife, “offer them everything.

What do we have?” They had some ripe dates, some unripe dates, some bread, some milk and they had a goat that couldn’t produce milk; so they slaughtered everything they had and gave it, sacrificed for Rasoolullah Sallallahu alaihiwasallam.

They wept thinking our Prophet is hungry, fed him and as soon as the food was prepared Rasoolullah took meat and put it in the bread. He said, “quick get this home, for Fatimah has not seen the likes of this for days. Take this to her”, and then they ate and when he Sallallahu alaihiwasallam ate just enough for the stomach to

come to his senses from the pain of accompanied by his slave set out hunger he immediately remembered: intending to embrace Islam. They lost each other on the way. The slave then came while the Sahabi was sitThen, on that Day, you shall be ting with the Prophet Sallallahu alaiThe Prophet said, asked about the delight (you in- hiwasallam.

“Your slave has come back." The dulged in, in this world)!

Sahabi said, "Indeed, I would like Surah At-Takathur: 8 you to witness that I have emanciHow much Rasolullah Sallallahu pated him." The Sahabi then recited alaihiwasallam and his companions the following poetic verse: “What a endured, sacrificing knowing they long tedious tiresome night! Nevertheless, it has delivered us from the will meet their Lord.

Striving for the hereafter; a Sahabi land of Kufr (disbelief).” said “I divided my nights into three parts: in one third I would pray, in Here we are traveling along this another sleep, and in the last third I Sirathul Mustaqueem not content would recollect the hadith of the with this worldly life; sacrificing the Rasoolullah”, and on his death bed halal pleasures of this life for the he was found weeping and when sake of Allah. Picture if you will, questioned why? He replied “Lack the lifestyle of one of the Sahabah of provision and the hardship of the who made hijra to Rasoolullah Saljourney ahead.” We see even with lallahu alaihiwasallam in Medina the sacrifice of the dunya the Sahabi reported in Sahih Al-Bukhari. “You was worried that his good deeds and could see me at times faint from hunsacrifice for the sake of Allah would ger between the house of Aisha and not shelter him from shame on the the Pulpit [in the Prophet’s mosque].

I would wake up to see someone day of Resurrection. recite something over me and I What a journey it is for those who would say to him: “I am not [insane] embrace Islam. Many converts are as you may think—only hungry!” rejected by their families; others leaving their home for a Muslim Still the true Salaf, those that concommunity searching for support in verted at the time of Rasoolullah did not forsake their Mushrik parents but establishing the prayer. rather made dua that they would be guided to the truth. A well known hadith narrated in Sahih Muslim: A Sahabi came to the Prophet weeping one day and said: “O Messenger of Allah, I have been inviting my mother to Islam and she always refuses. Today I asked her again and she said something about you I hated to hear. Ask Allah to guide my mother!” Whereupon the Prophet said: “O Allah! Guide his mother.”

Then I returned home cheered up by

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A HAADI PRESS RELEASE own actions. Allah is the Most Merciful, best of Planners. He shows us examples so we do not have to stray from the straight path. Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu alaihiwasallam is the best of examples but I share with you my love for one of the Sahabah, a convert to Islam, from Darkness to Light, from boy to man. He made Hijra and endured extreme hardship out of love for Allah and His Messenger.

the Prophet’s supplication. When I arrived at the door of the house I found it closed. Hearing my footsteps, my mother said: “Son, do not come in yet.” I could hear the sound of water. She washed herself and wore her robe and head cover then she opened the door and said: “I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is the servant and messenger of Allah!” I returned at once to the Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam weeping for joy, and said to him: “Messenger of Allah, good news! Allah has answered your request and guided my mother!” He glorified and praised Allah, thanking Him and saying good things. I said: “Messenger of Allah! Ask Allah that He make me and my mother beloved to His believing servants and that He make them beloved to us.” The Prophet said: “O Allah! Make Your little servant here and his mother beloved to Your believing servants, and make the believers beloved to the two of them.”

Allah says in Surah Yusuf: 3 “We relate unto you (Muhammad) the best of stories through Our Revelations unto you, of this Qur'an…” The meaning of this ayah is that Allah reveals the most entertaining stories and the stories with the most benefit and lessons and I think if we look deep into the lives of the Sahabah this same message transcends. May Allah be pleased with all of the Sahabah and righteous predecessors.

Born in Baha, Yemen into the Banu Daws tribe from the region of Tihamah on the coast of the Red Sea; he was an orphan with only a mother and no other relatives. His name at birth was Abd-u-Shams (Servant of the Sun).

After embracing Islam and making hijrah, the Prophet renamed him Abdur Rahmam; from the Slave of the Sun to the Slave of Ar-Rahman Radhiya Allahu anh.

This was the story of a great muhaddith; the quotes and narrations were from or referring to him Radhiya Allahu anh. He was the one there that night 1400 years ago accompanying Rasoolullah. That night when Rasoolullah was driven out from his home due to hunger. He was also suffering from the hunger, but still accompanied the Prophet out of his deep love for learning everything from the Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam. Ya Ummah, I appeal to you, who amongst you will shun this world and be an inheritor of the Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam and follow in the footsteps of the best of genera‘O slaves of Ar-Rahman take to heart, the story of the tions?

Sahabah; the best generation as they learnt the religion directly from our beloved Prophet Muhammad Sallal- You people say that Abu Hurairah tells many narrations lahu alaihiwasallam. We see our stories are without the from Allah's Apostle and you also wonder why the Musacrifice of money, food and time seeking knowledge. hajir and Ansar do not narrate from Allah's Apostle as As reported in Sahih Al-Bukhari a Sahabi stated: “I was Abu Hurairah does. “My emigrant brothers were busy raised an orphan and immigrated to Medina moneyless. in the market while I used to stick to Allah's Apostle I was one of the needy people of the Suffa.” Also re- content with what fills my stomach; so I used to be preported in Sahih Al-Bukhari, “I asked the Prophet: sent when they were absent and I used to remember “Messenger of Allah! Who is the most blessed person to when they used to forget, and my Ansari brothers used obtain your intercession on the Day of Resurrection?’ to be busy with their properties and I was one of the He said: ‘O [Abdur Rahman]! I knew that surely no one poor men of Suffa. I used to remember the narrations would precede you in asking such a question, due to the when they used to forget. No doubt, Allah's Apostle persistency I have observed in you in obtaining hadith. once said, "Whoever spreads his garment till I have finThe most blessed person to obtain my intercession on ished my present speech and then gathers it to himself, the Day of Resurrection is he who said ‘la ilaha illAllah’ will remember whatever I will say." So, I spread my colored garment which I was wearing till Allah's Apossincerely from his heart.” tle had finished his saying, and then I gathered it to my We will be judged by our intentions, accountable for our chest. So, I did not forget any of those narrations.”

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10 Things Muslim Men Find Attractive In Muslim Women 1. Her Obedience to the Creator:

whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery) A practicing Muslim man loves to should be moved with desire, but have a practicing Muslim wife; who speak in an honorable manknows that the life of this world is ner” (Surah Al-Ahzaab:32) nothing but a test from her Lord; giving her an opportunity to come Her haya in her gaze is that she does closer and closer to Allah, doing not look at what Allah subhanahu wa more and more good deeds to please ta’ala has prohibited for her to look.

Him Azza wa jal, restricting herself Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says from the desires of her inner self that (interpretation of the meaning): go against the will of her Creator.

And tell the believing But as for him who feared women to lower their gaze (from standing before his Lord, and re- looking at forbidden things), and strained himself from impure evil protect their private parts (from desires, and lusts. Verily, Paradise illegal sexual acts)… (Verse continwill be his abode. (Surah An- ues) (Surah An-Nur: 31) Naaziyaat: 40-41) Her haya in her clothing is that she does not reveal to others what Allah 2. Her Haya (Modesty/Shyness): subhanahu wa ta’ala has forbidden Haya is one of the most significant for her to reveal. Allah subhanahu factors of a woman’s personality. wa ta’ala says (interpretation of the Haya according to a believer's nature meaning): refers to a bad and uneasy feeling ...And not to show off their accompanied by embarrassment, adornment except only that which is caused by one's fear of being ex- apparent (like both eyes for necesposed or censured for some unwor- sity to see the way or outer dress thy or indecent conduct.[1] like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, said: "Haya comes from Eman; faces, necks and bosoms,) and not Eman leads to Paradise. Obscenity to reveal their adornment except to comes from antipathy; and antipathy their husbands, or their fathers, or leads to the fire." (Sahih Al-Bukhari) their husband's fathers, or their sons, or their husband's sons, or A Muslim woman feels shy to do their brothers or their brother's anything that would displease her sons, or their sister's sons, or their Lord in any aspect. She has haya in (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in her talk, she has haya in her gaze, Islâm), or the (female) slaves whom she has haya in her clothing, she has their right hands possess, or old haya in her walk. Her haya in her male servants who lack vigor, or talk is that she is not soft in her small children who have no sense of speech but speaks honorably. Allah the feminine sex.. (Verse Contins u bh a n a h u wa t a ’ a l a s a ys ues) (Surah An-Nur: 31) (interpretation of the meaning): “O wives of the Prophet! Her haya in her walk is that she You are not like any other women. walks modestly without attracting If you keep your duty (to Allah), others attention towards herself. Althen be not soft in speech, lest he in lah subhanahu wa ta’ala says

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By Mansoor Aleem

(interpretation of the meaning): ...And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allâh to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful. (Surah An-Nur: 31) Abu Usayd al-Ansari narrated that he heard Allah’s Messenger Sallallahu alaihiwasallam say to the women on his way out of the mosque when he saw men and women mixing together on their way home: ‘Give way (i.e., walk to the sides) as it is not appropriate for you to walk in the middle of the road.’ Thereafter, women would walk so close to the wall that their dresses would get caught on it. (Narrated by Abu Dawood in "Kitab al-Adab min Sunanihi, Chapter: Mashyu an-Nisa Ma’ ar-Rijal fi at-Tariq) A woman who has the knowledge of Allah’s commandment to preserve her modesty, submitting herself to the will of her creator, even after having the desire to be praised for her beauty, is without doubt beloved to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala and as well as to all good believing men.

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tle said to me, "O Jabir! Have you married?" I said, "Yes." He said, "A virgin or a matron?" I replied, "A Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala made women beautiful in the matron." he said, "Why not a virgin, so that you might sight of men. It’s just that some human beings are more play with her and she with you, and you might amuse her and she amuse you." (Hadith continued) (Sahih Alattracted towards some than others.

Bukhari) Aishah RadhiyAllahu anha said: “I heard the Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam saying: ‘Souls are like con- 5. Her Truthfulness: scripted soldiers; those whom they recognize, they get along with, and those whom they do not recognize, they Being truthful and honest is an essential quality of a believer. will not get along with.’” (Sahih Al-Bukhari) 3. Her Beauty:

‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ood RadhiyAllahu anh said: The Messenger of Allah Sallallahu alaihiwasallam said: “I urge you to be truthful, for truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. A man will continue to be truthful and seek to speak the truth until he is recorded with Allah as speaker of truth (Siddeeq). And beware of lying, for lying leads to immorality and immorality leads to Hell; a man will continue to tell lies until he is recorded with Allah as a For a believing man, a Muslim woman’s beauty is not liar.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim) just how her nose looks or how big her eyes are, but her modesty, purity of heart, and innocence make her look A person who is known to lie repeatedly loses his trust. beautiful as well. Also Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala makes And if that happens in case of a marital relationship the whole relationship falls apart. A woman who is known people whom He loves, pleasing to others. to be a “Siddeeqah” certainly has a higher status in a “When Allah loves someone he calls to Jibreel Alaihis- Muslim man’s heart. salaam saying, ‘O Jibreel, I love such and such a person, so love him.’ Then Jibreel will call to the (angels) of the 6. Her Obedience: heavens, ‘Allah loves such and such a person so love him.’ And the angels will love [that person]. And then Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala made man protector and Allah will place the pleasure in the hearts of the people maintainer of the woman and enjoined upon her to obey him in all the matters that do not go against Quran and towards this person.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Sunnah. Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says (interpretation of the meaning): 4. Her Intellect/playfulness: “Men are the protectors and maintainers of Intellect and playfulness are two qualities of women women, because Allah has made one of them to excel highly liked by men. Every man likes to have an intelli- the other, and because they spend (to support them) gent wife who can advise and support him in day to day from their means” (Surah An-Nisa’: 34) matters. Khadija bint Khuwaylid RadhiyAllahu anha was one of the most beloved wives of Prophet (peace The Messenger of Allah Sallallahu alaihiwasallam said, and blessings of Allah be upon him). She supported Al- “The best women is she who when you look at her, she lah’s messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon pleases you, when you command her she obeys you, and him) at the very beginning of his Prophethood when when you are absent, she protects her honor and your Jibreel alaihissalaam brought the first revelation to him. property.” (At-Tabarani, Ibn Majah) Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) always admired her and remembered her even long after 7. Her Patience: her death.

Patience is a characteristic that can never be praised A playful wife is a joy and pleasure to a man’s heart. enough. A woman who remains patient at the times of Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam recommended Jabir hardship and relies on the help and mercy of Allah is bin 'Abdullah to marry a virgin so that the two could without a doubt a beloved servant of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): play with each other and amuse each other.

Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah: "My father died and left “And Allah loves As-Saabiroon (the paseven or nine girls and I married a matron. Allah's Apos- tient)” (Surah Aal Imran: 146) Al-Qurtubi said: “Although they are all souls, they differ in different ways, so a person will feel an affinity with souls of one kind, and will get along with them because of the special quality that they have in common. So we notice that people of all types will get along with those with whom they share an affinity, and will keep away from those who are of other types. [This is like the old saying goes, “Birds of a feather flock together”]

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Sallallahu alaihiwasallam said, "Richness is not the abundance of wealth, rather it is self-sufficiency.'' (Sahih Delicious food is without a doubt weakness of men. It’s Al-Bukhari and Muslim) an old saying that “The Way to a Man's Heart is through his Stomach”. We also know that one of Prophet’s 10. Good Manners: (Sallallahu alaihiwasallam) wives used to cook food that he liked a lot and due to that Aishah radhiyAllahu anha A woman of good manners is a blessing from Allah subwould get jealous, because she didn’t know how to cook hanahu wa ta’ala. When she speaks, she speaks honorably, why she deals with others she deals with them that. kindly. She is polite with elders, loving to children, and good to her fellow folks.

9. Her Contentment with Rizq: 8. Her Cooking:

No man likes to have a woman who is always complaining about how less her husband earns or how rich her other friends are. A good Muslimah is the one who thank Allah for what He has blessed her with and she is thankful to her husband for what he provides her with.

It is related by 'Abdullah bin Amr that the Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam said: "The best of you are those who possess the best of manners." (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim) [1] http://www.missionislam.com/knowledge/Haya.htm

Abu Hurairah RadhiyAllahu anh reported: The Prophet

Savor The Sweetness Of Divine Link

that you do stand (to pray at night) a little less than two -thirds of the night, or half the night, or a third of the night, and so do a party of those with you, and Allah measures the night and the day. He knows that you are unable to pray the whole night, so He has turned to you (in Mercy). So, recite you of the Qur’an as much as may be easy for you.... (73: 20)

By Umm Aisha

Savor the sweetness of the History of Salah: We see from many ayaat from the Qur’an that Salah was prescribed for Prophets and messengers before Prophet Muhammed Sallallahu alaihiwasallam. Salah was always an act of worship that represented humility and devotion in front of The Lord Almighty. And today we find some orthodox Jews and Christians, who are the socalled followers of Prophet Moses and Jesus alaihumassalam, pray in a similar fashion as our Salah.

This is something that we, as Muslims, can take pride in.

Among all the nations, it is only we who still pray the way we were taught by our Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam; while the other nations have adopted practices that didn’t exist in the original form of prayer.

With the coming of Islam, the five prayers at their appointed times was established in stages. In the beginning, Qiyam-u-layl (night prayer) was mandatory for a year till the ruling was abrogated. In Surah AlMuzzammil, Allah commands:

Salah (specifically, the five times fardh) was the only act of worship and command given to our Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam and to his Ummah during his night journey (Mi’raj) to the heavens. This just shows the status, value and importance of this Divine Link.

Savor the sweetness of different variety of Salah: Variety like the fard, witr, qiyam-u-layl, rawatib, tahiyyatul masjid etc adds to the beauty and makes salah colorful and diverse. Other than the obligatory, we can choose from this variety and excel in one type, to start with, and then broaden the horizon of our goal. The Salawaat in different times, on different occasions reminds us to be in constant remembrance of Allah. Alhamdulillah, we have different ways of Salah in invoking Allah for our different needs.

Qiyam-u-layl is, indeed a special retreat and the supplements needed for our spiritual need. Just like we have our main meals of the day for basic nutrition and then extra smaller meals, we need to satisfy our spiritual needs by adding on to our five main meals of Salah.

O you wrapped up! Stand (to pray) all night, except a little. Half of it, or a little less than that. Or a little Salah serves the purpose of constant remembrance more; and recite the Qur’an (aloud) in a slow, throughout the day. If done sincerely, with Ihsaan- with (pleasant tone) and style. (73: 1-4) the thought that you are facing Allah Subhanahu wata’ala during Salah- it will put haya and shyness in our And in the end of the Surah, “Verily, your Lord knows

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AL-HADIYAH

A HAADI PRESS RELEASE

A Summary of a Talk by Shaykh Waleed Basyouni

By AbooZaid Back in 2008, when Sheikh Waleed came to the Bay can be a means for prolonged life and its fruit is unArea for “Rays Of Faith”, we had arranged for a matched in satisfaction compared to other achievements “bonus” session to be held on Monday, since it was a in dunya. Imaam Ash-Shafi RahimahUllah said: I don't know anything more beloved to Allah after the 5 pillars holiday. I remember: than seeking knowledge.

I found myself feeling proud and relaxed; after all, this was a bonus session, extra credit. Yet I had come to the The shaykh, may Allah bless him, mentioned a hadeeth masjid on my day off to sit and review the material after of the Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam- the Hoot and more than 16 hours of study the previous two days. the ants make istighfaar for the one who seeks knowlSince I felt confident that I knew most of the material edge. Interestingly Hoot has two different meanings in we had studied, I figured I would coast through the ses- the Arabic language. It can mean Whale or can also be sion and just soak in the Shaykh's unique, warm charm. used to describe a very small fish. Either meaning lends itself elegantly to the illustration.

Holiday mode had overtaken my mood.

Shaykh Waleed took his seat and looked out at us with a fairly serious look on his face, Ibn Mubarak RA displaying a new, weighty demeanor, not seen during the course the previous two days. was asked: If you As if the doctor knew the patient's ailment were brought back before even taking the vitals. Instead of to life after death, opening up a light review session, he proceeded to deliver a very profound advice to what act would you the student of knowledge. do? He replied:

In the case of the Whale, we get the idea that two creatures on complete opposite ends of the spectrum in their size, are making istighfaar, possibly meaning that all of the creatures in between are doing the same. As for the meaning of very small fish, this paints a picture of two extremely minuscule, abundant creatures, one from the land and one from the sea, are seeking forgiveness for you. Both meanings work and serve as yet another testimony to the miraculous quality given to Rasoolullaah Sallallahu alaihiwasallam: Jawaam al Kalim (succinct speech with expansive meaning.)

Immediately he advised us about the great Seek Knowledge importance of seeking knowledge. As if to tell us that knowledge is not a weekend phenomenon. The message resonated: Do not think that you are absolved by a two weekShaykh Waleed then proceeded to articulate end seminar. Striving in the path of knowledge should be a continuous struggle according to an a beautiful classification of the Uloom ash-Shareeah. individual's capability. Most of the audience was com- For me it was my first time hearing this. Understanding prised of people with families, full of responsibilities. these categories, I believe, would eliminate a lot of conMany of us might feel that serious pursuit of knowledge fusion in our communities. This framework is especially is something for the youth. We feel that if our own critical for the aspiring student of knowledge with limyouth has escaped us without seeking knowledge, that's ited time, wondering how to prioritize his study. Uloom it. We now have nothing to do with 'ilm and are content ash-Shareeah has been divided into three categories by the scholars. to rely on the other avenues of doing good.

Certain types of knowledge are foundational knowledge, Usooliyaat. From the Usooliyaat are Creed and Fiqh, the two main pillars of Islamic knowledge. These two are derived from the Quran and Sunnah according to the understanding of the first three generations of Muslims and of the scholars that followed their footsteps. Tafseer So if we like life then seek knowledge. Righteousness and Hadeeth fall under this category.

The Shaykh started with a quote from Al-Hasan RahimahUllah smashing that notion for those of us who had fallen prey to it. Hasan AlBasri was asked, “Should an old person seek knowledge?” The Imaam answered, “Yes if he loves to live.”

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AL-HADIYAH Uloom al Alaat: Knowledge of Tools. These sciences are named tools because they enable you to deal properly with textual evidences, to access the texts and analyze them properly. From these sciences are: Usool ul Fiqh, Mustalah al hadeeth, Ilm ul rijaal, knowledge of the qiraat, al lugha: grammar, and balaghah.

Uloom al Kamaaliyaat: Accessories beautify you. From this type of knowledge are: ilm of tajweed, history, biography of scholars, and poetry.

This categorization helps a person in priorities and also in determining the true status of a scholar or student of knowledge. It is WRONG for a person to have a lot of information in tools and kamaliyaat, but very little in fiqh or aqeedah. The Student of Knowledge must focus on foundations, and may pursue as much details as he would like to in these sciences. General knowledge of Uloom ul Alaat is needed for a student of knowledge, but he should not go very deep in a particular tool, unless he is dedicated to Islamic knowledge full time.

Shaykh Waleed expanded on this later when I asked him, that many of the experts in the tools are not sound in the fundamentals. And this disproportion makes that knowledge ugly.

Because the fundamentals are the most immediately applicable and helpful in coming close to Allah, the Alaat are useless by themselves. And this becomes a fitna because the laymen are most impressed by tools. It is a dazzling type of knowledge to possess. When these types of scholars flex their knowledge, we watch their actions and imitate them. We assume that they must have a good reason for shaving or skipping different sunan in the prayer. This is a logical conclusion for a spectator to arrive at for someone unaware of these categories of knowledge.

A HAADI PRESS RELEASE The student of knowledge needs to have some basic knowledge in the tools, but should focus on the Usool.

Only the specialists should go very deep in any of the tools. Conversely, the student of knowledge can learn as much details as he wants from the Usooliyaat. The more knowledge and details you posses from the Usool, the more your emaan will increase. A person will get lost and could do serious damage to himself by going deep into any of the Alaat, wit h out st r on g foun da t i on s.

Out of the fairness of Ahl Sunnah, they accept sound research and scholarship, even if it might have come from other than Ahl Sunnah.

But this means someone diving into the tools will be exposed to foreign concepts indirectly, because a scholar's world-view will often manifest itself one way or another. If someone is exposed to deviant beliefs without being founded upon the correct Usool, he would be susceptible to them. The Alaat help you access the Usool in a more profound and complete way. That is why the student of knowledge needs Alaat, but he should not go too deep in them unless he is full time and is very sound in the Usool. Kamaaliyaat are what beautify a person. No one can be considered a student of knowledge by having knowledge of the Kamaaliyaat alone, regardless of his expertise in any of them.

Kamaaliyaat complete and beautify a person's knowledge.

to learn knowledge for the sake of accumulating ammunition against others, because our own problems would take priority.

Also, the seeker should know that

Our intention while learning should be to increase ourselves. Imam Ahmad, was asked: what is the sincerity of seeking knowledge? He answered, “To remove the ignorance from your own self.” That should be our intention. We have gaping holes that if we really put them out on display, it would be so humiliating to us. It would prevent us from wanting

These are the main points the Shaykh conveyed, inter-spliced with some of my own reflections as a live recipient. I hope that they add a worthwhile personal dimension to this summary. May Allah preserve Shaykh Waleed, bless him and his family with all that is good, save them from all that is evil, and reward them with the best.

ASKING is a very important tool.

Use it wisely and ask for the purpose of benefitting. Ibn Abbas Radhya Allahu anh was asked what the key to his knowledge was. He replied: I have a heart that can absorb the knowledge and a tongue that knows how to ask questions.

We should keep in mind, as much as you learn, it should affect your akhlaaq. First the seeker should have good manners with Allah in terms of His Book and Shareeah. The shaykh asked, “Do you have good manners with the people close to you?” How about etiquettes with the scholars that you read? What about manners with your parents, wife, son, son-inlaw, daughter-in-law, brothers and sisters? The student of knowledge should use hikmah in dealing with Lastly, Shaykuna briefly advised us people, have concern of how to help about some practical matters the people, make people feel better, and be a mercy to the people around him. seeker should bear in mind.

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A HAADI PRESS RELEASE

Got Dhikr??!

By Umm Zubayr

O ne

of the most neglected and underappreciated methods of gaining the forgiveness of Allah Azza wa jal and increasing our emaan is none other than performing dhikr. We can do it anytime anywhere and in different forms yet our excuses are many and efforts few. We are reminded numerous times in the Quran to be steadfast in the remembrance of Allah, for it strengthens our hearts. Allah says: “Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding.” (Surah Aal Imran: 190)

every opportunity to draw closer to Him subhanahu wa ta’ala and be amongst those who are enveloped by His mercy.

In a Hadith Qudsi- “Narrated by Abu Hurairah Radhya Allahu anh: The Prophet said, “Allah says: ‘I am just as My slave thinks I am, (i.e. I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him) and I am with him if He remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I too, remember him in Myself; and if he remembers Me in a group of people, I remember him in a group that is better than they; and if he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; and if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.’” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

The more Dhikr we engage in, the more our surroundings remind us of Allah. Every time the wind blows, the sun sets, or a star glimmers in the sky, our hearts and All we have to do is take small yet consistent steps such mind automatically think of Al Khaliq, the Creator. as remaining seated after our salah to finish our adhkaar, Amongst the benefits of Dhikr is that it keeps off shay- saying our morning and evening adhkaar or saying the tan far from you and if this was the only benefit dhikr, dua before entering the restroom, before sleeping etc, then this, in and of itself, is sufficient. When one is con- and bi idhnillahi ta’ala with the more adhkaar we stantly engaged in the dhikr of Allah, then it follows that make, we will be counted amongst the Dhakireen, those they will be less inclined to follow the whispers of shay- who Remember Allah, and what can be better and tan, for we know that the accursed has no physical sweeter than be counted amongst them? power over us rather, his influence over us is limited to -Ilm Summit ’09, “Fiqh Of Adhkaar” whispers.

By Shaykh Waleed Basyouni Shaykh ul-Islam Ibn Tayimiyyah RahimahUllah, one of the greatest scholars of Islam, is reported as saying, Check this proportionality out: “dhikr for the heart is like water for fish because without it the heart will die.” The early scholars of Islam truly understood the value of adhkaar, it helped them reach Quran: Allah SWT:: Dhikr/ Dua’: the heights and levels that they did.

Us

Another Benefit of performing dhikr is that it wipes out our sins. It is narrated in Sahih Al-Bukhari 7/168 and Muslim 4/2071, that if someone says “Subhanallahi wa bihamdhi” a hundred times a day, his sins will be forgiven, even if they are like the foam of the sea. Many miss out on this opportunity for forgiveness because they assume it will take too long to do. However, contrary to popular belief, it takes about an average of three minutes to say and four minutes if you say it really slow.

That’s it. In a maximum of four minutes we can potentially wipe all of our (minor) sins away! Only Allah knows which deed will make it for us, which deed will be the one which He accepts and out of His mercy admits us into Paradise and thus we should strive and take

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Qur’an is the Speech of Allah Azza Wajal. Qur’an is how Allah communicated to mankind. How can we communicate with Our Lord?

Through Dhikr and Dua’!

Establish communication both ways!!

The Soul Cries Over The World The first in a series of original translations of statements and writings by pious people of the early generations of Islam: A poem attributed to `Ali ibn Abi Talib Radhiy Allahu anh – Translated

By Asma Saloom ***

The soul cries over the world, although it knows That well-being in it comes from leaving what is in it.

*** There is no abode, after death, for a person to live in Except the one he was building before death.

*** So if he built it with good, how wonderful is his abode And if he built it with evil, then woe to its builder.

*** We amass our wealth for those who will inherit it And we build our homes for the destruction of time.

*** Where are the kings who were entrenched in power? -Until they were served drink from the cup of death.

*** And how many cities have been built across the horizons? -They ended up as rubble and death annihilated their people.

*** Every soul, even when terrified of death, has hopes that strengthen it.

*** Man stretches them out, and time constricts them The soul spreads them out, and death swallows them up.

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*** Indeed, noble traits lead to pure character: The first of them is the deen, and intelligence is the second.

*** Knowledge is the third of them, and forbearance is their fourth Generosity is the fifth of them, and grace is their sixth.

*** Devotion is the seventh of them and thankfulness is their eighth Patience is the ninth of them and gentleness makes up the rest.

*** My soul knows that I do not entrust myself to it And that I do not follow the right way except when I disobey it.

*** Do not rely on this world and what is in it For death, no doubt, will destroy us and it.

*** So work for tomorrow’s abode, and the happiness of its owner Where the neighbor is Ahmad ( ) and the Most Merciful is its founder.

*** Its palaces are gold, and its mud is musk Its grass is saffron, sprouting within it

*** Its rivers are of pure milk and of honey And wine flows as a nectar in its streams.

*** Birds skip along the tree branches, dwelling there, Glorifying Allah openly in their songs.

*** So who will buy a house in the Firdaws to dwell in?

With a rak`ah in the darkness, bringing life to the night.

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Interviewed and Transcribed by Turner Schafer Alhamdulillah I had the opportunity to interview A.The most important thing you learn from the shaykh Shaykh Yaser Birjas while he was in town teaching Fiqh of Salah. During the 2nd weekend of class on November 1st 2009 before class started Alhamdulillah I was able to conduct the following interview. I had been contemplating what to ask the sheikh for a week. Should I stick to the topic of Fiqh of Salah? Adab (manners) of the student of knowledge? I kept sitting in class and new topics kept popping into my mind to ask. In the end I decided on asking an array of questions that may not commonly be asked of the shaykh, trying to benefit from his wisdom.

Q. Salaam Alaikum Shaykh. What do you see lacking in the Al-Maghrib student body and do you have any advice regarding this?

A. Ask the students themselves what do they themselves lack and what they don’t see in Al-Maghrib classes that they would like to see, that would help them develop themselves in a specific direction. I personally think that our classes provide ilm and knowledge information, so it’s kind of a information and knowledge culture but what we need to work on is the issue of tazkiyah and tarbiyah; which is how to bring this spirituality the sense of self -discipline mannerism and so forth to the student body. This is something very hard with the Al-Maghrib style where we just go for double weekends and so on.

That’s why until this time it’s kind of self initiatives, personal initiatives from students as well as qaba’il. The qaba’il can find a mechanism, can find a tool, an instrument, an educator someone who can be onsite with them after the class is over to continue with them. We are trying to keep, you know, motivating the students to be together there to work on their personal growth and try, you know, to stay together, help one another, assist one another inshallah but without an onsite mentor who would be with them it would still be difficult, that’s why the importance of engaging with the local community is very important and we keep inviting the students that once the classes are over to go back to their imams, their leaders in their community and try to connect with them at that level so they could inshallah with the knowledge, gain some sort of spiritual experience, mentorship.

Q. Besides studying under Shaykh Uthaymeen, besides the ilm, the book knowledge what was the most beneficial thing about him, being in his presence, and what can the Al-Maghrib students take away from being in the presence of the shuyookh in the class that they can’t get from books?

is his code of conduct, his mannerisms, you learn how he talks, how he deals with people. You can hear the shaykh give talks as much as you want but it’s how he handles the issues when an average person comes to him, approaches him, when he walks in the street like any other human being. How he behaves with the masses, with the public, when he deals with the students of knowledge when he presents himself in the halaqa and the class.. Even his style of educating people and presenting the knowledge -so all of this you learn from engaging on a personal level with the shaykh or the instructor. Also with Shaykh Uthaymeen I learnt his system; how he designs his classes, the topics he chooses, how he does it. So for instance the shaykh doesn’t like to give classes longer then 35 minutes, 30-35 minutes unless it’s an exclusive group of students of knowledge.

That’s when the class takes one hour or so. Or he just gives a 25 minute short session for the public and then he opens it to Q & A for hours because when it comes to Q & A people are not obligated to stay, they just...at their convenience stay, but when he talks, he talks for 20 -25 minutes giving them a very exclusive session- very concentrated dars, dose of ilm and then that’s it...they walk away. Also the organization of the classes in terms of being punctual, the beginning of the time to the end of the time, because the shaykh -he was very very very punctual and he hates students coming late and you learn the system, you learn the way he represents his knowledge as well as how he deals with people. That’s the most important thing. Allah A’lam.

Q. Shaykh, you recently moved from El Paso to Chicago mashallah. How did the El Paso community take that and did you set up any leadership with that community?

A. Actually in the last few years when I was in El Paso I was, I was almost.. they were prepared basically. They knew I was leaving anytime I had an opportunity. I would be leaving so they were already prepared for my departure. I also, ya’ni, my involvement with the El Paso community went to the minimum during the last couple of years because I traveled most of the time and I teach outside the city so when I come back I just do what I can do and try to help around in the community.

I wasn’t the official Imam for the past two years anyway so, therefore they were kind of prepared for that. Although no one liked it. I, myself didn’t like just leaving the community that way but, subhanallah whenever there is a chance or opportunity where you believe that

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A HAADI PRESS RELEASE Muslims, because I remember in Heavenly Hues you mentioned it’s not a religious conflict yet.) and that’s what I’m saying if the non Muslims can see the injustice in this conflict they would be supportive of the cause, the just cause of the Palestinians, it’s a great injustice and it’s completely overlooked by the masses.

So a bunch of quick questions.

Q. What is your favorite story from the Seerah?

A.From the Seerah? (yeah, starting from Ibrahim (alayhissalaam) ). Hmmm there are a lot of stories, you start from Ibrahim alayhissalaam (you don’t have to tell the story). Well there are a lot of stories I really love subhanallah, from the history and the Seerah. The story of Ibrahim in general, I love it and that’s why I named After the Prophet Ibrahim you might be more beneficial ...inshallah... for the com- my son Ibrahim. munity- the larger community in America, we’ll take it (alayhissalaam), I love in the Seerah, the stories of Umar al-Kattaab (radiallahu anhu) and from the life of inshallah. the Prophet (Sallahu Alahyi Wa Salaam), his personal Q. So now that you have taught all the classes that human stories. you teach in Qabeelat Haadi, are you planning on Q. Who is your favorite Sahabah -male and female? developing another class?

A.I have three or four classes in my mind that I’m think- A.Umar al-Kataab (radiallahu anuhu) That’s why I ing of right now inshallah. Right now I’m going to be named my son Umar and from the female, ‘Aisha developing one of these classes and hopefully it will be (radiallahu anha) no doubt ya’ni, hands down. ready by 2010, it’s a secret though. (now with the acquisition of Shaykh Abdullah Hakim Quick, he also Q. What’s your favorite Surah and ayah? teaches the history of Spain right?) Na’am. (You guys A. My favorite surah? I have a lot of favorite surahs are fighting over that?) No, it’s his specialty, it’s his but one of my favorite surahs...One of my favorite field and I’m just conceding. (ok mashallah jazakllah surahs is Surah Al-Ankabut, basically the beginning of Surah Ankabut (that’s good enough, favorite ayah?) khair) there is no doubt -Allahu la ilaha illa huwa alhayyu Q. What’s the advantage of Al-Maghrib institute over other Islamic learning institutes in northern Q. Favorite book besides the Quran?

A. Besides the Quran? (yeah) Sahih Bukhari. (Not RiCalifornia?

A. Why don’t you ask the students this question. It yadah Salaheen?) Al- Bukhari. wouldn’t be fair if I talked about this subject, I’m sure that every institution has it’s own unique style and we Q. Favorite Fard Salah? are trying our best inshallah to provide ilm and knowl- A. Fard Salah? (yeah) Fajr edge. That’s what we are trying to do. Our main focus is to bring ilm and knowledge to students to try to give Q. Favorite Sunnah Salah? the students, the average person the taste of knowledge. A. It’s Witr We don’t want them to underestimate their level of intellect; we are trying to upgrade that level of intellect for Q. Any last words?

A. Jazakallah Khair. Time to start. them inshallah.

Q. What is one point about the Palestinian situation that the Muslims should know and the non-Muslims should know?

A.It’s a great injustice. A great overlooked injustice. I was reading today.. even in the news.. Just read the article on CNN, it’s ridiculous about Clinton’s announcement -putting pressure on the Palestinians, they just assume all the pressure always comes from lobbies they have here in the country. (The Muslims know this, that it’s an injustice, so that would be the message to the non

Q. How was an interview with no marriage questions?

A. Alhamalhamdulillahi rabbil ‘alameen!

Jazakallah Khair Shaykh. (May Allah Bless Our Beloved Shaykh and his family, aameen.)

Visit www.qhaadi.org/alhadiyah/ to listen to the interview.

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Your Neighbor And You Compiled By A Student of Shaykh Jamaal Zarabozo

Is there a contemporary definition?

There is no authentic evidence backing any of these opinions. Neighbors are a culturally defined thing. That doesn’t lessen the obligation of fulfilling the rights of the neighbors.

One should be aware of who his neighbors are, and treat them well. In general, those closest (in distance) to you have more rights on you than those further away.

This article is based on a class by Shaykh Jamaal Zarabozo on the Commentary of the Forty Hadith of Nawawi. Shaykh Jamaal discussed some aspects of the neighborly relations that touch our everyday life.

Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful. (Surah An-Nisaa’: 36)

Muslims, wherever they lived, had a very positive impact on the societies.

There are many lands where Islam spread by the mere observance of the Muslims who went there as traders.

This is due to their adherence to the principles in the Quran and the Sunnah. As Muslim, we have certain obligations to the people who live close to us. Are we fulfilling our obligations towards them? Are we There are three interpretations for having a positive impact on the soci- the words: ety? These are questions that each 1. Neighbor who is near of kin one needs to ask himself. (relative) and neighbor who is not a In a hadith in Musnad Ahmad which relative Al Albaani declared as saheeh, the 2. Neighbor who is close to you (in Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam distance) as opposed to a neighbor who is more distant said: The Imaan of an individual will not 3. Neighbor who is a Muslim and be sound until his heart is sound, neighbor who is a non- Muslim and his heart will not be set aright until the tongue is set aright. No What is a neighbor? individual will enter Jannah if his We need to define neighbor from a neighbor is not saved from his af- Shariah perspective, since the Shariah gives them specific rights. fairs.

In Islam, being a good neighbor does not simply mean that we do not harm our neighbor, but in fact we need to take positive steps towards our neighbor, like bringing assistance and help to them. Allah gives us the general relationship of the believers towards others:

local mosque. All those who pray in the same mosque are considered your neighbor.

4. Those who live in a particular district or a city.

Ahadith regarding good treatment of neighbors There are a number of ahadeeth in which the Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam stressed the importance of dealin g properl y with on e’s neighbors. In one hadith, the Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam said:

Jibreel kept advising me concerning the neighbor to the point that I thought he would inherit [from his neighbor] (Sahih al Bukhari) In another hadith, Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam said: …Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbor … (Sahih al Bukhari) In addition to not harming our neighbors, we should be courteous and generous to our neighbor.

… Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should be courteous and The jurists have differed concerning generous to his neighbor … (Bukhari the exact definition of ‘neighbor’. and Muslim) 1. A person’s neighborhood extends forty houses in each direction.

And, 2. Only those whose houses are adjoining, either from the front or the back 3. In most Muslim areas, there is a The Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasal-

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lam said, “By Allah, he is not a believer. By Allah, he is not a believer. By Allah, he is not a believer.” It was said to him, “Who is that, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “The one from whose affairs his neighbor is not safe.” (Sahih al Bukhari)

apartments are built here. It is upon us to take the needed precautions even if your neighbors don’t knock at your door to complain.

It is part of our da’wah too to be good neighbors. It is very unfortunate that many people cannot stand Muslim One time the Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam was neighbors. Some of the common complaints about Musasked about a woman who performed lots of prayers, lim neighbors are – children, noise, up late at night, fasted and gave charity but she used to harm her leaving toys outside, leaving trash outside. neighbor by her speech. The Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam said that she is in the Hell-fire.[1] Then the It is important to know what is the ‘urf (custom) and Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam was asked about a standard. It is an obligation; at the very minimum, one woman who did not fast, pray or give in charity much should not harm his neighbors. You cannot expect them [more than what was obligatory upon her] but she to understand the standards and customs of where you would not harm her neighbors. The Prophet said that come from. They would say – ‘Now he lives here, he she is in Paradise. (Ahmad, Ibn Maajah and Al-Haakim; needs to know’.

Ali Hasan al-Halabi states that its chain is sahih) In another hadith, the Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam has described three people whom Allah loves:

“There are three people who Allah loves… [One of them is] a man who is being harmed by his neighbor but he is patient until they are separated by death or one moves away.” (Musnad Ahmad; Shuaib al-Arnaoot says that it contains an unknown narrator. According to Abdul Hameed, it is hasan.)

This shows how important it is to be polite and behave properly to one’s neighbors. Even if the neighbor is causing a great deal of harm, if the person is willing to be patient – Allah loves that individual.

Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.

(Surah An-Nisaa’: 36)

Some practical aspects related to our everyday life Much of what it means to behave properly with one’s neighbors is defined by the customs of the people. When a person moves from one country to another and chooses to live in the new society, it is imperative on them as a Muslim to know what it means to be a good neighbor in that society and imperative on them to live up to that standard. Many Muslims fail to understand this aspect. What is acceptable in the societies they came from is not acceptable here. One has to act according to the standards and the conditions where he lives at the time.

If we understand the limits of being a good neighbor here – in addition to meeting the minimum requirements and do things which Islam tells us; then we would be having a positive impact on our relationships with neighbors. If we don’t meet the minimum requirement of the customary habits of a neighbor and show good gestures to our neighbors, the end result still will be negative. Let us make a positive impact especially upon our Non-Muslim neighbors and become good da’ees American culture is very different than other cultures. even through simple acts.

The standards are very different with respect to children, noise and property – maintaining front yard and back [1] This doesn’t mean that she is outside the fold of Islam or yard among other things. For example: if you are living that she is in Hell-fire forever. It is such a grievous action that in an apartment and the children are running around she has committed which causes her to enter Hell-fire to puduring the night, there is a good chance that you are rify her of her sin. harming your neighbors. This is due to the way that the

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A HAADI PRESS RELEASE

By Umm Sulaym You may have experienced a joy that you could not describe at a time when you were filled with love for a person and it gave you great warmth inside, a joy that made you say, "I love you for the sake of Allah."

No, this is not a romantic love. This is an enduring love.

It is a love without stigmas and no strings attached save the Rope of Allah. It is a love that few have for many, but most have for few, if any. It is a love to rejoice about, for which the rewards are numerous and grand, for the one who has this love has tasted the sweetness of emaan.

The Prophet sallallahu alaihiwasallam said, "There are three qualities that whoever has them will taste the sweetness of emaan; to love Allah and His Messenger

in al-Muwatta from Mu'adh ibn Jabal radhiyAllahu anh who reported in a beautiful story narrated from Abu Idrees al-Khawlaani; "I entered the mosque of Damascus, where I saw a young man who had a bright smile, and I saw the people gathered around him. When they disagreed on a matter, the referred it to him, and accepted his opinion. I asked who he was, and they told me, 'This is Mu'adh ibn Jabal.' Early the next day, I went to the mosque but I found that he had arrived earlier than I. He was praying, so I waited until he had finished, then I approached him from the front, greeted him and said, 'By Allah I love you.' He said, 'For the sake of Allah?' I said, 'For the sake of Allah.' He repeated his question, 'For the sake of Allah?' and I said, 'For the sake of Allah.' So he took hold of my collar and pulled it towards him and said, 'Rejoice! I heard the Prophet salla Allahu alaihiwasalaam say, "Allah the Almighty says, 'My Love is granted to those who love one another for My sake, who visit one another for My sake, and who

more than any other, to love a man only for the sake of spend on one another for My sake.'"

Allah, and to abhor returning to kufr after Allah has saved him from it as he would abhor to be thrown into What great news indeed! Can you imagine being from the Fire (of Hell)." (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim) amongst those beloved to Allah for a love that you have for another, only for His sake? Perhaps there is someone Allahu Akbar! Between loving Allah and His Messenger that you love for the sake of Allah. Have you told him or and hating to return to kufr is loving one's brother for her of that love? If not, tell them. For the Prophet salla the sake of Allah! And the Prophet sallallahu alaihiwa Allahu alaihiwasallam said, "If a man loves his brother, sallam spoke the truth! For a love to be granted such a let him tell him that he loves him." (Abu Dawud, Atbeautiful reward, how noble such a love must be in the Tirmidhi, saheeh) sight of Allah!

One might wonder why the Prophet sallallahu alaihiwa Indeed the Prophet sallallahu alaihiwasallam said, as sallam said this. It is because it increases the bonds and reported by Mu'adh ibn Jabal, "Allah the exalted has the love within the Muslim ummah. If a brother or sister said, for those who love one another for the sake of My of yours informed you of their love for you, wouldn't Glory, there will be seats of light and they will be envied this increase that love? You would be filled with love (with ghibta or a positive type of envy) by the Prophets for them and wish to tell them the same and when someand martyrs." (At-Tirmidhi, graded hasan saheeh) one tells you of that love you should say, "May He for Whose sake you love me, love you" (Abu Dawud).

In the explanation of this hadith, some have clarified that it's not that the status of Prophets and martyrs will This is just another of the many beautiful sunan that we be less than who loved each other for the sake of Allah, can implement and because it has to do with our relabut rather it is to highlight the superiority and excellence tionship with others, it is an act that continues to give of this act of worship. and increase. The Prophet sallallahu alaihiwasallam said, "No two men love each other, but the better of But even greater than this reward is what is mentioned them is the one whose love for his brother is

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AL-HADIYAH greater" (Bukhari, al-Adab alMufrad). So compete in this noble act of worship and 'spread the love' for this is a concept inherent to Islam that came long before many other movements in the present day, and it is of the purest and truest of loves.

A HAADI PRESS RELEASE those whom we claim to love, and less shy to do so before those with whom we are less familiar. At this point, it is very important to check our intentions and make the neces-

In another hadith the Prophet salla Allahu alaihiwasallam said, "Allah will ask on the Day of Judgment, 'Where are those who loved one another for My Glory? Today I will shade them in My shade[1] on the Day when there is no shade but Mine" (Sahih Muslim).

lah?” He said, “When you meet him, greet him with salaam; when he invites you, accept his invitation; when he seeks your advice, advise him; when he sneezes and then praises Allah, invoke Allah’s mercy upon him; when he falls ill, visit him; when he dies, follow his funeral” (Sahih Muslim).

This is the least that we must do for our brother or sister in Islam. Especially if we claim to love that person for the sake of Allah, we should fulfill these rights to them lest that love become compromised or false.

When we read the Qur'an and ahadeeth, we know how desperate we will be on that Day, how in need of any type of relief we will be, so such a reward is definitely worth sary adjustments to make sure that working for! we are doing it in the manner comDo not belittle this essential deed manded by Allah and His Messenger and recognize that on That Day, you and for the pleasure of Allah alone. will desire even one hasanah. You will wish you loved more of your 2. Loving for your friend what you brothers for the sake of Allah. You love for yourself. will wish that you had put forth more When loving for the sake of Allah, we must remember the hadith in than what you earned. which the Prophet sallallahu alaihi As we have come to know of the wasallam informed us, "None of you noble status of the one who loves for believes (perfectly) until he loves for the sake of Allah, it is necessary to his brother what he loves for himclarify some of the conditions for self" (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Musthis love. What constitutes love for lim). the sake of Allah?

This is a well-known hadith, yet we 1. Enjoining the Good and Forbid- are seldom able to implement it. As loving for the sake of Allah is free of ding Evil When loving for the sake of Allah, the interest in personal gains or dewe must recall the statement of our sires, this would often require us to Rabb in Surah al-Asr, "Surely man is prefer others over ourselves and this in a state of loss. Except for those is very difficult indeed, but this is the who call to the truth and call to pa- sunnah of the Prophet sallallahu alaihiwasallam and we must make the tience." necessary sacrifices to perfect our In our dealings with those whom we emaan. claim to love for the sake of Allah, it should be in the interest of fulfilling 3. Fulfilling your friend’s rights these noble duties that we love them. upon you.

This should be the Muslim's role The Prophet sallallahu alaihiwasalamongst any and all Muslims. Yet lam said, “A Muslim has six rights we often find that we are shy to en- over another Muslim.” They asked, join the good and forbid evil before “What are they, Messenger of Al-

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4. Spreading the Salaam!

Although it was mentioned in the hadith above, it is worth mentioning that the Prophet sallallahu alaihiwa sallam said, "By Him in Whose Hand is my soul! You will not enter Jannah until you believe, and you shall not believe until you love one another. May I inform you of something, if you do it, you love each other? Spread the salaam amongst one another."

Alhamdulillah! So simple, yet nowadays we even find ourselves unable to fulfill this right to other Muslims.

This is a simple ingredient to loving one another for Allah’s sake.

5. Smiling in the face of your friend We can all attest to the good affects of a smile in the face of our brother or sister. The Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam said, “Do not view any good act as insignificant, even the act of meeting your brother with a cheerful face” (Sahih Muslim).

Do not be stingy with smiling as there are many Sahaba who claimed to always having seen the Prophet sallallahu alaihiwasallam smiling.

Then isn’t it no wonder that he became the most beloved to them?

6. Thinking good of your friend It is well known that a Muslim, just like he should have “Husn adh-

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A HAADI PRESS RELEASE gifts, it will increase love” (Sahih al-Bukhari).

This is a very special one because it has done so much for many relationships between Muslims, even between strangers. Surely almost everyone can attest to the love that one feels when giving something to someone that they love and likewise, the love that is felt when receiving a gift from someone who you know is giving out of love alone and with no expectations except reward from Allah.

HE WAS PRAYING, SO I WAITED UNTIL HE HAD FINISHED, THEN I APPROACHED HIM FROM THE FRONT, GREETED HIM AND SAID, 'BY ALLAH I LOVE YOU.' HE SAID, 'FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH?' I SAID, 'FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH.' HE REPEATED HIS QUESTION, 'FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH?' AND I SAID, 'FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH.' SO HE TOOK HOLD OF MY COLLAR AND PULLED IT TOWARDS HIM AND SAID, 'REJOICE! I HEARD THE PROPHET SALLA ALLAHU ALAIHIWASALAAM SAY, "ALLAH THE ALMIGHTY SAYS, 'MY LOVE IS GRANTED TO THOSE WHO LOVE ONE ANOTHER FOR MY SAKE, WHO VISIT ONE ANOTHER FOR MY SAKE, AND WHO SPEND ON ONE ANOTHER FOR MY SAKE.'"

With the above and by the guidance of Allah and His Messenger sallallahu alaihiwasallam, we can begin right now to cultivate this love and continue to learn of new ways to increase the love between Muslims. I pray that this is of benefit to the Muslims and that its benefit will be one noticeable and apparent to those in the communities we live in. I ask Allah the Most High, to enable us to love one another for His sake alone so that we will be of those loved by Him, and that we will be gathered in the shade of His Throne on that Day, when there will be no shade except His. Ameen.

[1]Scholars have explained that this shade is from the shade of the Throne of Allah. As mentioned in the hadeeth in Bukhari and Muslim of the 7 under the shade of the throne.

Dhann” (good expectation/thinking) with his Lord, he should have it with his Muslim brother as well.

Fudayl ibn Iyaadh said, “He who seeks a brother pure of shortcomings will remain brotherless!” We must seek the good in one another and focus on the good qualities of each other while working to correct our shortcomings, but in the best of ways.

7. Making du’a for your friend If you truly want for your brother what you want for yourself, just as you make du’a for yourself, you should supplicate for him as well.

The Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam said, “A Muslim’s supplication for his brother in secret is answered.

At his head an angel is appointed, and whenever he supplicates for his brother with something good, the angel appointed to him says, ‘Ameen, and likewise for you’” (Sahih Muslim).

Make sincere du’a for another, so that you will be granted the same. This is a good protection against hasad between friends as well.

8. Giving Gifts Lastly, the Prophet sallallahu alaihiwasallam said, “Give

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Amazingly Ordinary

By Umm Umar There are many times when we in our lives will look upon a person or group of people with envy. Ok, maybe not envy in the purely evil sense, but we may actually just wish to be in someone else’s shoes, or wish to have the same wonderful opportunities, to have some of the same or all of the same blessings another person may have been bestowed with. However, we are reminded in the Qur’an: And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others...... And ask Allah of his bounty. Indeed Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing.

[Surat an-Nisaa': 32] Instead of wishing for what others have, and thus eventually harboring evil feelings, we are told to instead go to the source of these blessings and ask Allah for His Bounty.

Along the same lines, there are many instances in the stories of the Qur’an when we might ask, “Couldn’t Allah have just done this instead and then the matter would have been settled in a shorter time? Couldn’t Allah have ju st saved Musa miraculously and put an end to Pharoah likewise? Why the whole hiding the baby in the basket, sending him upon the Nile River, being raised under Pharoah’s nose, etc.?

What about ‘Isa? Why not just be born even more miraculously and save his mother from all that hardship?” And many, many instances like this.

To make it short, it is simply more miraculous. To have gone through the ordinary means appeals to human

A HAADI PRESS RELEASE nature much more powerfully. It reveals the exquisite planning of Allah, His Wisdom and His farreaching power. And along the way, the people involved attain virtues which would not have been attained had things been done differently: the patience of the mother of Musa, the wife of Pharoah, and Maryam, mother of ‘Isa, and many more. The struggle of Patience and Perseverance, belief and absolute trust in Allah are probably the most miraculous aspects of the entire story. And only those people who have the true belief are blessed with such virtues, because it is only Belief in Allah which makes such virtue grow, and not belief in any other deity.

world. Amongst the resources available to us also, and a great opportunity, is the number of Institutes that have sprouted all across the country, offering knowledge of the Deen with just the click of a button. Indeed, these are the blessings we will be asked about!

Then, on that Day, you shall be asked about the delight (you indulged in, in this world)!

[Surat at-Takathur: 8]

Success is effort. It is hard work, taking hold of the opportunities that come our way, and the Tawfeeq of Allah that renders our goals fulfilled.

And if anyone embodied this, it was the Sahabah—who took hold of So what does this have to do with opportunities and became amongst wishing for what others have? Well, those who were praised by Allah: we might wish for the opportunities awarded to others, the blessings, and And the first forerunners [in the basically the “ease” that others have, faith] among the Muhajireen and but ultimately, however the fact that the Ansar and those who followed we have reached our destinations them with good conduct - Allah is from sometimes ordinary means is pleased with them and they are what makes each of our lives so spe- pleased with Him, and He has precial. None of us is given all that life pared for them gardens beneath has to offer in a silver platter–and which rivers flow, wherein they thus, if we have struggled to reach a will abide forever. That is the goal, it is that struggle and reward great attainment.

[Surat at-Tawbah: 100] for hard earned work which makes it a l l t h e m or e s p ec i a l a n d “miraculous.” For example, many of And thus, when a person is given the young Muslims today thirst for those tidings to eat and drink on the Day of once in a life time opportunities to Judgment as Allah says: study Islam overseas, or to learn the Arabic Language, to study under a They will be told, “Eat and drink renowned Scholar, in Makkah, at the in satisfaction for what you put Haram, etc. However, if a person forth in the days past.”

[Surat al-Haaqqah: 24] were to reach all of these goals without these opportunities, isn’t that This has special meaning to the one much more “miraculous”? who is about to enter the gates of We will also be asked about the cir- Paradise. To have struggled for it cumstances we are already in, about and worked hard, the reward is the opportunities and resources that just…more rewarding. And Allah are already available to us. Amongst says many times that He could have these resources is the Internet, which just destroyed us for our evil, or He has made learning our Deen so easy, could have made us one nation, but that one can study Islam or Arabic all matters are carried out in perfecfrom the comfort of home while tion, and this befits the Lord of the one's teacher is half way across the Worlds.

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A HAADI PRESS RELEASE tion. He said to her "cover me, cover me!" and after she met his mood, and sympathized with his feelings of the unknown and then comforted with words of support.

And Allah knows best.

Assalamualaikum Sr Heba, I am very happy with my husband alhamdulillah, except that he has a bad temper. And sometimes, I fail to be patient. And if I am patient at least outwardly (without fighting back with him), I feel frustrated inside. Even though I am happy with him otherwise, sometimes I fear that this one problem can lead to unhappiness. Please advice.

Walaikum assalam, I think that what many partners in marriages don't realize is that the person they are with is usually a product of a variety of experiences and unique reactions to those experiences - things they weren't around for, things that they might not understand. And depending on how long they may end up being married for, may never understand. Not surprisingly, because men are less likely to "talk" about their past or their feelings, it's the woman who may never really know what makes him tick or what doesn't. On the other hand, because women usually do like to share their feelings with (may even need to do so in order to feel fulfilled), the husband would usually have an idea of where her reactions and personality traits stem from.

Regardless, if both parties take the time to open the lines of communication, to talk without being judgmental, to place themselves in the other's shoes, then the chance for happiness greatly increases.

Assalamualaikum Sr Heba, When do I know when to stop committing to things?

I always feel overwhelmed with things to do. Is it because I am not managing time well, or is it because I have too much to do?

Walaikum assalam, This is a dilemma I commonly hear about and to tell you the truth, I don't know what you're doing so I can't really answer for you :) But here's the thing, if you can take a look at your ultimate life plan (or at least your goals for this year) and then ask yourself if the projects you've committed to are, in fact, serving that plan - then you're on your way to finding the answer.

There are those who thrive on busy schedules, who work better when they are doing so much and being so involved in everything. And that's nice if: a) they're not avoiding dealing with some issue in their own life and b) they're not at risk of burn out and then giving up on all the projects they're participating in.

So, in essence, to determine if you are doing too much: 1) Consider your schedule and list out all the tasks/ projects/events you are dealing with 2) Match up that schedule to your goals and question if there is compatibility of the two 3) Determine if you're running away from dealing with some other issue 4) If the answer is yes - figure out how are you going to deal with it.

5) Gently drop the things that don't fit in 6) Work with ihsan (excellence) on the things that do.

Being patient is one thing - but even the most patient have a limited supply. What's more concerning is the fact that the unhappiness is simmering underneath the surface. If you're saying that your husband is otherwise a great guy and you do love him, I think it would behoove the relationship (and your own happiness) to open Work like you mean it :) And Allah knows best. those lines of communication and really get to know Hope that helps. him and what makes him get angry and why, you're on your way to understanding. And through understanding, Heba Alshareef is a teacher and author of your patience reserves are refilled.

“Release Your Inner Queen of Sheba!”

She has been mentoring women around Once you start to understand what sets off his temper, the world to discover their unique talents, you can feel for him, maybe even match his mood act on their aspirations to achieve great through your compassion for what he's going things, and find authentic happiness. through. And then once you've come to his level, you can actually be the calmness and the coolness You can send your questions for and bring him back to a good place. personal advice to “Ask Heba” at: Consider the example of the Prophet SAW, when he http://www.qabeelathaadi.org/alhadiyah/ returned to his wife Khadija after the first revela-

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LESSONS FROM THE LETTER ABOO MAAHI You must be aware of the Hadith reported By say: Bear witness that we are Muslims" [3:64] Abu Sufyan which is recorded in Sahih AlBukhari [Hadith #7] - a dialogue between Abu Sufyan and Heraclius. Perhaps, the most important part in this hadith would be the Letter in which Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam addresses Heraclius. This letter is very profound as it highlights the important principles of giving Da’wah to the non-muslims. There are a lot of lessons that can be drawn out of this letter and this gives us the insight of how Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam gave Da’wah to the People of the book. This is relevant to our place and time as we live in the land where the majority is the people of the Book.

After the incident at Hudaibiyah, when the Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam had accepted the treaty of peace, he sent letters to different kings in Persia i.e. Khusroo, Heraclius- Emperor of Byzantine and Najashee, Emperor of Ethiopia.

Khusroo rejected the message and killed the messenger who brought to him the message and Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam made dua’ for the destruction of the Persian Empire (which came true). Contrary to this, the Emperor of Ethiopia, Najashee accepted the message and protected the Muslims and Islam. He died a Muslim and Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam prayed Janazah prayer for him. And the last letter was the letter that was sent to Byzantine Emperor, Heraclius.

The content of the letter was as follows "Bismillahi Ar-Rahmani Ar-Raheem (In the Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful. (This letter is) from Muhammed, the slave of Allah and His Messenger; to Heraclius, the ruler of Byzantines. Peace be upon him, who follows the Right Path. Then after I invite you to Islam, and if you become a Muslim you will be safe, and Allah will double your reward, and if you reject this invitation of Islam you will be committing in a sin (by misguiding your) 'Arisiyin' (peasants) And (I recite to you Allah's Statement) 'O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allah and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords beside Allah. Then, if they turn away,

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If we carefully look at this letter it has instrumental teaching and principles of Da’wah.

1) He starts the Letter with Bismillah.

2) He addresses the king in a polite manner and he shows respect to the king by addressing him as "’Adheem Ar-Rum" as the Romans recognized him by that title. So we learn that when addressing the leaders of the community, we address them in the respectful manner that they deserve and the title they are recognized by.

3) He does not greet the Emperor with “Assalamu Alaikum” as this has got a significant meaning and cannot be applied to everyone, rather he greets him with "Salamun ‘Alaa Manittaba’aalHuda" (Peace be upon him, who follows the right path). This is a sunnah that needs to be revived while addressing the people of the Book.

4) Straight away, he invites him to Islam without getting into any other matters. He had said, "if you become a Muslim you will be safe, and Allah will double your reward". If you look at the wording used, it is "Aslim Taslim" Aslim is in the form of Amr i.e command. So basically he is telling that you have to submit and if you do so Allah Subhanahu wata’ala will double his reward.

5) Then he continues "and if you reject this invitation of Islam you will be committing in a sin (by misguiding your) 'Arisiyin' (peasants/servants/ farmers)". At that time it was common that if the leader of a nation follows a certain religion then, his subjects would follow him as they trusted their leaders. Also we know that: “La thaziru waazirathan vizra ukhra” (And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another) [17:15] and if you are the cause for someone turning away from Islam then, not only do you bare the burdens of your own disbelief but also the burden of all the people who turn away from Islam.

6) Then Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam quoted the verse of the Quran.

From his letter there can be important lessons that we can relate to : 1) The primary topic of Da’wah is to call people to Tawheed and not clear the misconceptions.

Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam started his mes-

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sage by inviting him to Islam right away.

2) Book and letters are means of Da’wah. Unfortunately, if you go to any bookstore today, you will find books on Islam, books from an academic point of view and most of them are not written by Muslims.

3) One of the people to whom we need to make Da’wah are the Christians as they need guidance.

4) We have to make it clear that there is a difference between them and us; that we are following the correct message and they have diverted from the message and if they do not revert and accept the straight path, they are going astray and will not succeed.

5) Da’wah includes two aspects- good news and warning, targeeb and tarheeb. It is not only enough that we pass on the good news so as to be politically correct when we speak but, it is equally important that we warn them about the consequences of not following the message. In this letter, Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam, after giving him good news that he will be rewarded doubly, he warns him that if he rejected the message that he would be sinning. Da’wah is not about public relations or being politically correct. If we look at the example of Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam, he used the command form- "Aslim". If anyone had to speak diplomatically and politically correct, and still be kind in speech, it would have been Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam. Imagine the political condition of Muslims thenit was before Makkah conquest, they were under the treaty of Hudaybiyah and the Prophet had to be very careful not to breech it, as breeching it would mean war.

Moreover, he was dealing with the superpower of the time- The Romans. Yet he addressed them with the clear and complete message with both Targeeb and Tarkeek.

The concept of targeeb is also very clear in the Ayah that the Prophet referred in this Hadith: "Then, if they turn away, say: Bear witness that we are submitting to Allah”.

6) We also learn that each one of us needs to set a good example, as there will always be someone who follows you, and you don’t want to be the one misguiding others. You don’t have to be the Roman Emperor; even your siblings, children will follow your example.

7) As da’ees, it is a good idea to concentrate on giving da’wah to people of authority and influence. If Allah grants them hidaya, then the ripple effect could be greater. People always look up to influential people.

8) A very important lesson to note is: while giving Da’wah, let the Quran speak. It is ironic that we are afraid to talk anything which we might think the person wouldn’t like but we happily hand over the Quran to them which has more warning in it than what we can speak. While speaking to the people, let the Quran be the source of guidance for your da’wah. This is also from the sunnah of Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasallam which is clear from this Letter.

Continued from Pg. 10.... hearts to commit any sin. Additionally, even though this should not be our intention, Salah acts as a selfdiscipline tool and organizer.

The fard Salah is the only act of worship that has a ritual call- the Adhan and Iqamah to let people know of its time and call people to it. No other act of ibadah, be it fasting or hajj, has a “call” to mark its time. And this call has a profound meaning and beauty that goes beyond the sound of it. Not to mention the amazing story of how the adhan was established.

Savor the sweetness of the anatomy of Salah: Let me just share two amazing gems in the anatomy of Salah. When we start Salah, we begin with “takbeerathul ihram” or “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is The Greatest!) In the midst of our happening day with all the happiness, pleasures, sorrow and troubles attached with it, we stand before Allah, in a state of ritual purity (Wudu’ and ghusl as required). Allah is the Greatest, greater than anything in our life, greater than anyone in our life. And so, we leave all other thoughts behind because Allah is The Greatest and worthy of this complete submission without our mind being occupied by anything else. Salah is when we are most connected with Allah Subhanahu wata’ala. And in case, we forget this, and we allow shaytan to steal our thoughts, Salah has repeated utterance of “Allahu Akbar” in its format.

Secondly, when we begin our Salah, we are standing. In this position, our brain is above our heart. Man is an intelligent animal, and his intelligence is what distinguishes himself from other animals. His intelligence if often his reason of his arrogance and pride that enters his heart ultimately. While in ruku’, we put our intelligence in the same level as our hearts. And further, we submit with the most humility with our intelligence and head on the ground, where it is at the lowest. If we understood and pondered upon this hikmah in the anatomy of Salah, we would be successful in humbling ourselves at least a degree higher bi idhnillah.

Savor the sweetness of difference of opinions: When it comes to issues of Fiqh, we often see many differences. Divine Link was one of the classes that taught me it is okay to have these differences, as long as they are based on valid evidences (daleel) and opinions.

This shows the Mercy and Wisdom of Allah in allowing these differences to exist. Only Allah knows the absolute right; we choose opinions with sincere intentions and then leave the rest to Allah to judge. One is not entitled to judge others’ actions or label another person wrong, especially based on small issues in Fiqh. Allahu a’lam.

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A HAADI PRESS RELEASE

Every year, during the last 10 days of Ramadan, some brothers sacrifice their comfort by waking up before everybody and missing their Tahajjud prayer to prepare and serve breakfast for about 300 people before the time of Fajr. Every year, the same exact brothers! They would do the planning, shopping, cooking and serving.

Have you ever wondered why? Why are they going through these hassles? Are they getting paid? Are they hopping to get some benefit from you and me? We all know the answer (or at least we hope we know): they are doing it for the sake of Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala.

They want to get the ultimate rewards on the Day of Judgment.

At work, we have a special month where the employees are encouraged to volunteer at least half a day in different organizations to make a difference in someone’s life.

Some choose to help a school, some will clean a park and some choose to pack food for the needy. At the end of the project, most of the participants will feel good about themselves, knowing that they did something noble, beyond their own needs. What’s their motivation?

Most of the people don’t act for the rewards in the afterlife, but to give some meaning to their life. If they contribute to the society, it’s a reward by itself.

Most people believe that if everybody was doing his part, we would live in a better world. So why aren’t more people making it happen? Why do we see the same people doing all the work, and the rest continue to be on the sidelines? Let’s try to explore the different reasons and what we can do about it:

VOLUNTEERISM IS NOT SOMETHING TO BE OFFERED IF AND WHEN YOU HAVE NO OTHER ACTIVITIES. IT IS NOT A SECONDARY THING TO BE DONE, IT HAS TO BE ONE OF THE PRIORITIES IN A MUSLIM’S LIFE! AND WHEN YOU DO SO, IT IS NOT SOMETHING TO BE BRAGGED ABOUT, OR SOMETHING FOR WHICH YOU ACCEPT SOMETHING IN RETURN, AS YOU ARE DOING IT “FEE SABEELILLAH” (FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH)

By Nadim Sohail 1. I am too busy. Work? Education? Family? We all have a life to manage. What makes our day is how we prioritize our goals we want to achieve. If we need training to advance our career, we will find time. If we need to go to the gym because we need to lose weight, we will find time. There is no such thing as time management; it’s all about goal management. Write down your goals you want to achieve during the month, the week, the day and prioritize them so that you can fulfill all your responsibilities, including volunteering for the community.

2. I want to help but don’t have any special skill. It’s very common to find people who think they have little or no value for the community. Allah subhanahu wata’ala has given all of us very special skills that are unique. We need to identify them and need to know our strengths and weaknesses. I agree that it is sometime difficult to realize what we are really good at. For that, I would recommend talking with a life coach, or do some self-assessments questionnaire online. However, irrespective of your skills, you can always volunteer for easier tasks and later propose your help where you think you can benefit others the most.

3. I wish I could help but… I love video games too much. I guess that’s a first step to recognize where the problem is. Do you enjoy playing “Call of Duty”? Well, this is the real life call of duty, so get your gears on and score some points on how many meals you can serve to the homeless people.

Let’s not forget that the most important is not the greatness of the act, but what your motivation is. Sometime, the simplest act can lead to the greatest reward if it’s done for the sake of Allah Azza Wajal only. So next time, when you are asked if you would like to volunteer to distribute some flyers, or send a few emails, don’t think twice and do it with your best intention, this might be your pass to enter Jannah: The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: "Once, a man saw the branch of a tree in the middle of a road.

So, he said, 'By Allah, I will remove this from the path of the Muslims so they may not be hurt.' For this action, he was put in Paradise." (Sahih Muslim).

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AL-HADIYAH

A HAADI PRESS RELEASE

Reality Check: Confused with all the Info out there?

By Zahra Murtuza

In the current “It is He who has sent down to you the Book; in it are

age, humans claim they have reached unsurpassable heights on many levels. From iPods to satellites to architectural majesties, the progress we seem to be living in is characterized by much understanding of the world. With understanding, it is assumed, one can better the world. Others may think it is a chance to control the world and its resources. Others want to understand and absorb this information just for the sake of information itself. We constantly read our twitters, facebook updates and the news all throughout the day, sometimes overwhelmed with all this information. Does it give us a sense of peace? Doesn't it make us feel good about ourselves that we know more than before? Does it anchor us and give us a grasp on reality when reality is changing oh-so-quickly these days?

Well...what is the true reality? So many questions come to mind.

Unfortunately knowing is such a relative term and concept. Some people will know more about a subject and others will just read the headline and think they know. Teachers, researchers and professors in all fields are hailed as role models and seen as timeless emblems of knowledge. Similarly, shuyookh and 'ulamaa are respected for their knowledge of Qur'an, hadith, fiqh, tafsir and more. If they are sincere and dedicated and follow the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihiwasallam) to seek knowledge, they must be knowing the reality, right? But is this status of knowing limited to them only? How about those studying secular sciences? What about us average people flipping through San Francisco Chronicle, New York Times and twitter daily? What is it that the average human really needs to know to benefit themselves in this life and Hereafter?

verses precise-they are the foundation of the Book- and others unspecific. As for those in whose hearts in deviation, they will follow that of it which is unspecific seeking discord and seeking an interpretation [suitable to them]. And no one knows its [true] interpretation except Allah. But those firm in knowledge say, “We believe in it. All of it is from our Lord.” And no one will be reminded except those of understanding. [Who say], “Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us and grant us from Yourself mercy. Indeed, You are the Bestower.” (Surah Aal Imran: 7-8) In the eyes of Allah, the true intellectual or one deeply rooted in knowledge is one who knows his or her limits.

They believe in the Quran fully and, they believe that all of it is from Allah, the parts they understand and the parts they do not fully comprehend. Their emaan and belief in the validity of the Quran and the Messengerhood of Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihiwasallam gives them a deep humility when faced with the true knowledge from their Lord- the knowledge of His words.

The root ‘albaab’ comes from ‘lub’ which refers to ‘aql as-saalih’ or ‘a sound mind.’ In other words, you cannot become a person of deep knowledge or thought unless you become a person of a pure mind. In the world we live in, we are bombarded with so much information.

But did we ever make a distinction between that information which is useful and that which is not? They are not the same. If an individual consistently becomes desensitized to information, it will all look the same to him or her. And when the truth is coming to them, they will think, “oh, just some more ‘info’”. Not only is it information but these venues of harm to the intellect come in forms of senseless media, gossip and tale bearing, music If we truly want to understand the condition of human and overexposure to shamelessness, all things which beings and what knowing actually means, who better to Allah has not allowed for us for our own good. turn to than our Creator, exalted is He? He has praised those of knowledge in the Qur'an. If Allah praises some- Thus, Allah lays out a simple formula to become a true thing, we can rest assured that this thing or person or intellectual: idea is magnificent. It is unlike other average things because truly it is He, the One who is All-Knowing, All- 1. Become a person of a sound mind so you will retain Wise and Knower of the seen and unseen who has given the knowledge. You cannot become a person of knowledge or understanding without purity of mind. Get rid of it this status. the clutter in there. Detoxify yourself from those influAllah Subhanahu wa ta’ala says about the Ulul Albaab ences, and you know best which ones they are. (people of understanding/people of pure essence) in the 2. Drop your ego, period. Only the humble ones will Qur'an :

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AL-HADIYAH

A HAADI PRESS RELEASE such purified thought and pondering over His signs? Let’s backtrack a bit and make some time for such reflection.

ourselves on the proper etiquettes of making du’a as well so we may attain the status of Ulul Albaab in the sight of Allah.

4. Allah clearly says that the intellectuals are those who remember Allah at all times- standing, sitting or lying. They are not praising their own selves or their knowledge but their praise is for the One to Whom all praise is due. Their praise is towards the One Whom all of creation praises. They remember Him alone in their supplications and prostrations and prayers, because it is only He who can answer. And it is He Who will bring them to account on truly appreciate the knowledge and the Day of Judgment. The intellecintellect because they know the lim- tual in the sight of Allah knows his its of their intellect. When true place humbly before his Lord. knowledge from Allah comes, they say, “We hear and we obey” with 5. Not only do we see the characterpure submission of hearts and minds. istic of humility but the action of When they prostrate in prayer, they du’a is very prominent for the Ulul put the most important part of their Albaab. When a person knows his or body- their head, their intellect, their her place before their parents or mind- on the ground, humbling their teacher or elder, they will immediego towards He Who is the Origina- ately run to show them their gratitude. More worthy of praise, love tor of it. and admiration is Allah, the One Finally, Allah ends the Surah with a who has guided us despite our shortreminder on Ulul Albaab once again. comings, the One who gives without Just as He starts the surah, He ends it asking. There are so many ayaat and with their praise and mentions their ahadith regarding du’a. simple yet profound qualities.

For example, `Ubadah bin As-Samit “Indeed, in the creation of the heav- RadhiyAllahu anh said: The Messenens and the earth and the alterna- ger of Allah Sallallahu alaihiwasaltion of the night and the day are lam said, "Whenever a Muslim supsigns for those of understanding- plicates Allah, He accepts his suppliWho remember Allah while stand- cation or averts any similar kind of ing or sitting or [lying] on their trouble from him until he prays for sides and give thought to the crea- something sinful or something that tion of the heavens and the earth, may break the ties of kinship.'' Upon [saying], “Our Lord, You did not this someone of the Companions create this aimlessly; exalted are said: "Then we shall supplicate You; then protect us from the pun- plenty.'' The Messenger of Allah said, "Allah is more plentiful (in ishment of the Fire.” (3:190-191) responding).''

3. The people of intellect ponder [At-Tirmidhi]. over the creation of Allah. Such a magnificent creation it is, all of it is a It is up to us to make sure we make sign of our Creator’s Majesty and du’a from our hearts with sincerity, Perfection. Wait a second, does the in our sujood, throughout our day information in our time lead us to and more. It’s up to us to educate

Overall, purifying our minds from rubbish, controlling our egos, reflecting and remembering Allah are the keys to becoming the true intellectual in the sight of Allah. If an individual studies different areas of knowledge in life such as mathematics, history, science, psychology, economics, Islamic sciences, law, you name it- all of these can be rewarded, InshAllah, given the intention is to please Allah and the method is done according to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu alaihiwasallam. But, what’s the bare minimum? Will everyone become a haafidh-ul-Quran? Or a PhD in Chemistry? Or a Nobel Peace Prize winner? Maybe not. Shall we try? Of course. But the foundation should be strong.

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If we keep in mind as our foundation the definition of intellectual and pure mind our Creator has set for us, we will find nothing else more refreshing for our emaan, uplifting to our spirit and relevant to our purpose.

Sources: Saheeh International Qur'an Translation, "Ulul Albaab" Lecture- Nouman Ali Khan - The Quran Conference, 2009.

AL-HADIYAH

A HAADI PRESS RELEASE

T

AQWA RUE SUCCESS

I must say if you truly want to understand “Purification So I sat their contemplating, subhanAllah, today we of the Soul– and its means” in the light of Qur’an and Sunnah, you have to read Shaykh Jamaal Zarabozo’s book on Purification of the soul. Very well written and very detailed. On top of that I am learning from him when he adds his comments and anecdotes. So Alhamdulillah for all this. Yesterday, as I was sitting and listening to the Shaykh my eyes fell on page 90 of his book “Purification of the soul”. Here is what it had: Sulaiman ibn Buraidah narrated from his father that whenever the Messenger of Allah (SAW) would send a general over an army he would advise him about himself to have fear (taqwa) of Allah and to treat those of the Muslims with him well. Then he would say, “Fight in the Name of Allah for the sake of Allah and fight whosoever disbelieves in Allah.”.In the famous letter that Umar ibn Al Khattab(R) wrote to Saa’d bin Abi Waqas, Umar stated, “I order you and the soldiers who are with you to be aware of Allah under all circumstances as taqwa (fear and awareness) of Allah is a better weapon against your enemy and a stronger strategy in battle. And I order you and those with you to be very much on the defensive against any sins, more then your enemies are , for the sins of an army are more feared than their enemies. Verily, Allah helps the Muslims due to the sins of their enemies; if it were not for that we would not be able to overcome them for our numbers are not like theirs and our power is not like theirs. If we are equal in sins to them, they will be able to overtake us due to their (military) power. If we were not aided by our virtue we would not be able to overcome them solely due to our power….And ask Allah to help yourselves in the same way that you ask Allah for help against your enemies.”

have become so ignorant of our deen that we fail to comprehend what is expected of us as an ‘Abd (slave) of Allah. (Just a side note I am a huge fan of Umar RadhiyAllahu anh. The level of emaan he had is amazing!) So like he said, if we are overcoming an enemy then it is a moment that we should be thankful to Allah and increase our taqwa because their sins are greater then our sins!. This is exactly why the Muslim Ummah was so successful -they had that level of emaan and fear of Allah in their hearts plus their enemies had more sins on their hands than the Muslims. Contrast that with present day. Today we see that we are humiliated and very unsuccessful. So what happened? This statement can change our perspective on how we look at things. Many times I have seen people arguing saying that economically we should be strong etc. These people should really stop debating this issue. If you have put the Book of Allah aside then what do you expect? Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) is not in need of us, we are in need of Him. So we must instill this fear and awareness of Allah in our hearts. This will govern our limbs which will make us successful bidinillahi ta’ala. Allah has used the word muttaqueen numerous times in the Quran and how they will attain salvation by going to Jannah. So this taqwa is very important.

Those that dont have taqwa can just follow their desires and live and do as they want. They are an open target for Shaytan. He knows this person is weak and can be manipulated easily to do evil. We must compare ourselves to the Prophet Sallallahu aalihiwasallam in this aspect as he is our role model. Compare today with the time of the our beloved Prophet and the difference stands out very clear. Something to ponder about and keep us awake in the remembrance of Ar-Rahman!

May Allah give increase our iman and our taqwa!

...

Alif Lam Meem. This is the Book, wherein there is no doubt, a guidance for the Muttaqin.....They are on guidance from their Lord, and they are the successful.

Surah Al-Baqarah 30

Engineer, Graduate of MIT

MBA, Gradu- IT Consultant, ate of Harvard Attended Fiqh Harvard University Of Love, AlMaghrib Seminar

Physician, MD. Graduate of Stanford University

At the matrimonial exhibit...

Story and Illustration by Umm Aisha

Don’t miss “Fiqh Of Love” coming up soon in the Bay Area, California Double Weekend Seminar Taught by Shaykh Waleed Basyouni @ MCA, Santa Clara, CA On Feb 12-14 & 20-21/ 2010 Register at http://www.almaghrib.org/seminars.php

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