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By Mohammad Rafique Etesame The holy Qur’an reveals,” Say He is Allah the one, Allah, the eternally besought of all, He begets not, nor was begotten, and there is none comparable unto Him” (Al-Ikhlas:4) These verses reveal that Allah is one and also there is none in the entire universe comparable to Allah Almighty. That is why He is free from all the qualities found in the creatures i.e. being a body, dimension, weight, essence width etc. Also there is no specific direction or place can be fixed in the entire universe that where He exists because He is the Omnipresent. But as His highest respect, it is the belief of Muslim Ummah that He exists on the throne situated over the Highest heaven as the holy Qur’an reveals, “A revelation from Him who created the earth and the high heavens, The Beneficent One, Who is established on the Throne “(Ta,Ha:5). According to the commentators “Istwa-alal-Arsh” means He took power over the universe not “sitting on the throne.” Now the question is: when a believer establishes worship, what should be his concept about Allah that where He exists? For example, whether He exists in the Mosques, Baitullah Sharif or in Bait-tul-Muqaddas? He exists there! But According to the majority of Muslim scholars, Allah Almighty “exists” in the hearts of the believers in real as long as they pay full attention to Him at the time of worship. That is why heart has great importance in Islamic teachings as the holy Qur’an reveals about the Infidels of Mecca who did not accept Islam by hearts that, “Allah hath sealed their hearing and their hearts, and on their eyes there is a covering. Theirs will be an awful doom” (Al-Baqarah: 7). Also reveals, “Will they then not mediate on the Qur’an or are there locks on the hearts? (Mohammad:24) The holy Prophet PBUH) said,” there is a piece of meat in the human body that, if it is right (in guidance), then all the body is right, and if it leads astray, then the whole body will lead astray. Beware! Beware! It is the heart” (Al-Mishkat). And, if someone wants to accept Islam, he bears a witness that there is no deity but Allah and Mohammad is the messenger of Allah”. And if he is dump or Deaf and cannot speak correctly, then the witness of his heart will be reliable and it will be known when he acts upon Islamic teachings. The holy Prophet (PBUH), when asked a question about “Ehsan” replied that,” Ehsan is that you worship Allah Almighty as if you are seeing Him, and if it not so, then (imagine) that He is seeing you”. (Bokhar, Muslim) This Hadith proves that the worship of Allah Almighty will be performed in the correct manner when the attention is fully focused on Allah Almighty. It is not the case that a servant stands in front of Allah Almighty and worships Him, but his attention is on domestic matters or business matters and he is busy solving these problems. In this way, his worship will not be performed in the correct manner. Because in this Hadith, the definition of " EHSAN"(goodness) is that, anyone should worship that Allah Almighty as if he is seeing to Him, and if he cannot do so, then he should reflect in his heart and imagine that Allah Almighty is seeing to me Because it usually happens that when a person is praying, his heart is filled with a multitude of thoughts. Sometimes he is busy with the business of his horses or something else, or he is discussing domestic matters with his wife. In this way, worship is not performed with complete attention and humility. Therefore, special care should be taken to ensure that the mind is free from unnecessary thoughts while praying and that the person's attention is completely focused on Allah Almighty. And, on the other hand, if a believer offers prayer but his attention is towards the business, domestic affairs or any other matters; then, despite his prayer will be offered, but without the essence of worship. It means that he is offering prayer apparently, but in fact he is busy in doing his business etc. A faithful believer always remains in the position of offering prayer. It does not mean that he offers prayers only and does nothing else except it. But he earns his daily bread and pays his duty to other necessary works also, he does all these works including prayers also but keeping in his mind that Allah is seeing him and is aware of all his actions. The holy Qur’an reveals, ”Lo! Man was created anxious Fretful when evil befalleth him “ And, when good befalleth him, grudging; Save worshippers Who are constant at their worship And in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged For the beggar and the destitute”; (Al-Ma’arij:25) The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said,” seven Muslims will be under the shadow of the throne of Allah at the Day of Judgment when there will be no shadow but the shadow of it. Among them there will be the one who’s heart always “remains hanging” in the mosque that when he comes out of it after establishing one prater, he waits to hear the voice of Azan for other prayer”. (Al-Mishkat) May Allah give us power to do all our works according to the teachings of Islam keeping in the mind that ALLAH is seeing us for all the times.

The Sufra For over a thousand years, the Muslim world's dining table could be folded, carried and made to vanish. It was a piece of cloth and woven into, it was an entire philosophy. Sayyiduna Anas Ibn Maalik radiyallahu anhu said the Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam never once ate from a khiwān, (a raised table). When Sayyiduna Qatadah radiyallahu anhu was asked what they ate upon instead, the answer was the Sufra. (Sahih Al Bukhari 5386) The dining table was named after a journey. Sufra from safar (travel). First a traveller's provisions, then the cloth that carried them. Every meal at home arrived on an object whose name whispered: "you are still traveling”. Imām Ibn Hajar notes that raised tables were the habit of the arrogant, built so the diner would never have to bend toward his food. The sufra on the other hand reversed the posture. To eat, you had to come down. Humility was not preached at the meal. It was built into it. A cloth has no head of the table, if we look at a rectangular table it has a seat of honour, however, a spread cloth has none. Everyone sits at one level around shared dishes, facing each other. "The food of two suffices three".(Sahih Al Bukhari 5392) Scarcity was answered with geometry What floor sitting does to your appetite. Sitting cross-legged flexes the torso and gently compresses the abdomen so fullness registers earlier. Leaning forward for each morsel slows every bite. The sufra quietly enforced the Sunnah of eating less, one posture at a time. It's the only table that grows with guests… Furniture fixes your generosity in advance. A table for six ends at six. A sufra unrolls further, joins another cloth, spills into the next room. Hosts were limited by their hearts, never by carpentry. ‘Gather over your food, for in gathering there is barakah.’ (Sunan Abi Dawud 3764) The house with no dining room. Traditional rooms had no fixed function. One space held prayer at dawn, guests at noon, food at dusk, sleep at night. Because the furniture vanished, the room stayed free. The house served the moment, not the objects. The meal ended in reverse. Fingers cleaned, fallen morsels picked up, crumbs gathered inside the cloth, the sufra folded the floor bare. Consumption was allowed to visit, it was never allowed to move in. Our ancestors did not own a dining table; they owned a reminder that tonight to walk through our home and ask one question. Which objects serve our life, and which has our life quietly been built around. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Every marriage – no matter how stressful, boring, or happy it may be – can use certain tips to give it a boost. This post reviews two pieces of advice that you could implement today for a better married life. If you’re not married, you too can benefit from the concepts as they are applicable across the board. The first reminder has to do with becoming cognizant once again about our rights toward our spouses as obligated on us by Allah and His prophet (peace be upon him.) What we married couples often forget is that our “Muslim marriage”, just like the rest of our life’s aspects, is governed by the laws of Islam. These divine laws were communicated, commanded, and taught to us by the prophet (peace be upon him) through the Quran and the traditions of Hadith. So, the first reminder is nothing more than to become ever conscious that the moment you entered your marriage, you became obligated to respect your spouse’s rights as defined under those divine laws. Claiming ignorance about those rights or your lack of resolve in upholding those rights therefore is not a valid excuse. The problem in this regard is usually two-fold. First, many couples simply aren’t even aware and knowledgeable about the rights that both husbands and wives have over each other. It’s not uncommon for many to rush into marriages with all the fanfare but neglecting to learn Islamic teachings regarding marriage and the rights that husbands and wives have over each other. It’s only when they hit roadblocks in their marriages that they start seeking those answers. Problems surface because each spouse assumes certain rights over the other and each spouse’s personal interpretation of what’s right or wrong complicates relationships even further. The second problem is that while many of us may take the time to understand how their partner is not meeting their individual rights, they often neglect to learn their obligations toward the other spouse. Driven selfishly, each spouse gets preoccupied with how their partner isn’t contributing to the relationship rather than realizing how one is deficient in fulfilling their own obligations. In the daily routine of give and take therefore, if your relationship is hitting hurdles, both of you ought to invest the time and effort to learn about those rights and obligations. Use this reminder to make a permanent mental note to help you become conscious of how knowingly or unknowingly you transgress and violate your spouse’s rights. Remember, you will be questioned about them. Allah Ta’ala says about our obligations in general: “O you who believe! Fulfill (your) obligations” )Quran: al-Maa’idah 5:1) “And fulfill (every) covenant. Verily, the covenant will be questioned about” )Quran: al-Isra’ 17:34) “And whoever transgresses the limits ordained by Allah, then such are the Zalimoon (wrong-doers, etc.)” (Quran: Al-Baqarah; 2:229) Now to the second reminder – Every relationship is bound to have disagreements, day to day challenges pertaining to a family life, or your spouse just having a “bad day.” These shouldn’t be mistaken for a bad relationship. Where relationships go sour are in how couples respond to such situations. When response to such situations involves disrespect for the other individual, cracks start appearing in relationships. This “disrespect” includes but isn’t limited to putting down the other individual, disregard for the others opinions, raising one’s voice disrespectfully, etc. This then leads to a communications breakdown where disagreements turn into full fledged disputes, small mistakes by one are perceived as crimes by the other, and just an ordinary “bad” day turns worse by spouses ending up in major fights – sometimes climaxing to points of no return. We should recognize that Allah created us humans and has codified dignity and respect part of our being. Therefore, when we trample over someone leaving them feel disrespected, we are bound to invoke an equal or worse response from our spouses along with sowing in their hearts the seeds of animosity, hatred and mistrust. So, remember that of all the things that we may use at our disposal to relieve stress or resolve a situation, disrespecting the other shouldn’t be one of them. Both Allah and the prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the respect and honor that we are entitled to as Muslims and humans. Allah says in the Quran: “And indeed We have honored the Children of Adam, and We have carried them on land and sea, and have provided them with At-Tayyibat (lawful good things), and have preferred them above many of those whom We have created with a marked preferment.” (Quran: Al-Isra, Chapter #17, Verse #70) During his last sermon, the prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Your BLOOD, your WEALTH and your HONOR are sacred among you, as sacred as this day of yours in this month of yours in this land of yours. Let those who are present convey it to those who are absent; perhaps he will convey it to one who has more understanding than he does.” (Bukhari). Abdullah bin Umro reported that he saw the prophet going around the Kaabah in Tawaf saying (to the Kaabah): “How pure are you and how pure is your fragrance. How great is your majesty and your sanctity. By the One in whose hand is the soul of Muhammad (SAWS), the sanctity of a believer in front of Allah is more than your sanctity – His possessions and his life and we always think good of him.” (Ibn Majah) So, remember that a happy marriage is one in which couples find ways to tackle and resolve challenges without being disrespectful to the other. You can have your tough talks as long as you don’t cross the lines in disrespecting each other. Remember that Islam’s teachings never sanctioned to denigrate human dignity even in times of war then how can we in supposed bonds of love step out of that realm? Conclusion To conclude, wives can strive to become what the prophet referred to in this hadith: The Prophet (pbuh) said: “The entire world is full of resources, and among them the best resource is a righteous wife.” (Sahih Muslim) And for men, the prophet had this to say – “The most complete believer is the best in character, and the best of you is the best to his womenfolk.” (Tirmidhi) Let’s learn our rights toward each other and let’s not be disrespectful to the other even when we are dealing with tough situation. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

*HADHRAT ML ABDUL HAMID SHB* *THE NEED OF THE HOUR IS:* 1.) Sincere Taubah and Istighfaar. The starting point is to realise and acknowledge that we are the cause of these problems. Our sins, and particularly the immodesty and immorality, draw Divine retribution. This is what we are seeing. We need to thus give up all sins. 2.) To have an earnest intention and make a genuine effort to correct our lives, our Salaah and all our Dienie matters, including Qadha Salaah, unpaid Zakaat, inheritance matters not settled, etc. And live our lives according to the noble Sunnah of Rasulullah Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam. 3.) Abundance, Abundance!!! of Durood Sharief. 4.) Reciting the three Quls (Surah Al-Ikhlaas, Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Naas) with Bismillaah each time, after Fajr and Maghrib. A MUST, MUST!!! 5.) For the menfolk to make I'tikaaf in the Masaajid, by rotation, and to keep the Masaajid alive with A’maal-e-Masjid: Salaah, Tilawat of Qur’aan Sharief, Zikrullah, Dua, etc. - 24 hours. 6.) Ladies to also keep themselves busy with A’maal: fasting, Tilawat of Qur’aan Sharief, Zikrullah, Duas, etc. - preferably individually. 7.) Give Sadaqah frequently, even if it be in small amounts. 8.) At least once a day, recite the following: - Durood-e-Tunjeena, - 500 x Laa haula wa laa quwwata illaa billah, - Durood e Tunjeena - Make Dua (The 500 can be shared as well) 9.) Recite Surah Kahf daily; or at least the first and last ten Aayaat and on Jumu’ah, the entire Surah. When it is the protection against the Fitnah of Dajjaal, it will definitely be protection from these Fitan which we are dealing with. 10.) Make Salaam common and widespread, as we have been commanded. It brings peaceful conditions all around, as well as the Rahmah (Mercy) of Allah Ta’ala and the much needed Barakaat (blessings)!!! 11.) Khidmat and support to one another; helping to protect our Imaan, Islam, Masaajid, Madaaris, lives, and property in all forms. 12.) Making all the required efforts, placing one’s full trust solely in Allah Ta’ala, turn to Him in all sincerity and honesty. Only He can change conditions. But we have to change our lives and return to His Obedience. 13.) We should not panic. Understand that all conditions are only from Allah Ta’ala and Allah Ta’ala Alone is in control of everything even now. 14.) On such occasions, anger, hatred and cursing comes to the fore. A person can become filled with it. However, the ideal is to make Dua of Hidayat for the people at this moment. This will move the mercy of Allah Ta’ala. Remember the occasion of Taif when Nabi Sallallaahu alaihi wasallam made Dua for those who oppressed him. The Imaan of one person is so valuable! May Allah Ta’ala have mercy upon us and forgive us. May Allah Ta’ala protect and give Barakah in our Imaan, Islam, lives, businesses, property and all related, permissible matters and affairs! Aameen

In fact, the journey to the afterlife is millions of years long and it is necessary to carry the travel equipment from here. By Muhammad Rafiq I'tisame Now a days’ average human life’s yea according to this, sixty-five days are counted in a year. While the life in the hereafter after, there is another scale of counting is running as the holy Quran reveals” O Muhammad,] they challenge thee to hasten the coming upon them of [God’s] chastisement: but God never fails to fulfill His promise - and, behold, in thy Sustainer’s sight, a day is like a thousand years of your reckoning” Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage) 22:47 So, according to this counting, one year of that l life is equal to three lakhs and fifty-five thousands days in a year. Therefore, the life of ‘Ahrat’ and ( ,aalime barzakh’ (a period or state between death and resurrection) is very long and endless. Now the question is: what are the benefits and losses of the long life for a Muslim or the infidels? So, for the faithful believers the holy Quran reveals, ” for, [if they did, they would know that] the life of this world is nothing but a passing delight and a play - whereas, behold, the life in the hereafter is indeed the only [true] life: if they but knew this! Al-'Ankabut (The Spider) 29:64 “Also,: Yet those who attain to faith and do righteous deeds We shall bring into gardens through which running waters flow, therein to abide beyond the count of time: this is, in truth, God's promise - and whose word could be truer than God's? An-Nisa (The Women) 4:57 Also, the Muslims have been given glad tiddling’s by saying.” [AND on Judgment Day] God will say: 'Today, their truthfulness shall benefit all who have been true to their word: theirs shall be gardens through which running waters flow, therein to abide beyond the count of time; well-pleased is God with them, and well-pleased are they with Him: this is the triumph supreme.' Al- Ma'idah (The Table Spread) 5:119 And those who are the sinful Muslims i.e. they commit sins major or miners, and they fear Allah Almighty and hope for His endless mercy, and they want to offer tauba (repentance), then Allah will forgive their ins, as the holy Quran reveals ,” SAY: “[Thus speaks God:] ‘O you servants of Mine who have transgressed against your own selves! Despair not of God’s mercy: behold, God forgives all sins - for, verily, He alone is much-forgiving, a dis-penser of grace!’ ” Az-Zumar (The Groups) 39:53 And about the disbeliever the holy Quran says, “ those who disbelieve and wrong themselves—surely Allah will neither forgive them nor guide them to any path Those who disbelieve and hinder ˹others˺ from the Way of Allah have certainly strayed far away. ([al-Nisa’ 4:168-169). And in Soorat al-Ahzaab, where He says (interpretation of the meaning): “Verily, Allaah has cursed the disbelievers, and has prepared for them a flaming Fire (Hell). So, this is necessary for the disbelievers that they should think about their destination and abode in the hereafter? Therefore, according to the holy Quran there are only two abode in the Hereafter for human being, the Paradise and the Hellfire. So, the real successful one is he whom Allah Almighty saves from the fire and enters the paradise as the holy Quran reveals,” Every human being is bound to taste death: but only on the Day of Resurrection will you be requited in full [for whatever you have done] - whereupon he that shall be drawn away from the fire and brought into paradise will indeed have gained a triumph: for the life of this world is nothing but an enjoyment of self-delusion Al-Imran (The Family of Imran) 3:185 And for the faithful beliers, It is reality that the journey of the hereafter is long and everlasting so, it is necessary for the faithful believers that they should get the good provision for this journey, and according to the holy Quran, the best provision is for it is only, taqwa, the holy Quran reveals,” The pilgrimage shall take place in the months appointed for it. And whoever undertakes the pilgrimage in those [months] shall, while on pilgrimage, abstain from lewd speech, from all wicked conduct, and from quarrelling; and whatever good you may do, God is aware of it. And make provision for yourselves - but, verily, the best of all provisions is God-consciousness: remain, then, conscious of Me, O you who are endowed with insight! ( Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:197). May Allah Almighty give us power to do so, Amin.

Q. Apologies, I just have a quick question regarding the use of a spray bottle for Wudhu: 1. Is it permissible to perform Wudhu using a spray bottle, especially during Hajj or Umrah? 2. If so, what is the correct method or ruling for performing Wudhu with a spray bottle? A. Using a spray bottle for Wudhu is permissible with the proviso that water reaches all parts of the required limbs to be washed in Wudhu in a manner that at least two drops of water drip from the limbs. This can be achieved by spraying the limb directly and then rubbing the water over the limb or by spraying water into the hands and then rubbing the water over the limb. Take note of the following: 1. It is permissible to perform Wudhu with a spray or mist bottle in the following manner: a) Spray the face a few times so that water droplets begin to bead and trickle down. Use your hands to rub the moisture across the entire face as well as over the beard for men. b) Use the same procedure for the limbs - spray water across the length of the forearms and use your hands to rub the moisture over the entire surface from fingertips to elbows. c) Spray water onto your palms and make Masah (passing wet hands) over the head. d) Spray water onto the feet and use your hands to rub the moisture over the entire feet, including between the toes and the ankles. (It is a condition that when washing any limb, water must bead and trickle off that limb for the Wudhu to be valid. If sufficient water is not sprayed and water does not drip off the limb, the Wudhu will not be considered valid.) The Wudhu is now complete with these Fard (obligatory) actions. (Hindiyyah 1: 3) However, it should be noted that this method, comprising of just the Fard actions should be undertaken only when performing a full Sunnah Wudhu is inconvenient or difficult. Under normal circumstances, one should perform the full Sunnah Wudhu which includes washing the limbs thrice, using a miswak (tooth-stick), and rinsing the mouth and nostrils. And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Muhammed Hamza Farooqui Mufti Taahir Hansa (The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.) Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

As-Salaam alaikum, The Noble Messenger of Allah, Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam, said: ''I smile because of 2 men from my Nation, who shall knell in the Presence of the Lord of Power. One of them says: 'O my Lord, grant me retaliation for the wrong which my brother did to me.' And Allah says: 'Give your brother that in which he was wronged.' 'O Lord, he says, 'none of my righteous works remain.' Then Allah Ta'ala [the Exalted] says to the man who made the demand: 'What shall you do with your brother, seeing that none of his righteous works remain?' And he replies: 'O my Lord, let him bear some of my burdens in my stead.' And Allah's Messenger wept, as he said: 'Truly, that shall be a fearsome Day, a Day when men have need of others to bear their burdens.' Then he said: 'Allah shall say to one who made the request: 'Lift up your head and look to the Gardens.' This he does, and he says: 'O my Lord, I see high cities of silver, and golden palaces wreathed about with pearls. For which Prophet shall they be, or which Saint or martyr?' And He said: 'They belong to whomsoever pays Me their Price.' 'O my Lord, he says, 'And who possesses such a price?' You possess it', He replies. 'And what might it be?' he asks, and He says: 'Your forgiveness of your brother.' 'O my Lord, he says, 'I have forgiven him!' Then Allah the Exalted says: 'Take your brother's hand and bring him into Heaven.' Then Allah's Messenger recited part of 1st verse in Surat Anfal of the Holy Qur'an: ''...Fear Allah, and make reconciliation among yourselves'' (8:1) (Al-Hakim al-Nisaburi: al-Mustadrak ala al-Sahihayn) IV, 576.

The Holy Quran reveals…'' Verily We! We have sent it down on the night of Power. isThe night of Power is better than a thousand months. ﴾3﴿ The angels and the spirit descend therein by the command of their Lord with His decrees for every affair. ﴾4﴿ It is all peace, until the rising of the dawn " ergence of dawn." (Surah Al-Qadr, verse 5) It is known from this Surah that the Holy Quran was revealed on the Night Power, in the month of Ramadan, and it contains a blessed night that is better than a thousand months. The reason for this is that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) mentioned the long lifespans of the previous prophets (peace be upon them), saying, "They lived more than a thousand years or less." In comparison, the lifespans of this nation are approximately seventy or eighty years, or more or less. Therefore, the worship of those people (including prayer, fasting, and other acts of devotion) was greater than the worship of this nation. So, God Almighty gave the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) glad tidings of Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), which is better than a thousand months and is equivalent to approximately eighty-three years. That is, whoever experiences Laylat al-Qadr, their worship on that night is equivalent to eighty-three years. The question now is: Is it the 25th, 27th, or 29th night of Ramadan? There are differing opinions regarding the date of Laylat al-Qadr. Most scholars predict that it falls on an odd-numbered night of the last ten nights of Ramadan, based on the hadith narrated by Aisha (may God be pleased with her): The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Seek Laylat al-Qadr on an odd-numbered night of the last ten nights of Ramadan." [Narrated by al-Bukhari] Narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her): She asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) what supplication she should make if she were to witness Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree). He replied: "O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me." Meaning: O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me. We can also recite this supplication repeatedly throughout Ramadan: "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah. I seek forgiveness from Allah. We ask You for Paradise and we seek refuge in You from Hellfire." Therefore, every believer should strive in worship, especially during the last ten nights of Ramadan, to attain Laylat al-Qadr. Amen.

Blessings of Laylat al-Qadr By Muhammad Rafiq I'tisame The Holy Quran reveals…'' Verily We! We have sent it down on the night of Power. isThe night of Power is better than a thousand months. ﴾3﴿ The angels and the spirit descend therein by the command of their Lord with His decrees for every affair. ﴾4﴿ It is all peace, until the rising of the dawn " ergence of dawn." (Surah Al-Qadr, verse 5) It is known from this Surah that the Holy Quran was revealed on the Night Power, in the month of Ramadan, and it contains a blessed night that is better than a thousand months. The reason for this is that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) mentioned the long lifespans of the previous prophets (peace be upon them), saying, "They lived more than a thousand years or less." In comparison, the lifespans of this nation are approximately seventy or eighty years, or more or less. Therefore, the worship of those people (including prayer, fasting, and other acts of devotion) was greater than the worship of this nation. So, God Almighty gave the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) glad tidings of Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), which is better than a thousand months and is equivalent to approximately eighty-three years. That is, whoever experiences Laylat al-Qadr, their worship on that night is equivalent to eighty-three years. The question now is: Is it the 25th, 27th, or 29th night of Ramadan? There are differing opinions regarding the date of Laylat al-Qadr. Most scholars predict that it falls on an odd-numbered night of the last ten nights of Ramadan, based on the hadith narrated by Aisha (may God be pleased with her): The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Seek Laylat al-Qadr on an odd-numbered night of the last ten nights of Ramadan." [Narrated by al-Bukhari] Narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her): She asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) what supplication she should make if she were to witness Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree). He replied: "O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me." Meaning: O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me. We can also recite this supplication repeatedly throughout Ramadan: "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah. I seek forgiveness from Allah. We ask You for Paradise and we seek refuge in You from Hellfire." Therefore, every believer should strive in worship, especially during the last ten nights of Ramadan, to attain Laylat al-Qadr. Amen. Blessings of Laylat al-Qadr By Muhammad Rafiq I'tisame The Holy Quran reveals…'' Verily We! We have sent it down on the night of Power. isThe night of Power is better than a thousand months. ﴾3﴿ The angels and the spirit descend therein by the command of their Lord with His decrees for every affair. ﴾4﴿ It is all peace, until the rising of the dawn " ergence of dawn." (Surah Al-Qadr, verse 5) It is known from this Surah that the Holy Quran was revealed on the Night Power, in the month of Ramadan, and it contains a blessed night that is better than a thousand months. The reason for this is that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) mentioned the long lifespans of the previous prophets (peace be upon them), saying, "They lived more than a thousand years or less." In comparison, the lifespans of this nation are approximately seventy or eighty years, or more or less. Therefore, the worship of those people (including prayer, fasting, and other acts of devotion) was greater than the worship of this nation. So, God Almighty gave the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) glad tidings of Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), which is better than a thousand months and is equivalent to approximately eighty-three years. That is, whoever experiences Laylat al-Qadr, their worship on that night is equivalent to eighty-three years. The question now is: Is it the 25th, 27th, or 29th night of Ramadan? There are differing opinions regarding the date of Laylat al-Qadr. Most scholars predict that it falls on an odd-numbered night of the last ten nights of Ramadan, based on the hadith narrated by Aisha (may God be pleased with her): The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Seek Laylat al-Qadr on an odd-numbered night of the last ten nights of Ramadan." [Narrated by al-Bukhari] Narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her): She asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) what supplication she should make if she were to witness Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree). He replied: "O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me." Meaning: O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me. We can also recite this supplication repeatedly throughout Ramadan: "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah. I seek forgiveness from Allah. We ask You for Paradise and we seek refuge in You from Hellfire." Therefore, every believer should strive in worship, especially during the last ten nights of Ramadan, to attain Laylat al-Qadr. Amen.

1.Whoever meets Allah without ascribing anything to Him will enter Jannah. [Bukhari] 2. Whoever believes in Allah and His Messenger (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) and establishes the prayer and fasts the month of Ramadan, it is incumbent upon Allah that He enters him in Jannah. [Bukhari] 3. Whoever builds a masjid seeking by it the Pleasure of Allah, Allah will build for him a similar place in Jannah. [Bukhari] 4. Whoever prays the two cool prayers (Asr and Fajr)will enter Jannah. [Bukhari] 5. Whoever goes to the masjid (every) morning and in the afternoon (for the congregational prayer), Allah will prepare for him an honourable place in Jannah with good hospitality for (what he has done) every morning and afternoon goings. [Bukhari] 6. Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jawbones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his tongue and his private parts), I guarantee Jannah for him. [Bukhari] 7. Whoever prays 12 rakaats (Sunnah Muakkadah)in the day and night, a house in Jannah will be built for him. [Muslim] 8. Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Jannah. [Bukhari] 9. Whoever repeats after the muadhdhin from his heart (i.e., sincerely) will enter Jannah. [Abu Dawud] 10. Whoever says: “I am pleased with Allah as my Rabb, and with Islam as my Deen, and with Muhammad (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) as my Prophet,”Jannah would be mandatory for him. [Abu Dawud] 11. Whosoever last words are: laa ilaaha illAllah, will enter Paradise. [Abu Dawud] 12. Whoever says “SubhanAllah al-Adheem wa biHamdihi, Glorified and Exalted is Allah, The Great, and with His Praise”, a date-palm will planted for him in Jannah. [Tirmidhi] 13. Whoever dies and is free from three: arrogance, grudges and debt will enter Jannah. [Tirmidhi] 14. Whoever asks Allah for Jannah three times, Jannah will say: “O Allah, enter him into Jannah.” [Tirmidhi] 15. Whoever visits a sick person or a brother of his to seek the Pleasure of Allah, an announcer (angel) calls out: ‘May you be happy, may your walking be blessed, and may you be awarded a dignified position in Jannah.’ [Tirmidhi] 16. ‘O people, spread the salaam (greetings), feed the hungry, and pray while the people are asleep, you will enter Jannah in peace.’ [Tirmidhi] 17. (The performance of) Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous Umrah; and the reward of Hajj Mabrur (i.e., one accepted) is nothing but Jannah. [Bukhari] 18. Allah has ninety-nine Names, one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Jannah. [Bukhari] 19. I saw a man going about in Jannah (and enjoying himself) as a reward for cutting a tree from the middle of the road which was causing inconvenience to the Muslims. [Muslim] 20. There is no man whose two daughters reach the age of puberty, and he treats them kindly for the time they are together, but they will gain him admittance to Paradise. [Tirmidhi] Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians 223 Alpine Road, Overport Durban, South Africa

Bye Mohammed Rafique EteSame Ramazan-ul-Mubarak is a most sacred and holy month of the Muslim calendar. It brings good fortune and endless blessings of Allah Almighty. It is a month of forbearance that’s rewards is only Heaven. (Bokhari) Act of fasting was prescribed in all the Shriah of the Holy Prophets (May peace and Mercy of Allah be upon them) and its main purpose is to make Muslims pious and God-fearing as mentioned in the Holy Qura,n “O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that ye may ward off (evil),(The Cow: 183). The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said that the first ten days of Ramazan-nul-Mubarak are for the bounty of Allah , second ten days are for the forgiveness, and the last ten days declare the salvation from Hell to those who keep fasting. (Bokhari, Mishkat-ul-Masabeeh ) He (PBUH) said the former sins of the believers are forgiven who keeps fasting with faith and a sense of accountability. And when the first night of Ramazan falls, an announcement made on behalf of Allah that He Loves him who loves He and He meets him who try to meet He, and Allah will forgive him who seeks forgiveness. Then Allah Orders the twin recording angels to write only virtues and not to write evils and to rub off their former sins .(Zubda-tul-Waizeen) A distinctive feature of Ramazan is that the Holy Quran was revealed in this month from the “Lauh-e-Mahfooz” to the first sky. Whence, it was revealed on the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in the period of 23 years according to the need of the time. Allah Almighty Orddains,” The month of Ramazan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance and the criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, (let him fast the same) number of other days. (The Cow:185) Qur’an is an authentic source of Islamic dogmas, worships, affairs and lays the foundation stone of Islamic legislation. It reveals an abridged outline for individual and social life and guides to all aspects of life in principle. Recitation of the Holy Qur’an gives the mental and spiritual peace and tranquility. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said that when the month of Ramazan falls all of the evil design, Satans and Jinns tightened in the chains and doors of Hell closed, and a voice from the Heaven calls “O ye who committing evils stop yourself !and O the well wisher! Increase yourself in virtues. And a large number of the people deserving for Hell, are Freed every night. (Tirmadhi, Nasai, Ibn-e-Maja) Ramzan-ul-Mubark is going on. So We should count for such a blessed month and keep fasting.

As-Salaam alaikum, Our Teachers, the 'Ulama of the Islamic tradition teach that the true homeland of peace is the Heart (qalb) when it is polished by dhikr (Zikr), Imaan (faith) and surrenders to Almighty Allah. External threats, insults or hardships can shake our body, but not the heart that has been anchored in the Divine. Says our Lord in the Holy Qur'an: -- ''Indeed, in the Remembrance of Allah [Zikr] do hearts find peace.'' (13:28) The peace referred to in this verse/ayat is not fragile; it is not given by people, and so it cannot be taken away by them. When faith flowers in the heart, the inner garden becomes a paradise before Paradise. Here, if you like you may recall that Hadith in which the Prophet, Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam, said: - ''Paradise is closer to you than your shoelace, and so is Hellfire''. (Musnad Ahmad). And Sheikh Abu Madyan al-Ghawth, may Allah be Merciful to him, said: ''The true faqir is the one who is at peace in the storm, for his heart is with Allah while his body is among creation.'' So, no matter what others say or do, if your heart is with Allah [rooted] in Tawheed, you carry a sanctuary with you. This is what the Sufis call Sakina .... the tranquility Almighty Allah sends into the hearts of believers.

Bye Mohammed Rafique EteSame EVERY MAN has some hidden fats that, even IF HE wants to hide them, they do not hide but remain visible. For example, if a person is something different inside and something else outside, then whatever he is hiding inside remains visible, no matter how much he tries to hide it, . His movements, postures, mannerisms, and the way he speaks betray his inner self, and the onlookers understand that something is being hidden because the face tells a lot. The inner state of a person can be seen on his face because the eyes are the window to the soul. If a person has a secret relationship with someone, when they come face to face, the way they talk and look at each other, immediately tells that there is something between them... It usually happens that when someone has a secret relationship with someone, those who are watching are suspicious of them at first, then they pay special attention to them and keep a secret watch, and finally their secret is revealed and they are caught red-handed. The most important thing is that there are some things that a person tries to hide throughout his life, but they cannot be hidden and remain visible because a person is prone to sin, he is not an angel, and under the temptation of the ego and Satan, he commits such immoral and unlawful acts that are not capable of being revealed, but they remain visible because Allah, the Exalted, has appointed two angels with every person who keep writing down his good or bad deeds. They are not visible to man, but they keep writing down the deeds that a person does in a 24-hour period. Allah, the Exalted, says: "You deny the reward (9) while over you are appointed watchers (10) the Most High, the Recorder (82;12) who know what you do." And on the Day of Judgment, when a person is given this book of his deeds, he will be amazed that he did not leave out any of my words or deeds, and everything is written in it. Then he will say, "O Allah, Your angels have forgotten that I did not do these things." Then the Quran says: To-day We shall seal upon their mouths, and their hands will speak Unto us, and their feet will bear witness of that which they have been earning. ( Yaseen 65) ﴾65﴿ Therefore, the Sharia will definitely be met because every action has a reaction and every action has a reward, and the Day of Judgment is the day when the good and the bad will receive their full reward for their deeds, and the reckoning will be made one by one, and all people will receive justice from Allah Al almighty and no one will be wronged. ‘‘(الزلزال: ۸) Therefore, those who think that they will escape prosecution despite oppressing someone. Or that there is no one to question them for suppressing someone's right or that there is no one to hold them accountable for what they are doing, are deluded and self-deceiving. Because the truth of their actions will be revealed because the work of truth is not to hide but to be revealed. the function of the truth and reality is not to hide but to remain visible. Because the secret and royal ''witnesses are watching over man. We pray to Allah Almighty to grant us the ability to fulfill all His commands according to the good example of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) so that we can avoid all kinds of troubles on the Day of Judgment. Amen.

What is the definition of friendship and how can a true and sincere friend be found? Mohammqad Raeique Etetesame This is an important issue of the present time, how to find the best friend? Friends are of many types and friendship is also with many people, so every person naturally wants someone to be his friend. Because the one who has no friend feels lonely and deserted. Therefore, he is always in search of a friend who is sincere, honest and selfless and is ready to sacrifice everything for the happiness of his friend. And if by chance someone finds such a friend, he feels that a spring has come in his life, like buds sprout, flowers bloom and the colors of the rainbow scatter in the air. But the question is, is it possible to find such a friend in this day and age? Although it is not impossible, it is certainly difficult because usually there are selfish friends who cut the roots of their friends and try to fulfill their own meaning, but in this selfish situation, there is also a true friend of man who stays with his servants forever. He who is not seen but helps his friends and does good to them, who is powerful, has authority and knows how to fulfill his command. Yes, this friend is Allah Almighty! Who is the owner and creator, the king of the universe and the true friend of man. The Holy Quran states this, “Allah is the friend of the believers. He brings the young out of the darkness of disbelief into the light of guidance” (2.257). And he said, “Have they taken other friends besides Allah? Indeed, Allah is the protecting friend, He will give life to the dead, and He is capable of all things.” (Al-Shura: 09) And He said, “If they turn away, then know that Allah is your Friend, the Great Protector, the Great Helper.” (Al-Anfal: 38). The question is, what is the correct definition of friendship and who is called friendship? So a friend is someone who says that whatever I have is not mine but my friend's. Whenever and whatever my friend asks me for, I will immediately give it to him whenever he asks for it ..... Yes, this is the real definition of friendship, but one thing is worth considering, that the limit of friendship is within the scope of reason and Sharia. The purpose of this is that the definition of friendship is that which is permitted by Sharia, that a friend will ask his friend for the same thing that Sharia and reason have permitted him. That is, if his friend is a rich man, then if the other friend is poor, then he should not say to him, "Give me this much money, brother," or if his friend is a single man, then he should not say to his friend, "Brother, give me your daughter or sister in marriage." Therefore, the limit of friendship is within the scope of Sharia and reason. Allah, the Exalted, the Almighty, who is a mighty ruler, the King, and has no partner. It is beyond the human intellect to estimate the power, might, and glory of Allah Almighty, His great authority, and His command over man, as Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran: “Say: O Allah, Owner of the Kingdom. You grant the kingdom to whomever You will and take it from whomever You will, and honor whomever You will and humiliate whomever You will. In Your hand is all good. Indeed, You are Able to do all things.” And He said: “He is Allah, besides whom there is no god. He is the Knower of the unseen and the seen, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.” (22) He is Allah, besides whom there is no god. The King, the Pure, the Giver of Peace, the Guardian, the Almighty, the Great. Exalted is He that they should not associate partners with Him. (23) He is Allah, the Creator. The Creation And the Inventor, the Maker of forms. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Him, and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. (The Gathering) 59:23 Despite the greatness, majesty, and power of Allah, the Almighty But before that, it is important to know that Allah, the Almighty, who is the true and sincere friend of man, then when a man will establish friendship with him, he must find out what his friend wants from him, what Allah, the Almighty, being the true friend of man, gives to his other friend, man, and what is not in him. But the surprising thing is that despite all these things, he does not have one thing and he demands it from man. This is a very surprising thing. Such a great king has everything but one thing that he does not have. What is it that man has but Allah does not have? Allah, the Almighty, has great power, strength, greatness and greatness. He has everything but one thing that man does not have. What is it that man has? It is humility, modesty, crying, grumbling, expressing his helplessness, helplessness and compulsion, and prostrating himself before Him, calling upon Him, and expressing that you are everything and I am nothing. I am not, if you want, everything will happen, if you want, If a person uses all these things to establish friendship with Allah, the Exalted, then He, that is, his friend, will grant him something that neither his eyes have seen nor his ears have heard of, nor has his mind even imagined these great blessings, namely a great and never-ending life, eternal and everlasting success, unlimited blessings, and everything that is beyond the reach of man. Allah says in the Holy Quran: Those who say, "Our Lord is Allah," and then remain steadfast, the angels will descend upon them (saying): "Fear not, nor grieve, and of the Paradise which you were promised." It is worth noting that anyone who complains about not having a good friend is actually not a good friend himself.

We live in a world of import and export, a world in which most goods and commodities are available in most countries for most of the year. However, despite the year-round availability, there are many goods that enjoy a ‘peak season’. Astute businessmen are those who identify this period and utilize it to their advantage. A Golden Opportunity The season presents a golden opportunity for one to secure tremendous profits in a minimal period of time. Hence, during the month of December, even if the rest of the world is on vacation, it is practically unimaginable for one to find the serious businessman on holiday. He understands the pivotal role that the season plays in his success; if he remains focused and committed, he will reap the profits, and if he allows himself to become distracted or while away his time, he alone will suffer the consequences. The Season of Taqwa Just as other things have a special season; taqwa also has a special season – the month of Ramadaan. From fasting during the day to performing Taraaweeh during the night, the entire month has been specially designed to assist a believer in harvesting a bumper crop of fruit, from the tree of taqwa, which he will continue to enjoy long after the blessed month has expired. However, just as with other seasons, this will only be possible if one avails himself for this blessed month and expends all his energies in striving to secure the bargains it has on offer. More than Money If the shop owner arrives at work two hours late, he will regret the business that he lost and lament the money that he could have made. For every minute of the two hours, he could have been serving customers and turning the numbers. We often hear the adage ‘time is money’. However, contrary to popular belief, time is NOT money — it is far more valuable than money. Whereas money can always be later recovered if lost, time can never be recovered — and it is for this reason that time is our single greatest asset. In the race to secure the rewards of Ramadaan, it is those who are particular regarding their time that profit the most. Destructive Distractions In this regard, along with the ready-made opportunities to benefit are a host of ready-made distractions. After - Taraaweeh braais, meeting friends for a chat, an ‘Eid bargain-hunting’ excursion – these are all seemingly innocent activities. However, when thoroughly scrutinized, we realize that the braai ‘burnt’ two or three hours of our time, whereas a normal supper would have been concluded in a maximum of thirty minutes. The excursion to purchase ‘Eid-goods at the best prices may have saved us a few valuable rands but undoubtedly cost us invaluable hours and minutes. Media ‘Mania’ In the opinion of many, the uncrowned yet undisputed champion of ‘killing time’ is social media in all its various guises and forms. Whether in the masjid, while attending a program for spiritual upliftment, or at the time of sehri when du‘aas are accepted – instead of maximizing and benefiting from these opportunities, there are many who become Media ‘Maniacs’ and wile away the irrecoverable moments on their smart phones. For this purpose, just as we fast by shunning food and drink from dawn to sunset, let us make a resolution to ‘fast’ from all forms of media for all the 24 hours of every day in the Month of Ramadhan. We should initiate a complete ’fast’ from all these time-consumers during this blessed period and afterwards as well. Thus let us make this Ramadaan very profitable by correctly investing the capital of time that we have been blessed with. Insha-Allah we will reap the rewards in this world and the Hereafter. alhaadi.org.za

Sports – Thinking Correctly By Hazrat Ml Yunus Patel Sb Rahimahullah Our condition as a Ummah is such that we have lost our direction, and we have forgotten our purpose of being in this world. In addition to the various Fitan plaguing the Ummah, the sports scene – with its national and international matches, tournaments, cups, etc. – is also a severe fitnah. It is a diversion and a cause of Ghaflat (heedlessness). And this Ghaflat is ‘the hen that lays the eggs of all sins. One brother said to me, “Maulana, you mentioned that you made Dua that the Saudi soccer team must lose. Should we not support our brothers?” How the mindset of the Muslim has changed! If Rasulullah ﷺ were to be present, amongst us in these times, and he is informed of the Muslim teams going around the world to play football, their dressing which exposes their thighs, the entertainment, music, photography, the women attending who are immodestly dressed, the drinking and other Haraam which will be rife at those venues, the sponsorships by those fully involved in Haraam— manufacturers of liquor, banks and other Haraam establishments, would Rasulullah ﷺ have said: Support your national team!?—Na-uzu Billah. Would he be happy with this? And would he be pleased that the Ummah considers this kind of ‘win’ a great victory? Is this what we have been sent for to win soccer matches and other games? We have lost sight of the true victory! The Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum) saw their victory in Jihad and in Shahadah (martyrdom). In the tragic expedition of Bir-Ma’unah, when Hazrat Haram ibn Milhan (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was martyred, he uttered: “By the Lord of the Ka’bah! I have won!”—he achieved such a goal! Nabi ﷺ’s Duas and sympathy are with those who are following Deen and obeying him. Are we not instructed in the Qur’aan Shareef: “Follow me…”? “Say (O Muhammad Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam): ‘If you really love Allah, then follow me, and Allah shall love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is Most-Forgiving, Very-Merciful.”[Surah Aal-Imraan 3:31] We also went through the high school route. In our young days, we played cricket and other sports… and we would follow the newspaper scores and commentary over the radio. There were no televisions at that time. Now, when I look back, I think: What an absolute waste of time… listening to the commentary of a few people chasing a ball from one end to the other! What did we gain? …Nothing. These thoughts … that we should be supporting our brothers who are participating in the world cup … are from Shaytaan. We are to support each other in Deen; in what will draw us closer to Allah Ta’ala and what will be a means of the victory of Allah Ta’ala’s Pleasure and Jannah. “…Help one another in goodness and piety, and do not help one another in sin and aggression; and be careful of (your duty to) Allah; surely Allah is severe in requiting (evil).” [Surah Al-Maa’idah 5:2] Let us seriously reflect over our condition, make sincere Taubah and get our priorities in order. Time is running out. …We fail to understand that we are leaving this world, that our death is fast approaching, and that Qiyamah is before us. Every moment is delivering us to our graves. Every passing second, our life is closing in on us. It is all coming to an end, but we are heedless and unmindful. In watching and following the world cup, we forget the cup of death. We will have to drink of that cup. Allah Ta’ala mentions in Surah Al-Ambiyaa: ‘Closer and closer to mankind comes their reckoning: yet they heed not, and they turn away.’[Surah Ambiyaa 21:1] May Allah Ta’ala guide us and give us the correct understanding of the purpose of this worldly life. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

‏الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي بِنِعْمَتِهِ تَتِمُّ الصَّالِحَات Praise is to Allah by Whose grace good deeds are completed.

الصَّبُورُ Translation الصَّبُورُ is translated as The Most Patient and The Patiently-Enduring. Definition الصَّبُورُ is The One Who does not let haste move Him to carry out an action before its time. Allah ta’ala can do whatever He wants, whenever He wants but He will not be hasty in doing something before its time. What does Allah ta’ala patiently endure? Allah ta’ala patiently endures the sins of humanity. It is The One Who does not punish according to the level of the sin. He does not punish right away and if He does punish in the world, it will not be according to the severity of the sin. In fact after the sin is committed, Allah ta’ala gives the person the Tawfeeq to make Tawbah. Even if the person persists in sin, Allah ta’ala is الصَّبُورُ and He keeps the door to Tawbah and Maghfirat open. He does not rush to punish sinners and gives them opportunities and chances and that is part of Allah ta’ala being الصَّبُورُ. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “Verily, Allah accepts the repentance of His servants so long as they are not on their death bed.” [Tirmidhi] This shows Allah ta’ala is The Most Patient. He is الصَّبُورُ In the Qur’an It is mentioned in some form 90 times in the Qur’an and not necessarily as الصَّبُورُ صَبر - Patience Linguistically صَبر means to hold fast, to restrain something and so when we make Sabr we are restraining our desires, anger etc. It is a very important concept in our Deen and very much encouraged in the Quran and Hadith. يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ O' You who believe! Seek My help with patience and prayer: surely, Allah is with those who are patient. [Surah Baqarah:153] To get help firstly, one needs to be patient and it may take time, striving (Mujaahadah) and Du’a. Secondly, Salaah is mentioned. “Allah is with those who are patient” - technically Allah ta’ala is always with us as Allah ta’ala says, وَهُوَ مَعَكُمْ أَيْنَ مَا كُنْتُمْ ۚ - and He is with you wherever you are. [Surah Hadeed: 4] But in the verse of Surah Baqarah, it is specifically mentioned to show merit of the صَّابِرِين – the patient ones. Knowing that Allah ta’ala is with you when you remain patient helps to be more patient. Types of Sabr • Patience in refraining from sins – to restrain one’s self from the impermissible. • Patience in doing good deeds – one needs patience to wake up for Fajr. • Patience in times of difficulty – brings great rewards. قُلْ يَا عِبَادِ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا رَبَّكُمْ ۚ لِلَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُوا فِي هَٰذِهِ الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةٌ ۗ وَأَرْضُ اللَّهِ وَاسِعَةٌ ۗ إِنَّمَا يُوَفَّى الصَّابِرُونَ أَجْرَهُمْ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ Say: “O My servants who have truly believed, fear your Rabb; those who will do good deeds in this world shall receive a good reward. If it has become difficult to follow the Right Way where you live, then migrate, you will find that Allah’s earth is spacious. Those who endure with patience will be rewarded without measure.” [Surah Zumar: 10] Sabr & Shukr Patience and gratitude have been mentioned together in the Qur’an and Hadith. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “Wondrous is the affair of the believer for there is good for him in every matter and this is not the case with anyone except the believer. If he is happy, then he thanks Allah and thus there is good for him, and if he is harmed, then he shows patience and thus there is good for him.” [Muslim] Sabr is not a passive thing. It is a proactive and rigorous activity and it is not a one-time thing. It continues over a period of time and real Sabr is how one reacts in the beginning. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “The real patience is at the first stroke of a calamity.” [Bukhari] The initial reaction reveals the level of Sabr of a person i.e. how one holds one’s self, what words are said etc. It does not mean however that one cannot cry and show grief. There are three levels of Sabr; • Sabr of the Taa'ibeen This is the stage where people stop speaking about their difficulties and problems to others (i.e. complain to others). Now it does not mean that the wife can’t share anything with her husband or the son can't share with his father or the patient can’t tell about his problems to his doctor. No these are necessities. It is just impermissible to inform the people about one’s condition without any reason. There is nothing wrong if the wife shares her sorrows and grief with her husband and the son shares with his father. What is prohibited is that some people just keep whining and complaining about things and say that Allah ta’ala never listens to us. It is equivalent to saying Allah ta’ala has been unjust to us. • Sabr of the Zaahideen This is when in difficulty they show they are pleased with Allah ta’ala i.e. they are content with the situation. They do not complain. • Sabr of the Siddiqeen This is the highest stage. They are happy in difficult situations because they know it will be a means of their attaining closeness to Allah ta’ala. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “Whoever Allah wants good for him, he puts them to test…” Etiquettes of Sabr When calamity strikes one should not complain or question Allah ta’ala’s decision. Say, إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ - We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. [Surah Baqarah: 156] In a situation where there is a lack of Sabr think about your sins and that Allah ta’ala is forgiving them. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.” [Bukhari] Think of the reward for patience and remember Allah ta’ala is with the patient ones. Our worship and deeds are lacking and through patience we can reach high ranks similar to the ranks of those who worship Allah ta’ala in abundance. *~~*~~*

Journey to Allah in Ramadan (Detailed Book) Short Summary AVAILABLE NOW! ‘Journey to Allah in Ramadan’ is a guide to deepen our relationship with Allah and accelerate our journey to Him in this blessed month. By delving into the inner dimensions of fasting and other acts of worship, the book explores how we can strive to become His true servants and taste the sweetness of īmān. Deepen your relationship with Allah and accelerate your journey to Him 30+ reminders to taste the sweetness of īmān and worship Just 7 minutes a day to read! Download, read, print and share with family and friends. Download: Journey-to-Allah-in-Ramadan-2025.pdf

Yaa Allah! Complete and quick recovery Yaa Rabb! Inshaa-allaah will make du'a

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Muftī Faisal bin Abdul Hamīd al-Mahmūdī of IlmHub had an Ischemic Stroke and is at the hospital. Alhumdolillah, he is cognitively and physically recovered but his full recovery back to full physical strength will take some time. We request everyone to respect the privacy of the family and only details which have been agreed with the family have been shared. Everyone is requested to make Dua for his full and speedy recovery. A launchgood campaign will be launched shortly to cover his personal finances for the next few months Insha'Allah.

Hatred is the razor, that shaves away the deen!: By Mohammad Rafique Etesame حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ أَبِي أُوَيْسٍ قَالَ‏:‏ حَدَّثَنِي أَخِي، عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ بْنِ بِلاَلٍ، عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ بْنِ أَبِي أُسَيْدٍ، عَنْ جَدِّهِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ‏:‏ وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ، لاَ تَدْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ حَتَّى تُسْلِمُوا، وَلاَ تُسْلِمُوا حَتَّى تَحَابُّوا، وَأَفْشُوا السَّلاَمَ تَحَابُّوا، وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَالْبُغْضَةَ، فَإِنَّهَا هِيَ الْحَالِقَةُ، لاَ أَقُولُ لَكُمْ‏:‏ تَحْلِقُ الشَّعْرَ، وَلَكِنْ تَحْلِقُ الدِّينَ‏.‏ Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "By the One in Whose Hand my soul is, you will not enter Paradise until you submit to Islam. And, you will not submit to Islam until you love one another. Extend the greeting to one another and you will love one another. Beware of hatred, for it is the razor. I do not tell you that it shaves the hair, but it shaves away the deen." (الألباني حسن لغيره) This hadith reveals three things, first is that nobody can enter Paradise until he/she accepts Islam, because no other religion except Islam will be accepted in the Day of Resurrection. Second is that, despite acceptance Islam, it is necessary that there should be love, affection and sympathy among the Muslims also. And, to achieve this purpose, greeting should be extended among themselves. And the third is most important, it means that abhorrence, loathing, or abomination etc. should not be among the faithful believer and heart should be clean from malice, ill feeling bitterness and arrogance from others. The holy Prophet PBUH said,” Anyone has an atom's weight of arrogance in his heart will not enter Paradise." A man said:" What if one likes his clothes and shoes to look good?" He said: "Verily, Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty. Arrogance is to reject the truth and look down on people." Sahih/Authentic. - [Muslim] So, in order to entering Paradise, every faithful believer should arrange to act upon this hadith, amin. Reply Report Edit Mohammad Rafoqie Write your reply... Attach files Hatred is the razor, that shaves away the deen!: By Mohammad Rafique Etesame حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ أَبِي أُوَيْسٍ قَالَ‏:‏ حَدَّثَنِي أَخِي، عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ بْنِ بِلاَلٍ، عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ بْنِ أَبِي أُسَيْدٍ، عَنْ جَدِّهِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ‏:‏ وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ، لاَ تَدْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ حَتَّى تُسْلِمُوا، وَلاَ تُسْلِمُوا حَتَّى تَحَابُّوا، وَأَفْشُوا السَّلاَمَ تَحَابُّوا، وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَالْبُغْضَةَ، فَإِنَّهَا هِيَ الْحَالِقَةُ، لاَ أَقُولُ لَكُمْ‏:‏ تَحْلِقُ الشَّعْرَ، وَلَكِنْ تَحْلِقُ الدِّينَ‏.‏ Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "By the One in Whose Hand my soul is, you will not enter Paradise until you submit to Islam. And, you will not submit to Islam until you love one another. Extend the greeting to one another and you will love one another. Beware of hatred, for it is the razor. I do not tell you that it shaves the hair, but it shaves away the deen." (الألباني حسن لغيره) This hadith reveals three things, first is that nobody can enter Paradise until he/she accepts Islam, because no other religion except Islam will be accepted in the Day of Resurrection. Second is that, despite acceptance Islam, it is necessary that there should be love, affection and sympathy among the Muslims also. And, to achieve this purpose, greeting should be extended among themselves. And the third is most important, it means that abhorrence, loathing, or abomination etc. should not be among the faithful believer and heart should be clean from malice, ill feeling bitterness and arrogance from others. The holy Prophet PBUH said,” Anyone has an atom's weight of arrogance in his heart will not enter Paradise." A man said:" What if one likes his clothes and shoes to look good?" He said: "Verily, Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty. Arrogance is to reject the truth and look down on people." Sahih/Authentic. - [Muslim] So, in order to entering Paradise, every faithful believer should arrange to act upon this hadith, amin. Reply Report Edit Mohammad Rafoqie Write your reply... Attach files

The Gift of Meraj On the twenty seventh of Rajab the Musjids will be full. People will gather to listen to talks being delivered regarding the great incident of Me’raj. After the talks are over, by and large we return home with the miracle of Me’raj and its message forgotten until the following year. Unlike us, the Sahaabah (radiyallahu anhum) and the Tabi’een (those who came after the Sahaabah) never set aside any day for the discussion of the incident of Me’raj. Hence even the scholars of the first century differed regarding the actual date when Me’raj occurred. The Sahaabah (radiyallahu anhum) and the Tabi’een (rahimahumullah) had no need to set aside any day for this discussion. They regularly and frequently discussed the Ahadith regarding all aspects of the life of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). They lived the message of Me’raj every day of their lives. PARTING ADVICE While there are many aspects that are related to Me’raj, the most important thing that pertains to us daily is the gift that was granted to Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) on Me’raj. When Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) proceeded to the seven heavens and beyond and met His Rabb, Allah Ta’ala, he was granted the gift of Salaah. Such was the importance of Salaah that its injunction was not revealed while Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) walked on the earth. Rather it was saved for this special occasion beyond the seven heavens. Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) also greatly explained its importance throughout his life – to the extent that his parting advice when he left this world was regarding upholding the injunction of Salaah. TAKE STOCK When we gather to discuss the occasion of Me’raj, we should take stock of our Salaah – the gift of Me’raj. Firstly, am I performing my five Salaah daily? Do I commence my day with missing Fajar? Do I remember the gift of Me’raj at the time of Fajar? At the time of Fajar do I remember the impassioned plea of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) as he parted from this world regarding upholding the injunction of Salaah? The same should be considered regarding Zuhr and Asr – when the tills are ringing and with regard to Maghrib and Esha when other distractions are in the way. HAPHAZARDLY Furthermore, how do I perform my Salaah? Is it in the manner that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) performed it or is it performed haphazardly and in extreme haste? Have I gained concentration in Salaah? Also, do I perform it with Jamaat (which is waajib for adult males) in the Musjid? Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) is reported to have said: “By that Being who has control over my life, I intend asking the youngsters to gather some firewood. I would then instruct somebody to call out the Azaan and perform the Salaah while I go and set fire to the homes of those people who perform their Salaah in their houses without any proper excuse.” (Abu Dawood #549/Ahmad #8903). Abdullah bin Mas’ood (radiyallahu anhu) says: “The one who wishes to meet Allah Ta’ala as a Muslim on the Day of Judgement should be punctual in the performance of his Salaah on hearing the Azaan. Allah Ta’ala has prescribed the clear ways of guidance for His Rasul (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). These Salaah too are among those ways of guidance. If you too will adopt the way of those who perform their Salaah at their homes, you will be abandoning the way of Rasul (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), hence you would be led astray. The one who performs wudhu and leaves for the Musjid, for every step he takes he gets one reward, one of his sins are forgiven and his stages are elevated in Jannah. In the time of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) only an open hypocrite would not join the Jamaat. Even a sick person would be carried by two people and brought to the Musjid to perform his Salaah with Jamaat.” (Muslim #654). Salaah is not only an injunction of Allah Ta’ala and a responsibility and duty upon His servants, but also a means of acquiring one’s worldly needs. It is a means of averting calamities and hardships. It is reported in a Hadith that whenever any matter perturbed Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) he immediately resorted to Salaah. The Sahaabah (radiyallahu anhum) sought the solution to any problem by first resorting to Salaah. When discussing Me’raj, we need to take stock of how much we resort to the gift of Me’raj to solve our problems and difficulties. A ROOT CAUSE OF THE UMMAH’S DECLINE While there are many reasons for the present pitiful condition of the Ummah throughout the world, one of the main reasons is the neglect of this fundamental injunction of Deen. It is of prior importance that an all-out effort is made to bring the entire Ummah onto the punctual performance of the five daily Salaah (in the correct manner with all its etiquette being observed). Without this it will be wishful thinking to expect the degradation of the Ummah to change for the better. With the proper fulfilment of Salaah and all the other injunctions of Deen, the help of Allah Ta’ala will be with us. Then minimal effort will make us victorious and gain us the best of both worlds. Al-Haadi

Rajab FAQ’s – Part 2 4. ALLEVIATING THE DISTRESS OF A BELIEVER IN RAJAB Q. Kindly verify the following Hadith: “Whoever alleviates distress of a Muslim in the month of Rajab, Allah will grant him a palace in Paradise.” A. Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has termed the text of this Hadith as baseless. The Hadith cannot be quoted. (Refer: Tabyinul ‘Ajab of Hafiz Ibn Hajar, pg. 27, Hadith: 12) And Allah Ta’ala Knows best 5. FASTING ON THE TWENTY SEVENTH (27TH) OF RAJAB Q. Is the following Hadith authentic? “The one who fasts on the twenty seventh (27th) day of Rajab will receive the reward of fasting for sixty years.” A. I have not come across this narration. However Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has cited a similar narration as the statement of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) -not as as the statement of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and has declared it as unreliable. (Tabyinul ‘Ajab, pg. 45, Hadith: 28) It should be noted that the Hadith Masters have agreed that there exists no Hadith that mentions the virtues of fasting on any specific date in Rajab. In Fact Hafiz Ibn Rajab (rahimahullah) has stated the following: “There exists no Hadith, reported from Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) or the Sahabah that mentions the virtues of fasting on any specific date in Rajab.” (Lataiful Ma’arif, pg. 228) See here for more details. And Allah Ta’ala Knows best 6. THERE ARE NO SPECIFIC FORMS OF SALAH FOR THE 27TH NIGHT OF RAJAB Q. Are there any specific nafl prayers to be prayed in the night of Mi’raj, the 27th of Rajab? A. There are no specific forms of worship for the 27th night of Rajab to be found in the authentic books of Hadith. In fact, although some scholars have opined that Mi’raj occurred on 27th Rajab, there does exist legitimate difference of opinion on this too. See here for more To specify a form of salah for this night without substantiation from the sunnah is an innovation (bid’ah). Click here for more on this. And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Muhammed Hamza Farooqui Mufti Taahir Hansa (The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.) Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)