The Fountain Issue 2

ISSUE 2 / FREE DHUL QA’DAH 1433 / OCTOBER 2012

Special Hajj Issue By the students of Imam Zakariya Academy under the guidance of Mufti Shah Sadruddin

Contents 2 The Virtues of Dhul Hijjah 3 Muharram 5 Hajj 7 Illustrated Hajj Guide 9 Malcolm X Performs the Journey of a Lifetime 10 Sunnahs of Prophet Muhammad g 11 The Life of Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi 12 Q&A 13 Fountain of Hadith

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The Virtues of Dhul Hijjah By 3rd year Alimiyyah students

“… and remember the name of Allah in the appointed days.” [Al-Qur’an 2:203] Ibn Kathir writes in the commentary of this verse that Ibn Abbas k states this refers to the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. The Prophet g said regarding these days, “There is no deed more precious in the sight of Allah c, or greater in reward than a good deed done during the ten days of Sacrifice.” [Al Darami] Hafiz Ibn Hajar states the reason for this in his commentary of Bukhari (Fath ul Bari): ‘The most apparent reason for the ten days of Dhul Hijjah being distinguished in excellence is due to the assembly of the greatest acts of worship in this period, i.e. prayers, fasting, charity and the Hajj pilgrimage. In no other period do these great deeds combine.’

This is truly a blessed and virtuous time of year; therefore, we must strive during these days to show our gratitude to Allah c. Those who plan to perform Hajj this year have been gifted with a valuable opportunity to do many good deeds. As for those who remain behind, we too must utilise every moment to gain closeness to Allah c. In this article, we have outlined some basic acts of worship we should all aim to do over the coming days and also a few reminders relating to Eid celebrations.

As always we must pay particular attention to our fardh (obligatory) salaah, ensuring we perform every prayer on time. In addition to the five daily salaah, we must attempt to read Tahajjud (late night) prayer. Abu Hurairah h narrates from the Messenger of Allah g that “Salat-ut-Tahajjud during one of its nights (first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah) is like performing Tahajjud on Laylatul Qadr”.

In the hadith mentioned above the prophet g also says, ‘Fasting any day during it is equivalent to fasting one year.’

One can attain the reward of fasting for nine years by observing sawm on the first nine days (the 10th of Dhul Hijjah being Eid). The minimum should be to fast on the day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah); a Sunnah of the messenger g, regarding which he would say ‘Fasting the Day of `Arafah expiates (the sins) for two years, one prior and one forthcoming’ [Muslim].

During these days we should also try to increase in giving sadaqah (charity).

Try to set a small but fixed amount to be given on a daily basis. This is a very meritorious act indeed. We are also advised to make abundant dua to Allah c for ourselves and for the whole Muslim Ummah. It is also important to recite the takbeer of tashreeq (below) once, after every salaah from Fajr on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah until Asr on the 13th.

The Best Day of the Year The 10th of Dhul Hijjah which is the day of Eid ul Adha is the ‘greatest day of Hajj’ [Abu Dawud] and according to some scholars, the greatest day in the whole Islamic calendar. On this day, which also marks the ending of the rites of Hajj, Muslims commemorate the favours and blessings of Allah c by carrying out a sacrifice.

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When the Messenger of Allah g came to Medina the people used to celebrate two days. Seeing this he announced, ‘Indeed, Allah c has substituted for you two days better than those two; the Day of Fitr and the Day of Adha’ [Nasa’i].

Undeniably these are the two days of celebration for the Muslims. It is important to note here, that just as Islam has prescribed the days of celebration, the Shariah has also clarified the method of celebrating. It is unfortunate that today, the days of Eid have become days on which we forget our duties towards Allah. Hiring cars, playing music and free mixing of males and females has become the norm. It is extremely sad, that Allah has given us a day of celebration, and we respond by filling it with the disobedience of Allah.

Our readers, in particular the youth who may have engaged in such activities in the past, and have planned to do so again, are humbly requested to cancel such plans and enjoy the day with family and friends without crossing the boundaries of shariah. These activities not only draw upon us sin, but they become a means of a negative portrayal of Islam to non-Muslims.

We make dua to Allah c that He bestows us with the ability to utilise these blessed days for His worship and that He gives us the ability to spend the best day of the year in a manner that pleases Him. Aameen.

dren of Israel from their enemy and so Musa n used to fast it.’ He said, ‘We have more right to Musa than you.’ So he used to fast it and commanded that the fast be kept.’”

Muharram

By Zeeshan Ahmed

Muharram is the first month in the Islamic calendar, and with it comes many virtues. Although this month is famous amongst the masses for the bizarre self flagellation of the Shias, the month in its pure self is blessed and holds historical significance. To begin with, we analyse what was known of this month at the time of the Prophet g.

The Islamic year has 12 months, of which four are known as sacred. They are; Muharram, Dhu al-Qa’dah, Dhu al-Hijjah and Rajab. Shaykh Abdul Ghani al-Mujaddidi al-Dehlawi in his Hashiya of Ibn Majah, under the chapter ‘Fasting the four sacred months’ (p.125) writes, ‘’These months were considered sacred in the religion of Ibrahim and Isma’eel q. And the Arabs used to hold firm on to this, by glorifying it and preventing fighting therein (which was abrogated by the Prophet g)..... As for excessive reward in these months, then it is established by many reports. Thus meaning that sacredness in that way (by being virtuous), is still present in our religion’’.

As for Muharram specifically, we find in a Hadith reported in Sahih Muslim and Jami’ al-Tirmidhi on the authority of Abu Hurairah h, that the Prophet g said, ‘The best of fasts after the fasts of Ramadhan is in the month of Allah, that which you call Muharram. And the best prayers after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer’.

A person with insight into the life of the Prophet g will notice that the Prophet g was known for fasting excessively in Sha’ban and was steadfast on the six fasts of Shawwal. Not much has been reported of the Prophet g fasting excessively in Muharram. So why then did the Prophet g give more importance to months which had less virtue? Scholars have given various answers. Shaykh al-Mubarakpuri and Imam Nawawi have said, ‘’Perhaps the Prophet g was not given the knowledge of its (ie-Muharram’s) virtue except at the end of his life, before he could start fasting. Or perhaps barriers came in the way which prevented him from excessive fasting, like travel, illness or other then that’’.

(Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi, 3/164) Imam Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali in his Lata’if al-Ma’arif (p. 46) explains that the six fasts of Shawwal along with the fasts of Sha’ban are connected to the month of Ramadhan, and so they become a taba’ (follow up) of Ramadhan, hence sharing in its virtue. Therefore, Muharram would be the most virtuous out of the general optional fasts.

To substantiate this claim, he quotes a Hadith found in Sunan Ibn Majah, in which it is mentioned that Usama bin Zayd h used to fast the four sacred months until the Prophet g told him to observe the fasts of Shawwal. After this, he ceased fasting the four sacred months.

We find another Hadith in Jami’ alTirmidhi in which the Prophet g says (after being questioned with regards -3-

to which fast should a person observe after the month of Ramadhan) ‘’If you wish to fast after Ramadhan, thus fast in Muharram, as it is the month of Allah, in which there is a day, He (Allah) forgave a people (Bani Isra’eel) and he forgives in it others’’. Imam al-Tirmidhi says that this Hadith is good although reported by one route (Hasan Gharib).

This is regarding the fasting in Muharram. As for the day of Ashura, then it will be discussed below.

Imam Ibn Hajr al-Asqalani mentions in his Fathul Bari (4/311) that most of the scholars have accepted that the day of Ashura is the 10th of Muharram. Although there seems to be one narration indicating that Ibn ‘Abbas k does not agree and says it is the 9th, Ibn Hajr explains it away by various evidences. Imam Nawawi argues on similar lines in his Sharh of Sahih Muslim and says, ‘The vast majority of scholars from the past and present have agreed that Ashura is on the 10th of Muharram...’’

The significance of this day is established by many Ahaadeeth found in various collections. We will suffice by narrating some from Sahih al-Bukhari (Book of fasting, Chapter 69): It is related that Ibn ‘Abbas k said, “The Prophet g came to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting the day of ‘Ashura’ and said, ‘What is this?’

They said, ‘This is a holy day. This is the day when Allah rescued the Chil-

It is related that ‘A’isha said, “Quraysh used to fast the day of ‘Ashura’ in the time of the Jahiliyya. The Messenger of Allah g used also to fast it. When he came to Madinah, he would fast it and commanded that it be observed.

When Ramadan became obligatory, he stopped fasting the day of ‘Ashura’.

Whoever wished could fast it and whoever wished could leave it.”

From the above, we find that the significance of Ashura is that Allah rescued Musa n and his followers from Fir’awn on this day. There seems to be a contradiction. In the first Hadith the Prophet g seems to come to know of this fast in Madinah. But the latter mentions that the Prophet g fasted on Ashura before migration. Ibn Hajr gives two replies to this apparent contradiction.

He says (Fath al-Bari four/312) “As for the Quraysh fasting on Ashura, then perhaps they received it from a previous legislation. Because of this they would glorify it (Ashura) by clothing the Ka’bah and other than that’’.

The second reply he gave (3/314) is that the Prophet g already knew of Ashura, but the Jews would follow the solar calendar rather then the lunar.

So his saying, “We have more right to Musa than you”, is in fact the Prophet g saying that we are more entitled to Musa n as we are following the correct date. But Ibn Hajr accepts that this explanation doesn’t fit in the context of the Hadith and that the first is more suitable.

Another narration mentioned in the same chapter by Imam al-Bukhari says: It is related that ‘A’isha said, “The Messenger of Allah g used to command that the day of ‘Ashura’ be fasted.

When fasting Ramadan was made obligatory, whoever wished could fast it and whoever wished need not fast it.”

From this and other Hadith we realise that the fasting of Ashura was origi-

nally obligatory, but after the fasts of Ramadhan were legislated, it became a mustahab (encouraged) act as opposed to an obligation. Imam Ibn Abd al-Barr relates an ijma’ (consensus) of the scholars on it being an optional fast, as related by Ibn Hajr (Fath al-Bari four/312).

Imam Ahmed also reports from Ibn Abbas from the Prophet g that he said, “Oppose the Jews, fast a day before or after it, i.e. the day of Ashura”.

After mentioning these narrations and some differing opinions, he concludes “The fasting of Ashura is of three types - The lowest level, that he fasts one day (the 10th) alone. Better than that is that he fasts 9th with the 10th and better than that is he fasts the 9th and 11th with it (Fath, 4/311-312).”

Scholars have also mentioned that the 10th can be fasted with the 11th. The reason for this, as is clear from the Hadith, is to distinguish ourselves from the Jews.

It is related that Ibn ‘Abbas said, “I did not see the Prophet g consider the fasting of any one day better than any another except for this day, the day of ‘Ashura’, and this month, i.e. the month of Ramadan.” (Sahih alBukhari).

This Hadith suggests that the fast of Ashura is the most virtuous.

It has been said that the wisdom of the fast of Arafah holding more virtue then the fast of Ashura is that Ashura is attributed to Musa n and Arafah is attributed to our Prophet g.

There have been many narrations in which the Prophet g is supposed to have encouraged feeding family and friends. Ibn Rajab says, “It has been narrated via many routes, but nothing is authentically reported therein’’.

Despite Ibn Rajab’s grading of the Hadith, he quotes Ibn Uyainah as saying “I have had experience for 50/60 years (of being generous on the family on the day of Ashura), and have seen nothing except good’’ (Lataa’if alMa’arif, p76).

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Mufti Taqi Usmani also mentions the weakness of the narrations in his article on ‘al-Balagh’. But he says Imam alBayhaqi and Ibn Hibban have accepted them as reliable.

Finally, many stories and virtues are attributed to this day which are pure fabrications. Mufti Taqi Usmani wrote, “However, there are some legends and misconceptions with regard to ‘Ashura’ that have managed to find their way into the minds of the ignorant, but have no support of authentic Islamic sources, some very common of them are these: This is the day on which Adam, alayhi salaam, was created.

This is the day when Ibrahim, alayhi salaam, was born. This is the day when Allah accepted the repentance of Sayyidina Adam, alayhi salaam. This is the day when Qiyaamah (doomsday) will take place. Whoever takes a bath on the day of ‘Ashura’ will never get ill’’. (albalagh.net) From these fabricated acts is the mourning and self flagellation of the Shia. In refutation of this act Imam Ibn Rajab wrote, “As for taking Ashura as a day of funeral as the Rawafidh (Shia) do, due to the martyrdom of al-Hussain bin Ali, then it is from the acts of the one who has lost his path in the worldly life, while he thinks that he is doing something good. Allah and his messenger have not commanded taking calamitous days of the Prophets or their deaths as days of mourning, so how about those who are below them (meaning Hussain bin Ali)’’.

(Lata’if al-Ma’airif, p77) So we as the Ahl al-Sunnah should realise the significance of Ashura and Muharram in its true and pure self.

The Ahaadeeth mention clear virtue for both the day of Ashura and the month of Muharram in general. For this reason, it is rewarding for a person to fast on the day of Ashura, and join it with either the 9th or the 10th of Muharram.

And Allah knows best

Hajj

By 5th year students

“And announce among the people about (the obligation) Hajj, so that they should come to you on foot and on every camel turned lean, travelling through every distant hilly pathway...” [Holy Qur’an 22:28].

Since the time that Ibrahim n was commanded by Allah c to make the proclamation of Hajj until the present day, great multitudes of pilgrims have responded to his call and embarked on this unique journey. This sacred pillar of Islam gathers Muslims from all walks of life, clad in two humble garments, without distinction between king and slave, wealthy and destitute, all present for one purpose: to humble themselves before Allah c. Every pilgrim has been promised that if their Hajj is accepted, they will return in a state of complete purity from sins, like the day their mother gave birth to them [Bukhari]. Furthermore, the reward for Hajj Mabroor (a righteous Hajj) is nothing but Jannah [Bukhari].

There are numerous narrations such as those mentioned above which discuss the virtues of Hajj. However, we also find grave warnings against those who despite possessing the means do not make this blessed journey. Abu Umaamah h reports that the Prophet g said, “Whoever fails to perform Hajj while not being prevented from it by a valid necessity, or by an oppressive ruler, or by severe illness, and then passes away without

performing Hajj, then he has a choice to die as a Jew if he so wishes, or a Christian if he so wishes,” [Darimi].

It is a sad state of affairs that unfortunately in our time, despite the ever increasing number of pilgrims that go for Hajj, there is also an increase in those who are neglectful of their duty to perform the pilgrimage. May Allah c give us all the ability to perform Hajj promptly after it becomes obligatory on us. Aameen.

The Journey “There is no intelligence like planning…” [Baihaqi] As we draw closer to the actual days of Hajj, this year’s pilgrims should have begun their preparations. The key to success in any task, be it related to worldly affairs or religious matters, is planning. This is of particular importance for the journey of Hajj as it is one of the most important journeys that a Muslim will undertake. If the pilgrims are to be ready physically, mentally and most of all spiritually, then the journey to Hajj must begin a long time before actually departing from home. Bearing this in mind, we have put together a few words of advice which will insha’Allah assist the pilgrims in making this a journey of a lifetime.

The messenger of Allah g said, -5-

“Near the time of Qiyamah the rich people from my ummah will perform Hajj for the sake of travel and holiday. Middle class will perform Hajj for commercial purposes, taking goods there and bringing some back ... The poor will perform Hajj for the purpose of begging” [Kanzul Ummaal] Before departing, pilgrims must contemplate on their intention for undertaking this unique reverence which combines physical, financial and spiritual forms of worship. It is vital that the intention is to please Allah c alone; hoping for forgiveness and abundant reward from the Most Merciful, as it is only He who helps us in prosperity and adversity.

The pilgrims should leave home in a state of pondering and reflection. At the forefront of one’s mind should be the concern that how can I attain forgiveness for my previous sins; up until this point, I have led a life of disobedience, transgression and oppression; what can I do to remove these from my account? This should be the concern of every pilgrim throughout the journey, and at the same time there must be a determination and desire to make sincere tawbah (repentance). “…there should be no obscenity, no sin, nor quarrel in the Hajj”. [Holy Qur’an 2:197].

The beauty of the Qur’an is in its

concise and encompassing nature. The above verse is a perfect example of this. If one was to make a concerted effort to act on this verse during the whole journey then insha’Allah, they will return home successful. A person may face numerous kinds of trials and discomforts in Hajj which may begin as early as your arrival at Jeddah Airport.

Be prepared for delays, not just here but at every stage of Hajj, and remain in a positive frame of mind. It is important to realise that this whole journey is a form of obedience to Allah c, therefore any difficulties such as delays and queues must be accepted as the will of Allah c. Hajj does not merely involve the performance of certain rituals; rather it is the complete submission to the will of Allah c. Hence, it is imperative that during these testing times you refrain from disputing, losing control of one’s anger and any form of sin, in accordance with the verse.

The following section contains some key advices which should be adhered to at the various destinations during Hajj.

On arrival at Jeddah, take time to relax and freshen up. There will be shops to buy snacks and food from, so it is advisable that you have some money exchanged into Riyals as this will be useful. Once you have left the airport you will board coaches and be transported to your hotels. On arrival, aim to perform Umrah at the earliest convenience but do not rush. It is important that you do not overwork and tire yourself in the days leading up to the first day of Hajj i.e. 8th of Dhul Hijjah.

The Messenger of Allah g said, “The days of Mina are days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah”.

[Sahih Muslim] Mina • When departing for Mina attempt to travel as light as possible, taking with you the bare essentials such as a spare ihram, sleeping bag, medicine etc.

• It is an important Sunnah to spend

the nights of the 8th, 10th, 11th, and 12th in Mina. Try your utmost to act upon this as many pilgrims stay in the hotel having performed the tawaaf on the 10th.

• Spend the time in Mina performing salaah, engaging in zikr, dua and recitation of Qur’an.

be the first to leave Muzdalifah. Show calmness and patience in every situation.

“Calmness and patient deliberation is from Allah and haste is from Satan” [Tirmidhi] Eid Day

• It has been observed in Mina that there is a tendency for people to waste time in discussion and idle talk. A huge emphasis should be placed on guarding one’s time during these days. There is no harm in resting and talking regarding religious matters but beyond this, we must be very careful how we utilise every moment.

• This can be the most demanding day of Hajj due to the various tasks which require fulfilment (see Hajj diagram).

The main point here is as above; do not rush to complete the rituals. Rather, choose an appropriate time taking all the pilgrims into consideration. After this day the most strenuous parts of Hajj will be completed.

• Always plan ahead. Perform wudhu etc. well in advance of Salaah times. Be mindful of others throughout.

Dua

Arafat “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the day of Arafat” [Sahih Muslim] • Numerous narrations mention the significance of Arafat in Hajj and a pilgrim should aim to reach the peak of spirituality and worship on this day.

• The emphasis here is on making dua.

Make as much supplication as you can, beg and beseech Allah c for forgiveness. No pilgrim should leave this day except after having attained the mercy of Allah c.

• Depart from Arafat in a peaceful manner having relieved oneself of any needs and necessities before arriving at Muzdalifah.

Muzdalifah • On arrival at Muzdalifah it is advisable to get some rest and freshen up, ready for the 10th of Dhul Hijjah; the most physically challenging day of Hajj.

• Use the time here to make dua, especially during the period between Fajr and sunrise. Do not hasten and rush to -6-

The scholars of Islam have placed a great deal of importance on making dua (supplication) to Allah c during these days. This is an invaluable point which cannot be stressed enough. Make dua at every opportunity. In order to do this effectively, it is highly advised that pilgrims practice making lengthy dua from now. A useful tip would be to write down a list of duas prior to leaving and supplementing this list whilst on your journey. Ask Allah c for the acceptance of your Hajj and make dua for the whole Muslim Ummah.

What to take home?

The sign of acceptance of a good deed is not in how well the action is carried out, but in how one’s behaviour is after its performance. If we come back home from Hajj and there are no permanent positive changes in our lives e.g. we still miss salaah, and disobey Allah then we should be very concerned. During the five days of Hajj the pilgrims will have carried out various tasks and rituals and endured many hardships patiently. It is of paramount importance that this trait and numerous others that the pilgrimage has taught us are not abandoned upon returning.

May Allah c accept the Hajj of every pilgrim; Aameen.

r

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MALCOLM X

PERFORMS THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME

‘O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into races and tribes, so that you may identify one another. Surely the noblest of you, in Allah‘s sight, is the one who is most pious of you. Surely Allah is All Knowing, All-Aware’. [Holy Qur’an 49:14] Malcolm X r is amongst the most famous people in recent history’s civil rights movement against racism. He was a man who not only witnessed racism all around him but was the victim of racist America himself. Yet, it was the magnificent beauty of Islam that opened his heart, and it is the teachings of the Qur’an & Sunnah that he acknowledged as being the solution to the problem of racism in America and around the world. During his journey to Hajj, Malcolm wrote a very powerful and emotional letter about his experience of Hajj, the power and significance of which can be understood more and more upon reading about his life. Below are some excerpts of his letter. … ‘’Never have I witnessed such sincere hospitality and overwhelming spirit of true brotherhood as is practiced by people of all colors and races here in this Ancient Holy Land, the home of Abraham, Muhammad and all the other Prophets of the Holy Scriptures”. … “There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world. They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blonds to black-skinned Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual, displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never could exist between the white and non-white”. … “America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem.

Throughout my travels in the Muslim world, I have met, talked to, and even eaten with people who in America would have been considered ‘white’--but the ‘white’ attitude was removed from their minds by the religion of Islam. I have never before seen sincere and true brotherhood practiced by all colors together, irrespective of their color”. … “During the past eleven days here in the Muslim world, I have eaten from the same plate, drunk from the same glass, and slept in the same bed (or on the same rug)--while praying to the same God--with fellow Muslims, whose eyes were the bluest of blue, whose hair was the blondest of blond, and whose skin was the whitest of white. And in the words and in the actions in the deeds of the ‘white’ Muslims, I felt the same sincerity that I felt among the black African Muslims of Nigeria, Sudan, and Ghana”.

Sunnahs of Prophet Muhammad g Allah c mentions in the Holy Quran: “Say, if you love Allah then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you”.

(03:31).

… “We were truly all the same (brothers)--because their belief in one God had removed the white from their minds, the white from their behaviour, and the white from their attitude. I could see from this, that perhaps if white Americans could accept the Oneness of God, then perhaps, too, they could accept in reality the Oneness of Man--and cease to measure, and hinder, and harm others in terms of their ‘differences’ in color”. … “Never have I been so highly honoured. Never have I been made to feel more humble and unworthy. Who would believe the blessings that have been heaped upon an American Negro? A few nights ago, a man who would be called in America a ‘white’ man, a United Nations diplomat, an ambassador, a companion of kings, gave me his hotel suite, his bed. ... Never would I have even thought of dreaming that I would ever be a recipient of such honors--honors that in America would be bestowed upon a King--not a Negro”.

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the Worlds.

Sincerely, El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X) “Allah does not look at your appearance or your wealth but looks at your heart and actions” [Muslim] To read the full letter and a brief biography of Malcolm X visit: www.hikmah.co.uk -9-

In this verse, Allah c has clarified for the Belivers that in order to become the beloved of Allah c, we must follow the way and life of His Messenger g. To follow in the footsteps of our Beloved Prophet g, it is clear that we must learn about his life and his mannerisms so that we can incorporate his actions into our life, thereby increasing our love and connection with the Prophet g, and ultimately leading to the pleasure of Allah c. Therefore, with the help of Allah c, we hope to devote a section in every issue in which we will mention a brief account of the sunnah of our Beloved Prophet g. We pray that it becomes a means of increasing our love with the Prophet g, and also an encouragement for us to read further about his life g.

took place; a Jew who lived in Madinah saw a bright star, a fire that had been burning for a thousand years in Persia was extinguished and a bright light arose in Makkah which could be seen as far as Syria.

Blessed Features The Prophet g’s hair was at ear-level at its shortest and at shoulder-length at its longest.

Anas bin Malik h says: “The Messenger of Allah g was not excessively tall or short. He was not very pallid nor dark.

He did not have curly hair or lank hair.” (Muwatta Malik) Blessed Possessions

The Prophet g lived a life of utmost simplicity, and as such did not have many possessions. Of the few items he did possess were a few turbans. Amongst them was one which was black in colour, Biography and which he wore on occasions such as Eid and Jumuah. The prophet salalla hu The greatest of all creation Prophet alyhi wasalam adorned himself with a Muhammad g was born on Monday black turban on the day of the conquest 12th Rabiul Awwal (22nd of April) at the of Makkah Mukarramah. Both ends of time of dawn in 571 AD, in the house of the turban were left to hang between his his uncle Abu Talib. The Prophet g was shoulder blades. The length is recorded born into the respected family of Banu to be 1) six yards 2) seven yards 3) twelve Hashim, the custodians of the Ka’bah. yards.

Upon his birth, several significant events - 10 -

Likes and Dislikes Prophet g liked honey. It has been narrated that he consumed it in three different ways; 1) pure honey 2) honey mixed with water 3) honey mixed with milk. It has also been narrated by Aishah i that “the drink most liked by Rasulullah g was that which was sweet and cold”.

Sweet water was brought for the Messenger g from a place called Suqyah, a few kilometres outside Madinah. On the other hand, He g disliked extremely hot drinks.

One Sunnah of Our Beloved After drinking milk, Prophet Muhammad g would call for water and wash his mouth out and then read the following Du’a: “O Allah grant us blessing in it and increase it for us”.

Therefore, when we drink milk, we should also wash our mouth and read this dua in order to follow the sunnah May Allah c give us the ability to become a true follower of the beloved prophet g and remain steadfast upon his Sunnah. Aameen.

Q&A The Life of Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi r Hazrat Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, one of the founding fathers of Darul Uloom Deoband, was born in the year 1826 in Gangoh, a village in the UP district in India. He grew up an orphan; his father died when he was at the tender age of 7. His upbringing thus was done under the guidance of his maternal uncles who themselves were scholars of great calibre. Maulana, who was one of the pillars of Deoband, was an Ayyubi – a descendant of the prominent companion Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari h, the sahabi who had the honour of hosting Rasulullah g upon his entry into Madinah.

the following year however, his fixation was only Hadith. He alone would teach all six books of Hadith (i.e. Sihah-Sittah).

These lessons would commence during the month of Shawwaal and by Sha’baan all six books would be completed. His lessons on Tirmidhi and Bukhari have been compiled into books called ‘Kaukab Durri’ and ‘Laamiu Daraari’. Perhaps his most famous work is ‘Fataawa Rashidiyyah’ a book used by thousands of scholars till this day. Aside from these duties, he founded an institute called Mazaahirul Uloom Saharanpur, and after the demise of Moulana Qasim Sahib, he became the principle of both Darul Uloom Deoband and Mazaahirul Uloom

had indeed found the cure. The medicine was administered to the patient, and by the Mercy of Allah she was cured. This incident spread far and wide, and many would come to Shaykh for a cure.

Despite his immense knowledge and his lofty rank in the eyes of the scholars, Maulana Rashid Ahmad was known for his extreme tolerance. In his teaching days, there was a person who would condemn Maulana and ridicule him in his writings. Despite requests by his associates to respond on his behalf, Shaykh refused to respond, citing it to be a ‘waste of time’. One such incident has been reported. A person once came to the ShLike many great scholars, Maulana aykh and began to insult him. Maulana Rashid Ahmad’s Islamic education calmly suggested to the person that he commenced at a very young age – study- Regarding his knowledge, Maulana Qasim Nanotwi describes him as the Abu engage himself in Dhikr, as this would be ing Persian under the guidance of his maternal uncle. He then went on to learn Hanifa al Athr (Imam Abu Hanifa of his more beneficial. Such was the humility and character of this scholar, that despite time). Allamah Anwar Shah Kashmiri, Nahw (grammar) and Sarf (Etymolconstant provocation, he refused to who himself was one of the great schology) by Maulana Muhammad Bakhsh Rampuri. It was in 1845, at the age of 19 ars, states that if Maulana Rashid Ahmad respond except in a polite manner. May that he travelled to Delhi, and where his Gangohi is not higher than Allamah Sha- Allah enable us to bring this quality in our lives. attachment with Hujjatul Islam Maulana mi, he is not lesser than him either. The extent of this comparison can be known Qasim Nanotwi began; an alliance that when one appreciates the magnum opus Although reports vary, on 8th or 9th of was to continue until they passed away. of Allamah Shami, Raddul Muhtaar; a 12 Jamaadiuth Thaani 1323 at the age of 78 He engrossed himself so thoroughly in the acquisition of knowledge that he left volume commentary of the Hanafi book years, Hazrat Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi departed from this world. His of jurisprudence Durrul Mukhtar. only seven hours of the entire day for death in itself is a remarkable incident. his other needs, such as eating, sleeping, Alongside his religious commitments, Whilst praying tahajjud, Hazrat was bitetc. During his stay in Delhi, he made Maulana Rashid Ahmad was also a herbal ten by a snake. He remained unaware of his own food arrangements and never doctor (Hakeem). An incident has been this until he reached the masjid for Fajr imposed upon anyone. Every month 3 narrated where a member of his family, Salah, where he was informed that there rupees were sent to him from home, and this meagre amount would suffice all his having failed to receive any diagnosis by was blood on his foot. Maulana could any other doctor, came to the door of not explain this, but upon examination, needs.

Maulana and sought his help. In response it was revealed that he had suffered a to her request, Maulana began to search snake bite. This was a cause for his deAt the age of 21, Shaykh completed his mise almost a month later, on the blessed the books of medicine, and found the studies and returned home to Gangoh. source of her illness. After presenting his day of Jumuah. May Allah have mercy on After his return, he initially taught a him, and reward him abundantly for his findings to his uncle, (who was also a variety of subjects. This occupation doctor), it was confirmed to him that he contribution to Islam. Aameen continued until the end of 1883. From

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Alhamdulillah with the grace of Allah c, we have decided to dedicate this page for questions and answers. In each issue, we will mention a few questions which have been sent in by our readers, and these questions will be answered by Mufti Shah Sadaruddin. Please send your questions to the email given at the bottom of this page, and the most appropriate questions will be answered by Mufti Sahib.

A person saved money for marriage. After saving, the time for his marriage was in the Hajj period.

Will Hajj become necessary on him or is he permitted to use his savings to get married?

Marriage consists of two words in the presence of two witnesses, giving of the dowry and a Walimah (feast) for the guest. Hence a large sum of money is not required for one to practice the blessed Sunnah How much is the amount of “Fiof Nikāh. On the other hand, Hajj dya” for missing a fast? is one of the fundamental duties of a Muslim, and one is obliged to The amount of Fidya is the same fulfil it as soon as he has the means amount that is given as Sadqatul to do so. Hajj is Fardh and nikah Fitr. This is 2 kilograms of wheat for is Sunnah, and in such a case the every fast, which is between £2.00 obligatory act would always be given and £2.50. However, if a person feels preference. they are able to make up the fast at a later date, they are not permitted Therefore, it is obligatory for such to give this Fidya. Instead they will a person to fulfil the duty of Hajj have to wait until such a time when with this money before spending it they are healthy enough to make up on his wedding processions. Unforthe fasts. The option of paying the tunately, in this day and age, there Fidya applies only to those who are is an increasing trend for wedding certain they will never regain the occasions to be high maintenance, ability to fast. involving extravagance which require (Raddul Muhtaar V-1, P-866) families to save up for a long time.

(Alamgiri V-1, P-207) It is mentioned in the Hadith, “the most blessed Nikāh is the one with Can a woman go to see her husthe least expenditure” (Ahmad). bands’ body after he has passed away, and can a husband see his The person who possesses enough wife’s body after she passes away? wealth to fulfil the obligatory act of Hajj, for that person Nikāh will not A woman can see her husband’s be a valid reason to delay it. In fact, body after he passes away, but she is one can practice both. not permitted to leave the house and (Fatawaa Hindiyah/ Fatāwā go to the masjid due to the reason Mahmoodia V-10 P-291-292) that her “Iddat” period has started.

If the woman wishes to see her hus- Please email your questions to theband’s body after his demise, then fountain@hikmah.co.uk. the body should be brought to the house or it should be shown to her before the body leaves the house. As for the husband, it is only permitted for him to see the face of the deceased wife, not the body.

(Alamghiri V-1, P-160/Raddul Muhtaar V-1, P-576/Hidaya V-2, P-428/429)

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