ummtaalib

Are watching cartoons and animated movies permissible? what is the ruling on watching cartoons and animated movies and playing games ? Answer In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. The permissibility of digital photography and videos is a highly contested issue amongst contemporary ‘Ulamā. Whilst many ‘Ulamā permit this, many others consider it to be the same as typical photography, hence deeming it impermissible. However, there are many other aspects to be considered in cartoons and games that are often overlooked. Cartoons have proved to be extremely detrimental to a child’s health by many researchers and psychologists. Some of the points deduced from these researches are as follows: Children may become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others. Children who watch violence neither fear violence nor are they bothered by violence in general. Children are more likely to become aggressive or resort to harmful actions towards others. High levels of violence in cartoons can make children more aggressive. Animated shows aimed at youngsters often have more brutality than programmes broadcast for general audiences.[1] Children have grown much more interested in cartoons in recent years and it has become the main pastime for them; whereas previously children spent their time in outdoor activities playing with their peers and enjoying different games. Children who consistently spend more than 4 hours a day watching TV are more likely to be overweight and are prone to violence. Kids who see violent acts are more likely to show aggressive behavior and also may fear that the world is scary and that something bad will happen to them. These children are impatient and disobedient. Increases their appetite for more violence in entertainment and in real life. Cartoon violence is damaging to the children because they cannot tell the difference between real life and fiction.The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) both believe that TV does influence the behavior of children as young as one year old. “Children who view shows in which violence is very realistic, frequently repeated or unpunished are more likely to imitate what they see,” AACAP says. This speaks to the impressionable minds of children, who are still learning control of their minds and bodies, and are likely to mimic what they see. AACAP also stresses the need for parents to keep a close eye on what their children watch. “Parents must be there,” AACAP said.[2] Children who watch too much cartoons on television are more likely to have mental and emotional problems, along with brain and eye injuries and unexpectedly the risk of a physical problem increases. From the time children start school to the time that they graduate they are averaged to spend around 18,000 hours watching television. · A tremendous amount of childhood involvement with electronic media can limit social interaction and may obstruct the development of a brain’s social systems. In December 1997, an episode of the Japanese cartoon “Pocket Monster” (later renamed “Pokémon” for international distribution) drew worldwide attention after multiple cases of children suffering seizures after watching the episode were reported (Warner, 2004). “Either high-speed flashes of light or rapid color changes are thought able to induce seizures in vulnerable individuals.” They found this to be the reason for so many seizures in Japan. “Rapid changing stimuli can play havoc with the special cells in the retina called rods and cones that help the eye transmit visual information to the brain.” Cartoons are displaying false sense of reality upon children. At a young age, this false sense of reality can really affect them. The risk of injury rose by about 34% in the children studied. Cartoon makers are intentionally brainwashing their children by secretly placing messages never to be deciphered by the conscious mind, but instead propagating the subconscious, into behaving a certain way. This practice is known as subliminal messaging.[3] It is clear and evident from the points mentioned above that the dilemma does not lie simply in the content of the cartoon but in the harms concomitant to it as well. It is a basic principle in Islam to keep our distance from anything that may reciprocate harm. Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wasallam mentioned: لَا ضَرَرَ وَلَا ضِرَارَ “There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.”[4] These were only the harms confirmed and verified by the scientists. There are many other factors that cartoons contain which Shari’ah deems to by impermissible. Consider the following: Music Subliminal messages making the intermingling with the opposite gender seem normal Justification to the exposure of the satr Instilling immorality within one’s self Inculcating the traits and qualities of the Kuffār Wasting time. Time is very precious according to Islam. Promotion of the many evils viewed in the cartoon Offensive language alcohol and drugs Disrespect to the parents, teachers and elders. Vulgarity Violence It is clear from the above; the harms of watching cartoons are too obvious.[5] And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best AbdulMannan Nizami Student Darul Iftaa Chicago, IL, USA Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai. www.daruliftaa.net

Understanding Television What Can Be Done? By Khalid Baig Television has spread like a wild fire in the world, including the Muslim world. It seems to have overcome the limitations of space and time. Consider place. In Saudi Arabia, one can find the imprints of Hollywood only a few yards away from the Haram, the most sacred of all sanctuaries of Islam. Videocassettes are easily available at stores. A hotel attendant, at a walking distance from the Haram al-Sharif in Makkah can be found busy watching English movies on the television in his office even as the prayers are going on. At the Jeddah airport, the Umrah pilgrims can watch a European beauty contest courtesy of an Egyptian TV channel being broadcast to the airport television sets. Consider time. Ramadan is the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar, a period of time that is to be devoted to direct acts of worship of Allah. Yet, during Ramadan, believers around the world can be found glued to their television sets when they should be busy making dua, doing dhikr and tilawa or offering nafl prayers. Or consider the time of suffering. Hardly a day goes by when we do not get the news of pain and suffering from Palestine, Kashmir, Iraq, Chechnya, Afghanistan, or a dozen other hot spots around the globe. Yet, between all the suffering and grieving that accompanies the tragedy, the dish antennas on the rooftops have been flourishing. In the past at times of catastrophes people would turn to Allah, would stop going to the cinema houses, and would repent from sins, even though temporarily. Today, there is an ever-increasing appetite for the television fun. This is also true in the lands closest to the areas of suffering. On days when a strike is called to protest Indian atrocities in Kashmir, the video stores in Karachi run out of videos of Indian movies. Throughout the world religious, moral and social values have been drastically undermined by this great "technological gift" of the century. And entire nations seem to be helplessly "enjoying" the invasion. When people are doing nothing, they watch television. When they are doing something else, they still have television in the background. The device has contributed to the addition of a new space in the architecture of the private home: the TV lounge. It is a space where perfect strangers come to pedal nudity, immorality, and hedonism. This is the space, which increasingly controls the entire house. It is fashionable to complain about "excessive" sex and violence on television. Even those who make money from this enterprise willingly do that. CNN tycoon Ted Turner said in July 93 before a U.S Congressional subcommittee: "I don't need experts to tell me that the amount of violence on television today and its increasingly graphic portrayal can be harmful to children. Television violence is the single most significant factor contributing to violence in America." And a poll released in February 95 in the U.S. by Children Now, whose directors include TV producers and Warner Brothers Chairman, reported that most children believe that what they see on television encourages fornication, disrespect for parents, telling lies, and aggressive behavior. The most significant thing here is that what the TV industry wants us to discuss (and we willingly follow) is what is ON television, not television itself. Everyone will wholeheartedly agree with the problems with TV programs and offer all kinds of advice. (Watch the programs with your children. Tell them what is wrong. Be critical. Be creative.) Irrational and meaningless as it is, this exercise will nonetheless soothe your irritation. In the meantime, keep on watching. It is fun. It is also unavoidable. In about two decades, this "wonderful" technical development has played havoc with societies around the globe. But what is even more unprecedented is the ambivalence with which these societies face this greatest of all invasions. Underlying this is a strongly held belief that television is a neutral tool that can be used with equal facility for good or evil. Unfortunately, this position has been taken without any critical examination of the facts. It is about time that we approached the subject with an open mind.Neutral Tool? Is technology ever neutral? "[Every technology] has within its physical form a predisposition toward being used in certain ways and not others," writes Niel Postman, chair of the department of Communication Arts at New York University. "Only those who know nothing of the history of technology believe that a technology is entirely neutral." (Amusing Ourselves to Death, 1985). What about television? It reflects the idea that serious discourse can be carried out through pictures instead of words. As Postman explains: "The single most important fact about television is that people watch it, which is why it is called ‘television.' And what they watch, and like to watch, are moving pictures?? millions of them, of short duration and dynamic variety. It is in the nature of the medium that it must suppress the content of ideas in order to accommodate the requirements of visual interest." Words and pictures do not occupy the same universe of discourse. A piece of writing requires one to go beyond the shape of the letters to read them. It requires thought to understand what is being said. Television does not require reflection, in fact it does not even permit it. That is why little children can spend hours in front of the mini screen. Television can titillate, it cannot teach. It can bring images into our heart, not ideas into our mind. It appeals to the emotions, not the intellect. But isn't a picture worth a thousand words? Is it? It is important to note that this claim itself is made in words. A picture cannot make any claims. For reason, arguments, claims, and judgment belong in the universe of words not pictures. That is why advertisers love pictures. Consider an ad for, say, Coca-Cola, that just shows young people singing, dancing, having fun, and enjoying the drink. The audiences make the connection between happiness and Coke. This ad cannot be refuted. It makes no claim, so there is nothing to refute.Medium Is The Message The above explains Marshal McLuhan's famous aphorism. The inherent, built in biases of a medium allow certain types of messages and not others. The communication is conditioned by the medium. It is enhanced or distorted by it. The medium is the message. And when the medium is TV, the message is Entertainment. As Postman notes: "Entertainment is the supra ideology of all discourse on television." Whether it is news, science, religion, or education, if it is happening on TV, it must follow the dictates of entertainment. In fact, a new term has been coined indicating a blend of education and entertainment: Edutainment. It smells like the language problem of a TV baby. But remember that it is already being used by the serious press. Which suggests that edutainment will produce even more edutainment!Like A Drug Actually, TV is not just another kind of entertainment either. As a project by the National Institute of Mental Health in the U.S. involving 1200 subjects in nine studies over a 13 year period found in 1990, television is like a drug. The researchers asked the subjects, ages 10 to 82, to note down their activities and moods every time a beeper was activated, which was done randomly. The researchers found that when people sit down to watch TV, particularly for long periods, they tend to be in low moods. The longer they watch, the less able they are to concentrate. As time goes on, they grow sadder, lonelier, more irritable, and more hostile. Although people are relaxed when the television set is on, when they turn it off, they are less relaxed than before they began, "much like a drug that makes people feel better while they are doing it but worse afterward." And just like a drug the weaker segments of the society are its greatest target. Thus in the U.S. blacks tend to watch more TV than whites. And now thanks to satellite TV transmissions over which the poor countries have no control, the rest of the world is being turned into the U.S. black under class.Islamic Work And Television Can this dangerous drug be somehow converted into a medicine? Not too long ago, a young professional in the U.S. approached prominent Muslim scholar and Deputy Cairman of the Jeddah based Islamic Fiqh Council of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), Justice Taqi Usmani to inquire about his profession. He produced computer graphics for the television and motion picture industry. This is the age of the media, and the only effective way to spread Islam today is through television and movies, he argued. If we do not learn the trade how shall we be able to produce such programs and if we don't who will, he inquired. Yet, some people had told him that it was not a good profession. "I have given a lot of anxious thought to this issue," replied Justice Usmani in his characteristic measured tone, weighing every word. "And I have reached the conclusion that the cause of Islam cannot be served through television, especially under the current circumstances. You should seek another line of work." Frankly, there are lot of enthusiasts who may be totally bewildered by this answer for it challenges both conventional wisdom as well as some dearly held dreams. They may even consider anyone making this suggestion as belonging to the Flat Earth Society: backward, anti-progress, ignorant of today's realities. Let us grant them their day in court and look at their case objectively. The enthusiasts have shown interest in three primary areas. The first deals with propagation of Islam. There are lots of sincere Muslims putting lot of hope in a yet-to-be-released video that will attract the people of the world to Islam by the thousands. They are simply confusing Dawah with propaganda! Dawah means inviting people to the Straight Path by relaying the True Message to them without any distortion. It is a very serious message and requires a serious medium to deliver it. The message is for their own benefit and what they do with it is their own business. Our job is done once we have communicated the message correctly. Our job is not to manipulate people into submission to Allah any more than it is to coerce them into it. A Dawah worker is a teacher, a propagandist is a manipulator. Television is a good tool for manipulating, not for teaching. The second area deals with the education ("edutainment") of children. Many videos have already been produced for this purpose. In one program from a popular series of such videos, a puppet named Adam drives a skateboard to the mosque. Scenes of Adam doing his antics are mixed with the videos of real children praying. But there is no doubt that Adam is the hero of this story. Here is a clear case of the medium distorting the message. The children who learn to pray this way may learn the mechanics of Salat, but they would have paid a terrible price for it. The idea of Salat will be associated in their mind with the images of puppets, skateboards, and the idea of fun. Missing will be the spiritual dimension of prayer, the solemnness and grace of this pillar of Islam. Such videos are very popular as they help assuage the guilt feelings of parents over their failure to control the TV in the first place. To be fair there is a useful role for these videos but it is not normally perceived. Doctors use nicotine patches to help their patients stop smoking. Nicotine is not a medicine, but it becomes therapeutic under the circumstances. Similarly, the TV addicts may be helped by such videos to get over their addiction. It might work if that is the goal. But this is very different from the view that here is a Brave New Way of teaching Islam. The children and their parents must realize that ultimately they have to learn their religion the old fashioned way: read books, listen to lectures, work hard. The third type of videos are used by relief organizations showing the terrible situation of Muslims in Kashmir, Bosnia, Palestine and elsewhere. The intentions are noble, the results look great. But someone must ask the hard question: Why should the Muslims need disaster pornography before they can come to the help of their brothers and sisters? What are the implications of this practice for both present and future? There are, of course, cases where the TV is being used against its grain, where the only video is that of a talking head. Such Islamic programs in Egypt or Saudi Arabia, as elsewhere, may not contain all the dangers cited above, solely because there the TV is being used just as an expensive radio. The problem is such programs will not be able to withstand the onslaught of CNN or MTV, of dazzling colors and dynamic pictures. The question remains how long can you use a tool against its grain? The simple fact is that no one buys a TV and VCR because they desperately wanted to learn about Islam and it was the best way of doing it. The TV lounge is not a study room and all the Islamic videos in the world are not going to make it one. It is a peace of Hollywood. The rest is camouflage or self-deception. The earlier we get out of it, the better.What Can Be Done?Television is powerful. It is everywhere. Is there anything that us mortals can do about it? The answer is yes. Things can be done at individual, as well as collective levels. At the individual level, try using the ON/OFF switch. It takes some effort and will power, but the device can be turned off. The key is to involve the entire family. Those nervous about the idea may rest assured that there is no known disease linked to lack of exposure to TV! Also those who have tried it know that it becomes easier with time. Community Organizations and Islamic Schools can help by educating the people about the perils of watching TV, countering the social pressures, and providing healthy alternatives. Ramadan: The TV Free Month. Our best chance of kicking the television habit comes in Ramadan every year. It is the time of year when every Muslim who has any trace of Iman in his or her heart, is naturally inclined toward doing good and staying away from evil. And it should be like that. Did not the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, curse the Muslim who finds Ramadan but does not use it to seek forgiveness for his previous sins? If we cannot leave sins or vain activities during Ramadan, when can we? We not only have the strongest moral and religious reasons to do so, it is also easy because the regular activities of Ramadan leave little time to be wasted in front of television. Muslim organizations and communities will do a great service by launching a campaign to declare Ramadan as the TV free month. Urge all the Muslims in your community to turn it off for at least one month. And who knows, after one month many may decide to stay away from it because of the personal insights they got through the experience. Of course, if you are convinced, do not wait until the next Ramadan. Start today. By Khalid Baig Courtesy: www.everymuslim.net

The Search for Laylatul Qadr Hazrat Aisha Radhiyallahu Anha reports Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, “Search for the Night of Power in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadhan.”(Bukhari) Hazrat Aisha Radhiyallahu Anha once asked Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam, “If I find Laylatul Qadr, what Dua should I recite?” Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam replied: اَللّٰهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي “O Allah! Verily You are most forgiving. You love to forgive, therefore forgive me.” (Tirmizi) Hazrat Anas Radhiyallahu Anhu reports that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, “When Laylatul Qadr occurs, Jibraeel Alayhis Salaam descends with a very large group of angels onto earth, making Dua-e-Rahmah (mercy) for those engaged in Salaah, remembrance of Allah and other acts of worship.” (Mazhari)

Taking Zakaah beyond Ramadaan by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh) Alhamdulillah, we find that with the commencement of Ramadaan, thousands of Muslims begin to contribute to different noble causes – whether these are specific for Ramadaan, such as providing Iftaar, Sehri or hampers for the poor, or whether in respect to the general efforts made to alleviate the plight of those who are suffering in different parts of the world. …So monies begin to pour in by way of Zakaah, Sadaqah and Lillah – Alhamdulillah. May Allah Ta’ala accept the different contributions. There is, however, one shortfall when it comes to the payment of Zakaah, and that is, that the majority choose to give their Zakaah in the month of Ramadaan, thinking that they are getting a greater reward giving in Ramadaan; whereas for many, their Zakaah was sometimes due months before. This deliberate delay in payment of Zakaah makes the person a faasiq (an open transgressor). …Even though one is paying later and that too, in the blessed month of Ramadaan, one reaches Ramadaan and one enters Ramadaan, as a flagrant sinner. Allah Ta’ala save us and forgive us. The setback to this pattern and tendency is that we have an overwhelming amount of Zakaah and charity paid out in the month of Ramadaan. And since Zakaah is something which needs to be distributed and discharged as soon as possible, we find that for the next 11 months, many organisations do not have such funds to continue their assistance to the poor and needy – because of the imbalance created. If everyone paid his or her Zakaah timeously, when it is due – whether Muharram, Safar, Rabiul Awwal, Rajab, instead of all being given out in the month of Ramadaan – then some equilibrium would be established in the discharge of Zakaah and in the assistance rendered to the poor and needy for the remaining year. Moreover, this payment of Zakaah in its correct time, should not thereafter make the giver negligent in spending in other avenues at other times. We should increase our generosity in the month of Ramadaan and also spend whenever and wherever there may be a call for assistance – and that spending should be from our wealth. …Because Zakaah is not our wealth. It does not belong to us, that we can keep and use as we wish. It rightfully belongs to the poor. It is their wealth. So we should be giving from our own wealth, over and above Zakaah. Furthermore, when giving Zakaah or Sadaqah, then it is very important to keep in mind, the dignity of the recipient and to give with respect and consideration. Many people consider that they are doing a favour to the poor and needy when giving charity, and they do so in a manner which demeans and debases the poor and needy. Let us understand this point: We are in need of them. The reality is that we are the needy ones, for if there were no poor, needy and destitute people in the world, to whom would we give our Zakaah and discharge that due? To whom would we give our Sadaqaat and draw rewards? Moreover, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam) described the poor as ‘very rich people’ and directed us to keep contact with them and spend on them because on the Day of Judgment they will be told to lead every such person who favoured them, into Jannah. Other Ahaadeeth describe how, in the Hereafter, the poor will be the ones who will come to the assistance of those who did them a good turn in the worldly life. The poor will thus become the means of najaat (salvation) for many who may have been very wealthy in this worldly life. They may even be the ones who will hold our hands and take us with them into Jannah. Thus, we need to be conscious and mindful of the dignity and self-respect of the poor. They too have a right to respect. May Allah Ta’ala grant us this understanding, grant us the Taufeeq to practice accordingly, grant us sincerity in our spending and accept our Zakaah, Sadaqaat and other humble efforts to please Him. Source

Pornography - Preventative Measures

If there was thumbs up emoticon, i would use at least three...hmm maybe we should have it here

No issue at all. If unclear we will ask for clarification Allah ta'ala accept everyone's efforts and make it a means of benefit for all of us in both worlds. Jazaakallaah

16th Night Taraweeh Summary This Taraaweeh begins from the last quarter of the 19th para (from verse 7 of Surah Naml) and finishes off at the end of the 20th para (verse 44 of Surah Ankaboot). Allaah relates the detail incidents of Hadhrat Dawood (A.S) and Hadhrat Sulaymaan (A.S). The stories of these two illustrious Ambiya (A.S) begins with verse 15 where Allaah says, “Indeed We granted knowledge to Dawood and Sulaymaan.” Amongst the many bounties that Allaah conferred on them was that He taught them the language of the birds and also granted them control over the Jinn, humans, animals and birds. Allaah recounts these incidents so that people may learn lessons and realise the power of Allaah. Hear Mufti A Hoosen Elias audio summary of the 16th night of Taraaweeh Download Now End 19th Para - Start 20th Para Allaah also declares, “Say, ‘None in the heavens and the earth has knowledge of the unseen besides Allaah. They do not even know when they will be resurrected (for the Day of Qiyaamah).” [verse 65] None besides Allaah has knowledge of when Qiyaamah will take place. However people are assured that “Indeed your Rabb knows what their hearts conceal and what they disclose.” [verse 74] Towards the end of the Surah Allaah describes the scene of Qiyaamah when He says, “The day when the trumpet will be blown and all within the heavens and the earth will be terrified, except those whom Allaah wills. They will all come to Allaah in humility. You will look at the mountains, thinking them to be solid, but they will be passing by like clouds. This is the doing of Allaah, Who perfects everything. Indeed He is Informed of what you do. Whoever brings a good deed, shall receive something better. And they will be safe from the terror of that day. Whoever brings a sin, they will fall on their faces in the Fire. ‘You are only recompensed for what you have perpetrated.” [verses 87 to 90] In concluding the Surah Allaah assures man, “Your Rabb is not unaware of what you do.” [verse 93] Every person should therefore be wary of whatever he does. Surah Qasas commences after Surah Shu’araa and recounts the entire incident of Hadhrat Moosa (A.S) and Fir'oun. The Surah also makes mention of Qaaroon and his immense fortune, which caused him to become extremely arrogant. As a result of his attitude Allaah caused the ground to swallow him up along with all his wealth. Allaah then tells Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) that he is informed of these narratives so that he may caution the kuffaar. If they take heed, they stand a chance of being saved from Allaah’s terrible punishment. If not, they stand to face an awful doom. Allaah then prompts the kuffaar to think a while. Allaah says, “Say, ‘Tell me. If Allaah makes the night perpetual for you till the Day of Qiyamah, which deity besides Him can bring light to you? Can you not hear?’ Say, ‘Tell me. If Allaah makes the day perpetual for you till the Day of Qiyamah, which deity besides Him can bring night to you, wherein you may find peace? Can you not see?” [verses 71/2] Allaah states further in verse 73, “Due to His mercy, He has created the day and the night for you so that you may find peace therein, seek from His bounty, and express your gratitude to Him.” Allaah exhorts his Prophet (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) not to be grieved about the opposition that the kuffaar pose because everything in this world is temporary. To highlight the transitory nature of the effects of this world, Allaah cites the example of Qaaroon. His people advised him saying, “Do not be boastful, for verily Allaah does not like the boastful ones.” [verse 76] Allaah says further, “So he emerged amongst his people in pomp and splendour. Those who desired the world gaped, ‘If only we also possessed what Qaaroon has! Undoubtedly, he is extremely fortunate. Those who were granted knowledge said, ‘Woe to you! Allaah’s rewards are better for the one who believes and does good deeds. Only the patient ones shall receive this.” [verses 79 and 80] As a result of his pride and failure to fulfil the obligatory rights of his riches, Allaah “plunged Qaaroon and his home within the ground.” [verse 81] This incident proves that everything besides Allaah shall perish even though a thing may seem very great. The Surah also ends on the note of Tauheed where Allaah says, “Do not call to another deity with Allaah. There is none worthy of worship besides Him. Everything shall perish besides His Countenance. All decisions rest with Him and to Him shall you all be returned.” [verse 88] Surah Ankaboot follows Surah Qasas and it beautifully distinguishes between the true Mu'mineen and the Munafiqeen as well as between those who are true and those who are false. The narratives of many Ambiya (A.S) are also related. Allaah begins the Surah by stating, “Do people think that they will be left to say, ‘We believe!’ without being tested? We certainly tested those before them, and Allaah will definitely know about those who are true and He will definitely know the liars.” [verses 2 & 3] Although Allaah has commanded man to be obedient to his parents, Allaah mentions in this Surah that parents should not be obeyed if they attempt to induce one to forsake Islam. “The creation cannot be obeyed if the Creator would be disobeyed.” Allaah says, “The disbelievers say to the believers, ‘Follow our way and we will bear the burden of your sins.’ They will not carry any part of their sins. They are certain liars.” [verse 12] Allaah then cites the incident of Hadhrat Nooh (A.S) who preached to his nation for 950 years. Despite his tireless efforts the vast majority of them refused to accept his message and were eventually drowned in the flood. Allaah then speaks of the annihilation of the nations of Hadhrat Ibraheem (A.S), Hadhrat Loot (A.S) and Hadhrat Shu’aib (A.S). There are many lessons that the Mu'mineen may learn from all these narratives. May Allaah bless us with fear for Him, humility and abstinence. May Allaah save us from the evils of pride, arrogance and boastfulness; and imbue the belief of Tauheed within us. May He grant us the ability to exercise patience when tested and faces with adversities. Aameen. End 20th Para - Start 21st Para

15th Night Taraweeh Summary This Taraaweeh begins from the second half of the 18th para (from verse 21 of Surah Noor) and ends at the third quarter of the 19th para (verse 6 of Surah Naml). Allaah addresses the Mu'mineen saying, “Oh you who believe, do not follow the footsteps of shaytaan. Whoever follows the footsteps of shaytaan, then verily he commands immorality and evil.” [verse 21] Allaah also mentions, “We have surely revealed clear laws to you, some narratives of those who passed before you, and an advice for those who have taqwa (i.e. for those who have fear for Allaah).” [verse 34] In the next verse Allaah declares, “Allaah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.” A Mu'min is therefore one who will take light from Allaah to guide him through life and who will adhere to the teachings of the Ambiya (A.S) because “Those who oppose the messenger’s commands should beware that some calamity or a grievous punishment should afflict them.” [verse 63] Surah Furqaan follows Surah Noor. Allaah introduces the Surah by stating, “Blessed indeed is the Being Who revealed the Criterion upon His bondsman so that he may be a warner to the universe (that a severe punishment awaits the person who does not believe).” Hear Mufti A Hoosen Elias audio summary of the 15th night of Taraaweeh Download Now End 18th Para - Start 19th Para Allaah tells Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) that he should not be distressed about the harassment of the kuffaar because “Your Rabb suffices as a Guide and a Helper.” [verse 31] Allaah also commands Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) to tell the people that he requires no remuneration for his efforts at propagating. The only reward he desired was that people follow the straight path and become true bondsmen of Allaah who “walk on earth in humility and, when the ignorant talk to them, they say, ‘Peace.” [verse 63] This means that they do not enter into arguments with ignorant people and gracefully pass by them. Allaah then makes it clear that the true Mu'mineen will attain lofty ranks of Jannah while the kuffaar will be unable save themselves from Allaah’s punishment. Surah Shu’araa follows Surah Furqaan. This Surah contains the stories of Hadhrat Moosa (A.S) and Hadhrat Ibraheem (A.S), as well as mention of the destruction of the Aad, the Thamud and the nation of Hadhrat Nooh (A.S). Allaah also makes mention of the plight that evil poets who are constantly lost in their futile thoughts will suffer. Addressing Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam), Allaah states, “It seems like you will destroy yourself because they are not believing. If We willed, We would have revealed a great sign to them from the sky, causing their necks to bow before it in humility.” [verses 3 and 4] However, because the kuffaar have already refused to accept the truth, they will have to suffer the punishment for their obstinacy. Allaah then proceeds to recount approximately seven incidents, amongst these being the stories of Hadhrat Ibraheem (A.S), Hadhrat Nooh (A.S), Hadhrat Hood (A.S), Hadhrat Saalih (A.S), Hadhrat Loot (A.S) and Hadhrat Shu’aib (A.S). Each one of these incidents are a means of guidance for people, but there will still be many rejecters who refuse to believe in them and will mock at them. Allaah says, “They have certainly denied, so shortly the news of what they used to mock at will come to them.” [verse 6] The Mushrikeen claimed that Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) was a poet and that the Qur'aan was a composition of poetry. Allaah denies that the Qur'aan could ever be the work of a poet or a Jinn. Allaah concludes the Surah by saying, “Only deviated people follow the poets. Do you not see that they wander astray in every valley? And that they say things which they never do? Save for those (poets) who believe, do good deeds, remember Allaah abundantly and avenge themselves after being oppressed. Shortly the oppressors will come to know to which place they will return.” [verses 224 to 228] In this Taraaweeh only a part of Surah Naml is recited. Allaah states that the Qur'aan is “a guidance and a conveyor of glad tidings for the believers.” In this regard, the Surah proceeds to discuss the epics of Hadhrat Moosa (A.S), Hadhrat Dawood (A.S), Hadhrat Sulaymaan (A.S), the Aad and the Thamud. Allaah opens the Surah by saying, “These are the verses of the Qur'aan and a clear Book. (It is) a guidance and a conveyor of glad tidings for the believers; those who establish salaah, pay zakaah and are convinced about the Hereafter.” [verse 1, 2 and 3] Allaah further says that He has beautified the deeds of the kuffaar so that they continue to sin and earn multiple punishment for it. Allaah says about them, “For such people there shall be a terrible punishment and they will be the worst losers in the Hereafter.” [verse 5] Thereafter, Allaah addresses Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) saying, “Undoubtedly, you are given the Qur'aan from the Wise, the All Knowing.” [verse 6] May Allaah grant us all the capacity to follow Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) and may He save us from all sins; especially from those sins that were the cause for other nations to be destroyed. May He also afford us the consciousness to accept the Qur'aan as a fountainhead of guidance and our code of life. Aameen.

14th Night Taraweeh Summary This Taraaweeh begins from the second quarter of the 17th para (from verse 51 of Surah Ambiya) and ends halfway into the 18th para (verse 20 of Surah Noor). In the remaining verses of Surah Ambiya, Allaah discusses the various Ambiya (A.S) from Hadhrat Ibraheem (A.S) to Hadhrat Isa (A.S). Thereafter, Allaah says about Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam), “We have sent you as a mercy to the universe.” [verse 107] The next verse declares Tauheed when Allaah instructs Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) to “Say, ‘It has been revealed to me that your deity is but One Deity. So will you submit to this?” Surah Hajj follows Surah Ambiya and opens with a reminder of Qiyaamah. Allaah says, “Oh people! Fear your Rabb. The earthquake of Qiyamah is a tremendous thing indeed. The day when you will witness it, every nursing mother will forget her suckling infant and every pregnant woman will abort (because of intense fear). And you will see people in a drunken stupor whereas they will not be drunk, but Allaah’s punishment is severe.” [verses 1 and 2] Allaah also cautions those Mu'mineen whose faith is weak that they should make a concerted effort to strengthen their Imaan and carry out good deeds so that the welfare of their lives in this world and in the Hereafter is not jeopardised. Allaah says that it was Hadhrat Ibraheem (A.S) who termed this ummah as Muslimeen. Allaah also makes mention of the Kaa'ba and instructs “and perform tawaaf around the ‘Baitul Ateeq’ (the Kaa'ba).” [verse 29] Thereafter, certain rites of hajj are mentioned, about which Allaah states, “And whoever honours Allaah’s signs, then this is due to the taqwa of hearts.” [verse 32]. With regard to sacrificial animals on the occasion of hajj Allaah says, “Their flesh and blood will never reach Allaah, but it is your taqwa that will reach Him.” [verse 37] Allaah concludes the Surah with the following message to the Muslims: 77. “Oh you who believe, bow, prostrate, worship your Rabb and carry out good deeds so that you may be successful.” 78. “Strive for Allaah with the endeavour that is His right. He has chosen you and has not placed any hardship upon in religion. Follow the creed of your father, Ibraheem. It was him who named you Muslims from before and in this Qur'aan, so that the messenger (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) be a witness over you people, and that you be witnesses over mankind. So establish salaah, pay zakaah and hold fast to (the rope of) Allaah. He is your Protecting Friend. The Best Protecting Friend and the Best Helper.” [verses 77/8] Hear Mufti A Hoosen Elias audio summary of the 14th night of Taraweeh Download Now End 17th - Start 18th Para These concluding words of Surah Hajj draw the 17th para to a close and lead to the opening verses of Surah Mu'minoon. At the beginning of this Surah Allaah describes those Mu'mineen whose beliefs are correct, who worship Allaah diligently and are also particular about fulfilling the rights of others. In describing the qualities of the Mu'mineen, Allaah exhorts all the Mu'mineen that they should sincerely worship Him, fulfil the promises and pledges they make with others and abstain from all acts of lechery. These are amongst the acts that will lead to eternal success. After discussing the qualities if the Mu'mineen, Allaah discusses the signs that denote His greatness and His oneness. Amongst these signs Allaah mentions the creation of man, the creation of the heavens and the earth, as well as the various plants and animals together with the milk that Allaah produces from their bellies. All these boons denote Allaah’s all encompassing mercy and compassion towards His creation, which should spur man to accept the belief of Tauheed. Allaah then cites the incident of Hadhrat Nooh (A.S) so that people may learn that success lies in following the teachings of Allaah’s Ambiya (A.S). Allaah also urges the Mu'mineen not to destroy their deeds by being proud and that their hearts should always be apprehensive of returning to Allaah for reckoning. Further describing the qualities of the Mu'mineen Allaah says, “These people hasten to perform good deeds and are the forerunners in this.” [verse 61] Allaah states a blanket rule when He says, “We do not burden any soul more than it can bear.” [verse 62] Allaah also tells Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) that the kuffaar will never cease to oppose him till their deaths, when they will regret their ways. However, it will then be too late. The 24th Surah of the Qur'aan, Surah Noor, commences after Surah Mu'minoon and contains verses that are pertinent to the morality of society. A gist of the Surah may be mentioned in the following twelve points: 1) A hundred lashes are to be metered out to any unmarried man or woman guilty of fornication. 2) Men and women guilty of fornication should be ostracised from society and none should marry them. 3) Eighty lashes should be metered out to anyone who accuses another of adultery or fornication without the required proof. 4) If a husband or a wife accuses their partner of adultery, each should take four oaths in Allaah’s name that s/he is truthful and that the other is lying. A fifth oath should then be taken by each of them invoking Allaah’s curse him/her if s/he is lying. 5) “Unchaste women are for unchaste men and unchaste men are for unchaste women. Pure women are for pure men and pure men are for pure women. These people are innocent of what the slanderers say. Theirs is forgiveness and a bounteous reward.” [verse 26] 6) An accused person will be regarded as innocent till proven guilty. 7) Never enter another person’s home without permission. 8) Men and women should neither stare at each other nor steal secretive glances at each other. 9) Women must never display their charms before men who are not close family members. 10) Islam does not approve of leading one’s life as a bachelor or a spinster. 11) During times of privacy, not even children are allowed to enter any person’s room without permission. 12) Even when the blind or paralysed eat from the homes of relatives without permission, it will not be regarded as theft. Allaah also discusses the incident of the slander against Hadhrat Aa'isha (R.A). In Surah Noor Allaah refutes the allegation of adultery that the Munafiqeen attributed to Hadhrat Aa'isha (R.A) and warned the Mu'mineen that they should never accept such rumours in future. May Allaah grant us all the guidance to practise on the teachings of Islam and refrain from immoral acts, slander, evil glances and all other sins. Aameen.

13th Night Taraweeh Summary This Taraaweeh commences from the beginning of the 16th para and ends after the first quarter of the 17th para (verse 50 of Surah Ambiya). This part of Surah Kahaf contains the incident of Dhul Qarnain whose kingdom was extremely extensive. He was a pious Mu'min who ruled very justly. It was during his reign that the barbaric tribes of Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj plundered other nations and wreaked havoc in their lives. Dhul Qarnain stemmed their tide of anarchy by erecting a wall of iron and copper at their exit between two mountains. He made it clear to the people there that it was only Allaah’s mercy that kept the wall from collapsing because it was merely a temporary object of this world. They were therefore to continue performing good deeds and purge their deeds of shirk. In this regard the final verse of the Surah reads: “So whoever aspires for the meeting with his Rabb should perform good deeds and not associate anyone as partner to the worship of his Rabb.” [verse 110] Surah Maryam follows Surah Kahaf. This Surah commences with mention of how Allaah blessed Hadhrat Zakariyyah (A.S) with a child after he had already advanced in age. His son was Hadhrat Yahya (A.S), who was a soft-hearted Nabi who possessed a decisive sense of judgement. Thereafter Allaah relates the epic of Hadhrat Maryam (A.S) when she miraculously gave birth to Hadhrat Isa (A.S) without a father. Many other Ambiya (A.S) are mentioned thereafter. The objective of mentioning these Ambiya (A.S) is to impress upon people’s minds that all the Ambiya (A.S) brought the same message that Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) brought. However, depravity crept into the lives of people through the passage of time and they resorted to kufr and shirk. Towards the end of the Surah Allaah declares that it is profane to say that He has children because it does not behove His loftiness and grandeur to have any children. Claiming that Allaah has children is an open invitation to His wrath and punishment. Surah TaaHaa follows Surah Maryam. At the very outset Allaah addresses Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) saying, “We have not revealed the Qur'aan to you to cause you difficulty. However, it is an advice for him who fears.” Allaah has not charged Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) with forcing people to believe when they do not want to. The Qur'aan will be of benefit to those who fear that Allaah will take them to task for their sins. Thereafter, Allaah narrates the incident of Hadhrat Moosa (A.S). The Surah mentions the following events in Hadhrat Moosa (A.S)’s life: _ When he is conferred the mantle of prophethood on the plain of Tuwa. _ His miracles of the staff and shining hand. _ His upbringing in Fir'oun’s palace. _ His preaching to Fir'oun. _ His contest against the magicians. _ His departure from Egypt with the Bani Israa'eel. _ Fir'oun and his army pursue them and are eventually drowned. _ The Bani Israa'eel treachery and disobedience of the Bani Israa'eel which leads them to take a calf as their deity. Thereafter the Surah speaks about Qiyaamah and urges the performance of salaah. Towards the end of the Surah Allaah says to the Mu'mineen, “Never strain your eyes towards the splendour of the worldly life and the wives that We have granted the disbelievers to enjoy, to test them therewith. The provision of your Rabb is best and more lasting.” [verse 131] Hear Mufti A Hoosen Elias audio summary of the 13th night of Taraaweeh Download Now End 16th Para - Start 17th Para The next Surah is Surah Ambiya, which derives its name from the fact that it mentions a series of Ambiya (A.S). The Surah also cautions people against being negligent about Qiyaamah and reckoning. Allaah mentions that the Qur'aan contains every type of advice and explanation for mankind. They therefore have a choice before them and can project the consequences of their deeds. None can ever save himself from Allaah’s punishment when it comes, and people will be foolish to pin their hopes in their fabricated gods. People will be called to account for every minute deed – even and act the size of a mustard seed will be weighed in the scale of deeds. Allaah’s judgement on the Day of Qiyaamah will be final and binding. May Allaah grant us all the Taufeeq to practise. Aameen.

InshaAllah your plea for help becomes a means of guidance for yourself and many more, so I have taken the liberty to edit the title so others can benefit inshaAllah and I would like to add the following which I heard form Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat of the Islamic Da'wah Academy... Those who err and remember Allah! Regarding verse 3: 135 وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا فَعَلُوا فَاحِشَةً أَوْ ظَلَمُوا أَنفُسَهُمْ ذَكَرُوا اللَّهَ فَاسْتَغْفَرُوا لِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَمَن يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَلَمْ يُصِرُّوا عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلُوا وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَ And those who if they made/did an enormous/atrocious deed , they caused injustice (to) themselves, they mentioned/remembered God, so they asked for forgiveness for their crimes, and who forgives the crimes except God? And they did not insist/persist on what they made/did, and they know The respected shaykh said we all err however the friends of Allah are those who when they err, they ذَكَرُوا اللَّهَ "Remember Allah". They turn to him and make the connection strong once more. They are not proud....and Who forgive sins except Allah ta'ala?

Quran Tafsir Ibn Kathir Suratul Kahf (The Cave)

Secrets Of Surah Al-Kahf Ever wondered why Prophet Muhammad(SAW) asked us to recite Surat Al-Kahf every Friday? Let’s find out today inshaAllah… This Surah has Four stories in it,having some morals,lets see them and understand what they are saying to us: 1) The People Of The Cave Its the story of young men who lived in a disbelieving town, so they decided to migrate for the sake of Allah and run away. -Allah rewards them with mercy in the cave and protection from the sun - They woke up and found the entire village believers. MORAL:TRIAL OF FAITH. 2) The Owner Of Two Gardens A story of a man whom Allah blessed with two beautiful gardens, but the man forgot to thank the One who blessed him with everything and he even dared to doubt Allah regarding the afterlife. So His garden was destroyed - He regretted, but was too late and his regret did not benefit him . MORAL:TRIAL OF WEALTH. 3) Musa(AS) and Khidr(AS) When Musa(AS) was asked-“Who’s the most knowledgeable of the people of earth?”” Musa(AS) said:Me…, but Allah revealed to him that there’s someone who Knows more than him. Musa(AS) traveled to the man and learnt how the Divine Wisdom can sometimes be hidden in matters which we perceive as bad. MORAL:TRIAL OF KNOWLEDGE. 4) Dhul-Qarnayn Its a story of the great King that was given knowledge and power and was going around the world, helping people and spreading all that’s good. He was able to overcome the problem of Yajooj-Majooj and build a massive dam with the help of people whom he could not even understand. MORAL:TRIAL OF POWER. In the middle Allah mentions Iblees as the one who stirs these trials: Behold! We said to the angels “Bow down to Adam”: they bowed down except Iblis. He was one of the Jinns, and he broke the Command of his Lord. Will ye then take him and his progeny as protectors rather than Me? And they are enemies to you! Evil would be the exchange for the wrongdoers! Now let us see what’s the relationship between Surat Al-Kahf and the Dajjal (Anti-Christ)? Dajjal will appear before Day of Judgement with the 4 trials: ***He’ll ask people to worship him and not Allah: Trial of Faith . ***He’ll be given powers to start/stop rain and tempt people with his wealth: Trial of with his Wealth. . ***He’ll try people with the “knowledge” and news he gives them: Trial of Knowledge . ***He’ll control huge parts of the Earth. Trial of Power . How to survive these trials? The answers are in Surat Al-Kahf: Survival Kit 1: Good companionship. “And keep thy soul content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face; and let not thine eyes pass beyond them, seeking the pomp and glitter of this Life; no obey any whose heart We have permitted to neglect the remembrance of Us, one who follows his own desires, whose case has gone beyond all bounds.” (Surat Al-Kahf, verse 28) Survival Kit 2: Knowing the Truth of this World . “Set forth to them the similitude of the life of this world: It is like the rain which we send down from the skies: the earth’s vegetation absorbs it, but soon it becomes dry stubble, which the winds do scatter: it is (only) Allah who prevails over all things” (Surat Al-Kahf, verse 45) Survival Kit 3: Humbleness. “Moses said: “Thou wilt find me, if Allah so will, (truly) patient: nor shall I disobey thee in aught.””(Surat Al-Kahf, verse 69) Survival Kit 4: Sincerity. “Say: “I am but a man like yourselves, (but) the inspiration has come to me, that your Allah is one Allah. whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness, and, in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as partner.” (Surat Al- Kahf, verse 110) Survival Kit 5: Calling to Allah . “And recite (and teach) what has been revealed to thee of the Book of thy Lord: none can change His Words, and none wilt thou find as a refuge other than Him.” (Surat Al-Kahf, verse 27) Survival Kit 6: Remembering the HereAfter . “ One Day We shall remove the mountains, and thou wilt see the earth as a level stretch, and We shall gather them, all together, nor shall We leave out any one of them. And they will be marshalled before thy Lord in ranks, (with the announcement), “Now have ye come to Us (bare) as We created you first: aye, ye thought We shall not fulfil the appointment made to you to meet (Us)!”: And the Book (of Deeds) will be placed (before you); and thou wilt see the sinful in great terror because of what is (recorded) therein; they will say, “Ah! woe to us! what a Book is this! It leaves out nothing small or great,but takes account thereof !” They will find all that they did, placed before them: And not one will thy Lord treat with injustice.” (Surat Al-Kahf, verses 47-49) Abu Darda' ~ may Allah be pleased with him ~ related that the Holy Prophet said, " One who memorized the first ten verses of Suratul Kahf will be secure against the Dajjal. Another version says: "One who commits to his memory the last 10 verses of this surah will remain immune from the Dajjal. Source

What is the Link Between Sura al-Kahf and the Dajjal? Answered by Ustadha Shaista Maqbool Question: I came across a hadith that mentions that whoever commits the first ten verses of Surat Al-Kahf to memory will be saved from the fitna of the Dajjal. What is the connection between Surat Al-Kahf and the Dajjal? Answer: Wa’alaikum assalaam warahmatu Allah, Imam Muslims narrates in his Sahih that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah upon him) said: “Whosoever memorizes 10 verses from the beginning of Surah al-Kahf will be protected from the tribulation of the Dajjal.” Imam Munawi in his Fayd al-Qadeer (commentary on Jami’ as-Saghir of Imam Suyuti) said: “It is because of what is in the story of the people of the cave of wonders, such that whoever knows these will not be amazed by the Dajjal and therefore, he will not be tried; or, whosoever ponders over these verses and contemplates their meanings will be weary of the Dajjal and therefore safe from him; or that this is a specialty given to this Surah…” And Allah knows best. wasalaam, Shaista Maqbool Checkec & Approved by Faraz Rabbani Source

Sūrah Al-Kahf This sūrah starts in the fifteenth juz and is concluded in the sixteenth. It is highly recommended that we recite it every Friday. Several ahadith promise that those who do so will be protected from the deceptions of Dajjāl. The Dajjāl will be a person who personifies deception. His will be an era of extreme trials and tribulations for the believers. We are asked to always pray for protection against those trials. While the Dajjāl has not yet appeared, we are indeed living in an age when dajjālic deceptions are increasingly manifest all around us. The story of the People of the Cave is narrated in āyahs 9-26. These were young people for whom their faith was all important. They lived at a time when the people of faith were being persecuted by a ruthless king. They could not fight him, nor could they surrender to him. So they took refuge in a cave. They put their affair in the Hands of Allāh and He saved them from persecution through a miraculous sleep that lasted for three centuries. The story of Prophet Mūsā and Khiḍr is narrated in āyahs 60-82. Its most important moral is that things are not always what they appear to be. We should not be deceived or disheartened by the events that unfold before us every day. What seems to be an imperfect world is actually a perfect testing ground. The story of Dhul Qarnayn is told in āyahs 83-98. He was a powerful, just, and Allāh fearing king. Two actions of his are specially highlighted. 1) His declaration that he would punish the unjust and deal kindly with the virtuous. This makes moral purpose and virtue as the yardstick with which to measure any ruler. In contrast secular western democracy holds that the government has no business deciding morality or virtue. 2) He refused to tax the people for a national project even when the tax was offered by the people. This was obviously not for the purpose of improving his chances of reelection; it was the extension of morality and virtue to the economic field. Here are reflections on some āyahs from this sūrah. InshāAllāh َلَا تَقُولَنَّ لِشَيْءٍ إِنِّي فَاعِلٌ ذَٰلِكَ غَدً إِلَّا أَن يَشَاءَ اللَّهُ ۚ وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ إِذَا نَسِيتَ And never say about anything, “I shall surely do this tomorrow,” without (adding), “If Allāh so wills.” And remember your Lord if you forget. (Al-Kahf, 18:23-24). Here is the background for this āyah. The account of the Seven Sleepers, the encounter between Prophet Mūsā and Khiḍr, and the story of the king Dhul Qarnayn were unknown to the Arabs. The Quraysh of Makkah were advised by Jewish scholars in Madinah to ask the Prophet ﷺ about them as a test of the authenticity of his prophethood. He promised to answer the question the next day expecting the revelation to come by that time. This sūrah was the answer. (This was a most brilliant answer that not only gave details about them, but also applied their stories to the situation at hand to show that the Quraysh were on the side of wrong in the stories about right and wrong. Unfortunately obstinacy kept the Quraysh and the Jews from accepting the Truth.) This sūrah was the answer, but it was delayed by two weeks. The two anxious weeks were a Divine reminder of an important message mentioned in this āyah. We should never announce plans about the future as if we control it. Rather we should qualify these by the words, inshāAllāh (If Allāh wills). There was a time when in the Western world, the phrase God willing, carried the same message. Today the secularized discourse shies away from acknowledging that we do not control the future. And even when it does acknowledge that, it refuses to acknowledge that the control belongs to God. So “God willing” is replaced by any number of clumsy expressions, whose common concern is to avoid mentioning God, like “If fate decrees,” “If the wind blows right,” “Hope it’s my lucky day,” “Barring some unforeseen (circumstance/ incident/accident),” “If things work out,” and “If things go according to plan.” Superstition also reigns supreme as people normally say “knock on wood” or “keep your fingers crossed.” We should not give in to this secular madness. We need to bring inshāAllāh2 (and God willing) back to our everyday discourse—on every continent and in every language of the world. For wherever we are and whatever language we speak, the future is always totally in the Hands of Allāh. Extremism وَاصْبِرْ نَفْسَكَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُم بِالْغَدَاةِ وَالْعَشِيِّ يُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَهُ ۖ وَلَا تَعْدُ عَيْنَاكَ عَنْهُمْ تُرِيدُ زِينَةَ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَلَا تُطِعْ مَنْ أَغْفَلْنَا قَلْبَهُ عَن ذِكْرِنَا وَاتَّبَعَ هَوَاهُ وَكَانَ أَمْرُهُ فُرُطًا Keep yourself content with those who call their Sustainer morning and evening, seeking His countenance, and let not your eyes overlook them, seeking the splendor of the worldly life. And do not obey the one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance, and who has followed his desire and whose behavior has exceeded the limits. (Al-Kahf, 18:28) Here is the most profound—and ignored—truth about extremism. Those who do not remember Allāh end up following their own desires and go to extremes in satisfying them. It all starts from a single minded devotion to the splendor of this worldly life. Extremism is thus a direct and inevitable result of materialism and unbelief. And turning to Allāh—and away from obedience to our lusts and greed—is the only way to fight it. Recently the spelling of this expression has received undue attention due to some misconceptions about the meaning of the phrase when “inshā” is written together in English (as opposed to “in shā”). The fact is that readers of English tend to pronounce and understand it in the same manner when written as “inshallāh” or “inshāAllāh» or «in shaa Allāh.» In all cases they clearly understand it to mean «If Allāh wills.» So all are valid forms as affirmed by many scholars. The Life of this World. وَاضْرِبْ لَهُم مَّثَلَ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا كَمَاءٍ أَنزَلْنَاهُ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ فَاخْتَلَطَ بِهِ نَبَاتُ الْأَرْضِ فَأَصْبَحَ هَشِيمًا تَذْرُوهُ الرِّيَاحُ ۗ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ مُّقْتَدِرًا Set forth to them the similitude of the life of this world: It is like the rain which we send down from the skies: the earth’s vegetation absorbs it, but soon it becomes dry stubble, which the winds do scatter: it is (only) Allāh who prevails over all things. (Al-Kahf,18:45) All the pleasures and riches of this world are short-lived. Here today, gone tomorrow. How foolish that one should make them the yardstick to measure success in life. This comment follows the account of the encounter of two characters: a rich non-believer and a poor believer. The latter was not at all impressed by the riches of the former and was much concerned about his unbelief and ungratefulness towards Allāh. The former refused to listen to him and was destroyed. This āyah captures the moral of the story. That encounter continues today and so does the need for remembering the story and its moral. The Greatest Loss قُلْ هَلْ نُنَبِّئُكُم بِالْأَخْسَرِينَ أَعْمَالًا. الَّذِينَ ضَلَّ سَعْيُهُمْ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَهُمْ يَحْسَبُونَ أَنَّهُمْ يُحْسِنُونَ صُنْعًا. أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِآيَاتِ رَبِّهِمْ وَلِقَائِهِ فَحَبِطَتْ أَعْمَالُهُمْ فَلَا نُقِيمُ لَهُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَزْنًا Say, “Shall We tell you about the greatest losers in respect of (their) deeds? Those are the ones whose effort in the worldly life has gone in vain, while they think they are doing well. Those are the ones who rejected the signs of their Sustainer and (the concept of ) meeting with Him, so their deeds have gone to waste, and We shall assign to them no weight at all.” (Al-Kahf, 18:103-105) Good deeds without the right motives are a waste. Motives are the soul of every action. In turn motives are driven by belief. When belief in Allāh and the Hereafter is absent then one’s good deeds are soulless. This is an all important reminder that we need to purify both our intentions and our actions. If we do not seek rewards from Allāh in the Hereafter, we’ll surely not get them. Qur'an Reflections Al-Balagh

Ramadhãn And the Qur’ãn Fasting during Ramadhãn has a connection also with the revelation of the Noble Qur’ãn. This connection has many implications. One of these is that – just as if the Qur’ãn were to be revealed in every Ramadhãn, a believer should seek to be like the angels and abandon eating and drinking, and divest himself of the vain preoccupations and gross needs of his carnal self. During Ramadhãn, he should recite or listen to the Qur’ãn as if it were being revealed for the first time or, if he is able, listen to the Qur’ãn as if he were hearing it recited by the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) or by Sayyidniah Jibraeel to Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) revealed by Allah Himself to Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) through Sayyidniah Jibraeel . Also, he should respect the Qur’ãn in the actions of his daily life and, by conveying its message to the others, demonstrate the Divine purpose for revealing the Qur’ãn. The Muslim world becomes in Ramadhãn like a huge masjid where millions of reciters recite the Qur’ãn, that heavenly address, to the inhabitants of the earth. Demonstrating the reality of the verse, The month of Ramadhãn, in which the Qur’ãn was revealed, Ramadhãn proves itself to be the month of the Qur’ãn: while some members of the vast congregation in that great mosque of the Muslim world listen to its recitation with solemn reverence, others recite it themselves. The rewards for the good deeds done in Ramadan are multiplied by a thousand. According to one hadith, ten rewards are given for each letter of the Wise Qur’ãn. The recitation of a single letter means ten good deeds, and brings forth ten fruits of Paradise. However, in the whole month of Ramadhãn, the reward for each letter of the Qur’ãn is multiplied not by ten, but by a thousand. Furthermore, the reward for each letter of the holy Qur’ãn recited in the Night of Power is multiplied by thirty thousand. Thus, the Qur’ãn, each of whose letters yields thirty thousand permanent fruits of Paradise, becomes in Ramadhãn like a huge blessed tree which produces for believers millions of permanent fruits of Paradise. Consider, then, how holy and profitable a trade this is, and know in how great a loss those are who do not appreciate the letters of the Qur’ãn! The one who fasts, should prevent his tongue from lying, backbiting, bad language and indecent talk, and make it busy with the recitation of the Qur’ãn, glorification of Allah, seeking His forgiveness. In the same way, he should prevent his eyes from looking at, and his ears from listening to, the forbidden things. He should, instead, use his eyes to see such things as those which, for example, will give a spiritual lesson or moral warning; and use his ears to listen to the Qur’ãn. ATTARBIYAH Islamic Tarbiyah Academy

If I may add, Contact with Ulama; is of utmost importance. Contact includes listening to the talks by Ulama as well as visiting them and taking guidance from them. In Pakistan there are many Ulama who can be contacted. Just to name a few on whom information can be easily obtained by using Google... Shaykh Mufti Taqi Uthmani and Rafi Uthmani Shaykh Zufiqar Naqshbandi and his khulafa The Khulafa of the late Shaykh Hakeem Akhtar raheemahullah The Khulafa of Mufti Rasheed Ahmad Ludhyanwi raheemahullah

Aameen to the du'a. Sister Acacia has definitely added points worth considering. InshaAllah our young brother will find his way out of the jungle of the bad side of the internet

Fitan – How to Safeguard Yourself By Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh We often hear ‘we are in the era of fitnas’ and ‘there are many fitnas in our times’. We come across this word, fitnah, during lectures and talks too. Let us understand what this word means. The word ‘fitnah’ (plural: fitan) is literally used in the context of heating gold to distinguish pure gold from the contaminated. However, it has various usages in religious text such as punishment, difficulty, calamity, sin, test, trial etc. The appropriate context for our discussion is where the word fitnah is used to mean test or trial. Tests and trials are such that they bring to light the inner condition or ability of a person in whatever field this test is taken. For example, if a person is tested on his knowledge on a certain subject, the test will reveal his level of insight in that subject. Therefore, we can say that fitnah is that which exposes the (true) condition of good or bad in a person. As Qiyāmah draws closer, fitan will increase. Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam has stated: Before Qiyāmah there will be fitan like portions of the dark night; a person will wake up in the morning as a believer but will leave the fold of Islām by the evening and another will be a believer in the evening but by the morning he will be a non-believer… (Abū Dāwūd) The nature of these fitan will be such that they will not be simple tests; rather they will be extremely severe and mind boggling. A person will find it extremely difficult to differentiate between truth & falsehood and right & wrong. In this hadīth the fitan have been termed as ‘portions of the dark night’. In places where there is no artificial lighting a person will be able to experience the darkness that night has in it. As time passes, this darkness of night intensifies and it feels like a portion of darkness has been replaced by yet a darker portion. Similar will be the fitan before qiyamah; they will be severe and will intensify and continue to become more and more difficult as the Final Hour moves closer and closer. Many ahādīth discuss the severity of these fitan and our compassionate and loving Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam has warned us for the very reason that we do not fall into such trials. The one who becomes a victim of these trials will be an unfortunate one, as he will not be able to safeguard his Dīn, resulting in being unsuccessful in both worlds. It is for this reason these fitan are also termed as tribulations and calamities. The degree of severity of these fitan can be gauged from the ḥadīth that a person’s Īmān will be at stake and for insignificant worldly benefits, a person will leave his Dīn. In a hadīth of Imām Muslim rahimahullāh it is stated: Hasten towards good deeds before there will be fitan like portions of the dark night; a person will wake up in the morning as a believer but will leave the fold of Islām by the evening or a person will be a believer in the evening but by the morning he will be a non-believer; he will sell his religion for worldly goods. These fitan will become so severe that they will engulf even those who will merely glance at them. Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said: They [fitan] will engulf those who will peek towards them. (Al-Bukhārī) Further, our Rasūl sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam advises: ...the one who finds a shelter or refuge [from them] should take refuge in it. (Al-Bukhārī) The question that arises now is what are the things that will give us shelter and refuge from fitan? How can we save ourselves from these fitan? The answer is as follows: 1. Good Deeds One should hold fast to the entire Dīn, carrying out all the farā’id and wājibāt and abstaining from the ḥarām and makrūhāt tahrīmiyyah. Moreover, sunan and nawāfil should also be part of our lives. In every aspect of our lives, from beliefs to worldly transactions, Dīn should dictate our every step. Allāh ta‘ālā states: O you who believe, enter into Islām completely, and do not follow the footsteps of satan. Surely, he is an open enemy for you. (2:208) If we hold fast to the whole Dīn of Allāh ta‘ālā, then our lives will be full of good deeds and it is with the good deeds a person will be able to challenge the fitan as mentioned in the hadīth earlier: Hasten towards good deeds before there will be fitan like portions of the dark night... (Muslim) 2. Have Control Over your Tongue Controlling one’s tongue entails first and foremost speaking good. The best thing a person can do is speak righteous. In contrast, speaking evil or wrong is no doubt abhorrent and disliked, hence we should abstain from polluting the tongue with such speech. The controlling of the tongue and abstaining from speaking also includes situations where one is aware of his deficiency in self-discipline, being that he generally falls into evil speech though he initially begins with righteous speech. It is for such individuals Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam has stated: The one who remained silent saved himself. (At-Tirmidhī) Controlling the tongue in essence means we dictate what emits from it; if both good and evil is being uttered then it is a sign that we are not in control. If only good and righteous speech is being spoken, then we are in control. Therefore, a person needs to assess before speaking and follow the principle: “Think before you speak.” This can be achieved by speaking with full attention towards the speech like that person who is being interviewed. He very carefully evaluates every word he speaks. Likewise, we too need to monitor and evaluate every word we say in our day to day conversations. 3. Mixing Less and Remaining in the Confines of your Home One should not leave the home without necessity. This is a general advice addressed to both men and women. A person leaving the home without necessity will make himself prone to fitan, especially where the environment is that of sin. In our times, being physically at home does not necessarily mean that the person is in the ‘home’ as a person surfing the net is in essence out of their ‘home’. Similarly, when reading literature or when listening to a lecture, a person is no longer in the ‘home’, they are in the company of the author or the lecturer. The same can be said for the one using social media or a smartphone. To stay confined to our homes is in reality to stay away from every engagement in which one will become prone to the disobedience to Allāh ta‘ālā as any such engagement will essentially mean leaving the vicinity of the home and becoming prone to fitan. The above two points can be summarised as inculcating the habits of ‘Qillat-ul-kalām’ (reducing the speech) and ‘Qillatu ikhtilāt ma‘al-anām’ (reducing intermingling with the creation of Allāh ta‘ālā) which are points from the prescription of soul purification prescribed by mashāikh through which a person nourishes their soul and safeguards it from deteriorating spiritually. The conclusion of ‘Qillat-ul-kalām’ is that one should avoid unnecessary speech and the conclusion of ‘Qillatu ikhtilāt ma‘al-anām’ is that one avoids unnecessary interaction with people. Avoiding unnecessary interaction will ensure that unnecessary speech is also avoided, as the less a person interacts with others the less the chance to speak. A point to note here is that ‘Qillatu ikhtilāt ma‘al-anām’ does not mean that one leaves mixing with people altogether, because so many people have rights over us which we are obliged to fulfil. It is every person’s duty to interact and socialise with family, parents, relatives and others therefore, reduction in intermingling means that a person does not exceed the limit by keeping the following points in mind: a. To mix only out of necessity. b. Not to violate any command of Allāh ta‘ālā. c. Not to get involved in lā ya‘nī (futile and baseless activity). 4. Tawbah and Asking for Forgiveness When making effort in following the commands of Allāh ta‘ālā, we are prone to making errors. Therefore, it is essential that we repent; and in repenting we should express our remorse and regret by crying to Allāh ta‘ālā. Note: The above three points have been mentioned in the ḥadīth narrated by ‘Uqbah bin ‘Āmir radhiyallāhu ‘anhu who asked Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam, ‘In what lies salvation and safety?’ Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam gave the above three instructions. These will assure us of a state by which we will be able to safeguard our Dīn and ultimately save ourselves from fitan. 5. Reciting Sūrah Al-Kahf In the hadith we find that the recitation of Sūrah Al-Kahf on the day of Friday provides safety from the fitnah of dajjāl. In another hadith we find that the greatest fitnah that will come upon this ummah is the fitnah of dajjāl. By inference we can say that if Sūrah Al-Kahf will save a person from the fitnah of dajjāl, then it will surely save us from all the other fitan which are comparatively inferior. 6. Holding Fast to the Gatherings of the Pious ‘Ulamā Holding fast to and frequenting the gathering of authentic, reliable ‘Ulamā who fear Allāh ta‘ālā is a very secure way to save one’s self from the fitan. Such company will give us the correct understanding of the Dīn and also the spiritual nourishment to assist us to combat the nafs and shaytān. 7. Du‘ā Du‘ā is the weapon of the believer. One should regularly seek Allāh ta‘ālā’s refuge by supplicating to Him. We find in the hādith, narrated by Imām Ahmad rahimahullāh, a supplication: O Allāh, I seek refuge with You from all tribulations: those that are apparent and those that are hidden. We should try and make a habit of making this supplication at least three times after every salāh. Al-Mu’awwadhāt, a compilation by this humble servant, should also be included in one’s daily practices (ma‘mūlāt) as it contains supplications, from the Qur’ān and the ahādīth, which seek refuge in Allāh ta‘ālā from all misfortunes of this world and the hereafter. My late mentor, Hadrat Hājī Muhammad Fārūq sāhib rahimahullāh used to say: The one who asks Allāh is not deprived and the one who fears Him is granted protection. If we hold fast to these few points, inshā’allāh, we will be able to safeguard ourselves from the ever increasing and intensifying fitan. © Riyādul Jannah Islamic Da'wah Academy

Bleeding Gums whilst Fasting Q: Whilst fasting, if the gums begin to bleed and the blood flows down the throat will the fast break? If so will both Qadha and Kaffarah be Waajib or only Qadha? A: If the blood which was swallowed with the saliva was more than the saliva or equal to it then the fast will break and only qadha will be waajib. If the blood was less than the saliva then the fast will not break. (Ahsanul Fataawa vol.4 pg.436, Fataawa Raheemiyyah vol.7 pg.258, Bahishti Zewar vol.3 pg.13) ولو أكل دما في ظاهر الرواية عليه القضاء دون الكفارة لأنه مما يستقذره الطبع كذا في الظهيرية، الدم إذا خرج من الأسنان ودخل حلقه إن كانت الغلبة للبزاق لايضره وإن كانت الغلبة للدم يفسد صومه وإن كانا سواء أفسد أيضا استحسانا(الفتاوى الهندية ج1 ص203) خرج الدم من بين أسنانه ودخل حلقه يعني ولم يصل إلى جوفه أما إذا وصل فإن غلب الدم أو تساويا فسد وإلا لا … قال الشامي: قلت ومن هذا يعلم حكم من قلع ضرسه في رمضان ودخل الدم إلى جوفه في النهار ولو نائما فيجب عليه القضاء (رد المحتار على در المختار ج2 ص396) Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Young brother in Islam, InshaAllah we will do our best to help as best we can from what we have learnt from Ulama. However the best thing is to have guidance from qualified scholars. InshaAllah we will provide a few links to make contact with pious Ulama which you can use. InshaAllah the use of the internet can become beneficial for you by using it to turn towrards Allah ta'ala Who has blessed us with the eyes, ears etc. which we use to disobey Him. First and foremost we should make SHUKR to Allah for the tawfeeq of even wanting to change! Alhamdulillah! Secondly sincere TAWBAH. The conditions for tawbah to be accepted are as follows: 1. To desist from committing it. 2. To feel sorry for committing it. 3. To make firm intention not to recommit the sin Please read more on tawbah HERE Thirdly please make contact with anyone of the following Ulama for guidance. There is nothing to lose. Do not let shaytaan hold you back. Mufti Zubair Dudha (Hafizahullah) Islamic Tarbiyah Aacdemy Contact Page 45 Boothroyd Lane, West Town, Dewsbury, WF13 2RB Tel-Fax: (01924) 450422 Mufti Ebrahim Salejee Al-Haadi - Madrasah Taleemuddeen Contact Page Ispingo Beach South Africa Mufti Ebrahim Desai AskImam.org Contact Page There are many beneficial posts in the various categories on this forum, we hope you will take advantage InshaAllah this is of help. If you need any more help please do not hesitate to ask. Also please note that the picture from the avatar has been removed. Please read rules Here

Smoking an e-cigarette while fasting Q. There is a new craze of smoking the e-cigarettes, twisps etc. What is the ruling of smoking these types of electronic cigarettes etc. whilst fasting? (Question published as received) A. The usage of an electronic cigarette whilst fasting will nullify the fast as the usage of an e-cigarette entails the inhaling of vapour that nullifies the fast. (Tahtaaawi Ala Maraqil Falaah 660) And Allah Knows Best Mufti Ismaeel Bassa Confirmation: Mufti Ebrahim Desai Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)

Cupping whilst Fasting Q: If a person undergoes cupping whilst fasting does the fast become nullified? A: Undergoing cupping whist fasting does not nullify the fast. However, if through past experiences one knows that cupping causes physical weakness then in that case it will be Makrooh to undergo cupping whilst fasting. (أو اكتحل أو احتجم … وسيأتي أن كلا من الكحل والدهن غير مكروه وكذا الحجامة إلا إذا كانت تضعفه عن الصوم (رد المحتار على در المختار ج2 ص395 و396) (أو احتجم) لم يفسد وتكره الحجامة للصائم إذا كانت تضعفه أما إذا كان لايخافه فلا بئس به (حاشية الطحطاوي على مراقي الفلاح ص660) Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

12th Night Taraweeh Summary This Taraaweeh begins from the last quarter of the 14th para (from verse 90 of Surah Nahl) and terminates at the end of the 15th para (verse 74 of Surah Kahaf). This Taraaweeh commences with the verse “Verily Allaah instructs justice, good and giving to relatives. And Allaah forbids from lewdness, evil and oppression. He advises you so that you may take heed.” Allaah also commands people to fulfil their pledges and their oaths, and not to accept bribes. Allaah promises all Mu'mineen men and women who carry out good deeds that He will grant them a pure and comfortable life in this world and full reward for their deeds in the Hereafter. Thereafter, Allaah instructs the Muslims that they should always seek refuge with Allaah from Shaytaan when they commence recitation of the Qur'aan. Allaah also advises, “Call to the path of your Rabb with wisdom and good counsel; and dispute with them (the kuffaar) in a manner that is best.” [surah Nahl, verse 125] At the end of the Surah Allaah tells Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) that he should not be grieved about what his opposition does because Allaah will certainly assist him to overcome all the hurdles they place before him. Hear Mufti A Hoosen Elias audio summary of the night of Taraaweeh Download Now End 14th Para - Start 15th Para Surah Bani Israa'eel follows Surah Nahl as the 17th Surah of the Qur'aan. Allaah took Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) on the miraculous journey of Mi’raaj, when Allaah showed him great signs of His power. It was on this journey that Allaah made the five daily salaah compulsory on all Muslims. This blessed Surah also contains the 14 guidelines whereby the life of a Muslim can be most fulfilling. These are: 1) Worship Allaah only. 2) Treat parents kindly. 3) Fulfil the rights of relatives, the poor and travellers. 4) Never be wasteful. 5) If you cannot be of assistance to a person in need, inform him kindly. 6) Be neither miserly nor extravagant, but choose a path between the two. 7) Never kill your children for fear of poverty. 8) Never even draw close to fornication. 9) Never slay a person without warrant. 10) Never misuse the wealth of an orphan. 11) Always keep your word. 12) Never cheat in weight and measure. 13) Never talk about anything that you have not verified. 14) Never walk with pride. The Tahajjud salaah is made compulsory for Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) in this Surah. Allaah also announces: “Say, ‘The truth has arrived and falsehood has vanished. Indeed, falsehood was bound to disappear.” [verse 81] Thereafter Allaah speaks about Hadhrat Moosa (A.S), his miracles, and his preaching to Fir'oun. The eventual destruction of Fir'oun is also mentioned. Allaah says further, “We have revealed it (the Qur'aan) with the truth, and with the truth did it come.” [verse 105]. Awe-struck by the grandeur of the Qur'aan, men of knowledge fall prostrate when they hear the Qur'aan and the Qur'aan increases their humility. The very last verse of the Surah declares, “Say, ‘All praise is for Allaah, Who has not taken a child, has no partner in sovereignty and does not require an assistant due to any weakness. And declare His greatness in abundance.” [verse 111] Surah Kahaf follows Surah Bani Israa'eel. The part of Surah Kahaf which is recited in this Taraaweeh includes the incident of the men of the cave and Hadhrat Moosa (A.S)’s meeting with Hadhrat Khidr (A.S). The “men of the cave” were a group of young men who grew weary of the depravity around them and decided to leave their town. Since the only shelter they could find outside their town was a cave, they entered it. Allaah cast them all into a deep sleep that lasted approximately three hundred years. During this period their dog lay watch at the mouth of the cave and the evil and corruption that existed in their town gave way to a decent government of Mu'mineen. By the time they woke up, everything had changed and it was not long after they learnt about the situation that they all passed away in the very same cave. They will now only awaken for the Day of Qiyaamah. This Surah also makes mention of the wisdom in Allaah’s system of control, which he showed Hadhrat Moosa (A.S) via Hadhrat Khidr (A.S). As the two travelled, Hadhrat Khidr (A.S) damaged the boat of some poor people, killed an innocent looking young boy, and bolstered a falling wall of some people who behaved inhospitably to them. Hadhrat Moosa (A.S) was unable to bear with these acts and objected to each of them. Finally, Hadhrat Khidr (A.S) explained to him that Allaah has commanded each act and that there was good in every act even though they appeared to be dreadful. Allaah also declares in the Surah: “We have undoubtedly expounded all types of subjects in the Qur'aan for people. Man has always been the worst disputant.” [verse 54]. Man has always contested what Allaah has revealed to His Ambiya (A.S) and refuses to accept it. The Qur'aan contains the most upright and ethical teachings so that people with understanding may ponder over these and take a lesson from them. Amongst these teachings are the incidents of the men of the cave and of Hadhrat Moosa (A.S). May Allaah grant us a deep insight and understanding. Aameen. End 15th Para - Start 16th Para