Jewels of iman issue 9

JEWELS OF IM AN www.aateam.org

Issue 9

July 2015 Ramadaan/ Shawwal 1436

Sunan of Eid ~ A Eid Shopping Spree ~ The Best Eid ~ Hijab is Inequality ~ The Change Islam Brought ~ Plus much more inside...

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The month of Ramadaan has passed us by, and whilst we lament its passing we look forward to new beginnings, after having reached new heights in our iman. We celebrate the Day of Eid, thanking Allah for the immense blessings he has bestowed upon us. Now, the time has come to implement the training that we completed during the month of Ramadaan. Now is the time to judge ourselves, have we really learnt from Ramadaan? Have we changed for the better? Have we made improvements? Or has the TV, music, free mixing all been engaged in, now that Ramadaan has passed?! If we were to draw up our progress on a chart and measure it against numbers, would we be pleased with what we see? Grade your iman before Ramadaan out of 5; 0 being the lowest and 5 the highest. For arguments sake, lets say it was at 2 before Ramadaan. Next, how was it during Ramadaan, was it at 5, did you experience the sweetness of iman this Ramadaan?! Lastly, how is it now, after Ramadaan? Barakallhu feek if you managed to keep it 5, and if it dropped, then it?s only normal, we are only humans, who forget and err. However, it should not drop lower than the before Ramadaan mark of 2, because Ramadaan was a time for improvement and training. If we set out with the intention to turn over a new leaf this Ramadaan, then do not spoil it on the day of Eid by engaging in that which is displeasing to Allah. Hold firm to your resolve, and keep your goal and Jannah and the pleasure of Allah in mind. Continue reading your Qur?an, fasting sunnans and make a habit to pray some Qiyaam-ul-Layl. Inshallah, these measures will help keep you on track with your iman.

Bibi Zainab Dowlut

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CONTENTS Dawah: 5

Misconception: Hijab is Inequality

7

Family and Friends

20 The Rohingyans

l ink withyour creator: 11

Ash-Shafi (Pt 2)

13

Sunan of Eid

Signs of the hour # 7

18

The Habitator

22 A Eid Shopping Spree 24 Hayaa Pt 2 26 The Change Islam Brought 28 To My Friend in Distress 32 Muharramat: Abandoning Your Brother

journey tothe hereafter: 16

Sel f Improvement :

sisterssection: 34 An Independent Woman I wished to be!

36 Maimoonah Bint Harith

havingfunthe hal aal way: 40

The Best Eid

42

Quiz Answers

43

Quiz Time

44

Eid Special

45 Acknowledgement

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HIJAB IS INEQUALITY! Misconception # 8 It would appear to the naked eye that women in Islam have no rights. Shrouded in the hijab, and often covering their faces, many believe that muslim women are masked in this uniform all day long. While muslim men, can dress as they please. ?See the inequality?; they would say.

First things first; muslim women do not wear their Islamic garb 24/ 7. Rather the muslim woman?s attire that appears to be an ?oversized bed sheet?is merely an over garment which the muslim woman dons when she leaves her home, or in the presence of strange unrelated men. That means, in her home she dresses as she pleases, and can uncover her hair too.

Moreover, men have a dress code too. The minimum requirement for a male to cover is from his naval to his knees. That?s minimum. To you it may seem unequal, but I?m sure you would agree that men and women?s bodies are different! Therefore, a woman?s body necessitates that she covers more, as a woman is more attractive than a man, because Allah has given her that natural beauty. Women?s covering also acts as a means of protection.

Imagine your favourite sweet. Perhaps ?gummy bears, or cola bottles, or a lollipop. Now, imagine placing that sweet in the middle of the garden, or even in the middle of your dining table with wrappers removed, and served on a plate. Now, if the flies didn?t get to it first, I?m sure someone else would. Do you see my point?

No? Ok, here?s another example. Imagine you owned a block of solid gold, encrusted with diamonds, and rubies. If you left that hanging out of your pocket, as you walk down the street, or left it by the window for the world to see. I?m sure you would return home without it that evening. Apply those above scenarios to women. An unclothed, semi-naked woman, will be feasted upon by hungry eyes, and even

approached in an undesirable manner. In comparison, the muslim woman who covers herself, as per the requirements set by the Creator of mankind, will find herself free to walk as she pleases. In Islam, the muslim woman is more precious than gold and diamonds, she is sweeter that the most delightful sweet. She is worth more, her value is priceless, and thus she is to protect herself. ?O Prophet, tell your wives and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves their outer garments. That is more suitable, that they will be known and not abused. And ever is Allah forgiving and Merciful.? (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:59) The hijab, jilbab, or niqab does not limit a muslim woman in any way. Rather it gives her freedom. She is known by it to be an upright, moral individual who possess good character.

She is judged for her intellectual ability instead of her physical assets. In society today, women have become the instrument of advertisement.

If their bodies don?t cut it, they are more than often denied their due. In the west, where women have supposedly reached the peak of civilisation in their dressing and so-called ?freedoms?women are still not treated equally to men. According to the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, in 2007, approximately 12,000 women were harassed in the workplace.

Sexual abuse to women is a common occurrence. Though the man responsible is charged, many do not realise, that the woman is equally at fault for dressing provocatively.

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Allah, the Creator of you and me, knew this would happen, that?s why He put laws in place to help us. In addition men have the responsibility to lower their gaze, but how can that be applied, when everywhere he turns, there is a woman who has exposed herself? On the billboards, in the shop windows, in the newspapers and magazines, even on your sweet packets, walking in front of you, driving in their cars, women dressing inappropriately seems to be everywhere. Allah designated that women

should cover themselves. Hijab is a stand against female exploitation, and a means of female liberation. Beneath it, a woman is free to do as she pleases and dress as she pleases.

Women are not the trophy of men, but rather individuals with their own goal and attainments.

The Hijab preserves our beauty, our character, and protects us from prying eyes. Hijab allows women to be judged for their worth and not their appearance. It is a modus of security and safeguard for the muslim woman.

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FAM ILY AND FRIENDS If we were given a beautiful gift like a pair of diamond earrings or a brand new luxury sports car, by default, we would like to show the world what we have. When there is something given to us, normally we do not just keep it hidden and stored away from others so nobody can see it! We want to share with people and show them the beauty of what we own! Similarly, once we are blessed with the gift of Islam, we should feel the urge to share this huge blessing with everyone we know and don't know!

When I became Muslim four years ago, I was so full of zeal and joy that I wanted all my family members to know that Islam is the truth! Coming from a Chinese background where I was raised as a Christian, who later was forced to become a Buddhist, I wanted my parents to know about Islam so they would understand how true the religion is! Of course Allah guides whom He wills and giving dawah to my parents and family members truly was not as easy as I thought it would be. Rather, it was very difficult. I do admit though, my ignorance added to the challenge of conveying the message to them. I was trying to tell them about Islam instead of showing them Islam.

Prior to Islam, I had bad manners and was a very rude person. I was very selfish and I also would go through many different phases in my life. My parents thought my reversion to Islam was just another phase but I wanted to prove them wrong! My uncle had been feeding them a lot of lies

about Islam and he was always saying rude things and turning my parents against me. I know he was just worried about me but he did more harm than good. Subhana'Allah Allah took his life a few months after I had reverted and it brought me closer to my parents and from then on was when my journey giving dawah to them truly began. Prior to my uncle's death, I would often just preach about Islam and try to send them things that would tell to them about Islam and how Isa (Jesus) was not the son of God and I even tried to make my father read the Qur'an in Chinese ! All of this did not work and it only caused more problems between us. After some time, I moved away to America to be with my husband and the distance made my relationship with my parents much stronger. I started learning more about Islam and how to preach by good manners and good deeds instead of just with speech as Allah says in the Qur'an , "And who is bet t er

in speech t han he who (says: 'My Lord is Al l ah (bel ieves in His Oneness),' and t hen st ands st raight (act s upon His Order), and) invit es (men) t o Al l ah (Isl amic Monot heism), and does right eous deeds, and says: 'I am one of t he Musl ims.'" (Quran, Fussil at : 33) "Invit e t o t he Way of your Lord (i.e. Isl am) wit h wisdom and f air preaching, and argue wit h t hem in a way t hat is bet t er.

Trul y, your Lord knows best who has gone ast ray f rom His Pat h, and He is t he Best Aware of t hose who are guided."

(An-Nahl : 125) I remembered that Allah often mentioned the importance of treating parents with kindness and gentleness and that was something I had never done before with my parents. I never had a close relationship with my mother because she sort of had this "I give up on her" attitude with me because of all the things I put her and my father through. I was a true rebel before Islam, so I tried 7

"Your Lord has decreed t hat you worship none but Him, and that you be kind t o parent s. Whether one or both of them att ain old age in your lif e, say not to t hem a word of cont empt , nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor."

(Al- Isra 17:23)

so I tried really hard and asked Allah for assistance to help me with my manners towards my parents. I asked Allah to soften my heart towards them and Alhamdulillah, some how , some way, I started to treat my parents with more respect and good manners. As Allah says in the Qur'an.

"Your Lord has decreed t hat you worship none but Him, and t hat you be kind t o parent s. Whet her one or bot h of t hem at t ain ol d age in your l if e, say not t o t hem a word of cont empt , nor repel t hem, but address t hem in t erms of honour."(Al -Isra 17:23) ?And We have enjoined on man (t o be dut if ul and good) t o his parent s. His mot her bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in t wo years give t hanks t o Me and t o your parent s, unt o Me is t he f inal dest inat ion.?

(Quran Luqman 31:14) So I tried to exercise these verses whenever I had to deal with my parents. Every time I went home to visit, I would try my best to go above and beyond and show them with my manners what my religion has taught me. I would bite my tongue (sometimes literally) to keep my mouth from talking back or saying rude things and I kept telling myself there was

no room for failure because I am trying to represent the deen of Allah to my parents. I kept thinking that one wrong move, and they would change their perception of Islam forever. I am representing Islam and my actions and speech are crucial. Although this put a lot of pressure on me, I knew that good things don't come easy and I really needed to work hard to change their idea of me, and Islam.

I kept working at it slowly and steadily and by the Permission of Allah, I saw my parent's attitude towards me slowly start to change. They became more pleased with me and happy with me! Something that was very rare in my non-Muslim days. We argued less and even my mom is more careful with her words around me. I can even wear abaya and hijab with them and go out in public with them and my mom tells her friends how proud she is of me with my huge change. This is not to boast, Allah knows best my intentions, but I wanted to share this as an example to let other knows that it IS possible for our parents to accept us and our religion, it just starts with us and our actions. We must be wise and learn how to deal with our parents.

parents has changed a complete 180 degrees and all because of Allah the Almighty.

How important it is to read the Qur'an and reflect upon the verses and to truly know what is expected of us as Muslims?

Had I not come across these verses and reflected upon them, I would still be treating my parents with an attitude that was displeasing to Allah.

The key to giving dawah to your family is not just through speech, because our parents always have this "talk is cheap, actions are louder than words" mentality so we should show them through our actions because they hold a heavier weight. Making lots of duaa and being sincere to Allah and understanding the importance of spreading the deen in a kind, gentle way is something that must be done in order for success. I still struggle with my attitude sometimes , and that is normal since I am only a human being. Do realise that you are not perfect and you will have your moments where you slip, but ask Allah for forgiveness and tawfeeq and get back up and keep going.

This journey is not an easy one but hopefully our parents will see the beauty of Islam and decide to follow us together to Jannah insha'Allah.

By Umm Abdur Rahman

My relationship with my 8

LINKWITH your creator

ASH-SHAFI PT2 Asma Was Sifaat # 7 It is reported by Jabir that Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: There is a remedy for every malady, and when the remedy is applied to the disease it is cured with the permission of Allah, the Exalted and Glorious. (Sahih Muslim 2204) Narrated Usamah ibn Sharik: "I came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Companions were sitting as if they had birds on their heads. I saluted and sat down. The desert Arabs then came from here and there.

They asked: Messenger of Allah, should we make use of medical treatment? He replied: Make use of medical treatment, for Allah has not made a disease without appointing a remedy for it, with the exception of one disease, namely old age. "(Sunan Abi Dawud 3855, graded Sahih by Al-Albani) The aforementioned hadiths indicates that required sources should be availed for the treatment of a disease. It is similar to the need of water for quenching our thirst. ?And it is He who feeds me and gives me drink.? (Surah ash-Shu?ara:79). Similarly, making use of beneficial treatment and medicines is not impermissible in Islam. ?And when I am ill, it is He who cures me?

(Surah ash-Shu?ara:80). The reality of tawakkul (trust in Allah) here is to opt for the right sources that Allah has kept according to Shari?ah (Islamic laws) and His decree, rather to not implement is against tawakkul. It is narrated by Abu Huraira that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "There is no disease that Allah has created, except that He also has created its treatment." (Sahih al-Bukhari 5678) There are numerous kinds of Prophetic remedies mentioned in the ahadith and they never contradict with scientific facts in their

usage. Glory be to Allah! One of its example is mentioned below: Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Use this black seed. For indeed it contains a cure for every disease except As-Sam" And As-Sam is death. (Jamia Tirmidhi, English reference: Vol. 4, Book 2, Hadith 2041) Ibn Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) stated in his book ?Zaad al-mi?ad? that regarding the sources, three points should be considered: 1. Use those sources which are not contrary to the Decree and Shari?ah (Islamic laws).

2. Should not have faith on it rather have faith in the One who is the source of all that is for the treatment.

3. Should acknowledge that even if the sources of treatment are strong, it should confine with the will and decree of Allah (may He be Glorified). It acts how He wills, He retains it or changes it so that the slaves of Allah do not put their faith in the sources.

Effects on our faith: 1. Allah is Ash-Shafi (the Curer) and He only can give Shifa?(cure) to everyone. He gives relief to every disease and trouble, but with tawakkul in Him. 2. Allah (may He be Glorified) has set up this world in a way that everything happens through a source. Eg: angel Jibreel (may peace be upon 10

him) performed Ruqiyah (Islamic incantations) on the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah?s Peace be upon him).

2. Allah has made Qur?an Shifa?for us for physical and spiritual diseases.

3. For every disease there is a cure.

4. Charms, amulets, talismans used in treatments have no place in Islam and is strictly against the Shari?ah.

5. This world is full of trials. Allah says: ?And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient? (Surah Al-Baqarah:155). However, Allah does not burden a soul more than it can bear: ?Allah does

not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity? ?(Surah al-Baqarah:286) 6. The reason for hardships is Isti?anah i.e. how much we ask Allah (may He be Glorified) for His help and how long. Never should we get tired of asking Him alone. ?Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people. (Al-Baqarah 02:286)

By Maliha Rahmat

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Sunan of Eid ?Eid was named Eid because it returns every year with renewed happiness,? (Ibn-ul-Arabee) Alhamdulilah, we have been granted the great blessings of Islam, and being muslim. Eid, is a time for celebration a time for joy and ?partying.?Eid-ul-Fitr is the Eid of breaking the fast, and ?feasting.?What better way to celebrate than in a manner that is pleasing to Allah and that will earn us rewards?!

On the day of Eid we are encouraged to have a ghusul before going to the Eid prayer. ?Abdullah Ibn Umar used to bathe on the day of Fitr before setting out to the musallah.?

(Muawatta) As muslims we should maintain cleanliness, before we do anything, especially on a special day such as Eid. Muslims should also adorn themselves on the Eid. Jabir narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) had a cloak which he would wear on the two Eids and on Fridays. (Sahih by Ibn Khuzaymah) It is encouraged that one dresses up, however women, should not dress up when going out, but may do so in their homes, and in the correct company in which there is gender segregation.

Next a person should eat before going to the Eid prayer. Anas (ra) reported, that the Messsenger (peace be upon him) would not set out in the morning of Eid-ul-Fitr until he had eaten some dates.? (Bukhari and others) Imam Al-Muhallab explained the reason behind this practice of the prophet as follows, ?the wisdom behind eating before the Eid prayer is so that no person with doubt in his mind thinks that the fasting remains until after the prayer. So it is as if he (peace be upon him) wanted to stop this from occurring.? Another Sunnah is that a person recites the takbeer aloud until one

reaches the musallah, and then until the imam comes out. However, the takbeer should not be recited in congregation together with others, rather one should recite it individually. It is reported from the sahabah that they used to say,

Greeting and wishing good is also recommended on the Eid, and on other special occasions, for it from good manners to do so.

When the companions used to meet each other on the day of Eid they said, ?May Allah accept it from you and us.?

However Imam Ahmad said, ?I do not initiate greeting anybody but if they begin I answer them and that is because answering a greeting is obligatory. As for initiating greetings (of Eid) then it is not from the requested Sunnah and neither is it from that which is prohibited.

Therefore whosoever does it has a precedent and whosoever leaves it also has a precedent-and Allah knows best.?

The Eid prayer is considered obligatory from the strongest opinion of the scholars, and that all the muslims attend the Eid prayer, the young and old alike and women who are menstruating.

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The sermon of Khutbah of Eid is delivered after the Eid Salah, unlike the Salah it is not obligatory, for the Prophet (peace be upon him said, ?verily we shall give a sermon, so whoever wishes to stay for the sermon then let him stay and whoever wishes to depart then let him depart.? (An-Nisa?I, Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah) One may also give gifts, particularly to children, and generally the Eid day should be made special and different to other days. In this regard the prophet permitted listening to the Daff played by young girls, as a means of a amusement as long as they are within the

perimeters of that which is allowed in Islam.

One may also make sweets, cakes, and partake of meal unique to Eid. This is a summary of the practices of Eid, that a muslim should undertake.

For more information on this issue please visit, http:/ / islamqa.info/ en/ 36442 and ?The Ruling Concerning The Two Eids From The Purified Sunnah?by Shaykh Abul Haarith Alee Hassan Alee Abdul Hameed

By Bibi Zainab Dowlut

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Journey tothe hereafter

SIGNS OF THE HOUR Signs of the Hour # 7 All Praise belongs to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds, and may Allah's blessings and peace be upon the leader of Prophets and Messengers, our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and companions.

At the Hour of Judgement, the full light and glory of our Lord will shine, and the effulgence will daze man's eyes. For the world will end up in pieces and a new world will come into being. On that Day, every act has to be accounted for and evil must have its recompense. There will be no shade for safety and no refuge!

"That Day will man say: "Where is the refuge?"

By no means! No place of safety." [Surah Qiyamah: Ayat 10-11] Allah (Glorified He Be) has bestowed upon us ample of blessings. All praise be to Allah for those bountiful blessings. Beside the gift of faculties, man has been shown the way by means of revelation through men of the highest spiritual standing. If he is grateful, he will accept guidance, be of the righteous and join the company of the blessed. If not, he is putting chains around himself, thus burdening himself with sin, and paves the way to the Blazing Fire!

May Allah save us from the fire of Hell. Ameen Denying the Day of Judgement means believing as though there is no account to be given for our actions. In order to completely believe in the Day of Judgment, we need to learn and believe in the Signs of The Hour.

Have you ever pondered as to why are we learning these signs? Why discuss the portents of the Hour? There are many benefits in knowing these signs. It helps us in fulfilling the obligation of believing the unseen (which is one of the six pillars of faith). Moreover, it encourages us to hasten in performing good deeds, and abstain from sinning. By learning and acknowledging the signs of the Overwhelming Hour, we mentally prepare

ourselves to recognise and face the events so that we are not caught unaware. In continuation of our series, we will encounter two more signs of the hour.

1) A Great Deal Of Kil l ing: Prophet Muhammad (May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) once said: "The world would not come to an end until a day would come to the people on which the murderer would not know as to why he has killed and the slain would not know as to why he has been murdered. It would be said: Why would it happen? To which he replied: It would be because of general massacre and bloodshed." (Sahih Muslim) One of the signs of the Hour mentioned by Prophet (peace be upon him) is a great amount of killing to such extent that one man will kill another man and would not know the reason of killing him, or he will kill without reason. The one who is slain would not know for what reason he had been killed, and perhaps there will be no reason!

Ever wondered from where did killing begin?

The first to ever commit murder on the earth was the son of Adam who killed his brother, and he shall bear that sin and of those who follow him, Then in the ummah of Muhammad, came the murder of Uthman (may Allah be pleased 15

with him) and from there the people divided, and disputed. Thus quarrels erupted in the ummah and wars began to increase. From that time till today, millions of people have fallen victim to wars even within the ummah. Amongst muslims, the amount of bloodshed and carnage is horrific, despite the fact that Prophet told us that the blood of a muslim is sacred. Indeed, this can only be a sign that the hour is near at hand!

2) Peopl e wil l pay t heir Zakah rel uct ant l y: Paying Zakah is an obligation on Muslims. It is a blessing and a cleanser. It is not a mere charity rather it is an essential pillar of this religion and one of it's major rituals. "The soul of the person who pays his Zakah becomes purified and the blessings in his money increase."- Ibn Taymiyyah

it is 1 million dollars!

So my dear brothers and sisters in Islam, why do we feel disinclined while paying off Zakah?

Be thankful to Allah for whatever He has ordained upon us. The next time we pay Zakah, let us feel the essence of joy for we are paying only because Allah has ordained upon us to do so!

Feel the sweetness of fulfilling the obligations towards Allah..

May Allah (The Exalted) allow us to witness the sweetness in performing good deeds. And May he make us among those who fulfill His obligations.

Aameen

By Maha Bint Nayeem

Zakah refers to the determined share of wealth prescribed by Allah to be distributed among deserving categories. He who denies it's obligation is considered a disbeliever!

"Those who give not the Zakaah and they are disbelievers in the Hereafter" (Surah Al Fussilat, 41:7) Know that the word Zakaah occurs thirty times in the Qur'an, out of which, twenty seven times it is linked with prayer. (Reference: Al Mujam Al Mufahras Li Alfaz Al Quran) In principle, Zakah on wealth, gold and so on offered willingly is purification for wealth and an act of worship. Do you know which category of people pay Zakah?! Those who are Muttaqoon (pious)!

"I shall ordain for those who are pious to give Zakah," (Surah Al A'raf, 7:156) Towards the end of the time, people would become stingy and greedy. They'd pay their Zakah reluctantly. If their intention in paying Zakah is not upright, then they'll not be rewarded for whatever amount they pay even if 16

THE HABITATOR Ways to Jannah # 9 ?Old habits die hard? they do die. Similarly generating new habits can be quite a task but do remember tasks are meant to be accomplished and conquered.

So with that said, let?s talk about the habit that we wish to establish: The Messenger (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ?Whoever prays twelve units (of voluntary prayer) during the night and day, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise.?

[At-Tirmidhi ~ Hadith Sahih] The 12 Rak?aat are:

Subhan Allah fascinating isn?t it and what better time to develop a habit than Ramadan, when distractions and laziness are at its minimum.

Moreover, we can use a ?habitator? to help us develop this amazing habit. The habitator provides an amazing technique to instill good habits or killing bad ones, and is a personal recommendation on my behalf.

[Muslim] Dear friends, do I need to further elucidate the phrase ?better than the world and all it contains,? think rationally and indeed the phrase but speaks for itself.

Moreover, do remember that paradise with its sands of scented musk, stones of pearls and jewels, grass of saffron? indeed is priceless and hence consistency is a necessity.

I do acknowledge that one might have to struggle to cultivate this habit, it will be difficult the first month, the second month, perhaps the third month, but make this hadith your motivation, paradise your goal and Inshallah (by the will of Allah) a day will come when we?ll feel restless if we don?t read our sunnahs and they become a second to our nature.

I pray to Allah to make us develop this amazing habit and keep us consistent in this act of worship and to purify our intentions to perform everything to seek His pleasure alone. ?We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.? (Aristotle) Bint Ayesha

You can download and print the habitator worksheet from: http:/ / productivemuslim.com / the-productivemuslim-habitator/ and watch the tutorial on how to use it.

Another hadith to extol the virtue of these Sunnah salat is: ?The two rak?aats of the Sunnah of Fajr are better than the world and all it contains 17

Self Improvement

THE ROHINGYANS Across the Indian Ocean, in the Far East, sandwiched between Bangladesh and Thailand live a small group of people, known to the world as Rohingyans.

A bonfire lighting up the sky, on a closer look, we realize that is fueled by human flesh, another video shows a man tied up and being kicked alive into the fire by men in glazing red, he cries piteously as his skin gets charred up and his flesh roasted, yet another picture shows a pit full of a fire and a Burmese soldier hurling a child into it.

A critical question that arises, how many of us can acknowledge of being educated about them, of knowing their history, their origin and their present circumstances. Alas, hardly many of us can claim to be literate in this regard (myself included).

At present we see the sun rays emanating the world, its bright rays dispelling the dark, as its rays lighten up the carcasses of human flesh, it narrates to us the events of the day before, of the bloodshed, carnage and mayhem.

However, I am not spinning a fairytale here, but educing a stark reality, a reality so filled with heinous crimes, that the whole situation seems far-fetched and preposterous.

The mind cannot perceive such appalling scenarios, yet it?s the truth, oh how much do we wail when we just get a slight burn whilst cooking, toothpastes, gels and cold cream are swiftly used, hitherto think of them being burned alive!

Another scenario shows piles of chopped up flesh, and the Burmese looking at them as if it were their day?s hunt, do I even need to clarify whose corpses I am talking about?

The Rohingyan Muslim desperate to save their lives, now are living in the woods, leaving behind their houses and livestock. It sounds so unreal doesn?t it, living in the woods! Would that happen in today?s world, where human rights are the main headlines

day in and day out. Indeed for us it is unimaginable to even envisage such a situation as we lounge on our comfy beds and sofas, the air conditioner sending blissful shots of cool air. Remember dear friends, once the Rohingyans too had houses, they are no different from us and are also classified as human beings!

A video I watched showed the Rohingyans fleeing to Bangladesh in boats, pleading and begging with the coastal guards to let them stay, as they wouldn?t survive if they return, yet the coastal guards simply handed them packets of rice and water explaining to them that they now have no space as they are already housing a huge number of refugees and sent them back.

A terrible situation as they return back to their nightmare and hence are even more persecuted by the Burmese coastal guards.

Some of those who had somehow crept in past the coastal guards living in local houses tell a reporter about their plight.

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As one man explain, the killing of babies in which a sword is placed on the ground and babies placed on the sharp edge and the famous ?soft baby skin? enables them to slide down the length of the sword, oh what a gruesome of way of killing innocent infants!

They are also titled as the ?stateless people? as their citizenship have been stripped off and hence they have nowhere to go in the world!

Indeed, one could write a lot about the tales of their plight, but my friends let?s come to the point that I want to drive home.

What about us?

What about the hadith where our Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said: "The Bel ievers, in t heir mut ual l ove, mercy and compassion, are l ike one body: if one organ compl ained, t he rest of t he body devel ops a f ever."

[Bukhari & Muslim] Indeed we have heard of this hadith several times, yet can we pledge to having been affected by it or abide by it?

Does it not make our hearts shudder when we hear of how our brothers are getting butchered, grinded and slaughtered? There are several

organizations that are rendering support to the Rohingyans in the form of financial aids and we can try to support them.

However, yet if some of us consider ourselves to be great sinners and despair in our dua getting accepted then read the following:

Moreover, if we can?t really do anything by means of wealth or personal help, we can always do dua! Many a times I have heard the phrase ?the least you can do is make dua,? but honestly is dua the l east ?

On the contrary, it?s one of the greatest things to do, it?s nonetheless but the weapon of the believer, it?s when you beg the King of the Kings, the Almighty for help.It?s when you call upon the One in whose hand is the forelock and between His fingers are the hearts of every being!

?And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright.? (Al-Baqarah 2:186)

It?s Ramadan now my friends, so let?s do our part and remember our friends the Rohingyans in our prayers especially when breaking the fast for as the hadith states: ?There are t hree whose suppl icat ion is not reject ed: The f ast ing person when he breaks his f ast , t he just l eader, and t he suppl icat ion of t he oppressed person; Al l ah raises it up above t he cl ouds and opens t he gat es of heaven t o it . And t he Lord says: ?By My might , I shal l surel y aid you, even if it shoul d be af t er a whil e.??

[Jami` at-Tirmidhi]

Hence, if you consider yourself as a sl ave of Allah then supplicate to your Rabb.

Indeed He is Al Mujeeb (The Responder). Finally, let?s not forget to include the people of Yemen, Shaam, Egypt and wherever else the muslims are suffering, in our duas. I beg Allah the All Powerful to protect our Muslim brothers and sisters around the globe.

By Bint Hasan

20

A EID SHOPPING SPREE Amidst the kaleidoscope of colourful clothes, jewellery and what not, one can hardly decide what to purchase, also our budget lingers at the back of our heads as a warning signal cautioning us not to spend more than we can afford, hence drives in the widespread undertaking of ?window shopping,? a form of entertainment cognized by those who are proficient in this art.

And indeed what an art it is! Staring wistfully at the mannequins displaying the latest trends, envying those capable of hoarding the sales items, uselessly bargaining with the salesmen? .. so on and so forth.

An extremely unproductive ?art? so to say, resulting in nothing more than hours of wasted time, ingratitude towards Allah The Most Merciful, and sowing the seeds of jealousy, envy etc. What with Eid approaching people unfortunately seem to actually ameliorate their shopping skills. Has one forgotten the hadith, Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "The parts of land dearest to Allah are its mosques, and the parts most hateful to Allah are?markets." (Sahih Muslim Book # 004, Hadith # 1416) As for, in regards for women undoubtedly it is better for women to stay at home, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): "And stay in your houses" [al-Ahzaab 33:33] And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Their houses are better for them." (Narrated by Abu Dawood, al-Salaah, 480. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawood, 530).

Therefore, women should not go out unless it is necessary, and when it is necessary for a woman to go out, it should be with her husband?s permission. She should be careful to avoid that which Allah has forbidden, and she

should wear full hijab, covering that which Allah ordained, etc. If she goes out wearing adornments and makeup or perfume, then this is not permitted. If there is no danger of fitnah and women go out in the manner required by sharee?ah, there is nothing wrong with their going out. Women at the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to go out to the market-places without a mahram.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) permitted women to go out if there is an urgent need. He said, ?It is permissible for you (women) to go out for your needs.?

(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, Tafseer al-Qur?aan, 4421).

Ibn Hajar said in Fath al-Baari, Ibn Battaal said: The interpretation of this hadeeth is that it is permissible for women to engage in dealings according to their needs.

But one can hardly ascertain window shopping to be a need! Moreover, once we have purchased the items of necessity, we hardly need to linger around. Indeed Allah is Al-Hakeem, He commands us for our good, preventing the spread of fitnah and corruption.

Isn?t it true, that many a times, haven?t we regretted and wailed at the amount of time lost in ?shopping??

However, we are on this Earth only to serve Allah, and indeed Allah is so merciful that even at the market place He has given us an 21

opportunity to receive His reward.The market and bazaar is a place where a person is more forgetful regarding religion, therefore, while entering a market one should recite this supplication. This supplication brings reward for this world and for the Hereafter.

Alhamdulillah, so let?s make this Eid special, by learning this exquisite invocation, and by abiding with the proper etiquette of ?shopping.?

I pray to Allah, indeed The Most Merciful, The most Loving to facilitate us to always recite this perfect invocation and make us among those who always remember Him.

Ameen ya Rabbil Alameen

Bint Ayesha

22

HAYAA PT 2

Our Character # 8

We all love it when we are loved and honored even if there is no reward offered, Right? But what if we are rewarded as well? Those are rare occurrences in our lives?I will show you a way of being loved , respected, honored and rewarded your whole life and the hereafter in just observing one crucial matter, Hayaa ie; modesty . In the previous article we learned about what hayaa is, and in this article we will learn about what are the merits of hayaa.

- Allah loves those who have Hayaa. Allah loves the quality of modesty and its related virtue, forbearance. Forbearance means to be patient with people when they make you angry and to avoid responding to an evil deed with another evil deed.

Ashaj ibn Asr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said to me, 'Verily, you have two qualities which are loved

by Allah the Exalted.' I said, ?What are they??

The Prophet said, 'Forbearance and modesty.'

(Sahih) Forbearance and compassion are the qualities of the Prophet Abraham which Allah has praised in the Quran. The love of Allah, is the greatest of all loves, Allah's love indicates His pleasure and we should all be striving for the pleasure of Allah, so that we may attain his mercy, forgiveness and reward of paradise. When Allah loves someone he calls upon Jibreel and the inhabitants of the samaa' and instructs them to love that individual, and they do so. Then He grants acceptance for the one whom He loves upon the earth, as we know from the hadith.

What an immense honour!

-Hayaa is a quality that the people of paradise possess.

Narrated 'Ata bin Abi Rabah: Ibn 'Abbas said to me, 'Shall I show you a woman of the people of Paradise?' I said, 'Yes.' He said, 'This black woman came to the Prophet and said, 'I get attacks of epilepsy and my body becomes

uncovered; please invoke Allah for me.' The Prophet said (to her), 'If you wish, be patient and you will have (enter) Paradise; and if you wish, I will invoke Allah to cure you.' She said, 'I will remain patient,' and added, 'but I become uncovered, so please invoke Allah for me that I may not become uncovered.' So he invoked Allah for her.' (Al-Bukhari) So, from this hadith we know that people who have Hayaa will enter paradise. Don?t we all want to enter Jannah? So, the people who have hayaa will enter paradise and vice-versa.

As the Prophet Muhammad told us: "Haya comes from Iman; Iman leads to Paradise.

Obscenity comes from antipathy; and antipathy leads to the fire." (Bukhari) -Hayaa Brings nothing but goodness to the individual and to the society as a whole.

Imran ibn Hussein reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "Modesty does not bring anything except goodness." (Sahih Muslim) Goodness here means positivity and betterment for the individual and the people around him. The character no doubt becomes a lovable one. Hayya beautifies everything in which it is found.

-Modesty is a sign of true faith.

Ibn Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, passed by a man from the Ansar who was admonishing his 23

brother about modesty. The Prophet said,"Let him be, for modesty is part of faith." (Sunan Abu Dawud ) Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said, "Verily, modesty and faith come together. When one of the two is missing, so is the other."

(Al-Adab Al-Mufrad ) Nowadays people make the modest among them feel that they are weak or the lack confidence and are frowned upon , but it is the other way around as modest people are the conscious ones who are responsible and are humane. Indeed haya (modesty) and Iman are Companions. When one of them is lifted, the other leaves as well.

Ibn Abbas said, "Modesty and faith are like two horns. If one is removed, the other one follows it."

boast to one another. Humility means to avoid the destructive sin of arrogance and haughtiness. Arrogance is an evil deed in which a person praises himself instead of Allah, or he considers himself superior to others, or he rejects the truth because it comes from a person he considers lesser than himself.

Modesty in Islam means to have a good conscience, to be shy to commit evil deeds, to feel remorse for sinning. Such an attitude only brings goodness to those who practice it.

Remember that some people are born with Hayaa and some have to acquire it , the people who enter into Islam have to work upon building a very strong characteristic of being Modest.

By Fatima Damad

-Modesty prevents us from sins ;if we are modest with Allah, we become shy to sin knowing that He is All-Seeing and All-Aware.

Abdullah ibn Mas?ud reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, ?Be modest in front of Allah for He has a right to your modesty.? We said, ?O Messenger of Allah, we have modesty. All praise is due to Allah.?

The Prophet said: ?That is not what I meant.

Having modesty with Allah is to protect the mind and what runs through it, to protect the stomach and what fills it, and to remember death and trials. Whoever wants the Hereafter should leave the ostentation of the worldly life, so whoever acts like this has been modest with Allah as is His right.? (Sunan At-Tirmidhi)?

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad had more Hayaa than a virgin behind her veil, and so we should follow him as our role model so that we too can acquire Jannah. Humility, modesty, and forbearance are virtues that are essential for Muslims. Allah has revealed that we should be humble towards one another and we should not 24

THE CHANGE ISLAM BROUGHT Heart Softeners # 6 The Prophet said, ?The dearest to me among you and the nearest to me on the Day of Judgement are those who have the best character.?(Sunan At-Tirmidhee: 2018) As I reconnect with some old friends from high school, I try to let them see how much Islam can change a person; Islam can change one's morals, character, and manners.

Alhamdulillah I am blessed with many sisters who have beautiful character and manners and they truly show me what real sisterhood in Islam is. They make me feel like I have entered into a religion that truly does preach unity, peace, and kindness. It is safe to say that I can count my closest friends on one hand and these are the sisters who have been riding along side with me during my journey as a Muslim. Islamic sisterhood is something sacred and beautiful, IF it is built upon the purpose of pleasing Allah and if it is done for His Sake alone.

Islam teaches us how to treat our sisters with care and respect. A simple message to greet her and ask her how she is doing, or a friendly visit to bring her a gift are some of the beautiful things I have been able to experience as a muslimah. Many sisters go above and beyond to really

make you feel cherished and appreciated and it is something that I never experienced during my life as a non-Muslim.

As I write about the good, sadly I must also bring attention to the not-so-good.

There has been a trend in this Ummah these days and it is the lack of akhlaq and adaab within the Muslim community.

I have noticed that the good manners and basic etiquetteof giving and evenreturning salams have become something very rare. I have been a Muslim for nearly 4 years now by the Mercy of Allah and I have begun to notice that a lot of non-Muslims are more polite and supportive than Muslims and this is something that is very troubling. Our religion teaches us to be supportive of each other and to treat each other like we are sisters of one another and Allah has promised us His Shade on the Day of Judgement for those who love each other for His Sake.

It was reported from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be

pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said,?There are seven whom Allah will shade with His shade on the day when there will be no shade except His: the just ruler; a young man who grows up worshipping his Lord; a man whose heart is attached to the mosque; two men who love one another for the sake of Allah and meet and part on that basis; a man who is called by a woman of rank and beauty and says ?I fear Allah?; a man who gives in charity and conceals it to such an extent that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives; and a man who remembers Allah when he is alone, and his eyes fill up.?

(Agreed upon, narrated by al-Bukhari, no. 620; Muslim, no. 1712; and others) I really do not know where this "attitude" stems from but it is something that we all really need to reflect upon. We tend to forget the importance and value of good character.

Having good manners and good character will only bring about good. It will only 25

only increase love between one another and it is something that pleases Allah.

So why can't we put our arrogance and differences aside and treat each other in a way that Allah Loves?

Judgement] will be heavier than good character. Indeed, a person with good character will attain the rank of those with a good record of voluntary fasts and prayers.?(Sunan At-Tirmidhee: 2003)

When asked about the best of the believers, the Prophet replied, ?They are those who have the best character and manners.? (Sunan At-Tirmidhee: 1162; Sunan Abu Dawood: 4682)

One thing that really attracts people to Islam is the good manners and character of Muslims. Of course we cannot speak on behalf of all the Muslims, but wouldn't it be such a beautiful thing if we could be in the category of Muslims who practise and preach good manners and good etiquette? Exercising good manners and good character could not only attract non-Muslims but also encourage Muslims who are not necessarily practicing, to find Allah and return back tothe deen! Many of us forget

Good character and good manners are signs of a true believer, and the amount of reward that can be sought just by having good manners is better than those who do the voluntary prayers and fasts!

The Prophet said, ?No deed that will be placed on the scale of deeds [on the Day of

the important sunnah of having good character, it really does not take a lot to smile and send Salams to your sister in Islam or to send her a random message asking her how she is over e-mail or what's app. Now that Ramadan is over, I really hope we can continue to do things that will help change our lives and earn the Pleasure of Ar-Rahman, and having good character and good manners is surely an easy way to rack up your points for the Hereafter.

When the Prophet was asked about which act leads people to enter Paradise the most, he replied, ?Piety and good character.? (Sunan At-Tirmidhee: 2004; Sunan Ibn Maajah: 4246)

By Umm Abdur-Rahman

26

TO MY FRIEND IN DISTRESS To all my muslim brothers and sisters who are suffering.

Dealing with high levels of stress on a day to day basis is difficult to say the least. Everyone wants a peaceful, normal life, where everything is under control. Life on earth is not a piece of cake, I assure you; true peace is only found when we step in Jannah. Battling with anxiety and depression in some cases is even worse, many times it leads to suicide. That?s why I?m writing this; to help you overcome these issues.

The Duaa f or anxiet y as taught by the Prophet (peace be upon him). Who was a better teacher than our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) who taught us the best way of life, and taught us the truth? His words were true, and we should take a firm grip on to them and apply his Sunnah in our lives.

?O Allah, I am Your servant, son of Your servant, son of Your maidservant, my forelock is in Your hand, Your command over me is forever executed and Your decree over me is just. I ask You by every name belonging to You which You name Yourself with, or revealed in Your Book, or You

taught to any of Your creation, or You have preserved in the knowledge of the unseen with You, that You make the Qur?an the life of my heart and the light of my breast, and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety.?(You should know and understand the meaning too, as only then can you read the duaa with sincerity) The Qur?an as a medicine: Allah has told us that the Qur?an is a shifaa for us, it is a cure for our all our ailments. Allah says, ?O mankind, there has come to you an instruction from your Lord, and a healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers.? (Surah Yunus 10:57) But how can the Quran be a cure, if we do not read it or put it into practice? When we read the Qur?an with understanding only then can it become the life and light of our hearts (as mentioned in the supplication above). If we ponder upon the words of Allah, we will find satisfaction, as we realise each and every verse is addressed to us, and for every problem there is a solution. It seems a clichĂŠd statement, but look for yourself, and see what you find. There are many ayats that will make you feel better, and know that this life is merely temporary and the hereafter is where our happiness lies.

Be reassured by t he words of Al l ah, ?verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find ease.?

Remembering Allah constantly will brings happiness, for you know you affairs rests in the Hands of One who never tires, who is 27

All-encompassing in His knowledge, and who is the source of Peace (As-Salaam).

Worries end where prayer begins: pray on time, and make extra supplications. Turn to Allah, He is the only One who can help you, ?And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him, and if He touches you with good, then He is over all things competent.? (06:17-23) Know that Allah is As-Samee?(All-Hearing), Al-Baseer (All-seeing), Al-Khabeer (All-Aware) of what is happening to you. Allah is Al-Mujeeb (The Responder), ?And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.? (Surah Baqarah 02:186) Allah has also said, ?Is He [not best] who responds to the desperate one when he calls upon Him and removes evil and makes you inheritors of the earth? Is there a deity with Allah? Little do you remember.? (An-Naml, 27:62) Ask Allah for cure, ask for help, for tranquillity and everything else that worries or bothers you. Talk to Allah, pour your heart out to Him. Know t hat Al l ah is t he One who Cures: You can visit as many doctors as you want, you can travel the globe visiting specialists, but if Allah does not give you cure, then you shall not be cured.

Morning and evening at hkar: Begin your day with the right foot. By reading the morning Athkar, you are praising Allah, thanking Him for the blessings He has bestowed upon you, and you are seeking His protection from harms that may afflict you during the day. What greater protection is there, than the protection of Allah, when He is The Mighty, The Compelling, The Powerful?

Use t he Duaa of Yunus. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ?No Muslim ever prays to his Lord with these words for anything, but He will answer his prayer.? (Recorded by At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasa?i in Al-Yawm wal-Laylah) and he also said, ??Whoever offers supplication in the words of the supplication of Yunus, will be answered.?

(Laa ilaha illa anta subhanak inni kuntu minath thaalimeen. There is no God but You, Glory be to You, indeed I was of the wrongdoers.) In this duaa one admits to Allah, that he has faults and thus expresses his need to Allah. We all know the duaa is the weapon of the believer, so utilise what you are equipped with. If Satan?s supplication for respite till the Day of recompense was granted, then why wouldn?t yours?!

Tawakkul : Have full and complete trust in Allah that He takes care of your matters. Entrust yourself and your affairs to His care, and Know that He will not fail you. ?And whoever relies upon Allah, then He is sufficient for Him.?

(At-Talaq 65:03) Have Taqwa of Al l ah at al l t imes. The month in which our Taqwa was cultivated is here (Ramadaan), so it should be running in our systems. Allah says, ?And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out, And will provide for Him from where He does not expect? And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him his matters ease.? (At-Talaq 65:2-4) This is a guarantee from the Lord of the Worlds, who never fails in His promise, what other 28

"Only Al-Jabbar the M ender, can mend your broken and tearing heart.

He (Glory be to Him) has prepared a jannah, whose expanse is a wide as the heavens and earth, in which there will be no toil, no grief, no worry, no sadness."

reassurance do we need? May Allah grant us ease.

Ist ighf aar and Tawbah: we know that sins block the ways of our duaa, so repenting from sins will open a way for you. Turn to Allah so He will turn to you. In the Hadith Qudsi, The Prophet said, Allah said, "...if my servant comes to me walking I will go to Him at speed..."

Al l ah wil l onl y give you t hat which you can bear. If it?s a test, then know that you are afflicted with it, because you have the ability to pull through it. ?Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity.? (Surah Al-Baqarah 02:286) You have the strength to make it through.

Remove t he dist ress of anot her musl im: Abdullah b. Umar reported the prophet (may peace be upon him) said, ?A Muslim is a Muslim?s brother: he does not wrong him or abandon him. If anyone cares for his brother?s need, Allah will care for his need; if anyone removes a Muslim?s anxiety, Allah will remove from him, on account of it, one of the anxieties of the Day of resurrection; and if anyone conceals a Muslim?s fault, Allah will conceal his fault on the Day of resurrection.? (Sahih by Albani, Sunan Abi Dawud, Book 43, No. 121) Put it down t o waswasa. Anxiety can be difficult to deal with. If you put it down to waswasa, and Shaytaan trying to mess with your mind it may be easier to overcome. You can put it behind you, and move one. It will only increase your determination to fight against the shaytaan, and these negative thoughts.

Be grat ef ul f or t he mil l ion of ot her bount ies t hat you enjoy. The blessings of Allah are countless, and the biggest Ni?mah we have is that of Islam. Alhamdulillah that Allah has blessed us with this deen, so that in hardships we can turn to Him, and know that it is all going to be ok. Remember that though you are going

through difficulty, THANK Allah for everything else you have. Look at those who have less than you.

Be pat ient wit h your af f l ict ion, know t hat reward await s:: Abu Sa'id and Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Never a believer is stricken with a discomfort, an illness, an anxiety, a grief or mental worry or even the pricking of a thorn but Allah will expiate his sins on account of his patience.? (Bukhari and Muslim) Accept t he Qadr: Allah knows what is best for you. Perhaps He is testing you, that you may earn a great reward, or that He is averting harm that is worse. Everything has already been decreed, ?the pens have been lifted and the pages are dried.? Imam Ash-Shafi?i is reported to have said, ?my heart is at ease knowing that which was meant for me will never miss me, and that which misses me, was never meant for me.? Be content with the decree of Allah.

I hope that these tips will help you. I only intended to write ten, to make it easy, but subhanallah, how can I limit my work to ten points when the deen is filled and the Quran and Sunnah are pouring out to me? The last thing I would say to you is; know that Allah is merciful to the Believers, fear Him as He should be feared and He will facilitate everything for you, He looks after you, and we are under His care. Remember He has prepared a jannah, whose expanse is a wide as the heavens and earth, in which there will be no toil, no grief, no worry, no sadness. I anticipate meeting you there!

May Allah enter us into His jannah. Ameen

29

ABANDONING YOUR BROTHER Muharramat # 9 As muslims we make one ummah. We are united by a bond that runs deep in our hearts, our brotherhood/ sisterhood is not a mere friendship. Our connection is a relationship based on faith, it is an attachment in which each hopes the best for each other; that is paradise. May Allah unite us all there, in its highest levels.

We all are aware of Shaytaan, and his attempts to break us. He tampers with our unity, in order to divide the ummah, weaken the iman and make each of us lose the rewards and blessings of Allah. It may seem like a small grudge, but Shaytaan is well-aware of its consequences!

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ?It is not permitted for a muslim to forsake his brother, for more than three (days), whoever does this and dies, will enter hell.? (Abu-Dawud) It has always been the goal of Shaytaan to make us lose our place in Jannah. He has been denied it, and now he wants to make us deviate from the straight path.

With Ramadaan just gone, it?s upon our shoulders to fix up our ties.

In another narration, the Prophet (peace be upon) him said, ?It is not permissible for a man to forsake his brother for more than three nights, each turning away if they meet. The better of the two is the one who is the first to greet the other with salaam.? (Bukhari) Such a simple act of kindness, saying salaam, can save you from the fire of hell. Ramadaan is an opportunity for us to save ourselves from the fire, but it is no use, if you are engaged in forsaking your brother, and dooming yourself to the flames. ?The deeds of the people are shown to Allah twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays; He forgives all His believing slaves, except for the one between whom and his brother is enmity.

He says, leave these two until they reconcile.?

(Muslim) The benefits of returning to one?s brother, is many. Not only do you get to enjoy his companionship, but Allah will look at your deeds, and will save you from the fire.

Moreover, Anas bin Malik mentioned that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ?whoever would like his rizq (provision) to be increased and his life to be extended should uphold the ties of kinship.? (Bukhari and Muslim) So, upholding the ties of kinship, will grant you a longer life, and thus the opportunity to engage in more righteous deeds, and increases you provision. Sometimes a person may be deserving of being ignored, if they are engaged in some sin, such as abandoning the salah. If staying away from them will make them realise their errors, then it is permissible to do so.

However, if it will make things worse, then it is better to treat him kindly, advise him and remind him.

As muslims, we care for not only ourselves but the wider community of muslims brothers and sisters across the globe. We respect each other and maintain a healthy relationship. We encourage each other towards the good, and forbid the evil.

May Allah unite us all in Jannah tul Firdaws.

By Bibi Zainab Dowlut

30

Sisters Section

AN INDEPENDENT WOM AN I WISHED TO BE! ?And it is He who created the heavens and earth in truth. And the day He says, "Be," and it is, His word is the truth. And His is the dominion [on] the Day the Horn is blown. [He is] Knower of the unseen and the witnessed; and He is the Wise, the Acquainted.?(6:73) My brother was 7 years old and was learning a story in Hindi which contained some shirk about God. He began whining about how he doesn?t want to learn the lesson as it contained shirk.

My mother supported him but I said to him ?It?s okay to learn, we aren?t believing in it right so it?s fine as long as we know it?s wrong. And we want to get good marks and this chapter is probably the easiest.? This happened every year as in Hindi the beliefs of non-Muslims are entwined in the education system.

Sadly, marks mattered to me more than my brother?s iman back then, I valued grades. I wanted to be someone who could live well in life and not depend on the men folk as I thought there is no guarantee of them being there forever. I always thought life was about being successful; a bit of compromise in religion will get me success. But when I heard this ayah I knew ?I was WRONG?. Allah is the creator of all that I know and don't know and He can do anything, Then do I have to make compromises with the religion He has sent down for me to follow? Do I need education to be successful; does my brother need those 5 marks to be successful in his school or elsewhere? Allah hu Akbar neither you nor I need these compromises because Allah says: ?Call on Me; I will answer you.? (40:60) ?His command is only when He intends a thing that He says to it, "Be," and it is.?(36:82)

?Say: He is able to send punishment upon you from above you or from beneath your feet, or to bewilder you with dissension and make you taste the tyranny one of another. See how We present the signs so that they may understand.? (6: 65) The more I think about how wrong I was I feel the need of getting to know Allah more. This was me, a year ago but now I have realized how when we read the Quran and get to know Allah, the worldly matters are just play and deception.

This ayah explains the Greatness of Allah and how Allah has created everything so we need to believe in Him that He will do the best for us. I have come to realise Allas is Ar-Razzaaq, The Provider, and no matter what, I will get what is decreed for me. We don?t need the people or any other thing to attain anything what Allah has written for us. We need to look at the signs and miracles of Allah and make our belief stronger in Him each passing minute. Allah has sent the Quran which is a miracle, the story of the Prophet is a miracle as to how an illiterate person spread the message of Islam by peaceful means, and also the fact that Allah has made me a breathing piece of flesh with so many complicated things inside me that Scientists have yet not discovered is yet another miracle.

When we think about this, nothing is impossible for Allah to do. We just need to have a strong iman, conviction in Him and strive in worshipping Him alone.

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Allah is All-wise and so He knows what is best for us and so has revealed Islam as the perfect way of life for us and if we start making compromises in that then surely we are the ones in loss. Allah says in the Quran:

Hence, this is one of my favorite verses from the Noble Quran. Lastly I would like to conclude that Allah is never blind to our tears, is never deaf to our prayer, and never silent to our pain.

He sees, He hears, He is never too far...

?Those to whom We have given the Book recite it with its true recital. They [are the ones who] believe in it. And whoever disbelieves in it - it is they who are the losers.? (2:121)

May Allah make us closer to our deen and never let us make any compromises in it. Ameen.

By Fatima Damad

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WOM EN OF THE GOLDEN ERA

# 9 Maimoonah Bint Harith

Oh those times spent in the taraweeh, in reading Quran, in hastening towards good, in refraining from evil, in striving to attain Allah?s pleasure, indeed Ramadan is a month of training.

However, now just because Ramadan has gone it doesn?t necessitate that our iman should go as well. The bad habits that we had thrown aside now need to left out for good, our istighfar (repentance) needs to be sincere and one of its conditions is not to repeat the sinful action again and in case we slip we should again make istighfar whilst making a sincere intention of not repeating it again.

Brothers and sisters we should definitely increase in goodness in Ramadan and try to perform voluntary prayers and do lots of ibadah but we should also strive to be upright all year round. We should look at our righteous predecessors, though obviously they increased their ibadah in Ramadan but read their seerah and you will realize that they were pious all the year round. No wonder there ranks are highly elevated and they were chosen as the forerunners of Islam. We too need to imbibe such beautiful qualities in ourselves and walk the footsteps they walked because that brothers and sisters is undeniably the true way to success.

One such beautiful example is our Mother of the Believer?s, Maimoonah bint Al-Harith (May Allah be pleased with her). She was the aunt of Ibn Abbas and Ibn Al-Waleed (May Allah be pleased with them) and was the last wife of our Noble Prophet (Peace and Blessings be upon him).

Maimoonah (May Allah be pleased with her) was

valued highly for her traits like God- Fearing and nurturing good relations with all the members of her family. And this tribute was paid to her when she passed away by Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) in the words ?By Allah! Maimoonah (May Allah be pleased with her) has passed away, she was the most Allahfearing and nurtured the ties of kinship.?

Imagine how pious she was be for this to be said from Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) who herself was very pious and a leading woman and a teacher for the scholars to come.

This also brings to our attention the importance of maintaining the ties of kinship for Allah has warned us against cutting the ties of kinship (interpretation of the meaning): ?And those who break the Covenant of Allah, after its ratification, and sever that which Allah has commanded to be joined (i.e., they sever the bond of kinship and are not good to their relatives), and work mischief in the land, on them is the curse (i.e., they will be far away from Allah?s Mercy); And for them is the unhappy (evil) home (i.e., Hell).? [Al-Ra?d 13:26] Does it not cause our hearts to tremor, think about it dear friends, what punishment could be worse than the curse?

Islam is a religion of peace and calls for the upholding of the ties of kinship because of the great effect that this has on achieving social cohesion and perpetuating cooperation and 34

love among the Muslims. Upholding the ties of kinship is a duty because Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): ?? and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship)? ? [Al-Nisa?

4:1] ?And give to the kindred his due and to the miskeen (poor)? ? [al-Isra?17:26] A hadith that can be quoted in this context: Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: ?The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ?Allah created the universe, and when He had finished, kinship (al-rahm) stood up and said, ?This is the standing up of one who seeks Your protection from being cut off.? Allah said, ?Yes, would it please you if I were to take care of those who take care of you and cut off those who cut you off?? It said, ?Of course.? Allah said, ?Then your prayer in granted.??

(Saheeh Muslim bi Sharh al-Nawawi, 16/ 112).

We benefit from the above great Hadith that Allah will take care of those who take care and maintain the ties of kinship and we also learn that whoever cuts the ties of kinship, Allah will cut them off.

Also keep in mind the hadith: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ?Whoever would like his rizq (provision) to be increased and his life to be extended, should uphold the ties of kinship.?

(Reported by al-Bukhaari, 5986 and Muslim, 2557).

My dear friends I plead you to ponder on the above ayat and ahadith and truly think about it, is a dispute over property, land and other worldly reasons really a reason sufficient enough to cut off ties of kinship with our brothers and sisters.

?Oh, but I try to be kind to them, yet they respond rudely, after all one has to keep their self-respect?Seriously! Is that what we think?

Then allow me to clarify The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ?The one who maintains a relationship with his relatives only because they maintain a relationship with him is not truly upholding the ties of kinship. The one who truly upholds those ties is the one who does so even if they break off the relationship.?

(Reported by al-Bukhaari, 5645).

If the relationship merely involves returning favours and giving like in return for like, and not taking the first step, then this is not upholding the ties of kinship, it is only responding in kind.

Some people follow the principle of giving a gift in return for a gift, and visiting in return for a visit, so if someone does not give them a gift, they do not give him a gift, and if he does not visit them, they do not visit him! This is not what is meant by upholding the ties of kinship at all, and this is not what is required by Islam.

This is merely responding in kind, it is not the higher degree which Islam urges us to reach. A man said to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), ?I have relatives with whom I try to keep in touch, but they cut me off. I treat them well, but they abuse me. I am patient and kind towards them, but they insult me.? The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ?If you are as you say, then it is as if you are putting hot dust in their mouths. Allah will continue to support you as long as you continue to do that.?

(Reported by Muslim with commentary by al-Nawawi, 16/ 115).

Who could bear to put up with hot dust? We seek refuge with Allah from cutting off the ties of kinship.

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Let?s remember Maimoonah (May Allah be pleased with her) and truly try to endeavour to keep up our kinship ties as we certainly can?t afford to face the consequences of not doing so.

Maimoonah (May Allah be pleased with her) after the death of the Prophet (Peace and Blessings be upon him) lived her life calmly and peacefully, preoccupying herself with acts of worship and performing Hajj every year.

May Allah from his immense mercy make us among those patiently maintain the ties of kinship. Ameen.

Bint Ayesha

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Havingfunthe Hal aal way

The Best Eid A beautiful day, a day of happiness, is very near and it comes after the most blessed month, that day is Eid. Eid is a day we all have waited for, a day where we are the happiest and when we meet our loved ones. This day, the young anticipate the joy of accepting gifts and the old anticipate the joy of giving. This is a day when no one goes hungry and all is celebrating and enjoying themselves. A day we see bright smiles on everyone?s faces, everyone warmly hugging each other. It brings unity among ourselves.

But again we have to spend this day according to the Sunnah of the Prophet, so as that we don?t underestimate the joy of Eid neither go off limits on this blessed day.

As soon as we sight the moon of Shawwal, most of us will start shopping or apply henna or start the cleaning or usually just hang out the whole night wasting this precious night when Allah showers His blessings on those who have spent Ramadan in prayer and other worship. What we should do is spend this night, or at least some part of it in remembering Allah and thanking Him for letting us experience the blessed month Ramadan and to welcome Eid. And as for our precious shopping, we have been given countless reminders in Sha'ban to finish it before Ramadan. It is not necessary to wear new clothes, our clean and many unworn dresses can be worn on Eid. We also need to pray Fajr and follow all the Sunnah?s of what the Prophet used to do on the

day of Eid, including women going for Salat al Eid. This day is supposed to be a celebration in Islam and so everything done should be in accordance to it. I personally have witnessed people, who watch movies and listen to music as a form of celebration, but this is totally haram. Also we have people who do the best deeds in Ramadan, building a mountain of good deeds and the very next day as Ramadan ends, we see the women strutting around in heels (clip clop, clip clop) and exposing their beauty as a fitna for others. Men allowing their women to do this have a share in the sin. And again there are many other things that we do that breaks down our mountain of good deeds to almost nothing.

Now let?s get to the festivities of Eid, on Eid we should to ensure that the poor and needy also have their share of happiness and joy. Ensure that your Zakat-ul-Fitr is given on time. You can sort out your closet and handing them to

poor people will ensure that they too have good clothes to wear on Eid. Remember when we give we become richer and not poor.

Invite your friends and family to your house and have a and enjoy the festivities of eid together. On this day of Eid remember those to whom you have forgotten or whom you don?t have good ties with. This is an opportunity for you to forgive and forget, this is a chance of attaining true happiness. But remember to always observe hijab and keep it halal.

Eid is a day for Feasting, prepare sweet dishes and enjoy yourself to the fullest as you have 'starved' in Ramadaan. Eating is a way of happiness, and inviting your neighbors to eat along with you will double the joy as neighbors have greater rights than your relatives. Indeed it gets tiring inviting many people all at once and so help your mothers, wives, and sisters in preparing and serving the food, this will 38

make Eid a happy occasion for them as well and not just another day of chores.

Giving each other gifts will make this day more special, especially for the young who envy non-muslim celebratory gifts. Giving gifts makes way for more love for each other.

Loving and caring is what a muslim is and should be.

Lastly celebrate Eid as the best day of your lives by following the Sunnah and you will see that it will be the best Eid compared to all the previous Eid you have celebrated. It will make you a better person as you give and share the happiness, and earn the pleasure of Allah.

By Fatima Damad

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Answers t o Last mont h's Quiz: (From Lef t t o right ): 1) The Night of Power/ Decree which is better than 1000 months 2) During the last ten nights of Ramadaan 3) When the new moon of Shawwaal is sighted.

4) Eid-ul-Fitr, or the Eid of Breaking the Fast

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Eid Special

Quiz Time!

W hat is t he name of t he charit y given before Eid

Ei d d l u o h s e r e Wh d? e y a r p e b h Sal a

Salah?

H ow m

any T a k beer ar e t he re in E id Sal ah?

W hat i s t he n ame of t he mont h f ol l owi ng Ramadaan?

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Eid Special

Bak l av a INGREDIENTS Ingredient s makes 20 pieces 115 g/ 4 oz blanched Almonds 115 g/ 4 oz walnuts 115 g/ 4 oz shelled pistachios 55 g/ 2 oz brown sugar 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg 55 g/ 2 oz Butter, melted, plus extra for greasing 12 sheets ready- made filo pastry, about 30 x 18 cm/ 12 x 7 inches Syrup 225 g/ 8 oz granulated sugar 150 ml/ 5 fl oz water 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp orange-flower water

METHOD 1. To make the syrup, place the sugar, water and lemon juice in a saucepan over low heat and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved, that boil gently for 5 minutes, until the mixture takes on a syrupy consistency. Add the orange-flower water and boil for a further 2 minutes. cool completely.

2. Place one- third of all the nuts in a food processor and process until finely chopped. Roughly chop the remainder. place all the chopped nuts in a bowl with the brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg and mix together.

3. Grease a baking pan that is roughly the same size as, or slightly smaller than, the sheet of pastry. Brush 1 sheet of pastry with butter and place on the bottom of the baking pan. Repeat with 3 more sheets.

Spread one one- third of the nut mixture over the pastry. top with 2 more layers of buttered pastry, then another third of the nut mixture.Top with 2 more buttered filo sheets then the remaining nuts.

Finally top with 4 sheets of buttered filo.

4. Cut the top layer of pastry into diamonds and bake in a preheated oven, 180 째 C/ 350 째 F, for 30-40 minutes or until crisp and golden. Remove from the oven, pour the syrup over the top and cool. When cold, trim the edges and cut into diamond shape.

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