ummtaalib

7 Steps to Becoming Debt-Free Many people, at some point in their lives end up in financial debt. Nobody likes it, but it just happens. Taking loans is perfectly permissible in Islam, as long as it doesn’t entail riba (usury) and it isn’t for a purpose that is against Islam. Hereunder are seven ways to remove the noose of debt from our necks. Du’as for the Fulfillment of Debts 1) Sayyidatuna Aishah (radiyallahu’anha) says: “Rasulullah (sallallahu’alaihi wasallam) would seek refuge from debts at the end of his Salah (i.e, before the salam). When he was asked about why he did it so frequently, Rasulullah (sallallahu’alaihi wasallam) said: “When a man falls in to debt, he speaks lies and breaches his promises.” (Sahih Bukhari, hadith: 832& 2397) The words of that du’a are: اللّٰهُمَّ إني أعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ المأْثَمِ وَالمَغْرَم Allahumma innee a’oodhu bika minal ma-thami wal maghram O Allah! I seek your protection from sin and debts. Note: If one cannot recite this before the salam, one could recite it after the salam with the hope that Allah Ta’ala accepts it. 2) Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) taught the following du’a to Sayyiduna Mu’ad ibn Jabal (radiyallahu’anhu) for removal of debts: اللهُمَّ مالِكَ المُلْكِ، تُؤْتِي المُلْكَ مَنْ تَشاء وَتَنْزِعُ المُلْكَ مِمَّنْ تَشاءُ، وَتُعِزُّ مَنْ تَشاءُ وَتُذِلُّ مَن تَشاءُ بِيَدِكَ الخَيرُ، إنَّكَ علٰى كُلّ شَيءٍ قَدير، رَحْمٰنَ الدنيا وَالآخِرَة تُعْطِيهِما مَنْ تَشاءُ وَتَمْنَعُ مِنْهُما مَنْ تَشاء، اِرْحَمْنِي رَحْمَةً تُغْنِيْنِيْ بِها عَنْ رَحْمَةِ مَنْ سِوَاكْ Allahumma Malikal Mulk, Tu-til Mulka man tasha-u watanzi’ul Mulka mimman tasha-u, wa tu’izzu man tasha-u, watudhillu mahtasha-u, biyadikal khairu innaka ‘ala kulli shai-in Qadeer. Rahmanad Dunya wal Akhirati tu’tihima man tasha-u wa tamna’u minhuma man tasha-u irhamnee Rahmatan min ‘indik, tughni nee biha ‘an Rahmati man siwak Translation: O Allah! possessor of the kingdom, You give the kingdom to whom You will, and You take the kingdom from whom You will, and You endow with honor whom You will. In Your Hand is all good. Verily, You are Able to do all things. You make the night to enter into the day, and You make the day to enter into the night (i.e. increase and decrease in the hours of the night and the day during winter and summer), You bring the living out of the dead, and You bring the dead out of the living. And You give wealth and sustenance to whom You will, without limit (measure or account). O Most Merciful of this world and the Hereafter, You give from them whatever You wish and You deprive whomsoever You wish. Shower upon me such mercy, which will make me independent from the mercy of those besides You.’ Rasulullah (sallallahu’alaihi wasallam) said to Sayyiduna Mu’adh (radiyallahu’anhu): “If you recite this du’a, your debts will be cleared even if they equal to mount Uhud.” (al-Mu’jam al-saghir; see Majma’uz Zawa’id vol.10 pg.186). Hafiz al-Haythami (rahimahullah) has classified its narrators as reliable and ‘Allamah Mundhiri (rahimahullah) has declared the chain as good. (Majma’uz Zawa’id vol.10 pg.186 & Targheeb, vol.2 pg.614) In another narration, Rasulullah (sallallahu’alaihi wasallam) is reported to have taught a similar du’a to Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiyallahu’anhu). (Mustadrak Hakim, vol.1 pg.515) In a narration of Ibn Abi Shaybah, ‘Abdullah ibn Sabit says: Rasulullah (sallallahu’alaihi wasallam) would himself recite these words and give it great importance. (see Shaykh ‘Awwamah’s footnote on Majalis of Ibn Nasirud Deen, pg.201) The words are: اللّٰهُمَّ فارِجَ الهَمِّ كاشِفَ الغَمِّ مُجِيْبَ دَعْوَةِ المُضْطَرِّين، رَحْمٰنَ الدنيا وَالآخِرَة ورَحيمَهُما، اِرْحَمْنِي اليَومَ رَحْمَةً وَاسعَةً تُغْنِيْنِيْ بِها عَنْ رَحْمَةِ مَنْ سِوَاكْ Allahumma Farijal hammi Kashifal ghammi Mujeeba da’watil Mudtarreen, Rahmaanad Dunya wal Akhirati wa Raheemahuma irhamnil yawma Rahmatan wasi’atan tughni nee biha ‘ar Rahmati man siwak 3) Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu’anu) said that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) prescribed the following du’a for the settling of debts: اللهُمَّ اكْفِنِي بِحَلالِكَ عَنْ حَرامكْ، وَأَغْنِني بِفَضْلِكَ عَمَّنْ سِواك ‘Allahummak finee bi halalika an haramik wa aghninee bi fadhlika amman siwak.’ Translation: O Allah! Let the Halal things you provide suffice me from haram, and by Your Grace, keep me independent from all besides You. (Sunan Tirmidhi – Imam Tirmidhi rahimahullah has classified this narration as hasan (sound) – hadith 3563.) 4) In a narration of Sunan Abi Dawud, Sayyiduna Abu Sa’eed (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) taught an Ansari Sahabi the following du’a for the repayment of his overwhelming debts: اللهُمَّ إنّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الهَمِّ والْحَزَن، وأعوذ بك مِنَ الْعَجزِ وَالكَسل، وأغوذ بك من الجُبْنِ والبُخْل، وأعوذ بك مِنْ غَلَبَةِ الدَّين وَقَهْرِ الرجال Allahumma innee a’oodhu bika minal hammi wal hazan, wa a’oodhu bika minal ajzi wal kasl, wa a’oodhu bika minal jubni wa bukhl, wa a’oodhu bika min ghalabatid dayn wa qahrir rijal. Translation: O Allah! I seek refuge in You from worries and difficulty, and I seek refuge in You from inability and laziness, and I seek refuge in You from cowardice and miserliness, and I seek refuge in You from the dominance of debt and being subjected to man. Note: This du’a should be recited morning and evening. (Abu Dawud, hadith 1550) 5) Recite abundantly: لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله Laa Hawla walaa quwwata illa billah (Sunan Tirmidhi and Mustadrak Hakim, see Targheeb, vol.2 pgs.444 & 617) Repentance 6) Abundant Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) is also a potent way to remove financial and other worries. (surah Nuh, Ayah: 10-11) Rasulullah (sallallahu’alaihi wasallam) has said: “Whoever steadily recites istighfar (like the words: Astaghfirullah) will find Allah creating ease for him from every difficulty and relief from every worry and Allah will provide sustenance for him from where he cannot fathom” (Sunan Abi Dawud, hadith: 1513. Imam Hakim has declared this narration as sahih-authentic- see Targheeb, vol.2, pg.617) Intention 7) Most important is one’s intention to repay the debt. The hadith promises Allah’s help for those who sincerely want to settle their debts. (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 2387, also see Targheeb, vol.2 pg.598) May Allah Ta’ala keep us all debt free. Ameen. al-miftah

Question I have read somewhere that there is a Hadith that says if Surah Fatiha is recited 41 times with bismillah, then it will cure any disease. I have also read somewhere else that it should be continued for 40 or 41 days with bismillah joined to it. Is this a Hadith and is it Sahih? Answer I haven’t seen this in the popular Hadith sources, neither have I seen this clearly attributed to the Hadith. It is possible that this is based on the experience of the scholars, in which case it will be permissible to recite without attributing it to the noble Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) Note: Surah Fatihah in general, has been mentioned in the authentic Hadiths as a means of cure. (Sahih Bukhari, hadith: 2276) And Allah Ta’ala Knows best. Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar hadithanswers

Shamail عن علي بن أبي طالب قال : لم يكن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم بالطويل ولا بالقصير ، شثن الكفين والقدمين ، ضخم الرأس ، ضخم الكراديس ، طويل المسربة ، إذا مشى تكفأ تكفؤا كأنما ينحط من صبب ، لم أر قبله ولا بعده مثله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم. Hadhrat Ali (Radiyallahu Anhu) reports: “Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was neither very tall nor short. The mubaarak hands and feet were well-built and fully fleshed. (These qualities are praiseworthy qualities in a man as it denotes strength and courage, though it is not regarded as praiseworthy qualities for a woman). He had a large head (i.e. in due proportion to his mubaarak body). The joints of the bones were also large (i.e. every aspect of his mubaarak body was developed completely). There was a thin line of hair from the mubaarak chest (moving straight down) to the mubaarak navel. When Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) walked, (on account of his humble manner of walking) it was as though he was walking down from a high place.” (i.e. he never walk with his chest out in boastfulness and pride). Hadhrat Ali (Radhiallahu Anhu) further says, “I had never seen anyone like him neither before him, nor after him.” Commentary Generally the intention for mentioning this type of expression ‘I did not see anyone like him’ is to exaggerate and over-emphasize the degree of the exceptional beauty possessed by a person and his beauty being unparallel. However in the case of Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), there is really no exaggeration as words can never do justice in capturing the complete beauty of the mubaarak appearance of Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Allamah Munaawi wrote that every believer should hold the belief that Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was unique in his beauty, sterling qualities and mubaarak attributes, and that no other person can ever be compared with Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). This is not merely a belief, rather it is a reality. The books on seerah (history of Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)) and Ahaadith are replete with descriptions of his beautiful qualities. Therein it is stated that Allah Ta’ala bestowed fully on Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) all the inner kamaalaat (perfection) and zaahiri (apparent) beauty. Two verses (couplets) are narrated from Hadhrat Aayesha (Radiyallahu Anha), the meaning of which is, ‘If the friends of Zulaykha could see the blessed face of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), they would have cut their hearts instead of their hands.’ How true are the words of Hadhrat Aayesha (Radiyallahu Anha)! If you wish to read more about the love of the Sahaabah (Radiyallahu Anhum) – male and female- for Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), then read chapter 8 of my book ‘Stories of the Sahaabah’ (Radiyallahu Anhum). Ihyaauddeen يَا رَبِّ صَلِّ وَ سَلِّمْ دَائِمًا أَبَدًا عَلَى حَبِيبِكَ خَيرِ الخَلْقِ كُلِّهِمِ

Assalaamu 'alkaykum Are you referring to the interview? Because the stories before that are mostly from reliable sources, many from my talking to various women And yes of course there are many stories with bad experiences however theses stories are for inspiration

The limbs within the ‘awrah for females are as follows: 1) The whole reproductive organ 2) The anus 3) Each buttock is an individual limb 4) Each thigh with the knee is an individual limb 5) From the navel to the pubic area and the area parallel to this from the sides and back. 6) Each calf with the ankle is an individual limb 7) Each breast is an individual limb 8 ) Each ear in an individual limb 9) Each upper arm with the elbow is an individual limb 10) Each forearm with the wrist is an individual limb 11) The hair 12) The head 13) The neck 14) Each shoulder is an individual limb[6] Taken from here

Exposure of a female's hair in Salaah Question and Answer: Q.Growing up I was taught that not a single strand of a women's hair must be showing in salah.However mistakes do occur and our burkas sometimes move... So on reading up on it, I found that if only a quarter or more of the parts of body that need to be covered become exposed, then only should the salah be repeated. Does this apply to women's hair as well? Is it then that if a quarter or more of the HEAD becomes exposed the salah will have to be repeated? Or is it if a quarter or more of a SINGLE STRAND become exposed, the salah will have to be repeated? (Question published as received) A. As far as possible, a female should ensure that every strand of her hair is concealed in Salaah as her hair is Aurah (required to be concealed). The hair on the head itself is considered separately and the hair that hangs from the head is considered separately. The exposure of a quarter of these portions respectively, (not just a single strand) will result in the Salaah being invalid if the exposure was for the duration of three Tasbeehs. (Raddul Muhtar, Vol: 2, Pg: 82) Thus, if a few strands of hair become exposed unintentionally, the Salaah will not become invalid. Only, if a quarter of the hair on her head or a quarter of the hair that hangs from her head becomes exposed, for the duration of three Tasbeehs, will the Salaah be invalid. (al-Binayah, Vol: 2, Pg: 129) And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Confirmation: Mufti Moosa Salie Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Imaan in Grave Danger Honesty, trustworthiness, kindness to parents, respect to elders, decency (in manner, speech, dressing, etc.) and a host of other basic values are cherished by one and all. The reality, however, is that such values are gradually becoming rare and extinct. While there could be many factors which cause this lamentable situation coming about, one of the main factors is definitely the erosion of Hayaa (modesty and shame). This is clearly understood from the Hadith: “If you have no shame, do as you wish” (Bukhari #3483). It is often witnessed that one who lacks shame is prepared to stoop to any level – no matter how low – in order to achieve what he wishes. He will shamelessly lie, shamelessly disrespect elders and seniors, shamelessly abuse his own parents, behave shamelessly, dress shamelessly, etc. In fact, if hayaa (shame and respect) is totally eradicated, one’s Imaan is in grave danger. One will be prepared to even forego his Imaan in order to acquire his goal. The reality of this is clearly evident in the many cases where, after becoming involved in illicit relationships, people have given up their Imaan merely to marry the non-muslim they have fallen in love with. Thus we find shamelessness, which led to the illicit relationship taking place, eventually resulted in the loss of Imaan!!! Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) has declared in his Mubaarak Hadith: “Imaan and hayaa are companions. When one leaves, the other follows.” (Bayhaqi #7331) In this era of fitna, almost everything is calculated and designed to destroy hayaa. From the media to dressing styles, from chocolate wrappers to billboards, everything is vigorously promoting shamelessness and obscenity. The only security and protection a believer possesses by which he will be able to save his Imaan and respect is to increase the levels of hayaa in his life. Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: “Hayaa is an integral part of Imaan.” (Ibn Maajah #58) Ihyaaudden

Do not believe everything you read! ‘Don’t believe everything you read’ – These were the words of wisdom of the great Shaykh ‘Abdullah Sirajuddin (rahimahullah), the senior Teacher of my Honourable Shaykh, Al-Muhaddith Muhammad ‘Awwamah (may Allah protect him). He offered this advice to Shaykh ‘Awwamah in his early days of study, after he approached his Teacher to clarify a dodgy incident about Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) which he had just read the night before. Shaykh ‘Awwamah states: ‘While he (Shaykh ‘Abdullah) was teaching us the famous book in Hanafi Fiqh; Al-Ikhtiyar in the fifth year, I came to his lesson one day after reading a strange incident about Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah); that great unique Imam who had served Islam so faithfully. According to this narrative, Imam Bukhari was asked about an infant boy and girl who were fed the milk of the same goat. Can they marry each other? The narrative claimed that Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) said that they will not be able to do so (due to them being foster siblings) So the ‘Ulama of the town had banished him due to his extreme ignorance! When I quoted this to Shaykh ‘Abdullāh (rahimahullah), he addressed me with complete dignity and wisdom, calmly saying: “Don’t believe everything you read.” Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah elaborates: ‘By Allah, this statement served as an enormous lesson for me, a module for me to follow. It was an entire code of conduct that he summarised in one sentence! I heard it from him fifty years ago which I now quote for others to benefit.’ (Golden Guidelines) Lessons for us The first lesson here is that whenever we encounter information that is questionable, or which seems odd to us, we should immediately refer it to the senior knowledgeable people that we have access to. Unfortunately, in our era, people hardly ever bother to verify the information they receive or pass on. This has fatal consequences. We shouldn’t be so naive as to accept everything that is thrown at us, unless the sender is a reliable authority in the field that pertains to that piece of information… We most definitely need to check the status of whatever we are reading, be that in a book, on a screen or on social media. The Social Media Pitfall Social media has undoubtedly put a world of information literally at people’s fingertips. In addition to its benefits, mass-misinformation is just one of its many pitfalls. Many of us are gullible, and believe whatever we read. That is exactly the opposite of the purpose of this article! Some of us merely see the sender, and suffice with that. As if to mean that the one who sent it to me is the original source! The sender probably also thought the same when he received it… The ‘Copy & Paste’ trend It’s no secret that people ‘copy and paste’ all the time without quoting their original source. This is wrong in itself. You may read a full article on it here. Just one evil outcome of this ‘copy and paste’ trend is that by the time it reaches the third or fourth hand, the original source is forgotten, thus removing real credibility from that statement. That is if the source is really credible. But how would we know that? The message we are reading could just be some bogus drivel… Therefore, we are cautioned: Do not believe everything you read!! That really seems difficult in our era, especially since many are in the habit of having conviction on whatever is thrown at them! May Allah Ta’ala grant us the true realisation of the above. Ameen. al-miftah

Iddah duration for a revert Q. Respected mufti sahib, A womans husband died,at that time she is a non,muslim ,immediately after that a muslim wants to marry.she is prepared to accept islaam prior to nikah.what iddah must she observe before nikah. is it three menstrual cycles or four months and ten days (Question published as received) A. It is compulsory on her to wait out the Iddah period before performing Nikah. Her Iddah will be four lunar months and ten days (130 days) as per the verse of the Qur’an which stipulates that the Iddah of a woman whose husband has passed away is four months and ten days. (Qur’an, 2: 234, Bada’i’us Sanai’i, Vol: 3, Pg: 192) After the completion of her Iddah, she may get married to a Muslim man if she accepts Islam. And Allah Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Confirmation: Mufti Moosa Salie Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)

Be a good parent Translated by Muhammad Saifur Rahman Nawhami [All praise is to Allah, the most merciful and the very kind. Peace be upon Muhammad, His final messenger and a mercy to all mankind. The prophet of Allah said, “All of you are responsible and will be asked regarding your responsibility”. Know this that one of the greatest responsibility and honour that Allah gives is the upbringing of children. The action of a good child resonates beyond one’s life whilst the result of a bad child can have dire consequences. - Saif] You should know that [raising of children] is worthy of serious consideration. The reason being the good or bad habit that solidifies during childhood remains an entire lifetime. As such will mention these in order from childhood to adolescence. [strength] Have the child nursed with a pious and practicing woman; milk has a major effect. It is the habit of women that sometimes they scare the child with the police and [sometimes with other] fearful things; this is bad as it weakens the child’s heart. Have a time fixed for suckling milk and feeding food so [that the child] remains healthy. Keep the child clean as this maintains well-being. Do not overly dress up the child. If the child is a boy do not increase the hair. If it is a girl, until she is of age to cover, do not put jewellery on her; firstly, this puts her safety at risk and secondly it is not good for them to be interested in jewellery from childhood. [benevolence] Have the child give food, cloth, money and such [charity] with their hands. Similarly, have them distribute food and drink items between their brothers and sisters so that they develop a habit of generosity. However, that which you have them give, ensure it belongs to you; it is inappropriate to force them to give what is already theirs. Mention the negatives of a glutton but never by name. Rather say that a person who eats in such a manner people call them a beggar or consider them a cow. If it is a boy, develop an appeal towards white clothing and instil distaste for gaudy and pompous clothing. [say] that girls wear such clothing and you masha-Allah are a man; consistently discuss such matter. If it is a girl, even then do not let them form a habit of excessive hair styles and wearing pretentious clothing. [Prudence] Do not fulfil all their demand as it corrupts the character. Stop them from screaming whilst talking especially if it is a girl; rebuke them properly or else this will become a habit when they have grown up. Prevent them from the sitting and playing with children who have poor habits, runaway from study or are accustomed to pretentious eating and clothing. Continue to make them abhor anger, lying, being jealous of others, stealing, stirring trouble, being obstinate, naively fabricating stories, incessantly speaking without benefit, aimlessly laughing or excessive laughing, deceiving, and not caring about right and wrong. If they do any of these immediately stop it and warn them. If they break something or hit someone give them an appropriate punishment. The show of love in such matters will forever loose the child. [Competence] Do not let them sleep in the early morning (late into the night). Build a habit of [them] waking early. When they are seven, develop a habit of them praying salah. When they are able to go to madrasah, first have the Quran taught to them. To the upmost possibility have them taught by a pious teacher. Never give them any consideration in missing madrasah. Now and then tell them stories of the pious. Do not let them read books which contain romance, subjects contravening Islam, futile stories and songs. Have them read stories which teach them matters of din and necessary life skills. After returning from madrasah, allow them to play to relax their mind somewhat so that their temperament does not become dry. However, the play should be such that it contains no sin or fear of being hurt. Do not give them money to buy fireworks, chimes or to enjoy wasteful items. Do not create a habit of them showing them games and spectacles. Definitely teach the children such a skill that at times of need and necessity they can earn enough for themselves and their family to get by. Give girls at least enough education that they can write and calculate essentials of the house. [Autonomous] Accustom the children to do the work with their own hand. They should not become decrepit or lazy. Tell them to do their own bed at night, in the morning wake early, fold and put it away properly. [Have them] put the clothing stacks orderly. If clothing rips, they should stitch it themselves. Even if clothing is dirty they should not be place in a spot where there is a possibility of parasites or mice. [The child] should give clothing to the laundrette after they themselves have counted it and written it down. They should check and count when they pick up. Emphasise to girls regarding the jewellery on themselves, before sleeping and on awakening, they should take care properly. Tell the girls to attentively observe and understand the rationale for the work that is done in the house for cooking, stitching, dying, and assembling. [Trust] Do not let the child do anything secretively be it playing, eating or any other engagement. Make them responsible for a task that requires effort which maintains health and spirit and staves off laziness. Boys should rustle, lift and walk a mile or so and girls should grind the mill and spin the wheel. The added benefit is that they will not consider these works an embarrassment. Emphasise that they do not dash whilst walking; their gaze should be lowered when walking. Accustom them to be humble in terms of speech, walk and behaviour. They should not be smug so much so that they should boast to their peers about their clothing, house, family, books, pen, ink and writing pad. At times give them some money to buy what they like but instil within them that do not hide from you what they buy. Teach them the manners of eating and the decorum of sitting and leaving a gathering. Originally published in ijtima.org, art. 97 (23 Rabi I 1432 / 25 Jan 2014). Original in Urdu published in Behesti Zewar by Thanwi, Hakim al-Ummat. 1347. Dehli, India; Muqim Book Depo p. 306

REARING AND TRAINING CHILDREN Some important advice with regard to rearing and training children will be enumerated here. 1.Remember well that habits acquired in childhood are enduring. Good or bad traits and attributes acquired by the child will remain with him/her life long. It is, therefore, imperative to maintain a diligent eye on the habits which a child picks up and develops in his character. 2.Never frighten a child. Some mothers, in order to induce obedience in the child, scare the child by speaking of ghosts, etc. This is exceptionally bad. The child will grow up with a weak heart. Instead of inculcating courage, parents very ignorantly induce cowardice in their children. 3.Have fixed times for their eating. Do not spoil their habits and their health with irregular eating habits. 4.Let them use a miswaak from an early age. Let them wash their mouths after everything they eat, even after having drunk milk. 5.Teach them to wash their hands before and after meals. 6.Teach children all the Islamic etiquettes of eating, drinking, sleeping, wearing garments, entering and leaving the toilet, etc. 7.When the child is able to talk, teach it first the Name of Allah Ta’ala. Even long before it can talk, parents should recite Qur’anic verses, the Names of Allah and the Kalimah to the child. The infant’s mind is receptive and it retains what it sees and hears. 8.Parents should not become nude in the presence of even a six-month baby. 9.Do not create in the child the love for luxury and adornment. Styles and fashions should be banished. Imbue in them simplicity. 10.Now and then clothe children with patched garments even if you are wealthy. Courtesy of [email protected] Source

Manners for Young Children 1. Teach children to use the right hand for eating, drinking, giving and taking. To eat and drink while sitting, and to stay, ‘Bismillah’ before eating and, ‘Alhamdulillah’ after finishing. 2. Teach children hygienic etiquette, to clip fingernails and toe nails, and to wash hands before and after eating. 3. Teach them how to clean themselves after using the toilet and how to keep urine off their clothes. 4. Correct their mistakes kindly and privately without scolding them. 5. Instruct them to listen to the Adhaan quietely and repeat the words of Adhaan after the Muadhin, then to ask Allah to exalt the mention of the Prophet [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] and supplicate the following, ‘O Allah, the Rabb (Lord) of this complete invitation, and the ready prayer, grant Muhammad the means and the virtue, and raise him to a praised rank which You have promised him.’ 6. Assign each of them a separate bed, if possible, otherwise a separate cover. It is most preferable to have a room for girls and another for boys. 7. Instruct them to remove harmful objects off the road and not to throw litter on it. 8. Warn against bad company and against loitering. 9. Greet children with Assalaamu alaykum at home, in school, and in public. 10. Instruct children to be kind to neighbours and to be helpful to them, and avoid bothering or disturbing them. 11. Instruct them to be courteous to guests and to treat them with generosity. The rule of Music and Singing It is the duty of the educators to warn children against listening to music and singing. Allah states, ‘And of men who take idle talk to lead men away from the path of Allah without knowledge, and make fun of it. For such there will be humiliating punishment.’ (31:6) Most scholars are agreed that idle talk is nothing but singing. Ibn Mas’ood [radhiallaahu anhu] said the same. Allah also addressed Satan saying, ‘And excite whoever you can with your sound.’ (17:64) The Prophet [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] said, ‘There will be from my Ummah those who will deem as lawful; fonircation, silk (for Muslim males), liquor and music.’ The great scholar Mujahid and others said, ‘The sound of Satan is music and singing.’ Singing of Today Most, if not all, of the singing today talks about love, voluptuous desires, kissing and details of a woman’s body and other sexual connotations, things that excite the youth and incite them to establish illicit relations. The best way to combat the habit of listening to music is reading the Qur’aan and the rememberance of Allah, and reading the Seerah or the biography of the Prophet [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam]. Part of article: Guidelines for Raising Children Abdul Rahman Abdullah Manderolla [source: Madrasa In’aamiyyah] Source

Un/Happily Ever After? There is no denying the fact that our community faces a crisis with the alarming rate of divorces. Marriages are ended for trivial reasons with Talaaqs issued in outbursts of anger. The fact that Talaaq is the most hated of permitted acts in the sight of Allah ought to give us pause. The fact that the enormity of Talaaq is such that its utterance causes the Arsh of Allah to shake ought to make us seriously consider. Instead we find a blatant disregard for the seriousness of this matter and Talaaqs fly around as if it is the order of the day. There are many issues contributing to the breakdown of our marriages. One of the most worrying issues is the incorrect mental conditioning of the spouses in regards to the reality of marriage. This conditioning develops through television, magazines and the various forms of media that assail us every day. The sad part is that we invite the moral and social destruction of our children by embracing these media wholeheartedly turning a blind eye to its disastrous consequences. From this mental conditioning, the demand for extravagant wedding emerges. The "dream wedding day" image that is now ingrained in the mind after watching hundreds of weddings on the television must be achieved at any cost. At times, the poor groom who is Hafizul Quran is forced to endure the agony of being paraded in the women's section because of his bride's insistence on the same. The catchphrase: "You're only a bride once!" rings in the bride's mind. Little realising that with today's divorce rate, the chances of being a bride again are far from slim. Added to the challenge of unshackling ourselves from this mental conditioning is the added pressure that society exerts on our lives. The need to live up to societal expectations and to show that we are also someone, are hurdles that not many of us are willing to surmount. At times, the bride being blessed with Islamic understanding, wishes for a simple wedding only to be overruled by parents who are more concerned about what society thinks than their own daughter’s happiness. In stark contrast to this thinking, is the Hadith of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam, “The marriage with the greatest blessings is the one with easiest expenditure.”(Ahmad) Note the actual words of the Hadith, “easiest expenditure”. This does not denote quantity but rather the avoidance of difficulty. A person may spend on their wedding but not at the expense of the wedding becoming a financial burden. Rather, the wedding must fit comfortably within each person's financial budget. Even for those with the financial ability to comfortably afford lavish weddings, moderation is required. The Hadith teaches us, “Being moderate in spending is half of living.”(Shuabul Imaan) Further, the Quran warns us, "Do not be extravagant, for Allah loves not those who are extravagant." (Surah 7, Verse 31) A recent paper published by the Emory University's Department of Economics titled 'A Diamond is Forever' and Other Fairy Tales, is one of the first studies to statistically evaluate the wedding industry's marketing strategy that an expensive wedding leads to a longer-lasting (successful) marriage. An excerpt from this paper provides interesting reading on how clever marketing has successfully fleeced people of billions in unnecessary expense: “In 2014, wedding industry revenues are projected to exceed $50 billion in the United States. According to a national survey conducted annually by the top wedding website, TheKnot.com, the average wedding cost was $29,858 in 2013. The wedding industry has grown substantially throughout the twentieth century in part due to the rise of consumerism and industry efforts to commodify love and romance. One example of this was the emergence of bridal magazines, especially Bride's, which played an important role in developing a platform for many service providers to reach consumers and in promoting the necessity of a lavish wedding for a fairy tale marriage. In 1959, Bride's recommended that couples set aside 2 months to prepare for their wedding and published a checklist with 22 tasks for them to complete. By the 1990s, the magazine recommended 12 months of wedding preparation and published a checklist with 44 tasks to complete. Another example of industry efforts to commodify love and romance is that of marketing campaigns for diamond engagement rings. Several of the most well-known campaigns were by De Beers, the global diamond company. In the late 1930s, De Beers created the slogan “a diamond is forever,” which was rated the number one slogan of the century by Advertising Age (1999). The campaign aimed to link the purchase of a diamond engagement ring to the hope of a long-lasting marriage. In the 1980s, De Beers introduced another influential campaign, which sought to increase the standard for how much should be spent on an engagement ring with slogans such as “Isn't two months' salary a small price to pay for something that lasts forever?” These marketing efforts were effective. Prior to World War 2, in Western countries, only 10% of engagement rings contained a diamond. By the end of the century, about 80% did. In 2012, total expenditures on diamond rings were roughly $7 billion in the United States.” Alarmingly, the research also found that as the expenditure of the wedding increased, so too did the likeliness of the marriage to end in divorce. We must endeavour at all costs to ensure the success of our marriages. No one gets married intending to get divorced but at times we make wrong decisions that unwittingly put our marriages at risk. The wedding day is the foundation of the marriage. With a strong foundation even the tallest of buildings will stand while even a hut will collapse on a shaky foundation. Let our weddings be built on the foundations of Imaan, Taqwa and the Sunnah of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam and then see the reality of 'Happily Ever After'. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

The Road from Makkah By Khalid Baig Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime on those who can afford it, but it benefits the entire Ummah. Islam's acts of worship have multiple dimensions and they are organized at multiple layers. Daily Salat, for example, provides occasion for gathering in the neighborhood Masjid five times a day. The Friday Salat provides a larger weekly gathering and also includes a Khutbah to give this gathering a direction and purpose. The twice-a-year Eid Salats provide a gathering for the entire city. Hajj is the last in this sequence; an annual world wide gathering of the entire Ummah at the most sacred of all places. Its role is that of the heart and liver in the human body. The heart sucks in the tired blood, which is then filtered and rejuvenated by the liver, and sent again to all parts of the body by the heart. Similarly, Hajj brings in members of this Ummah, rejuvenates their faith, spiritual energy, and commitment, and sends them back to their communities to spread the blessings far and wide. Its most powerful message is about Tauheed (monotheism) and Akhirat (the hereafter), two of the pillars of faith. If Hajj is a form of Jihad, as some ahadith mention, its battle cry is "Labbaik Allahumma Labaik" "I am here Oh Allah, I am here. There is no partner unto You. All praise and blessings and sovereignty belong to you. There is no partner unto You." From the moment the pilgrim dons his Ihram, he profusely makes this pronouncement during all waking hours until he has stoned the Shaytan on the 10th of Zul-Hijjah. As for the Hereafter, Hajj is itself a replay of our death and resurrection. The Ihram, the two unstitched pieces of white cloth that replace dress for men, reminds us of the burial shroud. The gathering on the plain of Arafat reminds us of the time when everyone will be resurrected in the Hereafter to stand before Allah and give account of their deeds. Built on these twin foundations of faith is the example of Sayyidna Ibrahim, alayhis-salam, that is reflected in many of the rites of Hajj. That example can be summarized in two words: love and obedience. Unwavering love for Allah; unfailing obedience to Him. This also is the message of Hajj. Hajj is at once an intensely personal and a superbly collective act of worship. Today its role in our collective life has been severely watered down by the rulers over the land of Hajj and by an Ummah that has lost touch with its mission. Today, upon arrival the pilgrims are sorted out on the basis of their passports and are reminded at every turn that they are members of a nation-state and not the one Ummah. Today, every expression that aims at mobilizing this Ummah to stand up collectively to the challenges it faces is brutally suppressed during Hajj. Today the landscape of Makkah and Madinah has also been changed beyond recognition, through obscene attempts at emulating Europe, thereby producing a historic disconnect for the holy land. Today pilgrims have been separated from each other as well as from their glorious history. So it may be helpful to remind ourselves that Hajj is associated with major turning points and milestones in Islamic History. In fact the history of the Islamic state begins with Hajj. It was here in the 11th year of Prophethood (July 620 C.E) that the first pledge of Aqaba took place, followed two years later by the second pledge that was the basis for Hijrah and the establishment of the Islamic state in Madinah. Just a decade later, it was here that the mission of the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam reached its peak when 124,000 companions performed Hajj with the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam in 10 AH. The Khutbah of the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam delivered during the Last Hajj is the most important historical document for the entire humanity. It proclaimed: "There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab, nor for the white over the black nor for the black over the white except through Taqwa (Allah Consciousness)." It declared the sanctity of life, honour, and property: "Oh people! Verily your blood, your property and your honour are sacred and inviolable until you appear before your Lord, just as the sacred inviolability of this day of yours, this month of yours and this town of yours." It set down a fundamental principle of justice: "Beware! No one is responsible for a crime but the person who committed it. Neither the child is responsible for the crime of the father, nor is the father responsible for the crime of his child." Other celebrated declarations like the Magna-Carta and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights pale in comparison to this proclamation made fourteen centuries ago. For a world submerged in total darkness, this new proclamation would have to be spread through the Ummah that was produced out of the Jahilya (ignorant) society through twenty three years of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance by the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam. To them it reminded: "Every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim and all the Muslims form one brotherhood… Take heed not to go astray after me and strike one another's necks." And for the generations to come it also pointed out the way to safeguard this greatest of all revolutions: "I am leaving two things with you such that if you hold on fast to them you will not go astray: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah." Those standing that day at the plain of Arafat were the best of humanity. They took the torch and spread the light in four corners of the world, ushering in a new era of peace and justice. They liberated mankind from servitude to false gods and turned it to only the service to the Creator. With the passage of time, their followers gradually became weak in their faith and corrupt in their practices. Darkness returned to the world. Today the world is such a dark place where Zionism and racism flourish and the strong devour the weak because "Might is right". The road from Makkah is full of returning pilgrims who bring back Zamzam, dates, and many souvenirs. These are all great. But what we need the most is the message that was proclaimed there by the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam 1400 years ago.

Regulating a prolonged menstrual cycle during Iddah Question and Answer: Q. I recently got divorced and I’m in Iddah. I finished my two periods but my third is taking longer than usual to come. It has now been over a month. Can I take the pill to regulate my period or will my Iddah be over because 3 months finished? (Question published as received) A. You can take the pill to regulate your period together with consulting a doctor. You will have to wait for your 3rd menstrual cycle to complete for the termination of your Iddah as this is the law of the Qur’an with regards to menstruating women. The Iddah will not end after 3 months as this rule only applies to non-menstruating women. And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Confirmation: Mufti Moosa Salie Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)

The Overnight Qari your essential guide to reciting beautifully Learn how to recite beautifully with our free 50-page ebook. You will learn tajweed tips, the basics of the tune patterns used in recitation, as well as several vocal techniques to help you beautify the sound of your recitation. DOWNLOAD HERE

Nasihah (Advice): Marriage should not be delayed unnecessarily: The Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said: “O young men, whoever among you is able to marry (by possessing the physical and financial ability), let him get married. Whoever is not able to, he must fast, for it will be a shield for him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari) Q. A person has money to go for Hajj but also needs to get married. If he gets married, he will no longer have sufficient money to go for Hajj. Should he go for Hajj or should he get married? (Question published as received) A. If he fears that he will fall into sin if he does not get married soon, he should use the funds that he has to get married and he should delay his Hajj till he has sufficient funds to perform Hajj. If he feels that he will remain chaste till he gets married later on, he should perform Hajj first and thereafter get married as soon as he can. (al-Hajj wal-Umrah by Sheikh Nurud Din Itr, Pg: 23) And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Confirmation: Mufti Ismaeel Bassa Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Multiple intentions in Nafl Salaah Q. If you enter the Musjid, can you make two Rakaats tahiyyatul Musjid along with other intentions like Salaatul Taubah, Shukr etc?? (Question published as received) A. You can make multiple intentions in one set of Nafl (non-obligatory) Salaah. For example, you can make the intention of Tahiyyatul Musjid as well as the intention of performing Salaatut Taubah, Shukr, Salaatul Hajah, etc. (ad-Durrul Mukhtar, Vol: 1, Pg: 440) And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Confirmation: Mufti Ismaeel Bassa Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

When the Husband is Angry "If a husband becomes angry at his wife, he should stop and think to himself, ‘How would I expect my son in law to treat my daughter if she made a mistake? My wife is also someone’s daughter and I am also someone’s son-in-law. Therefore, I should control my temper and treat her appropriately.’” Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat shaykh.org

Assalaamu 'alaykum jazakallah for sharing the masnoon dua app. Unfortunately no advertising whatsoever is allowed on the forum so your post had to be edited. You are very welcome to post beneficial posts from authentic sources

reference 1: reference 2: reference 3: Emphasis on last paragraph. (Click on pictures to enlarge)

Shamaail – Hadith 3 عن البراء بن عازب قال : كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم رجلا مربوعا بعيد ما بين المنكبين ، عظيم الجمة إلى شحمة أذنيه ، عليه حلة حمراء ، ما رأيت شيئا قط أحسن منه . Hadhrat Baraa’ bin Aazib (Radiyallahu Anhu) relates: “Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was a man of medium height (however slightly taller than medium height as was explained before), he had broad shoulders (from which we understand that he had a broad chest), he had dense hair which reached his mubaarak ear-lobes. He wore a red-striped pair of clothes (i.e. red-striped lungi and shawl). I never saw anything more handsome than him (i.e. Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).” Commentary In this Hadith, the words رجلا مربوعا is mentioned, which if the letter ‘jeem’ is read with a ‘dhamma’, then it would translate as ‘a man’. This meaning could be intended. In this case the word رجل was added for the purpose of joining. In the Arabic language there are certain similar words which don’t give any extra meaning in the sentence, however it was brought for the purpose of joining other words with it. (i.e. the word مربوع is an attribute describing something. Hence, when the word رجل was brought, one will understand that this quality is in reference to the mubaarak height of Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Though the meaning would have been completely understood without adding the word رجل, however it was brought for further clarification). Some Muhadditheen are of the opinion that this word is read with a ‘kasra’ on the ‘jeem’, and thus would translate as ‘between straight and curly’. In this case the word will be in reference to the description of the mubaarak hair of Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), and as explained before, his mubaarak hair had a slight curl in it. From this Hadith, some ulama deduce that it is permissible for men to wear red-coloured clothing. However, according to the Hanafis, there are some details in regard to this issue (which are mentioned in the books of fiqh). Therefore before one chooses to wear red-coloured clothing, one should refer to the ulama and find out regarding its permissibility. The ulama have written that in this Hadith the Sahaabi mentioned that he did not see ‘anything’ more handsome and beautiful than Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). The word ‘anything’ indicates towards the fact that Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)’s beauty did not only excel the human species, instead it also excelled every other creation of Allah Ta’ala e.g. the moon, sun, and every other creation. يَا رَبِّ صَلِّ وَ سَلِّمْ دَائِمًا أَبَدًا عَلَى حَبِيبِكَ خَيرِ الخَلْقِ كُلِّهِمِ

Shamaail – Hadith 2 عن أنس بن مالك رضي الله عنه قال: كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ربعة ، ليس بالطويل ولا بالقصير ، حسن الجسم ، وكان شعره ليس بجعد ولا سبط أسمر اللون ، إذا مشى يتكفأ. Hadhrat Anas (Radiyallahu Anhu) reports: “Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was of a medium stature. He was neither very tall nor short. He was very handsome of medium built and his hair was neither very curly nor very straight (but slightly curly and wavy). He had a wheat-coloured complexion. When he walked, he leaned forward slightly. Commentary In this Hadith, Hadhrat Anas (Radiyallahu Anhu) states that the complexion of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was wheat coloured. In the previous hadith, also narrated by Hadhrat Anas (Radiyallahu Anhu), he states that Sayyiduna Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) did not have a wheat-coloured complexion (as explained in the translation of the previous Hadith). In reality there is no contradiction between these two Ahaadith. Instead, the essence of both Ahaadith is that Sayyiduna Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)’s complexion did not contain within it a deep wheat-colour which is inclining towards darkness and which would cause the beauty and fairness to decrease. Rather, he was extremely fair in complexion with extraordinary beauty with a slight tinge of wheat-colour within it. In this Hadith, the word يتكفأ is used in describing the mubaarak manner in which Sayyiduna Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) walked. The ulama translate this word in several ways. Some say it means to walk in a fast pace. Others are of the opinion that it means to lean a bit forward while walking. Yet others say that it means to lift up one’s legs while walking (and not drag it). All three translations are correct because the mubaarak walk of Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) contained all three descriptions and the word يتكفأ also conveys these three meanings. Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) walked quickly and not like some men who adopt the walk of women. It was also the noble habit of Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) to walk in a way of humility with his head and shoulders leaning slightly forward. He did not walk with his chest pushed out in pride. He lifted his legs as men do while walking and did not drag his legs on the ground. (ihyaauddeen) يَا رَبِّ صَلِّ وَ سَلِّمْ دَائِمًا أَبَدًا عَلَى حَبِيبِكَ خَيرِ الخَلْقِ كُلِّهِمِ

Status of Partnership upon the Death of a Partner Q. My uncle was in a partnership with his brother & nephew. Recently he passed away. Does my uncle’s wife become a partner in the business? If not, what happens to my uncle’s partnership in the business? A. In a business partnership, if a business partner passes away, the partnership of the business partner automatically terminates. The share of the deceased partner will form part of his estate will have to be distributed amongst his rightful heirs according to the Islamic Laws of Succession and Inheritance. However, if the heirs of the deceased partner mutually agree to enter into a new partnership with the other business partners, then they may do so. Thus, in this case, the wife of the deceased and the other heirs should decide if they wish for the estate to be distributed amongst themselves now of whether they wish to enter into a new partnership in the business. And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Ismaeel Bassa Confirmation: Mufti Ebrahim Desai Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians