A monthly newsletter from Masjid Bani Hashim Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue#18 May 2015
A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue #18 May 2015 بسم اهلل الرحمن الرحيم السالم عليكم و رحمة اهلل و بركاته
Introduction What is the value of this life? (٤٥) شىۡ ٍ ۬ء ُّم ۡقت َ ِدرًا َ ِّۡضفَأ َۡصبَحَ هَشِ ي ً۬ما تَذۡرُوهُ ٱل ِّريَـٰحُۗ َوكَا َن ٱهللَُّ َع َلىٰ كُل ِ ٱألَر ۡ ُط ِبهِۦ نَبَات َ خت َ َل ۡ ٱلسمَ آ ِء فَٱ َّ َٱضرِبۡ َلهُم َّمث َلَ ٱلۡحَ يَ ٰو ِة ٱل ُّدنۡيَا كَمَ آ ٍء أ َنزَ ۡلنَـٰ ُه ِم َن ۡ و (٤٦) ً۬خيۡ ٌر أ َ َمال َ خيۡ ٌر عِن َد َرب َِّك ثَوَابً۬ا َو َ ُٱلصـٰلِحَ ـٰت َّ ُملۡ َالُ وَٱ ۡلبَن ُو َن زِين َ ُة ٱلۡحَ يَ ٰو ِة ٱل ُّدنۡيَاۖ وَٱ ۡلبَـٰ ِقيَـٰت And put forward to them the example of the life of this world, it is like the water (rain) which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, and becomes fresh and green. But (later) it becomes dry and broken pieces, which the winds scatter. And Allah is Able to do everything. Surah Al Kahf, ayat 45-46
Honestly, what is the value of this life in your opinion? I think there are two possible answers and I think both of them are right!! 1-The value of this life is high! 2-This life is meaningless, i.e. there is no value in it! Ok, so apparently I contradicted myself! Maybe not!
1) Yes, life is valuable and it can be as valuable as the rain water which brings life to the dead land by the will and power of Allah سبحانه و تعالى
When is so? When faith enters our hearts and when it gives life to healthy emotions; this is valuable. When Islam not only enters our lives in the forms of visible obedience but also is established in our hearts; this is valuable. That is when life becomes worth living, that’s when you understood the meaning of life and you transform your days and nights in line with the will of The Creator, Allah سبحانه و تعالى, AlKhaleq. Those who have seen this happening, have been emerged in an amazing feeling of peace, independent of their circumstances. They became free, they realized that they are slaves of only Allah سبحانه و تعالى, ArRahman. Nothing else matters. They still live in this dunya, but their sight and their vision is beyond the seventh heaven. They still mingle with people but their aim is to please Allah سبحانه و تعالىand to see the Face of Allah سبحانه و تعالىwhen they reach firdaus el‘ala. We ask Allah سبحانه و تعالىfor the firdaus el’ala.
A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue #18 May 2015
2) Life is meaningless if you are just having a fun ride in this dunya…lowest of the low. You have become so involved in amassing wealth, power, prestige, women, children, etc.
To a certain extent, we are living in this world as if we are going to stay here forever. The moment we start focusing too much in building our future in dunya, then reflect on the above ayat in Surah Al Kahf. Al is Al Qader, He created the existence and He also decreed its end. Our existence in this dunya is uncertain. In a nutshell, do I have the guarantee that I will be alive up till the end of this article? Will I finish it? May Allah سبحانه و تعالىprolong our lives in goodness. Let’s work together and help each other in building a dunya that does not make us forget Who is Allah سبحانه و تعالىand do not make us forget why we have been created.
It does not mean we do not live good lives and we do not enjoy the blessings that Allah سبحانه و تعالىhas bestowed upon us. It only means that we use anything and everything good that we have in ways pleasing to Him. If our aim as we wake up in the morning is to please Allah سبحانه و تعالىin everything we do, including when we go out to earn a halal living and if we end the day, by thanking Allah سبحانه و تعالىfor all we achieved and we ask Allah سبحانه و تعالىfor a night in obedience of Allah سبحانه و تعالى, then subhana’ Allah, all 24 hours beithin Allah will be in ibadah, in worship of Allah سبحانه و تعالى. We would have achieved the objective of our days and nights, of our life: ِِنسإ َِّال لِيَ ۡعبُدُون َ َٱإل ۡ خ َلقۡتُ ٱ ۡلج ِ َّن و َ َومَا And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone). Surah Adh Dhariyat, ayah 56. الحمدهلل رب العاملني
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A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue #18 May 2015
This Issue Introduction: Pages 1 - 2 Names of Allah (SWT) - Al Jameel: Pages 4 - 10 The Real Superstars: Pages 11 - 12 Establishing an Identity: Pages 13 - 15 Biography of Prophet Mohammed (SAWS) A Quiz to refresh your memory:
New
Page 15 Surah Yusuf: Pages 16 - 19 Foods from the Sunnah - Barley: Pages 20 - 24 Surah An-Naziat: Pages 25 - 27 Cheer Up!: Pages 28 - 29 Arabic: Pages 30 - 32 Masjid Bani Hashim: Pages 33 - 35
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NAMES OF Al Jameel ( – )اسم اهلل الجميلThe Most Beautiful – ALLAH Part 1 Where is this name found? The name of Allah Al Jameel ( )الجميلis found and fixed in the Sunnah (هذا االسم )ثبت في السنة. Hadith: “ال يدخل الجنة من كان في قلبه:)وعن عبد اهلل بن مسعود رضي اهلل عنه عن النبى صلى اهلل عليه وسلم قال “إن اهلل جميل يحب:مثقال ذرة من كبر” فقال رجل” إن الرجل يحب أن يكون ثوبه حسنا ً ونعله حسنا ً؟ قال (لجمال الكبر بطر الحق وغمط الناس ('Abdullah bin Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet ()ﷺ said, "He who has, in his heart, an ant's weight of arrogance will not enter Jannah." Someone said: "A man likes to wear beautiful clothes and shoes?" Messenger of Allah ( )ﷺsaid, "Allah is Beautiful, He loves beauty. Arrogance means ridiculing and rejecting the Truth and despising people.") – Muslim Book 1, Hadith 612
Meaning of the name of Allah Al Jameel ()اسم اهلل الجميل Linguistic meaning ()املعنى اللغوي So much beauty and illuminating ()الحسن الكثير و البهاء. The opposite is ugly ()قبح. It can mean beauty in appearance ( )الجمال في الخلقand beauty in character (الجمال )في الفعل. Beauty that is both inside and out.
Meaning in the Deen ()املعنى الشرعي
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All beauty belongs to Him ( )الجمال كله لهand all beauty is from Him ()الجمال كله منه. If you see a beautiful person, whether inside or out, it is not from themselves, but from Allah (swt). All beauty – whether it is inner or outer beauty – in the duniya and akhira is from the impacts of Allah (swt)’s beauty, even the good character, good actions are all from Allah (swt) (كل جمال ظاهر او باطن في الدنيا و )االخرة فمن آثار جماله. All of Allah (swt)’s creation is beautiful and if you were to collect all of it, it is nothing compared to His (swt)‘s beauty, subhan Allah. This name helps us to be attached to Allah (swt) alone, because we have the tendency to get attached to what is beautiful – so attach to Allah Al Jameel.
Four Levels to the Beauty of Allah (swt) ()جمال اهلل على أربع مراتب 1.Beautiful in His Self ()جمال الذات: It it is not detached from Him (swt), our beauty is given to us. So no one is beautiful on his own, except Allah (swt). No one can take away the beauty from Allah (swt). We can’t own our beauty and our beauty goes away, but not Allah (swt)’s. Allah (swt) is the Most Beautiful ()اجمل من كل شيء, so when you see anything beautiful, remember that Allah (swt) is more beautiful. No one can realize or encompass the beauty of Allah (swt) ()جماله ال يدركه أحد سواه. No matter how much we speak about Allah (swt) or think of Him (swt), He (swt) is beyond that – we are not giving Him (swt) His rights ()ال يعلمه أحد من املخلوقني. And this makes us to long for Allah (swt), subhan Allah.
His beauty is screened ()جماله محجوب: The beauty of Allah (swt) is veiled with light, and if it that veil is lifted, it will burn the creation because of the beauty and glow of His face, subhan Allah. Hadith: َْشفَهَا أل َحْ َرقَت َ ط َويَ ْرفَ ُع ُه حِ جَ ابُ ُه الن ُّو ُر َل ْو ك َ ِس ْ ِضا ْلق ُ خف ْ ََسولُ اهللَِّ ـ صلى اهلل عليه وسلم ـ “ إِ َّن اهللََّ الَ يَن َا ُم َوالَ يَنْبَغِ ي َل ُه أ َ ْن يَن َا َم ي ُ )قَالَ قَالَ ر (“ َُص ُره َ شىْ ٍء أ َ ْد َر َك ُه ب َ َُّ بُحَ اتُ وَجْ ِه ِه كُل (It was narrated that Abu Musa said: "The Messenger of Allah (saws) said: 'Allah does not sleep, and it is not befitting that He should sleep. He lowers the Scales and raises them. His Veil is Light, and if He were to remove it, the glory of his Face would burn everything of His creation, as far as His gaze reaches.') – Muslim Book 1, Hadith 201
Paradise is what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and never crossed the heart of a person (ما ال )عني رأت و ال أذن سمعت و ال خطر على قلب بشر: Paradise is a creation of Allah (swt). And when the dwellers of paradise see Allah (swt) they will forget paradise and its delights ()اذا رأوا ربهم و تمتعوا بجماله نسوا ما هم فيه من النعيم, subhan Allah.
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The greatest delight and highest pleasure is to see the beauty of Allah (swt) (أعظم لذه و أعلى نيعم )رؤية جمال اهلل: When you see Allah (swt), it will make you forget paradise, subhan Allah. May Allah (swt) make us to see Him and long to see Him without going through harm or trials. Ameen. The dwellers of paradise are of different levels – there are those who see Allah (swt) every morning and afternoon, others once a week. However you think about Allah (swt) is what you will get. The worst punishment in the hellfire is to not see Allah (swt) – this is the greatest torture. May Allah (swt) protect us. Ameen.
When the people of paradise see Allah (swt), their hearts will be longing even more to see Allah (swt), subhan Allah ()كانت قلوبهم في شوق عظيم دائم لرؤية اهلل: The day when people will see Allah (swt) is called ‘Yawm Al Mazeed’ ( – )يوم املزيدThe Day of Increase. Hadith: هذه الجمعة يعرضها عليك ربك لتكون: ما هذه يا جبريل ؟ قال: فيها نكتة سوداء ؛ فقلت، )آتاني جبريل عليه السالم وفي يده مرآة بيضاء فيها ساعة من دعا، ما لنا فيها ؟ قال فيها خير لكم: وتكون اليهود والنصارى من بعدك قال، تكون أنت األول، لك عيدا ولقومك من بعدك أو تعوذ فيها من شر هو عليه مكتوب ؛ إال أعاذه، أو ليس له بقسم إال ادخر له ما هو أعظم منه، ربه فيها بخير هو له قسم إال أعطاه إياه وهو سيد األيام، هذه الساعة تقوم يوم الجمعة: ما هذه النكتة السوداء فيها ؟ قال: أو ليس عليه مكتوب ؛ إال أعاذه من أعظم منه قلت، إن ربك عز وجل اتخذ في الجنة واديا أفيح من مسك: لم تدعونه يوم املزيد ؟ قال: قلت: عندنا ونحن ندعوه في اآلخرة يوم املزيد قال ، وجاء النبيون حتى يجلسوا عليها، ثم حف الكرسي بمنابر من نور، أبيض فإذا كان يوم الجمعة نزل تبارك وتعالى من عليني على كرسيه ، ثم يجيء أهل الجنة حتى يجلسوا على الكثيب، حتى يجلسوا عليها، ثم جاء الصديقون والشهداء، ثم حف املنابر بكراسي من ذهب ، هذا محل كرامتي، وأتممت عليكم نعمتي، أنا الذي صدقتكم وعدي: وهو يقول، فيتجلى لهم ربهم تبارك وتعالى حتى ينظر إلى وجهه فسلوني ؛ فيسألونه حتى تنتهي رغبتهم فيفتح لهم، وأنالكم كرامتي، رضائي أحلكم داري: فيقول عز وجل، فسلوني ؛ فيسألونه الرضا ثم يصعد الرب تبارك وتعالى على، وال خطر على قلب بشر إلى مقدار منصرف الناس يوم الجمعة، عند ذلك ما ال عني رأت وال أذن سمعت ال فصم فيها وال وصم أو ياقوتة، فيصعد معه الشهداء والصديقون – أحسبه قال – ويرجع أهل الغرف إلى غرفهم دره بيضاء، كرسيه فليسوا إلى شيء، فيها أزواجها وخدمها، متدلية فيها ثمارها، منها غرفها وأبوابها مطردة فيها أنهارها، أو زبرجدة خضراء، حمراء – (( ولذلك دعي ) يوم املزيد، وليزدادوا فيه نظرا إلى وجهه تبارك وتعالى، حوج منهم إلى يوم الجمعة ليزدادوا فيه كرامة Jibreel (as) came to the Prophet (pbuh) and had a white mirror in his hand that had a black dot. So the Prophet (pbuh) asked, what is this? And he said this is Friday. And Friday is the best day in the week, and in paradise, it is called Yawm Al Mazeed. So the Prophet (pbuh) asked why? He said, Your Lord made a valley in paradise that has a fragrance greater than white musk. And on that Day, Allah (swt) will come down from His throne to His kursi, and the kursi will be encompassed with platforms of light and all of the messengers will be seated, then it will be encompassed with chairs of gold and all the martyrs will be seated, and then the dwellers of paradise will come out of their dwellings, and they will be seated on a dune of musk. But those who are sitting on the dunes will not see themselves as being lower, everyone feels satisfied with what they have. Then Allah – Owner of Majesty and Honor – will say, ‘Ask me’. They will ask for the pleasure of Allah (swt), then He will say, ‘My pleasure is to make you dwell in My place 6 (paradise) and you will be honored.’ Then Allah (swt) will say, ‘Ask me’. Then all will say, ‘We ask you
Your pleasure’, then Allah (swt) will bear witness to His (swt) pleasure. Then He (swt) will say, ‘Ask me’. Then each person will individually ask, then Allah (swt) will open for them what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and what has not crossed the heart ) - صحيح: املصدر- األلباني:أنس بن مالكاملحدث:الراوي حسن لغيره: خالصة حكم املحدث3761: الصفحة أو الرقم-الترغيب When the people of paradise see Allah (swt), then their pleasure will increase and they will be even more beautiful. And when they see Allah (swt) they will know Him more, and this excitement will become multiplied and their love for Him will increase, subhan Allah.
From His Arsh to His kursi will be the Messengers, and Martyrs , and Allah SWT will be pleased with them in Yawmul Mazeed.
2.Beautiful in His names ()جمال األسماء: All of the names of Allah (swt) are the most beautiful ()اسماء اهلل كلها حسنى. What does ‘husna’ mean? It means the names of Allah (swt) reach the max in beauty and goodness ()بلغت من الحسن غايته. Even the Prophet (pbuh) encouraged us to call our children beautiful names in meaning and sound because you will carry it all your life. Surah Al ‘Araf 180: ۖسنَىٰ فَٱ ۡدعُوهُ ِبہَا ۡ ُٱأل َۡسمَ آ ُء ٱلۡح ۡ ََِِّوهلل And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allâh, so call on Him by them) – Because Allah (swt) has the most beautiful names, you need to call Him (swt) by these names. Don’t call Him (swt) by names that He (swt) did not call Himself.
3.Beautiful in His attributes ()جمال الصفات: The names of Allah (swt) are beautiful and the attributes of Allah (swt) can be found in the Quran. The attributes are the description, and we can find out about Allah (swt)’s mercy, kindness, knowledge, etc – all from the Quran. How will you know about Allah (swt)? From His (swt) speech in the Quran. When you read His (swt) book, you will know about Him (swt)– you will know about His (swt) mercy, wisdom, kindness. If you want Allah (swt) to speak to you, then read the Quran. Anytime you want to speak to Allah (swt), then make a dua’a and pray, subhan Allah. All of these are great blessings from Allah (swt). Allah (swt) has the highest/max in attributes ()اعلى الصفات, the most perfect ()أكملها, and the most vast ()أوسعها. Our attributes are limited – our mercy, our knowledge is all limited. But the mercy and knowledge of Allah (swt) is vast. The Face, Hands, Shin, Light, Eyes are all descriptions of Allah (swt) – we need to affirm it, but we don’t know how. A person has a mix of good and bad qualities – but Allah (swt) has all the good qualities and there is nothing missing ()لم يبق صفة كمال اال اتصف بها, subhan Allah. 7
No one can encompass the attributes of Allah (swt) ()ال تحيط الخالئق بصفاته. No matter how much we do, we cannot reach what Allah (swt) deserves, the angels will say ‘we did not worship you as you deserve to be worshipped’, subhan Allah. But Allah (swt) still accepts our insufficient deeds. That’s why entering paradise is a favor and mercy from Allah (swt). Knowing about Allah (swt) purifies the heart, and it makes you know who you are and Who is Allah (swt), subhan Allah.
4.Beautiful in His actions ()جمال األفعال: The actions of Allah (swt) can be found in the Quran, and all of His (swt) actions are the most beautiful. When you gather all of the actions of Allah (swt), then they go around between two things (أفعال اهلل دائرة )بني: Favor ()الفضل: When Allah (swt) rewards, honors, guides, elevates, gives – it is all favor, subhan Allah. Allah (swt) is praised and thanked for all of His favors ()يحمد و يشكر عليها. When something good happens to you, then you say ( – )الحمد هلل الذي بنعمته تتم الصالحاتAll praises to Allah (swt) that by His (swt) blessings all goodness are completed. Justice ()العدل: When Allah (swt) punishes, humiliates, withholds – these are all justice, subhan Allah. When Allah (swt) doesn’t give or takes away, it is never unjust. To enter paradise is a favor from Allah (swt), and the hellfire is the justice of Allah (swt) – it is not unjust. Allah (swt) deals with good doers with favor and evildoers with justice. When Allah (swt) deals justly with you, you need to praise Allah (swt) ()يحمد عليها. When something bad happens to you, then you say ( – )الحمد هلل على كل حالAll praises to Allah (swt) in all cases. Allah (swt) loves the praise and loves those who praise Him, Alhamdulliah. None of the actions of Allah (swt) are: Vain/random ()عبث Foolish ()سفه Unjust ()ظلم All of the actions of Allah (swt) are: Guidance ()هدى: For example, a leaf that falls might be a means to guidance for someone, subhan Allah. Or someone comes and speaks to you, and it is a means of guidance for you. Allah (swt) does not bring people randomly to you, there is always wisdom. And when you know about Allah (swt) it makes you content in life. Everything in life is guidance, but we don’t see it, subhan Allah.
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Light ()نور: All of Allah (swt)’s actions give clarity. Mercy ()رحمة: All of the actions of Allah (swt) are merciful. Good ()خير
All of the beauty in the duniya and akhira are just traces of His (swt) beauty (كل جمال في الدنيا و اآلخرة من )آثار جماله, subhan Allah. We praise Allah (swt) in this dua’a: I cannot praise You enough, You are as You have praised Yourself ال أحصي ثناء عليك أنت كما أثنيت على نفسك
Applications 1.Allah (swt) has revealed upon His (swt) servants to be dressed, even accessorized and adorned in order to make the person beautiful from the outside, but according to what pleases Allah (swt). .()أن اهلل أنزل على عباده لباسا و ريشا و زينة تجمل ظواهرهم Not according to what pleases the shaitan – not to uncover, display the beauty, change the nose, etc. 2.Allah (swt) has revealed upon His servants to have taqwa, which will give them inner-beauty ()انزل على عباده تقوى تجمل بواطنهم Surah Al ‘Araf 26: (َخيۡ ۚرٌ۬ ذَل َِك ِم ۡن ءَايَـٰتِ ٱهللَِّ َل َع َّل ُه ۡم يَذَّ َّكرُون َ َاس ٱلت َّ ۡقوَى ٰ ذَل َِك ُ شًاۖ َولِب ۬ س ۡوءَٲ ِت ُك ۡم َورِي َ سًا يُوَٲرِى ۬ يَـٰبَ ِنىٓ ءَا َد َم َق ۡد أ َنزَ ۡلن َا َع َليۡ ُك ۡم لِبَا (O Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts) and as an adornment, and the raiment of righteousness, that is better. Such are among the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh, that they may remember (i.e. leave falsehood and follow truth) Allah (swt) is addressing all of the children of Adam – all believers and disbelievers. Your beauty in front of Allah (swt) is your ‘gown of taqwa’. Sometimes people might hit your weak spot, but you should cover yourself with taqwa. Or people might misunderstand you, but Allah (swt) will never misunderstand you, subhan Allah. So the inner and outer gowns are all signs of Allah (swt), imagine when you open your closet and you see your clothes and remember that it is all from Allah (swt), you are rewarded for this, subhan Allah. 9
3.Allah (swt) beautifies the dwellers of paradise ()اهلل الجميل جمل أهل الجنة Surah Al Insan 11-12: (١٢) صبَرُوا ْ جَ ن َّ ۬ةً وَحَ رِيرً۬ا َ ( وَجَ زَٮٰهُم بِمَ ا١١) َسرُورً۬ا ُ َض َرةً۬ و ۡ ش َّر ذَل َِك ٱ ۡليَ ۡوم ِ َو َل َّقٮٰ ُه ۡم ن َ َُّفَ َو َقٮٰ ُه ُم ٱهلل (So Allâh saved them from the evil of that Day, and gave them Nadhrah (a light of beauty) and joy. (11) And their recompense shall be Paradise, and silken garments, because they were patient. (12)) One day in paradise is different from two days, one year, one thousand years – you will become more beautiful and joyful as the days go by, subhan Allah.
اهلل الجميل و هو الذي يجمل Allah is Al Jameel and He is The One Gives Beauty
Impact of the Name of Allah (swt) One of the impact is that it will strengthen the love of Allah (swt) and the more you know about the beauty of Allah (swt) you see everything beautiful till your heart becomes empty and filled of Love of Allah (swt) only. Allah (swt) also loves when you beautify yourself. You need to beautify yourself outside and inside according with things that Allah (swt) loves. You beautify your body ... You usually do but when you do it to please Allah Al Jameel you get rewarded. Also beautify your limbs, how? With obedience. How can your eyes be beautiful? By seeing all good things in the creation. Your tongue? By saying good things. Hands? By giving in charity and so on.
Beautify your inside with Ihsaan, Shukoor, Taqwa, Rajaa: Thank Allah (swt) for the blessings He (swt) has favored you with. If you have been blessed with money, then show it through the way you dress.
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THE REAL SUPERSTARS
ters. The Muslim to whom Allah (SWT) has given servants should remember that the servant is a human being like him: he has limited energy and he has feelings, so he should respect his feelings and let him rest fully when he sleeps, so that his work will not be too difficult for him".
In this issue of The Real Superstars, we continue with the Sahaba who was known for his shyness and modesty- Uthman Bin Affan (RA). As Salabee writes in his biography of Uthman Bin Affan (RA), "The Lord has made humility one of the main characteristics of His believing slaves. The Rightly-Guided Caliph 'Uthman also had this characteristic, which stemmed from his sincerity towards Allah (SWT). It was narrated that 'Abd-Allah alRoomi said: 'Uthman ibn 'Affan used to get his wudoo' water for himself when he got up to pray at night. It was said to him Why don't you tell your servant to do it for you? He said: No; the night is for them to rest. This is an example of the mercy that was characteristic of the caliph 'Uthman. Even though he (RA) was older and of a high social status, he (RA) would help himself (RA) at night and not wake up the servants, even though Allah (SWT) has placed the servants at the service of their mas-
Uthman (RA) was also very deeply attached to the Qur'an.He (RA) loved to live with the Book of Allah (SWT). It was narrated that the sahaba who used to learn the Qur'an from the Prophet(SAWS) would not go beyond what they had learned until they had imbibed the knowledge contained in them, and had put them into action. Uthman (RA) had recited the entire Qur'an to Prophet(SAWS) before he (SAWS) passed away. ‘Uthman (RA) had memorized all of the Qur'an and he (RA) read Qur’an all the time. When he (RA) was asked about it, he (RA) said: “It is blessed and was brought by a blessed one.” When ‘Uthman (RA) died,his (RA)’s Mus-haf was worn out because he (RA) had read from it so much. (Al-Bidayah wa'n-Nihayah). The wife of ‘Uthman (RA) said on the day when he (RA) was besieged: Either kill him or leave him alone, for by Allah, he would recite the whole Qur’an in one rak’ah when praying qiyam al-layl. SubhanAllah such were our predecessors.. how far have we come, how much we have deviated. When we read about the sahabas , we should not read them as stories, as something with which we increase our knowledge in, rather we 11
should read their stories so that it increases us in emaan and good character. May Allah (SWT) make it easy for us to follow more than we read. Ameen, As we all know Uthman Bin Affan (RA) was the 3rd Caliph after Abu Bakr and Omar(May Allah be pleased with them). Uthman (RA) reigned for twelve years and during his (RA) rule all of Iran, most of North Africa, the Caucasus and Cyprus were added to the Islamic empire. He (RA) was the first Caliph to organize a navy. He (RA) reorganized the administrative divisions of the Muslim Caliphate. He (RA) made huge efforts to better the economic conditions of the muslims of that time. He (RA) expanded and initiated many public projects. ‘Urwah bin az-Zubayr said "I lived at the time of ‘Uthmaan and there was not a single Muslim who did not have a right to the wealth of Allah [i.e. the Bayt almaal]." [Al-Musannaf fil-Hadeeth, 3/1023]. Perhaps Uthmaan (RA)’s most important contribution to the Muslim Ummah was his (RA) compilation of the Quran.
According to tradition, the process of collecting the surahs (chapters) of the Qur'an had started under Umar (RA), who instructed Zaid ibn Thabit (RA), who had served as one of Muhammad (SAWS)'s scribes, to begin gathering the various written pieces together. Some have it that a manuscript (Mushaf) existed during Abu Bakr (RA)'s caliphate and that the Prophet (SAWS) himself had determined the order of the surahs. With regard to the seven recitations or ten recitations, they are present in what was compiled by ‘Uthmaan (RA), and have to do with adding a letter or omitting a letter, or elongating or shortening a vowel. All of that is included in the one style that ‘Uthmaan (RA) compiled. The intention behind that was to preserve the word of Allah (SWT) and protect people from differences that could harm them or cause fitnah among them. Allah (SWT) has not enjoined reciting it in the seven styles, rather the Prophet (SAWS) said: “Recite whichever is easiest.” ...To be continued
Various Muslim centers, like Kufa and Damascus, had begun to develop their own traditions for reciting and writing down the Qur'an. When ‘Uthmaan (RA ) heard of the differences among the people, he (RA) consulted the Companions who were still alive at this time, such as ‘Ali (RA), Talhah (RA), al-Zubayr (RA) and others, and they (RA) suggested compiling the Qur'an in one style, so that the people would not differ. He (RA) formed a four-man committee headed by Zayd ibn Thaabit (RA ). They (RA) compiled the Qur’an in one style, copied and distributed it to the various regions so that the people could rely on it and so as to put an end to disputes.
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Establishing an Identity Do you ever ponder ‘Who am I?’ and ‘What is my identity?’ Before even trying to tackle these questions we need to ask ‘Why do we even need an identity?’
Identity means different things to different people. There are many debates as to what constitutes to an identity, does it solely take place in the realms of our mind, is it a reflection of our social rank, personality or gender, is it embedded in culture or does it reflect our nationality or our physical appearance? Most of us would agree that the above criteria is not exhaustive in promoting conflicts and differences than we would care to accept.
Day to day our friends, families and society’s relentless efforts in bombarding us to confirm to a particular image can be overwhelming; we are at times left struggling to establish a balance between selfperceived identity and the image reflected by the community.
Our identity should simply be the means to try and understand ourselves in the world that we live in; if we were to enrich it with some meaning, some direction and purpose to our lives then we would define our identity in relation to none other than our Creator Allah (SWT). Our submittal to the Will of Allah (SWT) can help us to create a purposeful identity given to us by no other than Allah (SWT).
Allah (SWT) tells us in the Quran, ًصـٰلِ ً۬حا مِّن ذَڪَ ٍر أ َ ۡو أ ُنثَىٰ َو ُه َو ُم ۡؤ ِم ۬نٌ فَ َلن ُحۡ ِييَن َّ ُه ۥ حَ يَ ٰوةً۬ طَيِّبَ ۬ۖة َ ََم ۡن َعمِل سنِ مَا ڪَانُوا ْ يَعۡمَ لُو َن َ َۡ َلن َجۡ ِزيَن َّ ُه ۡم أ َجۡ َرهُم ِبأ َح ‘Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily, to them will We give a new Life, a life that is good and pure, and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions’ (Surat An-Naĥl 16:97).
Establishing an identity means we are not living aimlessly, the process to establish an identity itself acts as an anchoring process pulling us towards a sense of belonging, a sense of realization and a development of self-consciousness. From a moral code perspective, self-consciousness becomes a personal understanding of the very core of one's own identity.
It is probable that we do tend to lose some of our identity at times and this is when we are likely to seek our sense of self-worth from others. Our own selfimage can become polluted. Seeing ourselves in light of others doesn’t work all the time as we cannot see ourselves for who we truly are. Praise and criticism do not add to us; we need to see ourselves and our identity only in light of Allah (SWT).
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Allah (SWT) tells us in the Quran, ِّى بَن َانَ ُ ه َ ُّسو َ بَ َلىٰ َقـٰ ِدرِي َن َع َلىٰٓ أ َن ن ‘Yes, We are able to put together in perfect order the very tips of his fingers’ (Surat Al-Qiyāmah 75:4). Each and everyone of us are different as emphasized in the above verse. Every person in this world has a set of unique fingerprints. Fingerprints retain their characteristics from before we are born and remain until for a lifetime. We also have different personalities; life too is known to throw different opportunities and challenges at us. We should all try to work on our own predisposition. We need to not only try to recognize the type of personality Allah (SWT) has given us, but refine our personalities, work with our opportunities and challenges to make the most from
to try and face our realities and we can do this by seek reflection through our Quran. This will enable us to develop clarity about who we are and what purpose we serve thus guiding us to consciously and actively turn these into a reality.
Allah (SWT) has said to us in the Quran: خيۡ ۬رٌ َوأَبۡ َقىٰ لِ َّلذِي َن َ َِّشىۡ ٍ ۬ء فَمَ تَـٰعُ ٱلۡحَ يَ ٰو ِة ٱل ُّدنۡيَاۖ َومَا عِن َد ٱهلل َ فَمَ آ أ ُوتِيت ُم مِّن َا َمن ُوا ْ َو َع َلىٰ َربِّہِ ۡم يَت َ َو َّكلُو َن ‘So whatever thing you have been given - it is but [for] enjoyment of the worldly life. But what is with Allah is better and more lasting for those who have believed and upon their Lord rely’ (Surah Ash-Shuraa 42:36).
Our deen provides us with a sense of belonging, towards unity and praying in one direction towards the Qiblah.
We need to identify with an infallible source of guidance so let’s start to find and establish that connection with our Creator - Allah (SWT). This will help define and establish our identity. it. We should try to recognize our weaknesses too and surround ourselves with people who can support you and me to defeat these weaknesses. Failure is not always bad as it exposes those areas that we need to work on.
Islam is the rope of Allah (SWT) which He (SWT) has ordered us to hold firmly. Allah (SWT) tells us is in the Quran:
Allah (SWT) has said to us in the Quran, إِ َّن ٱهللََّ َال يُ َغيِّ ُر مَا ِب َق ۡوم ٍ حَ تَّىٰ يُ َغيِّرُوا ْ مَا ِبأ َنفُسِ ہِ ۡۗ م ‘Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves’ (Surat Ar-Ra`d 13:11].
Living up to our identity can be strenuous having to cope with new demands and expectations from a modern society, but we need to take whatever is beneficial and avoid whatever is harmful. We need
َصمُ وا ْ بِحَ بۡ ِل ٱهللَِّ جَ مِيعً۬ا و ََال تَفَ َّرقُوا ْۚ وَٱذۡ ُكرُوا ْ ِنعۡمَ تَ ٱهللَِّ َع َليۡ ُك ۡم إِذۡ كُنت ُ ۡم ِ وَٱ ۡعت ۬شفَا حُ فۡ َر ٍة َ ٰخوَٲنً۬ا َوكُنت ُ ۡم َع َلى ۡ َِني ُقلُو ِب ُك ۡم فَأ َۡصبَحۡ ت ُم ِب ِنعۡمَ ِت ِهۦۤ إ َ ۡ أ َ ۡعدَآ ۬ءً فَأَلَّفَ ب َني ٱهللَُّ َل ُك ۡم ءَايَـٰ ِتهِۦ َل َع َّل ُك ۡم تَہۡتَدُو َن ُ ِّ ِّ َن ٱلن َّا ِر فَأ َن َقذَكُم ِّمنۡہَاۗ َكذَٲل َِك يُب 14
Biography of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)
Establishing an Identity ‘And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favour of Allah upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favour, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be guided’ (Surat Al-Imran 3:103).
We can have everything, families, loved ones and friends, however each and every one of us came alone to this world and will leave alone. Let’s start to make daily plans for akhira, let’s hold ourselves to a higher standard, constantly checking on ourselves and our identity in the light of the Quran. In order to achieve our akhira goals, the quest for knowledge should be alive and kicking. Our efforts along with supplication will help us in reaching our identity, insha-Allah.
A Quiz to refresh your memory 1.Who took care of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) after the death of Abdul Muttalib? 2.How old was Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) when his grandfather Abdul Muttalib died? 3.When did Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) travel to Syria and with whom? 4.Who was Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her)? 5.Why did she (Khadijah) want to marry Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)? 6.When did she (Khadijah) marry Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)? 7.How old was Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) at the time of the marriage? 8.What did he (the Prophet) give her (Khadijah) as Mahr (dowry)? 9.Was Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her) a widow? 10.How was Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) known in the society? 11.Did he get any sort of education?
12.What should one say when the Prophet's (p.b.u.h.) name is mentioned? 13.How many times is the name of Muhammad mentioned in the Holy Quran? 14.What are the names of the Prophet’s (p.b.u.h.) uncles? 15.Did his uncle Abu Talib accept Islam? • Answers on page 27
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سورة يوسف Surah Yusuf # 4-7 َش َر َك ْوكَبً ا َ ُوسف ُ ألَِبِي ِه يَا أَبَتِ إِنِّي َرأَيْتُ أ َحَ َد ع ُ إِذْ قَال َ ي جدِي َ ن ِ سا َ س وَا ْلقَمَ َر َرأَيْت ُ ُه ْم لِي َ َْالشم َّ [Of these stories mention] when Yusuf said to his father : O my father, indeed I have seen [in a dream] eleven stars and the sun and the moon; I saw them prostrating to me - 12:4
Aazar, the father of Ibrahim, was a disbeliever; from him sprang a whole chain of messengers and prophets. َت ِ يَا أَب
The story opens with a conversation between a father and his most beloved son, both messengers, gentle and kind. Yusuf begins the story by narrating his dream to his father.
The form of address used by Yusuf عليه السالمfor
ُوسفُ ألَِبِيه ُ إِذْ قَالَ ي
his father Ya'qub عليه السالمshows love, respect
[Of these stories mention] when Yusuf said to his father. This is a way of saying: Remember oh Mohammad صلى اهلل عليه و سلم.
The son is so close to his father, he tells him everything, and the father focuses complete attention to what his son is telling him. The bond between parents and children should be strong, so that the parents can give the best advice, and the children avail by this advice.
The father يعقوب ابن إسحاق ابن إبراهيم ابن آزر
Oh my father
and the gentleness of his character. Ya'qub عليه السالمhad twelve sons, and loved Yusuf عليه السالم the most. Love cannot be controlled; you love all your children, treat all of them the same, with justice, but in your heart, one is the dearest. You must not show this partiality, but it cannot be controlled. The youngest child is usually the most beloved. There is a saying in Arabic: الصغير حتى يُ ْكبَر املسافر حتى يُرْجع املريض حتى يشفى One is young until grown up
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One is a traveller until he goes back One is sick until he is cured
َش َر َك ْو َكبًا َ إِنِّي َرأَيْتُ أ َحَ َد ع Indeed I saw eleven planets The dream of Yusuf عليه السالمwas رؤيا حقيقة, a true vision. The visions of messengers and prophets are always true. س وَا ْلقَمَ َر َرأَيْت ُ ُه ْ م َ َْالشم َّ و The sun and the moon I saw them The verb رأىis used twice in different forms to emphasize the fact that it was a clear and unforgettable vision. لي To me This ضميرor pronoun is positioned before the خبر or predicate in the sentence, to emphasize. ساجدين Prostrating Ya'qub عليه السالمwas given the gift of being able to interpret dreams by Allah (SWT). This dream was very clear: the eleven planets were the brothers of Yusuf عليه السالم, the sun and moon being the father and mother respectively. The prostration pointed to a high rank for Yusuf عليه السالمin the future. Ya'qub عليه السالمknew the dream would come true, but he did not know how. For this dream to become true, Yusuf عليه السالمhad to go through different stages in life. This dream was glad tidings from Allah (SWT) for Yusuf عليه السالم, for him to keep going during all the trials in his life.
Everything in life is through means. Allah (SWT) is القادر, Overpowering, He (SWT) can make anything happen by saying }} ُك ْن, but He (SWT) wants us to struggle to appreciate the blessing, and get the honor. ۖ خ َوت َِك فَيَكِيدُوا ل ََك َكيْدًا ْ َِاك َع َلىٰ إ َ ص ُر ْؤي ْ ْص ُ قَال َ يَا بُنَيَّ ال تَق ني ٌ ِنسانِ َع ُد ٌّو ُّم ِب َ الشيْطَا َن ل ِْإل َّ َّ إِن He said : O my son, do not relate your vision to your brothers or they will contrive against you a plan. Indeed Shaitan, to man, is a manifest enemy. 12:5 Ya'qub عليه السالمadvised his son as soon as he heard his dream. َّقَالَ يَا بُنَي He said "oh my son" He used gentle and kind words to talk to his son. خ َو ِتك ْ َِاك َع َلىٰ إ َ ص ُر ْؤي ْ ْص ُ ال تَق do not relate your vision to your brothers do not ; this is an order : The dream would be difficult for the brothers to accept, because Yusuf عليه السالم, their younger brother, got the honor of the Prophecy of a high status in the future. فَيَكِيدُوا ل ََك َكيْدًا or they will contrive against you a plan Now he عليه السالمwas given his reason. Children must be given a reason when told to do something. This is a rule of التربية, or bringing up children. Do not twist the truth, or scare them; tell them the reason truthfully. 17
Ya'qub عليه السالمknew the nature of all his sons; he عليه السالمwas knew they were jealous of Yusuf عليه السالم. This is usually the instinct of the mother, but because Ya'qub عليه السالمspent so much time with his عليه السالمchildren, he عليه السالمhad insight into their hearts. Allah (SWT) did not use the word {}على, upon; this would have a stronger impact.
The sons of Ya'qub عليه السالمcould not control their nature, they were jealous of Yusuf عليه السالم.
His favor upon you and upon the family of Ya'qub, as He completed it upon your fathers before, Ibrahim and Ishaq. Indeed, your Lord is Knowing and Wise. 12:6
harm him. Ya'qub عليه السالمdidn't consider the
Dreams are not straightforward stories, they have symbols which need to be interpreted. These visions are rare. There are different dreams in this surah, which have significance to the story; the dream of the fellow prisoners of Yusuf عليه السالم
fact that the jealousy could trigger an evil streak in them.
and the dream of the king, which comes later are pivotal in the story of Yusuf عليه السالم.
Their father was of the opinion that they were not all bad, they also had good in them. He عليه السالم felt they envied Yusuf عليه السالم, but would not
ني ٌ ِنسانِ َع ُد ٌّو ُّم ِب َ الشيْطَا َن ل ِْإل َّ إِ َّن Indeed Satan, to man, is a manifest enemy Ya'qub عليه السالمalso did not want Yusuf عليه السالم to hate his brothers. At the same time, he عليه
This was a good dream. Ya'qub عليه السالم, which first warned Yusuf عليه السالم, then gave him glad tidings. ِيك َرب َ ُّك َ َو َكذَٰل َِك يَجْ تَب
السالمwanted to warn Yusuf عليه السالم. Dreams should not be narrated to anyone but those you love, and you know they love you. If misinterpreted, that version could come true.
األ َحَ ادِيثِ َويُ ِت ُّم ِنعْمَ ت َ ُه ْ ِيك َرب َُّك َويُ َعلِّمُ َك مِن تَأْوِي ِل َ َو َكذَٰل َِك يَجْ تَب َِسحَ اق ْ َ َلي َْك كَمَ ا أَتَمَّ هَا َع َلىٰ أَبَ َوي َْك مِن َقبْلُ إِبْرَاهِي َم َو إ إِ َّن َرب ََّك َعلِي ٌم حَ كِي ٌم And thus will your Lord choose you and teach you the interpretation of narratives and complete
And thus your Lord chooses you Allah (SWT) knows which of His (SWT) slaves can carry the responsibility of the message. He (SWT) chose Yusuf عليه السالم, the one who deserved it. Ya'qub عليه السالمdid not praise Yusuf عليه السالم, but attributed the choice to Allah (SWT). األ َحَ ادِيث ْ َويُ َعلِّمُ َك مِن تَأْوِي ِل and teach you the interpretation of narratives
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The dreams are like narrations. All the other messengers had also to struggle to convey the Divine message. For Yusuf عليه السالم, there were different trials, which in themselves were a دعوة, calling to Islam. When you are on the straight path, there are always obstacles in the beginning. You cannot reach your goal without going through trials. ُوب َ َويُ ِت ُّم ِنعْمَ ت َ ُه َع َلي َْك َو َع َلىٰ آلِ يَ ْعق and complete His favor upon you and upon the family of Jacob This includes all the other brothers. Some scholars say they were all messengers later. اق َ َِسح ْ كَمَ ا أَتَمَّ هَا َع َلىٰ أَبَ َوي َْك مِن َقبْلُ إِبْرَاهِيم َ َو إ as He completed it upon your fathers before, Abraham and Isaac
Our ربis All Wise. Whatever happens is due to a wisdom, which you might or might not realize. Nothing in this world is random, or a coincidence; everything is planned meticulously, according to His (SWT) perfect wisdom.
These words were gems of advice from Ya'qub عليه السالمto Yusuf عليه السالم, inspired by Allah (SWT). They were carried by Yusuf عليه السالمin his heart as a comfort, throughout his trials. After many years of struggle, at last victory would be his. ني َ ِِّلسا ِئل َّ خ َو ِت ِه آيَات ٌ ل ْ ُِوسفَ َو إ ُ لقد كَا َن فِي ي Certainly were there in Yusuf and his brothers signs for those who ask. 12:7 There are two kinds of questioners or سائلني
The two fathers who came before Ya'qub عليه
with the tongue : لسان املقال
السالمare Ibrahim عليه السالمand Ishaq عليه السالم.
with facial expressions : لسان الحال
The father of Ibrahim عليه السالمwas a disbeliever, so he is not mentioned. The chain starts from Ibrahim أبو األنبياء, عليه السالم, the father of the messengers. إِ َّن َرب ََّك َعلِي ٌم حَ كِيم
The story of Yusuf عليه السالمanswers both kinds of questions. At the end of the surah, all your essential questions will be answered, those that will reform you in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah (SWT) gave you intellect to develop a noble character.
Indeed, your Lord is Knowing and Wise Our ربis All Knowing, His (SWT) knowledge encompasses every thing in the universe. He (SWT) is with you, with His (SWT) knowledge, through all your difficulties. He (SWT) knows what you feel. Be attached to Allah (SWT), rely on Him (SWT). Allah (SWT) knows what is in your heart.
Every question has an answer : لِكُلِّ سؤالٍ جواب
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FOODS FROM THE SUNNAH : BARLEY THE PROPHET (SAWS) RECOMMENDED BARLEY TO CURE GRIEF'S OF HEART AND AILMENTS OF KIDNEY
Evidence of the beginning of cultivated barley goes back to the Middle East, 6,000 years ago. The fifth largest cultivated cereal crop in the world, the Barley crops are cultivated during the season of rabi crops and utilized in various forms including the Barley flour. The plants of barley are very similar to wheat and the seeds are elongated in shape in comparison to wheat with a covering of light yellow color. Prophet Muhammad (saws) liked it very much and used it in various forms such as barley bread. During the period of the Prophet (saws), generally the people either used to eat the barley bread or mix the wheat flour with barley flour to prepare the bread generally. One boy used to sell the preparation from beetroots and barley at the gate of Masjid-eNabwi on every Friday and it is said that holy companions liked this preparation as much as they used to wait for Friday eagerly. Ummul Manzar states that the Prophet (saws) along with Ali (RA) came to our house, we had the dates and those were presented to them. Both of them ate from those dates. When Ali (RA) consumed a little of those, the Prophet (saws) said, "You recently recovered from illness, hence you are weak, hence don’t eat more. Therefore, that lady prepared a dish from barley and beetroot. 20
Then, the Prophet (saws) told Ali "eat from it, it is better for you". (Ibn-e-Maja, Sanad-e-Ahmed, Tirmizi) This proves that after illness, the preparation made from barley and beetroots is a very good tonic for weak persons. Anas Bin Malik (RA) states that a tailor invited the Prophet (saws) for a meal. He prepared the barley bread and meat with Pumpkin. The Prophet (saws) very affectionately ate the pumpkin pieces from the curry. (Bukhari, Muslim)
ley gruel should be prepared for him. Then he used to state, "it removes the grief of the patients heart, removes its weakness as any of you removes the dirt from your face after washing it". (Ibn Maja) Aisha (R.A) used to order preparation of Talbina for a sick person and used to say "though the patient dislike it, but it is highly beneficial for him. (Bukhari) It was narrated from Aisha (R.A) that if a member of her family died, the women would gather together, then they would depart, except her own relatives and close friends. She would order that a pot of talbinah be cooked, then some thareed would be made and the talbinah would be poured over it. Then she would say: Eat some of it, for I heard the Messenger of Allah (saws) say: “Talbinah soothes the heart of the sick person, and it takes away some of the grief.” Narrated by alBukhaari, 5101; Muslim, 2216.
Some Benefits of Barley
The barley gruel was especially prepared after boiling barley with milk and sweetened with honey. That preparation was called as Talbina. Whenever a person of the family of Muhammad (saws) fell sick then it was ordered that the bar-
According to the scholars of hadith, barley is very nutritious and provides energy for the body, besides this is also beneficial in pharyngitis and cough. It resolves the inflammation of the stomach (Gastritis), expels the toxins from the body and a good diuretic. It quenches the thirst. Barley water is a good remedy in kidney problem, to quench the thirst and provide the best nutrition for indisposed and weak persons. Preparation of Barley water is described by Ibn Al-Qayyim. According to him, barley with five times water should be boiled, till the contents become 3/4 and the colour of the mixture becomes milky. 21
Scientists have found the following items during the chemical synthesis of barley- albuminoids, starch, fat, fiber, ash and water. Chemical composition shows that it contains the fat in the form of Leucosine Gluten Albumen, the compound of Nitrogen as palmatic Acid, Salisylic Acid, Phosphoric Acid. Besides, it contains Hypoxanthens. British Pharmacopoeia recommends Malt extract for internal use. It contains 4 per cent Proteins, the enzymes for digestion of carbohydrates and vitamins. Some scientists also indicate the presence of Arsenic in the barley grain. The ancient physicians explained various experiences regarding the use of barley. Ibn Sina says that the blood produced by consuming barley is neutral, pure and of low consistency.
Health Benefits of Barley Barley is low in fat and is known to reduce cravings. Therefore it is very useful to those who want to lose weight. It acts as an appetite suppressant making people feel like they have eaten more than they really have. Barley is a highly soluble fiber and can reduce blood cholesterol and blood glucose levels. It helps in reducing the cholesterol level in the body as the dietary fiber in barley binds to bile acids and helps dispose them through the feces. Consuming Barley is said to soothe and calm the bowels. Dietary fiber in Barley is help-
ful in making your digestive system run smoothly and maintaining a healthy colon. The friendly bacteria present in the large intestine ferment the insoluble fiber content of the barley to form butyric acid which functions as the main fuel for intestinal cells. The insoluble fiber in barley is also said to help women fight against the formation of gallstones. The Copper present in barley is known to be helpful in reducing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Copper helps in maintaining the flexibility in blood vessels, bones and joints. Barley is rich in niacin, which is highly effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and blood clots. Barley is also good for persons suffering from diabetes and can take the place of normal food where rice is prohibited. Barley may be an even better breakfast choice than oats for people with Type 2 diabetes. Consuming barley is known to reduce substantially the risk of diabetes. Barley can prove to be extremely helpful in curing childhood asthma. It is easy to digest and can be given to the sick. Barley is diuretic, brings clear urine and is useful in fevers. It can be used as a nutrient in
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cases of mucus colitis or simple diarrhea with fever. Barley contains Selenium which is helpful in preserving the elasticity of the skin and protects it from radical damage. It also has Manganese which works with the B complex vitamins and gives an overall feeling of well being.
whiteness and consistency. Its benefit is that it is soft and well-cooked, not hard and raw. Fath al-Baari, 9/550 There is no doubt that barley has many benefits,
Barley grass is used in traditional Chinese medicine. It rich in vitamins A, C, B1, B2, folic acid, B12, calcium, iron, potassium and chlorophyll. It has been prescribed to fight diseases of the spleen or poor digestion. It has also been utilized to treat conditions such as depression or emotional imbalance. Barley grass is a powerful antioxidant that is believed to help the body kill cancer cells and overcome a variety of ailBarley flour has a mild, but very slightly nutty, flavor ments, including acne and ulcers. that complements both regular and whole grain flours. You can substitute it into a regular recipe for Talbinah up to 1/2 of the ordinary flour without compromising the texture of the baked good. In fact, Ibn al-Qayyim said: If you want to know the virbecause it has a low gluten content, it can actually tue of talbinah, then think of the virtue of barley help to tenderize baked goods while still lending water, for it is barley water for them. It is a soup enough gluten to the recipe to allow it to rise that is made from barley flour with bran. The dif- properly. When compared to regular all-purpose ference between it and barley water is that the flour, there are some nutritional benefits to barley. It latter is made from whole grains, whereas talbi- has slightly fewer calories and more than 4 times the nah is made from flour, which is more beneficial fiber of all-purpose. It also has slightly more fiber than whole wheat flour. as the properties of the barley are released through grinding. We have mentioned above some of which have been discovered in modern that habits have an effect on whether medicines studies, such as: lowering cholesterol, treating the and foods are of benefit. It was the habit of the heart, treating depression, treating high blood people to drink barley water made from flour sugar and high blood pressure, softening the rather than whole grains, which is more nourishstools and soothing the colon. Studies have also ing and effective. Zaad al-Ma’aad, 4/120 demonstrated the importance of barley in reducing the incidence of colon cancer. Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar (RA) said, describing talbinah: It is a kind of food that is made from flour or bran, to which honey may be added. It is so called because it resembles milk in its 23
Dr. Sahba’ Bunduq said – after noting the benefits mentioned above and discussing them in detail: In this sense, talbinah is a protection against diseases of the heart and circulatory system, as it protects the arteries from arteriosclerosis – especially the major arteries of the heart. It also protects against angina, reduction of blood supply and cardiac infarction. As for those who have actually been affected by these vascular and cardiac problems, talbinah, with its health benefits, can play an important role in preventing their symptoms from getting worse. This shows the miraculous nature of the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): “Talbinah soothes the heart of the sick.”
Recipes: Combined with hawthorn fruit, it is of benefit during the process of childbirth. Barley water using 3 tablespoons of barley boiled in 3 cups of water for one hour and then strained and cooled is placed on the face as a skin freshener, meanwhile cleansing and softening normal skin. After rinsing, any left over water can be refrigerated. Drinking barley water clears the skin.
cow's milk, it becomes a nutritional drink for young children. Barley Soup – Yemen 1 cup dried barley, ½ cup dried lentils, 6 cups of water, 3 small diced onions, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tsp. turmeric, ½ tsp. ground black pepper, 1 cup of cooked chickpeas. Fry onions in hot olive oil until golden. Combine in a saucepan with all the other ingredients except for the chickpeas and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 - 1½ hours stirring occasionally. Add chickpeas near the end of cooking time. Serve hot. Now maybe one can better understand why the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised its consumption for the sick and grieving. After all, it is at these times that one's poor appetite can encourage further illness or even cause one to seek satisfaction from harmful substances. If one's mind is clear, one is also better able to respect the cycle of life. Subhan Allah!
Honey and orange juice can be added to make it more palatable. Added to diluted
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SOORAH AN-NAZIAT (79)
ِ بِسم ِ اهللَِّ الرَّحمٰ نِ الرَّحيم This is a Makki surah. Here Allah subahanahu wa ta alaa swears by His (SWT) creation. Regarding the swearing of creation in this chapter, scholars are of different opinions. According to some the object of swear maybe the Angels or stars or winds , though the most popular opinion being that of Angels. Ayat 1-5 (٣) سبۡ ً۬حا َ َِٱلسـٰبِحَ ـٰت َّ ( و٢) َشطً۬ا ۡ ( وَٱلنَّـٰشِ طَـٰتِ ن١) وَٱلنَّـٰ ِز َعـٰتِ َغ ۡرقً۬ا (٥) ( فَٱملۡ ُ َدبِّرَٲتِ أ َ ۡمرً۬ا٤) سبۡقً۬ا َ َِٱلسـٰ ِب َقـٰت َّ There are some angels who are appointed to tear out the souls of wicked violently, and some others who are appointed to draw out the souls of the blessed, gently and smoothly. These angels move fast and carry out the divine commands. And In doing so, they race with each other.
universe will he destroyed. And with the second blow new life will begin. Some hearts (criminals, sinners, and unjust) that day will tremble. Their eyes will look down in fear. This was because in the world they didn't believe in resurrection and mockingly questioned if they would be returned to former state after death - When they have become rotten bones? The event of resurrection will neither be difficult nor a complicated action for Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) will only command 'Be' and it will become. With the second blow all the bones of all the dead will be gathered again and they will be raised from the graves. Ayat 15-26 َّس طُوًى ِ ( إِذۡ نَا َدٮٰ ُه َربُّ ُه ۥ بِٱ ۡلوَا ِد ٱملۡ ُ َقد١٥) ُٰٓوسى َ ثم ُ هَلۡ أَتَٮ َٰك حَ دِي ( فَقُلۡ هَل ل ََّك إِ َلىٰٓ أ َن١٧) ٰ( ٱذۡهَبۡ إِ َلىٰ ِف ۡر َع ۡو َن إِنَّ ُه ۥ طَ َغى١٦) َى ٰ ٱألَيَ َة ٱ ۡل ُكبۡر ۡ ُ ( فَأ َ َرٮٰه١٩) ٰۡشى َ ( َوأ َ ۡه ِدي ََك إِ َلىٰ َرب َِّك فَتَخ١٨) ٰتَزَ َّكى ش َر فَن َاد َٰى َ َ( فَح٢٢) َٰس َعى ۡ ( ثُ َّم أ َ ۡدبَر َ ي٢١) َٰصى َ ( فَ َكذَّبَ َوع٢٠)
Ayat 6-14
ٱأل َخِ َر ِة ۡ َ خذَه ُ ٱهللَّ ُ نَكَال َ َ ( فَأ٢٤) ٰٱأل َ ۡع َلى ۡ ُ ( فَقَالَ أَنَا ۟ َربُّكُم٢٣)
جفَ ٌة ِ ب يَ ۡو َمٮِٕ ٍذ ۬ وَا ٌ۬ ( ُقلُو٧) ( تَتۡبَ ُعهَا ٱلرَّا ِدفَ ُة٦) جفَ ُة ِ يَوۡم َ تَرۡجُ فُ ٱلرَّا
( َءأ َنت ُ ۡم أ ََش ُّد٢٦) ٰٓۡشى َ ( إِ َّن فِى ذَل َِك لَعِ بۡ َرةً ۬ ملِّ َن يَخ٢٥) َٰٓٱأل ُو َلى ۡ و
(١٠) ( يَقُولُو َن أ َ ِءنَّا ملَ َ ۡردُودُو َن فِى ٱلۡحَ ا ِف َر ِة٩) ٌخـٰشِ َع ۬ة َ ۡصـٰ ُرهَا َ ( أَب٨) ( فَ ِإنَّمَ ا١٢) ٌ۬( قَالُوا ْ ِتل َۡك إِذً۬ا َك َّرةٌ خَاسِ َرة١١) ً۬أَ ِءذَا ُكن َّا ِعظَـٰ ً۬ما نَّخِ َرة (١٤) ِٱلسا ِه َر ِة َّ ( فَ ِإذَا هُم ب١٣) ٌ۬هِى َ زَجۡ َرةٌ ۬ وَٲحِ َدة Here the signs and incidents of the great day are described. With the first blow of the trumpet the
(٢٧) ٱلسمَ آ ُۚء بَنَٮٰهَا َّ ِ خ ۡلقًا أَم َ After the considerable description in the former verses about resurrection, and its rejection by the disbelievers, the painful end of Firoun (Pharoah) is pointed out to show the pagan arabs that, those who were stronger than them could 25
not stand against Allah (SWT)`s wrath & punishment. And at the same time encouraging the believers not to be afraid of the apparent strength of their enemies because it is up to Allah (SWT) to destroy them all.
Ayat 42-46 ( فِيم َ أ َنتَ مِن ِذ ۡك َرٮٰهَآ٤٢) ۡسٮٰهَا َ ٱلسا َع ِة أَيَّان َ ُمر َّ ِسـَٔلُون ََك عَن ۡ ٤٥) ۡشٮٰهَا َ ( إِنَّمَ آ أ َنتَ مُن ِذ ُر مَن يَخ٤٤) ( إِ َلىٰ َرب َِّك مُنتَہَٮٰهَآ٤٣) (٤٦) ضحَ ٮٰهَا ُ َكأَنَّہُ ۡم يَ ۡو َم يَ َر ۡونَہَا لَم ۡ يَ ۡلبَث ُ ٓوا ْ إ َِّال عَشِ يَّة ً أ َ ۡو
Ayat 27 -33 (٢٩) ضحَ ٮٰهَا ُ خ َر َج ۡ َ َش َليۡ َلهَا َوأ َ ( َوأ َ ۡغط٢٨) َس َّوٮٰهَا َ سمۡ َكهَا ف َ ََرفَع (٣١) خ َر َج ِمنۡہَا مَآ َءهَا َو َم ۡر َعٮٰهَا ۡ َ ( أ٣٠) ۡضبَ ۡع َد ذَٲل َِك دَحَ ٮٰهَآ َ َٱألَر ۡ و (٣٣) ( َمتَـٰعً۬ا َّل ُك ۡم وَألِ َنۡ َعـٰ ِم ُك ۡم٣٢) ۡسٮٰهَا َ َٱ ۡلجِبَالَ أَر
When disbelievers ask about the hour when it is going to come, Mohammed (SAWS) was only warned as he is only a warner and only Lord knows about it. CONCLUSIONS….
Here Allah (SWT) is giving logical proof and wonderful explanation of His (SWT)‘s infinite power to prove the fact of Resurrection to those who have doubts in being returned to former state long after death. After sowing a few samples of His (SWT)‘s infinite powers, Allah (SWT) is posing a question to them...'Is the creation of yours harder or that of the heavens with so many celestial bodies and endless galaxies?
1.
Ayat 34-41 ٰس َعى َ ِنسـٰ ُن مَا َ ٱإل ۡ ُ ( يَ ۡو َم يَتَذَكَّر٣٤) َى ٰ فَ ِإذَا جَ آءَتِ ٱلطَّآمَّة ُ ٱ ۡل ُكبۡر ( َوءَاثَ َر٣٧) ٰ( فَأَمَّا مَن طَ َغى٣٦) َى ٰ ( َوبُ ِّرزَتِ ٱلۡجَ حِ ي ُم ملِ َن يَر٣٥) َ( َوأَمَّا َم ۡن خَاف٣٩) َى ٰ ( فَ ِإ َّن ٱلۡجَ حِ يم َ ِهىَ ٱملۡ َأۡو٣٨) ٱلۡحَ يَ ٰوةَ ٱل ُّدنۡيَا ) ٰ ( فَ ِإ َّن ٱلۡجَ ن َّ َة ِهىَ ٱملۡ َأۡوَى٤٠) َى ٰ ۡسعَنِ ٱ ۡل َهو َ َمقَا َم َربِّهِۦ َونَهَى ٱلنَّف
2.Day of resurrection
(٤ It explains the continuation of Resurrection Day. Those who have transgressed and preferred the life of this life (Dunya), hell is the abode for them. Those who feared his Lords presence and restrained the soul from low desires, garden is the abode.
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Biography of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) A Quiz to refresh your memory 3.For rejectors--- Painful end of Firaun is a lesson. 4.Is our creation harder for Allah (SWT) or that of the heavens with so many celestial bodies and endless galaxies? 5."
1. His uncle Abu Talib. 2.About eight years old. 3.He went to Syria with his uncle Abu Talib when he was twelve years old. 4.She was a wealthy merchant of Makkah. 5.Because of his truthfulness and good conduct. 6.When she was 40 years old. 7.He was 25. 8.Twenty camels. 9.Yes. The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) was her third husband. 10.He was known as Al Ameen (Truthful) and Al Sadiq (trustworthy). 11.No, he was illiterate. 12.One should say (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
6.No one knows about the time of hour, except Allah (SWT) and Prophet Mohammed (SAWS) is sent only as a warner to us.
13.Four times. 14.They are: Harith, Zubair, Abu Talib, Hamzah (May Allah be pleased with him), Abu Lahab, Ghidaq, Maqwam, Safar and Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him). 15.No, he died a polytheist.
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Where is our honor? Bismil Allah, Ar Rahman Ar Rahim Alhamdulil Allah Rabb al alameen Wa salato wa salamo ala Rasulil Allah
َشا ُء ۖ ِبيَد َِك َ َشا ُء َوتُذِلُّ َم ْن ت َ َشا ُء َوتُعِ زُّ َم ْن ت َ َشا ُء َوتَنْزِع ُ املْ ُل َْك مِمَّ ْن ت َ ُق ِل ال َّل ُه َّم مَال َِك املْ ُلْكِ تُ ْؤتِي املْ ُل َْك َم ْن ت شيْ ٍء َقدِي ٌر َ ِّخيْ ُر ۖ إِنَّك َ َع َلىٰ كُل َ ا ْل Say (O Muhammad SAWS): "O Allâh! Possessor of the kingdom, You give the kingdom to whom You will, and You take the kingdom from whom You will, and You endue with honor whom You will, and You humiliate whom You will. In Your Hand is the good. Verily, You are Able to do all things. Surah Ale-Imran, ayah 26 Umar Ibn al-Khattab (RA) said upon entering Jerusalem: “Allah سبحانه و تعالىhas honored you with Islam. If you seek honor elsewhere, you will be humiliated”. (AS-Sarjani, R. n.d. http://www.islamicstory.com) Ibn Katheer said, "Whoever wants a place of honor in this life and the next, let him hold firmly to the obedience of Allah and his goal will be realized.” Yes, you will surely attain honor if you obey Allah سبحانه و تعالى. If you think that by disobeying Allah سبحانه و تعالىyou have found a shortcut to attain honor in this dunya, then surely 28
you are wrong. Sooner or later, you will come to realise the fact that it is not by running after dunya or its people that you are going to attain honor or invite the pleasure of Allah سبحانه و تعالى. Allah سبحانه و تعالىclearly states in the above ayah, that honor is from Allah سبحانه و تعالى. Hence you will measure every step you take to ensure that Allah سبحانه و تعالىis pleased with you. At every moment of my life, you will run to Allah سبحانه و تعالىfor guidance: ُستَقِي َم ْ ْط امل َ الصرَا ِّ ه ِدنَا ْ ا Guide us to the Straight Way. Ayah 6 in Surah Al Fatiha. What is this way? ع َليۡ ِه ۡ م َ َط ٱ َّلذِين َ أَنۡعَمۡ ت َ صرَٲ ِ The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace. Ayah 7, Surah Al Fatiha You realize that alone you cannot do it, so you are asking Allah سبحانه و تعالىfor the straight path and Allah سبحانه و تعالىis adding to you that this is the way on whom Allah سبحانه و تعالى has bestowed His grace. Obedience to Allah سبحانه و تعالىhas two forms, one is external and it results in acts of obedience of the limbs that one does to please Allah, such as praying, giving in charity amongst others. The other form of obedience, without which the first one is not complete, is internal, taqwa. Taqwa is that consciousness, realization that Allah سبحانه و تعالى is watching you all the time and hence you want to avoid any sin done deliberately. Ultimately, obedience to Allah سبحانه و تعالىwill contribute to make the world a more peaceful place. Be assured, honor will not come to you if you think you can become rich quicker by earning ribah; honor will not come to you if you deceive people when doing business; honor will not come to you when you miss a prayer to attend a meeting to discuss your promotion; honor will not come to you by having an MBA, honor will not come to you by marrying the prime minister of a country, etc. In a nutshell, ask Allah سبحانه و تعالىto grant you honor and He will open the ways where you easily attain the so much sought after honor in ways most pleasing to Allah سبحانه و تعالى. But one short cut to attain this honor is doing good deeds and avoiding sins only for the sake of Allah, i.e. with ikhlas, sincerity. الحمدهلل رب العاملني والصالة والسالم على أشرف املرسلني
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ARABIC
Narrated `Uthman رضى اهللُ عنه: The Nabi ( )ﷺsaid, "The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it." Sahih al-Bukhari 5027 Book 66, Hadith 49
Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an that you might understand. Every Muslim should know that Arabic is very important. There are several Ayaat in
Allah س¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿¿بحان¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿¿ه و ت¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿¿علىhas informed us in Surat Al-Qamar
(The Moon):
the Qur’an such as the one in Surat Yusuf, which inform us about the importance of Arabic.
And We have certainly made the Qur'an easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember? This Ayah is repeated 4 times in Surat Al- Qamar. How can someone even think of saying “it is not easy”?!! We should never say that Arabic is not easy. It is easy to learn, ma shaa’ Allah, we just have to have sincerity, do dua The language of the Qur’an is Arabic. In order to understand Qur’an in depth, we must try to learn Arabic.
then put some effort and make a good plan. Trying to find a good teacher is also a good idea. There were many non-Arab
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scholars such as Imam Bukhari, whose Arabic was so strong, ma shaa’ Allah. There are many non-Arabs who have mastered the Arabic language, ma shaa’ Allah. Not only should non-Arabs put an effort to improve their understanding of Arabic but even Arabs should. Arabic grammar is crucial to be understood by all, atleast basic understanding should be pre-
And if We had made it a non-Arabic Qur'an, they would have said, "Why are its verses not explained in
sent. It is also important to read the
detail [in our language]? Is it a foreign [recitation] and
Tafseer. We should recite the Qur’an, pon-
an Arab [messenger]?" Say, "It is, for those who be-
der over the Ayaat and apply the knowledge in our lives.
lieve, a guidance and cure." And those who do not believe - in their ears is deafness, and it is upon them blindness. Those are being called from a distant place. (41:44)
So, [O Muhammad], We have only made Qur'an easy in the Arabic language that you may give good tidings thereby to the righteous and warn thereby a hostile people.
And indeed, the Qur'an is the revelation of the Lord of the worlds.
(19:97)
The Trustworthy Spirit has brought it down
And before it was the scripture of Moses to lead and as a mercy. And this is a confirming Book in an Arabic tongue to warn those who have wronged and as good tidings to the doers of good.
(46:12)
Upon your heart, [O Muhammad] - that you may be of the warners In a clear Arabic language.
(26:192-195)
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Masjid Bani Hashim At Jumeirah Islands, Dubai
Masjid Bani Hashim by the Grace of Allah عز وجل, opened its doors 2nd Ramadan 1434; July 10th, 2013 & is a Non-Profit Organization. It envisions to offer intensive courses, lectures, workshops, Tafseer elQuran with Taddabur, Tajweed, Seerah of the Prophet pbuh & major Islamic Studies. Our Mission Masjid Bani Hashim’s mission is to provide authentic understanding of Islam based on Qur'an and Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Mohammed ()صلى اهلل عليه وسلم. Masjid Bani Hashim welcomes all and provides a golden opportunity to access Islamic Courses to all seekers of Ilm. Without rushing back home, you can make a stop at Masjid Bani Hashim to nurture your soul, pray & recite Quran.
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