A monthly newsletter from Masjid Bani Hashim Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue#15 Feb 2015
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A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue #15 Feb 2015
بسم اهلل والصالة والسالم على رسول اهلل
Where is this Fragrance coming from? Allah says in the Quran in (Surah Al Qalam, 68 – Ayah 4): ِ خ ُلقٍ ع َ ََّو إِن ُ ك َل َع َلى ٍ َظيم And indeed, you (Muhammad SAW) are of a great moral character.” Insha’Allah, I want you to go back in time! Are you ready…have you put your seat belts on? Actually, Insha‘Allah I want you to fly…and release all the obstacles and barriers that do not let you live to your potential, Subhanal Allah! We are going to go back over 1400 years back. It is the 9th Day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H, we are in the Uranah Valley of Mount Arafat and about to listen to the last sermon of the most successful “Carrier of the Musk” of all times, The Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him), the last Prophet and Messenger sent by Allah Subhana Wa T’Ala (The Most Exalted and The Most High) to humanity. Let me start with undeniable facts of current times. We are witnessing in history an amazing number of people who are choosing Islam as their way of life. Yes! Please note that I did not mention religion, I said 'way of life', that is “deen”. This is what Islam is about…how you conduct yourself as an individual and as a member of a society in order to fulfil the purpose of your creation, which is to worship Allah, Al Ahad, The One and only God and As Samad, The Self Sufficient Master. Who could be a better example and role model than the Prophet Muhammad SAWS, whom Allah Subhana Wa T’Ala referred to in the Qur’an as ِ خ ُلقٍ ع َ ََّو إِن ُ ك َل َع َلى ٍ َظيم (“And indeed, you are of a great moral character”. 68:4). I could recount to you a number of incidents that would provide evidence to the exalted mention by Allah about the character of the Noble Prophet SAWS, however I decided to share with you his last sermon, which clearly portrays the beautiful character behind his noble personality, Masha Allah (by the will of Allah).
A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue #15 Feb 2015  This Sermon was delivered on the 9th Day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H in the Uranah Valley of Mount Arafat: "O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I don't know whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today. O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (Interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived... Beware of Satan, for your safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things. O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have right over you. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to commit adultery. O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. You know that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. You are all equal. Nobody has superiority over other except by piety and good action. Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not astray from the path of righteousness after I am gone. O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur'an and my example, the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray. All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness oh Allah that I have conveyed Your message to Your people.� (Reference: See Al-Bukhari, Hadith 1623, 1626, 6361) Sahih of Imam Muslim also refers to this sermon in Hadith number 98. Imam al-Tirmidhi has mentioned this sermon in Hadith nos. 1628, 2046, 2085. Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal has given us the longest and perhaps the most complete version of this sermon in his Masnud, Hadith no. 19774)
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A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue #15 Feb 2015 What lessons can you take from his last sermon that will help adorn you with the beautiful musk that was carried and spread by the Prophet Muhammad SAWS: 1. Life and property of every Muslim is sacred, hence you have to ensure that you respect this limit and you do not misappropriate anyone’s property nor do you harm or hurt anyone as the life of your sister/brother is sacred and hence there are boundaries to be respected. 2. Fulfil all your trusts by ensuring that you return to the rightful owners whatever is in your trust at the appointed time. This is so applicable in the context of borrowing money, books, anything that is not yours needs to be returned to the rightful owner according to your agreement. You only become entitled to someone else’s property/wealth/goods if that has been given to you by the owner. 3. “Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you”! This is simply the rule of balance, of justice, what goes round comes round. So beware! Seek forgiveness of the individual/s whose rights you have surpassed and seeking forgiveness of Allah, Ad- Dayyan, The One Who Recompenses. 4. Avoid “interest” at all costs, whether as a receiver or a giver or as an intermediary. One of the key reasons why poor countries remain poor and why indebted people cannot “stand up” is because of the burden of debt which has increased the “disability” of these countries and people to build their lives independently and constructively. 5. Shaytan, the devil is your enemy! The moment you embrace Islam whole heartedly, he has lost hope of deviating you in major things but no doubt and you witness so many times in your daily lives, he tries to deceive you in small things and through that , Allah (SWT) forbid, he might lead you astray (We seek refuge in Allah (SWT) from the rejected shaytan). 6. Women and men have mutual rights that have to be respected for the proper functioning of the family and the society as a whole. The married women have only been taken into marriage under Allah’s (SWT) Trust and His permission, so it is upon men the responsibility to fulfil this trust in the best manner. Women need to be taken care of by their husbands in appropriate manner and similarly they need to fulfil the rights of their companions without betrayal or rebellious disobedience. Marriages are successful only if they rest on a platform of faith, love and understanding. Marriages are a gift from Allah (SWT) & hence being faithful in marriage is key for the individual’s & the society’s balance.
A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue #15 Feb 2015 7. You have been created to worship Allah (SWT): ِ ج َّن َو َ َومَا ِ ال لِيَ ْعبُدُو ِ خ َل ْقتُ ا ْل َّ ِنس إ Allah (SWT) says, ن َ اإل "And I created not the Jinns and men except that they may worship Me (Alone)." AdhDhaariyaat ( Chapter 51, Verse 56) i. This worship first means fulfilment of the obligations as commanded by Allah (SWT) and include the five daily prayers, fasting in Ramadan, giving zakat- the yearly charity due a on wealth of a Muslim, perform hajj if you can afford it (Pillars of faith) ii. In a wider sense, worship means above all accepting Allah (SWT) as your Lord and everything that you will do will be within the boundaries of the Qur’an and the Sunnah (practice and sayings) of the Prophet SAW and you will dedicate all these to the pleasure of Allah, (The Most Glorious, The Most High). 8. Here comes the principle that would resolve so many problems in our families and society>>> no one is superior to anyone except by taqwa>>> that is piety, living a life focused on doing good deeds, avoiding sins and doing all these under three boundaries: love of Allah (SWT), hope in the reward from Allah (SWT) for all good deeds performed and avoidance of sins for fear of punishment from Allah (SWT). All this is only possible by the Light of guidance from Allah (SWT).
Concluding remarks The key motivator for us to pursue an exemplary behaviour following the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet SAW is the realisation that one day we will have to meet and stand in front of Allah, Al Hasib (The Reckoner, The Account Taker) to answer for all our deeds. So our deeds are our responsibility! Muhammad SAWS has left us a noble example. He SAWS practiced what he preached to the extent that in an authentic narration, Aisha RA said: "... the character of the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) was the Qur'an." - Sahih Muslim His (SAWS) message did not end with his last sermon>>> he clearly mentioned that it was every listener’s responsibility to pass on this message, to those who were not present in that blessed gathering, over 1400 years ago. This message has reached us and we praise and thank Allah (SWT) for this gift, the most precious gift of our life! Our responsibility is to continue carrying & spreading this beautiful fragrance of Islam that Allah (SWT) has gifted us through the Prophet SAWS. May Allah (SWT) make us those who follow the exemplar character & behaviour of the Prophet Muhammad SAWS & we genuinely become the carriers of the most beautiful fragrance which is Islam. Ameen ya Rabb al alameen. Glory be to Allah (SWT), Praise be to Allah (SWT). Peace and Blessings of Allah (SWT) be upon the Prophet SAWS.
P A G E 6 ! A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue#15 Feb 2015
This Issue Introduction - Where is this fragrance coming from: Pages 2 - 5 Istiwaa (Rise over) - Allah is Above the Throne – From Sahabah and the 4 Madhhabs: Pages 7 10 The Real Superstars: Pages 11 - 14 At The Heart of Every Relationship is Allah (SWT): Pages 15 - 19 Home Truths - Parenting ‘Tweens’ and ’Teens’: Pages 20 - 22 Physics: The Existence of Subatomic Particles: Pages 23 - 27 Masjid Bani Hashim: Pages 28 - 30
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Istiwaa (Rise over) Allah is Above the Throne From Sahabah and the Four Madhhabs Sahabah 1. In his speech subsequent to the death of the Prophet (SAWS)Abu Bakr As-Siddique (RA) said: “He who was worshipping Muhammad (SAWS) let him know that Muhammad (SAWS) is dead, and he who was worshipping Allah (SWT) let him know that Allah (SWT) is above the heaven Ever-Living and never dies’” (Bukhari). 2. Imam adh-Dhahabee (RA) narrates from Ibn Abbas (RA), “Before creating the creation, Allah (SWT) was above His (SWT) Throne. Then He (SWT) created the Pen and it wrote everything that would happen up until the Day of Judgement” (Bayhaqi in ‘Asmaa Was-Sifaat). The Four Madhaahib (Sunni Schools of Legal Jurisprudence) 1. Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal (RA) was asked, ‘Allah (SWT) is above the seventh heaven, above His (SWT) Throne, distinct from His creation (SWT), and His (SWT) Power and Knowledge are in every place?’ And he (RA) replied, ‘Yes, above the Throne and His (SWT) Knowledge is in every place’ (‘Sharh Usul I’tiqaad Ahlus Sunnah’ of al-Laalikaaee (d. 414AH)). 2. Imam Malik (RA) said, “Allah (SWT) is above the heaven, and His (SWT) knowledge is in every place, nothing is hidden from Him (SWT).” (‘Sharh Usul I’tiqaad Ahlus Sunnah’ of al-Laalikaaee (d.414AH)). 3. Abu Haneefah (RA) said, “when asked of his opinion of the one who says, ‘I do not know whether Allah (SWT) is above the heavens or on the
earth.’ – “He has disbelieved, because Allah (SWT) says, “The Most Merciful rose above the Throne,” and His (SWT) Throne is above His (SWT) seven heavens.’ He was then asked, ‘what if he said that Allah (SWT) is above His (SWT) Throne but he does not know whether the Throne is in the heavens or on the earth?’ He said, ‘He has disbelieved, because he has denied that He (SWT) is above the heavens. And whosoever denied that He (SWT) is above the heavens has disbelieved.” (‘Sharh Usul I’tiqaad Ahlus Sunnah’ of al-Laalikaaee (d.414AH), ‘al-Uluww’ of adh- Dhahabee, also ‘Sharh Aqueedah at-Tahaawiyyah’ of ibn Abee al-Izz al-Hanafee). 4. Abu Haneefah (RA) said, “And Allah (SWT) the Exalted is called upon upwards, and not downwards, because downwards is not a quality of Ruboobiyyah (Lordship) and Uloohiyyah (Divinity) in anything” (al-Fiqh ul-Asbat). 5. A woman asked Abu Haneefah (RA), “Where is your Lord whom you worship” So he said,“Verily Allah (SWT) the Exalted is above the sky (fissamaa`), not in the earth.” So a man said to him, `Have you seen the statement of Allah (SWT) the Exalted, “And He is with you.” (57:4) He said, “He (SWT) is as you are when you write to a man, `Verily I am with you,’ whilst you are absent from him” (al-Asma was-Sifaat). 6. And Abu Nu’aym relates from Ja’far Ibn ‘Abdullah who said, `We were with Malik Ibn Anas, so a man came, so he said, “O Abu ‘Abdullah, “The Most Merciful has ascended above His Throne,” (20:5) How has He (SWT) ascended?’ So anger came over Malik, such that no affair like this had ever caused to come over him. So he looked towards the earth and scratched with his cane in his hand, until he raised his hand and wiped the sweat from his forehead, tossed the cane aside, and said, ‘The modality (kayf of it cannot be comprehended by the intellect, and alistiwaa’ (ascent) is not unknown, and having faith in it is obligatory, and the question concerning it is an innovation. And I think that you are a person of innovation,’ and he commanded him to leave.” Ibn Hajar said in Fathul Baaree (commentary of Sahih al-Bukhari) (13/406- 407) that its
isnaad (chain of narrators) is hasan (good). And it was authenticated by adhDhahabee in al-Uluww (p. 103). Istawaa (Rise over) - Allah is Above the Throne - Proofs from the Scholars Imam adh-Dhahabee – rahimahullah – said, “Whoever you ask, “Where is Allah (SWT)? Then his quick and natural answer will be, above the heavens. There are two points in this Hadeeth, firstly the asking by the Muslim, “Where is Allah (SWT)?” Secondly the answer of the person questioned, “Above the heavens.” Whoever rejects these two points is rejecting the Prophet (salAllahu ‘alayhi was-Sallam)” (‘Kitaab al-Uluww’ (p.101)). Imam adh-Dhahabee – rahimahullah – narrates from Abdullah Ibn Umar (radi-Allahu ‘anhu), “Allah (SWT) created four things with His (SWT) hands - the Throne, Pen, Adam and Paradise, then for the rest of the creation He (SWT) said “Be” and it became” (Ibn Jareer in his ‘Tafseer’ (23/185), Daarimee in ‘Radd Alal Mareesee’ (p.90), Baihaaqee in ‘Asmaa WasSifaat’ (p.233)). Imam Abu Sa’eed Uthman ad-Daarimee – rahimahullah – says, “Then the Scholars before us and after us all have Ijmaa (consensus), that when we seek help from Allah (SWT) or when we call Him (SWT), we raise and spread our hands towards the sky and our sight is also upwards. We do not call upon him by looking below us in the earth, behind or in front, to the right or the left. We concentrate towards the sky, because everyone knows that Allah (SWT) is above them, and everyone who prays says in prostration, “Praise be to Allah (SWT) the Most High” (‘Radd Alal Jahmiyyah’ (p.20)). Sufyan ath-Thawree was asked about the verse, “and He is with you wheresoever you are”. He said, ‘His (SWT) Knowledge’ (Bukhari’s, ‘Khalq Af’aal Ebad’). Muhammad bin Yusuf said (one of the teachers of Bukhari), ‘the one who
says that Allah (SWT) is not over His (SWT) Throne is a kaafir. And the one who thinks that Allah (SWT) did not speak to Moses is a kaafir’ (Bukhari’s, ‘Khalq Af’aal Ebaad’). Qatada (the famous student of Ibn ‘Abbas radi Allahu anhu) said about His (SWT) saying, “and He is Allah in the Heaven and in the Earth” – ‘the One Who is worshipped in the heaven and in the earth’” (Bukhari’s, ‘Khalq Af’aal Ebaad’). And Fir’aun (Pharaoh) said: ِ السمَ ا َو َ َو َق ْ ُص ْرحً ا َل َع ِّلي أَبْ ُلغ ُ ن يَا هَامَا ُ ْعو ِ ْن اب ات فَأَطَّلِعَ إِ َلىٰ إِ ٰلَ ِه َّ َاب ْ َ أ.َاب ْ َ األ َ ن لِي َ ال ِف ْر َ سب َ سب
ِ ُوسىٰ َو إِنِّي َألَظُنُّ ُه َك َ ِاذبًا ۚ َو َكذَٰل َ ْعو َ ْعو ِ ع ن َّ ن َ ص َّد ُ ن َ م ُ سو ُء عَمَ لِ ِه َو َ الس ِبي ِل ۚ َومَا َكيْ ُد ِف ْر َ ك زُيِّ َن لِ ِف ْر ٍ إِ َّال ِفي تَب َاب
“O Hâmân! Build me a tower that I may arrive at the ways, The ways of the heavens, and I may look upon the Ilâh (God) of Mûsa (Moses) but verily, I think him to be a liar.” (40:36-37) Imam Tabarai commented on this by saying, “Fir’awn’s saying that ‘I think him to be a liar’ i.e. he is saying that I think Musa is a liar when he says and claims that his God is above the sky, Who sent him (Musa) to us” (Tafseer Al-Tabari)
She is none other than Umm SalamahThe Mother of the Believers. Her's is a heartwarming story - one that fills a person with hope in Allah (SWT). One that reaffirms that Allah (SWT) will never leave His (SWT) faithful servants alone and that duas are indeed answered.
In this issue, we bring to you an inspiring and touching story of yet another great sahabiyah who is known for her patience and for her very special du'a - a du'a that was answered in the form of Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alaihi wassalam) becoming her husband.
Her (RA) real name was Hind. She was the daughter of one of the notables in the Makhzum clan, Abu Umayyah bin 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Makhzum, nicknamed "Zad ar-Rakib" as he was well known for his generosity, particularly to travellers. Her (RA) mother was 'Atikah bint 'Amer bin Rabi'ah bin Malik bin Khazimah.
Umm Salamah (RA) was always amiable and kind to her neighbours, just like her father. Her (RA) first husband was 'Abdullah bin 'Abdul Asad Makhzumi, also known as Abu Salamah. He was the son of the Prophet's (SAWS) paternal She (r.a) says: “The Messenger of aunt, Barrah bint Abdul Muttalib. He Allah (salla Allahu alaihi wassallam) too was known for his generosity. He said: ‘There is no Muslim who suffers was a brave man, with integrity, a calamity and says what Allah has tolerance and patience as his additional commanded: ‘Innaa Lillaahi wa innaa virtues. He was also the foster brother of ilaihi raaji’oon. Allahumma ujurni fi the Prophet (salla Allahu alaihi musibati wukhluf li khayran minha’ wasssalam) through the ties of breast(Truly! To Allah we belong and to Him feeding. we shall return. O Allah, reward me for my calamity and compensate me Umm Salamah (RA) and her (RA) with something better than that), husband were one of the earliest but Allah will compensate him with converts to Islam. When the Quraysh something better. (Muslim)
came to know of their conversion, they brutally persecuted them. However, it didn't weaken their faith in the least; rather they remained steadfast in their new faith. But when matters got worse and the persecution became more intense, the Prophet (salla Allahu alaihi wassalam) advised his companions to migrate to Abyssinia . The Prophet (salla Allahu alaihi wassalam) knew that the Christian king Najashi would be more tolerant of the new religion. Abu and Umm Salamah (RA) were amongst the first ones to migrate to Abyssinia along with 14 others. Life in Abyssinia was peaceful for the early muslims. Umm (RA) and Abu Salamah had 4 children Zaynab, Salamah, Umar and Durrah. Umm Salamah (RA) said that even though their life in Abyssinia was one of ease and calm, they yearned to get back to Makkah. They wanted to be back in their own country with familiar people. So, one day when they heard that Umar ibn Al Khattab (RA) had accepted islam and that the conditions of the muslims had changed for the better, the muslims in Abyssinia decided to return to their homes. 'Uthman bin 'Affan (RA) also set out with them, with his family. But upon reaching Makkah, they realised that it was all just a rumour, and things had, in fact, become worse than before -
Muslims were subjected to more torture and persecution. They wanted to return to Abyssinia, but the Prophet (salla Allahu alaihi wassalam) advised the muslims to migrate to Madinah this time, as the people of Madinah had sworn allegiance to muslims and had invited the muslims to come and settle there. What followed is a heartbreaking story. We will let Umm Salamah (RA) narrate what happened when they decided to leave for Makkah. "When Abu Salamah (my husband) decided to leave for Madinah, he prepared a camel for me, lifted me up onto it and put my son Salamah on my lap. My husband then took the lead and went straight ahead without stopping or
My husband headed out towards Madinah by himself; his tribe had snatched away my son from me; and my own tribe had overpowered me and forced me to stay with them. From the day that my husband and my son were parted from me, I went out at noon every day and sat at the spot where this tragedy had occurred. I would remember those terrifying moments and weep until nightfall.�
waiting for anything. Before we were out of Makkah, however, some men from my tribe, the Banu Mahkhzum, stopped us and said to my husband: 'Although you may be free to do what you like with yourself, you have no power over your wife. She is our daughter. Do you expect us to allow you to take her away from us?' They then grabbed hold of him and snatched me away from him. Some men from my husband's tribe, the Banu Abdul Asad, saw them taking both me and my child and became hot with rage: 'No, by Allah!' They shouted. 'We shall not abandon the boy. He is our son and we have a rightful claim over him.' So they took him by his arm and pulled him away from me. Suddenly, in the space of a few minutes, I found myself all alone.
"I continued like this for a year or so until one day a man from the Banu Umayyah passed by and saw my condition. He went to my tribe and said, 'Why don't you free this woman? You have caused both her husband and her son to betaken away from her.' He went on like this, trying to soften their hearts and appealing to their emotions, until at last they said to me, 'Go and join your husband if you wish.' But how could I join my husband in Madinah, and leave my son, part of my own flesh and blood, in Makkah among the Banu Abdul Asad? How could I remain free from anguish, and my eyes free from tears, if I were to reach the place of hijrah not knowing anything of my little son left behind in Makkah?� "Some people realised what I was going through and their hearts went out to me. They approached the Banu Abdul Asad on my behalf and persuaded them to return my son. I had no desire to remain in Makkah until I could find someone to
travel with me, for I was afraid that something might happen that would delay me or stop me from reaching my husband. So I immediately prepared my camel, placed my son on my lap, and set out in the direction of Madinah. I just had just reached Tan'im (3 miles from Makkah) when I met 'Uthman ibn Talhah (He was in charge of looking after the Ka'bah, but did not embrace Islam until the Conquest of Makkah). 'Were are you going, Bint Zad ar-Rakib?' he asked. 'I am going to my husband in Madinah.' 'And isn't there anyone going with you?' 'No, by Allah, except Allah and my little boy here.' 'By Allah,' he vowed, 'I will not leave you until you it with the blessings of Allah.' Then he turned round and headed back to reach Madinah.' “ Makkah.” "He then took the reins of my camel Thus after many difficult months of and led us on our way. By Allah, I separation, Umm Salamah (RA) and her have never met an Arab more son were re-united with Abu Salamah. generous and noble than he. Whenever we reached a resting place, he would make my camel kneel down, To be continued… wait until I had dismounted and then lead the camel to a tree and tether it. Then he would go and rest in the shade of another tree, different from mine. When we had rested, he would get the camel ready again and then lead us on our way. This he did every day until we reached Madinah. When we reached a village near Quba (about two miles from Madinah), belonging to the Banu Amr ibn Awf, he said, 'Your husband is in this village. Enter
At The Heart Of Every Relationship Is Allah (SWT)
َ ْع َلي ُ ه ْم ُ منُوا ِب َربِّ ِه ْم َو ِز ْدنَا ُ َ ك نَبَأ ع َلىٰ ُق ُلو ِب ِه ْم إِذْ َقامُوا َ ص َ َو َربَطْنَا.هدًى َ ه ْم ِبا ْلحَ قِّ ۚ إِنَّ ُه ْم ِفتْيَ ٌة آ ُّ نَحْ ُن نَ ُق ِ عوَ ِم ْن د ِ األ َ ْر ِ السمَ ا َو َ ُون ِه إِ ٰلَهًا ۖ َل َق ْد ُق ْلنَا إِذًا ْ ات َو شطَطًا ُ ض َل ْن نَ ْد َّ ب ُّ فَ َقا ُلوا َربُّنَا َر "We relate to thee their story in truth: they were youths who believed in their Lord, and We advanced them in guidance: We gave strength to their hearts: Behold, they stood up and said: "Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and of the earth: never shall we call upon any God other than Him: if we did, we should indeed have uttered an enormity!" (Al-Kahf 18:13-14) Relationships are central to the
these relationships are based on the
existence of every human being. Allah
fulfilment of rights & responsibilities.
(SWT) has enjoined some
relationships as purely natural, such
In His (SWT) ultimate wisdom, Allah
as those between parents, children,
(SWT) has placed Himself (SWT) at the
and other immediate and extended
heart of every relationship. To love Allah
family members. Other relationships
(SWT), to know Allah (SWT), & to want
are based on solemn contracts, such as
to please Allah (SWT) in our daily lives,
marriage. Through a marriage
we must have functional & healthy
contract, a man and a woman who are
relationships with our parents, siblings,
ordinarily impermissible to each other friends, & community members. We do become permissible to each other.
not have the option to remove either
Some relationships are based on
Allah (SWT) or human beings from our
familiarity and social ties at the
lives. The love, mercy, and compassion
community level. Other relationships
that characterize our interactions with
are based on business contracts. All of
others are a blessing from Allah (SWT). He (SWT) created us & endowed us with
At The Heart Of Every Relationship Is Allah (SWT) these sublime qualities. It is only
cheats others is wantonly defying the
sheer arrogance that would make us
teachings of Islam. At the moment when
attempt to remove Allah (SWT) from
he cheats another person, he is also
any of our relationships.
allowing his personal greed to override
his fear of Allah (SWT). A husband who
The main reason that Muslims place
raises his hands to hurt his wife or their
Allah (SWT) at the heart of every
children is defying the teachings of
relationship is because these rights
Islam. At the moment of his violent
and responsibilities emanate from
outburst, he is allowing his personal
Allah (SWT) and the Prophet
anger to override his fear of Allah
Muhammad (SAWS). We learn of our
(SWT). There can be no moment in
rights and responsibilities through
which Allah (SWT) is not at the heart of
Islamic teachings as explicated in the
a relationship. It is an unfortunate
Quran and the teachings of the
existence, and indeed a miserable
Prophet Muhammad (saws). Fulfilling
existence, for the one whose personal
one's responsibilities requires
whims and desires end up placing him
knowledge of what those
or her at the centre of the relationship.
responsibilities are. Similarly, one
cannot expect to demand one's rights
Let us consider a day in the life of a
without knowing first what those
young man named Khalid.
rights are.
Khalid sat up in bed, unable to fall
Anytime a relationship goes sour, one
asleep. What had started as just a small
must stop first to ask what the basis of
disagreement with his parents had
the relationship is and if in fact the
deteriorated quickly into a shouting
relationship existed for the sake of
match. Khalid hurled the final volley,
Allah (SWT). A businessman who
saying, "I don't care what you or anyone
else says; I don't need you, I don't
wanted to go. He knew he needed no
need anyone; I have Allah (SWT) to
one else except Allah (SWT). But now,
help me." Slamming the door to his
hearing his mother crying had confused
room shut, Khalid felt sure that he
him. He was unsure of himself. Unsure
could survive on his own. After all, at
of what he felt. If he had Allah (SWT),
the prime of his life as a 15-year-old,
why did anyone else matter? So what if
why did he need his parents? They
mom or the siblings were sad? So what
just kept getting in his way. Why did
if his friends and the community looked
he need his brothers and sisters? They
down on him for his behaviour? He
never understood him. Why did he
struggled to put himself to sleep that
need his friends? They never went
night. Unable to sleep, he turned to talk
along with him. As long as he had
to Allah (SWT). Picking up the Quran,
Allah (SWT), he was set. He was
he thumbed through the pages and came
complete. He needed no one else.
across a few that seemed to be wrinkled,
used more often than the others. He
As he sank into bed for the night and
could not believe his eyes and as he read
slipped under the warm covers, he felt
the verses out loud, the meaning of the
sure that tomorrow would be
verses seemed to shoot directly to his
different. From tomorrow onwards, he would need no one else, no other
heart. َ ُّضىٰ َرب َ َو َق ِ ْك أ َ َّال تَ ْعبُدُوا إِ َّال إِيَّاهُ َو ِبا ْلوَالِ َدي ۚ سانًا َ ْن إِح
relationship except the one he had
َ إِمَّا َيبْ ُل ُ همَ ا أ َ ْو ِك َال ُ غ َّن ِعنْد ََك ا ْل ِكبَ َر أَحَ ُد همَ ا فَ َال تَ ُق ْل
with Allah (SWT). He tossed and
ُ َلهُمَ ا أُفٍّ َو َال تَنْ َه ْر .همَ ا َو ُق ْل َلهُمَ ا َقو ًْال َك ِريمً ا ْ َوا ْ خ ِف ب ِّ ض َلهُمَ ا جَ نَاحَ الذُّ ِّل ِم َن ال َّرحْ مَ ِة َو ُق ْل َر
turned but he was restless and unable to bring himself to sleep. Why? These covers are so warm, so comfortable, why can't I get to sleep? The peaceful night was interrupted. He sat up in
ِ ا ْرحَ مْ هُمَ ا َكمَ ا َربَّي ع َل ُم ِبمَ ا ِفي ْ َ َربُّ ُك ْم أ.ص ِغي ًرا َ َاني ِ ِصال ِ ُنُف َ ني فَ ِإنَّ ُه َكا ْ ِوس ُك ْم ۚ إ َ ن لِ ْأل َ َّوا ِب َ ح ني َ ن تَ ُكونُوا َ غ ُفو ًرا
bed. In the bedroom next door, he
[Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship
could hear his father consoling his
none but Him, and that ye be kind to
mother who was sobbing
parents. Whether one or both of them
uncontrollably. The strong-headed
attain old age in thy life, say not to them
Khalid was no more.
a word of contempt, nor repel them, but
address them in terms of honour. And,
Only a few hours ago he knew exactly
out of kindness, lower to them the wing
what he wanted to do, where he
of humility, and say: "My Lord! Bestow
At The Heart Of Every Relationship Is Allah (SWT) on them thy mercy even as they
Allah (SWT), decreed kindness to
cherished me in childhood." Your Lord parents. The mention of mercy, honour, knoweth best what is in your hearts: If humility, righteousness, forgiveness, ye do deeds of righteousness, verily
and repentance had a calming effect on
He is Most Forgiving to those who
Khalid. He wanted nothing more at that
turn to Him again and again (in true
moment than to go and tell his parents
penitence).] (Al-Israa 17:23-25)
he was sorry. He wanted to give them
their right to advise him, to counsel him,
Here it was, loud and clear. Any
and to assist him through these teenage
people who thought they could have a
years. He wanted most of to repent to
relationship only with Allah (SWT)
Allah (SWT) for raising his voice at his
and cut off their ties with parents,
parents!
siblings, and friends were mistaken.
Khalid knew that he had hurt his
Final Thoughts
mother and his father with his "I don't
As we go through life, Allah (SWT) tests
care" and "whatever" one-liners. He
us with various challenges, and perhaps
also knew that he did care and he
the most difficult of these tests are those
loved them both dearly. And he was
that involve human relationships.
very much aware of the fact that as
Increasing our awareness of our rights
annoying as his brothers and sisters
and responsibilities is a very critical
were, they were his true friends
component of our lives. Remembering to
people he could count on to love him
be conscious of Allah (SWT) helps us to
no matter what!
fight any desires that arise out of a
purely selfish orientation. We do not live
Khalid read and reread these verses in
alone or in a vacuum. We are just one of
which Allah (SWT), after decreeing
the many actors in this human drama of
that Muslims worship no one but
life and the earth is our stage.
At The Heart Of Every Relationship Is Allah (SWT) fear Allah through Whom you demand The script has already been written by
your (mutual rights) and (do not cut the
Allah (SWT), and our goal is to toil on
relations of) the wombs; surely Allah is
this earth, conscious of our rights and
ever an All-watcher over you.] (An-
responsibilities towards Allah (SWT)
Nisaa' 4:1)
and towards those around us. Our goal should be to please Allah (SWT) through establishing functional and healthy relationships with our family, friends, and community members. Ultimately, we can only achieve true success when Allah (SWT) is at the heart of all of our relationships. An apt reminder in closing is when Allah (SWT) addresses all of mankind, saying: ٍ ْخ َل َق ُك ْم ِم ْن نَف َ اس اتَّ ُقوا َربَّ ُك ُم ا َّل ِذي س ُ َّيَا أَيُّهَا الن ِ َو َ احد ٍَة َو ً َث ِمنْهُمَ ا ِرج َّ َخ َلقَ ِمنْهَا زَ ْوجَ هَا َوب اال َ َسا َء ُلو ن ِب ِه َ َك ِثي ًرا َو ِن َ سا ًء ۚ َواتَّ ُقوا اهللََّ ا َّل ِذي ت ْ َو َ ن اهللََّ َكا َّ ِاأل َ ْرحَ ا َم ۚ إ ع َليْ ُك ْم َر ِقيبًا َ ن [O mankind, be conscious of your duty to Allah, Who created you from a single soul and from him He created his mate, and from them both, He created many men and women; and
"
Parenting ‘Tweens’ and ’Teens’ Parents and children should never give up on each other — no matter what age or stage they are at. Children standing at the threshold of adulthood may naturally desire some independence and space from their parents. This time period can be frustrating for both the parent and the child; the children may feel they are on a different wavelength, and be overwhelmed by certain thoughts and concepts that they face, and the parents may feel distanced and sidelined. During this new phase of parenting, it helps to remember that these ‘children’, whether they are aware of it or not, may still be naive, vulnerable and in need of guidance and direction.
How can we, as parents respond effectively? Connecting our children to faith is one of the best gifts and strengths we can pass on to them. This involves making Allah (swt) the most important factor in our child’s life, and judging ourselves and everything surrounding us, according to the criterion that He (swt) has revealed and taught. Stability and strong character can be derived through this constant connection – especially during times of turbulence and hardship. Lead by example and through imbuing advices from the Quran and Sunnah into every aspect of life. Be positive Sometimes we may feel the test is simply too much. Some of us may be deficient in our ability to be happy with our fate – although this is a part of complete submission to the will of Allah (swt). Always remember, everything happens for the best, even if we cannot see the wisdom and benefit immediately.
key aspect of Islamic teaching; however children are not possessions. Children belong to Allah (swt), like adults do. They have responsibilities and rights, as adults do. To obey Allah (swt), children must respect parents, but parents must also Through tawakkul, trusting Allah (swt), respect children’s rights as individuals. and having hope we can always be We shouldn’t believe that we deserve to full of positivity. expect perfection from them. We cannot question the justice and wisdom of Allah Relate (swt) — because ultimately the choice We have to put ourselves in our and accountability lies with each children’s shoes and try to relate to them. We were all children once so this individual. is actually quite easy if we try. This Supplicate means taking our emotions and ego Doing du'aa is a very powerful avenue of out of the picture, and thinking assistance that many of us neglect. We rationally and logically, and must ask Allah (swt) for forgiveness and supporting each other. make effort to turn to him for help and guidance. Doing du'aa not only heals us Be willing to discuss everything and internally by providing us comfort, but open the door to communication. through it Allah (swt) may transform our Talking freely and discussing our situation and grant us ease and success concerns can make drastic instantly. Allah (swt) loves for us to ask improvements. Without any pressure, Him (swt) and He (swt) loves to give and children are more likely to open up. When they try to talk, adults must listen forgive. If our du'aa is not immediately granted we must not despair, because carefully and give them undivided attention. Create regular opportunities He (swt) may preserve our du'aa and reward us for it in Paradise. He (swt) for communication. By allocating a knows what is best and could grant us specific time slot devoted to each better than what we asked for, or an child we can reach out to them; a upcoming calamity may be blocked more open comfortable atmosphere from harming us. Du'aas are always encourages the child to confide beneficial, Elhamdulillah. whenever needed. Step back Nagging and constant pressure usually pushes people away. Respect and love between parents and children is a
Establish correct intentions View everything in the light of doing things purely for the sake of Allah (swt). Having hope and maintaining a balance
but they may also be a major test. We don’t choose our parents or families. This is a trial for us, and ‘charity begins at home’. between our love and fear of Allah (swt) can give us fresh perspective to solve problems calmly. Children are a gift and a blessing for us; they can also be an excellent opportunity. If each of us took care of our own children and families this would gradually translate to a change in the condition of our world. We will be accountable for how well we look after ‘our own flock’. Children can be a joy or adornment of this life
Deep down, most ‘tweens’ and ‘teens’ still have the need to be validated and approved. Parents and children can rescue their relationship and overcome the resentment and frustration easily through staying in touch with each other and by overcoming their own negative emotions. Where there is a will – there is always a way In Sha Allah.
THE PHYSICS OF NATURE IN THE LIGHT OF QURAN
In ancient times a well-known theory by the name of ‘Theory of Atomism’ was widely accepted. This theory was originally proposed by the Greeks, in particular by a man called Democritus, who lived about 23 centuries ago. Democritus and the people that came after him, assumed that the smallest unit of matter was the atom. The Arabs used to believe the same. The Arabic word “dharrah" most commonly meant an atom. In recent times modern science has discovered that it is possible to split even an atom. That the atom can be split further is a development of the 20th century. 14 centuries ago this concept would have appeared unusual even to an Arab. For him the “dharrah" was the limit beyond which one could not go. The following Quranic verse however, refuses to acknowledge this limit:
ِ األ َ ْر ِ السمَ ا َو َ ِغ ُر ِم ْن ذَٰل َ ص ْ ات َو َال ِفي ك ْ َ ض َو َال أ َّ ذَ َّر ٍة ِفي ٍم ِبني ٍ َو َال أ َ ْكبَ ُر إِ َّال ِفي ِكت ُ َاب “The Unbelievers say, ‘Never to us will come The Hour’: say, ‘Nay! But most surely, By my Lord, it will come Upon you – by Him Who knows the unseen – from Whom is not hidden the least little atom in the heavens or on earth: Nor is there anything less than that, or greater, but is in the manifest book’”. [34:3] A similar message is conveyed in the Qur’an in 10:61. َ ن ِفي ُ َومَا تَ ُكو ٍ ن َومَا تَتْ ُلو ِمنْ ُه ِم ْن ُق ْرآ ٍ ْ شأ ن َو َال ُ ع َليْ ُك ْم َ يضو ُ شهُودًا إِذْ ت ُِف َ تَعْمَ ُلو ن َ ن ِم ْن عَمَ ٍل إِ َّال ُكنَّا ِ ِف ِ األ َ ْر َ ِّع ْن َرب ْ ال ذَ َّر ٍة ِفي ِ ك ِم ْن ِمث ْ َق ض َ ب ُ ُيه ۚ َومَا يَ ْعز ِ َالسم َ ِغ َر ِم ْن ذَٰل َ ص ك َو َال أ َ ْكبَ َر إِ َّال ِفي ْ َ اء َو َال أ َّ َو َال ِفي ٍم ِبني ٍ ِكت ُ َاب
You do not engage in any work, neither do you recite any part of the Quran, nor do you perform any deed without Our being witness over you when you are engaged therein. Not an atom’s weight escapes your Lord in the earth or in the ِ ْ ُ ُ َ ِ َ َ َّ َ ْ َ َ َ ٰعة ۖ قل بَلى َ السا َّ َوقال الذي َن كف ُروا ال تَأتيناsky, nor [is there] anything smaller than ُ عنْ ُه ِمث ْ َق َ َو َربِّي َلتَأ ْ ِتيَنَّ ُك ْم عَالِم ِ ا ْلthat nor bigger, but it is in a manifest ال َ ب ُ ُغيْبِ ۖ َال يَ ْعز book.
This verse refers to the Omniscience of Allah (SWT), His (SWT) knowledge of all things, hidden or apparent. It then goes further and says that Allah (SWT) is aware of everything, including what is smaller or bigger than the atom. Thus the verse clearly shows that it is possible for something smaller than the atom to exist, a fact discovered only recently by modern science.
GEOGRAPHY - THE WATER CYCLE In 1580, Bernard Palissy was the first man to describe the present day concept of ‘water cycle’. He described how water evaporates from the oceans and cools to form clouds. The clouds move inland where they rise,
condense & fall as rain. This water gathers as lakes and streams and flows back to the ocean in a continuous cycle. In the 7th century B.C., Thales of Miletus believed that surface spray of the oceans was picked up by the wind and carried inland to fall as rain. In earlier times people did not know the source of underground water. They thought the water of the oceans, under the effect of winds, was thrust towards the interior of the continents. They also believed that the water returned by a secret passage, or the Great Abyss. This passage is connected to the oceans and has been called the ‘Tartarus’, since Plato’s time. Even Descartes, a great thinker of the eighteenth century, subscribed to this view. Till the nineteenth century, Aristotle’s theory was prevalent. According to this theory, water was condensed in cool mountain
THE PHYSICS OF NATURE IN THE LIGHT OF QURAN ِ َالسم ِ األ َ ْر ْ س َكنَّا ُه ِفي caverns and formed underground ۖض ْ َ اء مَا ًء ِب َق َد ٍر فَأ َّ َوأَنْزَ ْلنَا ِم َن ِ َاب ِب ِه َل َق lakes that fed springs. Today, we know َ اد ُرو ٍ ع َلىٰ ذَه ن َ َو إِنَّا that the rainwater that seeps into the “And We send down water from the sky cracks of the ground is responsible for according to (Due) measure, and We this. The water cycle is described by cause it to soak in the soil; and We the Quran in the following verses: certainly are able to drain it off (with ease).” [Al-Quran 23:18] ِ َالسم َّ َ أ َ َل ْم تَ َر أ س َل َك ُه َ َاء مَا ًء ف َّ ن اهللََّ أَنْزَ َل ِم َن No other text dating back 1400 years ago ِ األ َ ْر ْ م ْ ُض ث ُ َّم ي ْ يَنَا ِبيعَ ِفيgives such an accurate description of the ختَلِفًا ُ خ ِرجُ ِب ِه زَ ْرعًا ۚ ُصفَ ًرّا ث ُ َّم يَجْ َع ُل ُه حُ طَامًا ْ أ َ ْلوَانُ ُه ث ُ َّم يَ ِهيجُ فَتَ َراهُ مwater cycle. َ ِن ِفي ذَٰل ْ ى ِألُولِي َّ ِإ ِ األ َ ْلب َاب ٰ ك َل ِذ ْك َر “Seest thou not that Allah sends down rain from the sky, and leads it through springs in the earth? Then He causes to grow, therewith, produce of various colors.” [Al-Quran 39:21]
WINDS IMPREGNATE THE CLOUDS ِ َالسم ِ س ْلنَا ال ِّريَاحَ َلو اء مَا ًء َ َوأ َ ْر َّ َاقحَ فَأَنْزَ ْلنَا ِم َن َ س َقيْنَا ُكمُ وهُ َومَا أَنْتُ ْم َل ُه ِب َ خا ِز ِن ني ْ َ فَأ
“And We send the fecundating winds, َ َ َو ِم ْن آيَا ِت ِه يُ ِري ُك ُم ا ْلبَ ْرقthen cause the rain to descend from the خوْفًا َوطَمَ عًا َويُنَزِّ ُل ِم َن sky, therewith providing you with water ِ َالسم َّ ِموْ ِتهَا ۚ إ َ األ َ ْر ْ اء مَا ًء فَيُحْ يِي ِب ِه ن َ ض بَ ْع َد َّ ٍ ك َآلي َ ِ( ِفي ذَٰلin abundance).” [Al-Quran 15:22] َ َات لِ َقوْم ٍ يَع ِْق ُلو ن The Arabic word used here is lawâqih, “He sends down rain from the sky which is the plural of laqih from laqaha, and with it gives life to The earth after which means to impregnate or it is dead: Verily in that are Signs For fecundate. In this context, impregnate those who are wise.” [Al-Quran 30:24] means that the wind pushes the clouds together increasing the condensation that causes lightning and thus rain. A
similar description is found in the Quran: ِ اهللَُّ ا َّل ِذي يُ ْر ْسطُ ُه ُ سحَ ابًا فَيَب َ س ُل ال ِّريَاحَ فَت ُِثي ُر ِ َالسم َ اء َكيْفَ ي سفًا فَتَ َرى َ َشا ُء َويَجْ َع ُل ُه ِك َّ ِفي ِ خ ُرجُ ِم ْن ْ َا ْلوَ ْدقَ ي م ْن َ َ خ َاللِ ِه ۖ فَ ِإذَا أ َ اب ِب ِه َ ص ِ َستَب ِ َشا ُء ِم ْن ِعب َ ي َ ْش ُرو ُ َاد ِه إِذَا ن ْ ه ْم ي
also known that the stability of the mountains is linked to the phenomenon of folding, for it was the folds that were to provide foundations for the relief that constitute the mountains. Geologists tell us that the radius of the Earth is about 3,750 miles and the crust on which we live is very thin, ranging between 1 to 30 miles. Since the crust is thin, it has a high possibility of shaking. Mountains act like stakes or tent pegs that hold the earth’s crust and give it stability.
“It is Allah Who sends the winds, and they raise the clouds: then does He spread them in the sky as He wills, and break them into fragments, until thou seest raindrops issue from the midst thereof: then when He has made The Quran contains exactly such a them reach such of His servants as He wills, Behold, they do rejoice!” [AlQuran 30:48] The Quran’s descriptions are absolutely accurate and agree perfectly with modern data on hydrology. The water cycle is described in several verses of the Glorious Quran, including 3:9, 7:57, 13:17, 25:48- 49, 36:34, 50:9-11, 56:68-70, 67:30 and 86:11.
GEOLOGY - MOUNTAINS ARE LIKE PEGS In Geology, the phenomenon of ‘folding’ is a recently discovered fact. Folding is responsible for the formation of mountain ranges. The earth’s crust, on which we live, is like a solid shell, while the deeper layers are hot and fluid, and thus inhospitable to any form of life. It is
description in the following verse: َ جب َ األ َ ْر ْ أ َ َل ْم نَجْ َع ِل ِ َوا ْل.ض ِمهَادًا َال أ َ ْوتَادًا “Have We not made The earth as a wide Expanse, And the mountains as pegs?” [Al-Quran 78:6-7] The word awtad means stakes or pegs (like those used to anchor a tent); they are the deep foundations of geological folds. A book named ‘Earth’ is considered as a basic reference textbook on geology in many universities around the world. One of the authors of this book is Frank Press, who was the President of the Academy of Sciences in the USA for 12 years and was the Science
THE PHYSICS OF NATURE IN THE LIGHT OF QURAN
Advisor to former US President Jimmy Carter. In this book, he illustrates the mountain in a wedge-shape and the mountain itself as a small part of the whole, whose root is deeply entrenched in the ground. According to Dr. Press, the mountains play an important role in stabilizing the crust of the earth. (*Earth, Press and Siever, p. 435.). The Quran clearly mentions the function of the mountains in preventing the earth from shaking:
MOUNTAINS FIRMLY FIXED
The surface of the earth is broken into many rigid plates that are about 100 km in thickness. These plates float on a partially molten region called asthenosphere. Mountain formations occur at the boundary of the plates. The earth’s crust is 5 km thick below oceans, about 35 km thick below flat continental surfaces and almost 80 km thick below great mountain ranges. These are the strong foundations on which mountains ِ ِ ِ ِ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ َوجَ َعلنا في األ ْرض َر َواسيَ أن تَمي َد ِب ِه ْمstand. The Quran also speaks about the َ سب ًُال َل َع َّل ُه ْم يَ ْهتَدُو ن ُ َوجَ َع ْلنَا ِفيهَا ِفجَ اجً اstrong mountain foundations in the following verse: “And We have set on the earth mountains standing firm, lest it should shake with them.” [Al-Quran 21:31] The Quranic descriptions are in perfect agreement with modern geological data.
َ جب ِ َوا ْل ساهَا َ َال أ َ ْر “And the mountains had He firmly fixed.” [Al-Quran 79:32] (*A similar message is contained in the Quran in 88:19, 31:10 and 16:15) To be continued…
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 وسلمs). 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.