1) There are saheeh ahaadeeth from the Prophet (peace be upon him) about the virtues of reciting Soorat al- Kahaf. These include: "Whoever reads Soorat al-Kahaf on the night of Jumu'ah, will have a light that will stretch between him and the Ancient House (the Ka'bah)." Also: "Whoever reads Soorat al-Kahaf on the day of Jumu'ah, will have a light that will shine from him from one Friday to the next." [Both are classed as Saheeh by Al-Albaani]. Al-Hafiz ibn Hajar said: "In some reports it says "the day of Jumu'ah" and in some reports it says "the night of Jumu'ah" . They may be reconciled by saying that what is meant is the day which includes the night and vice versa." Thus the recommended time extends from sunset on Thursday to sunset on Friday.
2) Undoubtedly the Prophets differ in status and are at varying levels. The best are the five Messengers of strong will (Uloo'l-'Azm), and the best of those is the Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad (peace be upon him). With regard to the Saheeh ahaadeeth, "Do not prefer me over Yoonus ibn Mattaa" and "By the One Who chose Mosa over all of creation" , these all indicate the immense humility of the Prophet (peace be upon him) when speaking of his brothers the Messengers. But he is undoubtedly the best of them all, for he led them in prayer in Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) on the night of the Israa'. He will be the leader of the sons of Adam on the Day of Resurrection, and he is the only one among all the Messengers who will be granted the power of intercession on that Day.
3) It was narrated that 'A'ishah (RA) said: A group of Jews entered upon the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and they said: Al-saam'alaykum (death be upon you). 'A'ishah said: I understood it and said: Rather may death be upon you, and curses. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "O 'A'ishah, Allah has enjoined kindness in all things." She said: Did you not hear what they said? He said: "I said: And also upon you." (Al-Bukhari, Muslim). Al Nawawi said: This reflects the greatness of his character and his forbearance. It encourages us to be kind, patient and forbearing, to be gentle with people, so long as there is no need for harshness. Al-Shawkani said: This hadeeth shows that it is mustahab (enjoined) for the people of virtue to ignore the folly of the wrongdoers, so long as that will not lead to spread of corruption.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Jawal Zad SMS 27
1) It was narrated from Abu Mas'ood that the Prophet(peace be upon him) said: "Whoever recites the last two verses of Soorat al- Baqarah at night, they will suffice him." (Al-Bukhaari, Muslim) Ibn Al-Qayyim said in al-Waabil al- Sayyib (132): They will suffice him against any evil that may harm him.
2) There can be no doubt that laughing too much affects the Muslim's heart, distracting one from thinking deeply and feeling fear of Allah. The Messenger (peace be upon him) warned us about the danger it poses: "Do not laugh too much, for laughing deadens the heart." (Narrate by al-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
3) Regarding trials: Victory and success cannot be achieved except after tests which will bring the good forth from the evil and tell the believer apart from the kafir. Allah says: "Allah will not leave the believers in the state in which you are now, until He distinguishes the wicked from the good. Nor will Allah disclose to you the secrets of the Ghayb (unseen)." [Aal Imran 3:179]
4) Based on the hadith in Bukhari and Muslim: On the night when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was taken up into heaven (the MMi'raj), Allah initially enjoined fifty prayers to be performed night and day. Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) kept asking his Lord to reduce it until it became five prayers to be offered night and day. But Allah decreed that whoever prays the five prayers will still receive the reward of fifty prayers.
5) Allah is close to His slaves. He sees where they are and He knows their situation. He hears what they say and responds to their du'aa'. Nothing about them is hidden from Him, as He says (interp. of meaning): "Truly, nothing is hidden from Allah, in the earth or in the heavens" [Aal Imran 3:5] Allah alone is the One Who has created us and Who provides for us; in His hand is the dominion and He is Able to do all things.
2) There can be no doubt that laughing too much affects the Muslim's heart, distracting one from thinking deeply and feeling fear of Allah. The Messenger (peace be upon him) warned us about the danger it poses: "Do not laugh too much, for laughing deadens the heart." (Narrate by al-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
3) Regarding trials: Victory and success cannot be achieved except after tests which will bring the good forth from the evil and tell the believer apart from the kafir. Allah says: "Allah will not leave the believers in the state in which you are now, until He distinguishes the wicked from the good. Nor will Allah disclose to you the secrets of the Ghayb (unseen)." [Aal Imran 3:179]
4) Based on the hadith in Bukhari and Muslim: On the night when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was taken up into heaven (the MMi'raj), Allah initially enjoined fifty prayers to be performed night and day. Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) kept asking his Lord to reduce it until it became five prayers to be offered night and day. But Allah decreed that whoever prays the five prayers will still receive the reward of fifty prayers.
5) Allah is close to His slaves. He sees where they are and He knows their situation. He hears what they say and responds to their du'aa'. Nothing about them is hidden from Him, as He says (interp. of meaning): "Truly, nothing is hidden from Allah, in the earth or in the heavens" [Aal Imran 3:5] Allah alone is the One Who has created us and Who provides for us; in His hand is the dominion and He is Able to do all things.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Jawal Zad SMS 26
1) Give thanks to Allah for the season of goodness that He has bestowed upon you, and for the great blessings for which He has singled you out. Make the most of this blessed time by filling it with acts of worship and forsaking haram things, so that you may attain a good life in this world and happiness after death.
2) May Allah bless you in this month of fasting. We ask Him to help us to remember Him and worship Him properly. Dear brothers and sisters, the race has begun! Ramadan has come and Paradise has been opened for those who strive. The prize is for the one who strives, so prepare to work hard and say "no one will reach Allah before me".
3) From Ibn Abbas: "Allah's Apostle was the most generous of all the people, and he used to reach the utmost in generosity during the month of Ramadan when Jibreel met with him. Jibreel used to visit him every night of Ramadan to revise (in another narration: to teach him) the Qur'an. Allah's Apostle was the most generous person, even more generous than the strong, bountiful wind (in readiness and haste to do charitable deeds)." (al-Bukhari, Muslim)
4) If a fasting person hears the adhaan and knows that this is the call for Fajr prayer, he must stop eating. If the adhan is before the break of dawn, then he does not have to stop eating and it is permissible to eat and drink until it is clear that dawn has come. If it is unknown whether the muezzin calls before or after dawn, then it is better and safer to stop eating at the adhan.
5) "Ramdan is the month in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide for humanity, and also clear (signs) for guidance and Judgment (between right and wrong)...." [al-Baqarah 2:185- interpr. of meaning] The most favored act of worship in this month is recitation of the Qur'an. Occupying oneself with the Qur'an during Ramadan is the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him), and it has been the tradition of Muslims, both scholars and laymen alike.
2) May Allah bless you in this month of fasting. We ask Him to help us to remember Him and worship Him properly. Dear brothers and sisters, the race has begun! Ramadan has come and Paradise has been opened for those who strive. The prize is for the one who strives, so prepare to work hard and say "no one will reach Allah before me".
3) From Ibn Abbas: "Allah's Apostle was the most generous of all the people, and he used to reach the utmost in generosity during the month of Ramadan when Jibreel met with him. Jibreel used to visit him every night of Ramadan to revise (in another narration: to teach him) the Qur'an. Allah's Apostle was the most generous person, even more generous than the strong, bountiful wind (in readiness and haste to do charitable deeds)." (al-Bukhari, Muslim)
4) If a fasting person hears the adhaan and knows that this is the call for Fajr prayer, he must stop eating. If the adhan is before the break of dawn, then he does not have to stop eating and it is permissible to eat and drink until it is clear that dawn has come. If it is unknown whether the muezzin calls before or after dawn, then it is better and safer to stop eating at the adhan.
5) "Ramdan is the month in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide for humanity, and also clear (signs) for guidance and Judgment (between right and wrong)...." [al-Baqarah 2:185- interpr. of meaning] The most favored act of worship in this month is recitation of the Qur'an. Occupying oneself with the Qur'an during Ramadan is the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him), and it has been the tradition of Muslims, both scholars and laymen alike.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Jawal Zad SMS 25
1) The connection between zina (adultery) and poverty: Poverty is of two types: poverty of hand and poverty of heart. Zina may take away and erase the blessing of wealth, because it is ingratitude for the blessing and using it to disobey the One who granted the blessing. Then the person is tested with poverty of heart because of his weakness of faith. So his heart starts to seek that which it does not have and he is not given patience to bear it, and this is an ongoing punishment. (From Sharh al-Shihaab)
2) The believer should not allow his tongue to become accustomed to cursing and swearing: "The believer is not one who slanders, curses or utters foul or obscene speech." (al-Tirmidhi; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani) Whoever indulges in a lot of something will make it a habit.
3) Extravagance means overstepping the mark in spending money. Waste means spending it inappropriately, which is worse then extravagence. Hence Allah says: "Verily, the spendthrifts are brothjers of the Shayaateen (devils). And the Shaytaan (Satan) is ever ungrateful to his Lord." [al-Isra' 17:26-7 - intrpr. of meaning]
4) Looking at haraam pictures leads to nothing but loss, pain and sorrow. The poet spoke the truth when he said: "When you give free rein to your eyes, this will cause great pain to your heart. You will see what you cannot have, and you will feel frustration because you do not have some of what you see." All that is gained is the anger of Allah, wasting time and money, and tormenting oneself.
5) The envier harms himself in three ways: 1) He earns sin because hasad is haraam; 2) It is bad etiquette before Allah, because what hasad really means is hating Allah's blessing His slaves, and objecting to what Allah does; 3) He suffers because of worry and distress.
6) Hasad (destructive envy) is of varying degrees: 1) When a person wants a blessing to be taken away from his Muslim brother, even if it does not come to himself. Rather he does not like Allah to bless anyone else; 2) Where he wants the blessing to be taken away from someone else because he wants it, in the hope that he will get it; 3) Where he wishes he had the same blessing as someone else, without wanting it to be taken from the other person. This is permissible and is not called hasad, rather it is called ghibtah.
7) Keep it secret. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "A conversation in a gathering is a trust." If a person is entrusted to a conversation on the basis that it is a secret, then it is not permissible for him to spread it. Similarly, if spreading it will resulth in harm tp his Muslim brother, it is not permitted. "There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm." And if spreading it will result in scandal for a sinning Muslim brother whose sin has been concealed by Allah, it is not permissible to spread it.
8) Harmless lies? 'Abd-Allah ibn Mas'ood said: Lying is not appropriate whether in earnest or in jest. Recite if you wish: "O you who believe! Fear Allah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds)." [al-Tawbah 9:119 - intrpr. of meaning] Then he said: Do you find any concession allowing that to anyone?
9) What crosses the mind .... : If someone thinks a thought of zina, stealing, consuming intoxicants and so on, but he does not do anything, then he is forgiven for that and he does not incur sin thereby. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Allah has forgiven my ummah for what crosses their minds, so long as they do not speak of it or act upon it."
10) The one who sells an item in which there is a fault must point out its faults, whether he is selling it to a Muslim or not, otherwise he will be decieving and sinning. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "The two parties to a transaction have the option (of cancelling it) until they part. If they are honest and disclose any defects, their transaction will be blessed, but if they lie and conceal defects the blessing will be erased." (al-Bukhaari, Muslim)
2) The believer should not allow his tongue to become accustomed to cursing and swearing: "The believer is not one who slanders, curses or utters foul or obscene speech." (al-Tirmidhi; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani) Whoever indulges in a lot of something will make it a habit.
3) Extravagance means overstepping the mark in spending money. Waste means spending it inappropriately, which is worse then extravagence. Hence Allah says: "Verily, the spendthrifts are brothjers of the Shayaateen (devils). And the Shaytaan (Satan) is ever ungrateful to his Lord." [al-Isra' 17:26-7 - intrpr. of meaning]
4) Looking at haraam pictures leads to nothing but loss, pain and sorrow. The poet spoke the truth when he said: "When you give free rein to your eyes, this will cause great pain to your heart. You will see what you cannot have, and you will feel frustration because you do not have some of what you see." All that is gained is the anger of Allah, wasting time and money, and tormenting oneself.
5) The envier harms himself in three ways: 1) He earns sin because hasad is haraam; 2) It is bad etiquette before Allah, because what hasad really means is hating Allah's blessing His slaves, and objecting to what Allah does; 3) He suffers because of worry and distress.
6) Hasad (destructive envy) is of varying degrees: 1) When a person wants a blessing to be taken away from his Muslim brother, even if it does not come to himself. Rather he does not like Allah to bless anyone else; 2) Where he wants the blessing to be taken away from someone else because he wants it, in the hope that he will get it; 3) Where he wishes he had the same blessing as someone else, without wanting it to be taken from the other person. This is permissible and is not called hasad, rather it is called ghibtah.
7) Keep it secret. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "A conversation in a gathering is a trust." If a person is entrusted to a conversation on the basis that it is a secret, then it is not permissible for him to spread it. Similarly, if spreading it will resulth in harm tp his Muslim brother, it is not permitted. "There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm." And if spreading it will result in scandal for a sinning Muslim brother whose sin has been concealed by Allah, it is not permissible to spread it.
8) Harmless lies? 'Abd-Allah ibn Mas'ood said: Lying is not appropriate whether in earnest or in jest. Recite if you wish: "O you who believe! Fear Allah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds)." [al-Tawbah 9:119 - intrpr. of meaning] Then he said: Do you find any concession allowing that to anyone?
9) What crosses the mind .... : If someone thinks a thought of zina, stealing, consuming intoxicants and so on, but he does not do anything, then he is forgiven for that and he does not incur sin thereby. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Allah has forgiven my ummah for what crosses their minds, so long as they do not speak of it or act upon it."
10) The one who sells an item in which there is a fault must point out its faults, whether he is selling it to a Muslim or not, otherwise he will be decieving and sinning. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "The two parties to a transaction have the option (of cancelling it) until they part. If they are honest and disclose any defects, their transaction will be blessed, but if they lie and conceal defects the blessing will be erased." (al-Bukhaari, Muslim)
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Jawal Zad SMS 24
1) Do it now! The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Hasten to do good deedsbefore there come tribulations like pieces of a dark night, when a man will be a believer in the morning and a kaafir by the evening; or he will be a believer in the evening and a kaafir by morning, selling his religious commitment for worldly gain." (Muslim)
2) If the shaytaan comes to you in the prayer and says, "You are showing off (so cut your prayer short)" then make your prayer lengthy. If he says, "You have broken wudoo" say, "You are lying". If he says to you that the dead can hear you and benefit you or harm you, tell him, "You are lying."
3) What more could yoiu want?: A man said to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): "I heard your dua' last night and what reached me of it was that you said: 'O Allah, forgive me my sins, make my house spacious, and bless me in what you provide for me." He said: "Do you think that there is anything left out?" (Al-Tirmidhi; classed as hasan by al-Albaani)
4) There are five essential conditions for repentance: sincerity, regret for what one has done, giving it up immediately, determination not to repeat it in the future, and repenting during the time when repentance will be accepted. When is that? Before a person dies or before the sun rises in the west. "And of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil deeds until death faces one of them and he says: 'Now I repent....'" [al-Nisa' 4:18 - interpr. of meaning]
5) Worship at times of hardship and tribulation has a special flavor and a special reward. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Worshiping at times of tribulation and confusion is like migrating to join me." (Muslim) Al-Nawawi said: The reason why worship at such times is of such great virtue is that people become negligent about worship and are distracted from it, and no one focuses on worship except a few.
6) It is better not to do tasbeeh with the masbahah, but it is not bid'ah. There is a basis for it, which is that some of the Sahabah did tasbeeh with pebbles. But the Messenger (peace be upon him) taught that tasbeeh with the finger is better, as he said: "Count with the fingertips, for they will be made to speak." Using the masbahah is not haram or bid'ah, but it is better not to do it, because the one who does tasbeeh with the masbahah has shunned something better. (From Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen)
7) Allah's Knowledge: He is Omniscient and knows what has happened, what is happening, and what is yet to come. Allah knows the believers and the disbelievers: what they will do and what their fate will be in the Hereafter. He has written all of that in al-Lawh al-majfooz (the Preserved tablet): "And all things We have recorded in a Book." [al-Naba' 78:29 - intrpr. of meaning]
8) Choosing a good name is a right that the child has over his father. It refers to the person, and it is an adornment and a symbol of the one who is named. He will be called by it in this world and in the Hereafter. People get an impression of the person from his name.
9) Guidance is in the hand of Allah. If He willed, He could guide all of mankind. In His Wisdom, Allah created us with the ability to choose, and He sent down guidance and the Criterion. "Verily, proofs have come to you from your Lord, so whosoever sees, will do so for (the good of) his own self, and whosoever blinds himself, will do so to his own harm, and i (Muhammad) am not a watcher over you." [al-An'aam 6:104 - interpr. of meaning]
10) Charity on behalf of the deceased: A man said to the Prophet (peace be upon him): " My mother has passed away and if she could have spoken, she would have given something in charity. Will she recieve a reward if I give something on her behalf?" He said, "Yes." (al-Bukahri)
2) If the shaytaan comes to you in the prayer and says, "You are showing off (so cut your prayer short)" then make your prayer lengthy. If he says, "You have broken wudoo" say, "You are lying". If he says to you that the dead can hear you and benefit you or harm you, tell him, "You are lying."
3) What more could yoiu want?: A man said to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): "I heard your dua' last night and what reached me of it was that you said: 'O Allah, forgive me my sins, make my house spacious, and bless me in what you provide for me." He said: "Do you think that there is anything left out?" (Al-Tirmidhi; classed as hasan by al-Albaani)
4) There are five essential conditions for repentance: sincerity, regret for what one has done, giving it up immediately, determination not to repeat it in the future, and repenting during the time when repentance will be accepted. When is that? Before a person dies or before the sun rises in the west. "And of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil deeds until death faces one of them and he says: 'Now I repent....'" [al-Nisa' 4:18 - interpr. of meaning]
5) Worship at times of hardship and tribulation has a special flavor and a special reward. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Worshiping at times of tribulation and confusion is like migrating to join me." (Muslim) Al-Nawawi said: The reason why worship at such times is of such great virtue is that people become negligent about worship and are distracted from it, and no one focuses on worship except a few.
6) It is better not to do tasbeeh with the masbahah, but it is not bid'ah. There is a basis for it, which is that some of the Sahabah did tasbeeh with pebbles. But the Messenger (peace be upon him) taught that tasbeeh with the finger is better, as he said: "Count with the fingertips, for they will be made to speak." Using the masbahah is not haram or bid'ah, but it is better not to do it, because the one who does tasbeeh with the masbahah has shunned something better. (From Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen)
7) Allah's Knowledge: He is Omniscient and knows what has happened, what is happening, and what is yet to come. Allah knows the believers and the disbelievers: what they will do and what their fate will be in the Hereafter. He has written all of that in al-Lawh al-majfooz (the Preserved tablet): "And all things We have recorded in a Book." [al-Naba' 78:29 - intrpr. of meaning]
8) Choosing a good name is a right that the child has over his father. It refers to the person, and it is an adornment and a symbol of the one who is named. He will be called by it in this world and in the Hereafter. People get an impression of the person from his name.
9) Guidance is in the hand of Allah. If He willed, He could guide all of mankind. In His Wisdom, Allah created us with the ability to choose, and He sent down guidance and the Criterion. "Verily, proofs have come to you from your Lord, so whosoever sees, will do so for (the good of) his own self, and whosoever blinds himself, will do so to his own harm, and i (Muhammad) am not a watcher over you." [al-An'aam 6:104 - interpr. of meaning]
10) Charity on behalf of the deceased: A man said to the Prophet (peace be upon him): " My mother has passed away and if she could have spoken, she would have given something in charity. Will she recieve a reward if I give something on her behalf?" He said, "Yes." (al-Bukahri)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Jawal Zad Hajj
1) The gathering of Hajj is the invitation of the Lord of the Worlds. Muslims meet there on a footing of equality. "And proclaim to mankind the Hajj. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj), that they may witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e. reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade)." [al-Hajj 22:27-8-interpr. of meaning].
2) Dhul-Hijjah The prohibition on cutting the hair and nails applies to the one who is offering the sacrifice, whether or not he (or she) delegates someone else to do the actual deed. The person who is delegated does not have to adhere to this prohibition. Also, it appears to apply only to the one who is offering the sacrifice, not to his wife and children, unless any of them is offering a sacrifice in his or her own right.
3) Among the special seasons of worship are the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah. Allah has preferred these days over all the other days of the year. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." (al-Bukhari)
4) O you who are seeking out the Sacred House: "When you leave your house, heading for the Sacred House, for every step your mount takes, Allah decrees one good deed (hasanah) for you and erases one bad deed." (a hasan hadeeth). As for your standing in 'Arafah, Allah descends to the nearest heaven and boasts to the angels about the pilgrims: "These are my slaves, they come to me dishelved and dusty from every deep and distant highway. They are hoping for my mercy and fear My punishment, and they never saw Me. Imagine if they did see Me? If you had sins like the sands of 'Aalij [a place with a lot of sand], or as many as there are days in the life of the world, or as many as the drops of water coming from the sky; Allah will wash those sins off of you. As for when you throw the pebbles, the reward is saved up for you; and when you shave your head, you will have a hasanah, for every hair that falls; and you make tawaf around the House, you will come out [free] of your sins like the day your mother gave birth to you." (hasan)
5) Before leaving for Hajj: repent to Allah for your sins and untangle yourself from disobedience; fulfill your promises and return trusts; leave enough money for your family, and if you plan to leave them an udhiyah (sacrifice), make good on it; leave what has been preoccupying you so you can focus on the rites of Hajj; learn the rulings of Hajj by reading books and brochures, and by listening to lectures and tapes; get the phone numbers for scholars and fatwa services; and set some money aside for emergencies and for charity.
6) For those who intend to make Hajj and offer the sacrifice (the hadiy): if you wish to offer a sacrifice (udhiyah) in your home country as well, do not remove or trim anything from your hair or nails starting from the first of Dhul-Hijjah. The exception is for those who are performing Hajj Tamattu': They must remove something from their hair to complete their 'Umrah. For those who are sacrificing the hadiy only, they can remove what they wish from their hair and nails until they enter ihram for Hajj.
7) The one who performs Hajj on behalf of another must have performed Hajj for himself first. A man may be a proxy for a woman and vice versa. The proxy may accept money for doing the Hajj even if it is more than he spends. He must return the extra money if that was a condition of the arrangement. Whoever desires the money only will not find any reward with Allah. Whoever does it to see the Sacred places and to help his brother by being his proxy, then it is hoped he will have a reward like the one for whom he performed Hajj.
8) Hajj is a manifestation of being a slave of Allah and one's thankfulness for His blessings. It teaches surrendering to Allah, submission to Him, and hastening to Him. Hajj opens the door to hope, the hope of returning from it like the day one was born, free of sin. It also teaches one to leave forbidden things and to get used to being organised.
9) Hajj and other righteous deeds are a means of expiation for sins if a person does them as prescribed in sharee'ah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "From one Umrah to the next is an expiation foe whatever (sins) came between them, and for an accepted Hajj there is no reward but Paradise." (al-Bukhari, Muslim)
10) The Hajj is a common gathering with a single purpose. The people are equal. They wear one type of clothing, their actions are as one, and their call is one: "Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk. Inna al-hamd wa 'l-ni--mata laka wa'l-mulk, laa shareeka lak (Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Hare I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty, You have no partner.)"
2) Dhul-Hijjah The prohibition on cutting the hair and nails applies to the one who is offering the sacrifice, whether or not he (or she) delegates someone else to do the actual deed. The person who is delegated does not have to adhere to this prohibition. Also, it appears to apply only to the one who is offering the sacrifice, not to his wife and children, unless any of them is offering a sacrifice in his or her own right.
3) Among the special seasons of worship are the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah. Allah has preferred these days over all the other days of the year. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." (al-Bukhari)
4) O you who are seeking out the Sacred House: "When you leave your house, heading for the Sacred House, for every step your mount takes, Allah decrees one good deed (hasanah) for you and erases one bad deed." (a hasan hadeeth). As for your standing in 'Arafah, Allah descends to the nearest heaven and boasts to the angels about the pilgrims: "These are my slaves, they come to me dishelved and dusty from every deep and distant highway. They are hoping for my mercy and fear My punishment, and they never saw Me. Imagine if they did see Me? If you had sins like the sands of 'Aalij [a place with a lot of sand], or as many as there are days in the life of the world, or as many as the drops of water coming from the sky; Allah will wash those sins off of you. As for when you throw the pebbles, the reward is saved up for you; and when you shave your head, you will have a hasanah, for every hair that falls; and you make tawaf around the House, you will come out [free] of your sins like the day your mother gave birth to you." (hasan)
5) Before leaving for Hajj: repent to Allah for your sins and untangle yourself from disobedience; fulfill your promises and return trusts; leave enough money for your family, and if you plan to leave them an udhiyah (sacrifice), make good on it; leave what has been preoccupying you so you can focus on the rites of Hajj; learn the rulings of Hajj by reading books and brochures, and by listening to lectures and tapes; get the phone numbers for scholars and fatwa services; and set some money aside for emergencies and for charity.
6) For those who intend to make Hajj and offer the sacrifice (the hadiy): if you wish to offer a sacrifice (udhiyah) in your home country as well, do not remove or trim anything from your hair or nails starting from the first of Dhul-Hijjah. The exception is for those who are performing Hajj Tamattu': They must remove something from their hair to complete their 'Umrah. For those who are sacrificing the hadiy only, they can remove what they wish from their hair and nails until they enter ihram for Hajj.
7) The one who performs Hajj on behalf of another must have performed Hajj for himself first. A man may be a proxy for a woman and vice versa. The proxy may accept money for doing the Hajj even if it is more than he spends. He must return the extra money if that was a condition of the arrangement. Whoever desires the money only will not find any reward with Allah. Whoever does it to see the Sacred places and to help his brother by being his proxy, then it is hoped he will have a reward like the one for whom he performed Hajj.
8) Hajj is a manifestation of being a slave of Allah and one's thankfulness for His blessings. It teaches surrendering to Allah, submission to Him, and hastening to Him. Hajj opens the door to hope, the hope of returning from it like the day one was born, free of sin. It also teaches one to leave forbidden things and to get used to being organised.
9) Hajj and other righteous deeds are a means of expiation for sins if a person does them as prescribed in sharee'ah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "From one Umrah to the next is an expiation foe whatever (sins) came between them, and for an accepted Hajj there is no reward but Paradise." (al-Bukhari, Muslim)
10) The Hajj is a common gathering with a single purpose. The people are equal. They wear one type of clothing, their actions are as one, and their call is one: "Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk. Inna al-hamd wa 'l-ni--mata laka wa'l-mulk, laa shareeka lak (Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Hare I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty, You have no partner.)"
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Jawal Zad SMS 23
1) The obligatory deed is more beloved to Allah than the nafil deed. Make up any missed days before fasting the six days of Shawwal. The hadeeth "Whoever fasts Ramadan then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is like fasting for a lifetime." implies that one should complete the obligatory fasts first. That will discharge one's duty and is also being on the safe side.
2) Be grateful and seek forgiveness: The servant is always either the recipient of a blessing from Allah, in which case he is in need of gratitude; or he is the perpetrator of a sin, in which case he is in need of repentance. (From Majmoo' al-Fatawaa).
3) A recompense the like thereof: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever calls people to right guidance will have a reward like that of those who follow him, without that detracting from their reward in the slightest. And whoever calls people to misguidance will have a burden of sin like that of those who follow him, without that detracting from their burden in those who follow him, without that detracting from their burden in the slightest." (Muslim)
4) If Allah has accepted a person's Ramadan, and he benefited from that spiritual training, and he continues to obey Allah, then he has joined the caravan of those who remain steadfast and respond to Allah. He says (interpr. of meaning) : "Verily those who say: 'Our Lord is Allah (Alone),' and they stand firm, on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying) : 'Fear not, nor grieve! but recieve the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!'" [Fussilat 41:30].
5) From the signs that a person's deeds are accepted is that he or she has improved in obedience to Allah. Allah says (interp. of meaning) : "And remember when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor] ..... " [Ibrahim 14:7]. Arighteous deed followed by a righteous deed, a hasanah followed by hasanah.
2) Be grateful and seek forgiveness: The servant is always either the recipient of a blessing from Allah, in which case he is in need of gratitude; or he is the perpetrator of a sin, in which case he is in need of repentance. (From Majmoo' al-Fatawaa).
3) A recompense the like thereof: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever calls people to right guidance will have a reward like that of those who follow him, without that detracting from their reward in the slightest. And whoever calls people to misguidance will have a burden of sin like that of those who follow him, without that detracting from their burden in those who follow him, without that detracting from their burden in the slightest." (Muslim)
4) If Allah has accepted a person's Ramadan, and he benefited from that spiritual training, and he continues to obey Allah, then he has joined the caravan of those who remain steadfast and respond to Allah. He says (interpr. of meaning) : "Verily those who say: 'Our Lord is Allah (Alone),' and they stand firm, on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying) : 'Fear not, nor grieve! but recieve the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!'" [Fussilat 41:30].
5) From the signs that a person's deeds are accepted is that he or she has improved in obedience to Allah. Allah says (interp. of meaning) : "And remember when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor] ..... " [Ibrahim 14:7]. Arighteous deed followed by a righteous deed, a hasanah followed by hasanah.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Jawal Zad SMS 22
1) It is permissible for a person to send zakaat al-fitr to another country in the case of need, such as if he does not know any poor people in the place where he is. It is permissible to delegate a trustworthy person to buy it and give it on his behalf. The Sunnah is to give it as one is going to the Eid prayer. He can find out where the poor person's house is ahead of time so that he can give it to him at the right time.
2) Allah has honored us in Ramadan by chaining up the devils, opening the gates of Paradise, closing the gates of Hell, and multiplying the reward. Fasting will intercede for a person and protect him from Hell, and admit him to Paradise through the gate of al-Rayyan.
3) If a person fasts in one country then travels to another country where the people started to fast before or after him, he comes under the same ruling as them because of the hadeeth: "The fast is the day when you [plural] fast, and al-Fitr is the day when you break the fast." This is true even if it means that he fasts more than 30 days. However, if it is less than 29 days, he should make up the shortfall after Eid. (From Shaykh Ibn Baaz)
4) The Sunnahs of Eid include reciting takbeer, doing ghusl, wearing nice clothes, and eating an odd numbers of dates. Take the woman out with you, even those who are menstruating, wearing proper hijab, so that they may witness goodness and the du'a of the Muslims. One should go walking via one route and then return by another route. One should give generously of permissible things to one's children.
5) Eid al-Fitr is just one day, the first day of Shawwal, on which it is haraam to faast. The common belief that Eid al-Fitr lasts for three days is merely a custom that is known among the people. It has nothing to do with any shar'i rulings. As for the second and the third days of Shawwal, it is permissible to fast these days to make up a missed Ramadan fast or as a voluntary fast.
6) It is narrrated in a saheeh hadeeth: "Fasting the month of Ramadan is equivalent to fasting ten months, and fasting six days of Shawwal is equivalent to fasting two months, so that is fasting for a year" i.e. it is like the obligatory fast in reward. The intention for the six nafil days of Shawwal should be made the night before. One may fast them consecutively or seperately.
2) Allah has honored us in Ramadan by chaining up the devils, opening the gates of Paradise, closing the gates of Hell, and multiplying the reward. Fasting will intercede for a person and protect him from Hell, and admit him to Paradise through the gate of al-Rayyan.
3) If a person fasts in one country then travels to another country where the people started to fast before or after him, he comes under the same ruling as them because of the hadeeth: "The fast is the day when you [plural] fast, and al-Fitr is the day when you break the fast." This is true even if it means that he fasts more than 30 days. However, if it is less than 29 days, he should make up the shortfall after Eid. (From Shaykh Ibn Baaz)
4) The Sunnahs of Eid include reciting takbeer, doing ghusl, wearing nice clothes, and eating an odd numbers of dates. Take the woman out with you, even those who are menstruating, wearing proper hijab, so that they may witness goodness and the du'a of the Muslims. One should go walking via one route and then return by another route. One should give generously of permissible things to one's children.
5) Eid al-Fitr is just one day, the first day of Shawwal, on which it is haraam to faast. The common belief that Eid al-Fitr lasts for three days is merely a custom that is known among the people. It has nothing to do with any shar'i rulings. As for the second and the third days of Shawwal, it is permissible to fast these days to make up a missed Ramadan fast or as a voluntary fast.
6) It is narrrated in a saheeh hadeeth: "Fasting the month of Ramadan is equivalent to fasting ten months, and fasting six days of Shawwal is equivalent to fasting two months, so that is fasting for a year" i.e. it is like the obligatory fast in reward. The intention for the six nafil days of Shawwal should be made the night before. One may fast them consecutively or seperately.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Jawal Zad SMS 21
1) For women going for 'Umrah: Menstruation does not prevent a women from entering ihram for 'Umrah. She should enter ihram from the meeqat, but she should wait until she becomes pure before doing tawaaf and completing her 'Umrah.
2) The one who is observing i'tikaf can go out for essential things such as relieving himself, ghusl from janabah, and eating if he does not have anyone to bring food. He should not go out unnecessarily even to visit the sick or attend a funeral (unless he stipulated that). From Shaykh al-Barrak: The person in i'tikaf can go out of the door of the mosque to ask for food (or to order it); there is nothing wrong with recieving it in the mosque after that, and paying the worker who brought it, because it is a debt that he owes.
3) The wives of the Prohet (peace be upon him) observed i'tikaf, but a women can only observe i'tikaf with her husband's permission and if the place in the mosque is secure. I'tikaf is invalidated by nenses. If it is not possible for a women to observe i'tikaf, she should do a lot of acts of worship in her house, and she will be rewarded.
4) It is not permissible to miss Fajr prayer for the sake of qiyam al-layl. It is not permissible to omit an obligatory deed for the sake of a nafil deed. Let's strive in these last days to pay attention to both obligatory and nafil actions, so that Allah will love us.
5) According to the correct opinion, one of the reasons why Laylat al-Qadar was concealed and may move among the last ten days is so that one will strive completely every night. A person, hoping that it will be Laylat al-Qadar, will worship properly and offer sincere dua' every night, and wi that will help him through the rest of the year.
6) If a person is too busy or is not able to stand with the Imam for the second qiyam, he should not omit the rest of the prayer. After the first qiyam he may pray by himself or in congregation with his family. He should try to make it long and pray Witr. Do not miss out on the reward!
7) Laylat al-Qadar is blessed and full of virtue. On it the Qur'an was revealed, and it is better than worshipping for 83 years. The decrees concerning the provision and the lifespan of people are transferred from al-Lawh al-Mahfooz to the books of the angels, who are safe from the devils and punishment.
8) Laylat al-Qadar is a bright, clear and mild night when angels more numerous than the pebbles come to earth. The sun rises on the following morning weak and red with no rays. The one who spent that night in prayer out of faith and seeking reward is forgiven.
9) When a horse appoaches the end of its race, it does its best. Whoever does his best during the time that remains, Allah will forgive him for what has passed. What matters is ending perfectly even if the start was imperfect.
10) Zakaat al-fitr is purification for a fasting person's shortcomings. Feeding the poor and needy means giving a saa' of the local staple food (approx. 3kg of rice for e.g.), not cash. It is given on behalf of oneself and each of those on whom one is obliged to spend (wife, children, parents-although they may give it on their own behalf). It is mustahabb to give it on behalf of a fetus, but not obligatory. It may be given on the 28th, 29th or 30th of Ramadan. It should be given in the country where one is for Eid.
2) The one who is observing i'tikaf can go out for essential things such as relieving himself, ghusl from janabah, and eating if he does not have anyone to bring food. He should not go out unnecessarily even to visit the sick or attend a funeral (unless he stipulated that). From Shaykh al-Barrak: The person in i'tikaf can go out of the door of the mosque to ask for food (or to order it); there is nothing wrong with recieving it in the mosque after that, and paying the worker who brought it, because it is a debt that he owes.
3) The wives of the Prohet (peace be upon him) observed i'tikaf, but a women can only observe i'tikaf with her husband's permission and if the place in the mosque is secure. I'tikaf is invalidated by nenses. If it is not possible for a women to observe i'tikaf, she should do a lot of acts of worship in her house, and she will be rewarded.
4) It is not permissible to miss Fajr prayer for the sake of qiyam al-layl. It is not permissible to omit an obligatory deed for the sake of a nafil deed. Let's strive in these last days to pay attention to both obligatory and nafil actions, so that Allah will love us.
5) According to the correct opinion, one of the reasons why Laylat al-Qadar was concealed and may move among the last ten days is so that one will strive completely every night. A person, hoping that it will be Laylat al-Qadar, will worship properly and offer sincere dua' every night, and wi that will help him through the rest of the year.
6) If a person is too busy or is not able to stand with the Imam for the second qiyam, he should not omit the rest of the prayer. After the first qiyam he may pray by himself or in congregation with his family. He should try to make it long and pray Witr. Do not miss out on the reward!
7) Laylat al-Qadar is blessed and full of virtue. On it the Qur'an was revealed, and it is better than worshipping for 83 years. The decrees concerning the provision and the lifespan of people are transferred from al-Lawh al-Mahfooz to the books of the angels, who are safe from the devils and punishment.
8) Laylat al-Qadar is a bright, clear and mild night when angels more numerous than the pebbles come to earth. The sun rises on the following morning weak and red with no rays. The one who spent that night in prayer out of faith and seeking reward is forgiven.
9) When a horse appoaches the end of its race, it does its best. Whoever does his best during the time that remains, Allah will forgive him for what has passed. What matters is ending perfectly even if the start was imperfect.
10) Zakaat al-fitr is purification for a fasting person's shortcomings. Feeding the poor and needy means giving a saa' of the local staple food (approx. 3kg of rice for e.g.), not cash. It is given on behalf of oneself and each of those on whom one is obliged to spend (wife, children, parents-although they may give it on their own behalf). It is mustahabb to give it on behalf of a fetus, but not obligatory. It may be given on the 28th, 29th or 30th of Ramadan. It should be given in the country where one is for Eid.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Jawal Zad SMS 20
1) Zakaah on gold and silver jewelry: the more correct view is that it is obligatory to pay zakaah if it reaches the nisaab (minimum amount), even if the jewelry is used (worn or lent). It must be paid by the owner (i.e. the woman). Someone else (father, husband, etc.) may pay on her behalf with her permission. There is nothing wrong with that. Zakaah need not be paid from the jewelry itself. An equivalent value may be given. (From Standing Committee on Academic Research and Issuing Fatwas; Shaykh Ibn Baaz).
2) If a woman did not previously know that zakaah is due on her jewelry, she does not have to pay zakaah for the past. She must pay from the time when she came to know that it is obligatory and in future years. She was unaware ao it, and there is also some confusion among people concerning this issue. And Allah knows best. (From Shaykh Ibn Baaz).
3) Salaries are intermingled and it is often too difficult to work out on what payment one year has passed. The easiest way to determine zakaah on it is to see what has been saved of it one hijri year after the nisaab was reached, and then pay 2.5% on that. Also. if a person spends all of his salary every month and has nothing left, he does not have to pay zakaah. And Allah knows best.
4) Going for Umrah during the last ten days? Remember: For the one who intends to do Umrah, it is not permissible to pass the meeqat without entering ihram. If he does this, even though he forgot or was asleep, he has to go back to the meeqat and enter the ihram. If he enters ihram after passing the meeqat, then he has to slaughter a sheep and distribute its meat to the poor of the Haram.
5) It is not permissible to give zakaah to one's ascendants (father, mother, grandfather, grandmother) or descendants (son, daughter, grandchild) because one is obliged to spend on them if they are poor. It is permissible to give zakaah to other poor relatives (brother, sister, uncle, aunt, cousin). It should be given to one who really needs it, without favouring any particular relative or acquaintance. (From Ibn Baaz).
2) If a woman did not previously know that zakaah is due on her jewelry, she does not have to pay zakaah for the past. She must pay from the time when she came to know that it is obligatory and in future years. She was unaware ao it, and there is also some confusion among people concerning this issue. And Allah knows best. (From Shaykh Ibn Baaz).
3) Salaries are intermingled and it is often too difficult to work out on what payment one year has passed. The easiest way to determine zakaah on it is to see what has been saved of it one hijri year after the nisaab was reached, and then pay 2.5% on that. Also. if a person spends all of his salary every month and has nothing left, he does not have to pay zakaah. And Allah knows best.
4) Going for Umrah during the last ten days? Remember: For the one who intends to do Umrah, it is not permissible to pass the meeqat without entering ihram. If he does this, even though he forgot or was asleep, he has to go back to the meeqat and enter the ihram. If he enters ihram after passing the meeqat, then he has to slaughter a sheep and distribute its meat to the poor of the Haram.
5) It is not permissible to give zakaah to one's ascendants (father, mother, grandfather, grandmother) or descendants (son, daughter, grandchild) because one is obliged to spend on them if they are poor. It is permissible to give zakaah to other poor relatives (brother, sister, uncle, aunt, cousin). It should be given to one who really needs it, without favouring any particular relative or acquaintance. (From Ibn Baaz).
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