A monthly newsletter from Masjid Bani Hashim Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue#23 October 2015
A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue #23 Oct 2015 بسم اهلل الرحمن الرحيم السالم عليكم ورحمة اهلل و بركاته Introduction AnNu`man ibn Bashir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Beware! There is a piece of flesh in the body, if it becomes good (i.e., reformed), the whole body becomes good, but if it gets spoilt, the whole body gets spoilt, and that is the heart." (Al-Bukhari) As we are slowly approaching the end of the blessed month of Dhul Hijah and inshaa Allah by the time you read this we would have already celebrated the Eid-el-Adha. The key questions to ask is that how the beautiful heart that Allah سبحانه و تعالىhas blessed us with does look like at the moment. How does it feel? How are our attachments to Allah سبحانه و تعالى, people, and things placed in our heart? The key message is to make this heart a sound heart, we need to start purifying it. Purification starts with remembrance of Allah, in particular through seeking forgiveness and repentance to Allah سبحانه وتعالى. However, we need guidance from Allah سبحانه و تعالىeven to approach Him for forgiveness. The Qur’an is the means of guidance and to reduce our attachments of dunya to real and truthful feelings only for the sake of Allah سبحانه و تعالى. The aim of the sacrifice that we do on the Eid-el-Adha is not the blood and meat, but it is obedience and taqwa to Allah سبحانه و تعالىthat matters. As various beautiful writers said, this is the sacrifice of false desires and excessive attachments so that we can be one slave for one Master. As I say this, it does not mean we do not love our family and friends and do not pursue the lawful desires and aims of this dunya! It means that we do not become obsessed and overly attached because devotion and complete attachment should be to Allah سبحانه و تعالىonly as this will protect us from any disappointment and unnecessary pain. I ask Allah سبحانه و تعالىto grant us His love and the love of those Whom He loves and the love of those deeds that bring us closer to Him سبحانه و تعالى. May Allah سبحانه و تعالىpurify our hearts and make them sound. الحمدهلل والصالة والسالم على رسول اهلل
A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue #23 Oct 2015
This Issue Introduction: Page 1 Names of Allah ()سبحانه و تعالى: Al Musawir: Pages 3 - 4 The Real Superstars: Pages 5 - 7 Sayed Al Khatir: Pages 8 - 10 Surah Yusuf #23 - 25: Pages 11 - 14 Arabic: Pages 15 - 19
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Cheer Up: Page 20 - 21 Journey: Muhsineen: Pages 22 - 23 Surah Inshiqaq: Page 24 The Virtues of Fasting ~Aashooraa’: Page 25 Rice: Pages 26 - 27 Surah Quraish: Page 28 The Types of Martyrs/ Shaheed: Pages 29 - 33 Developing Integrity: Pages 34 - 36 Masjid Bani Hashim: Pages 37- 39
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NAMES OF ALLAH (سبحانه و
deen ()املعنى الشرعي 1.He ( )سبحانه و تعالىgave a picture to all of His crea-
)تعالى:
tion
Al Musawir املصور:اسم اهلل Allah Al Musawir ( – )اهلل املصورLinguistic meaning ()املعنى اللغوي AlMusawir is a doer describing ‘taking pictures’ ()املصور اسم فاعل للموصوف بالتصوير. For example, a photographer, sculptor, artist, etc. - keep in mind we are talking about the linguistic meaning. Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىputs the fine details however He ( )سبحانه و تعالىwills in different creations (الناقش )كيف يشاء املمثل للمخلوقات بالهيئات املتفرقة. For example, you might have twins but there are even fine details that differentiate them, subhan Allah. Look at the fish, we think they look the same, but they are all different, each has a different ‘picture’. It is Allah (سبحانه و ’)تعالىs will to make you look like you are – this is the perfect picture of you. We are all humans, but we have different features – different lips, eyes, ears, noses, etc – however, the way Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىhas created you is beautiful – because it is Allah’s will (صوّر الشيء اي جعل له شكال )معلوما.
Allah Al Musawir ( – )اهلل املصورMeaning in the
()الذي صوَر خلقه كيف شاء و صور جميع املوجودات 2.He gave each a unique picture :()و أعطى كل شيء صورة خاصة و هيئة مفردة Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىgave you your looks, nature, characteristics – all unique to you, subhan Allah. You need to love yourself as you are – don’t say you want to be someone else because it doesn’t suit you. It suits you to be you. 3.He ( )سبحانه و تعالىgives each a distinct look :()يتميز بها على اختالفها و كثرتها Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىcreated us to worship Him and alhamdulillah we don’t have to choose how we want to look. The most honorable with Allah ()سبحانه و تعالى is most in taqwa. You don’t need to think about how you look, but how ‘efficient’ you are – meaning your faith and taqwa. You only need to worry about your picture in front of Allah ()سبحانه و تعالى. 4.He ( )سبحانه و تعالىmade a picture of everything with no sample or sketch :()و قد صور كل صورة ال على مثال احتذاء و ال رسم ارتسمه For example, an architect might have so many different sketches or designs until he reaches his final product. But Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىhas created us and given us our pictures perfectly from the first time, with no previous example, subhan Allah.
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5.When Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىwills something, He
ii.All befitting the benefits of the creation (تتباسب مع
( )سبحانه و تعالىjust says ‘Be and it is’ according to the
)مصالح الخلق و منافعهم: for example, it is suited for an
description. He wants and the picture He (سبحانه و
ant to look the way it does, subhan Allah. Imagine if they were very big, it would be very scary, subhan Allah. All of the animals, fish, mountains, humans – will perish in the end. But the human will be resurrected again, this shows the earth has been subjected for you, subhan Allah. The life cycle shows that everything depends on the other for your stability so that you may worship Allah ()سبحانه و تعالى, sub-
)تعالىchooses )اذا اراد شيئا قال كن فيكون على الصفة التي يريد و الصورة التي :(ختار Nowadays, people are playing with genes to get a certain look for a baby – certain eye color, gender, etc – people want control – they want customized babies. And they don’t need to do this because imagine what kind of nurturing they will face, this baby will make their hair turn grey, subhan Allah. Focus on your worship, don’t waste your time on your picture and look because Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىgave it to you perfectly. When you look at yourself in the mirror – it either increases you in faith or sins, subhan Allah. Do you look at yourself and remember Allah Al Musawir or do you give credit to yourself? Subhan Allah. Allah Al Musawir not only gives images to what is physical, but Allah Al Musawir also gives images to what is abstract – to faith, shirk, disbelief, hypocrisy. Allah ()سبحانه و تعالى
han Allah. Imagine even the small creations are there and have pictures all for your stability in order to worship Allah ()سبحانه و تعالى, subhan Allah. Al Musawwir Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىgives the picture to everything , all
gives us an image through the parables in the Quran. Faith as a lantern of light, a firm-rooted palm tree. When you ponder, you connect and see how Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىis showing us pictures in everything, subhan Allah. 6.He ( )سبحانه و تعالىgave a picture to everything in line with :()اهلل املصور صورهم الى األشكال التي توافق i. His decree ()تقديره, His knowledge ()علمه, His mercy ()رحمته: imagine when you look at your baby, everyday they have a different look, they’re changing, and all of it is a mercy from Allah ()سبحانه و تعالى. It’s a mercy that we have a different look as time goes. Imagine if you get a baby and they’re already looking big and grown-up, subhan Allah. Even the features of a baby make the mother merciful towards it, subhan Allah. When you look at the fish, some might be pretty or ‘ugly’ looking, but that look is a defense for them, and this is a mercy, subhan Allah.
that exists and the picture of whatever will come in the future. Only Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىknows what will happen, and He ( )سبحانه و تعالىteaches us that the picture is from Him ()سبحانه و تعالى. Al Musawwir brings the picture of everything and everybody . And He ( )سبحانه و تعالىis the Most High the Greatest
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should be most supreme. The following, from his inaugural speech, shows his devoutness and his concern for others and his yearning to do everything purely for the sake of Allah: “I advise you O slaves of Allah to fear Allah, for god-fearing is the best advice Allah’s slaves might give to one another. It is also the closest deed to His pleasure, and the most yielding of the best results in His sight. No doubt, you are ordered to fear Allah and you have been created to be faithful.
In this issue, we will conclude looking at the life of the one of the greatest Sahabah, the Great Warrior of Islam, who was one of the most beloved to Prophet (SAWS), his cousin and son-in-law, Ali (RA). Ali (RA) became the fourth caliph of Islam after Abu Bakr, Omar and Uthman ibn Affan (May Allah be pleased with them all). It was a time of great trials and tribulations when Ali (RA) became the caliph. Many people had started rebelling and there were many hypocrites that Ali (RA) had to deal with. Ali (RA) had a tough caliphate, which began and ended in these times of fitnah, but Ali (RA) never changed his convictions and ruled according to what he (RA) had learnt from the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) As we know Ali (RA) was extremely devoted to the deen. He (RA) strove to rule the people with honesty and integrity upholding the principles of Islam. His (RA)’s ultimate aim was to seek the pleasure of Allah ( ;)سبحانه و تعالىhis (RA) main concern was that Islam should prevail and that Allah’s laws
So you should beware of Allah as the Almighty has warned you of Himself. Indeed, He has warned you of a strong violence if you do not comply to his order. Furthermore, you should fear Allah so much. You should do the good deeds without the intention of showing off or gaining good reputation. Whoever does the good deeds for anything other than for the sake of Allah, surely Allah would make him suffer from the evil consequences of what he has done. Whoever does good deeds sincerely for the sake of Allah, certainly Allah would be his supporter and He would give him the goodness of his intention. You should fear of Allah’s punishment, for He has never created you vainly nor has He left anything of your affairs to no purpose. He made you, Knows your secrets, recorded your deeds, and then decreed your terms. So let not the world deceive you with its vain hopes, for no doubt, it is to beguile its people, and how haughty he is, who is deceived by it. The hereafter is the abode of eternal stay.” When Ali (RA) assumed Caliphate, he had to face the turmoil, which began with the killing of Uthman (RA). Without going into too many details, its enough to say that Ali (RA) did not wish to take revenge on Uthman (RA)'s killer, to avoid bloodshed and more fitnah in the Muslim Ummah of that time. According to Khaleefah ibn Khayy, 'Ali's caliphate lasted four years, nine months and 6 days – others 5
say it was either 3 or 14 days. It is more likely it was 3 days as allegiance was sworn to him (RA) as caliph on 18 Dhul-Hijjah 35 AH, and he (RA) died as a martyr at the age of 63 on 21 Ramadan 40 AH. Ali (RA) had always wanted to die as a martyr for the cause of Islam and Allah (سبحانه و )تعالىaccepted his (RA)’s prayers. Ali (RA) was murdered by one of the rebels, when he (RA) was offering the fajr salah. Ali (RA) showed his noble characteristics even when he (RA) was about to die. Ali (RA) said to his son: “Treat the man kindly and give him food and water. If I die, his life is left to justice, and he shall be slain for the deed he had done; but do not mutilate him, for that was forbidden by the Prophet (SAWS).” In another report, he (RA) said that he (RA) would forgive him were he to survive. When Ali (RA) was sure he (RA) was going to die, he (RA) called for his sons, al-Hasan and alHusayn and gave them advise which is relevant to all of us. He (RA) said: ''I urge you to fear Allah and not to seek worldly luxury, even if it becomes available to you. Do not weep for anything that you have lost (of worldly gains). Speak the truth, show compassion to orphans, help the destitute, and strive for the hereafter. Be an opponent of the wrongdoers and support the one who is wronged. Act upon what is in the Book and never fear the blame of the blamers (when striving) for the sake of Allah. I advise you, O my son, to fear Allah, establish regular prayer on time, and pay zakah to those who are entitled to it. Do wudoo' well, for there is no prayer without purification, and no prayer is accepted from one who withholds zakah. I advise you to forgive others, suppress your anger, uphold ties of kinship, be forbearing with the ignorant, keep seeking knowledge of Islam, verify the facts before making any decision, always read the Qur'an, be a good neighbor, en-
join what is good and forbid what is evil, and avoid immoral actions. Check on your relatives and uphold ties with them, then your reckoning with Allah will he easier. I urge you by Allah to he kind to orphans, and do not silence them or ignore them when they are with you. I urge you by Allah to be kind to your neighbors, for your Prophet (SAWS) enjoined that, and he continued to enjoin that until we thought that he would make the neighbor an heir. I urge you by Allah to take care of the Qur'an, and do not let others be better at putting it into practice than you. I urge you by Allah to take care of the prayer, for it is the foundation of your religion. I urge you by Allah to take care of the House of your Lord; do not forsake it as long as you live. I urge you by Allah to engage in jihad for the sake of Allah with your wealth and your lives. I urge you by Allah to take care of zakah, for it extinguishes the wrath of the Lord. I urge you by Allah to take care of those whom your right hands possess (female slaves). "Prayer, prayer; never fear the blame of the blamers for the sake of Allah. Allah will suffice you against anyone who wants to harm or transgress against you. Speak kindly to people as Allah has commanded you, and do not give up enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, lest the worst of you attain positions of authority, then you will call upon Allah but receive no response. I enjoin you to keep in touch with one another and help one another; beware of turning away from one another, cutting off ties with one another and becoming divided. Cooperate in righteousness and piety, and do not cooperate in sin and transgression. Fear Allah, for Allah is severe in punishment. May Allah take care of you, my household. May the teachings of the Prophet (SAWS) continue to guide you. I bid you farewell, peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah." Such beautiful advises. May Allah (سبحانه و 6
up with by the later ones. The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) used to send him on expeditions and give him the banner, and he would not give up fighting until victory was granted to him. He did not leave behind any gold or silver, except for seven hundred dirhams from his income, which he was keeping for the servant of his family."
)تعالىmake us among those who uphold and follow these advises. His (RA) last words were the Kalimah shahada and he (RA) affirmed the truthfulness of the Prophet (SAWS). He (RA) passed away the way he (RA) lived his life, as a true Muslim. May Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىbestow His ( )سبحانه و تعالىmercy on Ali (RA) for his devotion to the welfare of Islam and the Muslims. The body of 'Ali (RA) was washed by Hasan, alHusayn and Abdullah ibn Ja'far (may Allah be pleased with them) and was shrouded in three pieces of cloth. It was narrated that 'Amr ibn Hubnashi said that al-Hassan ibn 'Ali addressed them after the killing of 'Ali (RA) and said: "A man left you yesterday who was never preceded by the early ones in knowledge and will never be caught
Al-Hasan al-Basri was asked about 'Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA),and he said: "By Allah, 'Ali was a straight arrow that Allah sent against His enemy, the prominent jurist of this Ummah, whose service to Islam cannot be denied, one of the most senior figures in Islam, a relative of the Messenger of Allah (SAWS). He was never heedless of the command of Allah and never feared the blame of the blamers, he never showed any interest in worldly gains, he adhered to the Qur'an in the most perfect manner, and thus he attained the pleasure of Allah. This was 'Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him)." Such was the character of Ali (RA) and in fact all of the Sahaba that lived during the time of Prophet (SAWS). They were men chosen by Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىto be the Companions and supporters of the Prophet (SAWS). They lived and died for the sake of Allah ()سبحانه و تعالى, sacrificing everything they had for the sake of the deen. Even when they became the heads of the Muslim ummah, they showed even more sacrifice and high noble character. They left a legacy, to honor them in this life and in the hereafter. These people, the ones Rasulullah (SAWS) advised to imitate their footsteps, should be our role models.
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SAYED AL KHATIR
share in knowledge as well. Whereas the benefit of the scholars is greater than yours since it benefits others.
#7 Thought (رةII I خاطII I )ال: Between knowledge and worship ( العمل و العلم )بني ▪
()تأملت املراد من الخلق فإذا هو الذل و اعتقاد التقصير و العجز
The scholars are the heirs of the prophets’. So the worshippers found that the scholars are more favored than them. Acquiring knowledge has multiple rewards because many people benefit. The more people that benefit, the greater your reward.
I thought about the wisdom behind the creation, and it is because we are humiliated, we need to believe we are full of shortcomings, and are disabled. ()هناك صنفني
▪
o
There are two types (of pious people): ( العلماء/ )أهل العلم
o
( العبّاد/ )أهل العمل
People of worship / worshippers. Like Malik ibn Dinar, Bishr ibn Al Harith – all of these are worshippers. They are focused on praying, fasting, qiyam, etc. ▪
()فكلما جد العبّاد في العبادة صاح بهم لسان الحال Then I observed the worshippers (this is in ibn Jawzi’s thoughts), they are worshipping so much as if their condition is being screamed at them. o
فعtt t tتعدى نtt t tما يtt t tفعها و انtt t tم نtt t tتعداكtt t tكم ال يtt t tباداتtt t t)ع (لعلماء
Your worships that you are busying yourself will only benefit yourself. So make take a
()االنكسار و الذل
When the people of worship saw that the people of knowledge are more favored, then the people of worship felt humiliation and defeat.
People of knowledge / scholars. Such as Abu Haneefa, Ash Shafi’ee, Ahmad ibn Hanbal – all of these are scholars. o
()هم ورثة االنبياء
o
▪
()و اذا رأى العلماء أن لهم فضال على العباد And when the scholars saw that they are favored over the worshippers, what happened?
▪
()صاح بهم لسان الحال و هل مراد بالعلم اال العمل Then as if their condition is screaming at them saying, ‘o people of knowledge, don’t you know the reason behind your knowledge is application’. When we have knowledge, Allah (ىtt tعالtt tه و تtt tبحانtt t )سwants us to have application. o People of knowledge with no applica-
tion are those whom Allah (ه وtt t t t t t انttحt بt t t t t t س ىtt t t عالtt t t )تis angry with and people of application (worship) with no knowledge are those who are misguided. Surah Al Fa8
tiha 7: (ِۡضوب ُ ٱملۡ َغ َغيۡ ِر َع َليۡ ِه ۡم ت َ ۡ أَنۡعَم َنt t t t ِذيt t t t ٱ َّل ط َ رَٲt t t t ص t tِ ني َ t t t t t t آ ِّلtضt t t t َّ t t t t t t ٱل و ََال ۡمt ِهtۡيt َلt( ) َعThe Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger, nor of those who went astray.) ▪
()اذا لم تعمل بما علمت فلم تستكثر حجة اهلل عليك Umm Ad Darda’a said: If you are not applying what you are learning, then why are you increasing arguments against you, subhan Allah. o For example, if you are learning an
ayah in the Quran and there is no application, then it will be an argument against you, but if you are applying the ayah, then it will be an argument for you. o You could be learning but not applying
what you have, so what happened to the people of knowledge? o
()االنكسار و الذل
They also felt humiliation and defeat. o Then both groups reached this ayah.
()فدل العلماء العلم املقصود منه العمل به
▪
The scholars said the reason for knowledge is in order for it to be applied. o
()و انه آله
It’s like a tool, so that you can worship Allah (ىtt t عالtt t ه و تtt t بحانtt t )س. So knowledge is a tool that leads you to worship. As Allah (ىttعالttه و تttبحانtt)س says in Surah Adh Dhariyat 56: (ِِنسإ َِّال لِيَ ۡعبُدُون َ َٱإل ۡ خ َلقۡتُ ٱ ۡلج ِ َّن و َ ) َومَا (And I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).). And the quality of your worship will depend on your knowledge. o For example, hadith:
وعن أم املؤمنيني جويرية بنت الحارث رضي اهلل عنها أن النبي صلى اهلل عليه وسلم خرج من عندها بكرة حني صلى ثم رجع بعد أن أضحي وهي،الصبح وهي في مسجدها “ “مازلت على الحالة التي فارقت عليها؟: فقال،جالسة “لقد كنت: فقال النبي صلى اهلل عليه وسلم، نعم:قالت لو وزنت بما قلت منذ اليوم،بعدك أربع كلمات ثالث مرات
▪
Surah Az Zumar 9 (part of an ayah): (ن ۗ َ َستَوِى ٱ َّلذِي َن يَ ۡعلَمُ و َن وَٱ َّلذِي َن َال يَ ۡعلَمُ و ۡ )قُلۡ هَلۡ ي (Say: "Are those who know equal to those who know not?") o People who know are different from the
people who don’t know in their life and in their recompense/reward. o You can’t worship Allah (ىtt t tعالtt t tه و تtt t tبحانtt t t)س
without knowledge, that’s why your base should be knowledge. And at the same time there should be worship as well.
وزنة، ورضا نفسه، سبحان اهلل وبحمده عدد خلقه:لوزنتهن “ ومداد كلماته،عرشه Juwairiyah bint Al-Harith (May Allah be pleased with her) reported, the Mother of the Believers: The Prophet ( )ﷺcame out from my apartment in the morning as I was busy in performing the dawn prayer. He came back in the forenoon and found me sitting there. The Prophet ( )ﷺsaid, "Are you still in the same position as I left you." I replied in the affirmative. Thereupon the Prophet said, "I recited four words three times after I had left you. If these are to be weighed against all you have recited since 9
morning, these will be heavier. These are: Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi, 'adada khalqihi, wa rida nafsihi, wa zinatah 'arshihi, wa midada kalimatihi [Allah is free from imperfection and I begin with His praise, as many times as the number of His creatures, in accordance with His Good Pleasure, equal to the weight of His Throne and equal to the ink that may be used in recording the words (for His Praise)].") – Muslim Book 16, Hadith 1433 o So rather than sitting hours in worship,
what the angels say who are the best worshippers. o Allah (ىtt t t عالtt t t ه و تtt t t بحانtt t t )سis The Most Rich,
He does not need anything from us. Even if we worship Allah (ىtt عالtt ه و تtt بحانtt )س all our lives or seek knowledge all of our lives, we did not do enough for Allah ()سبحانه و تعالى. o The more knowledge you have, the
more you feel you didn’t do enough.
if she said these words, it would be equivalent to her 3-4 hrs of worship, subhan Allah. The people of knowledge know the shortcuts to paradise. People of worship might reach, but after some time. o
()فانكسروا و اعترفوا بالتقصير
So the people of knowledge felt humiliated and confessed to their shortcomings. o So in the end, both the people of wor-
ship and knowledge felt the same thing – humiliation and breaking. ▪
()فحصل منهما االعتراف و التقصير so both groups confessed to their shortcomings.
▪
()حقيقة العبودية باعترافهم فهي املقصود من التكليف The reality of servitude is when you confess to your shortcomings, and this is what Allah (هtt t tبحانtt t tس
And the more you worship, the more you feel you didn’t do enough. If you are getting these feelings that that is true servitude, true worship.
ىtt عالtt )و تwants from you. So the people of worship and the people of knowledge felt that they are not doing enough. So don’t feel good when you are worshipping Allah (ىttعالttه و تttبحانtt )سor when you are acquiring knowledge. What is important is that you should feel your shortcomings towards Allah (ىttعالttه و تtt بحانtt – )س you should feel (قtt ح اt بدنtt ع اt م كtt t t t t بادتtt t t t t – )ع we did not worship You Allah as You deserve to be worshipped, subhan Allah.
This is
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سورة يوسف Surah Yusuf # 23-‐25 ۚ األَبْوَابَ َوقَالَتْ َهيْتَ ل ََك ْ َِورَا َو َدتْ ُه ا َّلتِي ُه َو فِي بَيْ ِتهَا عَن نَّفْسِ ِه َو َغ َّلقَت َاي ۖ إِنَّ ُه َال يُفْلِحُ الظَّاملِ ُو َن َ س َن َمثْو َ ْقَالَ َمعَاذَ اهللَِّ ۖ إِنَّ ُه َربِّي أ َح
And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him. and said : Come to me, you. He said : [I seek] the refuge of Allah . Indeed, he is my master, who has made good my residence. Indeed, wrongdoers will not succeed. 12:23 The wife of the Aziz felt deeply in love with Yusuf عليه السالم, so much so, that she couldn't control her emo-‐ Hons. َورَا َو َدتْ ُ ه She tried to seduce him Verb : راو َد : gently lead to a trap She tried to aLract Yusuf السالم عليه indirectly; these ad-‐ vances are recognizable to men. بَيْ ِت َه ا ِفي ُه َو ا َّل ِتي She, in whose house he was This was a very awkward posiHon for Yusuf السالم ;عليه he السالم عليه was living in her house, as her servant. He عليه السالم was in contact with her all day, due to household chores. نَّفْسِ ِ ه َعن By force She did this by coming close physically, exceeding her boundaries. This trial was more severe for Yusuf السالم عليه than the plot of the brothers. At that Hme, he السالم عليه had no choice but to be paHent in the decree of Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه. Whereas in this situaHon, he had to be paHent in not commiSng a sin; he had to fight the temp-‐ taHon. األَبْوَاب ْ َت ِ َو َغ َّلق
She closed the doors she locked : غ ّل َقت Verb َغل ََّق : : to lock securely َغل ََّق means to lock, and َغل ََق with the shadda, puts more emphasis on the acHon. the doors : األبواب Imagine a vast palace, with numerous doors, all locked, all the servants dismissed. It was complete isolaHon, with just the two of them. She made sure he السالم عليه couldn't get away from her. Yusuf السالم عليه didn't respond to her indirect advances, so she had to make it even more clear. ل َ َك ْت َ َهي َت ْ َوقَال and said, "Come to me, you" she said : َت ْ قال .come to me : هيت This has two two meanings : I am prepared : تَ َهيْأ َْت come to me : تَعال for you : لك This situaHon was not easy for a woman of her rank. This desire was overpowering. Many factors contributed to this; she was young and beauHful. Yusuf السالم عليه was also young, inexperienced, and her slave, but he عليه السالم had a lot of self control. She ordered him السالم عليه to come to her; he السالم عليه was trapped in the palace, alone with her, and all the doors were locked. 11
َِّ اهلل َ َمعَاذ َال َ ق He said, "[I seek] the refuge of Allah These words were difficult to uLer, surrounded by temp-‐ taHon. But Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه gave him السالم عليه the strength to seek His ( تعالى و ‘)سبحانهs refuge to abstain from sinning. Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه made Yusuf السالم عليه see the situaHon as hateful instead of tempHng. If you are in a gathering where everyone is sinning, and you don't know how to escape, seek the refuge of Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه immediately. َمثْوَا س َن ي َ ْ أ َح َربِّي إِنَّ ُه Indeed, He is my master, who has made good my resi-‐ dence Although the wife of Aziz was in the wrong, Yusuf عليه السالم was sHll polite to her. He السالم عليه said my Master gave me the best accommodaHon. The Mufassireen, the ones who interpret the verses of the Quran, give this phrase two meanings : Allah the Most High or The Aziz who accommodated Yusuf, and took care of him. Yusuf السالم عليه didn't want to disobey Allah ( و سبحانه )تعالى, who took care of him in the best way, by puSng mercy and love for him in the heart of the Aziz. He عليه السالم also didn't want to betray the Aziz, by commiSng a sin with his wife, in his home. Yusuf السالم عليه wanted to show the wife the error of her ways, to make her feel guilty and desist. الظَّاملِ ُو َ ن ُ يُفْلِح ال َ إِنَّ ُه Indeed, wrongdoers will not succeed Yusuf السالم عليه did not preach to a specific naHon, rather, he السالم عليه preaches throughout by showing us how to deal with the decree of Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه. We learn how to react to different situaHons in life. We also learn how to be paHent in various circumstances. Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه does not send a trial on someone with-‐ out preparing him and giving him the means to cope. It is upon the person to choose the right way and to avail the means.
Yusuf السالم عليه didn't point fingers to her; he السالم عليه gave a general statement, that the unjust or wrongdoers never succeed. He السالم عليه didn't accuse her of injus-‐ Hce, even though that was what she was doing by betray-‐ ing her husband. She was also doing herself an injusHce by sinning. Disobedience to Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه creates an imbal-‐ ance in life, whereas worshipping Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه restores the balance, making the whole body work in a streamlined manner. The legislaHons prescribed by Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه are to benefit us and protect us from َصرِفَ َعن ْ ُه ْ َو َل َق ْد هَمَّ تْ ِب ِه ۖ َو َه َّم ِبهَا َلو َْال أ َن َّرأ َٰى بُ ْرهَا َن َربِّ ِه ۚ َكذَٰل َِك لِن ني َ َص ِ خل ْ ُ ْشا َء ۚ إِنَّ ُه ِم ْن ِعبَا ِدنَا امل َ ْالسو َء وَا ْلفَح ُّ harm. The trials of Yusuf السالم عليه are all plots against him, starHng with his brothers, about which he السالم عليه was warned by his father. And she certainly determined [to seduce] him, and he would have inclined to her had he not seen the proof of his Lord. And thus [it was] that We should avert from him evil and immorality. Indeed, he was of Our chosen servants. 12:24 ِب ه ت ْ َّ هَم َو َل َق ْد and she inclined towards him she inclined towards : همّ ت Verb َه َّم : : to intenHonally set a goal Now the wife of the Aziz took an acHon. Yusuf السالم عليه did not respond to her overtures, which made her lose her control. So she approached him السالم عليه, drew close to him السالم عليه. ِب َه ا َو َه َّم and he would have inclined to her and : و he inclined : ه َّم to her : بها Yusuf السالم عليه was a normal man, although he عليه السالم did not desire the wife of the Aziz. But when she 12
approached him, he السالم عليه would have responded, had Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه not guarded and protected him السالم عليه. َربِّ ه بُ ْرهَا َن َّرأ َٰى أَن ْال َ َلو had he not seen a clear sign from his Lord This sign protected him from falling into sin. It was not a tangible sign, but a combinaHon of his faith and the knowledge bestowed upon him by Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه. Many verses in the Quran point to the importance of knowledge, it is like a skin which protects you from sin-‐ ning. Yusuf السالم عليه acquired knowledge when he was living in a Hme of ease at the house of the Aziz, before the onset of the trial. This knowledge served him well when he needed to be saved from sinning. When you are busy learning and filling your heart with knowledge, you don't know when you will use it. But at the Hme of afflicHon, when you need it, Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه will remind you of it. Yusuf السالم عليه saw the clear sign in his heart, the knowledge of right and wrong, so he عليه السالم abstained from sinning. Yusuf السالم عليه was a messenger, and he السالم عليه sHll needed a sign from Al-‐ lah ( تعالى و )سبحانه. Rely on Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه, have confidence in Him. He ( تعالى و )سبحانه will bring the knowledge stored in your heart to your mind when you need it. Sins are haram for everyone; for a person with knowl-‐ edge, the sin is greater than for the one who is un-‐ aware. For Yusuf السالم عليه, even an evil thought was a great sin. Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه protected him السالم عليه from this; he السالم عليه did not have any evil thoughts regarding the wife of the Aziz. شا َ ء َ ْ وَا ْلفَح السو َء ُّ َعن ْ ُه ِف َ َصر ْ لِن َكذَٰل َِك And thus it was that We would avert from him evil and immorality This incident would have caused a lot of evil. When someone is on the right path, and encounters an afflic-‐ Hon, this can harm them. But this incident did not affect the moral character of Yusuf السالم عليه, because Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه averted the evil from him السالم عليه. Al-‐ lah ( تعالى و )سبحانه menHons السوء first, because Yusuf السالم عليه was protected from even an evil thought. Eve-‐
ryone goes through different temptaHons according to their weaknesses. ني َ َص ِ خل ْ ُ ْ امل ِعبَا ِدنَا ِم ْن إِنَّ ُه Verily he was from Our sincere slaves Yusuf السالم عليه had two traits for which Allah ( و سبحانه )تعالى praised him. slave : عبد sincere : مخلص To be a sincere slave of Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه is the way to protecHon from Him ( تعالى و )سبحانه. Yusuf السالم عليه was separated from his father السالم عليه at a very young age, so he السالم عليه was not advised by Ya'qoob عليه السالم about how to deal with women. But Allah ( سبحانه تعالى )و protected him السالم عليه from this trap. Everyone is a slave of Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه, but the spe-‐ cial slaves are the ones who choose to be His ( و سبحانه ‘)تعالىs slave. Their hearts are enslaved to Allah ( سبحانه َت ْ قَال ۚ ِ ا ْلبَاب َل َدى سيِّ َد َها َ َوأ َ ْلفَيَا ُدبُ ٍر ِمن ِيص ُه َ َقم َّت ْ َو َقد َاب َ ا ْلب َاستَبَ َقا ْ و أَلِي ٌم َاب ٌ َعذ أ َ ْو ُسجَ َن ْ ي أَن ِال َّ إ سو ًءا ُ ِبأ َ ْهل َِك أَرَا َد َم ْن جَ زَا ُء َما تعالى )و. A slave will not do or say anything except that which pleases his master. In the same way, the sincere slave of Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانهwill do only those things which please Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه. His main concern will be to make Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه happy all his life. To be a slave of Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه is an honor; to be a slave of your desires is a humiliaHon. Encourage your children to be slaves of Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه, not your-‐ self; this is the way to salvaHon and protecHon. Do this 13
by seSng an example, by being obedient and sincere to Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه yourself. Children observe and absorb everything they see. And they both raced to the door, and she tore his shirt from the back, and they found her husband at the door. She said, "What is the recompense of one who intended evil for your wife but that he be imprisoned or a painful punishment?" 12:25 The fourth stage in this scenario, Yusuf السالم عليه es-‐ caped her clutches. IniHally, she had closed all the doors of the palace; he السالم عليه raced through the palace, throwing open the doors, with her in close pur-‐ suit. ُدبُ ر ِمن ِيص ُه َ َقم َّت ْ َو َقد َاب َ ا ْلب َاستَبَ َقا ْ و And they raced for the door and she tore his shirt from the back When Yusuf السالم عليه reached the last door, with the wife of the Aziz at his السالم عليه heels, she lunged for him السالم عليه and caught hold of his السالم عليه shirt from the back. She pulled him السالم عليه back with such strength that his السالم عليه shirt tore; she had lost her mind completely. Another shirt of Yusuf السالم عليه makes an appear-‐ ance, this Hme as proof of his innocence, as we will find later in the surah. Earlier, his السالم عليه blood-‐ splaLered shirt was presented by his السالم عليه broth-‐ ers as false evidence of his death. The wife of the Aziz held a respectable posiHon in soci-‐ ety, she was the wife of the minister, an important per-‐ son, but at this moment she was in the grip of her de-‐ sire, turning her into a being worse than an animal.
Imagine the dire situaHon, the Aziz, who was so kind to Yusuf السالم عليه, gave him السالم عليه shelter and love, treated him السالم عليه so well, saw his wife and Yusuf السالم عليه, who was a servant in his home, in such suspicious circumstances! This was another way in which Allah ( تعالى و )سبحانه protected Yusuf السالم عليه by sending the Aziz home at that split second. When the wife planned this se-‐ ducHon, she must surely have done so at a Hme when her husband wasn't usually home. His unexpected re-‐ turn threw the whole plan to ruin. When the shaitan finds some evil in a person, he can easily make him worse. سو ًءا ُ ِبأ َ ْهل َِك أَرَا َد َم ْن جَ زَا ُء َما َت ْ قَال She said what would be the punishment for someone who intends evil to your household She was a very clever liar, her mind worked very fast. She immediately put the blame on Yusuf السالم عليه, by trying to make the Aziz jealous. She implied that Yusuf السالم عليه wanted to dishonor her. She hadn't planned this part, but because she was under the grip of the shaitan, he gave her all sorts of evil suggesHons. Any-‐ one listening to the shaitan will be misled. This shows that she did not actually love Yusuf السالم عليه, it was mere desire, because now she was accusing him عليه السالم. She also gave her husband suggesHons of how to punish Yusuf السالم عليه. ألي م عذاب ٌ أو ُسجَ َن ْ ي أ ْن إال ّ except that he be imprisoned or tortured with a pain-‐ ful torment
ا ْلبَا َل َدى سيِّ َد َها ب َ َوأ َ ْلفَيَا and they found her husband at the door
This shows the difference between pure love and lust. If she had really loved Yusuf السالم عليه, she would have defended him السالم عليه, or admiLed her mis-‐ take.
As soon as Yusuf السالم عليه threw open the last door, with his السالم عليه torn shirt and the wife of the Aziz behind him السالم عليه, they saw the husband there......
The two plots which turned the Hde of the life of Yusuf السالم عليه were completely different from each other. The brothers of Yusuf السالم عليه ploLed to re-‐
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move him from his السالم عليه favored posiHon in his السالم عليه own home, where he السالم عليه was much loved by his father السالم عليه. The wife of Aziz desired him السالم عليه, although he السالم عليه was a servant in her palace, and when she was found out, conspired to imprison him السالم عليه.
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TO BE CONTINUED, IN SHAA’ ALLAH
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her room which were out of the season, do you recall the last two articles?). Let’s remind ourselves that she was one of the ones who completed the eman and is a woman of Jannah! And you know dear readers, she was not married! SubhanAllah. She received the good news, yes the good news of a gift from Allah سبحانه و تعالىof a pure son. When Jibreel AS came to give her the good news, she resorted to the Name of Allah سبحانه و تعالى, Ar Rahman and sought
My journey into Surah Maryam, part 3 Part 3 of my learning from the tafsir of Surah Maryam delivered by a dear teacher during the last 10 days of Ramadan. We covered in the last edition up till ayah 14/15, when Allah سبحانه و تعالىfinalizes the mention of Yahya
protection of Allah سبحانه و تعالىthrough this beautiful Name. Just relate this, to the moment when Yusuf AS was approached by the wife of the Minister and he ran to Allah by saying, I seek refuge in Allah سبحانه و تعالى. The above incidents and
AS. From ayah 16 to ayah 37, Allah سبحانه و
the reaction of the noble Maryam and Yusuf AS teach us that whenever we are facing a difficult situation, we need to run to Allah سبحانه
تعالىtalks to us about Maryam and Isa عليه
و تعالى. For us to be able to do so on those
السالم.
times, we need to learn Who is Allah سبحانه و تعالىand Who is a better teacher than Allah
Let’s remind ourselves that she was one of the women who completed It is fascinating in the above ayah, how Allah سبحانه و تعالىtalks to us about Maryam’s feelings and emotions when she hears the news from Allah's سبحانه و تعالىcommand through
سبحانه و تعالىHimself through His Word, the Qur’an. In a nutshell, a believer accepts Allah's commands. When you feel something is difficult then you have to make sabr because there is bishara (good news) but first you make sabr.
Jibreel AS that she would conceive a baby without a man having touched her. No doubt, Allah سبحانه و تعالىhad prepared her as she
Maryam became pregnant straightaway with the blow of Jibreel AS by the will and power of Allah سبحانه و تعالى. At her delivery time, she
had been brought up as a devout and pious servant of Her Rabb, worshipping Him with taqwa and with obedience. And Allah’s promise is true, she was provided by Allah, Ar Razaq from unexpected means (the fruits in
was near a date tree and she wished she died. We ask Allah سبحانه و تعالىfor husnul khitam. SubhanAllah, these ayat remind us of another incident, regarding the slander against Aisha RA. Allah سبحانه و تعالىcleared her by reveal21
ing ayat in the Qur’an to purify her of the unjust and cruel blame of enemies of Islam. The key message is that not all the command and incidents that we go through in our lives need to make sense for us. Allah سبحانه و تعالىwants us to have tawaqqul but we have to use the means. In the case of Maryam, Allah سبحانه و تعالىas her delivery was approaching and she was asking indirectly for death, Allah سبحانه و تعالىtells her to shake the trunk of palm tree. You just use the means and rely in Allah سبحانه و تعالىfor the outcome. Allah سبحانه و
ing is unusual for Allah. He creates whatever He wills. Issa AS starts talking in his cradle to save the honour of her mother by the Will of Allah ( سبحانه و تعالىayah 30-33). Allah سبحانه و تعالىhas made him His servant, enjoined the salah and zakah; made him dutiful and not a tyrant and Allah made him Mubarak on the day he was born, the day he will die and the day he will be raised alive. 1. May Allah سبحانه و تعالىmake us of the mabarekeen. Ameen ya Rabb al alameen In shaa Allah to be continued.
تعالىis telling her to eat and drink to be contented, Alhamdulillah. Here you go, if you are going through some hard time, have belief, make sabr, use the means and continue enjoying your life by eating and drinking. Above all expect the best outcome from Allah سبحانه و
Alhamdulillah Rabb al alameen wa salato wa salamo ala Rasulil Allah.
تعالى. In addition, Allah is Al Lateef Al Khabeer He knows what you are going through. So Allah سبحانه و تعالىis telling her that if anyone asks you something, you reply with gesture that you are fasting from talking. At that time, people used to observe the fasting from talking. Maybe this is something that we need to learn as one of the characteristics of the believers is that they do not argue. They want peace from ignorant people. And avoid anything that can lead to any form of excessiveness! Now after Allah's assurance, she was relaxed. Now she comes to the town and people say this is something ajab, unusual. Do not judge what you see and do not spread rumors. Noth22
Journey – Muhsineen We all want the love of Allah ()سبحانه و تعالى, to love Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىis a feeling that cannot be described because it opens the heart far and wide. The heart becomes filled with so many feelings towards Allah ()سبحانه و تعالى, feelings of magnification, love, hope, fear, submission, and so many more. And when you love Allah ()سبحانه و تعالى, you want to do whatever He ( )سبحانه و تعالىloves. And Alhamdulliah that Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىdoes not leave us on our own trying to figure it out, but He ( )سبحانه و تعالىtells us what He ( )سبحانه و تعالىloves. In this station, we will have a look at a quality that Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىloves and is mentioned the most in the Quran – the Muhsineen. Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىdoes not look at your outer – it does not matter to Him ( )سبحانه و تعالىif you are rich or poor, tall or short, pretty or ugly, from this country or that country, born to this family or that family. But Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىlooks at what is inside our hearts. And this why it is a very special relationship with Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىbecause only He ( )سبحانه و تعالىknows what is inside your heart, only He ()سبحانه و تعالى knows what feelings you bear. Allah ()سبحانه و تعالى mentions in the Quran different types of qualities in a person that He ( )سبحانه و تعالىloves, but the one mentioned the most are the Muhsineen. Many times when we think of ihsan, we think of ‘perfection’, to do things as best as we can. But ihsan is not limited to worship alone. Of course we want to do our prayer with ihsan, our fasting, our dhikr, and learning the Quran with ihsan. And as you might notice, these are worships between us and Allah (سبحانه و )تعالى. But it is just important to deal in ihsan with the people, especially to the parents, to join the ties of kinship, to fulfill the rights of others, support those in need, and not to bring harm to the people, but rather bring goodness to them. And this is something that many of us get tested with.
To do ihsan to the people is not that they are being good with me, then I will be good with them. Ihsan is also while they are doing bad to me, I am still doing good to them, and this is something not easy, and for this reason the rank of the Muhsineen is very high and loved by Allah ()سبحانه و تعالى, subhan Allah. Bringing harm to the people is not limited to physical harm alone, but to words and thoughts as well. There is an expression that goes, ‘sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can break my heart’. This is something that we have probably experienced both ways, as being recipients of painful words and givers of painful words. But what should we do when we are in such a situation if we want to be of the Muhsineen, the ones whom Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىloves, subhan Allah. Surah Al Imran 134: ِني عَن َ ظ وَا ْلعَا ِف َ ْني ا ْل َغي َ ظ ِم ِ َالضرَّا ِء وَا ْلكَا َّ السرَّا ِء و َّ )ا َّلذِي َن يُن ِفقُو َن فِي (ني َ َّاس ۗ وَاهللَُّ يُحِ بُّ املْ ُحْ سِ ِن ِ لن (Those who spend [in Allâh's Cause] in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger, and who pardon men; verily, Allâh loves Al-Muhsinûn (the good - doers).) The word ‘Muhsineen’ (good-doers) appears the most in two surahs – in Surah Yusuf and Surah As Saffat (each five times). We will not go deep into these surahs, but in Surah Yusuf, Yusuf (as) is being wronged, mistreated, and falsely accused of doing things, and still he (as) forgives and pardons. And even when he (as) has a chance to speak, he (as) does not transgress or cross his (as)’s limits, even with his (as)’s thoughts, he (as) does not think badly of others, subhan Allah. And what is really beautiful in one of the ayat in Surah Yusuf is that the qualities of patience and taqwa describe the Muhsineen, subhan Allah. So it shows us that the Muhsineen have two qualities beloved by Allah ( – )سبحانه و تعالىpatience and taqwa. Surah Yusuf 90: ۖ ُوسفُ َو ٰهَذَا أ َخِ ي ۖ َق ْد َم َّن اهللَُّ َع َليْن َا ُ ُوسفُ ۖ قَالَ أَنَا ي ُ قَالُوا أَإِن ََّك َأل َنتَ ي-) (ني َ ُضيعُ أ َجْ َر املْ ُحْ سِ ِن ِ َص ِب ْر فَ ِإ َّن اهللََّ َال ي ْ ِنَّ ُه مَن يَت َّ ِق َوي (They said: "Are you indeed Yûsuf (Joseph)?" He said: "I am Yûsuf (Joseph), and this is my brother (Benjamin). Allâh has indeed been gracious to us. Verily, he who fears Allâh with obedience to Him (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds, and by 23
performing righteous good deeds), and is patient, then surely, Allâh makes not the reward of the Muhsinûn) to be lost.") Notice in the ayah as well, that Allah ()سبحانه و تعالى does not waste the reward of the Muhsineen: (ني َ ُضيعُ أ َجْ َر املْ ُحْ سِ ِن ِ )فَ ِإ َّن اهللََّ َال ي This is repeated in other places in the Quran. Surah At Tawbah 120: (ني َ ُضيعُ أ َجْ َر املْ ُحْ سِ ِن ِ )إِ َّن اهللََّ َال ي (Surely, Allâh wastes not the reward of the Muhsinûn) Surah Hud 115: (َُضيعُ أ َجْ َر املْ ُحْ سِ ِنني ِ َاص ِب ْر فَ ِإ َّن اهللََّ َال ي ْ )و (Verily, Allâh wastes not the reward of the gooddoers) Surah Yusuf 56: (َُضيعُ أ َجْ َر املْ ُحْ سِ ِنني ِ )و ََال ن (and We make not to be lost the reward of AlMuhsinûn) When a person does ihsan to others by pardoning them and forgiving them, they might have the feeling that they are in the ‘lower-hand’, that they did not fight back for their rights. Though subhan Allah, it is a console from Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىto tell us that the reward of the Muhsineen is never wasted. Never feel that you have been ‘defeated’. Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىwill reward you in ways you cannot imagine. As Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىsays: Surah Ar Rahman 60: (ُسـٰن َ ۡٱإلِح ۡ سـٰنِ إ َِّال َ ۡٱإلِح ۡ )هَلۡ جَ زَآ ُء (Is there any reward for good other than good?) Surah Yunus 26: سنَىٰ َو ِزيَا َدةٌ ۖ و ََال يَ ْرهَقُ وُجُ و َه ُه ْم َقت َ ٌر و ََال ِذ َّل ٌة ۚ أ ُو ٰلَئ َِك ْ ُسن ُوا الْح َ ْ) ِّل َّلذِي َن أ َح (َْصحَ ابُ الْجَ ن َّ ِة ۖ ُه ْم فِيهَا خَالِدُو َن (For those who have done good is the best (reward, i.e. Paradise) and even more (i.e. having the honour of glancing at the Countenance of Allâh )سبحانه و تعالىNeither darkness nor dust nor any humiliating disgrace shall cover their faces. They are the dwellers of Paradise, they will abide therein forever)
Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىloves His (’)سبحانه و تعالىs servants to draw near to Him ( )سبحانه و تعالىby showing the effect of His names to the creation. For example, Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىis the Ar Rahman – The Most Merciful and He ( )سبحانه و تعالىloves those who show mercy to others. Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىis Al Kareem – The Most Generous and He (سبحانه و )تعالىloves those who show generosity to others. Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىis Al Haleem – The Most Forbearing, and He ( )سبحانه و تعالىloves those who show forbearance to others. And Allah (سبحانه و )تعالىis Al Muhsin and He ( )سبحانه و تعالىloves the Muhsineen, those who act with ihsan. And remember (َس َن اهللَُّ إِ َليْك َ ْ) َوأ َحْ سِ ن كَمَ ا أ َح (and do good as Allâh has been good to you) – Surah Al Qasas 77. Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىhas been and will always be the best to us. He ( )سبحانه و تعالىcreated us in the best form, He ( )سبحانه و تعالىnurtures us in the best way, He ( )سبحانه و تعالىprovides for us the best, and He ( )سبحانه و تعالىdecrees for us the best. So should we not do ihsan in our worship to Allah, ihsan to the creation, and ihsan to ourselves? Subhan Allah. Remind yourself when doing your worship, your work, your chores, when you have been wronged, when your children are bothering you, or when you are spouse does something that annoys you – remind yourself that Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىhas been good with you, so do good in everything you do, subhan Allah. ( وحسن عبادتك،)اللهم أعني على ذكرك وشكرك (O Allah, help me remember You, be grateful to You, and worship You in the best manner) – Riyad As Saliheen (Abu Dawud)
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SOORAH INSHIQAQ - 84 Bismillahi arrahmaanir rahiim. Inshiqaq means to *split asunder* of heavens. This is also one of the earliest surahs to be revealed at Mecca. There are totally 25 ayat.
1-5 verse:
( َو إِذَا٢) ۡ( َوأ َ ِذنَتۡ لِ َربِّہَا وَحُ قَّت١) ۡٱنشقَّت َ ٱلسمَ آ ُء َّ إِذَا ۡ( َوأ َ ِذنَت٤) ۡخلَّت َ َ( َوأ َ ۡلقَتۡ مَا فِيہَا َوت٣) ۡۡض ُمدَّت ُ ٱألَر ۡ (٥) ۡلِ َربِّہَا وَحُ قَّت In these verses, the state of resurrection been described vividly with an argument of its being true. It is been stated that the heaven on that day will split asunder, the earth will spread out plain and smooth. It will throw out whatever lies inside of it (dead bodies). It will follow the command of the Lord of the heavens and earth, to obey Him.
6-19 verse:
(٦) ِنسـٰ ُن إِن ََّك كَا ِد ٌح إِ َلىٰ َرب َِّك َك ۡد ً۬حا فَمُ َلـٰقِي ِه َ ٱإل ۡ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ُاسب َ ََسوۡفَ يُح َ ( ف٧) فَأَمَّا َم ۡن أ ُو ِتىَ ِكتَـٰبَ ُه ۥ ِبيَمِي ِنهِۦ ( َوأَمَّا٩) َسرُورً۬ا ۡ ( َويَن َقلِبُ إِ َلىٰٓ أ َ ۡهلِهِۦ م٨) سابً۬ا يَسِ يرً۬ا َ ِح َسوۡفَ يَ ۡدعُوا ْ ثُبُورً۬ا َ ( ف١٠) َم ۡن أ ُو ِتىَ ِكتَـٰبَ ُه ۥ َورَآ َء ظَ ۡه ِرهِۦ ( إِنَّ ُه ۥ كَا َن ِفىٓ أ َ ۡهلِهِۦ١٢) سعِ يرًا َ َٰص َلى ۡ ( َوي١١) ( بَ َلىٰٓ إِ َّن١٤) ( إِنَّ ُه ۥ ظَ َّن أ َن لَّن يَحُ و َر١٣) َسرُورًا ۡ م
Whether man is conscious of this fact or not (about Day of Judgement), he in any case will appear and stand before his Lord. At that time all will appear in two divided groups. First those whose records will be given in their right hand. They will be forgiven without any severe reckoning. Secondly, whose records are given from left. They will wish they will die somehow, but they will not die. Instead they will be cast into hell. They will meet this fate because in the world they remained lost, though they were given reminders.
20-25 verse:
( َو إِذَا ُق ِرئ َ َع َليۡہِ ُم ٱ ۡل ُق ۡرءَا ُن َال٢٠) فَمَ ا َل ُه ۡم َال يُ ۡؤ ِمن ُو َن َُّ( وَٱهلل٢٢) ( بَ ِل ٱ َّلذِي َن َكفَرُوا ْ يُ َكذِّبُو َن٢١) ۩ َسجُ دُو َن ۡ ي ( إ َِّال ٱ َّلذِي َن٢٤) ٍ َش ۡرهُم ِب َعذَابٍ أَلِيم ِّ ( فَب٢٣) أ َ ۡع َل ُم بِمَ ا يُوعُو َن (٢٥) ٱلصـٰلِحَ ـٰتِ َل ُه ۡم أ َجۡ ٌر َغيۡ ُر مَمۡ ن ُو ِۭن َّ ْ ءَا َمن ُوا ْ َو َع ِملُوا When the Quran is recited to them they do not prostate. They disbelieve because, they give lie to the truth. And Allah (S.W.T) knows what they hide and it is announced to them a painful punishment. Only for those who believe and do good there is a reward that shall never end. HEAVEN WILL SPLIT OPEN AND EARTH WILL BECOME PLAIN
BELIEVERS ARE GIVEN RECORDS IN THEIR RIGHT HAND, AND DIS-‐ BELIEVERS ON LEFT HAND.
ONLY THOSE WHO BELIEVE AND DO RIGHTEOUS GOOD DEEDS WILL BE REWARDED.
(١٦) ِٱلشفَ ِق َّ ( ف ََآل أُقۡسِ ُم ب١٥) َصيرً۬ا ِ َربَّ ُه ۥ كَا َن ِبهِۦ ب َنب َ ُّ ( َلت َ ۡرك١٨) ََّسق َ ( وَٱ ۡلقَمَ ِر إِذَا ٱت١٧) ََسق َ وَٱ َّليۡ ِل َومَا و (١٩) طَبَقًا عَن طَبَ ۬ ٍق
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THE VIRTUES OF FASTING ˜AASHOORAA´. 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem' ************************************************ السالم عليكم ورحمة اهلل وبركاته Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I never saw the Messenger of Allah {peace and blessings of Allah be upon him} so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of 'Aashooraa', and this month, meaning 'Ramadan'. (Source:- al-Bukhari ~ # 1867). The meaning of his being keen was that he intended to fast on that day in the hope of earning the reward for doing so. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: For fasting the day of 'Aashooraa', 'I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation of sins for the year that went before.' (Source:- S.Muslim # 1976) This is from the bounty of Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىtowards us: for fasting one day He gives us expiation for the sins of a whole year. And Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىis the Owner of Great Bounty.
Which day is 'Aashooraa'? An-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Aashooraa´ and Taasooâa´ are two elongated names [the vowels are elongated]~as is stated in books on the Arabic language.] Aashooraa´ is the tenth {10th} day of Muharram and Taasooâ´ is the ninth {9th} day. 'Aashooraa' is an Islamic name that was not known at the time of Jahiliyyah. (Source:-Kashshaaf al-Qinaaâ, part # 2~ Sawm Muharram). 'It is 'Mustahabb' (encouraged) to fast Taasoo'aa' with 'Aashooraa. 'Abd-Allaah ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: When the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) fasted on 'Aashooraa' and commanded the Muslims to fast as well, they said...'O Messenger of Allah, it is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians'. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ' If I live to see the next year, In Sha Allah, we will fast on the ninth {9th} day too.' But it so happened that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) passed away before the next year came. (Source:- Muslim #1916) Ataa´ (Allah be pleased with him) reported that he said:'Fast the Ninth {9th} and the Tenth {10th} and do not be like the Jews.' If this is understood, we can say on this basis that it is 'Mustahabb' (encouraged) to fast on the ninth and the tenth, for that reason. (Source:-Ahmad & Ishaaq)
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RICE Rice is the most nourishing of the grain foods after wheat, and excellent in temperament. Some say it is hot and dry, others say cold and dry. It is binding for the bowels, but if cooked with milk is less constipating. If taken with sugar, it will relieve swellings. Rice also makes the body fertile. Rice with has amino acids (protein's building blocks) and Vitamin B. As for brown rice, it has the outer layer (husk and bran) intact thereby making it high in fibre. Combined with various vegetables and spices, rice can really make an incredible meal. 1. Great Source of Energy: Since rice is abundant in carbohydrates, it acts as fuel for the body and aids in the normal functioning of the brain. Carbohydrates are essential to be metabolized by the body and turned into functional, usable energy. The vitamins, minerals, and various organic components increase the functioning and metabolic activity of all your organ systems, which further increases energy levels. 2.Cholesterol Free: Eating rice is extremely beneficial for your health, simply because it does not contain harmful fats, cholesterol or sodium. It forms an integral part of balanced diet. Any food that can provide nutrients without having any negative impacts on health is a bonus! Low levels of fat, cholesterol, and sodium will also help reduce obesity and the health conditions associated with being overweight. 3.Blood Pressure Management: Rice is low in sodium, so it is considered one of the best foods for those suffering from high blood pressure and hypertension. 4.Cancer Prevention: Whole grain rice like brown rice is rich in insoluble fiber that can protect against many types of cancer. Fiber, specifically is beneficial in defending against colorectal and intestinal cancer. However, besides fiber, rice also has natural antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin-A, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which also act as or stimulate antioxidants to scour the body for free radicals. Boosting your antioxidant levels is a great idea, and eating more rice is a wonderful way to do that. 5.Skin care: Medical experts say that powdered rice can be applied topically to cure certain skin ailments. The phenolic compounds that are found in rice, particularly in brown or wild rice, have anti-inflammatory properties, so they are also good for soothing irritation and redness. Whether consumed or topically applied, substance derived from rice tend to relieve a number of skin conditions. The antioxidant capacity also helps delay the appearance of wrinkles and other premature signs of aging that can affect the skin. 6.Alzheimer’s Disease: Brown rice is said to contain high levels of nutrients that stimulate the growth and activity of neurotransmitters, subsequently helping to prevent Alzheimer’s disease to a considerable extent. Various species of wild rice have been shown to stimulate
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neuro-protective enzymes in the brain, which inhibit the effects of free radicals and other dangerous toxins that can cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. 7.Diuretic and Digestive Qualities: The husk part of rice is considered to be an effective medicine to treat dysentery, and some people say that a three month old rice plant’s husks are said to have diuretic properties. As a diuretic, rice husk can help you lose excess water weight, eliminate toxins from the body like uric acid, and even lose weight, since approximately 4% of urine is actually made up of body fat! The high fiber content also increases bowel movement regularity and protects against various types of cancer, as well as reducing the chances of cardiovascular diseases. 8.Rich in Vitamins: Rice is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals like niacin, vitamin D, calcium, fiber, iron, thiamine and riboflavin. These vitamins provide the foundation for body metabolism, immune system health, and general functioning of the organ systems, since vitamins are commonly consumed in the most essential activities in the body. 9.Cardiovascular Health: Rice bran oil is known to have antioxidant properties that promote cardiovascular strength by reducing cholesterol levels in the body. We have already spoken about the cardiovascular benefits of fiber, and low levels of fat and sodium. Wild rice and brown rice varieties are far better than white rice in this category, since the husk of the grain is where much of the nutrients are; the husk is removed in white rice preparation. 10.Resistant starch: Rice abounds in resistant starch, which reaches the bowels in an undigested form. This type of starch stimulates the growth of useful bacteria that help with normal bowel movements. Also, this insoluble rice is very useful in reducing the effects of conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and diarrhea. Diabetic patients should include brown rice rather than white rice, which contains low levels of glycemic index. As little as one cup of brown rice on a daily basis provides a person with almost 100% of their daily manganese requirement, which helps to produce energy from carbohydrates and protein. Brown rice is also extremely beneficial for normal functioning of the nervous system. Lastly, rice is very affordable, which is very important with the economy in the world today. Aside from this, rice is easy to prepare, and the benefits it brings in turn are numerous. Preparing this food will take minutes, and you will not only enjoy its rich and full taste, but you will also be improving your overall health.
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SURAH QURAISH-1 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. #106 Surah Quraish – Quraish ()ﺳﻮﺭرﺓة ﻗﺮﻳﯾﺶ
are required to have a higher standard of obedience to Allah and refrain from worshipping anyone but Him. Reminder of Allah (ىtt t عالtt t ه و تtt t بحانtt t ’)سs favor to the tribe of Quraish !
For the protection of Quraish (ٍ)إلِي َلـٰفِ ُق َريۡش ِ
!
Their protection in the journey ()إِی َلـٰ ِف ِه ۡم رِحۡ َل َة
( فَ ۡليَ ۡعبُدُوا ْ رَبَّ َهـٰذَا٢) َِٱلصيۡف َّ ٱلشت َآ ِء و ِّ ( إِی َلـٰ ِف ِه ۡم رِحۡ َل َة١)ۡش ٍ ِإلِي َلـٰفِ ُق َري ٤) ف ِۭ خ ۡو َ ع ٍ َوءَا َمنَهُم ِّم ۡن ۬ ( ٱ َّلذ ِٓى أَطۡعَمَ هُم مِّن جُ و٣) ِٱ ۡلبَيۡت (It is a great Grace and protection from Allâh), for the taming of the Quraish, (1) (And with all those Allâh's Grace and Protections for their taming, We cause) the (Quraish) caravans to set forth safe in winter (to the south), and in summer (to the north without any fear), (2) So let them worship (Allâh) the Lord of this House (the Ka'bah in Makkah). (3) (He) Who has fed them against hunger, and has made them safe from fear. (4)
o
Of the winter ()ٱلشت َآ ِء ِّ
o
And the summer (َِٱلصيۡف َّ )و
What should they do and why? !
So let them worship (ْ )فَ ۡليَ ۡعبُدُوا o
The Lord of this House (ِ)رَبَّ َهـٰذَا ٱ ۡلبَيۡت !
•
!
In the pre-Islamic era, the entire Arabia was facing a grave situation of mutual battles, robberies and carnage. When traveling from one place to another, people were under the constant fear of being attacked by their enemies or robbed. As opposed to this, the trade caravans of the tribe of Quraish used to travel safely in the summer and wintertime. This was because the people of the entire Arabia respected them as caretakers of the Sacred House in Mecca, and never touched them with any evil during their commercial trips. As such, the Ka’aba was the basic cause of their security and economic prosperity. This surah reminds them that Allah has blessed them with this special favor only because they are the caretakers of His Sacred House. So they
Who has fed them ()ٱ َّلذ ِٓى أَطۡعَمَ هُم Against hunger (ٍ ع ۬ )مِّن جُ و
And secured them () َوءَا َمنَهُم •
From fear (ف ِۭ خ ۡو َ ) ِّم ۡن
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THE TYPES OF MARTYRS/ SHAHEED
First - the martyr of this life and the hereafter: It is he who is killed in a battle against the disbelievers whilst facing the enemy and not retreating from the battlefield. Whose only objective was to make the Word of Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىsupreme and not for any worldly gain (must have a sincere intention). Abu Moosaa Al-Ash`ari, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, was asked about who fights in the battlefield out of valor, or out of zeal, or out of showing off, which of this is considered as fighting in the cause of Allah ( ?)سبحانه و تعالىHe sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam said: “He
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who fights in order that the Word of Allah remains the supreme, is considered as fighting in the cause of Allah”. [Al-Bukhari & Muslim].
Second - the martyr of this life: It is he who is killed in a battle against the disbelievers but stole from the booties of war, or fought out of valor, or out of zeal or out of racism, or for any other worldly purpose and not for the sake of making the Word of Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىsupreme. Such a person, even though all the rulings of a martyr are applied to him in this life, such as burying him with his clothes and not washing him, yet he will not have any share in the reward of the Hereafter. On the other hand, we as Muslims are commanded to treat people with what appears from their action and leave the judgment of their hearts and intentions and their recompense (whether good or bad) to Allah ()سبحانه و تعالى.
Third - the martyr of the Hereafter: It is the one who will get the reward of a martyr in the Hereafter, but the rulings of a regular dead person is applied to him in this life when burying him. Examples for this type is the person who is killed oppressively but not during a battle, or death due to certain diseases. Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “The martyrs are of five kinds: One who dies of plague; one who dies of disease in his stomach; the drowned; one who dies under the debris (of construction, etc.), and one who dies while fighting in the way of Allah.” [Al-Bukhari & Muslim].
If a person’s houses collapses and he dies under its ruins, then according to the above mentioned narration he is a martyr. Also if one is standing next to a wall and it falls on him and he dies, he is also considered a martyr, and these two cases often happen during earthquakes. Another type is a woman who dies whilst delivering or as a result of delivery. ‘Ubaadah Ibn AsSaamit, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, visited ‘Abdullah Ibn Rawahah, while he was sick once and said: “Do you know who are considered as martyrs in my nation?” ‘Abdullah said: “The one who is killed whilst fighting Jihad” he, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “In that case, the martyrs among my people would be few. Rather, he who is killed in the way of Allah is a martyr; he who dies of plague is a martyr; and a woman who dies due to pregnancy (i.e. whilst the baby is still in her womb) and a woman who dies during delivery, her baby will drag her into Paradise with what remains in her from the umbilical cord”. The Prophet, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “The one who dies of Thaatul-Janb is a martyr” Thaatul-Janb is a disease in which a swelling happens in a membrane under the rib bones that could lead to death. From the contemporary diseases to which this also applies is death due to cancer. Dying due to the sickness of tuberculosis is another type of martyrdom. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “Dying due to tuberculosis is martyrdom”. A person who dies drowning, unless he unnecessarily risked himself and thus drowned or he was on his way to commit a sin or any type of disobedience, in such a case it is different. The prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, also encouraged seeking martyrdom in various narra31
Dying whilst protecting one’s property, life, family or religion, is also martyrdom. Sa`eed Ibn Zaid Ibn Nufayl, may Allah be pleased with him, one of the ten Companions who were given the glad tidings of entering Paradise reported: “I heard the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, saying: “He who dies while defending his property is a martyr; he who dies in defense of his own life is a martyr; and he who dies in defense of his faith is a martyr, he who dies in defense of his family is a martyr.” [Abu Dawood & At-Tirmidhi].
tions. Al-Miqdaam Ibn Ma’di Karib, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “A martyr has six bounties: he will be forgiven with the first drop of his blood that is spilt; he will see his place in paradise (at the time of death); he will be saved from the ‘great horror’ (on the day of judgment); a crown of dignity will be placed on his head, which contains many corundums, each one being more precious than this life and all that it contains; he will have seventy two women of paradise; and he will be allowed to intercede for seventy of his family members (who would have otherwise gone to hell).” [At-Tirmithi & Ibn Maajah]. If a person sincerely asks Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىto grant him martyrdom, then Allah ()سبحانه و تعالى will grant him the reward of martyrdom even if he was not killed in the battlefield during Jihad. Sahl Ibn Hunayf, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “He who (sincerely) asks Allah for martyrdom, Allah will raise him to the high status of the martyrs, even if he dies on his bed”. [Muslim].
One of the greatest ways to die is whilst guarding the front lines of the Muslim army, also known in Arabic as Ribaat. Salman, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: “I heard the Messenger of Allaah, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, as saying: “Observing Ribaat in the way of Allah for a day and a night is far better than observing fast for a whole month and standing in prayer in all its nights (i.e. optional night prayers). If a person dies (while performing this duty), he will go on receiving his reward for his meritorious deeds perpetually, and he will be saved from Al-Fattaan (i.e. the interrogation in the grave which the two angels Munkar and Nakeer will conduct).” [Muslim].
Degrees of martyrs: The the ن َّ ِبيِّـۧ َنstatus يۡہِم ِّم َن ٱلof هللَُّ َع َل َع َم ٱmartyr ۡعَ ٱ َّلذِي َن أَنis َمhigh فَأ ُ ْو َلـٰٓٮٕ َِكindeed, ََّسول ُ هللََّ وَٱلرcoming طعِ ٱ ِ َُومَن ي after (٦٩) the Prophets the َن أ ُ ْو َلـٰٓٮٕ َِك َرفِيقً۬اand س ُ َني وَح َۚ ِـٰلِحTruthful َٱلص َّ َٱلشہَدَآ ِء و ُّ ones ني و َ (ِّي ِقSidَٱلصد ِّ و diqeen) in status. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Allah says:
“then they will be in the company of those on whom Allaah has bestowed His Grace, of the Prophets, the Siddeeqoon (those followers of the Prophets who were first and foremost to believe in them, like Abu Bakr As‑Siddeeq 32
) رضى اهلل عنه, the martyrs, and the righteous” [al-Nisa’ 4:69] These are the four degrees of Allah (سبحانه و ’)تعالىs slaves: the best of them are the Prophets, then the Siddiqeen, then the martyrs, then the righteous. Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (2/223). Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىhas made Paradise of varying levels or degrees, of which the Mujahideen (those who strive in jihad) will have one hundred degrees, as it was narrated in al-Saheeh from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), therefore the martyrs are not all of the same status, rather they vary in status. Ibn al-Teen said: All of these ways of dying are painful. Allah has favored the ummah of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) by making it a means of purifying them from sin, increasing their reward and causing them to attain thereby the status of the martyrs. In the saheeh Sunnah there are reports from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) which indicate this difference in status among the martyrs. For example: (a)It was narrated from Nu’aym ibn Hammar that a man asked the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): Which of the martyrs is best? He said: “Those who, when they took up their position in the ranks, did not turn their faces away until they were killed. They will be in the dwellings on high in Paradise, and their Lord smiles upon them, and when your Lord smiles upon a slave in this world, he will not be brought to account.” Narrated by Ahmad (21970); classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah (2558). (b)It was narrated that ‘Utbah ibn ‘Abdin alSulami said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The slain are of three types: (the first is) a believing
man who fought with his life and his wealth for the sake of Allah, and when he met the enemy he fought them until he was killed. That is the proud martyr who resides in the tent of Allah beneath His Throne; the Prophets are no better than him except by virtue of their being Prophets. (The second is) a believing man who committed some sins, but he fought with his life and his wealth for the sake of Allah, and when he met the enemy he fought until he was killed. His sins are erased, for the sword erases sins, and he will be admitted through whichever of the gates of Paradise he wishes, for it has eight gates, and Hell has seven gates, and some of them are better than others. (The third is) a hypocrite who strove with his life and his wealth, and when he met the enemy he fought for the sake of Allah and was killed. He will be in Hell, for the sword does not erase hypocrisy.” Narrated by Ahmad (17204). Its isnaad was classed as jayyid by al-Mundhiri in al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb (2/ 208), and as hasan by al-Albaan in Saheeh alTargheeb (1370). (c)It was narrated from ‘Abd-Allah ibn Hubshi alKhath’ami that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked: What type of jihad is best? He said: “The one who strives against the mushrikeen with his wealth and his life.” It was said: What kind of death is noblest? He said: “The one whose blood is shed and his horse is killed.” Narrated by Abu Dawood (1449) and al-Nasa'i (2526); classed as saheeh by al-Albani in Saheeh al-Targheeb (1318). (d)It was narrated from Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The leader of the martyrs is Hamzah ibn ‘Abd alMuttalib and a man who stood up before a tyrant and enjoined good and forbade evil, and he killed him.” Narrated by al-Haakim and 33
classed as saheeh by al-Albani in al-Silsilah alSaheehah (374). With regard to the life of the martyrs with their Lord, it is the life of al-Barzakh, where their Lord honors them with the delights of Paradise, where their position varies according to their deeds and intentions in this world. Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىsays: سبِي ِل ٱهللَِّ أ َ ۡموَٲتَۢاۚ بَلۡ أ َحۡ يَآ ٌء عِن َد َربِّ ِه ۡم يُ ۡرزَقُو َن َ نب ٱ َّلذِي َن ُق ِتلُوا ْ فِى َ َّ س َ ۡو ََال تَح ْ َستَبۡشِ رُو َن بِٱ َّلذِي َن َل ۡم يَلۡحَ قُوا ۡ َضلِهِۦ َوي ۡ ني بِمَ آ ءَاتَٮٰ ُه ُم ٱهللَُّ مِن ف َ ِ( فَرِح١٦٩) َستَبۡشِ رُو َن ۡ ( ۞ ي١٧٠) خوۡفٌ َع َليۡہِم ۡ و ََال ُه ۡم يَحۡ زَنُو َن َ خ ۡل ِف ِه ۡم أ ََّال َ ِبہِم ِّم ۡن (١٧١) ني َ ُضيعُ أ َجۡ َر ٱملۡ ُ ۡؤ ِم ِن ِ َض ۬ ٍل َوأ َ َّن ٱهللََّ َال ي ۡ ِب ِنعۡمَ ٍ۬ة ِّم َن ٱهللَِّ َوف
“Think not of those as dead who are killed in the way of Allah. Nay, they are alive, with their Lord, and they have provision. They rejoice in what Allah has bestowed upon them of His Bounty and rejoice for the sake of those who have not yet joined them, but are left behind (not yet martyred) that on them no fear shall come, nor shall they grieve. They rejoice in a grace and a bounty from Allah, and that Allah will not waste the reward of the believers” [Aal ‘Imran 3:169-171] َش ُعرُو َن ۡ تُ بَلۡ أ َحۡ يَآ ۬ءٌ َو َلـٰكِن َّال ت ۚۢ سبِي ِل ٱهللَِّ أ َ ۡموَٲ َ و ََال تَقُولُوا ْ ملِ َن يُ ۡقت َلُ فِى (١٥٤)
“And say not of those who are killed in the way of Allah, ‘They are dead.’ Nay, they are liv-
ing, but you perceive (it) not” [al-Baqarah 2:154] Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said: What is meant is that they are alive with their Lord, as it says in the verse from Aal ‘Imraan, but it is the life of al-barzakh and we do not know how it is. They have no need for food, drink or air, hence Allah says “but you perceive (it) not” i.e., you do not perceive that they are living, because it is the life of al-barzakh in the unseen. If Allah had not told us about it we would have no knowledge of it. Another thing we learn from the verse is that the martyrs are alive, but it is the life of al-barzakh which is nothing like life in this world, rather it is better and greater, but we do not know how it is. Tafseer Soorat al-Baqarah (2/176, 177). Ibn Rajab alHanbali (may Allah have mercy on him) said, under the heading: Chapter on the location of the souls of the dead in al-Barzakh: As for the martyrs, most of the scholars are of the view that they are in Paradise. There are many ahadeeth which speak of that. Imam Ahmad, Abu Dawood and al-Haakim narrated, in a report that was classed as hasan by al-Albani in Saheeh al-Targheeb (1379), from Sa’eed ibn Jubayr, that Ibn ‘Abbas said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “When your brethren were slain at Uhud, your Lord put their souls in the crops of green birds that go to the rivers of Paradise and eat of its fruits, then they go back to lamps of gold that are hanging in the shade of the Throne. When they find their food and drink and abode they said: Who will convey to our brethren that we are alive in Paradise and receiving provision, so that they will not give up fighting or turn away from jihad? And Allah said: I shall tell them about you. Then Allah, may He be exalted, revealed the verse: ‘Think not of those as dead who are killed in the way of Allah. Nay, they are 34
alive, with their Lord, and they have provision’ [Aal ‘Imran 3:169].”
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Developing Integrity Integrity. Does this have a place in your life? Do you try and build on your personal integrity? These questions require us to reflect on ourselves from time to time, what we believe in and whether our actions reflect our beliefs. The choices are out there for us, options are sometimes unlimited, but once we have made a choice do we find the time to reflect with the benefit of hindsight.
Personal integrity is a quality where honesty is high on the agenda, not only with yourself but with those around us, from family, friends and those we trade with. Personal integrity is about conducting your life in line with your moral principles.
So, how do we develop personal integrity? Well, this goes back to looking at your beliefs and values, consciously taking action to behave in ways that are reflective and consistent with your personal moral code. This is where as Muslims our deen supports us tremendously. Islam encourages and reminds us daily of our values and beliefs. Our emaan places us on the straight path with acts such as Prayer helping to internalize commitment and faithfulness. Islam encourages integrity, in having high principles and sustaining those standards even when you're faced with serious consequences for the choices that you're making.
A sound and clean heart helps us to do the right thing, life becomes simple. Our life and our actions become transparent and the burden of worrying, hiding or worse still, lying vanishes. We need to remember what Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىreminds us in the Quran,
‘The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, but only one who comes to Allah (سبحانه و )تعالىa sound heart.’ (Surat Ash-Shu’ara 26:88-89)
The courage to maintain the truth, during difficult times is what as Muslims we are encouraged to develop and maintain. In the Quran, Allah (سبحانه و )تعالىmentions truthfulness as one of the main characteristics of the Prophets.
‘Also mention in the Book (the story of) Ibrahim: He was a man of Truth and a prophet.’ 36
(Surat Maryam 19:41)
Together it was with the highest bounds of integrity coupled with moral goodness of the prophets triggered the people to listen and act upon their message with the grace of Allah ()سبحانه و تعالى. Prophet Muhammad, (PBUH), earned the title, Al-Amin, the Trustworthy, a long time prior to receiving the very first revelation. The Prophets (PBUH) honest code of conduct and sincerity were instrumental in creating a civilized society with the grace of Allah (سبحانه و
Remember that our morals help to serve ourselves and our society. The difficult times of the Ummah in today’s materialistic world of profound vanity, is in which morality becomes one of the main sources of strength, compared to immorality which is one of the main causes of decline. Given its importance to a healthy and just society, Islam supports morality and matters that lead to the enhancement of morality, Islam stands in the way of corruption and matters that lead to the spreading of corruption. Allah (سبحانه و )تعالىreminds us in the Quran,
)تعالى.
Integrity along with a strong sense of accountability to Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىenables us to refrain from erring and help us to exercise control of our worldly passions and desires. Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىreminds us in the Quran,
‘You who believe! show integrity for the sake of Allah, bearing witness with justice. Do not let hatred for a people prevent you from being just. Be just. That is closer to taqwa. And fear [and respect] Allah. Allah is aware of what you do.’ (Surat al-Maida 5:8)
‘O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah , even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.’ (Surat an-Nisa 4:135)
Morality in Islam is applicable in our lives everyday from greetings to keeping relations at a family, society and international level. This Islamic moral code of conduct helps us to tackle the challenges thrown at us from the contemporary world we live in. The prohibitions in Islam provide a sanctuary that not 37
Developing Integrity only stand in the way of corruption but help to support morality and integrity within ourselves and within a society.
Unfaltering truthfulness is one of the qualities we need to consistently ask Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىfor. Our consciousness of Allah ()سبحانه و تعالى, the Day of Judgment are all reminders and triggers to do our best. Allah ( )سبحانه و تعالىhas commanded us to be sincere in our deen which includes our daily lives, daily actions and intentions. Allah ()سبحانه و تعالى
Say, ‘I serve only Allah dedicating my religion sincerely to Him.’ (Surat Al-Zumar 39:11-14)
A person once asked the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): "What is faith?" The Prophet replied: "When a good deed becomes a source of pleasure for you and an evil deed becomes a source of disgust, then you are a believer." He was then asked: "What is a sin?" The Prophet said: "When something pricks your conscience, give it up." Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 8.
tells us in the Quran: A lesson to me and then to others, let’s avoid white lies, though they may seem harmless, tiny lies are still lies. We should all learn to take responsibility for our actions. Keeping our word, let’s not make promises that we know we can’t keep. Sometimes we feel vulnerable especially during times of fear and disaster and the temptation is there to make a wrong choice. Use these opportunities to demonstrate your true character. Last but not least when we instill and show integrity, let’s not get carried away feeling self-satisfied. Remain humble. ‘Say, ‘I have been commanded to serve Allah ()سبحانه و تعالى, dedicating my religion sincerely to Him. And I have been commanded to be the first of those who submit to Him.’ Say, ‘I fear the torment of a terrible Day if I disobey my Lord.’
When we have integrity, when we hold ourselves accountable for our actions, we become role models for others to follow and as Muslims we should be striving for that, each and every day. We start with ourselves first and then encourage others. 38
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Masjid Bani Hashim At Jumeirah Islands, Dubai
Masjid Bani Hashim by the Grace of Allah (عز )سبحانه و تعالى وجل, opened its doors on 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 وسلمother important subjects in 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 The Quran.
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