A monthly newsletter from Masjid Bani Hashim Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue#20 July 2015
A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue #20 July 2015 بسم اهلل الرحمن الرحيم السالم عليكم و رحمة اهلل و بركاته Introduction On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (RadhiyAllahu ‘anhu) who said: The Messenger of Allah (SallaAllahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said,
“Verily Allah (Glorified may he be) has said: ‘Whosoever shows enmity to a wali (friend) of Mine, then I have declared war against him. And My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more beloved to Me than the religious duties I have obligated upon him. And My servant continues to draw near to me with nafil (supererogatory) deeds until I Love him. When I Love him, I become his hearing with which he hears, and his sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he strikes, and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him; and were he to seek refuge with Me, I would surely grant him refuge.’ ” [Reported by Bukhari]
In shaa Allah, this article will reach you in the last 10 days of Ramadan. In shaa Allah as we approach the end of Ramadan, maybe one question comes to one’s mind: have I come closer to Allah ?سبحانه و تعالى
A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue #20 July 2015
Whether you feel you have reached that closeness or not, there is still time. In shaa Allah Ramadan, the month that Allah سبحانه و تعالىrevealed the Qur’an, the Furqan, the Criterion of Right and Wrong and the month that Allah سبحانه و تعالىprescribed for the compulsory fasting is not over! There is hope and now it is time to aim for the “GOLD”, gold is becoming a close friend of Allah سبحانه و تعالى, wali of Allah سبحانه و تعالى. Now, please go back to the hadith that is on the top of the page! Is it difficult to become wali of Allah ?سبحانه و تعالىSo where do I start? First, focus on the obligatory duties towards Allah سبحانه و تعالى, including prayer and fasting in Ramadan as this is a way to come closer to Allah سبحانه و تعالى. Subhanal Allah, while you work and aim to fulfill all obligations, you want to go one step further to attain wilayat Allah سبحانه و تعالىand that requires effort in doing the voluntary deeds to please Allah سبحانه و تعالىand you are consistent in doing these deeds. Then what happens? Subhanal Allah, Allah سبحانه و تعالىwill love you and when He loves you, my dear reader, the world and the akhirah both become yours as you ask Allah سبحانه و تعالىand Allah سبحانه و تعالىgives you and you seek refuge in Allah سبحانه و تعالىand Allah سبحانه و تعالىwill give you that refuge. Allah سبحانه و تعالىhas given us the opportunity to work harder in the last ten nights of Ramadan as we search and strive to worship in the laylatul Qader so that our reward gets multiplied and our worship is counted as if we have worshiped over 1000 months, subhanal Allah. I end with one beautiful dua’a taught us by the Prophet SAW that once again shows us the importance of asking to Allah سبحانه و تعالىfor forgiveness and pardon, a pardon that erases all the sins and does not even leave a trace as if we have not committed that sin at all: Mother of the Believers, Aisha (RH) said: Oh Messenger of Allah (SAW), If I know what night is the night of Qader, what should I say therein?’He (SAW) said: “Say Allaahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibb ul- afwa fa fu anni” (O Allah, You are all-pardoning and love to pardon so pardon me). [Ahmed Al-Tirmidhi] 2
Alhamdulil Allah Rabb al alameen. Wa salato wa salamo ala Rasulil Allah.
A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue #20 July 2015
This Issue Introduction: Pages 1 - 2 Names of Allah (SWT): Allah: Pages 4 - 8 The Real Superstars: Pages 9 - 11 Q & A on the ‘Laughter’ of Allah (SWT) - Sh. Abdur Rahmaan Al Barrak: Pages 12 - 13 Arabic: Pages 14 - 19
Article focusing on Ramadan
Ramadan: Month of Fasting or Month of Feasting?: Pages 20 - 23 Soorah Takweer Pages 24 - 25 108 - Surah Al Kauthar: Page 26 The Night Prayer: Pages 27 - 29 Biography of Prophet Mohammed (SAWS) A Quiz to refresh your memory: Page 29 Journey: Reflection of an ayah: Pages 30 - 31 Surah Yusuf #8-15: Pages 32 - 37 Seeking the Night of Decree: Pages 38 - 40 Masjid Bani Hashim: Pages 41 - 43
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NAMES OF ALLAH (SWT): ALLAH َرضإِ ٰل ٌه ۚ َو ُه َو الحَ كي ُم العَلي ُم ِ السما ِء إِ ٰل ٌه َوفِي األ َّ َو ُه َو الَّذي فِي It is He (Allah) Who is the only Ilah (God to be worshipped) in the heaven and the only Ilah (God to be worshipped) on the earth [Zukhruf 43:84]
سبحا َن اهللَِّ عَمّ ا ُ ۚ َعض ٍ َعضهُم عَلىٰ ب ُ خلَقَ َو َلعَال ب َ خذَ اهللَُّ مِن َو َل ٍد وَما كا َن َم َع ُه مِن إِ ٰل ٍه ۚ إِذًا َلذَهَبَ كُلُّ إِ ٰل ٍه بِما َ َّمَا ات َصفو َن ِ ي Allah hath not chosen any son, nor is there any god [ilaah] along with Him; else would each god [ilaah] have assuredly championed that which he created [Al-Mu'minoon 23:91]
Lexical interpretations: The name Allah is originated from “ilaah”. In the aayah above, He (SWT) said “there is no ilaah along with Him”. There is no ilaah along with Him (SWT) meaning there is no one that should be worshipped with Him (SWT). Also, there is no other Creator, Sustainer, Lawgiver, and so on. Whatever does not have these Names and Attributes cannot be an ilaah even if it is worshipped; it is only another creation. Its root is “aliha ya’lahu”, which means to be bewildered. When the slave of Allah (SWT) realizes His (SWT)’s Greatness, Majesty, and other attributes, he will be the most unlikely to turn his heart towards anyone else. [Ibnul Atheer]. The root of ilaah is “wilaah”, in which the Waw was changed to a hamza as in some other Arabic words. The meaning of wilaah is that all of the creation turn to Him (SWT) for their needs, to keep away harm, and retreat to Him (SWT) when frightened. • All of the following words: ilaaha, ulooha, and uloohiyya mean ‘ibaada, i.e, to worship. Regarding the following aayah:
سن ُ َقت ِّلُ أ َبنا َءهُم َونَست َحيي َ ََرض َويَذَر ََك وَآلِ َهت ََك ۚ قال ِ وَقالَ امل ََأل ُ مِن قَوم ِ فِرعَو َن أَتَذَ ُر موسىٰ َوقَو َم ُه لِيُفسِ دوا فِي األ نِسا َءهُم َو إِنّا فَو َقهُم قاهِرو َن Wilt thou suffer Moses and his people to make mischief in the land, and flout thee and thy gods (aalihatak)? [A'raaf 7:127] Abdullah Ibn Abbaas RA used to recite the aayah as, “and flout thee and thy worship (ilaahatak),” because Pharoah was actually worshipped. For this reason, the action is referred to in this recitation as “ilaaha” (Of course, the first recitation listed is the most common and famous recitation) [Ibn See4 dah].
صرحً ا َل َعلّي َ وَقالَ فِرعَو ُن يا أَيُّهَا امل ََأل ُ ما َعلِمتُ َلكُم مِن إِ ٰل ٍه غَيري فَأ َوقِد لي يا هاما ُن َعلَى الطّنيِ فَاجعَل لي ني َ أَطَّلِعُ إِلىٰ إِ ٰل ِه موسىٰ َو إِنّي َألَظُن ُّ ُه ِم َن الكاذِب An Additional proof is the statement of Pharoah: I know not that ye have a god (ilaah) other than me [Qasas 28:38] The original form of the Name Allah is “al-ilaah”. This was stated by the grammarian and linguist Seebawayh and most of his students. [Ibnul Qayyim]. The hamza was dropped due to the common usage in the language, thereby the name became Allah. [Ibn Barree] Please note: Repeating the name Allah by itself is not something found in the sharia. Rather, the remembrances [adhkaar] that are found in the sharia mention the name along with other words of praise and glory.
Some examples: “Whoever says subhaanAllahi wa bihamdihi 100 times in a day, his sins will be forgiven even if they were like the froth of the ocean” [Agreed upon] “There are two phrases which are light upon the tongue, heavy in the scale, and beloved to Ar-Rahmaan: subhaanAllahi wa bihamdihi, subhaanAllahil ‘adheem” [Agreed upon] “Four phrases are most beloved to Allah (SWT), and it doesn’t matter which one you start with: subhaanAllah, alhamdulillah, laa ilaaha illAllah, and Allahu akbar” [Muslim] The most beloved names to Allah (SWT) are the names Abdullah and AbdurRahmaan, as found in the saheeh hadith. Ibnul Qayyim explained in Zaad al Ma’aad (2/340): As far as a name is related to the one that is named by it and affected by it, the names that Allah (SWT) loves most are the names related to the Attributes that He (SWT) loves most, like Abdullah and AbdurRahmaan. He loves that one would join worship to the names Allah and Ar-Rahmaan more than than joining it to other names like Al-Qaahir and Al-Qaadir… This is because the relationship between the worshipper and Allah (SWT) is one of absolute worship and absolute mercy from Him (SWT). It is by His (SWT)‘s Mercy that the worshipper exists, and everything related to his existence is due to Allah (SWT)’s Mercy. He (SWT) created and made the worshipper to exist in order that He (SWT) is worshipped alone, loved, feared, hoped in, revered, and glorified. Then [the person] becomes a worshipper of Allah (SWT), worshipping Him (SWT) because the name Allah (SWT) means that He (SWT) should be worshipped, and because of the impossibility that this meaning could be given to anyone else. Allah (SWT)’s mercy overcame His (SWT)’s anger [as mentioned in the hadith], so He (SWT) loves the name AbdurRahmaan more than the name AbdulQaahir.
The name Allah is the most comprehensive name because it contains the meanings present in all other names. Every other name signifies some specific attribute but not necessarily other attributes. However, the name Allah indicates that due to the fact that He has all these names and attributes, He (SWT) alone is deserving to be worshipped. All other names explain and detail the attributes of Allah (SWT).
Whenever other names are mentioned, they are are listed as “among the names of Allah (SWT)”. For example, “Ar-Rahmaan, Ar-Raheem, and Al-Ghaffaar are among the names of Allah (SWT)”. No one says “Allah is one of the names of Ar-Rahmaan.” 5
Allah (SWT) Himself said:
ۖ َوهللَِِّ األ َسما ُء الحُ سنىٰ فَادعوهُ بِها “Allah’s are the most beautiful names. Invoke Him by them.” [7:180] All of the Messengers invited the people to the fact that only Allah (SWT) deserves to be worshipped:
َِرسلنا مِن قَبل َِك مِن رَسولٍ إ ِّال نوحي إِلَي ِه أَنَّ ُه ال إِ ٰل َه إ ِّال أ َنا فَاعبُدون َ وَما أ “And We sent not before you any messenger except that We revealed to him that, ‘There is no deity except Me, so worship Me.’” (21:25) Some ayaat that mention that only Allah (SWT) deserves to be worshipped; that He (SWT) is the only ilaah:
َو إِ ٰل ُهكُم إِ ٰل ٌه واحِ ٌد ۖ ال إِ ٰل َه إ ِّال ُه َو الرَّحمٰ ُن الرَّحي ُم And your god is one God. There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.(2:163)
ۚ اهللَُّ ال إِ ٰل َه إ ِّال ُه َو الحَ يُّ ال َقيّو ُم Allah – there is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. (2:255)
اهللَُّ ال إِ ٰل َه إ ِّال ُه َو الحَ يُّ ال َقيّو ُم Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence. (3:2)
ُص ِّو ُركُم فِي األ َرحام ِ كَيفَ يَشا ُء ۚ ال إِ ٰل َه إ ِّال ُه َو العَزيزُ الحَ كي ُم َ ُه َو الَّذي ي There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.(3:6) Allah (SWT) witnesses that there is no deity except Him (SWT), and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge –
َِرسلنا مِن قَبل َِك مِن رَسولٍ إ ِّال نوحي إِلَي ِه أَنَّ ُه ال إِ ٰل َه إ ِّال أ َنا فَاعبُدون َ وَما أ [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice. There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise. (3:18) 6
ٌشي ٍء وَكيل َ ِّشي ٍء فَاعبُدوهُ ۚ َو ُه َو عَلىٰ كُل َ ِّذٰلِ ُك ُم اهللَُّ َربُّكُم ۖ ال إِ ٰل َه إ ِّال ُه َو ۖ خالِقُ كُل That is Allah , your Lord; there is no deity except Him, the Creator of all things, so worship Him. And He is Disposer of all things. (6:102)
ني َ َيك مِن َرب َِّك ۖ ال إِ ٰل َه إ ِّال ُه َو ۖ َوأ َعرِض عَنِ امل ُشرِك َ اتَّبِع ما أوحِ يَ إِل Follow, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you from your Lord – there is no deity except Him – and turn away from those who associate others with Allah . (6:106)
ۚ اتَّخَذوا أ َحبا َرهُم َورُهبانَهُم أ َربابًا مِن دونِ اهللَِّ وَامل َسيحَ اب َن مَريَ َم وَما أُمِروا إ ِّال لِيَعبُدوا إِ ٰلهًا واحِ دًا ۖ ال إِ ٰل َه إ ِّال ُه َو سبحانَ ُه عَمّ ا يُشرِكو َن ُ And they were not commanded except to worship one God; there is no deity except Him. Exalted is He above whatever they associate with Him.(9:31)
ٰاهللَُّ ال إِ ٰل َه إ ِّال ُه َو ۖ َل ُه األ َسما ُء الحُ سنى Allah – there is no deity except Him. To Him belong the best names.(20:8)
الصالةَ لِذِكري َّ ِ إِنَّني أَنَا اهللَُّ ال إِ ٰل َه إ ِّال أ َنا فَاعبُدني َوأ َ ِقم Indeed, I am Allah . There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance. (20:14)
شي ٍء عِلمً ا َ َّإِنَّما إِ ٰل ُه ُك ُم اهللَُّ الَّذي ال إِ ٰل َه إ ِّال ُه َو ۚ وَسِ عَ كُل Your god is only Allah , except for whom there is no deity. (20:98)
َۚ خ َر ۘ ال إِ ٰل َه إ ِّال ُه َو َ ع َمعَ اهللَِّ إِ ٰلهًا آ ُ وَال تَد And do not invoke with Allah another deity. There is no deity except Him. (28:88)
َٰرض ۚ ال إِ ٰل َه إ ِّال ُه َو ۖ فَأَنّى ِ السما ِء وَاأل َّ ّاساذكُروا نِعمَ تَ اهللَِّ َعلَيكُم ۚ هَل مِن خالِ ٍق غَي ُر اهللَِّ يَرزُ ُقكُم ِم َن ُ يا أَيُّهَا الن تُؤفَكو َن O mankind, remember the favor of Allah upon you. Is there any creator other than Allah who provides for you from the heaven and earth? There is no deity except Him, so how are you deluded?(35:3)
شي ٍء ال إِ ٰل َه إ ِّال ُه َو ۖ فَأَنّىٰ تُؤفَكو َن َ ِّذٰلِ ُك ُم اهللَُّ َربُّكُم خالِقُ كُل That is Allah, your Lord, the Creator of all things, La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), where then you are turning away (from Allah, by worshipping others instead of Him)! (40:62)
ني َ َني َل ُه الدّي َن ۗ الحَ م ُد هللَِِّ رَبِّ العامل َ ُه َو الحَ يُّ ال إِ ٰل َه إ ِّال ُه َو فَادعوهُ مُخلِص He is the Ever-Living; there is no deity except Him, so call upon Him, [being] sincere to Him in religion. [All] praise is [due] to Allah , Lord of the worlds.(40:65) 7
َُّفَاعلَم أَنَّ ُه ال إِ ٰل َه إ َِّال اهلل So know, [O Muhammad], that there is no deity except Allah (47:19) And Allah (SWT) knows the best. Read More Posted by Saheefah.org on Jul 5, 2008 in 99 Names of Allah 1) They are all listed in a single hadith. This hadith is reported by Tirmidhi and is weak for the following reasons: •" The list is mudraj from one of the narrators according to the expert traditionalists as stated by Ibn Kathir, ibn Hajar, and al-San’ani. •"
All the most reliable narrators make no mention of it
•"
It is missing many Names which are mentioned in the Quran or authentic ahadith
•" Some of the Names mentioned in this particular hadith are not mentioned elsewhere and/or are highly disputed. It has been judged weak by many scholars such as al-Tirmidhi himself, al-Nawawi, ibn Hajar, ibn Taymiyyah, ibn al-Qayyim, ibn Kathir, al-San’ani and others. 2) Reciting these names in certain combinations will produce certain results. •"
This practice has no basis in any hadith, not even a weak one.
•" This goes against the way of the Quran and the way of the Prophet (sal-Allahu ‘alayhi wasSallam) which is to make dua with these Names.
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THE REAL SUPERSTARS
It is important for us to know about Fatima (RA) , if we claim to love the Prophet (SAWS), because she (RA) was so greatly loved by the Prophet (SAWS). The extent of the Prophet (SAWS)'s love for her (RA) is something that cannot be described. It can, perhaps, be slightly understood from the way he (SAWS) treated her (RA) - i.e with so much respect and honor. The Prophet (SAWS) would say, "Fatima is a part of me, he who upsets her, upsets me".
The Real Superstar for this issue fits the description of 'apple of my eye'. She truly was her father's favorite in every way. She was so dear to him that her father once said that whatever hurts her, hurts him. 'A'ishah (RA) when she spoke of her said that she bore a remarkable resemblance to her father. She not only looked like him, but her way of speaking, sitting, standing and walking - in other words all her mannerisms and gestures were exactly like her father. Whenever her father visited her she would receive him and kiss his forehead with respect. They were exceptionally close to each other and whenever she visited her father, he would stand up and receive her. If he saw her troubled or sad he would also be grieved, and if he saw her happy he would also be pleased. Her father was The Prophet (Sallahualihi wasallam) and our Superstar for this issue is Fatimah Bint Muhammad (RA).
The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) counted her (RA) as among the best women of Paradise. He (SAWS) said: "The best of the women of Paradise are four: Khadija Bint Khowailid, Fatimah Bint Muhammad, Asiyah Bint Muzahim (Pharaoh's wife), and Mariam bint Imran mother of Jesus (Musnad Ahmad v.2, p.293)
Fatimah (RA) was the youngest among the Prophet (SAWS)’s daughters - Zaynab, Ruqayya, and Umm Kulthum, born from Khadija(RA)
She (RA) was born in Makkah about 5 years before the Prophet (SAWS) was granted Prophethood. It was the year in which the Ka’bah was being rebuilt. She (RA) was amongst the first ones to become Muslim, and since she (RA) was in the household of the Prophet (SAWS), she witnessed much of the persecution that the Prophet 9
(SAWS) had to go through from a young age. She (RA) saw her father (SAWS) from becoming the most popular, loved and respected man amongst the Quraysh to being the most hated and opposed. The streets he (SAWS) used to walked on were strewn with thorns and filth; and garbage was thrown on him from balconies and rooftops.
One particularly difficult incident that Fatimah (RA) witnessed was when the Prophet (SAWS) was praying at Ka’bah with some of his (SAWS) companions (RA). Abu Jahl and his friends were also there and wanted to humiliate the Prophet (SAWS). The disbelievers had just sacrificed a camel and the filth and bowels of the camel were lying around close by. Under Abu Jahl’s instructions, `Uqbah ibn Abi Mu`ayt placed the guts of the dead animal on the Prophet (SAWS)'s back while he was praying. The Prophet (SAWS) stayed in his position of sujud, with the filth on his back. When Fatimah (RA) saw this, she ran to her (RA) father and removed it whilst she (RA) was crying. She (RA) then stood in front of Abu Jahl and his friends and lashed out against them. But they didn’t say a single word to her (RA). After the Prophet (SAWS) completed his Salat, he (SAWS) supplicated: "O Lord, may you punish the Quraysh!" and repeated this three times. Then he continued: "May You punish Utbah, Uqbah, Abu Jahl and Shaybah." The Prophet (SAWS)’s prayers were answered, they were all killed many years later at the Battle of Badr.
On another occasion, Fatimah (RA) was with the Prophet (SAWS) making tawaf around the
Ka’bah. A group of people from the Quraysh gathered around him (SAWS) and seized him (SAWS). They tried to strangle him (SAWS) with his own clothes. Fatimah (RA) was shocked by this brutal treatment of her (RA) father. She (RA) screamed and shouted for help. Abu Bakr (RA) rushed to the scene and managed to free the Prophet (SAWS) and asked the Quraysh: "Would you kill a man who says, 'My Lord is God?'" But instead of having any compassion towards the Prophet (SAWS), they turned against Abu Bakr (RA) and began beating him (RA) until blood flowed from his (RA)‘s head and face.
Such scenes of vicious attacks and harassment against her (RA)‘s father and the early Muslims were witnessed by the young Fatimah (RA), but she (RA) did not meekly stand and watch but used to stand by her (RA)‘s father and defend him (SAWS) and his mission. She (RA) was a source of strength for her (RA)‘s father and would often run to him (SAWS) to clear off the dust and filth that would be thrown at her (RA)‘s father by the enemies of Islam in the early stage of Prophethood.
When the leaders of the Quraysh couldn’t silence and stop the Prophet (SAWS) from spreading the message of Islam, and when they saw that Islam was only becoming stronger by the passage of time, the leaders of Makhzum and Banu AbdShams, two important clans of Quraysh, declared a public boycott against the clan of Banu Hashim. Even food and water was withheld from them and were forced to go out and live in the desert of Shi'b Abi Talib. The seize lasted for three years. The boycott was an extremely diffi10
(SAWS) was chased and thrown stones at and had to leave Taif injured and bleeding. When Umm Kulthum and Fatimah (RA) saw him (SAWS), they (RA) started weeping. It’s not easy for children to see their father being treated so badly - a father who was the epitome of good manners, a father who was the Prophet of the Creator of the Universe. SubhanAllah.
We have heard of these stories many times, but we need to see these incidents through the eyes of his (SAWS)’s family. They (RA) were always there, and were a witness to these trying times. SubhanAllah one can only imagine the pain and distress they (RA) must have gone through as a family at this early time of Islam.
cult one where all they had to eat were leaves off of the trees.
Soon after the siege was lifted, the Prophet (SAWS) and Fatimah (RA) and her (RA)‘s sisters went through the trauma of losing their beloved Khadijah (RA), and the Prophet (SAWS)'s greatest supporter and defender, his uncle Abu Talib. For Fatimah (RA) and her sisters, and indeed also for Prophet (SAWS) losing Khadija (RA) was extremely difficult. With her (RA)‘s death, the Prophet (SAWS) and his family lost one of the greatest sources of comfort and strength which had sustained them through the difficult period. The year in which Khadijah (RA) and Abu Talib died is known as the Year of Sadness.
We will continue with the Life of Fatima Az Zahra - “The Resplendent One,”( in reference to her radiant face), in the next issue. But we will include another superstar along with her, someone who was extremely close to the Prophet (SAWS) and Fatima (RA)...
It was also at this time that the Prophet (SAWS) went to Ta'if with the Message of Islam. He
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Q & A ON THE 'LAUGHTER' OF ALLAH (SWT) SH ABDUR RAHMAAN AL BARRAK Question 1: Is it true that asking about attributes like Life, Power, Anger, and Pleasure is an inarticulate issue, in the sense that a person is not capable of making the meanings of these specific Attributes clear? If so, then is the same thing true for the Hand, the Shin, and especially Laughing since a person can make the meanings of these Attributes clear?
Question 2: Is it correct to refer to language books which would contain the complete meaning of an attribute? For example, Mu’jam Maqaayees al Lugha by Ibn Faaris rahimahullah? It is mentioned in his text that the root meaning of laughing is “proof of exhaling and bulging”. So do we say that this is the meaning which is affirmed and understood? If so, why did the Bedouin say “We will not lack good from a lord that laughs”.
Answer: Asking about these attributes is in two ways. The first way of asking is to ask about their real nature and their howness. This type of question is the one about which Imam Malik (RA) said: “Asking about it is a bid’a”, because these are questions that no one has any way to answer. The second way of asking is to ask about their meaning. Because of their clear meanings, no one asks about these attributes except someone who is false and obstinate. For example, if someone was to ask about water, the sun, or humans. We don’t say that it’s impossible to clearly describe these words. In fact, all of these words can be explained by their synonyms, by mentioning their antonyms, by mentioning their effects and what occurs because of them. The purpose is to understand the aim [of those words] and to get close to it.
Answer: What Ibn Faaris has mentioned as the complete meaning of laughing, is incorrect. It is not right to say that Allah (SWT)’s laughing means inhaling, and in fact “inhaling” does not explain “laughing”. This is Ibn Faaris’ attempt, and it is obvious that he said that because of the way a person laughs. So this explanation is closest to what the created beings do. As for the Laughing of the Lord, Allah (SWT) is the Most Knowledgeable of its true nature. There is evidence that it includes Mercy and Pleasure, as in the hadith: “Allah (SWT) laughs at two men, one of whom kills the other…”, and the hadith “so He (SWT) shades and Laughs, and knows that your happiness is near”. For this reason, the Bedouin said: “We will not lack good from a lord that laughs”. ==============================
There is no doubt that among named items are intangible concepts which the mind perceives, and there are tangible ones which the sensory organs are aware of. It’s well known that the tangible objects are clearer than the intangible concepts, even though there are some concepts which are easier to understand than tangible objects. ==============================
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came necessary for the Jahmiyya and Mu’tazila. Shaikhul Islam Ibn Taymiyya said: “Every one of the deniers of the attributes mentioned by the Messenger SAWS, denied the attribute fleeing from danger, and ended up affirming something similar to what they were fleeing from”. So it should be said to the one who asked this question: You have to say this same statement with regards to all of Allah (SWT)’s attributes of Action, and also His (SWT) attributes of Self. It’s not sufficient to make this statement only for His (SWT) Laughter and Happiness. Ahlus Sunnah, walhamdulillah, believe in all that Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (SAWS) have informed about Him (SWT), and they believe Him (SWT) to be far above anything similar to His (SWT)‘s creation. They do not speak about the howness of His (SWT) attributes, but they make tafweedh of the howness by saying: None knows His (SWT)’s howness except Him (SWT).
Question 3: What is the correct answer to someone who says about the Laughing of our Lord: We don’t know “laughing” except for what we see people doing, and this is what “laughing” means. So either you are making a similarity between Allah (SWT) and humans, or you are simply making “laughing” an attribute [ie, without any meaning] And they say that we don’t know anything about Allah (SWT)’s laughter except that it means the intention of mercy and doing good, just like the Bedouin said: “We will not lack good from a lord that laughs” Answer: The point that has been brought up in this question is the same suspicion that everyone has who denies the reality of attributes of action, like Loving, Pleasure, Anger, Happiness, and Laughter. In fact, it is the same suspicion that everyone has who denies Allah (SWT)’s Attributes or some of [His (SWT)’s attributes]. And that is that they don’t know anything about these attributes except what they have seen or what they know from themselves. So according to them, affirming these attributes is making similitude of Allah (SWT) to the creation. So they escaped from that by denying the reality of the attributes to Allah (SWT). They considered that anything which is affirmed to Allah (SWT) that could be affirmed to the creation must be denied. Then they went into two understandings with regards to the texts that prove the affirmation of these attributes to Allah (SWT): Either by tafweedh and tajheel [ignorance], that there is no way to understand their meanings, or by making ta’weel and turning away from the obvious and clear meaning. The Jahmiyya and Mu’tazila expelled [the meanings] from all the attributes. The Ashaira and those close to them differentiated between attributes which have no differentiation. So it became necessary for them to contradict affirmation, denial, and ta’weel, just like contradiction be
No one knows the howness of His (SWT)’s attributes except Him (SWT), just like Imam Malik (RA) and others said: Istiwaa is known, but the howness is unknown. This statement of Imam Malik (RA) is the methodology to be used for all of the attributes. So it would be said: Descending is known, but the howness is unknown. Anger is known, but the howness is unknown. Happiness is known, but the howness is unknown. Laughter is known, but the howness is unknown. Happiness is the opposite of sadness, and laughter is the opposite of crying, as Allah (SWT) said:
َٰوأَنَّ ُه ُه َو أ َضحَ َك َوأ َبكى
“And that He it is who maketh laugh, and maketh weep” [53:43] So Allah (SWT) described happiness opposed to sadness, and laughter opposed to crying. His (SWT)’s Happiness is connected to His (SWT)’s Love and ta’ajub [amazement], as in the hadith “Allah (SWT) is more happy by one of his slaves’ repentance than…” and the hadith “Allah (SWT) Laughs at two men, one who kills the other…”
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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 على‰‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ه و ت‰‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰بحان‰‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ سhas 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 duaa The language of the Qur’an is Arabic. In order to understand Qur’an in depth, we must try to learn Arabic.
and then put some effort and make a good plan. Trying to find a good teacher is also a good idea. There were many nonArab scholars such as Imam Bukhari,
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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 do the same. Arabic grammar is crucial to be understood by all, at least basic understanding
And if We had made it a non-Arabic Qur'an, they would have said, "Why are its verses not explained in
should be present. It is also important to
detail [in our language]? Is it a foreign [recitation] and
read the
an Arab [messenger]?" Say, "It is, for those who be-
Tafseer. We should recite the
Qur’an, ponder 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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RAMADAN: MONTH OF FASTING OR MONTH OF FEASTING?
The holy month of Ramadan is a time of restraint, reflection, and renewal. Muslims make every effort to better themselves and to be drawn closer to their Creator. They guard their tongues, engage in long hours of worship, exercise patience, and open up their hearts and pockets to charitable causes. However, when it comes to consuming food during the evening hours, some believers fall short of following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, (pbuh). In order to compare the eating habits of Muslims today, during the month of Ramadan, with that of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) an informal survey was conducted. In 2008, over 270 participants from around the world were asked about their consumption habits during this sacred month. Sixty percent of participants were from the US, 20% from the Middle East, 10% from South Asia (Indian Subcontinent) and 10% were from other countries. Breaking the Fast Regarding the iftar meal, it is encouraged to break your fast as soon as it is permissible to do so. The Prophet (pbuh) would hasten to break his fast. Sahl ibn Sa`d reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said:Â "The people will not cease to be upon good as long as they hasten in breaking the fast."Â (Bukhari and Muslim). It is reported that the Prophet (pbuh) would also break his fasts with dates as do 86.5% of the survey participants; this is a Sunnah that is well followed by Muslims today. Anas Ibn Maalik said: "The Prophet (pbuh) used to break his fast with fresh dates before he prayed. If he didn't find fresh dates then with dried dates. If there were no dried dates then with a few sips of water." (Abu Dawood). Imam Ibn Qayyim Al Jauziyah states in his book "Healing With the Medicine of the Prophet" that breaking the fast with dates "is a wise decision, because fasting empties the stomach of food. Thus the liver would not find any sufficient energy that it could transfer to the various organs. Sweets are the fastest foods to reach the liver, when one eats ripe dates the liver accepts it, benefits from it and then transfers the benefit to the rest of the organs of the body." After this process the body is ready to accept and digest additional food. Thus ideally, one should break their fast with a date and after praying the Maghrib prayer, they should continue with their meal. This gives the body ample time to prepare itself for the sudden increase in food intake. 58% of respondents to the survey stated that they eat their meal after the Maghrib prayer. Overeating 34% of respondents include desserts in their iftar meal. It is during the Iftar meal that we consume the most and often overindulge ourselves.
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40% of participants admitted that they eat at least twice as much for Iftar than they eat for a regular dinner in any other month.
50% of respondents to the survey admitted that they over eat during Ramadan and 62% felt that they eat heavier and richer foods during this blessed month. Thus, it is a cause for concern that especially in this holy month of Ramadan, when the nafs (self) should be kept in check, some choose to overindulge and eat in extravagance. Fasting during the daylight hours has several health benefits; it cleanses the system and removes harmful toxins from the body. When the body is fasting and not occupied with the process of digestion, its organs are given an opportunity to rejuvenate and restore themselves, in turn allowing the one who fasts to recover from various ailments. However, if a person overeats in the evening and indulges in heavy, fatty foods, this offsets the physical benefits of fasting. It is generally presumed that since one is restraining from food and drink during the daylights hours, the body needs increased input during the nonfasting hours. This isn't the case, however, as the body regulates itself when it is in fasting mode and has the opportunity to utilize its storage of body fat.
To remain healthy and active during Ramadan, the amount of food intake isn't as important as the variety of foods we eat. The Prophet (pbuh) was known to eat an assortment of foods including meat, fruit, bread, and dates, according to Imam Ibn Qayyiim. Thus to maximize the physical benefits of fasting it is desirable to eat less but have a balanced diet which taps into the major food groups. As for the types of foods eaten during Ramadan, 67% of respondents said they eat 3 or more different types of dishes, with the over 30 year olds eating more of a variety of foods than the 18 - 30 year olds. 57% of the participants stated that they eat fried food for iftar and 34% of them said that the majority of their meal consists of this type of food. 34% of respondents include desserts in their iftar meal. Suhoor, the Blessed Meal The Prophet (pbuh) strongly recommended eating Suhoor. Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree reported that the Messenger (pbuh) said: "Eating the Suhoor is blessed. Do not neglect it even if you take a gulp of water, because Allah and His angels invoke blessings upon those who partake in the predawn meal."Â (Ahmad). It is encouraged by the Sunnah to delay the Suhoor as much as possible and eat until the last permissible minute. 70% of the respondents claim that they delay their suhoor till the last moment. According to 'Amr ibn Maimun: "The companions of Muhammad (pbuh) would be the first to break the fast and the last to eat their Suhoor." (AlBaihaqi).
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RAMADAN: MONTH OF FASTING OR MONTH OF FEASTING? For Suhoor it is recommended to have high fiber, slow digesting foods that satisfy hunger for longer; oats and fiber rich fruit are good options to have. The Prophet (pbuh) used to eat dates for Suhoor and it is recorded that he (pbuh) said "The best Suhoor for the believer is dates." (Abu Dawood, Al-Baihaqee) Dates are a power house of nutrients and an instant source of energy; they are high in sugar, fiber, iron, potassium and magnesium. Consuming dates allows one to feel satiated for an extended period of time, making it a perfect food to start your fast with. 49% percent of the respondents said they have tea or coffee for Suhoor, this isn't a wise option as caffeine is a diuretic which doesn't provide us with sufficient hydration and causes us to lose liquids along with essential minerals from our body. 61% of respondents who are over 30 drink tea or coffee in the morning and 42% of respondents younger than 30 drink tea or coffee. Ramadan is an excellent opportunity to rid ourselves of addictions to caffeinated drinks. One should drink plenty of water and pure fruit juices instead. Moderation is Key Allah says in the Qur'an:
ُكلُوا ْ مِن طَيِّبَـٰتِ مَا َرزَ ۡقنَـٰ ُك ۡم و ََال تَطۡ َغ ۡوا ْ فِي ِه فَيَحِ لَّ َع َليۡ ُك ۡم (٨١) َى ٰ َضبِى فَ َق ۡد َهو َ َض ِبىۖ َومَن يَحۡ لِلۡ َع َليۡ ِه غ َ غ
"Eat of the good things We have provided for your sustenance, but commit no excess therein." (Surat Taha: 20:81). The body a man has been blessed with is an Amanah ( trust) from Allah (SWT). It is an obligation to take care of it to fuel it with that which is good. The Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said, "The stomach is the tank of the body and the veins go down to it. When the stomach is healthy the veins come back in a healthy condition, but when it is in a bad condition, they return diseased." Islam emphasizes moderation in every aspect of life and it is essential that this concept be applied to food intake as well. Temperance in eating leads to a healthy body, a sound intellect, and a gentle disposition. It curbs our desires and positively affects the physical as well as the spiritual being of the heart. This point is further explained by Imam Ibn al-Qayyim when he said: "From the Mercy of the Mighty and Most Merciful is that He has prescribed for them fasting, which will cut off the excesses of eating and drinking, and empties the heart of its desires that divert it in its journey towards Allah the Most High." The Prophet (pbuh) warned against submitting to our desires when he said, "My greatest fear for you is the appetites of transgression with regard to your stomachs and your private parts and the inclinations which lead astray."(Ahmad). Thus we should eat only that which is beneficial and only enough to sustain us and give us the strength to carry out acts of worship and obedience.
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A well known hadith reported by al-Tirmidhi relates that the Prophet (pbuh) said: "Man fills no vessel worse than his stomach. A few morsels should be enough for him to preserve his strength. If he must fill it, then he should allow a third for his food, a third for his drink and leave a third empty for easy breathing." This concept is emphasized in the Quran where Allah says:
ْ َسج ِ ٍ۬د َوڪُلُوا ۡ خذُوا ْ زِينَت َ ُك ۡم عِن َد كُلِّ م ُ يَـٰبَ ِنىٓ ءَا َد َم (٣١) ني َ ُس ِرفُ ٓوا ْۚ إِنَّ ُه ۥ َال يُحِ بُّ ٱملۡ ُۡس ِر ِف ۡ َٱش َربُوا ْ و ََال ت ۡ و "Eat and drink: but waste not by excess, for Allah loves not the wasters." (Surat Al-A'raf: 7:31). Fasting in Ramadan: Unhealthy? Ramadan is an opportunity to reevaluate one's relationship with food. It allows one to realize that they can get by without eating for several hours and that their bodies are capable of functioning on a moderate amount of consumption. As we are gradually approaching the end of Ramadan, let us focus our attention on perfecting our ibadah (worship) so that we may savor the bountiful treats of Jannah (Heaven) without having to worry about clogged arteries or accumulating extra pounds. I need a housemaid in Ramadan? Recently in RAMADAN the problem of a shortage of housemaids has cropped up. In fact, this problem has never ceased during the entire year but usually becomes more pressing during the fasting month. On the contrary, the need for a housemaid during this month should dwindle, not increase.
nation. Fasting will also reduce the number of daily meals from three to two. The issue of the many house chores during Ramadan that many women complain of is more psychological than physical. If we stick to good eating habits, Ramadan will be the month in which families should get rid of their housemaids. In fact they should give their housemaids their annual vacations during this month.
But how can this be possible when we have made Ramadan the month for making sambousa (triangle-shaped pastries), baking the pastries and producing many kinds of sweets? We have made Ramadan a month of continuous eating. We eat from the time of iftar (breaking of the fast) until suhoor as if we will be facing famine the next day. We have made Ramadan an occasion to gulp more quantities of food, not a month of abstaining from food and other sensual pleasures. Let us halt a little and think of the noble meanings of fasting. If we meditate on the correct purposes of Ramadan, we will not make it a month of eating huge quantities of food during the evening and sleeping during the day. If we fully understand the criterion of this sublime worship, we will not be worried about securing a housemaid whenever the holy month arrives.
There are less activities during the day time in this month because of the usual Ramadan hiber23
SOORAH TAKWEER (81) ِ بِسم ِ اهللَِّ الرَّحمٰ نِ الرَّحيم This soorah is among the makki soorah. This soorah can be divided into two main themes. The first being the signs of hereafter, the second being the remarkable effects on man's soul for his spiritual guidance. Verses 1 to 9
وش ُ ُ( َو إِذَا ٱ ۡلوُح٤) ۡشا ُر ُعطِّلَت َ ِ( َو إِذَا ٱلۡع٣) ۡسيِّرَت ُ ُ( َو إِذَا ٱ ۡلجِبَال٢) ۡ( َو إِذَا ٱلن ُّجُ و ُم ٱن َك َدرَت١) ۡس ُك ِّورَت ُ ۡٱلشم َّ إِذَا (٩) ۡۢب ُق ِتلَت ٍ۬ ( ِبأ َِّى ذَن٨) ۡسٮِٕلَت ُ ُ( َو إِذَا ٱملۡ َ ۡو ُء ۥ َدة٧) ُۡوسزُوِّجَ ت ُ ( َو إِذَا ٱلنُّف٦) ۡسجِّ رَت ُ ( َو إِذَا ٱ ۡلبِحَ ا ُر٥) ۡحُ شِ رَت When the sun is folded up , which means, we know that sun is a globe which is extremely hot and blazing, surrounded by intense burning gases whose flames shoot out 100 of kilometers, but at the end of the world, the heat will end and flames will be folded up and the sun itself will shrink.The earth also will lose its force of gravity because of which the mountains have weight and are firmly set in the earth. Thus, when there is no more gravity the mountains will be uprooted from their places and becoming weightless will start moving and flying as the clouds move in the atmosphere The stars will darken which mean they begin to fall or scatter. When a general calamity befalls the world, all kinds of beasts and animals gather together in one place. Then neither the snake bites, nor the tiger kills and devours. The pregnant camels are neglected which mean that the intensity of the horror and fear on the day is so much so that everyone leaves his most precious things unattended. The female infanticide will be questioned what was their fault. Verses 10 to 14
ۡ( َعلِمَ ت١٣) ۡ( َو إِذَا ٱلۡجَ ن َّ ُة أُزۡلِفَت١٢) ۡس ِّعرَت ُ ( َو إِذَا ٱلۡجَ حِ ي ُم١١) ۡٱلسمَ آ ُء كُشِ طَت َّ ( َو إِذَا١٠) ۡٱلصحُ فُ نُشِ رَت ُّ َو إِذَا (١٤) ۡضرَت َ ۡسٌمَّآ أ َح ۬ ۡنَف Here the further events of hereafter are exposed. The book of the deeds of mankind are spread open, the sky will unveil and hell is set blaze, and the paradise is brought for the righteous. Every soul shall know what deeds it has produced. These verses are so meaningful and awakening that, they shake everyone and bring them to a thoughtful state. Verses 15 to 25
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ول ٍ ۬ َس ُ ( إِنَّ ُه ۥ َل َقوۡلُ ر١٨)َّس َ َٱلصبۡحِ إِذَا تَنَف ُّ ( و١٧)َس َ َسع ۡ ( وَٱ َّليۡ ِل إِذَا ع١٦)َّس ِ ( ٱلۡجَ وَا ِر ٱ ۡل ُكن١٥)َّس ِ خن ُ ف ََآل أُقۡسِ ُم بِٱ ۡل ِٱألُفُ ِق ۡ ( َو َل َق ۡد َرءَاهُ ب٢٢) ُون ۬ ٍ صاحِ بُكُم بِمَ جۡ ن َ ( َومَا٢١) ٍني ۬ ع ٍ ثَ َّم أ َ ِم ۬ ( ُّمطَا٢٠) ٍني ۬ ۡش َم ِك ِ ( ذِى ُق َّو ٍة عِن َد ذِى ٱ ۡل َعر١٩) َكرِي ٍ۬م (٢٥) شيۡطَـ ٍ ٰ۬ن َّرجِي ٍ۬م َ ِ( َومَا ُه َو ِب َقوۡل٢٤) ٍني ۬ ِض ِن َ ( َومَا ُه َو َعلَى ٱ ۡل َغيۡبِ ب٢٣) ِٱملۡ ُ ِبني These verses speak about the importance of Quran showing how the Quranic revelation is true. Allah (SWT) swears by orbiting planets which move in their course, and by night and morning, that the Quran is the word of God and not the word of accursed Satan. Verses 26 to 29
َُّشآ َء ٱهللَُّ رَب َ َشآءُو َن إ َِّآل أ َن ي َ ( َومَا ت٢٨) َستَقِي َم ۡ شآ َء مِن ُك ۡم أ َن ي َ ( ملِ َن٢٧) ني َ ( إِ ۡن ُه َو إ َِّال ِذ ۡك ۬رٌ ِّل ۡل َعـٰ َل ِم٢٦) فَأَيۡ َن تَذۡ َهبُو َن (٢٩) ني َ ٱ ۡل َعـٰ َل ِم It was made clear in the previous verses the holy Quran is the word of God and these verses condemn the rejectors their disobedience to his great word. The verses say surely Quran is reminder to all the worlds. It advises and warns all to be aware and not to be neglectful.It is noteworthy that the next verse says , those who have decided to assume the truth and go on straight way. The beginning verse here speaks about the generality of the divine gift and while the next statement states the conditions for obtaining benefits from it. On the other hand next verse say that your free will is from Allah (SWT), so man can not be arrogant, though the free will is given, it is Allah (SWT)'s divine help which will guide anybody straight. Conclusions
BOOK OF DEEDS ARE OPENED.
INTENSITY OF THE LAST DAY IS SO MUCH SO THAT EVERYONE LEAVES HIS MOST PRECIOUS THINGS UNATTENDED
QURAN IS THE WORD OF GOD AND NOT THE WORD OF ACCURSED SATAN.
QURAN IS A REMINDER FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO BE GUIDED, BUT UNTIL AND UNLESS ALLAH (SWT) WILLS FOR IT, IT WILL NOT HAPPEN THOUGH MAN IS GIVEN FREE WILL. SO WE NEED TO ASK ALLAH FOR THE GUIDANCE AND NOT RELY ON OURSELVES
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108 - SURAH AL KAWTHAR
Quran Outline
Allah granting the Prophet ( )ﷺAl Kawthar
The purpose of this breakdown is to see the surah’s of the Quran in an ‘outline’ format. This facilitates the way of seeing the flow of the ayat, understanding it, and helping to remember the words, in sha’a Allah.
Verily We have granted you (O Muhammad ()إِﻧﱠآ أَﻋۡﻄَﯿۡﻨَـٰﻚَ( )ﷺ Al Kawthar (river in paradise) (َ)ٱﻟۡﻜَﻮۡﺛَﺮ What should the Prophet ( )ﷺdo? So pray ()ﻓَﺼَﻞﱢ
#108 Surah Al Kawthar – A River in Paradise ()ﺳﻮرة اﻟﻜﻮﺛﺮ
To your Lord (َ)ﻟِﺮَﺑﱢﻚ
شا ِنئ ََك َ ( إِ َّن٢) َصلِّ لِ َرب َِّك وَٱنۡحَ ۡر َ ( ف١) إِنَّآ أ َ ۡعطَيۡنَـ َٰك ٱ ۡل َك ۡوثَ َر (٣) ٱألَبۡت َ ُر ۡ ُه َو
And sacrifice (ۡ)وَٱﻧۡﺤَﺮ
Verily, We have granted you (O Muhammad
Verily your enemy (َ)إِنﱠ ﺷَﺎﻧِﺌَﻚ
( ))ﷺAl-Kauthar (a river in Paradise) (1) Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only) (2) For he who hates you (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)), he will be cut off from every posterity (good thing in this world and in the Hereafter). (3)
Allah consoling the Prophet ()ﷺ
He is the one cut-off (ُ)ھُﻮَ ٱﻷَۡﺑۡﺘَﺮ
Kawthar literally means an abundance of good things. It is also the name of a river in paradise that will be given to the Prophet ( )ﷺand he will distribute its drink to the believers of his Ummah. Since the Prophet ( )ﷺhad no living male child, some disbelievers used to call him ‘abtar’ which is one with no progeny, as if his mission would be forgotten after him. Rather his mission will remain alive forever, while his enemy will become ‘abtar’ in the sense that he will be cut off from every posterity. 26
صالة الليل THE NIGHT PRAYER The time for the voluntary night prayer is from after Isha payer to before Fajr prayer. The night is divided into three parts, the beginning of the last third of the night is the best time. This prayer must be an odd number, 1-11 raka'a. The Messenger of Allah صلى اهلل عليه و سلمnever prayed more than 11 raka'a for the night prayer. The witr must be the last odd raka'a prayed.
Virtues of صالة الليل Following the advice of the Prophet صلى اهلل عليه و سلمAbu Hurairah رضي اهلل عنهreported: My friend, (the Messenger of Allah (صلى اهلل عليه و سلم, directed me to observe fast for three days in every month, to perform two raka'ah Duha prayer at the forenoon, and to perform the Witr prayer before going to bed. : عن أبي هريرة رضي اهلل عنه قال صيام ثالثة أيام من: أوصاني خليلي صلى اهلل عليه وسلم بثالث . وركعتي الضحى وأن أوتر قبل أن أنام،ل شهر 721a صحيح مسلم ' حديث# أفضل الصالة بعد الفريضة It is the best voluntary prayer after the obligatory ones. The Messenger of Allah صلى اهلل عليه و سلم said: وأفضل الصالة بعد،أفضل الصيام بعد رمضان شهر اهلل املحرم لفريضة صالة الليل ١١٦٧ # حديث، ٩ # كتاب، واه مسلم The best month for observing fasting after Ramadan is Muharram and the best Salat after the prescribed Salat is Salat at night. أتأسى بالصالحني و تكفيرالسيئات Following the righteous slaves, and forgiveness of sins. The Messenger of Allah صلى اهلل عليه و سلم said:
قربة، وإن قيام الليل، فإنه دأب الصالحني قبلكم،عليكم بقيام الليل ومطردة للداء عن، وتكفير للسيئات، ومنهاة عن اإلثم،إلى اهلل .لجسد ٣٥٠٢ # حديث، واه الترمذي Observe the night prayer, it is a way of following the footsteps of the righteous before you, a way of getting closer to Allah, a means of forgiveness of sins, expiation of evil deeds, and a way of curing the sickness of the body. أعان على ترك املعاصي Protection from committing sins This includes those we are tempted to commit and those that have become a habit. Sometimes we get trapped in our sins, we find it hard to stop committing them. If you maintain this prayer, it will be a means to protect you from this. شرف املؤمن Honor of the believer The Messenger of Allah صلى اهلل عليه وسلمsaid: َّاس ِ اس ِت ْغن َا ُؤهُ عَنِ الن ْ ُ َو ِعزُّه، صالتُ ُه بِال َّليْ ِل َ َِ رَفُ املْ ُ ْؤمِن ٨٨٤ # حديث، ملوضعات الكبرى البن الجوزي The honor of the believer is in his night prayer, and his respect is being self-sufficient from people. املنافسة في الخير A competition in goodness All of us are in a race to get the love of Allah (SWT). The صالة الليلis offered at night and is between Allah (SWT) and His (SWT)’s slave, this is why it is one of the best ways to get close to Allah (SWT), one of the best jihads. يصبح نشيطا ً طيب النفس The night prayer helps us to wake up in the morning in a good and energetic mood The Messenger of Allah صلى اهلل عليه و سلمsaid: َِّضرِبُ َعلَى كُل ْ ث ُع َق ٍد ي َ َالشيْطَا ُن َعلَى َرأ ْسِ ِه ثَال َّ إِذَا نَا َم أ َحَ ُد ُك ْم َع َق َد ظ فَذَ َك َر اهللََّ انْحَ لَّتْ ُع ْق َدةٌ فَ ِإ ْن َ استَيْ َق ْ ُِع ْق َد ٍة َليْالً طَوِيالً أ َىِ ا ْر ُق ْد فَإِن 27
ُُص ِبح ْ صلَّى انْحَ لَّتِ ا ْل ُع َق ُد ُك ُّلهَا فَي َ خرَى فَ ِإ ْن ْ ُ َضأ َ انْحَ لَّتْ ُع ْق َدةٌ أ َّ تَو .ََسالَن ْ ْسك ِ ث النَّف َ خبِي َ َْسنَشِ يطًا َو إِالَّ أ َْصبَح ِ َيِّبَ النَّف ١٦١٨ # حديث، ٢٠ # كتاب، سنن الن ّسائي When any one of you goes to sleep the Shaitan ties three knots on his head saying each time : sleep, it is a long night. If he wakes up and remembers Allah (SWT) one knot is undone. If he performs wudoo, another knot is undone. If he prays, all the knots are undone and he starts his day in a good mood and feeling energetic. Otherwise he starts his day in a bad mood and feeling lethargic. محبة اهلل The love of Allah (SWT) دخل الجنة و غرفة خاصة فيها Entering Paradise and having a special chamber in it The Messenger of Allah صلى اهلل عليه و سلمsaid: وباطنها من ظاهرها ملن، في الجنة غرفة يرى ظاهرها من باطنها ٠ و بات قائما ً و الن ّاس نيام، و أطعم الطعام، طاب الكالم صحيح: املصدر- األلباني: عبداهلل بن عمرو املحدث:الراوي 2692 : الصفحة أو الرقم- لترغيب حسن صحيح:خالصة حكم املحدث In Paradise there is a room from which the inside can be seen from outside, and the outside can be seen from inside, for the one who uses good words, feeds people and spends his night in prayer when people are sleeping.
Extra intentions and benefits for the last third of the night أقرب إلى اهلل في جوف الليل اآلخر The slave is closest to Allah (SWT) during the beginning of the last third of the night, when Allah (SWT) descends to the first heaven, in a manner which suits His (SWT) majesty. The Messenger of Allah صلى اهلل عليه و سلمsaid: ث ُ ني يَبْقَى ثُ ُل َ ِالسمَ ا ِء ال ُّدنْيَا ح َّ يَنْزِلُ َربُّن َا تَبَار ََك َوتَعَالَى كُلَّ َليْ َل ٍة إِلَى طيَ ُه ِ َسأ َ ُلنِي فَأ ُ ْع ْ ال َّليْ ِل اآلخِ ُر فَيَقُولُ َم ْن يَ ْدعُونِي فَأ َْستَج ِيبَ َل ُه َو َم ْن ي َست َ ْغ ِف ُرنِي فَأ َ ْغ ِف َر َل ُه ْ َ َم ْن ي ١٨٠٨ # حديث، ٧ # كتاب، رواه مسلم Allah (SWT) descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the first part of the
night is over, and says : Who is there to supplicate Me so that I answer him? Who is there to beg of Me so that I grant him? Who is there to beg forgiveness from Me so that I forgive him? يعطي اهلل ما تسئله Allah (SWT) will grant what you ask Him (SWT) in the last one-third of the night, whether it is for this life or the hereafter. تثبيت حفظ القران The memorization of the Quran done at that time makes the Quran firm in your memory. The best time to revise your memorization of the Quran, as it will stay in your mind in this blessed time. الشفاعة Your salah offered at this time will intercede for you on the Day of Judgement. رفع درجات Your rank in on the Day of Judgment will be elevated because of this salah رحمة اهلل You will receive a special mercy from Allah (SWT). The Messenger of Allah صلى اهلل عليه و سلم said: َْصلَّتْ فَ ِإ ْن أَبَت َ ظ ا ْم َرأَتَ ُه ف َ َصلَّى ثُ َّم أَيْ َق َ رَحِ َم اهللَُّ رَجُ الً قَا َم ِم َن ال َّليْ ِل ف َصلَّتْ ثُ َّم َ َضحَ فِي وَجْ ِههَا املْ َا َء َورَحِ َم اهللَُّ ا ْم َرأَةً قَامَتْ ِم َن ال َّليْ ِل ف َ ن .ََضحَ تْ فِي وَجْ ِه ِه املْ َاء َ َصلَّى فَ ِإ ْن أَبَى ن َ َيْ َقظَتْ زَوْجَ هَا ف ١٦٢١ # حديث،٢٠ # كتاب، سنن النسائي May Allah have mercy on a man who gets up at night and prays, then he wakes his wife and she prays, and if she refuses he sprinkles water in her face. And may Allah have mercy on a woman who gets up at night and prays, then she wakes her husband and prays, and if he refuses, she sprinkles water in his face. عنوان الذاكرين The title of the one who remembers Allah (SWT) frequently. The Messenger of Allah صلى اهلل عليه و سلمsaid: إذا أيقظ الرجل أهله من الليل فصليا أو صلى ركعتني جميعًا كت في الذاكرين والذاكرات 28
١٨٤ # حديث، ٩ # كتاب، رواه أبو داود بإسناد صحيح ١ When a man awakens his wife during the night and they both perform two Rak'ah Salat together, they are recorded among the men and women who celebrate remembrance of Allah (SWT). العنوان حسب القراءة A title according to the amount of verses you recite in the night prayer. The Messenger of Allah صلى اهلل عليه و سلمsaid: من قام بعشر آيات لم يكتب من الغافلني ومن قام بمئة آية كتب من لقانتني ومن قام بألف آية كتب من املقنطرين - ابن حجر العسقالني: عبداهلل بن عمرو بن العاص املحدث:الراوي 2/35 : الصفحة أو الرقم- تخريج مشكاة املصابيح:ملصدر حسن كما قال في املقدمة:خالصة حكم املحدث The one who establishes the night prayer with 10 verses will not be written among the negligent. The one who establishes it with 100 verses will be written among the devotees. The one who establishes it with 1000 verses will be written with the one who gets multiple rewards. نومك صدقة Your sleep will be counted as a charity if you fall asleep while praying the night prayer. The Messenger of Allah صلى اهلل عليه و سلمsaid: صالَةٌ ِب َليْ ٍل يَ ْغلِبُ ُه َع َليْهَا نَ ْو ٌم إِالَّ َكت َبَ اهللَُّ َل ُه أ َجْ َر َ مَا مِنِ ا ْمرِئٍ تَكُو ُن َل ُه ص َد َق ًة َ َ الَ ِت ِه َوكَا َن نَ ْو ُم ُه َع َليْ ِه حديث٢٢٥ # ، ٧ # كتاب، موطأ مالك If a man prays in the night and sleep overcomes him during it, Allah writes for him the reward of his prayer and his sleep is charity for him.
Biography of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) A Quiz to refresh your memory 1.When did the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) start to preach Islam openly? 2.What was the impact of his public preaching? 3.What was the main miracle of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.)? 4.Did the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) perform other miracles? 5.Who was Abu Jahl? 6.Name some of the disbelievers of Makkah who supported the Prophet (p.b.u.h.), but did not embrace Islam. 7.How long did Abu Talib protect the Prophet (p.b.u.h)? 8.Who was Mutim Ibn Adi? 9.When did he (Mutim Ibn Adi) give protection to the Prophet (p.b.u.h.)? 10.When did he (Mutim Ibn Adi) die? 11.Who was Abul Bukhtari? 12.How did he (Abul Bukhtari) support the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)? 13.What lead the Muslims to immigrate to Abyssinia? 14.Which Surah leads to this emigration? 15.When was Abul Bukhtari killed?
• Answers on page 40
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JOURNEY: REFLECTION OF AN AYAH: SURAH AL ISRA’A 80-81 SURAH AT TALAQ END OF 2-3
Journey: Reflection of an ayah: ِ بِسم ِ اهللَِّ الرَّحمٰ نِ الرَّحيم Surah Al Isra’a 80-81:
ُنك َ ص ۡد ۬ ٍق وَٱجۡ عَل لِّى مِن َّلد ِ خ َر َج ۡ خرِجۡ نِى ُم ۡ َ ص ۡد ۬ ٍق َوأ ِ ََوقُل رَّبِّ أَدۡخِ ۡلنِى ُم ۡدخَل ( َوقُلۡ جَ آ َء ٱلۡحَ قُّ َوزَهَقَ ٱ ۡلبَـٰط ُِۚل إِ َّن ٱ ۡلبَـٰطِلَ كَا َن زَهُوقً۬ا٨٠) َّصيرً۬ا ِ س ۡلطَـٰنً ۬ا ن ُ ٨١) And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power. (80) And say: Truth hath come and falsehood hath vanished away. Lo! falsehood is ever bound to vanish. (81) In the name of Allah, The Lord of Mercy, The Giver of Mercy Beidhnil Allah (with the permission of Allah), today I invite you to join me in a journey, a virtual journey. In Sha Allah this is the first leg of our journey together. I want you to imagine that you are getting on a train and we are all together. We have one goal: RIDA, RIDA, RIDA, that is Pleasure of Allah (SWT). We have one destination: Jannatul Firdaus al Ala, the highest station in Paradise, in the neighbourhood of our Rabb (Our Lord, Our Nurturer), in the companionship of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his companions. How can I, even lower than the "mud" stand or get to achieve the pleasure of Allah, Dhul Jale waal Ikram (The Most Majestic, The Most Benevolent)? I have to become abdul Allah, slave of Allah (SWT), yes you heard right! Not servant but slave, slave just like the waves in the sea. But to become a slave of Allah (SWT), I have to stop being a slave of "Insan" (human fellow)....! Did you ever ask yourself before doing something why you are doing it? For whose sake? In whose name? Next time, ask yourself? Surah At Talaq end of 2-3:
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ث َال ُ ۡ( َويَ ۡرزُ ۡق ُه ِم ۡن حَ ي٢) خ َر ً۬جا ۡ َومَن يَت َّ ِق ٱهللََّ يَجۡ عَل َّل ُه ۥ َم ُسبُ ُه ۥۤۚ إِ َّن ٱهللََّ بَـٰلِغ ۡ َب َومَن يَت َ َوكَّلۡ َعلَى ٱهللَِّ فَ ُه َو ح ُۚ ِيَحۡ ت َس (٣) شىۡ ٍ ۬ء َق ۡدرً۬ا َ ِّأ َ ۡم ِر ِهۦۚ َق ۡد جَ عَلَ ٱهللَُّ لِكُل And whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). (2) And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allâh, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allâh will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allâh has set a measure for all things. (3)) Beidhnil Allah, today we are travelling to the station of Taqwa. A must for a traveller to Firdaus. Actually as we stop in this station, we will need to make sure that we understand the ins and outs of Taqwa until it penetrates our hearts and is reflected in our actions to the extent that Taqwa becomes our libas, our dress. But before I go ahead, please do read once more the above ayat , reflect upon them and take a deep breath before I continue, imagine you are passing through the most beautiful garden you will enjoy in the world…. I thought by reciting, I would get the benefits!!!! No doubt, recitation of the Qur’an is beneficial and of course a means of mercy in itself. However that is not the purpose of the Qur’an alone! Qur’an is Furqan, the criterion of right and wrong! Qur’an is Light, that allows me to distinguish right from wrong! Qur’an is guidance! Qur’an is Past (History), Present (time of the Prophet SAWS and time of each generation that reads the Qur’an) and Future (akhira and future generations to come). Qur’an is the code of conduct from, Allah Al Lateef (The Most Subtle, Kind, Courteous and Generous). Qur’an cannot be fulfilled until you
reflect upon it and you implement in your life. May Allah (SWT) make us ponder over the verses of the Qur’an as they should be pondered over and may Allah (SWT) make us implement these verses as they should be implemented. So what is Taqwa, there is no translation in English that covers such a vast command, but in a nutshell it means the following: Do what Allah (SWT) likes, i.e. follow the commands prescribed by Allah (SWT) and avoid what Allah (SWT) has forbidden, i.e. stay far away from sins. Do all this under the light of Allah (SWT), according to the Quran and Sunnah. We are to do this with Love of Allah (SWT), Hope in Allah (SWT)’s reward for the good you do and fear of Allah (SWT)’s punishment for the sins – So if we act as above, we In Sha Allah will have taqwa and In Sha Allah if we keep doing that, up till our last day in this transitory abode (world) then our Rabb, Al Ghafoor Ar Rahim might give us the title of Muttaqueen (the ones who have taqwa), Ya Rabb. Subhanal Allah (Glory be to Allah) and Alhamdulil Allah (Praise be to Allah). May Allah Azza wa jal make our journey easy, guide us, support us with His Light and accept it from all of us. Ameen ya Rabb
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سورة يوسف Surah Yusuf # 8-15 َيوسفُ َوأ َخوهُ أ َحَ بُّ إِلىٰ أ َبينا ِمن ّا َونَح ُن عُصبَ ٌة ُ إِذ قالوا ل ٍضاللٍ مُبني َ إِ َّن أ َبانا لَفي When they said : Yusuf and his brother are more beloved to our father than we, while we are a clan. 12:8 The statements in this ayah are spoken by the brothers of Yusuf عليه السالم. ُُوسفُ َوأَخُوه ُ إِذْ قَالُوا َلي When they said, "Yusuf and his brother The brothers were stepbrothers to Yusuf عليه السالمand his brother Binyameen. When a man has more than one wife, the children are all brothers and sisters, but someCmes the mothers or the children differenCate and create barriers between each other. أ َحَ بُّ إِ َلىٰ أَبِين َا ِمنَّا are more beloved to our father than we The brothers were convinced that their father held Yusuf عليه السالمand his brother dearer than themselves, and this made them feel very angry and jealous. You have to treat all your children the same, but the love in your heart cannot be controlled; that is a provision from Allah سبحانه و تعالى. This love must not be shown to the other children. ُصبَ ٌ ة ْ َونَحْ نُ ع while we are a clan a group, blood relaCons : عصبة Verb ََصب َ ع: : to Ce or bind something They were older than Yusuf عليه السالمand his brother Binyameen, and supported their father. The shaitan works on the weaknesses of people, blowing them out of proporCon, and making them react in evil ways. The weak point of the brothers was their resentment and jealousy. The brothers accused their father of injusCce.
ٍِي ض َاللٍ ُّم ِبني َ إِنَّ أَبَانَا َلف Indeed, our father is in clear error The preposiCon used here, [ ] في, gives the impression of Ya'qub عليه السالمdrowning in error. All the brothers might not have had the same level of hatred, but they are all included in the dialogue. Human beings like to receive love. When they see someone else getCng the love they want, it gives rise to resentment. They felt that their father did not have the right to give their share of love to Yusuf عليه السالمand Binyameen. This hatred festered in their heart, giving rise to resentment and displeasure in the decree of Allah سبحانه و تعالى. They were also arrogant, thinking they were bePer than Yusuf عليه السالمand Binyameen. If sicknesses of the heart such as jealousy, hatred and arrogance are not cleared, they fester. They must be overcome by being pleased with what Allah سبحانه و تعالىgave you. Compete with yourself in being bePer than before. The brothers play an important part in Yusuf's rise to power later in his life.
َرضا يَخلُ َلكُم وَج ُه أ َبيكُم ً يوسفَ أ َ ِو اطرَحوهُ أ ُ اقت ُلوا ني َ َوتَكونوا مِن بَع ِد ِه قَومًا صالِح
Kill Yusuf or cast him out to [another] land; the countenance of your father will [then] be only for you, and you will be aSer that a righteous people. 12:9 The evil plot of the brothers is revealed. ُوسف ُ ا ْقتُلُوا ي Kill Yusuf kill : اقتلوا 32
It is in the form of an order, or الفعل األمر The sons of Ya'qub عليه السالمhad the iniCal sin of jealousy in their hearts, which accumulated and grew unCl they were uncontrollable. One sin leads to many more. Their thinking was wrapped by their hatred. The brothers wanted to make their father love them the most, by any means. To follow their desire, they were willing to kill and destroy their own brother. ْضا ً أَوِ اطْرَحُ وهُ أَر or cast him out to [another] land cast him out : اطرحوه This is also in the form of an order Verb َ طَ َرح: : to cast away, toss The suggesCon to kill Yusuf عليه السالمcame from one brother, who had the most intense hatred in his heart. The others were not all agreeable to this idea, which we can see by the word ]]أو. The second opCon is milder, to remove him from the picture, by casCng him in an unknown place where he would be lost forever, never to be able to return home. يَخْلُ َل ُكمْ وَجْ هُ أَبِي ُك ْ م the countenance of your father will [then] be only for you will be empty : ُيخل Verb َّ خَل: : to purify, to empty They want all the aPenCon of their father to be directed to them, it was becoming an obsession to them. ني َ ًِا صالِح َ َوتَكُونُوا مِن بَ ْع ِدهِ َق ْوم and you will be aSer that a righteous people The brothers consoled themselves that they have a good intenCon, that of winning the love of their father, forgetCng that they were going about it the wrong way. They prepared their repentance in advance, planning to do their evil deed and then repenCng for it. They forgot in their planning that repentance is in the hands of Allah. He only gives a chance to repent to those who have a good heart. To have the intenCon of sinning, then repenCng, before even commiVng the sin is to underesCmate
Allah سبحانه و تعالى. They assumed they were good enough to able to repent aSer either killing or disposing their younger brother, thus becoming righteous, taking it for granted that Allah سبحانه و تعالىwould forgive them. They were covering their guilt by giving reasons and excuses for their behavior. Allah سبحانه و تعالىis with the one who is oppressed, and he will find victory in the end. Yusuf عليه السالمwent through different trials, but he never complained, remained accepCng and pleased with the decree of Allah سبحانه و تعالى. As a result, Allah سبحانه و تعالىnever leS him, and he got honor and victory in the end. To be successful, you must go through different trials. The tests for every person are tailor-made for him or her. The test is never unbearable, because Allah سبحانه و تعالىnever tests anyone more than they can bear, but it has to be a liPle challenging. Jealousy or حسدis a dangerous sin of the heart, because it causes the person to go to any ends to harm the object of his jealousy. This can be seen in the history of mankind, starCng from Iblees, who disobeyed Allah سبحانه و تعالى, because he was jealous of Aadam عليه السالم. Later, the first murder on earth occurred because of jealousy, when one son of Aadam عليه السالمwas jealous of his brother. Crimes commiPed due to jealousy recur throughout history.
THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH : صلى اهلل عليه و سلمSAID: فإن الحسد يأكل الحسنات كما تأكل،إياكم والحسد . العشب: أو قال،لنار الحطب ١٥٦٩ # حديث، ١٨ # كتاب، سنن ابي داود Beware of envy because envy consumes the virtues just as the fire consumes the firewood or he said grass. The brothers of Yusuf عليه السالمhad no mercy for their younger brother; they were jealous of the love their father had for Yusuf عليه السالم. They wanted this love by any means, forgeVng that love cannot be forced.
ِّيوسفَ َوأ َلقوهُ في غَيابَتِ الجُ ب ُ قالَ قائِلٌ مِنهُم ال تَقت ُلوا ني َ السيّا َر ِة إِن كُنت ُم فاعِل َّ َعض ُ يَلتَقِط ُه ب 33
Said a speaker among them, "Do not kill Yusuf but throw him into the boPom of the well; some travelers will pick him up - if you would do [something]."12:10 The brothers agreed upon the less harmful opCon to get rid of Yusuf عليه السالم. The words in the Quran are the words of Allah سبحانه و تعالى, paraphrased to describe the words of the characters. قال قَائِلٌ ِّمن ْ ُهم Said a speaker among them This brother had some mercy for Yusuf عليه السالم, or a stronger guilty conscience.
some travelers will pick him up
Only the names of Ya'qub and Yusuf عليهما السالمare menConed in the surah, because Allah سبحانه و تعالى wants them remembered and honored. The names of all the characters in the whole story are not told to us, because they are not important.
it will find him : يلتطته Verb : َ ا ْلت َ َقط: to find without seeking, and take it : السيارة caravan or any moving vessel which carries people Verb : َ سارto move
ُوسف ُ الَ تَ ْقتُلُوا ْ ي Do not kill Yusuf
The words of the Quran are so precise and perfectly chosen, they convey the exact picture using the minimum amount of words.
Murder is a major crime. But the following suggesCon would be more difficult for Yusuf عليه السالمto bear. ِّ َوأ َ ْلقُوهُ فِي َغيَابَةِ الْجُ ب but throw him into the boPom of the well deep, far away place غيابة: It is derived from غياب, which means absent, far away, faded. Verb َ غاب: : to be concealed Another word derived from this verb is غيب, which means unseen a deep and dry well : الجب Another word for a well is بئر, which is a well with water The brothers were really evil; they ploPed to throw Yusuf عليه السالمin a deep dry well, far away from civilizaCon. This plan shows the extent of their hatred and jealousy. When the heart is blinded, the person can do any wrong and not feel ashamed. ُ السيَّا َرة َّ يَ ْلت َ ِقطْهُ بَعْض
The brothers did not have any surety that things would happen exactly according to their plan, but Allah سبحانه و تعالىmade it happen precisely so. ني َ ِإِن كُنتُمْ فَا ِعل if you would do [something] SomeCmes you find good and evil mixed together in human beings. They hear the voice of the angel, the conscience, and the voice of the shaitan. The reacCon depends on the faith of the individual, whether the voice of good will prevail, or the voice of evil. The brothers decided to take the way of the lesser evil, to throw Yusuf into a dry well in the desert, where he might or might not be found.
يوسفَ َو إِنّا َل ُه ُ ٰقالوا يا أ َبانا ما ل ََك ال تَأ َمن ّا عَلى َناصحو َن ِ ل They said, "O our father, why do you not entrust us with Yusuf while indeed, we are to him sincere counselors? 12:11 34
The brothers of Yusuf عليه السالمwere all very handsome, much less than Yusuf, but sCll excepConal looking. They came to their father together, and spoke as a group. If the evil side of the character of a person is stronger than the good side, the shaitan works on it to give him more evil ideas. قَالُوا يَا أَبَانَا They said, "O our father The brothers start their aPempt at decepCon by a quesCon. ف َ ُوس ُ َ التَأ ْ َمن َّا َع َلىٰ ي َ مَا لَك They said : O our father why do you not entrust us with Yusuf The brothers tried to make their father feel guilty, implying that he did not trust them to take care of Yusuf عليه السالم. They also had a guilty conscience, because they knew their father was right not to trust them, so they tried to shiS the blame to their father. Ya'qub عليه السالمhad never leS Yusuf عليه السالمalone with his brothers, because he could sense their jealousy and hatred. The brothers knew that their fathers' weakness was Yusuf عليه السالم, so they insidiously tried to make him feel guilty for not trusCng his own sons. The word ] ] تأ ْمن ّاis an anomaly in terms of tajweed. A rule called إشمامcomes into play here, which cannot be ْ heard, but has to be seen. The word was actually [] تا ْ َمن ُنا, but the ضمةis hidden. So إشمامis preparing your mouth to pronounce a ضمة, but then you pronounce the [ ] ن with a shaddah. This is done to point out that there is a ضمةin the root of the word. The brothers were hiding their intenCon in their hearts, so this rule of tajweed hides the ضمةfrom the word. If you see a reciter at this word, his lips will form the ضمة, but will not pronounce it. َاصحُ و َ ن ِ َو إِنَّا َلهُ َلن while indeed we are to him sincere counselors The posiCon of this pronoun [ ] لهin the sentence makes it a pronoun for affirmaCon, ضمير حصر للتوكيد, meaning, for him and only him.
advisers : ََاصحُ ون ِ ن Verb ََصح َ ن: : to wash clothes to clean them The word derived from this verb is نصيحة, sincere advice The brothers are trying to aPribute sincerity to themselves. They could have used many different words, but the use of ناصحونshows they really wanted to convince their father that they only wanted the best for Yusuf عليه السالم. This was essenCal to their evil plan.
أ َرسِ ل ُه َمعَنا َغدًا يَرتَع َويَلعَب َو إِنّا َل ُه لَحافِظو َن Send him with us tomorrow that he may eat well and play. And indeed, we will be his guardians. 12:12 The brothers were very organized in their plan. This is the way of the shaitan; he plans methodically to make human beings sin. Jealousy is a sickness of the heart, and will be accounted for. If you don't clean your heart, it will show on your acCons, because the heart is an exit to the limbs. One of the reasons for having a bad end is a sickness of the heart. You must be more afraid of your heart than your outward appearance. The brothers of Yusuf commiPed a chain of sins because of the sickness of jealousy in their hearts. أَرْسِ ْلهُ َم َعن َا َغدًا يَ ْرتَعْ َويَ ْل َعب Send him with us tomorrow, so that he may eat and play Young children like to play, so the brothers targeted this inclinaCon. They knew Ya'qub عليه السالمloved Yusuf عليه السالمdearly, and always wanted him to be happy, so they tried to convince their father with this suggesCon. They wanted no delay once they had hatched their plan, they wanted to carry it out as soon as possible, which is why they suggested the very next morning. َو إِنَّا َلهُ لَحَ ا ِفظُون And surely we will be his guardians There are three affirmaCons or توكيدin this sentence. surely we : نّا for him (for Yusuf) : ُه The posiCon of the pronoun in the sentence makes it a pronoun for affirmaCon, ضمير حصر للتوكيد, meaning for him and only him 35
The ' 'لin the word ' 'لحافظون
ُقالَ إِنّي َليَحزُنُني أ َن تَذهَبوا ِب ِه َوأ َخافُ أ َن يَأ ُك َل ُه الذِّئب َوأ َنت ُم عَن ُه غافِلو َن [ Ya'qub ] said : Indeed, it saddens me that you should take him, and I fear that a wolf would eat him while you are of him unaware. 12:13 The response of Ya'qub عليه السالم, as soon as he heard their suggesCon, was one of displeasure. He constantly accompanied Yusuf عليه السالم, and didn't want to be separated from him even for a short Cme. This separaCon was a nurturing for Ya'qub and Yusuf عليهما السالم. The love they bore for each other was too intense, and it was necessary that they be nurtured.
َوأ َنتُمْ َعنْهُ غَا ِفلُون And you would be unaware
قال إِنِّي َليَحْ زُنُنِي أ َن تَذْ َهبُوا به Indeed it saddens me that you go with him
Ya'qub was thinking good of his sons, that they would not let harm come to Yusuf intenConally. He was afraid they would be heedless and a wolf would come and hurt Yusuf عليه السالم.
The first feeling in the heart of Ya'qub عليه السالمwas sadness at the plan of the brothers.
make you give up control of (grief ) حزنand (fear) خوف your emoCons to the shaitan.
There are two affirmaCons or توكيد: indeed I : نّي The ' 'لin the word [ ] ليحزنني Messengers and prophets are not ordinary people, they are chosen slaves of Allah. Their heart must belong purely and only to Allah. Ibrahim عليه السالمhad intense love for his son Ismaeel ;عليه السالمhe was ordered to leave him in the desert without any means of sustenance, and then later to sacrifice him. Very few of the close relaCves of the Prophet Mohammad صلى اهلل عليه و سلمwho could support him survived. His father, mother, grandfather, uncle, his beloved wife Khadija رضي اهلل عنها, all his sons, all of them passed away. َوأَخَافُ أ َن يَأ ْ ُك َلهُ الذِّئ ُ ْب And I fear that a wolf will eat him His second feeling for the plan was one of fear, that some harm would befall Yusuf عليه السالم. Ya'qub عليه السالمinadvertently helped the brothers in their plot, by giving them the idea of the wolf.
قالوا َلئِن أ َ َك َل ُه الذِّئبُ َونَح ُن عُصبَ ٌة إِنّا إِذًا لَخاسِ رو َن They said : If a wolf should eat him while we are a [strong] clan, indeed, we would then be losers. 12:14 The sons of Ya'qub عليه السالمdidn't care about his sadness, but they addressed his fear. They replayed the scenario of the wolf eaCng Yusuf عليه السالم, assuring their father that they were a strong group, and that if the wolf harmed Yusuf عليه السالم, in spite of their numbers and strength, the brothers themselves would be the losers.
ۚ ِّفَلَمّ ا ذَهَبوا ِب ِه َوأ َجمَ عوا أ َن يَجعَلوهُ في غَيابَتِ الجُ ب َوأ َوحَ ينا إِلَي ِه َلتُنَبِّئَنَّهُم ِبأ َم ِرهِم هٰذا َوهُم ال يَشعُرو َن So when they leS with him and agreed to put him into the boPom of the well. And We inspired to him, "You will surely inform them [someday] about this affair of theirs while they do not perceive". 12:15 The brothers leS, taking Yusuf عليه السالم, and their father, Ya'qub عليه السالمwatched them leave unCl they were out of sight. فَلَمَّ ا ذَ َهبُوا ِب ِ ه 36
So when they leS with him There was no reacCon from Yusuf عليه السالمwhen they took him; his silence was broken later. Allah سبحانه و تعالىgave him solace and comfort, so he did not complain or cry. َوأ َجْ مَ عُوا and agreed They unanimously agreed on their plan of acCon. Allah سبحانه و تعالىgave them a chance to repent. When a person thinks of sinning, it is just an idea, which grows gradually. If he desists from sinning, a good deed is written for him ب ّ ُ أ َن يَجْ َعلُوهُ فِي َغيَابَتِ الْج to put him into the boPom of the well The well was the first stop to Yusuf aPaining his honorable posiCon in life.
Allah سبحانه و تعالىassures Yusuf عليه السالمthat in the future, he would surely inform his brothers about this mistake of theirs. َش ُعرُو َ ن ْ ْ الي َ َو ُهم while they do not perceive Allah سبحانه و تعالىimplies to Yusuf عليه السالمthat the brothers don't feel the gravity of their deed. They will be made to realize it later, through Yusuf عليه السالم, who will inform them in a gentle manner without hurCng them. They will feel the guilt themselves. This ayah is glad Cdings from Allah سبحانه و تعالىto Yusuf عليه السالم, while he was inside the well, that he would be saved and reunited with his father. Yusuf عليه السالمslept in the well aSer being given this reassurance from Allah سبحانه و تعالى. The story conCnues .........
All of us have to go through a 'well' to reach success, by being stuck in a difficult situaCon. Do not despair of the mercy of Allah. This Cght situaCon might be a way to good. The higher the honor, the deeper the 'well'. The iniCal plan was to cast Yusuf in the well. But now the plan changed. They now placed him in the well. The word [ ]يجعلوهindicates that someone carried Yusuf into the well, and placed him there. This shows that the brothers had an iota of mercy for their younger brother. َوأَوْحَ يْن َا إِ َليْ ِه And We inspired to him Yusuf عليه السالمdid not cry or protest, because Allah سبحانه و تعالىinspired him not to be afraid. If Allah سبحانه و تعالىis with you, it does not maPer who is against you. In difficult situaCons, you will feel a calmness and tranquility descend upon you, whereas everyone around you will be franCc. Such is the companionship of Allah سبحانه و تعالىwith the oppressed; their dua is accepted immediately. َلتُنَبِّئَنَّهُم ِبأ َ ْم ِر ِهمْ ٰهَذَا You will surely inform them [someday] about this affair of theirs 37
اإلستعداد ليلة القدر SEEKING THE NIGHT OF THE DECREE
The worship in Ramadan has a different delight. It passes like a blessed breeze- الريح املرسلة The best part is the last ten nights of Ramadan. Imagine yourself in a race to do the most good deeds you can manage during Ramadan, the race is approaching its end, and to win, you have to put in all your efforts. The Messenger of Allah صلى اهلل عليه و سلمused to increase worship in the last ten nights of Ramadan. وقفة صادقة مع النفس a truthful time with yourself
Have a checklist, and see whether you are you doing good deeds for yourself or the pleasure of Allah. Free yourself from chains, and work for the pleasure of only Allah. االستغفار asking forgiveness
Fasting and prayer purify the heart. One of the signs of acceptance of deeds is a feeling of humbleness. ماذا كان يفعل النبي صلى اهلل عليه و سلم إذا دخل العشر؟ What did the Messenger of Allah صلى اهلل عليه و سلم do when these ten nights began? 'Aishah رضي اهلل عنهاreported: When the last ten nights (of Ramadan) would begin, the Messenger of Allah صلى اهلل عليه و سلم would keep awake at night (for prayer and devotion), awaken his family and prepare himself to be more diligent in worship. : كان رسول اهلل صلى اهلل عليه وسلم: قالت،عائشة رضي اهلل عنها وجد، وأيقظ أهله، أحيا الليلة، إذا دخل العشر األواخر من رمضان شد املئزر ١١٩٣ # حديث، ٩ # كتاب، رياض الصالحني، تفق عليه
Sins are a barrier between you and worship.
أحيا الليلة Make the night alive
سؤال اهلل العفو seek the pardon of Allah
The Prophet صلى اهلل عليه و سلمstayed awake all night in worship, from مغربto .فجر
Feel as if you have a mountain of sins, and ask Allah to remove them.
أيقظ أهله Wake up the household
اإلجتهاد مع اإلستعانة باهلل do your best while relying on Allah
This is very important, because you want to share the reward. Wake them gently.
Start from Maghrib time with presence of heart and continue until Fajr. Don't waste a single second without filling it with a good deed.
شد املئزر Tighten the belt
إياك الغرور و العجب Beware of pride and arrogance
He worked hard not to waste a single moment from this blessed time. 38
ملاذا العشر االوآخر ؟ Why the ten last nights? ليتحرى ليلة القدر To seek the Night of the Decree The Messenger of Allah صلى اهلل عليه و سلمsaid: من قام رمضان إيمانًا واحتسابًا غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه ( 759 ) ومسلم،( 2009 ) رواه البخاري.حيح He who observes optional prayer ( taraweeh ) throughout Ramadan, out of sincerity of faith and in the hope or earning reward, will have his past sins forgiven. This is your last chance, greet these ten nights with high resolution, and earn the maximum rewards. سورة القدر The Power إِنَّا أ َنزَ ْلن َاهُ فِي َليْ َلةِ ا ْل َق ْد ِ ر Indeed, We sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Decree. 97:1 This is the special quality in this night. Allah (SWT) honoured this night by sending the Quran from the Preserved Tablets to the heaven of the world. َومَا أ َ ْدرَاكَ مَا َليْ َلةُ ا ْل َق ْد ِ ر And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? 97:2 This night has a high status and is honored. Allah (SWT) decrees in this night all that is going to take place in the following year, and this is shown to the angels so they can carry out the orders. متى تكون هذه ليلة ؟ When is this special night? This special night is one of the odd nights of Ramadan
21, 23, 25, 27, 29.
ْفِ ش ْه ٍ ر َ خيْرٌ ِّمنْ أَل َ َِليْ َلةُ ا ْل َق ْدر
The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. 97:3 ما فضلها؟ What are its virtues? This one night is better than 1000 months, which is approximately 83 years. In other words, this one month is better than your whole life. Worship that one night is equivalent to 83 years. Imagine your scales after worship on this night. تَنَزَّلُ املْ َال ِئ َكةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا ِب ِإذْنِ َربِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أ َ ْم ٍ ر The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. 97:4 Jibreel and the other angels will descend to earth on this night, filling it completely. With the angel comes the mercy of Allah (SWT), نزول الرحمة. سالمٌ ِهيَ حَ ت َّى َمطْ َلعِ ا ْلفَجْ ِ ر َ Peace it is until the emergence of dawn. 97:5 ما وصفها؟ What are its characteristics? There will be peace all around, freedom from all evil. ما عالماتها؟ What are its signs? There are two kinds of signs. عالمات املقاربة Close signs الضياء A glow in the sky الطمأنينة Tranquility, a feeling of peace الرياح الساكنة A peaceful breeze لذة العبادة The sweetness of worship can be tasted 39
Biography of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)
عالمات الالحقة Signs afterwards
A Quiz to refresh your memory
الشمس ليس لها شعاع The sun will rise without any rays, like a golden ball ماذا افعل ؟ What should I do during this night? قيام الليل Establish prayer during this night قراءة القران Recite the Quran
1.After three years when he received the revelation to that effect. 2.The people accepted Islam increasingly. 3.The Holy Quran. 4.Yes, the splitting of the moon was one of them. 5.One of the Prophet’s (p.b.u.h.) uncles. 6.Abu Talib, Mutim Ibn Adi and Abul Bukhtari.
الدعاء Supplicate to Allah
7.For 42 years – from the Prophet’s childhood until he himself died.
الذكر Remembrance of Allah
8.A chief of Makkah.
'Aishah رضي اهلل عنهاreported: I asked: O Messenger of Allah! If I realize Lailat-ulQadr (Night of Decree), what should I supplicate in it? He صلى اهلل عليه و سلمreplied : You should supplicate: O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me. : يا رسول اهلل أرأيت إن علمت أي ليلة القدر ما أقول فيها؟ قال: قلت "قولي
اللهم إنك عفو تحب العفو فاعفُ عني واه الترمذي وقال حديث حسن صحيح ١١٩٥ # حديث، ٩ # كتاب
9.When the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) returned from Taif and wanted to enter Makkah. 10.He was killed in the Battle of Badr. 11.He was a poet. 12.He spoke out against the social boycott. 13.Their growing persecution at the hands of Quraish.
14.Surah AZ Zumar.
الله َّم إنّك عف ٌو تُحِ بُّ الْعفْ َو فاعْفُ عنّي Oh Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me.
15.In the battle of Badr.
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Masjid Bani Hashim At Jumeirah Islands, Dubai
Masjid Bani Hashim by the Grace of Allah (SWT) عز وجل, opened its doors 2nd Ramadan 1434; July 10th, 2013 and is a Non-Profit Organization. It envisions to offer intensive courses, lectures, workshops, Tafseer el Quran 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 & 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 and recite Quran.
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