ummtaalib

Imam Abu Hanifah and his connection to the Sahabi: Ibn Mas‘ūd (ra) The following is a short treatise linking the Ḥanafī Madhab, one of the great schools of jurisprudence established during the time of the Salaf, to one of the great Companions of the Prophet ﷺ, ‘Abdullāh Ibn Mas‘ūd, and for the most part this treatise also serves as an answer to the accusations made against this great companion with regards to his credentials in the Islāmic sciences. علاقة مذهب أبي حنيفة النعمان بعبد الله ابن مسعود أبي عبد الرحمان The Connection of the School of Abū Ḥanīfah al-Nu‘mān with ‘Abdullāh Ibn Mas‘ūd Abū ‘Abd ‘l-Raḥmān Imām Abū Ḥanīfah’s chain of knowledge is as follows: Imām Abū Ḥanīfah | Ḥammād Ibn Abī Sulaymān | Ibrahīm al-Nakha‘ī | ‘Alqamah Ibn Qays | ‘Abdullāh Ibn Mas‘ūd | Rasūlullāh ﷺ 1. Imām Abū Ḥanīfah al-Nu‘mān Ibn Thābit: he took over the seat of teaching in Kūfā after his teacher Ḥammād Ibn Abī Sulaymān passed away, and was recognised as his main student.[1] 2. Ḥammād Ibn Abī Sulaymān: he was the most learned of the students of Ibrāhīm al-Nakha‘ī and the most noble.[2] 3. Ibrāhīm al-Nakha‘ī: he was born into a family of Scholars, he succeeded ‘Alqamah Ibn Qays, his maternal uncle.[3] He was also regarded as those who were most knowledgeable in regards to opinions and views of ‘Abdullāh Ibn Mas‘ūd.[4] 4. ‘Alqamah Ibn Qays: he was a highly recognised student of ‘Abdullāh Ibn Mas‘ūd to the extent that he was regarded as the closest of the people in terms of attributes, conduct and habit, to ‘Abdullāh Ibn Mas‘ūd.[5] 5. He is ‘Abdullāh Ibn Mas‘ūd (May Allāh be pleased with him), he was a noteable ṣaḥābī (companion) of the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ and died in the year 33 or 34 ḥijrī. He has many outstanding virtues which would be far too lengthy to mention here. It suffices to say that there was not a field that he himself did not excel in, this is because of his attachment to the Messenger ﷺ and always being in close proximity to him; learning from him, helping him [doing his khidmah], asking questions related to the Dīn to the extent that even onlookers would think that he was part of the Ahl ‘l-Bayt [The Messenger’s ﷺ family]. Imām Shams ‘l-Dīn al-Dhahabī writes in his Siyar: وأخرج البخاري والنسائي من حديث أبي موسى قال: قدمت أنا وأخي من اليمن، فمكثنا حينا، وما نحسب ابن مسعود وأمه إلا من أهل بيت النبي – صلى الله عليه وسلم – لكثرة دخولهم وخروجهم عليه . ‘(Imām) al-Bukhārī and (Imām) al-Nasā’ī narrated from a narration of Abū Mūsā that he said: ‘Me and my brother came from Yemen [to Madīnah] and stayed for sometime, we were then led to believe that Ibn Mas‘ūd and his mother were part of the household of the Prophet ﷺ due to their constant going in and out [from the house]’.[6] He goes on to narrate further: منصور والأعمش: عن أبي وائل قال: كنت مع حذيفة، فجاء ابن مسعود، فقال حذيفة: إن أشبه الناس هديا ودلا وقضاء وخطبة برسول الله – صلى الله عليه وسلم – من حين يخرج من بيته، إلى أن يرجع، لا أدري ما يصنع في أهله ‘Manṣūr and al-A‘mash [both] narrate from Abū Wā’il that he said we were with Ḥudhayfah while Ibn Mas‘ūd went by, so Ḥudhayfah said [regarding Ibn Mas‘ūd]: ‘Verily, [he was] the closest of the people to the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ in terms of conduct, habit, judgement and speech, until he went in his home [after which we did not know]’.[7] ‘Abdullāh Ibn Mas‘ūd – The Narrator of Ḥadīth عن حذيفة قال كنا جلوسا عند النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال إني لا أدري ما قدر بقائي فيكم فاقتدوا باللذين من بعدي وأشار إلى أبي بكر وعمر واهتدوا بهدي عمار وما حدثكم ابن مسعود فصدقوه هذا حديث حسن وروى إبراهيم بن سعد هذا الحديث عن سفيان الثوري عن عبد الملك بن عمير عن هلال مولى ربعي عن ربعي عن حذيفة عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم نحوه وقد روى سالم المرادي الكوفي عن عمرو بن هرم عن ربعي بن حراش عن حذيفة عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم نحو هذا From Ḥudhayfah that he said: ‘We were sitting with the Prophet ﷺ and he said: ‘I do not know how long I will be amongst you, so stick to the two after me,’ and he signalled towards Abu Bakr and ‘Umar, ‘be guided through the example of ‘Ammār and whatever Ibn Mas‘ūd narrates to you believe it [accept it]’.[8] [imām al-Tirmidhī said] This is a ḥasan ḥadīth, Ibrāhīm Ibn Sa‘d narrates this ḥadīth from Suyān al-Thawrī from ‘Abd ‘l-Mālik Ibn ‘Umayr from Hilāl the Mawlā of Rib‘ī from Rib‘ī from Ḥudhayfah from the Prophet ﷺ similar to the above. Sālim al-Murādī al-Kūfī also narrated the same from ‘Amr Ibn Harim from Rib‘ī Ibn Ḥirāsh from Ḥudhayfah from Prophet ﷺ similar to the above.[9] ‘Abdullāh Ibn Mas‘ūd – The Mufassir (Qur’ānic Exegete) قال عبد الله رضي الله عنه والله الذي لا إله غيره ما أنزلت سورة من كتاب الله إلا أنا أعلم أين أنزلت ولا أنزلت آية من كتاب الله إلا أنا أعلم فيم أنزلت ولو أعلم أحدا أعلم مني بكتاب الله تبلغه الإبل لركبت إليه ‘Abdullāh Ibn Mas‘ūd said: ‘By Allāh besides whom there is no God, there is not a sūrah that was revealed from the Book of Allāh except that I am the most knowledgable regarding where it was revealed, and there is not an āyah from the Book of Allāh that was revealed except that I am the most knowledgeable regarding its [reason for] revelation, and if I were to know of anyone more knowledgeable than me regarding the book of Allāh who was within [the distance of] a camel’s journey, I would surely travel to him’.[10] ‘Abdullāh Ibn Mas‘ūd – The Faqīh (Jurisprudent) The statement of ‘Umar Ibn al-Khaṭṭāb regarding Ibn Mas‘ūd’s jurisprudential skills proves he also excelled in this field: عَنْ زَيْدِ بْنِ وَهْبٍ، قَالَ: أَقْبَلَ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ ذَاتَ يَوْمٍ وَعُمَرُ جَالِسٌ، فَقَالَ: “كُنَيْفٌ مُلِئَ فِقْهًا “ From Zayd Ibn Wahb, he said: ‘Abdullāh came by one day whilst ‘Umar was sitting, so he [‘Umar] said: ‘He [ibn Mas‘ūd] is a person filled with [the knowledge of] fiqh’.[11] It is sufficient to mention that Imām al-Dhahabī gives him the title of Faqīh ‘l-Ummah (The Jurist of the Ummah)[12]. ‘Abdullāh Ibn Mas‘ūd – The Natural Leader عَنْ عَلِيٍّ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ: “لَوْ كُنْتُ مُسْتَخْلِفًا أَحَدًا مِنْ غَيْرِ مَشُورَةٍ، لاسْتَخْلَفْتُ عَلَيْهِمُ ابْنَ أُمِّ عَبْدٍ”. هَذَا حَدِيثٌ صَحِيحُ الإِسْنَادِ، وَلَمْ يُخَرِّجَاهُ From ‘Alī may Allah be pleased with him, that he said: The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said: ‘If I were to appoint a leader (khalīfah) without consultation then I would appoint over them Ibn Ummi ‘Abd (Ibn Mas‘ūd)’. [imām al-Ḥākim says] This is a ḥadīth which has an authentic chain although it was not narrated in the ṣaḥīḥayn’.[13] ‘Abdullāh Ibn Mas‘ūd – The Qārī (Reciter) عن عبد الله بن عمرو قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: خذوا القرآن من أربعة من عبد الله بن مسعود وسالم ومعاذ بن جبل وأبي بن كعب From ‘Abdullāh Ibn ‘Amr that he said: the Messenger of Allāh said: ‘Take the Qur‘ān [meaning it’s recitation] from four (people), from ‘Abdullāh Ibn Mas‘ūd, Sālim, Mu‘ādh Ibn Jabal, and Ubayy Ibn Ka‘b’.[14] Points of Benefit: One thing the above Imāms have in common is that they were all distinguished students of their teachers. This chain of knowledge containing intellectuals of the highest calibre from their respective times has been summarised in Radd ‘l-Muḥtār of ‘Allāmah Ibn ‘Ābidīn al-Shāmī as follows: الفقه زرعه عبد الله بن مسعود رضي الله عنه ، وسقاه علقمة ، وحصده إبراهيم النخعي ، وداسه حماد ، وطحنه أبو حنيفة ، وعجنه أبو يوسف وخبزه محمد ، فسائر الناس يأكلون من خبزه ‘Fiqh was planted by ‘Abdullāh Ibn Mas‘ūd, irrigated by ‘Alqamah, harvested by Ibrāhīm al-Nakha‘ī, threshed by Ḥammād [ibn Abī Sulaymān], milled by Abū Ḥanīfah, kneaded by Abū Yūsuf, and then baked by Muḥammad [ibn ‘l-Ḥasan al-Shaybani]. [And now] the rest of Muslims are eating from his bread.'[15] Conclusion It is manifest that the great companion ‘Abdullāh Ibn Mas‘ūd was a Mujtahid of highest repute, and left no field except that he had mastered it. [1] Imām al-Dhahabī, Siyar A‘lām ‘l-Nubalā (5/232)[2] Ibid.[3] Ibid (4/521)[4] Imām Dāraqūṭnī, Sunan al-Dāraqūṭnī (3/94 no. 3319)[5] Ibid (4/55), Imām al-Dhahabī writes: وكان يشبه بابن مسعود في هديه ودله وسمته [6] Ibid (1/469)[7] Ibid (1/471), also narrated in al-Bukhārī.[8] In other narrations the wording is: وتمسكوا بعهد ابن مسعود ‘Hold tightly to the order of Ibn Mas‘ūd’, refer to Musnad ‘l-Ḥumaydī (#436). [9] Imām al-Tirmidhī, Jāmi‘ ‘l-Tirmidhī (#3799)[10] Imām al-Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ’l-Bukhārī (#4716) [11] Imām Ibn Abī Shaybah, al-Muṣannaf (#31557)[12] Imām al-Dhahabī, Siyar A‘lām ‘l-Nubalā (1/462)[13] Imām al-Ḥākim, Mustadrak ‘ala ‘l-Ṣaḥīḥayn (#5354)[14] Imām al-Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ ‘l-Bukhārī (#4713)[15] ‘Allāmah Ibn ‘Ābidīn, Radd ‘l-Muḥtār (1/51) —————— Compiled by Abu Humayd Source

The Importance of Wills and Estate The Shariah laws of wills and estate are by Divine Order. We do not have any discretion in that. Furthermore, wills and estates are one of those issues of Shariah where a person’s Abdiyyat (servitude) is really challenged and tested. It is human nature to be materialistically inclined. A person works so hard to build his empire. He sacrifices his day and night and makes them one to earn his empire. His heart, soul and mind are in his wealth. Man wants to dispense his wealth as he wants but Shariah orders him to dispense his wealth as Shariah wants. It is a clash between an individual’s desire and the order of Shariah. The attitude of an obedient slave of Allah will be that whatever is in my possession belongs to Allah. It does not belong to me. It is only in my trust and custody. I have to channel it as Allah wants me to. The issue of wills and estates is such an order that it has to be done correctly in one’s lifetime. If he does not do it correctly, it will be a sin that occurs after the death of a person. Now, the person cannot make Tawbah. Therefore, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it must be done correctly. It has been reported from Jabir radiyallāhu ‘anhu that Rasulullah salallāhu ῾alayhi wasallam said, “Whoever passed away having left behind a Wasiyah has passed away upon the Sunnah and the right path. He has passed away with piety as a martyr and he has passed away in whilst being forgiven.” (Mishkaatul Masabih vol.2 pg.926; Maktabul al Islami) Four stage execution of Estate Burial expenses Payment of debts Execution of bequests Paying heirs What is included in the estate? Whatever the deceased owned in his lifetime with a valid ownership according to Shariah will form part of his estate. That includes personal clothing, watches, glasses, rings, properties, businesses, vehicles etc. All of his possessions will form his estate on condition his wealth is recognized in Shariah. If one owns something that is Haram (like interest money) it will not form part of the estate. What is excluded from the estate? Haram wealth, Rahn or collateral, Insurances and endowment policies will all be excluded from the estate. Burial Expenses: All burial expenses are direct expenses of the estate. It is not compulsory upon the trustees of the estate to accept outside assistance for burial expenses if all the heirs are adults. If some heirs are minors then too they are not bound to accept assistance if they don’t use the shares of the minors. The expenses must be moderate. If the trustees were excessive in the burial expenses, they will have to compensate the estate for the excess amount. Feeding the deceased’s family etc does not form part of the burial expenses. If the expense for feeding was paid from the estate, the trustees will have to pay that amount to the estate. Wasiyah (Bequests): Wasiyah is another expression of the mercy of Allah Ta’ala just before a person dies. Allah has promised a lofty position for people who give charity. Rasulullah salallāhu ῾alayhi wasallam has stated, “When a person dies, all of his actions cease except three, namely, continuous charity, beneficial knowledge or a pious child who prays for him.” Paying of Debts: A Hadith highlighting the importance of paying debts; It has been reported from Muhammad bin Abdillah bin Jahsh that he said, “We were sitting in the courtyard of the Musjid where the Janazas used to be placed and Rasulullah salallāhu ῾alayhi wasallam was sitting amongst us when he suddenly lifted his gaze towards the sky staring. Thereafter, he turned his gaze and placed his hand upon his forehead stating, ‘Subhanallah, Subhanallah, what severity has descended!’ We remained silent for that day and night but we only witnessed tranquility until the morning.” Muhammad (the narrator) then stated, “Thus I asked Rasulullah salallāhu ῾alayhi wasallam, ‘What is the severity that descended?’ He salallāhu ῾alayhi wasallam said, ‘In regards to debt. By the Being in whose grasp lies the life of Muhammad salallāhu ῾alayhi wasallam, if a person is martyred in the path of Allah and then brought back to life and martyred in the path of Allah and then brought back to life and martyred again in the path of Allah and then brought back to life and he had a debt upon him, he will not enter Jannah until he repays his debt!” Abu Hurairah radiallahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Do you know who a pauper is?” The people stated, “A pauper is such a person who does not own a Dirham nor any other wealth.” He salallahu alayhi wasallam then said, “Verily the pauper of my Ummah will be one who will come on the day of Judgement will a lot of Salah and fasts and Zakah to his name. However, he swore such and such a person, slandered so and so, usurped the wealth of so and so, shed the blood of such and such person and he hit another person. Thus so and so will claim from his good deeds and the other person will also claim from his good deeds. If his good deeds come to an end before he is able to pay back all that he owes, then he will be burdened with the sins of the others which will be placed upon him and thereafter he will be hurled into the fire.” As Muslims we believe in death, life after death and accountability in the court of Allah. One day we will die and give account of our actions to Allah. It is mentioned in a Hadith that a person’s feet will not move from the court of Allah until he answers some questions. One question will be, “How did you earn your wealth and where did you dispose of it?” This part of the Hadith also covers correctly preparing our wills and estates. Source: www.daruliftaa.net

Using a mask in Ihraam Q: I have a few questions regarding hajj. 1. For example while in Ihram can one wipe his head and face with a small hand towel as it is going to be hot, especially in arafah? 2. While in Ihram can one use toothpaste to brush? 3. When you are in Ihram can one wear a dust mask as they are sensitive towards dust and fumes? A: 1. Yes 2. Avoid using toothpaste. You may use a miswaak or a toothbrush without toothpaste. 3. Due to health reasons if one is forced to use the mask, then one may use it. However if one wears the mask for twelve hours or more, then one has a choice of either discharging the dam, giving the amount of sadaqatul fitr to six poor people or to fast for three days. If one wears the mask for less than twelve hours, then one should give the amount of sadaqatul fitr in charity to one poor person or alternatively one may fast for one day. And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best. ( وبعده ) أي الإحرام بلا مهلة ( يتقي الرفث ) ... (وقلم الظفر وستر الوجه) كله أو بعضه كفمه وذقنه نعم في الخانية لا بأس بوضع يده على أنفه ( والرأس ) بخلاف الميت وبقية البدن ولو حمل على رأسه ثيابا كان تغطية لا حمل عدل وطبق ما لم يمتد يوما وليلة فتلزمه صدقة وقالوا لو دخل تحت ستر الكعبة فأصاب رأسه أو وجهه كره وإلا فلا بأس به قال الشامي: قوله ( كله أو بعضه ) لكن في تغطية كل الوجه أو الرأس يوما أو ليلة دم الربع منهما كالكل وفي الأقل من يوم أو من الربع صدقة كما في اللباب وأطلقه فشمل المرأة لما في البحر عن غاية ممن أنها لا تغطي وجهها إجماعا اه أي وإنما تستر وجهها عن الأجانب بإسدال شيء متجاف لا يمس الوجه كما سيأتي آخر هذا الباب وأما في شرح الهداية لابن الكمال من أنها لها ستره بملحفة وخمار وإنما المنهي عنه ستره بشيء فصل على قدره كالنقاب والبرقع فهو بحث عجيب أو نقل غريب مخالف لما سمعته من الإجماع ولما في البحر وغيره في آخر هذا الباب ثم رأيت بخط بعض العلماء في هامش ذلك الشرح أن هذا مما انفرد به المؤلف والمحفوظ عن علمائنا خلافه وهو وجوب عدم مماسة شيء لوجهها اه ثم رأيت نحو ذلك نقلا عن منسك القطبي فافهم ... قوله ( ما لم يمتد يوما وليلة الخ ) الواو بمعنى أو لأن لبس المعتاد يوما أو ليلة موجب للدم فغير المعتاد كذلك موجب للصدقة ط قلت لكن لينظر من أين أخذ الشارح ما ذكره فإن الذي رأيته في عدة كتب أنه لو غطى رأسه بغير معتاد كالعدل ونحوه لا يلزمه شيء فقد أطلقوا عدم اللزوم وقد عد ذلك في اللباب من مباحات الإحرام نعم في النهر عن الخانية لو حمل المحرم على رأسه شيئا يلبسه الناس يكون لابسا وإن كان لا يلبسه الناس كالإجانة ونحوها فلا ويكره له تعصيب رأسه ولو فعل ذلك يوما وليلة كان عليه صدقة اه والظاهر أن الإشارة للتعصيب وكأن الشارح أرجعها للحمل أيضا تأمل قوله ( وقالوا الخ ) نص عليه في اللباب وغيره وكذا نص على أنه يكره كب وجهه على وسادة بخلاف خديه قال شارحه وكذا وضع رأسه عليها فإنه وإن لزم منه تغطية بعض وجهه أو رأسه إلا أنه الهيئة المستحبة في النوم بخلاف كب الوجه اه (رد المحتار 488/2) ( وإن طيب أو حلق ) أو لبس ( بعذر ) خير إن شاء ( ذبح ) في الحرم ( أو تصدق بثلاثة أصوع طعام على ستة مساكين ) أين شاء ( أو صام ثلاثة أيام ) ولو متفرقة (الدر المختار 2/ 556) قال الشامي : قوله ( إن شاء ذبح الخ ) هذا فيما يجب فيه الدم أما ما يجب فيه الصدقة إن شاء تصدق بما وجب عليه من نصف صاع أو أقل على مسكين أو صام يوما كما في اللباب (رد المحتار 2/ 557) أحسن الفتاوى 4/ 542 Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Whose janaazah is this? Hazrat Shaikh Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once mentioned: We should, at all times, remember that our life is coming to an end. We have also heard our elders say that a person should take stock of his life when going to sleep. He should ponder and reflect over the number of things he will be able to take with him when he passes away and the number of things he will be forced to leave behind. Constantly remember death! Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said in the mubaarak Hadith, “Remember the thing which severs all pleasures of life, death.” Once a janaazah was passing by when somebody asked a pious person present, “Whose janaazah is this?” The pious person replied, “It is your janaazah.” When the person expressed surprise at this answer, the pious person said, “If it is not yours, then regard it to be mine.” (Merely being concerned about whose janaazah it is, is insufficient. What matters is whether one is prepared for that moment to be the moment of one’s own janaazah.) (Suhbate Ba Awliyaa’ page.152)

Whats up and Whats Down with WhatsApp Police swooped upon a man who allegedly had X-Rated porn on his phone in London, but the man was completely unaware that such a video even existed on his phone! Videos and pictures downloaded automatically on his mobile device, so he was unaware what people were sending him. What if his wife or father happened to also stumbled on this video? In Zimbabwe, statistics reveal that 14 prisoners escaped last year whilst the guards were engrossed in WhatsApp, and many examiners in South Africa were fired because scores of learners managed to copy under their vigil as they were too busy WhatsApping to care about their surroundings. Then we have the story of the stupid thief who stole a BlackBerry and uploaded a selfie of himself on it via WhatsApp and the person’s wife seen it, and the husband who took his wife to court because she never cooked for him anymore due to her WhatsApp addiction. A few months ago, we had Xenophobic attacks against our foreigners in SA. Pictures of burning and lynching of people which took place many months ago in the Central African Republic were circulated, and this increased the tension between countries to a dangerous level. People die before their time on WhatsApp, have wives they are unaware of, and conduct full court cases via this medium. Backbiting, lying and slandering others is not a sin on WhatsApp because it’s not physical, but digital – or so they think. However, WhatsApp is not all that bad after all. If used correctly, it’s actually an excellent medium to communicate, network and share information. We can keep up family and friendship ties very easily through it, and many a lost friend and relative has been found on the “Funeral Notification” group on WhatsApp. However, due to the fact that the people are not physically present in digital communication, we tend to forget some basics rules. These are as follows: 1.Privacy: The first basic rule is that of privacy. Many think that whatever is discussed privately or in a group on WhatsApp, is public property. With a mere screenshot or by pushing the “forward” button, they can share these conversations across different media platforms with everyone in the world. It must be known that a private or group discussion is a trust (amaanat), and cannot be shared with all and sundry, especially when a portion of the discussion can be misconstrued in its true context. This is nothing but creating mischief (fitnah). Nobody feels comfortable around a two-face, and on WhatsApp, the two-faced have many layers of cover. Remember that the rules of electronic communication are the same as face-to-face communication in Islam. Trust built up over a period of many years can be broken in an instance with one motion of the thumb! A few years ago, our privacy was our most valuable treasure, but nowadays, there is no such a thing as privacy anymore. On WhatsApp, we now have some members whose purpose is only to read the conversations of others and either comment on them in their personal capacity and create behind-the-scene mischief; or worst still, to track what people are saying in order to report to others, otherwise known as spying. If a person differs with another, he will forward his conversation to an enemy of his to inflame further enmity. He then sits back and has a good laugh when the two start grabbing each other’s throat. Both actions are not allowed in Islam. 2.Age Differences: When having a one-on-one conversation with someone, we are very conscious of the age of the person, or his relationship with you. He could be your younger brother, or an elderly teacher. He could be your fishing-buddy, or a distant cousin. You could be 20, and he could be 60, or you can be a Maulana and he may be a fashion designer. Some people are reserved, and some are more outspoken, some are sensitive to certain issues and some love certain topics. All these nuances are taken into consideration when we are having a physical conversation, but it all seems to get lost on WhatsApp. We cannot use informal language or crack jokes in front of our elders, and the level of respect we employ in how we answer our elders is very different to how we respond to our buddies. On an electronic platform, we tend to forget all of this and often create unnecessary and very uncomfortable situations for ourselves. Long-standing relationships are put under strain and our happiness is affected. We tend to write and then think what we wrote, as nowadays our thumbs seem to work faster than our brains! A wise man once said: “I sometimes regretted my speech, but never my silence.” 3.Dispute Resolution: This is the most dangerous habit many of us have – we use WhatsApp to ascertain facts, argue, debate, clear misunderstandings and problem solve. If dispute resolution and clearing misunderstandings cannot be done over the telephone without almost always aggravating the situation even further, how can it be ever resolved over WhatsApp? Doing this is nothing but a cowardly cheapskate mentality and a quick way to give vent to our anger and frustration. Many instantly regret what they write on WhatsApp, but a word is like an arrow. Once it is shot, it cannot be returned to the bow. To gather disputing parties around a table is time-consuming and difficult, but it’s well worth the effort. In fact, it’s the only way to do it. In a physical situation, you can read body language, clear ambiguities, ask questions with the decorum it deserves and even shake hands before and after the fight. All this cannot be done over WhatsApp. The above three aspects are the most important to consider when using this excellent application, but there are a few more to consider too: 1) Check and rectify your niyyah (intention) for your using of WhatsApp; 2) Ensure your post does not include backbiting, tale-bearing, or unfounded allegations. Rather use this medium to spread positivity and goodness; 3) Ensure you do not neglect the rights of others, or performing Salaat and reciting Quran, by excessive use; 4) Verify the authenticity of everything, especially religious postings, news of someone’s death etc, before sending on. Always quote the source of Islamic traditions; 5) It is OK to disagree, but do it respectfully; 6) If discussing, hear out what the other person is saying before interrupting; 7) Refrain from conducting mixed-gender discussion groups. “Notification Only” groups are OK; 8) Kill falsehood by combating it if you can, or by just ignoring it; 9) Never send on pictures or videos showing nude people, or links thereto; 10) Choose the appropriate time to post. For example, don’t send a joke immediately after a post on the death of a scholar; 11) Be aware that anything you post can reach many in a short space of time; 12) When writing the name of any Prophet, the Companions (Sahabah) or any pious person, remember to also accord them their due respect and prefix it with the appropriate salutation; 13) Thank and encourage people for beneficial posts; 14) Don’t forward links before opening and checking their contents; 15) Ask yourself: Is the post you are sending a cause of reward or punishment for you multiplied in the Hereafter? Lastly, use WhatsApp wisely. Don’t say anything that will come back and haunt you ten years later. Even after deletion of your posts, it can be retrieved years thereafter by means of sophisticated software, which nowadays, is available to anyone. Currently, there is a web-based application called “WhatsSpy Public” which can be downloaded by anyone. It allows an attacker to track every move of any WhatsApp user, even if the user has locked down their WhatsApp privacy settings. It was created by Maikel Zweerink, and it allows an attacker to access and edit a WhatsApp user’s messages, profile picture, privacy settings, status messages and online or offline status – even if the user has his privacy options to “nobody,” which in theory is supposed to mean “your last seen, profile photo and/or status will not be available to anyone.” Happy careful WhatsApping, everyone! khaliddhorat.co.za

Question: Does one get rewarded for an act one does out of mere habit that corresponds to the sunna? Answer: Walaikum assalam The first legal maxim that Ibn Nujaym mentioned in his Ashbah wa’l Nadha’ir is: “There is no reward without intention.” This is one of the most repeated and well-known of legal maxims. It is taken from the well-known hadith in which the Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) said, “Verily actions are by their intentions, and one shall only have that which one intended.” [bukhari & Muslim] The scholars stated that there is something implicit in this hadith, namely: “Verily actions are [rewarded] by their intentions, and one shall only have [the reward] for that which one intended.” Therefore, if one’s habits or whims are in conformity to the sunna of the Prophet of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), one should strive to have an intention in it for Allah. Otherwise, it remains a habit. The scholars say, “Through intentions habits become worship.” ( bi’l niyyaat tanqalibul `aadaat `ibaadaat) Abd Allah ibn Mubarak (Allah be pleased with him), said, “How often it is that a small action becomes great by its intention. And how often it is that a great action becomes small by its intention.” [Dhahabi, Siyar A`lam al-Nubala’, 8: 400] Wassalam, Faraz Rabbani. Source

Don’t try to explore new routes to reach your destination; take the common route, as it is proven and reliable. With your aim being the pleasure of Allāh ta‘ālā you should follow the way of our rightly guided pious predecessors. at-tazkiyah

Do not blow into food Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas (RA) reports that Rasulullaah (SAW) prohibited them from blowing into their food and drinks. [Muslim 1888]

“Hello” to Halloween? By Abu Muhammad Yusuf Islam is a complete way of life. Its wisdom is profound. What Islam prescribes and what it prohibits is always of tremendous benefit for humanity as a whole. Every year, on the evening of October 31st, millions of children in the Western world paint their faces, dress up in costumes, and go door to door collecting treats. The adults often decorate their houses with ghostly figures, carve scary faces on pumpkins, and put candles in them to create “Jack-O-Lanterns.” Unfortunately, among the millions of people indulging in this custom, many are also Muslims. ORIGINS Halloween originated as the Eve of Samhain, a celebration marking the beginning of winter and the first day of the New Year among ancient pagans of the British Isles. On this occasion, it was believed that supernatural forces gathered together, that the barriers between the supernatural and human worlds were broken. They believed that spirits from other worlds (such as the souls of the dead) were able to visit earth during this time and roam about. They also believed that on October 31st, the lord of the dead gathered all the souls of the people who had died that year. The souls upon death would dwell in the body of an animal, then on this day the lord would announce what form they were to take for the next year. When Christianity came to the British Isles, the church tried to take attention away from these pagan rituals by placing a Christian holiday on the same day. The Christian festival, the Feast of All Saints, acknowledges the saints of the Christian faith in much the same way that Samhain had paid tribute to the pagan gods. The customs of Samhain survived anyway, and eventually became intertwined with the Christian holiday. Through social networking, mass media, television etc this custom has become popular internationally. ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE In Islam any practice which does not have its origins in Divine Scripture and The Sunnah is totally prohibited. This applies to many Pagan practices such as Halloween, Valentine’s Day etc. Virtually all Halloween traditions are based either in ancient pagan culture, or in Christianity. From an Islamic point of view, they all are forms of idolatry (shirk). As Muslims, our celebrations should be ones that honour and uphold our faith and beliefs. How can we worship only Allah, the Creator, if we participate in activities that are based in pagan rituals, divination, and the spirit world? Many people participate in these celebrations without even understanding the history and the pagan connections, just because their friends are doing it, their parents did it ("it's a tradition!"), and because "it's fun!" So what can we do, when our children see others dressed up, eating candy, and going to parties? While it may be tempting to join in, we must be careful to preserve our own traditions and not allow our children to be corrupted by this seemingly "innocent" fun. When tempted, remember the pagan origins of these traditions, and ask Allah to give you strength. Save the celebration, the fun and games, for our 'Eid festivals. Children can still have their fun, and most importantly, should learn that we only acknowledge holidays that have a religious significance to us as Muslims. Holidays are not just excuses to binge and be reckless. In Islam, our holidays retain their religious importance, while allowing proper time for rejoicing, fun and games. GUIDANCE FROM THE QURAN AND HADITH Allah Ta’ala, The Most Wise says in the Qur’an : "When it is said unto them, 'Come to what Allah has revealed, come to the Messenger,' they say, 'Enough for us are the ways we found our fathers following.' What! Even though their fathers were void of knowledge and guidance?" (Qur'an 5:104) "Has not the time arrived for the believers, that their hearts in all humility should engage in the remembrance of Allah and of the Truth which has been revealed to them? That they should not become like those to whom was given the Book aforetime, but long ages passed over them and their hearts grew hard? For many among them are rebellious transgressors." (Qur'an 57:16) “We have sent them the Truth, but they indeed practice falsehood” (Qur’an 23:10). The Noble and Last Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: “Whoever imitates a nation is one of them!” (Hadith-Abu Da’oud). “The Final Hour will not come until my followers copy the deeds of the previous nations and follow them very closely, span by span, and cubit by cubit (inch by inch)” (Hadith-Bukhari) “You must keep to my Sunnah and the sunnah of the rightly-guided Caliphs; cling to it firmly. Beware of newly invented matters, for every new matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misleading.” (Hadith-Bukhari) WHAT SHOULD WE DO? As Muslims we should not participate or condone such evil customs as Halloween. It is the duty of every Muslim parent to educate their children to refrain from practising falsehood and not to imitate others in their futile customs and festivals. If the children are taught to be proud of their Islamic heritage, they themselves will, if Allah wills, abstain from Halloween and other non-beneficial celebrations. </ p> As Muslims let us be convinced of our Deen is indeed the best and purest way of life…so do not say “hello” to Halloween! May Allah Ta’ala guide us onto the straight path…Ameen. www.eislam.co.za

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What qualities should one look for in the person one wishes to get married to Q: When one intends nikaah, what qualities should one look for in the person one wishes to get married to? A: When choosing a life partner, the Hadith teaches us that apart from basing one's choice on beauty and good looks, one should look at the level of Deen in the person one wishes to marry. If one finds the person to be from a pious family and the person also is pious, possessing good character and committed to Deen and one finds the person to be compatible to one in other aspects, then one should marry such a person. And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best. باب ما جاء في من تضرون دينه فزوجوه - حدثنا قتيبة حدثنا عبد الحميد بن سليمان عن ابن عجلان عن ابن وثيمة النصري عن أبي هريرة قال : قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم إذا خطب إليكم من ترضون دينه وخلقه فزوجوه إلا تفعلوا تكن فتنة في الأرض وفساد عريض قال وفي الباب عن أبي حاتم و المزني و عائشة قال أبو عيسى حديث أبي هريرة قد خولف عبد الحميد بن سليمان في هذا الحديث ورواه الليث بن سعد عن ابن عجلان عن أبي هريرة عن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم مرسلا قال أبو عيسى قال محمد وحديث الليث أشبه ولم يعد حديث عبد الحميد محفوظا حدثنا محمد بن عمرو السواق البلخي حدثنا حاتم بن إسماعيل عن عبد الله بن مسلم بن هرمز عن محمد و سعيد ابني عبيد عن أبي حاتم المزني قال : قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم إذا جاءكم من ترضون دينه وخلقه فأنكحوه إلا تفعلوا تكن فتنة في الأرض وفساد قالوا يا رسول الله ! وإن كان فيه ؟ قال إذا جاءكم من ترضون دينه وخلقه فأنكحوه ثلاث مرات قال أبو عيسى هذا حديث حسن غريب و أبو حاتم المزني له صحبة ولا نعرف له عن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم غير هذا الحديث باب ما جاء في من ينكح على ثلاث خصال - حدثنا أحمد بن محمد بن موسى أخبرنا إسحق بن يوسف الأزرق أخبرنا عبد الملك بن أبي سليمان عن عطاء عن جابر : أن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم قال إن المرأة تنكح على دينها ومالها وجمالها فعليك بذات الدين تربت يداك قال وفي الباب عن عوف بن مالك و عائشة و عبد الله بن عمرو و أبي سعيد قال أبو عيسى حديث جابر حديث حسن صحيح (سنن الترمذي رقم 1084 ، 1085 ، 1086) عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال تنكح المرأة لأربع لمالها ولحسبها وجمالها ولدينها فاظفر بذات الدين تربت يداك (صحيح البخاري رقم 5090) ويندب إعلانه وتقديم خطبة وكونه في مسجد يوم جمعة بعاقد رشيد وشهود عدول والاستدانة له والنظر إليها قبله وكونها دونه سنا وحسبا وعزا ومالا وفوقه خلقا وأدبا وورعا وجمالا قال الشامي : قوله ( دونه سنا ) لئلا يسرع عقمها فلا تلد قوله ( وحسبا ) هو ما تعده من مفاخر آبائك ح عن القاموس أي بأن يكون الأصول أصحاب شرف وكرم وديانة لأنها إذا كانت دونه في ذلك وكذا في العز أي الجاه والرفعة وفي المال تنقاد له ولا تحتقره وإلا ترفعت عليه وفي الفتح روى الطبراني عن أنس عنه من تزوج مرأة لعزها لم يزده الله إلا ذلا ومن تزوجها لمالها لم يزده الله إلا فقرا ومن تزوجها لحسبها لم يزده الله إلا دناءة ومن تزوج مرأة لم يرد بها إلا أن يغض بصره ويحصن فرجه أو يصل رحمه بارك الله له فيها وبارك لها فيه تتمة زاد في البحر ويختار أيسر النساء خطبة ومؤنة ونكاح البكر أحسن للحديث عليكم بالأبكار فإنهن أعذب أفواها وأنقى أرحاما وأرضى باليسير ولا يتزوج طويلة مهزولة ولا قصيرة دميمة ولا مكثرة ولا سيئة الخلق ولا ذات الولد ولا مسنة للحديث سوداء ولود خير من حسناء عقيم ولا يتزوج الأمة مع طول الحرة ولا زانية والمرأة تختار الزوج الدين الحسن الخلق الجواد الموسر ولا تتزوج فاسقا ولا يزوج ابنته الشابة شيخا كبيرا ولا رجلا دميما ويزوجها كفؤا فإن خطبها الكفء لا يؤخرها وهو كل مسلم تقي وتحلية البنات بالحلي والحلل ليرغب فيهن الرجال سنة ولايخطب مخطوبة غيره لأنه جفاء وخيانة اه (رد المحتار 3/ 8) Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Question what is this night about? and as a nu muslim,how do i approach it? Answer Halloween is a festival which originates from Ireland. from an Islamic perspective halloween has no basis at all and thus the day is of no significance at all. If people who celebrate this day cause any disturbance, we must tolerate this with due respect and patience. However, we must refrain on all accounts from indulging in any kind of celebration etc. please refer to the Hadith listed below: ‘whoever imitates a people, then he is from among them’. ‘Aalima K. Lorgat Source

Question Is celebrating events like Aprils Fools Day and Halloween (which are not directly linked to any religion) permissible? Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Even if April fool’s day and Halloween are not related to any religion (although some have linked them to Zoroastrian and Roman religious practices respectively), it is strictly not permissible to celebrate them. They contain many elements which are forbidden in Islam. And Allah knows best. Mufti Faizal Riza Source

The History Of Halloween - Night Of The Devils

Halloween – Innocent Fun-Time, Spooky or Shirk? Zaynub Zafar Too often, we are in the dark about the background of occasions and holidays like Halloween, Easter, etc. Don’t think this is a trivial matter because once you find out why these are celebrated, you will think twice about getting yourself or your kids involved in it. Before you wish someone Happy Halloween and become a part of the celebrations, won’t it be great to take a quick look into its origin? I mean, it’s only logical to KNOW about a thing before celebrating it. Agreed? Here goes – bismillah! Halloween has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain. The festival of Samhain was a celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture. Samhain was a time used by the ancient pagans to take stock of supplies and prepare for winter. The ancient Gaels believed that on October 31, the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead overlapped and the deceased would come back to life and cause havoc such as sickness or damaged crops. Masks and costumes were worn in an attempt to mimic the evil spirits or appease them. The festival would frequently involve bonfires. It is believed that the fires attracted insects to the area which attracted bats to the area. These are additional attributes of the history of Halloween. Roman and Christian influence: By 43 AD, “Romans had conquered the majority of Celtic territory.” For the 400 years, they occupied Celtic lands, two Roman festivals: Feralia (the commemoration of the passing of the dead) and a day to honor Pomona (the Roman goddess of fruits and trees). The apple was served as a symbol for Pomona and might have been incorporated into Samhain by the practice of “bobbing for apples”. When “local people converted to Christianity during the early Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church often incorporated modified versions of older religious traditions in order to win converts.” Pope Gregory IV wanted to substitute Samhain with All Saints’ Day in 835, but All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2nd) which is closer in resemblance to Samhain and Halloween today, was “first instituted at a French monastery in 998 and quickly spread throughout Europe”. [1] In the 16th century, “Christian village children celebrated the vigil of All Saints’ by doing the Danse Macabrloi. The Seven Brethren whose grizzly death is described in the seventh chapter of the deuterocanonical book of Second Macabees” is also said to have resulted in children dressing up in grizzly costumes to signify these deaths. [2] What is Halloween made of: Traditional activities include trick-or-treating, bonfires, costume parties, visiting “haunted houses” and carving jack-o-lanterns. Part of the history of Halloween is Halloween costumes. We find it innocent enough to let our children dress up as a Vampire or a Frankenstein at the parties held at a house or the very least, attend the school functions because the teacher says “it’s mandatory”. But we forget or are oblivious to the fact that the practice of dressing up in costumes and begging door to door for treats on holidays goes back to the Middle Ages, and includes Christmas wassailing. This was done so that the spirits of the dead would not recognize people. The Druids would actually sacrifice animals and sometimes humans and dress in these animal skins. Wearing these clothes, they would engage in fortune-telling. Another explanation is that today, children who dress up, represent these spirits. Trick-or-treating resembles the late medieval practice of “souling,” when poor folk would go door to door on Hallowmas (November 1), receiving food in return for prayers for the dead on All Souls Day (November 2). Today, when kids are offered treats by neighbors, this goes back to the time people would offer food to appease the spirits. Halloween can be a time for MAJOR Shirk (making partners with Allah Allah Subhanahu-wa-Taala ). There are games and rituals which involve fortune-telling. Young people, for instance, try to see what their marriage prospects are by using omens like apple pairings that are thrown over their shoulders, or nuts being burned in a fire. Jack-o’-lantern started off as a legend associated with a man of Irish origin named Jack who supposedly enjoyed playing pranks on the Devil. After his death, Jack did not go to Heaven or Hell and therefore, had to wander the earth carrying a lantern which gave him some light to see where he was going. Pumpkins that were hollowed out and had candles lighted inside did the job and they were also supposed to scare evil spirits away. The Islamic stance is clear: When you look a few of these evidences, (there are a whole lot of them), you get the clear Islamic stance towards Halloween: “Say: ‘None in the heavens and the earth knows the Ghayb (Unseen) except Allaah…’” [al-Naml 27:65] This leaves no room for Halloween fortune-telling; and “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” [3] puts an end to all the Halloween hype. In Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, it says: “The clear evidence from the Qur’aan and Sunnah – on which there is consensus among the early generations of the ummah – that there are only two Eids or festivals in Islam: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Any festivals other than these, whether they are connected to a person, a group, an incident or anything else, are innovated festivals and it is not permissible for the Muslims to celebrate them or approve of them, express joy on them or help with them in any way, because that is transgressing the sacred limits of Allaah Allah Subhanahu-wa-Taala …” And to top it off, it becomes totally out of the league for us Muslims when it includes pagan-origins. It may seem very alluring to you with all the hype, and it may also be very difficult for you to stand apart from the mainstream crowd, but no matter how much fatwa shopping we do, how many ever “moderate” versions we try to seek, there is still just two words for it: not permissible. And since it attracts children mostly, what with all the free candy, it becomes increasingly essential for parents to be proactive and handle the situation wisely. Here are some handy tips for parents: 1. Be open and tell them the origin of Halloween and why our religion can’t allow it. Telling them the reason of banning it in the house will convince them more than any other lame excuse you could come up with. 2. Whenever you take away something from someone and leave a gap, never forget to provide them a suitable alternative. In this case, get your children to anticipate Eid more or get them involved into some other halal fun activities. 3. Another way is to keep them entertained on a daily basis. Sports, baking, hanging out with friends and food of their choice should be a regular-fun-thing in their time table. This way, they will not be so keen to seek it elsewhere. 4. Last but not the least, keep them away from school when Halloween parties take place. Because no matter how many times you tell them it’s wrong, they are bound to get influenced to be a part of its festivities. Remember, what your children SEE influences them more than what they HEAR. Your advice will not affect them if their environment preaches otherwise. Closing Thoughts: The Halloween hoop-la is crazy and seems like it takes over everyone every year. But instead of going with the tide, we need to educate ourselves and especially our kids about it and tell them why we do not become a part of its festivities. It’s not a bad thing to be different. Our religion gives us fun-off times (Come on, you just celebrated two Eids!) and-that should be enough for us. Having fun is absolutely permissible but going to extremes to have it and on the way trampling our beliefs is not only revolting but also implies our extreme lack of faith and lack of pride in our religion. Moreover, it can promote useless phantom fears in the minds of our children and affect their psychology by getting them desensitized to the idea of begging/asking people for things. Hopefully trick or treat does not look so tempting now. It’s important to stay clear from these dangerous festivals because when we become a part of these things, we bear witness to that which is AGAINST our basic Aqeedah (creed). Watch out. 1- MSN Learning & Research- Halloween 2- Source: History of Halloween 29 Feb. 2001. Indiana University. 12 Oct. 2002 3- Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4031 (classed as saheeh by al-Albaani) Source

Utilising means other than the dhikr of Allāh ta'ālā to acquire peace of heart is akin to brushing your difficulties under the carpet. The unease, despite being masked, is still there. It is just like being under anaesthetic; as soon as you ‘wake up’ you will realise that the pain has not gone away at-tazkiyah

The Tranquility of the Heart by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh) Like the needle of the compass faces North when at rest, so the heart of the Mu’min faces in the direction of Allah Ta’ala’s obedience and pleasure. In the obedience of Allah Ta’ala do we find our peace, contentment and happiness. When a compass is moved or shaken, we observe how the needle is disturbed and begins to move restlessly this way and that way – as if agitated. When it is placed down, it continues to move about until finally it finds its rest in the direction of North. SubhanAllah! We should take lesson from this.…When the heart of a Mu’min is shaken with sins, with disobedience to Allah Ta’ala, then the heart’s Sukoon is disturbed. The heart is in a state of restlessness and anxiety until the person sincerely repents. On sincere Taubah, the heart settles back in Allah Ta’ala’s pleasure and once again enjoys its Sukoon (tranquility). Our Sheikh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh) would say that Sukoon is an exclusive bounty and gift for the Muslim. It only descends on the heart of a Believer, with the condition that there is obedience to Allah Ta’ala and abstinence from sins. Not only do sins disturb and disrupt the tranquility of the heart; it blemishes the heart with ugly black marks. Rasulullah (1) explained: “When a Mu’min (believer) sins, a black dot appears on his heart. If he repents and seeks Allah’s forgiveness, his heart becomes cleansed and polished. If he continues to commit more and more sins (without repenting), the spot continues to spread and ultimately covers all of his heart.”[1] I have given the following analogy many a time: The person who is wearing a white Kurta and he is always conscious of his cleanliness, will be very uneasy and uncomfortable if a drop of black ink falls onto his Kurta or if food stains his Kurta. He will make haste to wash it off immediately – because the stain of ink spoils the whiteness of his Kurta. This is the condition of the Mu’min who is obedient to Allah Ta’ala. His heart is like a white garment or a white sheet. The moment he falls into any sin, mistakenly, he senses the dark, black spot of sin on his white heart. He is very uneasy, uncomfortable and unhappy and immediately seeks to clean his heart with sincere Taubah. We find those who work in garages generally wear dark overalls. This is because they handle oil and grease and their work requires clothing which is practical. Because the clothing is dark, if more oil and more grease soils and stains the overall, the person will not really be aware of it and will not be bothered because his garments are dark in colour anyway. So any amount of oil and grease and dirt may soil his clothing, but it is not really apparent and does not worry him. Similar is the condition of the person whose heart is already soiled and dirtied with sins for which no Taubah has been made. More sins do not affect him because the heart is already dark and black. This does not mean that a person sits content with such a heart. It is absolutely necessary that he quickly begins a full scrub and wash of his heart with Taubah and Istighfaar. Sincere Taubah, Zikrullah and the effort in the direction of obedience to Allah Ta’ala will most certainly remove all the blackness and dirt of sins from that heart. The heart will then be in its original state of whiteness and cleanliness, Insha-Allah. Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) taught us a Dua that facilitates this washing and purification of the heart: “O Allah, wash off my sins with the (melted) water of ice and snow, and purify my heart of sins, even as white clothes are cleansed of filth.” Hazrat Maulana Shah Abdul Ghani Saheb (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) had explained that the quality of ice is its coolness and the outward characteristic of snow is its whiteness. Thus, the whiteness removes the darkness of sins and the coolness eliminates the heat of sins.…SubhanAllah Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) used the word ‘white’ cloth because black cloth does not make apparent the stains or marks of dirt. White clothes reveal the slightest trace of dirt. Together with sincere Taubah, it is essential to dissociate oneself from bad company and bad environments and to seek out good and pious companions who will encourage and inspire in the direction of obedience to Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), as well as find and keep to those environments which make easy practising on Deen. Hazrat Maulana Jalaluddeen Rumi (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh) had related an incident of a tanner who was one day passing by some perfume shops. Since most of his time was occupied with tanning animal skins, he was used to strong bad smell. While passing the perfume shops, the pleasant fragrances did not agree with him and he fell down unconscious. The people around him made every effort to revive him but no one was successful. When his brother was informed, he went to where the tanner lay unconscious and on smelling the fragrances wafting in the air, he understood the cause of his brother’s condition. He immediately went away and returned after a while, bringing in his sleeve, some faeces of a dog. He held his sleeve near his brother who was revived immediately. All were astounded and bewildered as to what was so effective and so helpful in reviving the tanner, when there were so perfume shops in the vicinity and all sorts of fragrances were used in the effort to revive the tanner. This is just a story but with great lesson. That person who spends his life in sins, becomes accustomed to dirty environments and dirty deeds. Good deeds are unfamiliar and foreign to the person. The person can even reach a stage where there is an aversion to good and thus he stays far away from those places and gatherings where the perfume of Allah Ta’ala’s love is distributed and shared. Our Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had explained that like the tanner, the sinner is unable to appreciate the gardens of Allah Ta’ala’s remembrance. However, if the person is sincere, makes the effort, and begins to spend time in the environments of purity and virtue, then a time will most certainly arrive when the person will acknowledge, and with great regret, that his life was wasted in filth and evil. Now that he is accustomed to and enjoys the fragrance of Allah Ta’ala’s love in these beautiful gatherings, he does not ever want to return to a life of sin. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq of sincere Taubah and enable us to appreciate the opportunities to attend the Majaalis of Deen and enjoying the beautiful gardens of Zikrullah and maximizing on this. [1] Tirmidhi Source

What should I do with interest money from the bank? Can I give it to my poor relatives? Question From Gulf I transfer my earnings to a savings account in an Indian Bank. Every six months the bank adds interest money to my account. I heard that interest money can be donated without the intention of any reward. If this is right, please advise me as to whom I can donate this interest money to. Can it be given to needy relatives of mine? Answer In the Name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. As a general rule, no Muslim by his free choice should deposit his money in an interest-bearing account. You must immediately transfer your money to a non interest-bearing account. It is incumbent upon you to give the interest money from the bank as charity to the poor who are entitled to receive Zakaat (i.e. who do not have the nisaab of Zakaat) without the intention of receiving reward. This charity is meant only for disposing of an unclean and unlawful money and to relieve oneself from the burden of an ill-gotten gain. But it should be remembered that this amount is unclean only for the person who has received it as interest. The poor persons who get it from him as charity can use this amount for their personal benefits. You may give the interest money to your relatives who are entitled to receive Zakaat. (Contemporary Fatawaa: pg. 242, Idara-e-Islamiat) And Allāh knows best. Ml. Faizal Riza Melbourne, Australia Concurred by: Muftī Abrar Mirza Chicago, IL (USA) Under the Supervision of Muftī Ebrahim Desai (South Africa)

The Serious consequences of abandoning purdah Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once mentioned: The non-observance of purdah has, nowadays, become rampant and rife in every place. The era we are living in is an era of great fitnahs and trials. Some people raise an objection against the law of purdah. They claim that through purdah a woman is kept in imprisonment. The answer to this objection is that the law of purdah is not an imprisonment for a woman, but rather a means of security and protection. If one has something which he greatly values, then it is only sensible and logical for him to be concerned about adopting the correct means whereby he will secure and protect it. A person who travels by train with a lot of money will never go about displaying his money openly. Rather he will take great pains in looking after it and keeping it as safe as possible. Accordingly, in Islam the most valuable thing is the respect of the women. Hence, neglecting the law of purdah, removing the women from their homes and allowing them to intermingle freely in public, is exposing them to great danger. Dangers similar to those that are feared through exposing one’s wealth before people are feared here as well. Another objection raised by some is that one benefit of keeping women in purdah and concealed from men is that her chastity will be safeguarded and her respect protected. However, we do find situations where despite purdah being observed, wrongs do occur. The answer to this is that as long as the laws of purdah are correctly observed, then it is guaranteed until the day of Qiyaamah that there will never arise a situation where wrongs will take place. It is on account of not observing purdah correctly that wrongs take place. (Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat 7/128 Ihyaauddeen.co.za

Sunnats and Aadaab of Duaa – Part 3 1. One should keep a slight gap between both the palms. [1] 2. When making duaa, one should express his total inability and weakness and beg Allah Ta’ala in a soft tone with complete humility. ادْعُوا رَبَّكُمْ تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفْيَةً إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ ﴿الأعراف: ٥٥﴾ Call on your Lord with humility and softly: for Allah does not love those who trespass beyond bounds. وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ فِي نَفْسِكَ تَضَرُّعًا وَخِيفَةً وَدُونَ الْجَهْرِ مِنَ الْقَوْلِ بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْآصَالِ وَلَا تَكُن مِّنَ الْغَافِلِينَ ﴿الأعراف: ٢٠٥﴾ And call upon your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without raising one’s voice in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless. [1] والأفضل في الدعاء أن يبسط كفيه ويكون بينهما فرجة (الفتاوى الهندية 5/318)

What to do at the time of Natural Catastrophes By Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh Everyone is aware of the devastation that natural disasters bring with them. Many lose their lives, hundreds of thousands lose relatives, entire communities are wiped out and countless buildings and properties are destroyed. Thousands, even millions are left homeless, having lost everything they once owned, living under open skies with nothing to eat and cover themselves with. Even after the calamity has subsided, the death toll continues to increase with the spread of disease. When calamities strike, we often think about our roles and responsibilities, as human beings and as Muslims. It is unfortunate that for most of us, it takes such calamities to make us reflect on the Power and lofty Attributes of Allāh ta‘ālā. Rather than expressing shallow sorrow and a momentary shock, there are a few points that we need to reflect and act upon, so that events like these can cause us to become better Muslims for the rest of our lives: 1. Allāh ta‘ālā is the Hākim (The Supreme Ruler) and the Hakīm (The Most Wise) First of all, one has to reaffirm in one’s mind and heart that whatever happens, whether good or bad in appearance, is according to the Wish of Allāh ta‘ālā. Allāh ta‘ālā is Hākim i.e. He has Power over everything. Every single particle in the whole universe is under His Control. The turning of the leaf in the air while it is falling from the tree, to the up turning and shaking of the earth itself, as in the case of an earthquake, everything is in His Absolute Control. The commands, wishes and controls of everyone else are subjugated to His Command and Governance. The varied circumstances that one observes or experiences in one’s life are also in His total Control. There are many incidents and events in a person’s life, during which one hopes for a positive outcome through worldly means e.g. when a relative is seriously ill we can hope for recovery by consulting a specialist, along with our belief that only that will happen which Allāh ta‘ālā has ordained. Nevertheless we take the help of worldly means to satisfy ourselves and try to rectify the situation to the best of our ability. However, when faced with natural disasters like storms, earthquakes and floods, there is no hope of any worldly means which we can employ to circumvent, overcome or prevent re-occurrence of such situations. Such natural disasters are entirely in the Control of Almighty Allāh and we are forced to acknowledge that. Indeed as Muslims we should never have disregarded and ignored the Absolute Power of Allāh ta‘ālā and it should have been reflected upon in our day to day actions and deeds. However, it is comforting to know that Allāh ta‘ālā is not only the Hākim (The Supreme Ruler) but He is also the Hakīm (The Most Wise). Allāh ta‘ālā's Governance of the universe is unlike that of worldly rulers. His Control and Governance is full of Supreme Wisdom and Divine Justice. Hence even in natural disasters, there is the hidden Wisdom of the Almighty, which may not be apparent to our physical eyes. 2. Turn Towards Allāh ta‘ālā in Repentance Every person, during such times should turn towards Allāh ta‘ālā with humbleness, faith and genuine repentance. According to the Sharī‘ah, common and open disobedience of Allāh ta‘ālā is one of the many reasons for the cause of calamities like earthquakes. When the land is overloaded with the disobedience of Allāh ta‘ālā, earthquakes from beneath and violent storms from above are commonplace. There are various scientific explanations as to why natural disasters occur, however the underlying facts point towards ‘how’ they happen and not ‘why’ they happen. The answer to ‘why’ and ‘when’ and even to ‘how’, in reality, remains with Allāh ta‘ālā. An answer to ‘why’ has been revealed in the Qur’ān: (Corruption and) Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned, that He (Allāh) may give them a taste of some of their deeds in order that they may turn back (from evil). (30:41) Incidents like these are, as it were, ‘wake up’ calls from Allāh ta‘ālā. Allāh ta‘ālā in His Infinite Mercy is jolting us through such incidents, so that we may mend our ways and reflect on our transgressions and as a result rectify ourselves before it is too late. Allāh ta‘ālā has revealed to his beloved Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, that as long as this Ummah continues to repent for their wrong-doings, He will not punish them through calamities. Incidents like these should not be viewed with some momentary sympathy or investigated out of curiosity, but treated strictly as a reminder to wake up and reflect on our lives of disobedience. The way Allāh has the Power to cause calamities in any part of the world, He also has the Power to cause a catastrophe here, in this very city, in the very vicinity of our homes. Hence it is absolutely essential for Muslims, not just from the affected regions, but from all over the world, to turn towards Allāh ta‘ālā. They must direct all their attention towards Him and reflect on their lives to find out where the Commands of Allāh ta‘ālā are being violated, then sincerely repent and resolve to adorn their future lives with taqwā, abstain from the disobedience of Allāh ta‘ālā, and observe His Commands. 3. Pray for the Afflicted Our beloved Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam has commanded us to support and help the victims of calamities, whether they be Muslims or otherwise. The best and the most valuable support and help is to make du‘ā i.e. sincere prayers for the wellbeing of the victims. Du‘ā is a very powerful and potent means, which is available to each and every one of us, the one with worldly resources as well as the one without. Hence one should sincerely pray for the well being of the victims. One should pray that Allāh ta‘ālā gives them strength, patience and comfort and that He protects and guides them through these critical times and provides rapid recovery from their physical, mental and spiritual wounds. Only Allāh ta‘ālā has the ability to provide the things asked for in the above prayers. No amount of worldly means will provide for the loss that has been suffered by the victims. It is difficult to comprehend or empathise with the situation of the victims. Scores of them have death hovering over their heads while their dead family members lie beside them. Thousands of dead bodies are piled up like logs unable to receive a proper burial. Thousands of people have lost their sons and daughters and thousands of young children have become orphans. Only prayers will help those people. So take out some time from listening to the news, reading newspaper reports and chatting about the events and bow down to Allāh ta‘ālā, and pray sincerely and earnestly (after making repentance) for the victims of the calamity. The victims certainly deserve our prayers, to say the least. It is their right over the entire Muslim community. It is also worth mentioning that it will be a gross transgression for anyone to forget their own deeds and start judging the victims, claiming their misdeeds to be the reason for the calamity. We are in no position to do that. Besides, this will be tantamount to trying to guess the ‘Hikmah’ (Wisdom) of Allāh! Therefore we should refrain from uttering such words. 4. Donate Generously For people far from the afflicted region, the next best thing that they can do to help and support is to provide financial and material help. The victims have lost everything, their homes and the shelter above their heads, their entire belongings and their livelihoods. There is an immediate need to provide shelter (as a protection from the cold nights), food and clothing. There is also a dire need to provide them with medication and other medical accessories and supply them with clean water and sanitation. Alhamdulillāh, Allāh ta‘ālā has given us abundantly, more than we need. We do not have to sacrifice our daily food or clothing in order to donate towards the cause. I request all my brothers and sisters to reflect upon the material blessings that Allāh ta‘ālā has bestowed upon us, despite our not being deserving of them, and donate generously for the victims of this calamity. There are people out there, among the victims, who, until yesterday, were the patrons of or contributors towards charities themselves, and had donated profusely. Now, having lost everything, they are in need of charity themselves. Allāh ta‘ālā will inshā’allāh look favourably upon our generosity and remove future calamities awaiting to befall us. The Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam has mentioned: Truly sadaqah extinguishes the Wrath of Allāh and saves from an evil death. (At-Tirmidhī) So, as human beings, and more so as Muslims, we should not let this suffering continue without providing help and support according to our individual capabilities. Do not wait for your zakāh to become due to make a donation. The need of the situation demands that we donate everything that is in our possession, even if that means undergoing hardships ourselves. However, since Allāh ta‘ālā has blessed us with adequate wealth we know that we can donate sufficiently without having to undergo such troubles. We should spend abundantly and generously, as generously as Allāh ta‘ālā has provided for us. Remember, whatever we will spend, we will do so from that which Allāh ta‘ālā has given us. It is His Money we will be spending to relieve His Creation. The Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: All creatures are the dependants of Allāh. The most beloved to Allāh from all Creation is he who treats His dependants the best. (Al-Bayhaqī) Therefore give as much as you can. This is not a time to wait for someone to come and knock at your door. Go out looking for reliable organizations and charities with correct channels, so that your money reaches the genuine victims and fulfils their needs. May Allāh ta‘ālā give us the guidance to learn a lesson from such calamities and grant us the resolve to change our lives for the better. May Allāh ta‘ālā also give us the tawfīq to pray for the victims and to donate generously. Āmīn. © Islāmic Da'wah Academy

Time is Precious, What can be Accomplished in One Minute! Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said: “When I say ‘Subhaanallah, wa’l-hamdu Lillah, wa laa ilaah illallah, wallahu akbar (Glory be to Allah, praise be to Allah, there is no god except Allah, and Allah is Most Great)’, this is more beloved to me than all that the sun rises upon.” (Narrated by Muslim). In one minute, you can say the above words more than 18 times. These words are the most beloved words to Allah, the best of words, and they weigh heavily in the balance of good deeds, as was narrated in the Saheeh Ahaadith. In one minute you can say Subhaanallahi wa bi hamdihi Subhaanallaa-hil-‘Azeem (Glory and praise be to Allah, glory be to Allah the Almighty) 50 times. These are two phrases which are light on the lips, heavy in the balance and beloved to the Most Merciful, as was narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim. In one minute you can say Subhaanallahi wa bi hamdihi (Glory and praise be to Allah) 100 times. Whoever says that in one day will be forgiven for his sins even if they are like the foam of the sea. In one minute you can say, Laa hawla wa laa quwwata illaa Billaah (there is no strength and no power except with Allah) more than 40 times. This is one of the treasures of Paradise, as was narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim. In one minute you can say Laa ilaaha illallah approximately 50 times. This is the greatest word, for it is the word of Tawheed, the good word, the word that stands firm. If these are the last words of a person, he will enter Paradise, and there are other Ahaadith which indicate how great these words are. In one minute you can say Subhaanallah wa bi hamdih, ‘adada khalqihi, wa ridaa nafsihi, wazinata ‘arshihi, wa midaada kalimaatihi (Glory and praise be to Allah, as much as the number of His creation, as much as pleases Him, as much as the weight of His Throne and as much as the ink of His words) more than 15 times. This words bring many more times the reward for other forms of tasbeeh and dhikr, as was reported in Saheeh Ahaadith from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). In one minute you can seek the forgiveness of Allah more than 100 times by saying Astaghfirullah (I seek the forgiveness of Allah). The virtues of seeking forgiveness are no secret, for it is the means of attaining forgiveness and entering Paradise, and it is the means of being granted a good life, increasing one’s strength, warding off disasters, making things easier, bringing rain and increasing one’s wealth and children. In one minute you can send blessings on Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam 50 times by saying Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam (May Allah bless him and grant him peace). In return Allah will send blessings upon you 500 hundred times because one blessing brings ten like it. In one minute you can recite Surah al-Ikhlaas (Qul Huwallaa-hu Ahad) 20 times, reciting rapidly and silently. Reciting it once is equivalent to one-third of the Qur’aan. If you read it 20 times it is equivalent to reading the Qur’aan 7 times. If you read it 20 times in one minute each day, you will have read it 600 times in one month, and 7200 times in one year, which will be equal in reward to reading the Qur’aan 2400 times. In one minute you can motivate your heart to give thanks to Allah, to love Him, to fear Him, to put hope in Him, to long for Him, and thus travel through the stages of ‘Uboodiyyah (total enslavement to Allah). You could do this when you are lying on your bed or walking in the street. These actions are also among the greatest means of attaining happiness, expanding the chest (i.e., bringing relief and joy) and removing stress and anxiety. May Allah help us and you to do that which He loves and which pleases Him. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians