A monthly newsletter from Masjid Bani Hashim Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue#22 September 2015
A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue #22 Sept 2015 بسم اهلل الرحمن الرحيم السالم عليكم و رحمة اهلل و بركاته
Introduction الحمدهلل رب العاملني والصالة والسالم على رسول اهلل Surah Al Hadid (57), ayah 20 َغيْثٍ أَعْجَ ب َ َاألَو َْال ِد ۖ كَمَ ث َ ِل ْ موَال ِ و ْ َ األ ْ خ ٌر بَيْنَ ُك ْم َوتَكَاث ُ ٌر فِي ُ علَمُ وا أَنَّمَ ا الْحَ يَاةُ ال ُّدنْيَا لَعِ بٌ َو َل ْهوٌ َوزِينَ ٌة َوتَفَا ْ ا ن ۚ َومَا ٌ ِضوَا ْ غ ِف َرةٌ ِم َن اهللَِّ َور ْ م َ شدِي ٌد َو َ ٌعذَاب َ اآلخِ َر ِة ْ ن حُ طَامًا ۖ َوفِي ُ ُصفَرًّا ث ُ َّم يَكُو ْ ا ْل ُكفَّا َر نَبَاتُ ُه ث ُ َّم يَهِيجُ فَتَرَاهُ م غرُو ِ ر ُ ع ا ْل ُ متَا َ الْحَ يَاةُ ال ُّدنْيَا إ َِّال Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children, (it is) as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers, evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allâh and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers — good-doers), And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.
Sometimes I question myself about the value of this life! Does it really have any value? Is it real? Subhanal Allah, I feel that I have realized that this life is an illusion. However, every day I live in this life as if I am going to stay here forever! SubhanalAllah. In reality, this is only a station, and this is not the only station in our journey inshaaAllah towards our home, paradise. There is another station, our qabr, our grave before inshaaAllah we are judged on the Day of Resurrection, the Day of Qiyamah. However, our stay in our qabr will depend on the outcome of our stay in the dunya. So let me go back to our first station which is the topic of this introduction. Let’s think together. No one is going to live forever! We know that we are going to die. There is no way, it is totally against our fitrah, our natural disposition that we do not believe in Allah سبحانه و تعالى., our Creator. We are so helpless without our Creator. Subhanal Allah, what we see in our world, sometimes is not very pleasing to the eye or very restful to the heart, while goodness and justice are principles well established in a good heart, in a pure heart, in a heart inclined to fitrah الحمدهلل
A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue #22 Sept 2015
All this makes us realize that if there is Allah سبحانه و تعالى. and surely Allah سبحانه و تعالىis AlHaqq, then be sure there will be justice for some in this world, for others in the hereafter. The fact of the matter is that there is going to be judgement by the most just of the Judges, Allah سبحانه و تعالىin the hereafter. Hence this world has a meaning only if we run and return to Allah سبحانه و تعالى, all the time. We have to realise that any gifts that Allah سبحانه و تعالىgives, these are supposed to be used to come closer to Allah سبحانه و تعالى. These gifts can be money, wife, children, etc. At the end of the day, do not forget either they will leave us or we will leave them. Hence, let us make this temporary journey a joy by realizing its reality and use it in being an obedient servant of Allah سبحانه و تعالى. For a servant of Allah سبحانه و تعالى, time is precious and we do not know, when our time in this world is going to end. So let us use it to cultivate something that can benefit us in this dunya and akhira and that can be any good deed that is in line with the teachings of the Qur’an and the practice of the Prophet SAW. One of these deeds that comes to one’s mind are a couple beautiful and easy utterances that are “priceless”: . سبحان اهلل ُ . الحمدُهلل ال إله إال اهلل . اهللُ اكبر ال حول وال قوة إال باهلل استغفرُاهلل These are means of reminding us that we are not alone, that there is Allah Rabb al’Ala, above us. And honestly, it is Allah سبحانه و تعالىand His remembrance that gives meaning to our lives. May Allah سبحانه و تعالىgive us tawfeeq. الحمدهلل رب العاملني الصالة والسالم على رسول اهلل
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A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue #22 Sept 2015
This Issue Introduction: Pages 1 - 2 Names of Allah (SWT): Al Baari: Pages 4 - 8 The Real Superstars: Pages 9 - 11 Biography of Prophet Mohammed (SAWS) A Quiz to refresh your memory: Page 11 Sayed Al Khateer: Pages 12 - 13 Surah Maun: Page 14 Cheer Up: Page 15 - 16 Surah Yusuf #20 - 22: Pages 17 - 19
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The Golden Days: Pages 20 - 21 Surah Mutaffifin: Pages 22 - 23 Lemons: Page 23 Keeping a Strong Faith During Tough Times: Pages 24 - 28 Achieving Autonomy & Independence: Pages 29 - 31 Masjid Bani Hashim: Pages 32- 34
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ُسبِّحُ َل ُه ۥ مَا فِى َ سنَىٰۚ ي ۡ ُٱأل َۡسمَ آ ُء ٱلۡح ۡ ُص ِّو ُۖر َل ُه َ ۡخـٰلِقُ ٱ ۡلبَا ِرئ ُ ٱمل َ ) ُه َو ٱهللَُّ ٱ ۡل (ُۡض َو ُه َو ٱ ۡل َعزِيزُ ٱلۡحَ كِيم ِۖ َٱألَر ۡ لسمَ ـٰوَٲتِ و َّ
NAMES OF ALLAH (SWT): AlBaari
اسم اهلل الباري Allah Al Baari’ ( – )اهلل الباريءLinguistic Meaning The names of Allah (swt) are continuous and need to be alive in your life. You need to return to Allah (swt) and when you know more of His names, the more you can return, subhan Allah. Linguistic meaning ()املعنى اللغوي: Creation ()الخلق To be distant from something and to get rid of it (التباعد )عن الشيء و خلوصه منه ( )تنزه و تباعدto be free and distant from :()برئ shifa’a and al ,( )تنزه و تباعدsafety from sickness :()البرء bar’a come after sickness, but bar’a is freedom and far away from sickness, meaning there is no bad sequence or side effect to the sickness – no traces of the sickness, subhan Allah. Innocence ()البراءة: freedom from faults (ie: sickness), anything hated (ie: distress and calamities), or being accused ()التنزه من العيب و املكروه او التهمة We all need the names of Allah (swt) because we come across many issues in our lives. What is the relation between the two meanings of creation and freedom? If a person is sick, Allah (swt) will create the means to free you from the sickness. If a person is accused, Allah (swt) will create a means to free you of the accusation, subhan Allah. The name of Allah Al Baari’ is mentioned 3 times in the Quran.
(He is Allâh, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise) Allah = Al Khaliq, Al Baari’, Al Musawar, this means all other names of Allah (swt) fall under these three names, subhan Allah. We think that Allah (swt) just creates and end of story, but the names of Allah (swt) are ongoing in our lives and we need to understand these names, see how they apply in our lives and return to Allah. And the name is mentioned twice in this ayah, Surah Al Baqarah 54: (And (remember) when Mûsa (Moses) said to his people: "O my people! Verily, you have wronged yourselves by worshipping the calf. So turn in repentance to your Creator and kill yourselves (the innocent kill the wrongdoers among you), that will be better for you with your Creator." Then He accepted your repentance. َُسڪُم بِٱتِّخَا ِذ ُك ُم ٱلۡعِ جۡ ل َ ُوسىٰ لِ َق ۡو ِمهِۦ يَـٰ َق ۡوم ِ إِنَّ ُك ۡم ظَلَمۡ ت ُ ۡم أ َنف َ ) َو إِذۡ قَالَ م َخيۡ ۬رٌ َّل ُك ۡم عِن َد بَا ِرٮِٕ ُك ۡم فَت َاب َ فَت ُوبُ ٓوا ْ إِ َلىٰ بَا ِرٮِٕ ُك ۡم فَٱ ۡقت ُ ُل ٓوا ْ أ َنفسك ۡم ذَٲلِ ُك ۡم (َُع َليۡ ُك ۡۚم إِنَّ ُه ۥ ُه َو ٱلتَّوَّابُ ٱلرَّحِ يم Truly, He is the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful). This is a great fault that they committed by worshipping the calf, Allah (swt) did not say make repentance to At Tawab, to Al Ghafoor, but to Al Baari’, subhan Allah. Asking Allah Al Baari’ is to create the means to free you from this wrongdoing, and what was the mean in this case? They had to kill themselves. Alhamdulliah we don’t have to do this. Allah Al Baari’ ( – )اهلل الباريءMeaning in the deen ()املعنى الشرعي 1.He is the One Who makes things exist and creates them with creativity – from nothingness to existence according to decrees (هو املوجود و املبدع )من العدم الى الوجود على مقتضى الخلق و التقدير: for 4
Surah Al Hashr 24:
example, Banu Israel was oppressed with their sons
being killed and the women remaining as slaves – this is slavery and oppression. Allah (swt) created a means that wasn’t existing before – Allah (swt) brought Musa (as), subhan Allah. Did Musa (as) just appear like that? No, it was according to the decrees of Allah (swt) – there is a process to it. Another example, if you have a sickness in your heart, then you ask Allah (swt) to clear and clean your heart – the root of the matter does not get yanked out in one go, but through decrees, through a process that fault is cleared. Surah Al Hadid 22: (No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (Al-Lauh AlMahfûz), before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allâh) Allah (swt) is able to create and clear the calamity. Everything by default is clean, everything by deۡض و ََال ِفىٓ أ َنفُسِ ُك ۡم إ َِّال ِ ٱألَر ۡ ُّصيبَ ٍ۬ة فِى ِ )مَآ أ ََصابَ مِن م (ٌٰ۬ب مِّن َقبۡ ِل أ َن نَّبۡ َرأ َ َهآۚ إِ َّن ذَل َِك َعلَى ٱهللَِّ يَسِ ير ٍ۬ فِى ڪِتَـ fault is halal, everything by default is innocent, everything by default is free. Allah (swt) created the universe free of calamities, but what causes calamities? Sins of the human being. Allah (swt) knows all of this and it is mentioned in the Preserved Tablet. And notice the earth is mentioned, not the heavens, because the inhabitants of the heavens are pure, subhan Allah. Surah Ar Room 41: (Evil (sins and disobedience to Allâh) has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned (by oppression and evil deeds), that He (Allâh) may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may return (by repenting to Allâh, and begging His Pardon).) – notice land and sea is mentioned which َّاس لِيُذِي َقهُم ِ َسبَتۡ أَيۡدِى ٱلن َ َسا ُد فِى ٱ ۡلبَ ِّر وَٱ ۡلبَحۡ ِر بِمَ ا ك َ )ظَ َه َر ٱ ۡلف (َجعُون ِ ۡض ٱ َّلذِى َع ِملُوا ْ َل َع َّل ُه ۡم يَ ۡر َ بَع are found on the earth.
2.He separates creation from each other, and makes them distinct and unique, yet nothing is out of place (هو الذي فصل بعض الخلق عن بعض ميّز )كل جنس عن اآلخر بما يناسب الغاية من خلقه: for example the creation of the angels is separate from the creation of the humans, from creation of the jinn, from the creation of the animals, from the creation of plants, etc. Even amongst humans, they are all distinct, even identical twins are distinct in their character, subhan Allah. And human beings have different natures in order to be completed and this is perfection and purification. For example, you might have two daughters with one being dominant over the other, why? Perhaps the other one is arrogant and needs someone to keep her down, subhan Allah. When Allah (swt) creates, even the faults are unique to us and suit us because when you overcome that fault, you are purified. There are different ways to reach paradise, some from their prayer, some from their fast, some from their sinning and repentance, subhan Allah. He creates from nothing ()فهو يخلق من ال شيء He creates distinctly that distinguishes it from the rest of creation ()و يبرأ بالخاصية التي تميزه عن بقية الخلق: for example, a person might be born blind and this is a characteristic that suits him in order to purified, subhan Allah. 3.He is the One Who creates everything innocent (هو الذي خلق الخلق بريئا من التفاوت و التنافر و الزلل و )الخلل: Allah (swt) is the One who created all of the creation innocent – free of any faults, disturbance, mistakes, and shortcomings. Allah (swt) created the heavens, the earth, and all of the creation pure. Everyone human being is created on the fitra – very innocent, they are not sinners. Hadith: ،ِ)قَالَ الن َّ ِبيُّ صلى اهلل عليه وسلم " مَا ِم ْن َم ْولُو ٍد إِالَّ يُو َل ُد َعلَى ا ْل ِفطْ َرة كَمَ ا تُنْتَجُ ا ْلبَهِيمَ ُة بَهِيمَ ًة،ِسا ِنه َ َِّصرَا ِن ِه أ َ ْو يُمَ ج ِّ فَأَبَوَاهُ يُ َه ِّودَا ِن ِه أ َ ْو يُن ثُ َّم يَقُولُ أَبُو ُه َريْ َرةَ ـ رضى اهلل." سو َن فِيهَا ِم ْن جَ ْدعَا َء ُّ ِجَ مْ عَا َء هَلْ تُح (ََّاس َع َليْهَا{ اآليَة َ نه – } ِفطْ َرةَ اهللَِّ ا َّلتِي فَطَ َر الن (Abu Huraira, narrated that the Prophet ( )ﷺsaid, "Every child is born with a true faith (i.e. to worship 5
none but Allah Alone) but his parents convert him to Judaism or to Christianity or to Magainism, as an animal delivers a perfect baby animal. Do you find it mutilated?" Then Abu Huraira recited the holy verses: 'The pure Allah's Islamic nature (true faith i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone), with which He has created human beings.' " (30.30).) – Al Bukhari 1358 – it is a great crime to change what is innocent to worshiping something else besides Allah (swt), subhan Allah. 4.He created us from sand (خلق االنسان من تراب و هو )البري: that’s why we can even purify ourselves with sand by taymum, subhan Allah. And we are also created from water, thus we purify ourselves with it as well. We are created from what is originally pure – sand is pure. 5.He created creatively with water, sand, fire, and air ()أبدع املاء و التراب و النار و الهواء: anything that is living has water. Surah Al Anbiya’a 30: (Have not those who disbelieve known that the heavens and the earth were joined together as one united piece, then We parted them? And We have made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?). These four matters can be seen by our eyes, but imagine great creations are made from them, subhan ۡض ڪَانَتَا َرتۡقً۬ا َ َٱألَر ۡ ٱلسمَ ـٰوَٲتِ و َّ ن َّ َ )أ َ َو َل ۡم يَ َر ٱ َّلذِي َن َكفَ ُر ٓوا ْ أ (َشىۡ ٍء حَ ىٍّۖ أَف ََاليُؤۡ ِمنُون َ َّفَفَتَ ۡقنَـٰهُمَ ا ۖ وَجَ َع ۡلنَا ِم َن ٱملۡ َآ ِء كُل Allah. And this shows you the creativity in Allah’s creation. When you look at the sand in the beach, or in your garden, it should remind you of your creation, subhan Allah. And there are so many details in the creation, even small creations like microbes appear
so complicated and detailed, subhan Allah. Allah (swt) has created the jinn from fire. We see fire all the time, and you wonder how it can be a means of creation, subhan Allah. Allah (swt) created the fire of the hellfire for purification, subhan Allah. Those who enter the hellfire are not pure and need to enter there to be purified. Though there are sins that if someone dies on, then they cannot be purified by the fire – shirk, kufr, and nifaq (hypocrites). We ask Allah (swt) to not make us enter the hellfire and to purify us in this life. Ameen. And when they are purified from the hellfire, then they enter a pure land – paradise. Surah Al Waqiah 68-72: ن أ َ ۡم ِ ۡ¸( َءأ َنتُ ۡم أ َنزَ ۡلتُمُ وهُ ِم َن ٱملۡ ُز٦٨) ن َ َش َربُو ۡ )أَفَ َر َءيۡتُ ُم ٱملۡ َآ َء ٱ َّلذِى ت )ن َ َش ُكرُو ۡ جا فَ َلو َۡالت ً۬ َشآ ُء جَ َع ۡلنَـٰ ُه أ ُجَ ا َ ( َلوۡ نî٦٩¹) ن َ نَحۡ ُن ٱملۡ ُن ِزلُو شجَ َرتَہَآ أ َ ۡم َ َنشأۡتُ ۡم َ ( َءأ َنتُ ۡم أî٧١)َ( أَفَ َر َءيۡتُ ُم ٱلنَّا َر ٱ َّلتِى تُورُون°î٧٠ ((î٧٢²) ن َ َحۡ ُن ٱملۡ ُنشِ ؤوو (Then tell Me about the water that you drink. (68) Is it you who cause it from the rainclouds to come down, or are We the Causer of it to come down? (69) If We willed, We verily could make it salt (and undrinkable), why then do you not give thanks (to Allâh)? (70) Then tell Me about the fire which you kindle. (71) Is it you who made the tree thereof to grow, or are We the Grower? (72)). And we breathe air, and that is purification for us, subhan Allah. 6.He is the One Who gives innocence to the one who has been oppressed (الذي بريء املظلوم اذا ظلم )به: sometimes we can be wrongly accused, and you wonder how can I defend myself? Allah Al Baari’ will take you out of your problem and prove your innocence, subhanAllah. Just as Allah (swt) proved the innocence of Musa (as) when he was being accused by Banu Israel. Surah Al Ahzab 69:
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ُُوسىٰ فَبَ َّرأَه َ منُوا ْ َالتَكُونُوا ْ كَٱ َّلذِي َن ءَاذَ ۡوا ْ م َ )يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱ َّلذِي َن ءَا (ن عِن َد ٱهللَِّ وَجِ يہً۬ا َ ٱهللَُّ مِمَّ ا قَالُواْ ۚ َوكَا (O you who believe! Be not like those who annoyed Mûsa (Moses), but Allâh cleared him of that which they alleged, and he was honorable before Allâh) Anytime the messengers are accused, Allah (swt) will prove their innocence. We want to be innocent and free of crimes in the eyes of Allah (swt). Allah Al Baari’ will purify you – and the names of Allah Al Ghafoor – The All-Forgiving, At Tawab – The Acceptor of Repentance, Al ‘Afuw – The All-Pardoning – all fall under the name of Allah Al Baari’, subhan Allah. In order to feel you are a slave of Allah (swt), you need to know Him by His names and attributes. When you don't know Allah (swt) then you will be a slave to money, position, or a human being. When you know Allah (swt) it will give you freedom. Every names of Allah (swt) will give you freedom. You have 99 names, if you know all the 99 names of Allah (swt) as said in the hadith, the one who counted understood and applied it in his life will enter Paradise. People want freedom but there is no freedom except when you know Allah ()سبحان اهلل وتعالى. You have Al Akhaliq the one who initiates without example, Al Baree has two meaning. One is from creation that Allah (swt) create, and the other is his creation is free from any imperfection, innocent, pure. That's why the human being was created innocent, Allah (swt) created all the food Halal except if it was made an exception. Everything is pure and innocent and if anyone were to do a crime he should go back to the original state. This is how you see Allah (swt)’s creation is free from faults and mistakes. But people do mistakes and Allah (swt) appreciates them coming back and repenting for their mistakes.
When you deal with Allah (swt), you deal with attachment , that is Ibdatul Allaah. My heart is attached to Al Abaree. And the beautiful thing is that all the names of Allah (swt) give you an instinctive attachment. Allah (swt) is free from any faults, never misunderstands you, never forgets, never sleeps, and is never bored. As an impact of Al Baree, He (swt) is the only one can make us free from any faults. Sometimes people being oppressed or they don't have enough evidence. Supposed you are oppressed , instead of feeling pity about myself, Ism Allah (swt) Al Baree will defend you. Allah (swt) will make you innocent in front of the eyes of people. Only Allah (swt) will make you innocent in the eyes of the people as Allah (swt) is the one who changed the heart of people. Allah (swt) will delete from the mind of people the accusation , make the first things in your life Allah (swt). The relation with Allah (swt) you don't need to speak too much, Allah (swt) Knows even before you speak. Before even you make Dua or you cry to Allah (swt), He Knows what you are feeling. Allah (swt) Al Baari' purifies mankind from the sins. For example, someone might be jealous of another because of their blessing. The Prophet () said that jealousy burns the good deeds. How does a person know if they have jealousy? There is a burning feeling inside the heart. The believer can feel jealous but he will suppress it, he will have taqwa. The feeling is inside the heart but it's not showing. Ask Allah Al Baari' to remove it from your heart. A person might be sick and there are traces left of the sickness, ask Allah Al Baari' to remove it completely.
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7. You free Allah (swt) from every ()يبرأ اهلل من كل: it is two part: when you know who is Al Baari’, you need to ask Al Baari’ – this is worship, your actions, this is ()ال اله اال اهلل. For example, when you know Allah is Ar Razaq, then your action is to ask Him for rizq. You need to free Allah (swt) from every:
(swt) brought the religion with Prophet Muhammad()ﷺ. You can't go above. Purify from the Bidaah. Prophet Muhammad( )ﷺis inspiration from Allah (swt), we can't do things as we are not inspired. Free Allah (swt) from any sins ( معصية تؤثر في محبة اهلل ) و قربهdon't make sins and if you do fall then repent
Doubts ( ) شبهة تخالف خبرة: Sometimes there is Shubuhaat (doubts ) Dajjal is son of Adam(as) not alien, he has one eye, people will come and tell you Dajjal is there. You need to first free Allah (swt) from any doubts contrary to the news of Allah. You need to defend and give victory to Allah ()سبحان اهلل وتعالى though He doesn't need it. You believe Allah (swt) and what He said. And Allah (swt) will appreciate your actions. For example, there are those who accuse Allah (swt) as getting tired or having a son, but you need to free Allah (swt) from all doubt. Free Allah (swt) from any desires which going contrary to the command of Allah (swt) ( وشهوة تخالف أمره ) desires are contrary to the command. What makes people disobey the command? It's the desire. But there should be discipline. All the commands Allah (swt) sent down to us are good for us. Free Prophet Muhammad( )ﷺfrom (و بدعة تخالف سنة ) نبيهfrom any innovation. you can't be pious and do more than Prophet Muhammad()ﷺ. You can't innovate in the religion. Bidah is more dangerous than sins You think you are doing all good but no. Allah
That's why Allah (swt) said to Adam(as) do not come close to the sins, sins affect the love of Allah (swt) and the closeness of Allah (swt). Who do you want to love you and be close to you? Make your goal Allah (swt) to love you and be close to you. When you do good deeds automatically Allah (swt) will love you and the sins make you far. You must increase in good deeds. Be careful of sins.
Narrated Abu Huraira RA: The Prophet (peace be upon him)said, "Avoid the seven great destructive sins." They (the people!) asked, "O Allah's Apostle! What are they?" He said, "To join partners in worship with Allah; to practice sorcery; to kill the life which Allah has forbidden except for a just cause (according to Islamic law); to eat up usury (Riba), to eat up the property of an orphan; to give one's back to the enemy and fleeing from the battle-field at the time of fighting and to accuse chaste women who never even think of anything touching chastity and are good believers." (Buk8
of mine and sleep in it, and no harm will befall you from them." Ibn Hajar said: Moosa ibn 'Uqbah narrated that Ibn Shihab said: So 'Ali lay down on the bed of the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) in order to distract the enemies from him (SAWS). All night, Quraysh were coming and going and discussing which of them would attack the occupant of the bed and tie him up. In the morning, when they saw ‘Ali (RA), they asked him where the Prophet was, and he (RA) said:" I don't know" The Quraysh then realized that the Prophet (SAWS) had fled.
In the past issues we read about 2 of the personalities from the family of Prophet (SAWS) - Fatimah (RA) and 'Ali (RA). In this issue we continue with some of the incidents pertaining to the life of 'Ali (RA). We remember 'Ali (RA) for his courage, his honesty, his generous and kind behavior towards others, and his unswerving devotion to Islam. When we picture 'Ali (RA), we remember him as a fearless warrior who was also known as the Lion of Allah. His bravery and his love for the Prophet (SAWS) can be seen in the incident when he was ready to sacrifice himself for the Prophet (SAWS). When the Quraysh chiefs failed to stop the Prophet (SAWS) from continuing his call to Islam and spreading the word of Allah, they all agreed to kill the Prophet (SAWS). However, Jibreel (AS) brought him (SAWS) news of this and conveyed the order of Allah (SWT) to migrate to Madina. The Prophet (SAWS) requested 'Ali (RA) to sleep in his bed, and to cover himself with his (SAWS)'s blanket. He (SAWS) said: “Sleep in my bed, wrap yourself in this green cloak
What 'Ali (RA) did on the night of the hijrah of the Prophet (SAWS) - spending that night in the bed of the Messenger (SAWS) - is to be regarded as a great sacrifice because it was highly possible that the swords of the Quraysh could have fallen upon the head of 'Ali (RA). This shows his extreme trust in Allah (SWT) and the Prophet (SAWS) that no harm would befall him. It also proves his extreme love for the Prophet (SAWS). 'Ali (RA) was one of the Prophet (SAWS)'s beloved to whom he (SAWS) married his most precious daughter Fatimah (RA). 'Ali (RA) married Fatimah (RA) after the migration to Madina from Makkah, after the Battle of Badr in 2 AH. The sweet story of how they got married is one that is not well known. When proposals for Fatimah (RA) were going around, a freed slave woman of Ali (RA) told him about it and suggested that he ask the Prophet (SAWS) for Fatimah (RA)'s hand in marriage. Ali (RA) was hesitant as he had nothing to offer with which to get married. She kept encouraging him and told him that if he were to ask the Prophet (SAWS) , she was sure he (SAWS) wouldn't refuse. Ali (RA) recounts this incident: I entered upon the Prophet (SAWS) and sat before him. I could not speak, out of awe and respect for him. The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: 'What brings you here? Do you need something?' I remained silent, then he (SAWS) said: 'Perhaps you have come to propose to Fatimah?' I 9
said: 'Yes.' He (SAWS) said: 'Do you have anything to give as a mahr?' I said: 'No, by Allah, O Messenger of Allah.' He (SAWS) said: 'What did you do with the shield I gave you? By the One in Whose hand is my soul, it is worth four hundred dirhams.' I said: 'I have it.' He (SAWS) said: 'I give her to you in marriage; send it to her and that will be her dowry.' So a shield worth four hundred dirhams became the mahr of Fatimah (RA), the daughter of the Messenger of Allah (SAWS)." It is said that 'Ali sold the shield to 'Uthman ibn 'Affan (RA) and when he was about to go back to the Prophet (SAWS) with the money that he now got, 'Uthman (RA) stopped him and returned his shield, offering it as a marriage gift to 'Ali and Fatimah (May Allah be pleased with them both). The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) gave Fatimah (RA) a trousseau of a velvet garment, a waterskin and a pillow of leather stuffed with grass. Asma Bint 'Umays said: "I was at the wedding of Fatimah, the daughter of the Messenger of Allah (SAWS). The Prophet (SAWS) came to the door and said: 'O Umm Ayman, call my brother (meaning 'Ali) for me.' She said: 'He is your brother and you gave him your daughter in marriage?' He (SAWS) said: 'Yes, O Umm Ayman.' She said: 'Ali came and the Prophet (SAWS) sprinkled water on him and prayed for him. Then he (SAWS) said: ' Call Fatimah for me.' Asma Bint Umays said: She came stumbling because of shyness, and the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said to her: 'Calm down; I have given you in marriage to the dearest of my household to me.' The Prophet (SAWS) also sprinkled water on her and prayed for her. It was narrated that Buraydah said: When 'Ali proposed to Fatimah, the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: 'There has to be a feast for the wedding." Sa'd said: I will provide a ram. Several of the An-
sars collected a number of measures of barley for him. When the wedding night came, the Prophet (SAWS) said: O 'Ali, do not do anything until you meet me. The Prophet (SAWS) called for water and performed wudoo' with it, then he poured it on 'Ali and said: "0 Allah, bless them and bestow blessings upon them and bless their offspring." 'Ali and Fatimah (RA) had 4 children - Hassan, Husayn, Umm Kulthoom and Zaynab. They (RA) lived a very simple, harsh life; one without any comforts or luxuries of life. They (RA) lived on basic food like milk, barley bread and some vegetable, although there were times when they had to go without food for days. They had no servants or slaves. 'Ali (RA) drew and carried water and Fatimah (RA) would grind the corn until her hands were rough and sore. Once when they asked the Prophet (SAWS) for a slave, he (SAWS) refused them by saying that he (SAWS) could not give them such luxuries when hungry poor people filled the mosque. That evening Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) visited 'Ali and Fatimah (RA) in their home. He (SAWS) sat on the edge of their bed and told them to say 'SubhanAllah' 33 times, Alhamdulillah, 33 times and 'Allah Akbar' 34 times. He (SAWS) assured them that remembering Allah (SWT) would be more beneficial for them than a servant or slave to ease their workload. 'Ali (RA) said that he (RA) never forgot the words of advice given to him that night, and that not a night passed when he did not recite those words before sleeping. 'Ali(RA) did not marry another woman while Fatimah (RA) was alive. After Fatimah (RA)'s death, Ali married other wives and fathered many children. In total, the number of children that 'Ali (RA) had was fourteen sons and nineteen daughters. (Some said seventeen daughters.) His descendants came in only five of his sons: at-Hasan, al-Husayn, 10
Biography of Prophet Mohammad ( ) صلى اهلل عليه وسلم A Quiz to refresh your memory 1. Who was Ammar (May Allah be pleased with him)? 2. How did Summaya (May Allah be pleased) die? 3. Who was Zaid Ibn Haritha (May Allah be pleased with him)? 4. Who purchased him (Zaid Ibn Haritha)? 5. What did Khadijah do with Zaid Bin Haritha? 6. Did Zaid Bin Haritha want to go to his parents? 7. To whom was Zaid Bin Haritha married? Muhammad ibn al Hanafiyyah, al-'Abbas ibn alKilabiyyah and 'Umar ibn at Taghllabiyyah When the Prophet (SAWS) died, 'Ali (RA) was one of those who had the honor of washing and burying the Prophet (SAWS). 'Ali (RA) said: "I washed the Messenger of Allah ( SAWS), and I checked to see what is usually seen in one who is deceased, but I did not see anything; he looked good in life and in death." The news of the death of the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) was very hard on the Companions of the Prophet (SAWS) and also on the family of the Prophet (SAWS) but they bore this calamity with strong faith, acceptance of the decree of Allah (SWT) and submission to His (SWT)‘s command. ..to be continued
8. Who was Ja'far? 9. Where did he (Ja'far) emigrate? 10. Who was Ali (May Allah be pleased with him)? 11. When did Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) accept Islam? 12. What was he (Ali) (May Allah be pleased with him) called for his bravery? 13. Whom did Ali first marry? 14. How many sons did Ali have from her? 15. When did Saa'd bn Abi Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) become a Muslim? Answers on page 13
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SAYED AL KHATEER
#8 Thought ()الخاطرة: Sweetness of obedience and misfortune of disobedience ()حالوة الطاعة و شؤم املعصية ()كل شيء خلق اهلل تعالى في الدنيا فهو أنموذج ما في اآلخرة Everything that Allah (swt) has created in the duniya – dresses, fruits, plants, etc – is just a sample of what it will be in the akhira. For example, the dresses and jewelry of the duniya are just a sample of the dresses and jewelry in paradise. And vice versa, the pain in this duniya, is just a sample of the real pain in the hellfire, may Allah (swt) protect us. Ameen. ()و كل شيء يجري في الدنيا فيها أنموذج ما يجري في اآلخرة Everything going on in the duniya is just a sample of what it will be in the akhira. For example, getting married, meeting others, etc – all of this is just a sample of what real marriage, real gatherings will be in paradise. We are not in the duniya to gather these ‘samples’, but rather to worship Allah (swt) and do good deeds and abstain from sins in preparation for the real life.
(")فأما مي يجري في الدنيا Whatever happens in the duniya, meaning any good in the duniya will be in the akhira and any bad in the duniya will also be in the akhira.
")فكل ظالم معاقب في العاجل على ظلمه قبل اآلجل
And vice versa, anyone doing good will get a sample of reward in the duniya before the akhira, SubhanAllah
Surah An Nisa’a 123 (part of an ayah): (ۡمَن يَعۡمَ ل )س ٓوءً۬ا يُجۡ زَ ِبهِۦ ُ (whosoever works evil, will have the recompense thereof) (")ربما رأى العاصي سالمة بدنه و ماله فظن انها عقوبة
A sinner might find that his health is fine, his wealth is intact, his life is fine – so he thinks he’s not being punished since he seems ‘fine’, but he has deceived himself, subhan Allah. Do not think that punishment in the duniya means affliction in health and wealth alone. There are others samples of punishment in the duniya.
(▪")قال بعض الحكماء Some wise scholars said: ()املعصية بعد املعصية عقاب املعصية The punishment for a sin is committing another sin – so it opens the door to more sins, like a train of sins. May Allah (swt) protect us. Ameen. This is a sample of a punishment in the duniya. ()و الحسنة بعد الحسنة ثواب الحسنة And the reward for a good deed is performing another good deed, so it opens the door to more good deeds. This is a sample of a reward in the duniya. May Allah (swt) open all good for us. آمني.
Anyone who is sinning, then he will get a sample of punishment in the duniya before the akhira. 12
(")وربما كان عقاب العاجل معنويا And sometimes the punishment is not something tangible. ()فرب شخص أطلق بصره فحرمه اهلل البصيرة For example, a person might be looking at what is haram or not lowering his gaze – so the punishment is not something tangible like losing his eyesight, but the punishment could be something intangible which is to remove his insight. And insight is the ‘eyes’ in the heart, this is what gives you wisdom, so this becomes closed for him, subhanAllah. Whereas someone might be lowering his gaze and protecting his eyes from haram, so Allah (swt) will give him insight, He (swt) will open the ‘eyes’ in his heart as a reward for having protected his eyes, subhanAllah. ()أو أطلق فحرمه اهلل صفاء قلبه Another example, a person might not be controlling his tongue – saying bad things, talking about people, backbiting, etc – so his punishment is not that his tongue will fall out or he will stop speaking. Rather, his worldly punishment will be to be deprived from a pure heart. He is talking about bad things, so that fills his heart instead, subhan Allah. So when a person commits a sin, the punishment could be opening the door to another sin or something intangible like being deprived of insight, wisdom or a pure heart. May Allah (swt) forgive us. Ameen. (")و على الضد من يتقي يجد حسن الجزاء عاجال And on the contrary, whoever has taqwa of Allah (swt), then he will find a reward for it in the duniya. For example, he will find that Allah (swt) will grant him insight, wisdom, open the knots in his tongue to say good things and speak well, purity of heart, Allah (swt) will make his affairs easy and take him out from his problems.
Biography of Prophet Mohammad
( ) صلى اهلل عليه وسلم
A Quiz to refresh your memory 1.He was Yaser and Sumayyah's only son. 2.Abu Jahl murderded her with a bayonet. 3.He was a slave. 4.Khadijah's nephew Hakim Ibn Hizam purchased him and presented him to her. 5.She presented him to the Prophet who set him free. 6.No, he preferred to live with the Prophet (p.b.u.h.). 7.To Umma Aiman (May Allah be pleased with her). 8.He was the elder brother of Ali Ibn Talib (May Allah be pleased with him). 9.To Abyssinia. 10.He was the son of Abu Talib and cousin of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.). 11.When he was 19. 12.The "Lion of Allah". 13.He first married the Prophet's (p.b.u.h.) daughter Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her). 14.Two sons: Hasan and Husain (May Allah be pleased with them). 15.When he was 19.
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سورة املاعون Quran Outline 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.
What do they do? ! It is he who pushes away (ﻙك ﭐٱ ﱠﻟﺫذِﻯى َﻳﯾﺩدُﻉعﱠ َ ِ)ﻓَﺫذَ ٲﻟ o !
And does not urge upon ()ﻭو َﻻ َﻳﯾﺣُﺽضﱡ ﻋَ ﻠ َٰﻰ َ o
#107 Surah AlMa’un – The Small Kindnesses ( ﺳﻮﺭرﺓة )ﺍاﻟﻤﺎﻋﻮﻥن ض ُّ ُ( و ََال يَح٢) ع ٱ ۡليَتِي َم ُّ ( فَذَٲل َِك ٱ َّلذِى يَ ُد١) ِأ َ َر َءيۡتَ ٱ َّلذِى يُ َكذِّبُ بِٱلدِّين
Have you seen him who denies the Recompense? (1) That is he who repulses the orphan (harshly),(2) And urges not on the feeding of AlMiskîn (the poor) (3) So woe unto those performers of Salât (prayers) (hypo-‐ crites), (4) Those who delay their Salât (prayer from their stated fixed Pmes), (5) Those who do good deeds only to be seen (of men), (6) And prevent Al-‐Mâ'ûn (small kindnesses like salt, sugar, water). (7)
This surah was revealed when Abu Sufyan ibn Harb was in the habit of slaughtering two camels every week. On one occasion, an orphan came to him asking him for something. Abu Sufyan responded by hiWng him with a sPck. And so Allah, exalted is He, revealed this surah.
Feeding the needy ()ﻁطَ ﻌَ ﺎﻡمِ ﭐٱﻟۡ ﻣ ِۡﺳﻛِﻳﯾ ِﻥن
Woe to whom? ! Woe to such performers of prayer (َﻝل ﻟﱢﻠۡ ﻣُﺻَ ﻠﱢﻳﯾﻥن ٌ۟۬ ۡ )ﻓ ََﻭوﻳﯾ o
Who are of their prayers (ۡ)ﭐٱ ﱠﻟﺫذِﻳﯾﻥنَ ﻫﮬﮪھُﻡمۡ ﻋَ ﻥن ﺻَ َﻼ ِﺗﮩِﻡم !
ص َال ِتہِ ۡم َ ( ٱ َّلذِي َن ُه ۡم عَن٤) ني َ ص ِّل َ ُ( فَ َويۡ ٌ۬ل ِّللۡم٣) ِِس ِكني ۡ َۡع َلىٰ طَعَام ِ ٱمل (٧) ( َويَمۡ نَعُو َن ٱملۡ َاعُو َن٦) ( ٱ َّلذِي َن ُه ۡم يُرَآءُو َن٥) َ اهُو َن
The orphan ()ﭐٱﻟۡ َﻳﯾﺗِﻳﯾ َﻡم
Forge\ul (careless) (َ)ﺳَ ﺎﻫﮬﮪھُﻭوﻥن
o
Those who do good deeds to be seen by oth-‐ ers (َ)ﭐٱ ﱠﻟﺫذِﻳﯾﻥنَ ﻫﮬﮪھُﻡمۡ ﻳﯾُﺭرَ ﺁآءُﻭوﻥن
o
And withhold (َ )ﻭوﻳﯾَﻣۡ َﻧﻌُﻭوﻥن َ !
The small kindnesses (necessiPes) (َ)ﭐٱﻟۡ ﻣَﺎﻋُﻭوﻥن
Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari RA reported: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Read the Qur'an regularly. By the One in Whose Hand Muhammad's soul is, it escapes from memory faster than a camel does from its tying ropes." (Bukhari and Muslim)
Allah (SWT) Addressing those who deny the hereaYer ! Have you seen him who denies (ُ)ﺃأَ َﺭرءَﻳﯾۡ ﺖَ ﭐٱﻟﱠﺬِﻯى ﻳﯾُ َﻜﺬﱢﺏب o
The Recompense (ِ)ﺑِﭑﻟﺪﱢﻳﯾﻦ
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My Journey into Surah Maryam, Part 2 Bismil Allah, Ar Rahman Ar Rahim Here we go, part 2 of my learning from the tafsir of Surah Maryam delivered by a dear teacher during the last 10 days of Ramadan. In the last issue, we mentioned the duaa of Zakariya AS for a child at the time that he and his wife were “logically” outside the parenthood age, however we saw that even though the biological clock was against his wife having a child, when Allah سبحانه و تعالىintends a thing, He just says be and it is. Subhanal Allah, this should expand your heart. Now, we know that his duaa was granted immediately and now look at this! Allah سبحانه و تعالىis telling him the good news and at
for 3 nights. However, even then he did not leave his dawah responsibility as he came out of his place of worship and told the people by signs that they should glorify Allah سبحانه و تعالىmorning and evening. This is a beautiful reminder for us of the importance of the morning and evening supplications. These are like a fortress for us, subhanal Allah. After the five daily prayers, which are an amazing means to run towards success as promised by Allah سبحانه و تعالىin the call to the prayer (Haye alas Salah, Haye alal Falah); in the morning and evening supplications, we find the protection that we need. Subhanal Allah, when you recite the morning and evening duaa, beidhnil Allah, with the permission of Allah سبحانه و تعالى, you are protected. But make sure, you recite with faith and you do not rely in your utterance of duaa, but you rely on the One, who told you to recite those supplications through the Prophet Muhammad SAW.
that time, he is amazed, shocked! He wants a sign and Allah سبحانه و تعالىgives him a
Now, let’s go back to the son of Zakariya AS that Allah سبحانه و تعالىwas going to bestow
sign that he should not speak to the people
to him, in his old age. 15
As He wanted this son to continue the work of dawah that the family of Yaqoub AS had started, in ayah 6, he makes it clear his intention as He asks Allah سبحانه و تعالىto make this child pleasing to Allah سبحانه و تعالى. Subhanal Allah And now see how Allah SWT responds him: •!
Allah سبحانه و تعالىgrants him a boy
and names him Yahyia AS, a unique name not assigned to anyone before him (ayah 7). •!
Allah سبحانه و تعالىgave him judgement
while yet a boy (ayah 12). •!
Allah سبحانه و تعالىmade him affection-
ate and pure, and he had taqwa, i.e. he was obedient to Allah ’سبحانه و تعالىs commands and hence he avoided disobedience to Allah سبحانه و تعالى. (ayah 13) •!
Mercy upon us and will give us the Judgement, the good character and Peace. Ameen ya Rabb al alameen In shaa Allah to be continued. الحمدهلل رب العاملني والصالة والسالم على أشرف املرسلني
Allah سبحانه و تعالىtells/inspires Yahiya
AS to take the Qur’an with determination. Allah ( سبحانه و تعالىayah 12). •!
In shaa Allah, let’s try to emulate him with the hope that Allah سبحانه و تعالىwill shower His
Allah سبحانه و تعالىmade him dutiful to
his parents, and he was not disobedient or arrogant to his parents or to Allah سبحانه و
Salman RA reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "If a man takes bath on Friday, (or) purifies himself as much as he can with Wudu', oils his hair, applies whatever perfume available in his house, sets forth for the mosque, does not separate two people (to make a seat for himself), performs Salat what is prescribed for him, remains silent when the Imam speaks, his (minor) sins between that Friday and the following Friday will be forgiven." (Bukhari)
( تعالىayah 14) •! And if you have all these characteristics, then what are you going to get? Salam, Peace from Allah سبحانه و تعالىon the day he was born, and the day he dies and the day he is raised alive (ayah 15). Subhanal Allah, this was Allah سبحانه و ’تعالىs beautiful mention of Yahiya AS.
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سورة يوسف
Surah Yusuf # 20-‐22 هدِي َ ن ِ الزَّا ِم َن فِي ِه َوكَانُوا م ْعدُو َد ٍة َ ه َم ِ ْس َدرَا ٍ بَخ ن ٍ َ ِبث َم َُش َر ْوه َ و And they sold him for a reduced price -‐ a few dirhams -‐ and they were, concerning him, of those content with liFle 12:20 م ْعدُو َد ة َ ه َم ِ َدرَا خس ْ َ ب ن ٍ َ ِبث َم َُش َر ْوه َ و They bought him for a low price, a few coins هدِي َ ن ِ الزَّا ِم َن فِي ِه َوكَانُوا And they were content with liFle The brothers were not interested in making money by sell-‐ ing Yusuf السالم عليه at a high price, all they were inter-‐ ested in was to get him out of their lives. So aYer the brother threw Yusuf السالم عليه into the well, the people from the caravan picked him out and sold him in Egypt for small price. Yusuf السالم عليه was now sold in slavery, hid-‐ den in the caravan, far from his beloved father. The broth-‐ ers were now relaxed, Yusuf السالم عليه was gone from their lives, forever...... أَن َٰسى َ ع ُمثْوَاه َ أ َ ْك ِر ِمي م َرأ َ ِت ِه ْ ِ ال ِّص َر ْ م ِمن ُ اشتَرَاه ْ ا َّل ِذي َال َ َوق ْض ِ األَر ْ ِفي ف َ ُوس ُ لِي م َّكنَّا َ ك َ ِ َو َكذَٰل ۚ َو َلدًا ُ نَتَّخِ ذَه أ َ ْو يَنفَ َعنَا أ َ ْكث َ َر َو ٰلَ ِك َّن م ِر ِه ْ َ أ ٰع َلى َ ِب ٌ غَال َُّ وَاهلل ۚ ِ األ َحَ ادِيث ْ تَأْوِي ِل ِمن َولِنُ َعلِّمَ ُه ن َ يَ ْعلَمُ و ال َ َّاس ِ الن And the one from Egypt who bought him said to his wife, "Make his residence comfortable. Perhaps he will benefit us, or we will adopt him as a son." And thus, We established Yusuf in the land that We might teach him the interpretaRon of events. And Allah is predominant over His affair, but most of the people do not know. 12:21 The Caravan handlers sold Yusuf السالم عليه in Egypt at a low price to the Slave Merchants in Egypt. Then Yusuf عليه السالم was bought by the Minister مصر عزيز ِّص َ ر ْ م ِمن ُ اشتَرَاه ْ ا َّل ِذي َال َ َوق And the one from Egypt who bought him said
The minister, whose Ptle was Aziz, was rich, and married. He did not have any children, because he suffered from a deficiency; he did not have the normal desires of men for women. His wife was young and beauPful. م َرأ َ ِت ِ ه ْ ِال to his wife The Arabic language is rich and complex. The wife who bears children is called زوجة, and the one who cannot is called إمرأة. The Aziz did not have a married relaPon with his wife, she was only there to save his face. ُمثْوَا ه َ أ َ ْك ِر ِمي honour him by making his living place comfortable and respectable This shows Allah الجبّار, the All Mighty, the Omnipotent. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. The Aziz wanted to give Yusuf السالم عليه a respec\ul posiPon in his household. He had two reasons for this : يَنفَ َعنَا أَن َٰسى َ ع Maybe he will benefit us َو َل ًدا ُ نَتَّخِ ذَه أ َ ْو Or we might take him as a son The Aziz reasoned that Yusuf السالم عليه might benefit them in some way, he had unusual beauty; or they might adopt him. He wanted his wife to take care of the boy, so he presented different scenarios to convince her. They did not adopt Yusuf السالم عليه aYer all, but he be-‐ came an honoured slave in the household of the Aziz. The circumstances of the life of Yusuf السالم عليه changed again. 17
ْض ِ األَر ْ ِفي ُوسف ُ لِي م َّكنَّا َ ك َ َِو َكذَٰل And thus We established Yusuf in the land The family of Ya'qub السالم عليه were bedouins, living in the desert; this incident was the beginning of the establish-‐ ment of Yusuf السالم عليه in Egypt. The Ptle of Ya'qub عليه السالم was Israeel, he had 12 sons. There were 12 tribes of إسرائيل بني, the sons of Israeel, in other words, the Jews. They all sefled in Egypt because of Yusuf السالم عليه. Everything that happens is decreed by Allah تعالى و سبحانه, nothing is a coincidence, and everything is based on the perfect wisdom of Allah تعالى و صبحانه. Even those things that seem bad to you actually have good hidden in them. You have to go through trials to achieve success. The key to success is reliance in Allah تعالى و صبحانه, and trust in Him. Without Allah تعالى و سبحانه, even an easy life is diffi-‐ cult. Whatever your circumstances, remember there is good in them for you. If you are paPent during a difficult decree, it is a worship. األ َحَ ادِي ث ْ تَأْوِي ِل ِمن َولِنُ َعلِّمَ ُه That We may teach him the interpretaRon of events Allah taught Yusuf السالم عليه interpretaPon of dreams which were clear and complete, which have symbols. This giY was bestowed upon Ya'qub السالم عليه and the Prophet Mohammad سلم و عليه اهلل صلى too. Yusuf السالم عليه was also given the giY of interprePng con-‐ versaPons of people, and to deal with them in the light of this knowledge. During this Pme of ease in the household of the Aziz of Egypt, Yusuf السالم عليه acquired knowledge from Allah تعالى و سبحانه . This was the beginning of his training to achieve a high status, as the keeper of the treasury of Egypt. م ِره ْ َ أ ٰع َلى َ ِب ٌ غَال َُّوَاهلل And Allah is Predominant upon His affairs Allah تعالى و سبحانه overturned the plot of the brothers. No one can overpower the command of Allah و سبحانه تعالى. يَ ْعلَمُ ون ال َ َّاس ِ الن أ َ ْكث َ َر َو ٰلَ ِك َّن But most people do not realize it
People are busy acquiring the worldly knowledge, and don't learn about Allah تعالى و سبحانه. Humans are insignifi-‐ cant compared to the universe, the loYy mountains, the sun which prostrates to Allah تعالى و سبحانه. This Pny crea-‐ Pon -‐ the human being complains and rejects the decree of Allah تعالى و سبحانه, and Allah تعالى و سبحانه sPll deals with us with forbearance. ني َ املْ ُحْ سِ ِن نَجْ ِزي ك َ ِ َو َكذَٰل ۚ َو ِعلْمً ا حُ كْمً ا ُ آتَيْنَاه َُش َّده ُ أ َ بَ َلغ وَملَ َّا And when Yusuf reached maturity, We gave him judge-‐ ment and knowledge. And thus We reward the doers of good. 12:22 َُش َّده ُ أ َ بَ َلغ وَملَ َّا And when Yusuf reached maturity he reached : َ بلغ This word implies a slow process, as if a cup is slowly filled to the rim. maturity ( السالم عليه Yusuf) his : اش ّده ُ Yusuf السالم عليه was a small boy when he entered the house of the Aziz. The years passed unPl he became ma-‐ ture, physically and mentally. He was now ready to receive the message of Allah تعالى و سبحانه, and take on the re-‐ sponsibility of the prophethood. ُآتَيْنَاه We gave him Verb : آتى : to grant, bestow This is used to show a special provision; in this case, the prophethood Allah uses the pronoun [ ]نا for Himself, as an honour and exaltaPon. حُ كْمً ا judgment Verb : حَ َك َم : to judge : refers to حُ كْمة -‐ accurate judgement : الصحيحة رؤية -‐ wisdom : حِ كمة -‐ intellect : عقل َو ِعلْمً ا And knowledge and : و knowledge : علمً ا 18
The علم or knowledge is about : -‐ Allah : باهلل -‐ His commands : أمر ِه -‐ everyday life : بالحياة Yusuf السالم عليه was now a messenger. The older Yusuf السالم عليه became, the more beauPful he was. Prophet Mohammad سلم و عليه اهلل صلى said Yusuf السالم عليه had الجمال شطر, parts of all kinds of beauty. ن ِ الحُ س شط َر َ يوسف ُ َطي ِ أ ُع صحيح : املصدر -‐ األلباني: املحدث مالك بن أنس الراوي 1062 : الرقم أو الصفحة -‐ لجامع صحيح : املحدث حكم خالصة Yusuf was given parts of different kinds of beauty. Allah stressed الحُ كمة and العلمة, a special provision from Allah, which needed to be established on earth. املْ ُحْ سِ ِنني نَجْ ِزي ك َ َِو َكذَٰل And thus We recompense the doers of good Allah تعالى و سبحانه is pleased when you try to accom-‐ plish your duPes with the best of your ability. He recom-‐ penses the محسنني. The Messenger of Allah سلم و عليه اهلل صلى said : . َاك َ يَر فَ ِإنَّ ُه ُ تَرَاه تَ ُك ْن َل ْم ن ْ فَ ِإ ،ُ تَرَاه ك َ َّ َكأَن ََّ اهلل تَ ْعبُ َد ن ْ َ أ ن ُ سا َ ْاإلِح ٤٨٢٤ # حديث ، ٦٥ # كتاب ، البخاري صحيح Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see him! and if you do not achieve this, (take it for granted) that Allah sees you. (Part of a longer hadith) He سلم و عليه اهلل صلى also said : فَأ َحْ سِ نُوا َقتَ ْلتُ ْم فَ ِإذَا ، شيْ ٍء َ ك ُِّل ع َلى َ ن َ سا َ ْ اإلِح ْ َب َ َكت ََّ اهلل ن َّ إ ، شفْ َرتَ ُه َ أ َحَ ُد ُك ْم َو ْليُحِ َّد ، الذِّبْحَ َة فَأ َحْ سِ نُوا ذَبَحْ تُ ْم َو إِذَا ،ا ْل ِقتْ َل َة " ذَبِيحَ تَ ُه َْ ْليُ ِرح ١٩٥٥ # حديث ، مسلم واه Verily Allah has prescribed ihsaan in all things. So if you kill then kill well, and if you slaughter , slaughter well, and let each one of you sharpen his blade and let him spare suffering to the animal he slaughters.
Yusuf السالم عليه was a محسن. This verse is glad Pdings for Yusuf السالم عليه and Prophet Mohammad اهلل صلى سلم و عليه. The process of إحسان is a chain of events; the محسن deserves to have knowledge and wisdom. Allah تعالى و سبحانه could have established Yusuf عليه السالم in Egypt without any means. But Yusuf السالم عليه had to pass through many trials to develop إحسان. Every-‐ thing in life is through means, although Allah و سبحانه تعالى is able to do everything by saying [[كن, be. The wife of the Aziz was with him every day. She saw Yusuf السالم عليه growing up and become more and more irresisPble. The Messenger of Allah سلم و عليه اهلل صلى said : ن ُ الشيْطَا َّ ث َالِثَهُمَ ا ن َ كَا َّ إِال م َرأ َ ٍة ْ بِا رَجُ ٌل ن َّ َخ ُلو ْ َ ي َ ال َأَال ٢٣١٨ # حديث ، ٣٣ # كتاب ، الترمذي جامع Behold! A man is not alone with a woman but the third of them is the shaitan. (Part of a longer hadith) Yusuf السالم عليه was a servant and a young boy, but the wife of the Aziz sPll found him afracPve. She seems to be a very strong-‐minded lady, and Yusuf السالم عليه was by force obedient. The years of associaPon with him re-‐ sulted in this afracPon growing unPl it became uncon-‐ trollable.
19
The Golden Days The golden days are the first ten days of the lunar month of Dhul Hijjah. ؟ األيام هذه في أعتقد ماذا what should we believe regarding these days? بها اهلل أقسم Allah تعالى و سبحانه swore by these ten days. وَا ْلفَجْ ِ ر By the dawn َش ٍ ر ْ ع َال ٍ َ َلي And [by] ten nights 89:1-‐2 فضلها و عظمتها على يدل this indicates the greatness and favors of these nights These nights are great because Allah تعالى و سبحانه swore by them. Only those who have hearts which are alive will be able to feel their blessings. These ten days are the most important days. اإليمان زيادة بأسباب علينا يَمُ ُّن املن ّان Allah تعالى و سبحانه is the One who bestows the favors. He تعالى و سبحانه favors us by giving us the means to increase faith in these ten days. Allah تعالى و سبحانه is Al-‐Mannan, the One who gives favors without you deserving them. These ten days are a special favor from Allah تعالى و سبحانه ; it is a special offer. Throughout the year, Allah و سبحانه تعالى has scafered different special days, so that the be-‐ liever doesn't get affected with monotony. The last ten nights of Ramadan are also important. It is eas-‐ ier to worship in Ramadan, because the shaitan is chained, and The gates of Hell are closed. In the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, you have to deal with the shaitan, yourself, and the people around you, so worship is more difficult, and the reward is also more. The Messenger of Allah سلم و عليه اهلل صلى said: There are no days in which righteous deeds are more be-‐ loved to Allah than those ten days. They said : O Messen-‐
."َِشر ْ ا ْلع ِ األَيَّام َه ِذ ِه ِم ْن َِّ اهلل إِ َلى ب ُّ َ أ َح فِي ِه َّن ُ الصالِح َّ ا ْلعَمَ ُل ٍ أَيَّام ِم ْن " َما اهلل صلى َِّ اهلل ول ُ َس ُ ر َال َ فَق َِّ اهلل سبِي ِل َ ِفي ا ْلجِهَا ُد َ َوال َِّ اهلل ول َ َس ُ ر يَا :فَقَالُوا فَ َل ْم َومَالِ ِه ِبنَفْسِ ِه خ َر َج َ رَجُ ٌل َّ إِال َِّ اهلل سبِي ِل َ ِفي ا ْلجِهَا ُد َ َوال " : وسلم عليه ٧٥٧ # حديث ، الترمذي جامع ."ٍِشيْء َ ب ذَل َِك ِم ْن ْجع ِ يَ ْر ger of Allah! Not even Jihad in Allah Cause? The Messenger of Allah سلم و عليه اهلل صلى said : Not even Jihad in Allah's Cause, unless a man were to out with his self and his wealth and not return from that with anything. Your faith increases by doing good deeds and increasing your belief in Allah تعالى و سبحانه . When Allah و سبحانه تعالى allows you to afend a study circle, makes you acquire a book, guides a friend to give you beneficial advice, lets you witness Ramadan and worship Him in it, all these are favors from Allah تعالى و سبحانه , to increase your faith. These ten days are special; you will not find any other Pme in which good deeds are so beloved to Allah تعالى و سبحانه . It doesn't mafer which good deed you do. The reward is the love of Allah تعالى و سبحانه , which is one of His afrib-‐ utes. You can focus on any worship at this Pme, whereas in Ramadan we focus on the Qur'aan alone. Allah و سبحانه تعالى is giving us this informaPon so that we take the opportunity. اهلل ذكر األعمال افضل the best worship is remembrance of Allah تعالى و سبحانه The Messenger of Allah سلم و عليه اهلل صلى said regarding the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah : There are no days that are greater before Allah or in which good deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days, so recite a great deal of tahleel, takbeer and tahmeed dur-‐ ing them. [Ahmad, 7/224] Abu Bakkar As Siddiq and Abu Hurairah عنهم اهلل رضي used to say the takbeer loudly in the marketplace. The Messenger of Allah سلم و عليه اهلل صلى said : إلقام ِة : الجما ِر ِ رمي و املرو ِة و الصفا ني َ ب و ، ِ بالبيت الطواف ُ جُ عل إنَّما ِ اهلل ذك ِر السيوط : املحدث املؤمنني أم عائشة :الراوي 2589 : الرقم أو الصفحة -‐ الصغير الجامع : املصدر صحيح : املحدث حكم خالصة 20
Going round the House (the Ka'bah), running between As Safa and Al Marwa, and the stoning of the pillars are not meant for anything else but to establish the remem-‐ brance of Allah. These acPons can only be done at the Ka'abah, but we can establish the remembrance of Allah تعالى و سبحانه wherever we are. There are five acPons we must do to establish the remem-‐ brance of Allah تعالى و سبحانه in our hearts : اهلل غَير ِمن َق َلب َِك خ ُلو ُ free your heart from anyone but Allah In these ten days, put a guard on your heart. Don't oc-‐ cupy yourself with thinking of anything else but Allah تعالى و سبحانه . Don't focus in any other thing in your life. Remember Allah تعالى و سبحانه knows your thoughts. And know that Allah knows what is within yourselves, so beware of Him. And know that Allah is Forgiving and For-‐ bearing. 2:235 َغفُو ٌر ََّ اهلل أ َ َّن وَا ْعلَمُ وا ۚ ُ فَاحْ ذَرُوه أ َنفُسِ ُك ْم ِفي َما يَ ْع َل ُم ََّ اهلل أ َ َّن وَا ْعلَمُ وا حَ لِي ٌم الدوا ء اهلل ذكر ، الداء العبد خواطير the thoughts of the person are like a disease, bringing in their wake sicknesses like jealousy and hatred in the heart. When the remembrance of Allah تعالى و سبحانه Is established in your heart, it is a cure. اهلل من القرب closeness to Allah The feelIng of being close to Allah تعالى و سبحانه is appreci-‐ ated by Him. When your heart is close to Allah و سبحانه تعالى , you will speak about Him automaPcally. And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concern-‐ ing Me -‐ indeed I am near. I respond to the invocaPon of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them re-‐ ۖ ِ َدعَان إِذَا ِ الدَّاع َ َد ْع َوة ِيب ُ أُج ۖ ٌ َقرِيب فَ ِإنِّي َعنِّي ي ِعبَا ِد سأَل ََك َ َو إِذَا ْشدُو َن ُ يَر َل َع َّل ُه ْم ِبي َو ْليُ ْؤ ِمن ُوا لِي َستَج ِيبُوا ْ فَ ْلي
You need to draw close to Allah تعالى و سبحانه , by submit-‐ Png and surrendering to Him. وَا ْقت َ ِر َاسجُ ْد ب ْ و and prostrate and draw near [to Allah] 96:19 العلم knowledge The more you learn, the closer you draw to Allah و سبحانه تعالى . Acquiring knowledge is in itself a remembrance of Allah تعالى و سبحانه . The Messenger of Allah سلم و عليه اهلل صلى said : دنيا وطالب ُ ، ٍ علم طالب ُ َعان ِ َشب ْ ي ال ُومان ِ َمنْه : املصدر -‐ األلباني : املحدث مالك بن أنس و عباس بن عبداهلل :الراوي 6624 : الرقم أو الصفحة -‐ الجامع حيح صحيح : املحدث حكم خالصة Two are never saPsfied, the seeker of knowledge, and the seeker of worldly delights. Both are busy in their worlds, never saPsfied with what they get, always wanPng more. The one who craves knowledge is busy devouring books, and the one who is greedy for dunya is busy collecPng and enjoying the at-‐ tracPons of dunya. التوبة repentance Sins are an obstacle to the remembrance of Allah و سبحانه تعالى . SomePmes you know the virtues of dhikr, but you forget; this is due to some sins. You must seek forgiveness from Allah تعالى و سبحانه all the Pme, returning to Him with tawbah. ا لقاء ذكر هلل remember the meePng with Allah َعظِي ٌ م شيْ ٌء َ السا َع ِة َّ زَ ْلزَ َل َة إِ َّن ۚ َربَّ ُك ْم اتَّقُوا َّاس ُ الن أَيُّ َها يَا O mankind, fear your Lord. Indeed, the convulsion of the [final] Hour is a terrible thing. 22:1 Remembering the Day of Judgement makes you remem-‐ ber Allah تعالى و سبحانه .
spond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided. 2:186 21
SOORAH MUTAFFIFIN-1 ُّ( َومَا يُ َكذِّبُ ِب ِهۦۤ إ َِّال كُل١١) ِٱ َّلذِي َن يُ َكذِّبُو َن ِبيَ ۡوم ِ ٱلدِّين
بسم اهلل الرحمن الرحيم Opinions are divided about this soorah being mecci or madani. An-nasia and Ibn Majah reported that when the Prophet (SAW) came to Al Madinah the people of the Al madina were the most terrible in giving the measures. These people used to give less while would receive as due. This soorah seriously warns and threatens the defrauders. Verses 1-6: There is woe(destruction) to mutaffiffin who cheat in measuring. They have forgotten that they will be res-
َّاس ِ ( ٱ َّلذِي َن إِذَا ٱ ۡكت َالُوا ْ َعلَى ٱلن١) ني َ َويۡ ٌ۬ل ِّللۡمُ طَفِّ ِف (٣) ( َو إِذَا كَالُو ُه ۡم أ َو َّوزَنُو ُه ۡم يُخۡسِ رُو َن٢) َست َ ۡوفُو َن ۡ ي (٥) ( لِيَ ۡوم ٍ َعظِي ٍ۬م٤) أ ََال يَظُ ُّن أ ُ ْو َلـٰٓٮٕ َِك أَنَّہُم َّمبۡعُوثُو َن (٦) ني َ َّاس لِرَبِّ ٱ ۡل َعـٰ َل ِم ُ يَ ۡو َم يَقُو ُم ٱلن urrected, that day when all mankind will stand before the Lord of all that exists. Verses 7-10:
( َومَآ أ َ ۡد َرٮ َٰك مَا٧) ٍني ۬ ِّك ََّآل إِ َّن ِكتَـٰبَ ٱ ۡلفُجَّ ا ِر َلفِى سِ ج (١٠) ني َ ( َويۡ ٌ۬ل يَ ۡو َمٮِٕ ٍ ۬ذ ِّللۡمُ َكذِّ ِب٩) ٌب َّم ۡرقُو ۬م ٌ۬ ٰ( ِكتَـ٨) ٌني ۬ ِّسِ ج The record of the wicked is written in the book Sijjiin. The Sijjiin is a register inscribed. There is a woe to the deniers. Verses 11-17:
( إِذَا تُت ۡ َلىٰ َع َليۡ ِه ءَايَـٰتُن َا قَالَ أ ََسـٰطِي ُر١٢) ٍ ُم ۡعت َ ٍد أَثِيم ْ ( ك ََّۖال بَ ۡۜل رَا َن َع َلىٰ ُقلُو ِبہِم مَّا كَانُوا١٣) ني َ ِٱأل َ َّول ۡ ) ( ك ََّآل إِنَّہُ ۡم عَن َّربِّہِ ۡم يَ ۡو َمٮِٕ ٍ ۬ذ ملَّ َحۡ جُ وبُو َن١٤) يَكۡسِ بُو َن ( ثُ َّم يُقَالُ َهـٰذَا١٦) ِ َصالُوا ْ ٱلۡجَ حِ يم َ ( ثُ َّم إِنَّہُ ۡم ل١٥ (١٧) ٱ َّلذِى كُنت ُم ِبهِۦ تُ َكذِّبُو َن Every transgressor, sinner denies the day of judgement. And when Allah (SWT)`s verses are recited to them, he says they are the myths of ancient. They have rusted their hearts because of their deeds. They will be debarred from their Lord and they will enter the fire. Verses 18 -28:
( َومَآ أ َ ۡد َرٮ َٰك مَا١٨) ني َ ِّٱألَبۡرَا ِر َلفِى ِع ِّلي ۡ َك ََّآل إِ َّن ِكتَـٰب ٢١) َشہَ ُدهُ ٱملۡ ُ َق َّربُو َن ۡ ( ي٢٠) ٌب َّم ۡرقُو ۬م ٌ۬ ٰ( ِكتَـ١٩) ِع ِّليُّو َن ) ٱألَرَآٮِٕكِ يَنظُرُو َن ۡ ( َعلَى٢٢) ٍ ٱألَبۡرَا َر َلفِى نَعِ يم ۡ ( إِ َّن ُس َق ۡو َن ۡ ( ي٢٤) ِ َض َرةَ ٱلن َّعِ يم ۡ ( تَ ۡعرِفُ فِى وُجُ و ِه ِه ۡم ن٢٣ ِس ۬ۚكٌ َوفِى ذل َِك ۡ ( خِ تَـٰمُ ُه ۥ م٢٥) ٍ خت ُوم ۡ مِن رَّحِ ي ۬ ٍق َّم ) ٍ َسنِيم ۡ ( َو ِمزَاجُ ُه ۥ مِن ت٢٦) ِسو َن ُ َسٱملۡ ُتَنَـٰف ِ فَ ۡليَتَن َاف (٢٨) َشرَبُ ِبہَا ٱملۡ ُ َق َّربُو َن ۡ ( َعيۡنً ۬ا ي٢٧ The records of righteous is preserved in Illiyiin. Illiyiin is a written record and witnessed by the ones to nearest to Allah(SWT). And they will be in bliss. Their thirst will be quenched with pure drink sealed. The seal is a musk and whose mixture is of tasneem, one of the springs of paradise. The one nearest to Allah(SWT) will drink from it.
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Verse 29 -36:
) َضحَ كُو َن ۡ إِ َّن ٱ َّلذِي َن أ َجۡ َرمُوا ْ كَانُوا ْ ِم َن ٱ َّلذِي َن ءَا َمن ُوا ْ ي ٰٓ( َو إِذَا ٱن َق َلبُ ٓوا ْ إِ َلى٣٠) ( َو إِذَا َمرُّوا ْ ِبہِ ۡم يَتَغَا َمزُو َن٢٩ ( َو إِذَا َرأ َ ۡو ُه ۡم قَا ُل ٓوا ْ إِ َّن َهـٰٓؤ َُآل ِء٣١) ني َ أ َ ۡهلِ ِه ُم ٱن َق َلبُوا ْ فَ ِك ِه ( فَٱ ۡليَ ۡو َم٣٣) ني َ ظ ِ ( َومَآ أُرۡسِ لُوا ْ َع َليۡہِ ۡم حَ ـٰ ِف٣٢) َضآلُّو َن َ ل
LEMONS It has been said of the Prophet (SAWS), that he liked to gaze upon a citrus fruit. He (SAWS) said, “The citrus fruit is like a true believer, with a good taste, and a good scent.” This is an accepted hadith, taken from Al Bukhari.
ِٱألَرَآٮِٕك ۡ ( َعلَى٣٤) َضحَ كُو َن ۡ ٱ َّلذِي َن ءَا َمن ُوا ْ ِم َن ٱ ۡل ُكفَّا ِر ي (٣٦) ( هَلۡ ثُوِّبَ ٱ ۡل ُكفَّا ُر مَا كَانُوا ْ يَفۡ َعلُو َن٣٥) يَنظُرُو َن Those who used to disbelieve would laugh at those who believe, and they winked at each other. When they to their followers they would rejoice, and they called the believers as ones who were in error, and on the Day of Judgement, believers will laugh at those who disbelieved. They will be on the thrones and they will be looking. The disbelievers are rewarded according to their deeds. Record of Wicked-‐
Record of righteous-‐
سجني
عليني
Destruc8on is for Defrauders.
In this world disbelievers will laugh at believers, but in herea4er believers will laugh at disbelievers.
Ibn 'Umar RA reported: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Make Witr prayer the last of your Salat at night." (Bukhari and Muslim)
The sour citrus is cold and dry. From it is made lemon juice which is good for hot stomachs. It also strengthens and gladdens the heart, stimulates the appetite, quenches the thirst, satisfies hunger, cures diarrhea arising from the gall bladder, and expels all bilious diarrhea and palpitations. It diminishes sorrow and the desolation of self. It removes ink stains from clothes and freckles from the face.
The white, pithy matter of the citrus fruit is cold and wet and difficult to digest. It is bad for the stomach, and eating it results in colic.
The seeds, peel, leaves and blossom are hot and dry. The seeds contain the property of an antidote. If two mithqals of them are ground up and put on the sting from a scorpion, this will be beneficial. If a few mithqals are drunk, they will help to counteract all kinds of poisons. The yellow peel is used to make citrus syrup. This is beneficial in cases of colic and stimulates the appetite. It also dissipates wind, although the leaves are stronger and more pleasant for this. The scent of citrus purifies pestilence and foul air.
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KEEPING A STRONG FAITH DURING TOUGH TIMES
During hardships and calamities it is natural to get swept away by the affliction of the moment. During such trials of faith, unless we are careful, shaytan can inject fear and plant doubts in our hearts and minds. Our belief in such vulnerable states may become overpowered by feelings of the moment resulting in the dwindling of our faith. Some of us start questioning the fairness and wisdom underlying such divine decisions while others get in a blame game. All in all, we may find ourselves lost, helpless and stalled, finding it difficult to gather ourselves and move forward.
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For such situations specifically and others in general, Islam teaches us to stay in control by hanging on to the Mercy and Grace of Allah (SWT). We pray that Allah (SWT) keeps us safe from the challenges and trials of life, but as Muslims we should know and understand Quran’s message and the Prophet (SAWS)’s guidance for handling tough moments in life. The following summarizes some of the key guidance related to this matter.
Do not feel helpless Even when all doors appear to have been closed, as true believers we should never let feelings of helplessness succumb us. Consider the following hadith of the prophet (SAWS) and ibn Al-Qayyim’s (may Allah have mercy on him) commentary on that hadith: It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, although both are good. Strive to do that which will benefit you and seek the help of Allah, and do not feel helpless. If anything befalls you, do not say ‘If only I had done (such and such), the such and such would have happened,’ rather say: ‘Allah has decreed and what He wills He does,’ for ‘if only’ opens the door to the work of the shaytaan.” Narrated by Muslim (2664). Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said: This hadith includes several important principles of faith, including the following: Then he said: “and do not feel helpless”, because feeling helpless is contrary to striving for that which will benefit him, and it is contrary to seeking the help of Allah (SWT). The one who strives for that which will benefit him and seeks the help of Allah (SWT) is the opposite of the one who feels helpless, so this is telling him, before
what has been decreed happens, of that which is one of the greatest means of attaining it, which is striving for it whilst seeking the help of the One in Whose hand is control of all things, from Whom they come and to Whom they will return. If he does not attain what was not decreed for him, then he may feel either of two things: helplessness, which opens the door to the work of the shaytaan, so his sense of helplessness leads him to say “if only”, but there is nothing good in saying “if only” in this case, rather that opens the door to blame, panic, discontentment, regret and grief, all of which are the work of the shaytaan, so the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) forbade us to open the door to his works in this manner, and told us to adopt the second option, which is looking at the divine decree and bearing it in mind, for if it was decreed for him it would never have missed him and no one could have prevented him from attaining it. Hence he said: “If anything befalls you, do not say ‘If only I had done (such and such), the such and such would have happened,’ rather say: ‘Allah has decreed and what He wills He does,’” and he taught him that which will benefit him in either case, whether he gets what he wanted or not. Hence this hadith is one which a person can never do without. [Source: Shifa’ al-‘Aleel (3738).] Revive Your Faith As mentioned in the hadith above, a strong faith can help us to hold our heads high. When faith seems to be dwindling, we should get back to Quran and remind ourselves that only Allah (SWT) can let us out of our ordeal and problems. You must, therefore, keep that faith and not let Shaytan instill thoughts that could weaken your faith. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: If Allah helps you, none can overcome you; and if He forsakes you, who is there after Him that can help you? And in Allah (Alone) let believers put their trust. (Quran, Surah Aal-e-Imran: 160) 25
22. No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfooz), before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allah. 23. In order that you may not grieve at the things that you fail to get, nor rejoice over that which has been given to you. And Allah likes not prideful boasters.
ۡض و ََال ِفىٓ أ َنفُسِ ُك ۡم إ َِّالفِى ِ ٱألَر ۡ ُّصيبَ ٍ۬ة فِى ِ َصابَ مِن م َ مَآ أ (٢٢) ٌعلَى ٱهللَِّ يَسِ ي ۬ر َ ك َ ِن ذَٲل َّ ِهآۚ إ َ َ ٰب مِّن َقبۡ ِل أ َن نَّبۡ َرأ ٍ۬ ڪِتَـ A strong faith can keep you focused on the fact that Allah (SWT) alone ultimately controls all destinies and has power over all things. Remembering that fact alone at the moment of affliction can help you in conquering the pain and provide you
خذُ ۡل ُك ۡم فَمَ ن ذَا ٱ َّلذِى ۡ ََنص ۡر ُك ُم ٱهللَُّ ف ََالغَالِبَ َل ُك ۡۖم َو إِن ي ُ إِن ي (١٦٠) ن َ علَى ٱهللَِّ فَ ۡليَتَوَ َّك ِل ٱملۡ ُؤۡ ِمنُو َ م ۢن بَ ۡع ِد ِهۦۗ َو ِّ َنص ُركُم ُ ي hope and the energy to keep moving forward. Believe in the Divine Decree When facing difficulties, our weak faith can sometimes drive us to question the fairness of it all. In this context, we should remind ourselves that believing in al-Qadr (Allah (SWT)’s divine will and decree) is one of the pillars of Islamic faith. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, it means belief in (1) Allah (SWT), (2) His (SWT)‘s Angels, (3) His (SWT)’s revealed Holy Books (Quran, Bible, Torah, Zabur), (4) His (SWT)’s Messengers, (4) Day of Judgment, and (5) to believe in alQadar (the divine decree) both good and bad. Allah (SWT) also says in the Quran:
– Quran [Surah Al-Hadid, Verses 22, 23] As part of that belief, we should, therefore, recognize that Allah (SWT) does what He (SWT) wills for reasons that are only known to Him (SWT). َُّع َلىٰ مَا فَاتَ ُك ۡم َو َال تَفۡرَحُ وا ْ بِمَ آ ءَاتَٮٰڪُ ۡۗم وَٱهلل َ ْ ۡسوۡا َ ِّل َكي َۡال تَأ (٢٣) َال فَخُو ٍر ٍ ۬ خت ۡ م ُ ََّاليُحِ بُّ كُل Any attempt to comprehend the wisdom of it all using our limited faculties, or to understand how our current situation fits in His (SWT)’s overall plan can only lead us to erroneous conclusions resulting in increased frustrations . We, as Muslims, should accept Allah (SWT)’s Decree both as it manifests itself around us and in our lives. It should be a relief to us that only Allah (SWT) is the master of our destiny and we are only going to be tested about whether we reacted to what befalls as true believers and Mo’mins, i.e. being patient in adversity and grateful in prosperity.
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Ask for Allah (SWT)’s Mercy and Grace for an Out from Tough Situations As believers we should recognize that only Allah (SWT)’s Grace and Mercy can deliver us from challenging situations. Allah (SWT) tells us in the Quran: “They after that you turned away. Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allah upon you, indeed you would have been among the losers. (Quran, Surah Al-Baqara: 64)” Another way to ask for Allah (SWT)’s Grace and
ع َليۡ ُك ۡم َ ََِّضل ُ ٱهلل ۡ م ۢن بَ ۡع ِد ذلك ۖ فَ َلو َۡال ف ِّ ث ُ َّم تَوَ َّليۡتُم (٦٤) خـٰسِ رِي َن َ م َن ٱ ۡل ِّ ۥ َلكُنتُم َُورَحۡ مَ تُه Mercy is by asking for His (SWT) forgiveness and seeking repentance. Allah (SWT) tells us in the Quran: And (commanding you): “Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance, that He may grant you good enjoyment, for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding Grace to every owner of grace (i.e. the one who helps and serves needy and deserving, physically and with his سنًا َ َمتَـٰعًا ح َّ غ ِفرُوا ْ َربَّ ُك ۡم ث ُ َّم تُوبُوٓا ْ إِ َليۡ ِه يُمَ تِّ ۡعكُم ۡ َٱست ۡ ن ِ َ َوأ ْ ۥۖ َو إِن تَوَ َّلوۡا َُض َله ۡ َض ۬ ٍل ف ۡ ُّس ً۬مّى َويُؤۡتِ كُلَّ ذِى ف َ إِ َلىٰٓ أ َجَ ۬ ٍل م (٣) عذَابَ يَوۡ ٍ۬م َكبِي ٍر َ ع َليۡ ُك ۡم َ ُفَ ِإنِّىٓ أَخَاف
One of the best remedies for tough times is to be patient. A state of patience requires that we not resort to complaining, and remember Allah (SWT) often. We take this lesson from the story of Prophet Yusuf (AS) who went through various ordeals in life only to be rewarded with a large kingdom in his later years. Allah (SWT) tells us in the Quran:
ۖهـٰذَآ أ َخِ ى َ ُوسفُ َو ُ ف قَالَ أَنَا ۟ ي ُۖ ُوس ُ ك َأل َنتَ ي َ َّقَا ُلوٓا ْ أ َ ِءن ُُضيع ِ ن ٱهللََّ َال ي َّ َص ِب ۡر فَ ِإ ۡ ۥ مَن يَتَّقِ َوي ُع َليۡنَآۖ إِنَّه َ َُّم َّن ٱهلل َ َق ۡد (٩٠) ني َ أ َجۡ َر ٱملۡ ُحۡ سِ ِن
They said: “Are you indeed Yusuf (Joseph)?” He said: “I am Yusuf (Joseph), and this is my brother (Benjamin). Allah has indeed been gracious to us. Verily, he who fears Allah with obedience to Him (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds, and by performing righteous good deeds), and is patient, then surely, Allah makes not the reward of the Muhsinoon (good-doers – see V.2:112) to be lost.” (Quran, Surah Yusuf: 90). The Quran also says: Thus did We give full authority to Yusuf (Joseph) in the land, to take possession therein, as when or where he likes. We bestow of Our Mercy on whom We please, and We make not to be lost the reward of Al-Muhsinoon (the good doers – see V.2:112).
َشآ ُۚء َ ث ي ُ ۡۡض يَتَبَوَّأ ُ ِمنۡہَا حَ ي ِ ٱألَر ۡ ُوسفَ فِى ُ م َّكنَّا لِي َ كذلك wealth, and even with good words). But if you turn away, then I fear for you the torment of a Great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection). (Quran, Surah Al-Hud: 3).
(٥٦) ني َ ُضيعُ أ َجۡ َر ٱملۡ ُحۡ سِ ِن ِ َّشآ ُۖء و ََال ن َ ُصيبُ ِبرَحۡ مَ ِتنَا مَن ن ِ ن
(Quran, Surah Yusuf: 56). Remember Allah in Good Times
Stay Patient in Hard Times
We know from the Quran that when we remember Allah (SWT) in good times, Allah (SWT) will help us 27
2.Revive your faith by reciting Quran and ponder over Allah (SWT)’s words 3.Recall your faith in the Divine Decree 4.Ask for Allah (SWT)’s Mercy and Grace for a way out from tough situations [by making all the Dua that the Prophet (SAWS) taught us]. 5.Remember Allah (SWT) in good times. 6.Stay patient until Allah (SWT) guides you out from the tough situation you are in. in tough times. We learn that lesson from the story of Prophet Yunus (AS) when he was swallowed by a whale. Out of His (SWT) mercy, Allah (SWT) finally relieved him out of that calamity. He (SWT) tells us in the Quran:
(١٤٣) ني َ ُِسبِّح َ ۡن ِم َن ٱمل َ ۥ كَا ُفَ َلو َۡآل أَنَّه 143. Had he not been of them who glorify Allah,
(١٤٤) ن َ ث فِى بَطۡ ِن ِهۦۤ إِ َلىٰ يَوۡم ِ يُبۡ َعث ُو َ َل َل ِب 144. He would have indeed remained inside its belly (the fish) till the Day of Resurrection. Quran (Surah As-Saaffaat)
Summary To summarize, the next time when you are in a tough situation that may potentially test your will and faith, remember these points:
Finally, let us not forget what Allah (SWT) told us the
ۚموۡ َلٮٰنَا َ َهو ُ ُصيبَنَآ إ َِّالمَا ڪَتَبَ ٱهللَُّ َلنَا ِ قُل لَّن ي (٥١) ن َ علَى ٱهللَِّ فَ ۡليَتَوَڪَّ ِل ٱملۡ ُؤۡ ِمنُو َ َو following in the Quran: “Say: ‘Nothing shall ever happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our Maula (Lord, Helper and Protector).’ And in Allah let the believers put their trust” Quran (Surah Towbah : 51).
Abu Sa'id and Abu Hurairah RA reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "Never a believer is stricken with a discomfort, an illness, an anxiety, a grief or mental worry or even the pricking of a thorn but Allah will expiate his sins on account of his patience." (Bukhari and Muslim)
1.Do not let yourself get to a point where you feel helpless.
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Achieving Autonomy and Interdependence We all strive at personal development and we know this is generally a linear progression dotted with some peaks and troughs. Though we all have different challenges in our self-development journey, we can all probably agree that the ultimate goal is to better our self. The question is ‘in this journey of personal development, are we following a self-driven desired autonomous route or are we striving to reach a state of interdependence?’
‘And as for those who strive in Our path — We will surely guide them in Our ways. And Indeed, Allah (SWT) is with those who are of service to others.’ (Surat Al-Ankaboot 29:69)
Allah (SWT) reminds us to continue our good deeds and tells us that we should be the first and take initiative to do good to others, ‘
We begin life as vulnerable and dependent beings and then progress to become independent. As life takes its toll we begin to realize that we need to become interdependent by working in harmony and in developing strong relations with those around us. This level comes with the self-actualization that we are strong to stand on our own but we are wise enough to acknowledge that there is even greater strength in developing a community. Islam teaches us to better ourselves and reach new elevations through our intention, deeds and worship. Islam also reminds us that we need to work together, profiting from our diverse skills and knowledge and creating a cohesive community.
Allah (SWT) tells us that success comes with kindness and compassionate to others,
The reward of goodness is nothing but goodness.’ (Surat Ar-Rahman 55:60)
We as individuals do need to take accountability of our actions and remain responsible for what we do, however those of us who understand the importance of interdependent relationships have realized that standing on their own will never have the same support or strength as interdependent relations. Interdependence provides support to individuals allowing them the strength to support others and to focus on their own personal growth.
We should all try to work together, supporting and lifting each other to achieve our potential. Harmony within our communities will ensure that no one feels excluded and would inevitably help to create a community of nurturing care and sustained support.
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We as Muslims recognize the importance and benefits of interdependence. This doesn’t mean as individuals we cannot or should not have our own goals and desires, but what is stressed is the higher importance of economic, social and psychological gains resulting from a strong cohesive society.
We need to remember what Allah (SWT) reminds us in the Quran,
‘That which is on earth we have made but as a glittering show for the earth, in order that We may test them - as to which of them are best in conduct.’ (Surat Al-Kahf 18:7)
Parents are singled out to show the importance of our relationship and duty to them. Allah (SWT) tells us,
‘And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], "uff," and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.’ (Surat Al-Isra 17:23)
Allah (SWT) reminds us,
Unfortunately we cannot deny that the world we live in today is fueled by self-interest and self-right connotations at the cost of a righteous society. An overbearing and high regard of our own needs with a lust for materialistic gains eats away first at individuals with a strong consequence on society. The breakdown of the family and social values are a result of lack of regard and mutual care of others.
Success and happiness comes with a connection with those around us, supporting, aiding or just being there. The Qur'an includes the role of interdependence in supporting not only the family but encompass the wider society too.
It is not righteousness that you turn faces to the east and the west; but righteous is he who believes in Allah (SWT) and the Last Day and the angels and the Scripture and the prophets; and gives his wealth, for love of Him, to kinsfolk and to orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and to those who ask, and to set slaves free ... (Surat Baqara 2:177)
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Achieving Autonomy and Interdependence The Qur'an thereby places a sense of responsibility to society as part of our daily lives, and yet we need to appreciate that this sense of interdependence doesn’t limit us as individuals; it actually helps us to reach our fullest potential encouraged by experiencing the benefits it brings.
Everyone is responsible for their own deeds and duly accountable. As individuals if we can fulfill our responsibilities we can first help to improve ourselves, and then extend this to our family, and eventually to our communities. The good of society begins at an individual level which then by leveraging on the combined efforts brings about a sustained and collaborative benefit. Our qualities can help create a self-righteous community. Each and every one of us is responsible for their role in this unifying effort. To succeed, a strong desire coupled with a genuine effort will give us the success In Sha Allah. Without genuine intentions and effort we can’t get anywhere. Ultimately, effective changes come from working interdependently which is much more productive than individual efforts, regardless of how effective you are autonomously. A unified ummah with a common goal will help to reach and support Muslims across the globe. Let’s put aside our in-
dividual differences and work together as a unified community.
Abu Hurairah RA reported: Messenger of Allah (saws) said, “Allah the Exalted has said: ‘I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshipper of Mine. And the most beloved thing with which My slave comes nearer to Me is what I have enjoined upon him; and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (prayer or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him. When I love him I become his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks (something) from Me, I give him, and if he asks My Protection (refuge), I protect him”. (Bukhari)
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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 & صلى اهلل عليه وسلمmajor 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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