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Regarding the prohibition of reciting a portion of the Qur'an for the menstruating woman 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar relates that Prophet Sallallahu alayhi wasallamsaid, "A menstruating women or a seminally defiled person should not recite any part of the Qur'an. (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Sunan al-Bayhaqi) There are also other hadiths transmitted by Imam Daraqutni, Tirmidhi,Nasa'i, Ibn Maja, Abu Dawud, Ibn Hibban, Hakim and others in this regard (SeeNasb al-Raya]. Shaykh (Mufti) Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf Mangera (HA) Taken from here

Aameen to the du'a made at the end. InshaAllah we will be adding other related articles in this topic which we pray will help someone looking for "Peace under Pressure"

Using the example of a pressure cooker which when steam builds up inside, lets out some steam, at first in a low whistling sound which goes higher as pressure builds. If this steam is not released the pressure cooker will explode. Similarly when external pressures begin building the internal stress we should not run away from the pressures or use unhealthy methods to relieve them. Use the techniques shown: Identify the pressures even if you cannot change anything Then manage them by evaluating and embracing mistakes (Muhasabah and Tawbah) Accept the decree of Allah ta'ala and be patient Be forgiving when it involves other people Make "Me time" (Turning to and remembering Allah ta'ala, talking to Him and beseeching Him) Using the above methods, the stress will not be allowed to build up to dangerous levels. A study involving people sitting for an exam showed that when people were happy and at peace they performed better than when they were upset or stressed out. Another group of people who did 15% better were those who meditated before the exam. The meditation which is referred to is where people cut themselves off from the world. In Islam we cut ourselves from the world and connect with Allah ta'ala. Our Deen is so beautiful showing so many therapeutic methods whereby we can be at peace and become better, productive people like precious gems. The mundane pressures of this world will come and go. We should have more concern about how we will face Allah ta'ala and our beloved Nabi Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam! يَا أَيَّتُهَا النَّفْسُ الْمُطْمَئِنَّةُ ارْجِعِي إِلَى رَبِّكِ رَاضِيَةً مَرْضِيَّةً To the righteous it will be said “oh reassured soul, return to your Lord well pleased, and pleasing to Him” [89:27-28] May Allah ta'ala grant us such contentment of the soul that we find eternal peace with Allah ta'ala in the Aakhirah (Hereafter). ~~~ End ~~~

5. Attitude is everything Psychologists: A positive attitude helps one to cope better with high pressure situations. In order to create positive attitudes psychologists advise people to use various methods for motivation. How one perceives the situation is very important. If one takes the pressure and perceives it as a challenge it can make one a better person. Acceptance of a situation which one cannot change in itself eases the situation and helps one to focus the time and energy on things one can change which leads to one's personal, individual and spiritual development. "If only you realise that life is difficult, it would become so easy for you" Islam: Islam teaches us that in worldly matters we should look at those below us and not compare ourselves with those above us however in Deen we should compare ourselves to those who are above us. Comparing ourselves to those who are below us in worldly matters will make us be grateful for what we have while looking at those above us leads to stress because we will feel pressured to reach that status. Looking at the good things in one's life makes a bad situation good and will become a means of de-stressing. In a high pressure situation one can say, "I am in a bad situation, but I am grateful to Allah ta'ala for what I have. " Showing gratitude to Allah ta'ala will increase the good.. Allah ta'ala says in the Noble Qur'an, لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ If you are thankful (for My favors), I will most certainly give you more [14.7] Islam teaches us to be content with the decree of Allah ta'ala and making Shukr (showing gratitude) in good situations whereby Allah ta'ala will increase the blessings and making Sabr (being patient) in difficult situations through which one benefits spiritually. High pressure situations can be utilised to gain a lot of benefit. Allah ta'ala says in a Hadith Qudsi: “I am with those whose hearts are broken for My sake.”

4. Do what you love - "Me time" as known in the West Psychologists: Doing what we love helps a great deal in relieving stress. In the West it is known as "Me time". Women tend to especially need this "Me time" and it could be spending time doing what one loves like going out, having a pedicure/massage, spending time with friends etc. which rejuvenates and helps in dealing with the pressures. One should make pockets of time for things one loves doing throughout the day which helps relieving stress. It could be a few minutes for a tea break or reading a favourite book. phoning a friend etc. Islam: In Islam "Me time" is time with Allah ta'ala, remembering Him as He remembers us when we remember Him and Allah ta'ala remembering us will bring peace in the heart. "فَاذْكُرُونِي أَذْكُرْكُمْ" "Therefore remember Me. I will remember you [2:152] Dhikr (remembrance of Allah ta'ala) leads to peace. Allah ta'ala says in the Noble Qur'an: أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest! [13.28] The Dhikr of Allah ta'ala (Remembrance of Allah ta'ala) is "Me time". There are many forms of Dhikr which will lead to "Itminaan", a deep peace in the heart and there will be no anxiety, depression etc. similar to an ocean with some movement on the surface however under the surface the water is calm. The five daily Salaah are the greatest form of remembrance of Allah ta'ala. Allah ta'ala says in the Noble Qur'an: أَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِذِكْرِي establish worship for My remembrance.[20.14] We often perform Salaah for reward and to fulfill an obligation however if we want real peace of heart, we should perform Salaah to remember Allah ta'ala. Our beloved Nabi Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam always turned to salaah in times of difficulty while we turn to other things like the phone or Facebook etc. Just the remembrance of Allah ta'ala i.e. "O Allah! You are there!" Knowing He is there will make the most difficult situation easier to bear. The recitation of the Noble Qur'an is also Dhikr. Alimah S. Ahmed related a story of a woman who suffered twenty years of abuse from her husband. When she revealed her details she didn't appear as though she could've gone through such suffering. On being asked the woman revealed she always grabbed the Qur'an and it was a source of peace for her through the worst of situations. When our beloved Nabi sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam and his dear friend and companion, Abu Bakr (Radhiyallaahu 'anhu) were hiding in the cave during the Hijrah (Migration to Madeenah Munawwarah) and the disbelievers were right outside the cave, Abu Bakr (Radhiyallaahu 'anhu) naturally felt fear in this high stress situation. He mentioned to Nabi sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam that if the disbelievers were to look down they would be caught. Allah ta'ala mentions this incident in the Noble Qur'an and says that Nabi Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam said, لَا تَحْزَنْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَنَا ۖ فَأَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ سَكِينَتَهُ عَلَيْهِ Grieve not. Lo! Allah is with us. Then Allah caused His peace of reassurance to descend upon him [9.40] This shows that when a person says, "Allah ta'ala is with me", the immediate result is that peace will descend. Allah ta'ala is always there, we just need to search for Him and anyone who searches for Him, will find Him.

3. Evaluate & Embrace Mistakes Psychologists: Looking within and evaluating where the fault lies and embracing mistakes. Islam: In Islam evaluating yourself is called Muhaasabah and embracing/acknowledging mistakes and asking for forgiveness from Allah ta'ala is Istighfaar. If it involves wronging people then forgiveness should be sought from them too. The next step is Tawbah which is to turn around and change your life, trying not to repeat the mistakes. Even if mistakes are repeated, then tawbah should be repeated. It is like a washing machine cleaning dirty clothes repeatedly. Allah ta'ala loves those who repent and when He loves someone, it will have an effect on the heart and there will be peace in the heart. إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ Surely Allah loves those who are most repenting. [2.222] Therefore evaluating and making tawbah is a very important spiritual way of finding peace under a high pressure situation.

2. Change Lifestyle to Decrease Pressure Psychologists: The second thing which they suggest is change of lifestyle to decrease the pressures. The following techniques help in having more control of one's life which then makes one cope with pressures better. organising your life so you know what to expect time management - learning about it and applying it making a list of things to do having variations - mundane jobs can be alternated with doing things you love or having some fun avoiding doing too much at once be good to yourself, learn when and how to say no without causing hurt reduce the things which are unnecessary Islam: Allah ta'ala says in the Qura'an: يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا ادْخُلُوا فِي السِّلْمِ كَافَّةً O believers enter into Islam completely [2:208] Islam in this context means "Peace". Therefore it means, "Enter into "peace" completely." Islam also means to submit - submission to Allah ta'ala, not the creation. Islam teaches us limits and boundaries and when we know these limits and boundaries and remain within them, the pressure decreases and the more completely we enter into Islam, the more peace there is. This does not in any way mean there will be no problems however even in the midst of major problems the heart will remain tranquil. In another verse Allah ta'ala says: مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَىٰ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُ حَيَاةً طَيِّبَةً ۖ Whosoever doeth right, whether male or female, and is a believer, him verily We shall quicken with good life, [16.97] Doing good deeds while being in the state on Imaan leads to a good life. We may question about those who have Imaan and do a lot of good deeds, yet have many difficulties? Allah ta'ala has blessed them with tranquility of the heart so even through the apparent external pressures they remain at peace internally while others are apparently having a good, comfortable life yet they are suffering from anxieties and depression. Allah ta'ala does not test anyone beyond what they cannot bear. لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا Allah tasketh not a soul beyond its scope.[2:286] A lot of times when people breakdown it is due to self-made pressures. When a person has Allah ta'ala in their hearts and try to please Him and obey Him, he/she will not experience breakdowns. They remain at peace through the grief and difficulties of life. So many of us wish to be popular, well liked, loved, but this love will not come through beauty or being rich and famous. It will come through having Imaan and doing good deeds. Allah ta'ala says in the Qur'an, إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ سَيَجْعَلُ لَهُمُ الرَّحْمَٰنُ وُدًّا Lo! those who believe and do good works, the Beneficent will appoint for them love.[19.96] Therefore if we want peace, we need to enter into Islam fully/completely and if we want love and have a good life then we need to have Imaan and do good deeds.

1. Awareness/Mindfulness Identifying the trigger even if one cannot change anything Psychologists: Identify the cause of the pressures Are the causes external or internal? The first step is being aware of the cause and the second step is to be able to manage it. This leads to potential solutions. With awareness one can make adjustments to relieve the pressures. Islam: In Islam this awareness is called "Hudhoori". It means "presence of heart" i.e. to be aware of the working of one's heart at a deeper level. The heart is the focal point of a human's existence as mentioned in a hadith of our beloved Nabi Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam: "....There lies within the body a piece of flesh. If it is sound, the whole body is sound; and if it is corrupted, the whole body is corrupted. Verily this piece is the heart." [bukhari & Muslim] The science of Islamic spirituality and the concept of Tazkiyah (Purification of the heart) all has to do with being aware, and then managing one's negative emotions and the diseases of the heart. This path of attaining a purified heart (Qalbi saleem) is a long process. It is a lifelong process where it is said that ten negative characteristics need to be eliminated (jealousy, spite, anger, pride, arrogance etc.) and ten positive characteristics need to be instilled (Sabr, shukr, love for Allah ta'ala etc.) so the following is a short cut for an instance source of peace. Identify the cause of the pressure and then manage it empowering the situation. In a high stress situation which cannot be changed ask yourself, "What can I do since I cannot change the external condition which is the pressure?" The answer is "I can work on myself and change my internal reaction." You can say, "I can do Sabr (Patience)" or if the pressures are caused by negative feelings regarding people, you can say, "I can forgive" as forgiving others benefits us the most and this will bring immediate results. Allah ta'ala says in the Noble Qur'an: سَلَامٌ عَلَيْكُمْ بِمَا صَبَرْتُمْ ۚ فَنِعْمَ عُقْبَى الدَّارِ "Peace unto you for that ye persevered in patience! Now how excellent is the final home!" [13:22]

The Cycle of Stress Stress can paralyse a person which leads to more stress and it becomes a vicious cycle. (Click on picture to enlarge) How do we break this cycle? The following Five Points were discussed by Alimah S. Ahmed, firstly mentioning the psychological aspect followed by the Islamic perspective

Finding Peace under Pressure workshop - 5th December 2015 Zaynab Academy Online Speaker: Alimah S. Ahmed Write-up: ummi taalib This excellent workshop was on how to deal with pressures living in a modern world where pressures have increased many fold compared to the past, especially for women who are faced with pressures of the home as a wife and mother along with educational, career and peer pressures (which does not only affect teenagers but adults as well in universities, professions etc.). Modern day psychologists and psychological studies show many ways of dealing with these pressures. Alimah S. Ahmed has taken five points and intertwined them with the Islamic perspective. Alhamdulillah, it was very beneficial as a solution and hope for those women seeking peace under pressure as well as showing us that the Noble Qur'an and the teachings of our beloved Nabi Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam provided these very solutions more than 1400 years ago! InshaAllah these notes become beneficial for many even though I truly cannot do justice to the talk. So firstly what is Pressure & Stress? Pressure is external conditions which makes us feel that we have to do certain things or behave in a certain manner, meet certain deadlines or fulfil certain obligations or expectations from people or even expectations from one's self i.e. a goal or a desire. There are different levels of pressures which depend on situations, backgrounds, culture etc. These pressures lead to stress which is the internal reaction. People may experience the same pressures yet react differently with some dealing with the situation calmly while others may feel the stress, some to a much higher degree than others. Stress is something everyone experiences. Allah ta'ala mentions in the Qur'an that a human being cannot get except for what he strives for. وَأَنْ لَيْسَ لِلْإِنْسَانِ إِلَّا مَا سَعَىٰ "And that man hath only that for which he maketh effort" [53:39] A healthy level of stress is necessary to get ahead in life, be it in one's Deen (Religion) or Dunya (Worldly matters). It makes a person work harder. The problem comes with unhealthy levels of stress which leads to psychological problems such as anxiety, depression and even mental breakdowns. For some people stress leads to physical problems such as backache, shoulder pains and tense muscles. Stress can also affect our spiritual self like our connection with Allah ta'ala, our Imaan, our tawakkul in Him etc. Finding "Peace under Pressure" is attaining this spiritual peace. The psychologists and councillors will show us various methods to de-stress however the real peace comes when one finds this connection with Allah ta'ala, one's God, one's Creator. Due to not having this understanding many people try to find ways of relieving stress through harmful ways such as drugs, drinking, fun and futile activities or releasing stress and harming those below them. For instance a head teacher may have stress and release it on the teachers who in turn release it on the students, or a woman is under pressure from her husband or boss and may not say anything to them however takes it out on her children, which is dangerous. In the long run these methods do not change the situation nor do they release the stress. The stress needs to be released in a healthy way similar to eating healthy food instead of junk food eaten to fill the hunger when food is not ready. This is not proper nourishment. Similarly unhealthy methods of releasing stress are counterproductive. Finding real peace makes us more productive and better people.

Eating at a wedding function towards which one has given Zakaat Q. Is it permissible for a person who is giving ZAKAT for the marriage of a girl to partake of the wedding food? A. Yes. It is permissible. Once Zakaat funds have been given to the recipients of Zakaat, its status changes and it is no longer considered Zakaat. Hence if you partake of the food prepared, you will be eating from their Halaal wealth and not from Zakaat. Sayyiduna Anas Radhiyallahu Anhu reports that once meat, given as Sadaqah to Bareerah Radhiyallahu Anha, was presented to Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam remarked, “It was Sadaqah for her but is now a Hadiyyah (gift) for us.” (Bukhari) And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Confirmation: Mufti Moosa Salie Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)

Q. I was told that it was necessary to wear a scarf when I enter the bathroom as it is Shaytaans home. Please can you clarify whether this is true or not (Query published as received) A. The Hadith indicates that the Shayateen inhabit impure places such as the toilet and it is therefore advisable to wear a scarf or cover the head when entering the toilet. Sayyidatuna Aa'ishah (Radhiyallahu Anha) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) used to cover his head whenever he entered the toilet. (Bayhaqi) And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Confirmation: Mufti Moosa Salie Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)

Productive Holidays Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has stated, “There are two blessings which many people waste: health and free time.” (Bukhari) The holiday period is generally a time when people have time to spare. We can while away that time in frivolous and at times sinful pursuits or we can utilise such opportunities productively. The holidays are an ideal opportunity for spending quality time with our families. Sitting in front of the television together does not count as quality time. Engaging with our families in physical activity, in laughter and clean fun is part of quality time. The Hadith encourages horsemanship, archery and swimming amongst other physical activities. Take your family out to explore the beauty of nature, and ponder over Allah’s magnificence that He displays through His creation. This will bring us closer to Him and humble us in awe of His majesty. Most importantly, sit with your family and talk about Allah Ta’ala and the beautiful Islam he has blessed us with. Discuss the life of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam and relive with them the history of Islam. Talk to them about the real life challenges that we face and how to navigate them. We live in a time when families are fragmenting and contentment seems a distant dream. A holiday spent productively will, insha-Allah, bring the family closer together and leave us with a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Incident of Imam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) and a group of Atheists A group of atheists once approached Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) with the sinister intention of murdering him. On noticing them, Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) decided to engage them in dialogue and so asked them, “If a person had to claim that he saw a ship which had neither a captain nor sailors to steer and navigate it, sailing through the waves of the ocean in a perfectly straight line, loading goods on one shore and offloading them on another shore, all on its own without a person to oversee and control it, what would you say?” The group immediately exclaimed, “Such a phenomenon is so illogical that no intelligent person would accept is as possible!” Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) responded saying, “What has then happened to your intelligence? When you accept that one single ship cannot sail and operate without sailors aboard, then how do you accept that the entire universe can function and operate without Allah to control it?” The entire group was astonished at this line of reasoning and immediately repented and accepted Islam at the hands of Imaam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah). (‘Aqaa’id-ul-Islaam page.41)

The Reality of Zikr The hadeeth says that the simile of the one who remembers Allah Ta‘ala and the one who does not remember Allah Ta’ala is like the living and the dead. Sometimes when we hear about zikr then we restrict it to just holding a tasbeeh and reciting some zikr. Yes, we cannot underestimate and undermine this ibaadat, for it has its value and effect even if done unmindfully. However, zikr has a deeper meaning. What do you mean by zikr? It refers to having the consciousness of the presence of Allah Ta‘ala with His sifaat and great qualities i.e. His power, authority, might, etc. When you remember Allah Ta‘ala with this level of remembrance then it is virtually impossible to commit a sin. If someone has got a loaded gun and you know he is hot-tempered and short-fused, and his daughter is before you and he has his finger on the trigger, will you flirt with his daughter? Even if you think of doing it your feelings will die. This is the type of feeling and awareness of Allah Ta‘ala you should bring in your mind. Source: Al-Haadi

Question: Is the 40 days after you give birth a tradition or Islamic? Women stay Indoors for 40days after giving birth Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. It is not compulsory upon women to stay in house for forty days specifically after giving birth. The tradition to remain in house after birth is due to health reasons and is not an obligation of Shari’ah. And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai. Daruliftaa.net idealwoman

When we correct our matters with Allah Ta’ala, Allah Ta’ala corrects our matters with people.

Improve the Tajweed rules by practicing with loveforquran.com TAJWEED VIDEOS Introduction Full Mouth Letters Throat Letters Lengthen for 1 Second - 1 Lengthen for 1 Second - 2 Lengthen for 2 - 3 Second Lengthen for 4 Second Lengthen for 5 Second The Difference - 1 The Difference - 2 Nasal Sound (Ghunnah) Echo Letters (Qalqalah) The Word Allah The Letter Raw - 1 The Letter Raw - 2 Signs of Stopping (Waqf) How to Stop at End of a Verse (Waqf) Noon Saakin and Tanween Iqlaab Idghaam Ikhfaa Meem Saakin Idghaam Shafaqi

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Charity work amongst non-Muslims Q. At work am involved in our Citizenship drive, which involved raising funds and assisting the needy and thus far all non-Muslim orphanages. I would like to know is this ok from a Muslim point, as I have been confronted why not helping Muslims. Hope to hear from you soon, Insha Allah. (Question published as received) A. Islam teaches us to be charitable to Muslims as well as Non-Muslims. There are many Ahadith that give general encouragement in assisting all of Allah’s creation. For example, “The best of men are those who bring the greatest benefit to mankind”. (Tabrani) The only distinction is in regards to compulsory charities like zakat, which can only be used for Muslims. In regards to general charity, it may be given to Muslims as well as non-Muslims. And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Moosa Salie Confirmation: Mufti Ebrahim Desai Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Donating to non-Muslim Charities Question: Respected Mufti Saheb, Assalamualaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu, I hope, Insha Allah, this e-mail finds you in the best of health and of course Imaan. I have a query about the charity. In the UK there are lots of non-Muslim charity organization, e.g. “Cancer Research UK”. Was there any virtue from the teachings of Qur’an and Ahadeeth if I would give charity to them? Could you kindly explain this issue? Wassalaam Answer: Giving charity to non- Muslim organizations is correct. In verses 8-9 of Surah Dahr in the 29th chapter of the holy Quran, Allah says: And for Allah’s love they provide food to the needy, the orphan and the captive. (That) We feed you only for the pleasure of Allah. We neither seek recompense nor gratitude from you. In the commentary of the above verse, Ibne Abbas says that The Captive refers to the idolaters. What further clarifies this is the order of Nabi (SAW) which was issued to his companions on the day of Badr to be kind to the captives. That is why they were given preference even at the time of meals. (Tafseerul Quranil Azeem, Vol.4, Page 584. And Allah Taala knows best Nezaam bin Yahya Ali Attested to as correct by: Mufti Muhammad Ashraf Darul Iftaa Jameah Mahmoodiyah Springs www.mahmoodiyah.org.za [email protected]