How to take full advantage and benefit from the last part of Ramadan?


Though all parts of Ramadan are full of blessings and rewards, its last ten days hold a special status reflected in the recommendations and practices of the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) and his companions. I will focus here on three major practices of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) and his companions during these days.


1-Praying in the last ten nights of Ramadan


Al-Bukhari and Muslim record from Aishah that during the last ten days of Ramadan, the Messenger of Allah would wake his wives up during the night and then remain apart from them (that is, being busy in acts of worship). A narration in Muslim states: "He would strive (to do acts of worship) during the last ten days of Ramadan more than he would at any other time."


Aishah reported that with the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers. (Bukhari)


2-Performing I`tikaf in the Masjid (seclusion in the Mosque)


Before going to the essential of this last section, let us stop by one of the great Imams of Ahl Assunnah wal Jama`ah, one of the greatest revivers of the Dawah and the methodology of the Salaf, Shaikh ul-Islam Shamsuddeen Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah who will give us a brain storming admonition.


He says (May Allah be pleased with him) in Zaad al Ma`aad fi hadyi khairi al `ibaab :


"Since the hearts' rectitude and firmness upon the path towards Allah, the Most High, rests upon directing it solely upon Allah and causing it to turn and give all its attention to Allah, the Most High. Since the disorder of the heart cannot be rectified except by turning to Allah, the Most High, and its disorder will be increased by eating and drinking too much, mixing with the people excessively, speaking profusely and sleeping too much. These will cause it to wander into every valley, and cut it off from its path to Allah, weaken it, divert it or put a halt to it.


From the mercy of the Mighty and Most Merciful is that He has prescribed for them fasting, which will cut off the excesses of eating and drinking, and empties the hear of its desires which divert it on its journey to Allah the Most High. He prescribed it in due proportion as will be appropriate and will benefit the servant, with regard to this world and the Hereafter, and does not harm him, nor damage what is beneficial for him.


He also prescribed I`tikaf for them, by which is intended that the heart is fully occupied with Allah, the Most High, concentrated upon Him alone, and cut off from preoccupation with the creation. Rather it is engrossed with Him alone, the One free of all defects, such that remembering Him, loving Him and turning to Him takes the place of all anxieties of the heart and its suggestions, such that he is able to overcome them. Thus all his concerns are for Him. His thoughts are all of remembrance of Him, and thinking of how to attain His Pleasure and what will cause nearness to Him. This leads him to feel contented with Allah instead of the people, so that prepares him for being at peace with Him alone on the day of loneliness in the grave, when there is no one else to give comfort, nor anyone to grant solace except Him. So this is the greater goal of I`tikaf."


I`tikaf is the seclusion and staying in the mosque with the intention of becoming closer to Allah. This was the practice of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) during the last ten days of Ramadan especially. He would do it during other months as well.


Aishah reported that the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say, "Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan." (Bukhari)


Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: "Allah's Messenger (p.b.u.h.) used to perform I`tikaf for ten days every Ramadan, then when it was the year in which he was taken (died), he performed I`tikaf for twenty days. (Bukhari)


Aishah reported that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan till he died and then his wives used to practice I`tikaf after him. (Bukhari)


Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) also reported that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) used to perform I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty and Majestic, took him. (Bukhari and Muslim)


Al-Bukhari records from Abu Said that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said: "Whoever makes I`tikaf with me is to make I`tikaf during the last ten (nights)."


This Sunnah of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) has been abandoned by many Muslims and it is worth reviving it in this era.


Aishah related that if the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) intended to make I`tikaf, he would pray the morning prayer and begin it. One time he wanted to make I`tikaf during the last ten nights of Ramadan, and he ordered his tent to be set up. Aishah reported: "When I saw that, I ordered my tent to be set up, and some of the Prophet's wives followed suit. When he (the Prophet) prayed the morning prayer, he saw all of the tents, and said: 'What is this?' They said: 'We are seeking obedience (to Allah and His Messenger). Then he ordered his tent and those of his wives to be taken down, and he delayed his I`tikaf to the first ten days of Shawwal)." (Bukhari)


The fact that the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) ordered (his and) his wives' tents to be struck down and (he himself left and) asked them to leave the I`tikaf after they have made the intention for it shows that they discarded the I`tikaf after they had begun it. (in this small paragraph are some additional comments to clarify things).


It is preferred for the one who is making I`tikaf to perform many supererogatory acts of worship and to occupy himself with prayers, reciting Quran, glorifying and praising Allah, extolling His oneness and His greatness, asking His forgiveness, sending salutations on the Prophet (p.b.u.h.), and supplicating Allah - that is, all actions that bring one closer to Allah. Included among these actions is studying and reading books of Tafsir and Hadith, books on the lives of the Prophets (p.b.u.t.), books of Fiqh, and so on. It is also preferred to set up a small tent in the courtyard of the mosque as the Prophet did.


3-Seeking Lailatul-Qadr (the Night of Decree)


It is the greatest night of the year like the Day of Arafah is the greatest day of the year. It is a night about which Allah reveled a full Surah, Suratul-Qadr (Al Qadr/1-5) and (ad-Dukhan/3-6)


It is the night when Quran was reveled.


It is the night when the Message sent to Mohammad, (p.b.u.h.) started.


It is the night when the light that would illuminate mankind to the end of life, started.


It is the night when every matter of ordainment is decreed.


Allah says in what can be translated as:


"Verily! We have sent it (this Quran) down in the Night of Decree (Lailatul-Qadr). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh (i.e.. Jibreel [Gabriel]) by Allah's Permission with all Decrees, Peace! until the appearance of dawn." (Al Qadr/1-5)


and in Surat ad-Dukhan:


"We sent it (this Quran) down on a blessed Night. Verily, We are ever warning (mankind of Our Torment). Therein (that Night) is decreed every matter of ordainment. Amran (i.e. a command or this Quran or His Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messenger). (As) a Mercy from your Lord. Verily! He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. (ad-Dukhan/3-6)


A person who misses Lailatul-Qadr is really a deprived person!


Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said " The blessed month has come to you. Allah has made fasting during it obligatory upon you. During it the gates to Paradise are opened and the gates of Hellfire are locked, and the devils are chained. There is a night (during this month) which is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good is really deprived (of something great). (Ahmad, an-Nisa'i and al-Bayhaqi)


What happens to the person who witnesses Lailatul-Qadr? and what should one do?


Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) said : "Whoever stands (in prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr out of Eemaan (faith and sincerity) and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven". (Bukhari)


It is recommended to supplicate a lot during this night, it is reported from our mother Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) that she said: "O Messenger of Allah! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr was, then what should I say in it?" He said.- "Say.- (Allahumma innaka 'affuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee.)


"O Allah You are The One Who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me.". (at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah with a Sahih Isnad)


When is Lailatul-Qadr?


It is preferred to seek this night during the last ten odd nights of Ramadan, as the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) strove his best in seeking it during that time. We have already mentioned that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) would stay up during the last ten nights, would wake his wives, and then would remain apart from them to worship.


Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said, "Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan, on the night when nine or seven or five nights remain out of the last ten nights of Ramadan (i.e. 21, 23, 25, respectively)." (Bukhari)


Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: "Allah's Messenger (p.b.u.h.) used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten nights and say: 'Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd nights) of the last ten of Ramadan.'" (Bukhari and Muslim)


However, if the servant is too weak or unable, then he should at least not let the last seven pass him by, due to what is reported from Ibn Umar, who said: "Allah's Messenger (p.b.u.h.) said: 'Seek it in the last ten, and if one of you is too weak or unable, then let him not allow that to make him miss the final seven.'" (Bukhari and Muslim)


This explains his saying: "I see that your dreams are in agreement (that it is in the last seven), so he who wishes to seek it out then let him seek it in the last seven." (Bukhari and Muslim)


It is known from the Sunnah, that knowledge of the exact night upon which Lailatul-Qadr falls was taken up because the people argued, Ubaadah Ibn as- Saamit (May Allah be pleased with him) said: "The Prophet came out intending to tell us about Lailatul-Qadr, however two men were arguing and he said: 'I come out to inform you about Lailatul-Qadr but so and so, and, so and so were arguing, so it was raised up, and perhaps that is better for you, so seek it on the (twenty) ninth and the (twenty) seventh and the (twenty) fifth.'" (Bukhari)


Some of the Ahadith indicate that Lailatul-Qadr is in the last ten nights, while others indicate that it is in the odd nights of the last ten, so the first are general and the second more particular, and the particular has to be given priority over the general. Other Ahadith state that it is in the last seven - and these are restricted by mention of one who is too weak or unable. So there is no confusion, all the Ahadith agree and are not contradictory.


In conclusion: The Muslim should seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten: the night of the twenty-first, the twenty-third, the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. If he is too weak or unable to seek it out in all the odd nights, then let him seek it out in the odd nights of the of seven: the night of the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. And Allah knows best.


What are the signs of Lailatul-Qadr?


Allah's Messenger (p.b.u.h.) described the morning after Lailatul-Qadr, so that the Muslim may know which day it is. From Ubayy (May Allah be pleased with him) who said: that he (p.b.u.h.) said: "On the morning following Lailatui-Qadr the sun rises not having any rays, as if it were a brass dish, until it rises up." (Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)


Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said : "We were discussing Lailatul-Qadr in the presence of Allah's Messenger (May Allah be pleased with him) so he said: 'Which of you remembers (the night) when the moon arose and was like half a plate?'" (Muslim)


Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) said: Allah's Messenger (May Allah be pleased with him) said: "Lailatul-Qadr is calm and pleasant, neither hot nor cold, the sun arises on its morning being feeble and red.'' (at-Tayaalisee, Ibn Khuzaimah and al-Bazzaar with a Hasan Isnad)


We pray to Allah, Almighty, Most Merciful to bless us this Ramadan by witnessing Lailatul-Qadr.


Source: www.quraan.com

Shawwal is the tenth month in the lunar calendar. The first of Shawwal is Eid ul Fitr. After the festivity of Eid it is recommended to observe six days of fast. This fast may be observed continuously non-break, or it may be observed one day at a time. If you observe it continuously, you may start on the fourth day and end on the ninth of day Shawwal, or you may select days at random, provided you complete six days before the end of Shawwal. For instance, you may observe the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 14th and 15th days. Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari (May Allah be pleased with him) related the Messenger of Allah, (p.b.u.h.), said: "Whoever observes the Ramadan fast and follows it with six days of fast in Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted Dahr (the whole year or possibly forever)." (Bukhari)


Analyzing this Hadith, our jurists (Ulama) explained how according to this Hadith, a Muslim who fasts during Ramadan every year and follows it with six days fast of Shawwal, will be credited for fasting a whole lifetime. The Jurists correctly said: "A good deed (Hasanah) is rewarded a minimum of ten times its equivalent. It follows, then, that one Ramadan is equivalent to ten months of fasting, and the clincher, six days, is equal to two months, (6x10=60)." That undoubtedly completes the year's twelve months. Thus, we see the wisdom and the reason why the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) mentioned six days after Ramadan in Shawwal, not five or seven.


Source: Jannah.org

Know, O dear readers, that the medicine of a disease is to remove the root cause of that disease. Isa (Jesus Christ) (p.b.u.h.) was once asked: "What thing is difficult?" He said: "God's wrath." Prophet Yahya (John the Baptist) (p.b.u.h.) then asked: "What thing takes near the wrath of God?" He said:" Anger". Yahya (p.b.u.h.) asked him:" What thing grows and increases anger?" Isa (p.b.u.h.) said:" Pride, prestige, hope for honor and haughtiness."


The causes which cause anger to grow are self-conceit, self-praise, jests and ridicule, argument, treachery, too much greed for too much wealth and name and fame. If these evils are united in a person, his conduct becomes bad and he cannot escape anger. So these things should be removed by their opposites. Self-praise is to be removed by modesty. Pride is to be removed by one's own origin and birth. Greed is to be removed by remaining satisfied with


necessary things, and miserliness by charity.


The prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) said: "A strong man is not he who defeats his adversary by wrestling, but a strong man is he who controls himself at the time of anger."


We are describing below the medicines of anger after one gets angry. The medicine is a mixture of knowledge and action. The medicine based on knowledge is of six kinds:


1) The first medicine of knowledge is to think over the rewards of appeasing anger, that have come from the verses of the Quran and the sayings of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.). Your hope for getting rewards of appeasing anger will restrain you from taking revenge.


2) The second kind of medicine based on knowledge is to fear the punishment of God and to think that the punishment of God upon me is greater than my punishment upon him. If I take revenge upon this man for anger, God will take revenge upon me on the Judgment Day.


3) The third kind of medicine of anger based on knowledge is to take precaution about punishment of enmity and revenge on himself. You feel joy in having your enemy in your presence in his sorrows. You yourself are not free from that danger. You will fear that your enemy might take revenge against you in this world and in the next.


4) Another kind of medicine based on knowledge is to think about the ugly face of the angry man, which is just like that of the ferocious beast. He who appeases anger looks like a sober and learned man.


5) The fifth kind of medicine based on knowledge is to think that the devil will advise by saying: "You will be weak if you do not get angry! "Do not listen to him!


6) The sixth reason is to think: "What reason have I got to get angry? What Allah wishes has occurred!"


Medicine based on action


When you get angry, say: I seek refuge in God from the accursed evil (A'oudhou billaahi min as shaytaan ir rajeem). The prophet (p.b.u.h.) ordered us to say thus.


When Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) got angry, he dragged her by the nose and said: " O dear Aaisha, say: O God, you are the Lord of my prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.), forgive my sins and remove the anger from my heart and save me from misguidance."


If anger does not go by this means, you will sit down if you are standing, lie down if you are sitting, and come near to earth, as you have been created of earth. Thus, make yourself calm like the earth. The cause of wrath is heat and its opposite is to lie down on the ground and to make the body calm and cool.


The prophet (p.b.u.h.) said: "Anger is a burning coal. Don't you see your eyebrows wide and eyes reddish? So when one of you feels angry, let him sit down if standing, and lie down if sitting."


If still anger does not stop, make ablution with cold water or take a bath, as fire cannot be extinguished without water.


The prophet (p.b.u.h.) said: "When one of you gets angry, let him make ablution with water as anger arises out of fire. "In another narration, he said: "Anger comes from the devil and the devil is made of fire."


Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) said: "The prophet (p.b.u.h.) did not get angry for any action of the world. When any true matter charmed him, nobody knew it and nobody got up to take revenge for his anger. HE GOT ANGRY ONLY FOR TRUTH."


By: Imam al Ghazali


Source: jannah.org




Why was this world made? Why was man born into this world? Why, after a certain period of time, does he pass away? What will happen after death? These are the most important questions concerning the origins and fate of mankind, and they should never be far from people’s minds. Finding the correct answers to these questions has always been one of man’s most important quests.


Pondered over for thousands of years, these questions have been variously answered by different people. However, these answers can be placed in two broad categories: one, which holds the great array of wonders in this world to be purposeless, and the other, which asserts that man was created with a purpose and that he has a definite goal.


While the first view tends to be subscribed to by poets, philosophers and secular scholars, the second view is firmly upheld by that very special class of beings called prophets, or messengers of God. The most authentic testament to the second view has been provided by the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)


Many arguments can be put forward in support of the answers in both of these categories. It is very obvious, however, that the notion of purposelessness is not in keeping with the structure of life and universe. The idea, on the other hand, of purposeful creation, falls exactly into place, for the simple reason that it contains no inherent contradictions.


The world into which man is born is fraught with significance. There is nothing which is of a meaningless or random nature. It is quite unthinkable that man, with his meaningful life, born into a meaningful universe, should find no purpose in creation. Where there is meaningfulness, there will, of necessity, be purposefulness. This aspect of the universe is a clear verification of the Prophet’s answer.


By: Maulana Wahiduddin Khan


Source: www.alrisala.org

Here is something very nice, good to read at Fajr insha Allah. Let this be a reminder to us.


Islamic daily life


Have you prayed Fajr, every day with the group, in the Masjid?


Did you perform all of the prayers daily inside the Masjid, with the group?


Did you read from the Book of Allah (Quran) today?


Did you mention Allah and Glorify Him after each prayer?


Did you keep the extra prayers (Sunnah) before or after each prayer?


Were you concentrating daily on your prayers by meditating on what you said in your prayers?


Have you remembered Death and the Tomb today?


Have you thought about the Day of Judgment and its overwhelming hardship?


Have you asked Allah three times to permit you into Paradise? Because if you say: Oh Allah, permit me into Paradise- three times, the Paradise will reply: Oh Allah, allow him/her to enter me. (Tirmidhi)


Have you asked Allah to protect you from the Hellfire today, three times? If you did the Hellfire will say: Oh Allah, protect him/her from me. (Tirmidhi)


Did you read a Hadith about the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) today?


Haven't you thought about being away from those who are evil doers?


Have you tried to avoid laughing and joking too much or too often?


Did you thank Allah for bestowing on you the hearing, sight, good heart, and all the other gifts?


Did you pay charity today to the poor and needy?


Did you get angry for your own sake or for the sake of Allah?


Did you avoid arrogance and self-admiration?


Have you cried today out of the fearness of Allah?


Did you mention Allah after Fajr or Isha prayer?


Have you asked Allah to forgive you from the sins and transgressions that you have committed, by making (astaghfirullah) seeking forgiveness from sins?


Did you ask Allah sincerely and honestly today to grant you Shahadat (martyrdom)? The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said: "The one who asks Allah sincerely to grant him/her Shahadat, Allah will grant it to him/her


even though he/she dies in his/her bed. (Muslim)


Did you ask Allah to stabilize your heart and you religion?


Did you take the opportunity to make dua (supplication) in the hours that Allah accepts them?


Did you buy a new Islamic book for the sake of learning from it the knowledge of the religion?


Did you seek forgiveness for the Believers, men and women, alive or dead, because if you did, Allah will reward you for each of them.


Did you thank Allah for His Blessings on you, by making you Muslim and for the Blessings of Islam?


Did you visit a brother or sister for the sake of Allah?


Did you invite people to Allah, your family, your brothers, sisters, or neighbors, or those whom you have been in contact with?


Were you kind to your parents today?


Have you faced a problem and did you say: Inna lellaahi wa innaa ilaihir raaje'oon (By Allah we are created and to Him we shall return)?


Have you made dua by saying,"Oh Allah, I seek refuge in You, from the things I have committed wrongfully and knowingly. And I seek forgiveness for the things that I have committed without my knowledge." If you say this, Allah will wipe off the big sins and the small sins.


Source: www.jannah.org

The Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) said:


"There are seven whom Allah will shade in His Shade on the Day when there is no shade except His Shade: a just ruler; a youth who grew up in the worship of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic; a man whose heart is attached to the mosques; two men who love each other for Allah's sake, meeting for that and parting upon that; a man who is called by a woman of beauty and position (for illegal intercourse), but be says: 'I fear Allah', a man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity; and a man who remembered Allah in private and so his eyes shed tears.'" (Abu Hurairah & collected in Saheeh al-Bukhari (English trans.) vol.1, p.356, no.629 & Saheeh Muslim (English trans.) vol.2, p.493, no.2248)


In this beautiful Hadith, the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) spoke about small acts of worship which result in such a huge reward: shade on the Day when there will be no shade except His Shade. This may not seem like much at first but then reflect upon the following Hadith: 'On the Day of Resurrection, the sun would draw so close to the people that there would be left a distance of only one mile. The people will be submerged in perspiration according to their deeds, some up to their ankles, some up to their knees, some up to the waist and some would have the bridle of perspiration and, while saying this, the Messenger of Allah put his hand towards his mouth.' (al Miqdaad ibn Aswad & collected in Saheeh Muslim (Eng. trans) vol.4, p.1487-8, no. 6852}.


And in another Hadith, some will be submerged in sweat 'seventy arm-lengths in the earth.' (Abu Hurairah and collected in Saheeh al-Bukhari (Eng. trans.) vol.8, p.353, no.539) and Muslim (Eng. trans.) vol.4, p.l487, no.6851)


So who would want more then, on this Day, than to be under the Shade and protection of Allah Azza wa Jall?


Let us examine now the characteristics and virtues of these seven categories of people who will be worthy of such an exalted position on the Day of Gathering:


1. 'A Just Ruler'


The concept of Justice in Islam is very important and it is something which the Muslim - Ruler and the ruled - must apply in all matters without exception. Justice means to give each the right he deserves: Muslim or non-Muslim, relative or stranger, friend or enemy. Allah says: '...And do not let hatred cause you to act unjustly, that is nearer to piety (al-Maa'idah 8).


Unfortunately, even if we admit this in theory, we quickly forget it in practice. So we find that when we speak about our friends and loved ones, we praise them beyond reason and when we speak about those whom we hold difference with, we can find no good in them and we just capitalize on their bad points. This is far removed from the justice which Allah loves and gives great reward for, as mentioned in the following Hadith: 'The doers of justice will be on thrones of light at Allah's Right Hand - and both of Allah's Hands are Right Hands" - those who were just in their Ruling, with their families and in all that over which they were given authority.


The Prophet assigning to Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud the open spaces in Madina between the dwellings and palm gardens of the Ansar, and when the Banu Abd Ibn Zuhrah said, "Remove from us the son of Umm Abd (Ibn Mas'ud)," replying, 'Why then did Allah send me? Allah does not bless a people among whom a weak man is not given his right.'" (Baghawi transmitted it in Sharh as-Sunnah. Sunan at-Tirmidhi no.3003)


The concept of justice is most important for the Ruler, since he is in charge of his people and the primary disposer of justice in the land. For this reason, the Ruler is given special mention as one of the seven who will be honored with Allah's Shade.


2 'A youth who grew up in the worship of Allah'


The great scholar, Ayyoob as-Sakhtiyaanee (d.131H) said, "From the success of a youth is that Allah guides him to a scholar of the Sunnah.(Hasan - Reported in Sharh Usoolis-Sunnah of al-Laalikaa'ee no.30).


Indeed, it is a great blessing from Allah for a youth to be guided towards worship and be befriended by the righteous, since it is in youth that a person is most vulnerable to the temptations of life and liable to drift away from the Islamic Path. This becomes apparent when we look at society around us and we see that most of the worldly distractions, such as music, games, clubs, fashion etc. are all specifically targeted at the young. "You're only young once!" they are told, which is why many Muslims nowadays waste their youth thinking that they will pray, wear Hijaab and go to Hajj, etc. when they are old, as if they have a guarantee of longevity from Allah! How well we would do to heed the Prophet's advice when he said: 'Take benefit of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you are preoccupied and your life before your death.' Sahih - Narrated by Ibn Abbaas & collected in al-Haakim & others. Authenticated by Shaikh 'Alee ibn 'Abdul Hameed in Forty Hadith of the Call and the Caller.


3. 'A man whose heart is attached to the mosques'


There is great encouragement in the Sunnah for men to pray in the mosques and the reward associated with it is tremendous. Not only does it make the person eligible for Allah's Shade on the day of Judgment, but, 'he does not take a step towards the mosque except that because of it, he is raised by one rank and one sin is removed from him. Then when he prays, the Angels do not cease supplicating for him (for) as long as he remains at his place of Prayer (sayings): O Allah send blessings upon him, O Allah have mercy upon him...' (Abu Hurairah & collected in Sahih al-Bukhari (Eng. trans.) vol. 1 p.352 no.620).


It must be emphasized here however, that all the Hadith encouraging the men to be attached to the mosques are not intended to lead one to the conclusion that Islam is a religion which should be confined to the mosques, as many people imagine. Nonetheless, the mosque should be at the heart of the Muslim community, and the role of those in authority of the mosques is vital here. They are the ones mainly responsible for making the mosque a welcome refuge for the Muslims, rather than an arena for politics and power struggles as many seem to have become these days. And we seek Allah's refuge from this!


4. 'Two men who love each other for Allah's sake, meeting for that and parting upon that'


Having mutual love for the sake of Allah is one of the great doors leading to the good of the Hereafter and a cause of tasting the sweetness of Eemaan in this world. Loving one another for Allah's sake means that the Muslim does not love another except for the correctness of his Deen. So it does not matter what the person looks like, what he wears, how rich or poor he is, where he comes from, or what the color of his skin is - perhaps you dislike everything about him, but you love him for his Eemaan: this is loving for Allah's sake.


'Allah, the Mighty and Magnificent says: 'Those who have mutual love for the sake of My Glory will have pillars of light and will be envied the Prophets and martyrs.' (Sahih - Collected in Sunan at-Tirmidhee & Musnad Ahmad: 5/336-7).


Subhan Allah! Imagine being envied by Allah's chosen Messengers and those who were slain in His Path! Such is the reward of those who love one another for Allah's sake.


5. 'A man who is called by a woman of beauty and position but he says: 'I fear Allah'


This world is full of temptations which lead to burning in the Fire and amongst them is that which comes from women. Many a man has led his soul into destruction on account of the lure of a woman which is why the Prophet warned his Ummah specifically about this. He said, "The world is sweet and green and verily Allah is going to install you as successors upon it in order to see how you act. So avoid the allurement of women: verily the first trial for the Children of Israa'eel was caused by women." (Aboo Sa'eed al-Khudree & collected in Saheeh Muslim (Eng. trans.) vol.4, p.1432, no.6606)


The most important provision which we need to protect ourselves from this and all other temptations in life is the fear (khawf) of Allah. This fact is alluded to in the following Quranic Ayah: "And as for him who feared standing before his Lord and restrained himself from impure evil desires, verily Paradise will be his abode." (an- Naazi'aat:40-41)


6. 'A man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity'


This describes the type of person who goes to great lengths to protect himself from ar-Riyaa. Ar-Riyaa means to do deeds in order to earn the praise and recognition of people. This sin destroys all the benefits that lie in righteous deeds and brings on a serious punishment for the one who commits it. It is particularly dangerous because it is in man's nature to desire and enjoy the praise of others. Thus, great care has to be token to ensure that one's intentions begin and remain pure whenever good actions (such as charity) are being done. Not like what we see today where we have mosque notice boards announcing who gave what to whom, why and when! Allah warns: "O you who believe! Do not render vain your charity by reminders of your generosity or by injury, like him who spends his wealth to be seen of men and he does not believe in Allah nor in the Last Day." (al-Baqarah:264). May Allah preserve us from this.


7. 'A man who remembered Allah in private and so his eyes shed tears.'


Our noble Prophet (p.b.u.h.) informed us: "If you knew what l knew, you would laugh little and weep much." (Aboo Hurairah and Anas & collected in Saheeh al-Bukhari (Eng. trans.) vol.8, p.326-327, nos.492 and 493)


Crying is not a sissy thing to do. The Prophet, who was the best of all creations, would weep as would all of his Companions. Tears are a genuine expression of fear of Allah's Punishment and of our sincere love and awe of Him. But how often do we remember Allah in seclusion and are then moved to tears? How much do we laugh and how little do we weep? The Prophet said, 'There is nothing more beloved to Allah than two drops and two marks: A tear shed due to fear of Allah, and a drop of blood spilled in the path of Allah. And as for the two marks, then a mark caused in the path of Allah, and a mark caused by fulfilling one of the duties made obligatory by Allah." (Hasan - collected by at-Tirmidhee and al-Mishkaat: 3837)


Alhamdulillaah, through these seven types of people mentioned in the Hadith, we have been given clear signposts of the way to attain Allah's pleasure and satisfaction. So dear brothers and sisters in Eemaan, devote yourself to being one amongst those seven, for indeed fortunate will be those who are granted Allah's Shade on the Day when there will be no shade but His.


Source: www.jannah.org

THE GREAT JOURNEY


TICKET: One-way (return ticket not available)


COST: absolutely free


RESERVATION: confirmed


ELIGIBILITY: Tickets will be issued to the following:


Name: Child of Adam


Identification: piece of clay


Address: Surface of the Earth


DETAILS OF JOURNEY:


Departure Point: Anywhere on Earth


Destination: Second World


Hotel to be temporarily accommodated: two meters space


Duration: few seconds or few minutes


Time of Departure: Time of Death


IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS:


All passengers are requested to keep in mind that the tickets are nonnegotiable and nontransferable. Therefore, everyone must be ready and keep an eye to the pilot of the plane - IZRAIL Alaihis Salam, THE ANGEL OF DEATH.


For more information, read instructions to be found in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. You can also consult the learned Ulema (Muslim scholars). IT IS IMPORTANT this is done as soon as possible. You are reminded no oxygen mask will be given as it is not required, in fact your respiratory system will be closed down before the journey begins.


LUGGAGE:


Even though each plane carries only one passenger, restrictions are imposed on the luggage that can be taken with you. You are allowed to carry 5 meters of white clothes and small amount of cotton. The real luggage must be good deeds, good conduct, time spent in inviting mankind to good deeds and prohibiting evil, Ilm (knowledge) obtained and used properly, children raised and educated to be good Muslims. Apart from these and luggage of these types, other luggage will be at your own risk.


There is no need for any boarding pass, passport or other travel documents, just get ready. To get ready attendance of the 5 daily prayers in the Masjid or with Jamma'at is highly recommended. Study the Quran and Sunnah and put them into practice. This ticket may be called in at any time so prepare now!


Source: www.jannah.org

<b>BROTHERS BUKHARI COMPLETION & GRADUATION CEREMONY </b>


SUNDAY 26th SEPTEMBER 2004


The final year students of Darul Uloom Bury and Madinatul Uloom Kidderminster, United Kingdom’s longest established and most distinguished Islamic Universities are approaching the end of a classical course of Islamic theology taught by expert scholars in a traditional manner. The end of the academic year will be culminating with the final lessons of hadeeth taught from the six most authentic books of hadeeth. A joint completion and graduation ceremony has been organised by both institutions so that brothers from across the UK can have the opportunity to participate in the final lesson of hadeeth.


A cordial invitation is extended to all brothers to attend this auspicious gathering for verily there is a shower of blessings when the words of the Prophet are recited, just as when the words of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta`ala are recited.


<b>A Unique Oppurtunity</b>


The Bukhari Graduation Ceremony has been held annually since 2001 and the gathering has been a source of guidance and inspiration for the thousands who have partaken in this unique opportunity.


In addition to participating in the final lesson of hadeeth of Sahih al Bukhari, the annual gathering is an opportunity to benefit from the intellectual and spiritual attentions of the Ulama, spending a day in the tranquil and natural surroundings of Madinatul Uloom, which is situated in the Worcestershire countryside.


The following hadeeth underlines the great benefit in travelling in search of knowledge, and it is hoped that the following words of the Prophet will inspire all to attend.


Kathir ibn Qays said: I was sitting with Abu Darda in the mosque of Damascus.


A man came to him and said: Abu Darda, I have come to you from the town of the Apostle of Allah for a tradition that I have heard you relate from the Apostle of Allah . I have come for no other purpose.


He said: I heard the Apostle of Allah say: If anyone travels on a road in search of knowledge, Allah will cause him to travel on one of the roads of Paradise. The angels will lower their wings in their great pleasure with one who seeks knowledge, the inhabitants of the heavens and the Earth and the fish in the deep waters will ask forgiveness for the learned man. The superiority of the learned man over the devout is like that of the moon, on the night when it is full, over the rest of the stars. The learned are the heirs of the Prophets, and the Prophets leave neither dinar nor dirham, leaving only knowledge, and he who takes it takes an abundant portion. [sunan Abu Dawood]


<b>Programme</b>


1st Session: 9.30 AM – 12.00 PM


2nd Session: 1.30 PM


The programme for the Bukhari Completion and Graduation Ceremony will include recitation by different Qurra, speeches in English and Urdu, concluding with the final lesson of hadeeth from Sahih al Bukhari.


<b>Venue and Contact Details</b>


Madinatul Uloom Al Islamiyyah


Butts Lane


Summerfield


Kidderminster


DY10 4BH


UK


Tel: 01562 66894


Fax: 01562 86233


<b>For further information please visit:</b>


www.inter-islam.org


www.shariah-institute.org

<b>BROTHERS BUKHARI COMPLETION & GRADUATION CEREMONY </b>


SUNDAY 26th SEPTEMBER 2004


The final year students of Darul Uloom Bury and Madinatul Uloom Kidderminster, United Kingdom’s longest established and most distinguished Islamic Universities are approaching the end of a classical course of Islamic theology taught by expert scholars in a traditional manner. The end of the academic year will be culminating with the final lessons of hadeeth taught from the six most authentic books of hadeeth. A joint completion and graduation ceremony has been organised by both institutions so that brothers from across the UK can have the opportunity to participate in the final lesson of hadeeth.


A cordial invitation is extended to all brothers to attend this auspicious gathering for verily there is a shower of blessings when the words of the Prophet are recited, just as when the words of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta`ala are recited.


<b>A Unique Oppurtunity</b>


The Bukhari Graduation Ceremony has been held annually since 2001 and the gathering has been a source of guidance and inspiration for the thousands who have partaken in this unique opportunity.


In addition to participating in the final lesson of hadeeth of Sahih al Bukhari, the annual gathering is an opportunity to benefit from the intellectual and spiritual attentions of the Ulama, spending a day in the tranquil and natural surroundings of Madinatul Uloom, which is situated in the Worcestershire countryside.


The following hadeeth underlines the great benefit in travelling in search of knowledge, and it is hoped that the following words of the Prophet will inspire all to attend.


Kathir ibn Qays said: I was sitting with Abu Darda in the mosque of Damascus.


A man came to him and said: Abu Darda, I have come to you from the town of the Apostle of Allah for a tradition that I have heard you relate from the Apostle of Allah . I have come for no other purpose.


He said: I heard the Apostle of Allah say: If anyone travels on a road in search of knowledge, Allah will cause him to travel on one of the roads of Paradise. The angels will lower their wings in their great pleasure with one who seeks knowledge, the inhabitants of the heavens and the Earth and the fish in the deep waters will ask forgiveness for the learned man. The superiority of the learned man over the devout is like that of the moon, on the night when it is full, over the rest of the stars. The learned are the heirs of the Prophets, and the Prophets leave neither dinar nor dirham, leaving only knowledge, and he who takes it takes an abundant portion. [sunan Abu Dawood]


<b>Programme</b>


1st Session: 9.30 AM – 12.00 PM


2nd Session: 1.30 PM


The programme for the Bukhari Completion and Graduation Ceremony will include recitation by different Qurra, speeches in English and Urdu, concluding with the final lesson of hadeeth from Sahih al Bukhari.


<b>Venue and Contact Details</b>


Madinatul Uloom Al Islamiyyah


Butts Lane


Summerfield


Kidderminster


DY10 4BH


UK


Tel: 01562 66894


Fax: 01562 86233


<b>For further information please visit:</b>


www.inter-islam.org


www.shariah-institute.org

<b>Learning to Get Up</b>


Bringing a giraffe into the world is a tall order. A baby giraffe falls 10 feet from its mother's womb and usually lands on its back. Within seconds it rolls over and tucks its legs under its body.


From this position it considers the world for the first time and shakes off the last vestiges of the birthing fluid from its eyes and ears. Then the mother giraffe rudely introduces its offspring to the reality of life.


In his book, A View from the Zoo, Gary Richmond describes how a newborn giraffe learns its first lesson.


The mother giraffe lowers her head long enough to take a quick look. Then she positions herself directly over her calf. She waits for about a minute, and then she does the most unreasonable thing. She swings her long, pendulous leg outward and kicks her baby, so that it is sent sprawling head over heels.


When it doesn't get up, the violent process is repeated over and over again. The struggle to rise is momentous. As the baby calf grows tired, the mother kicks it again to stimulate its efforts. Finally, the calf stands for the first time on its wobbly legs.


Then the mother giraffe does the most remarkable thing.


She kicks it off its feet again. Why? She wants it to remember how it got up. SubhanaAllah.


In the wild, baby giraffes must be able to get up as quickly as possible to stay with the herd, where there is safety. Lions, hyenas, leopards, and wild hunting dogs all enjoy young giraffes, and they'd get it too, if the mother didn't teach her calf to get up quickly and get with it.


Great people don't get to that stage without fighting and struggling for it. But every time they're knocked down they stand up. You cannot destroy these people. And at the end of their lives they've accomplished some modest part of what they set out to do.


The Road to Jannah isn't easy. It is only with strrugles and hard-work that it is achieved.