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Wa'alaykumus salaam warahmatullah and welcome to the forum sister! The method is detailed here Click on the picture to enlarge. You will find a step by step method detailed, inshaAllah you will find it useful. There are other resources you may find helpfu. Please use the search option on the top right hand corner or feel free to ask. Jazzakillah for visiting the forum

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“A person should never incline towards the creation, nor should he have any expectations from them; rather, the centre of his attention should be the Creator only.” Shaykh.org

Reciting Surah Maryam when a woman is pregnant Question: It has become a custom in my family that when a woman is pregnant she is told to recite Surah Maryam, I wonder if this practice is from the Sunnah or a practise of the Sahaabah. Please shed some light on this. JAZAKALAH Answer: In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. We did not find any virtue in Shariah pertaining to the recitation of Surah Maryam for pregnant women. However, it is possible that reciting Surah Maryam for a pregnant woman has been proven beneficial. One may follow the experiences of others in this. Furthermore, in Surah Maryam the incident of the pregnancy and birth of Maryam Allayhis Salaam is mentioned. Those women serve as moral strength for a pregnant woman. Mufti Shafi Saheb Rahmatullahi Allahi Mentions in Mariful Qura’an under the commentary of the following verse: وَنُنزلُ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ مَا هُوَ شِفَاءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ We reveal the Qur‘ān, which is cure and mercy for the believers”[1] The Holy Qura’an cures hearts and delivers people from shirk and kufr, low morals and spiritual ailments is no secret, The entire Muslim Ummah agrees with it. According to some Ulama, the way the Qura’an is a cure for spiritual ailments; it is also a cure for physical diseases.[2] The Hadith of Sayyidina Abu Said al-Khudri رضي الله عنه can be seen in all books of Ahaadith. It says that a party of the noble companions was in travel. In a village on their way, a scorpion had bitten the chief. The village people asked the Companions if they could suggest some treatment for it. They recited the Surah Al Fatiha seven times, blew their breath on him and the ailing patient stood cured. Later, when this incident was mentioned before the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم he declared this action of the companions to be permissible. Similarly, there are several other Hadith reports which prove that the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم has done it himself. After having recited the last two verses of the Qura’an, He would blow his breath on the sick person. It is also proved that the Sahaaba رضي الله عنهم and the Ta’been used to treat sick people with the recital of the last two verses of the Quraan as well as with the recital of other verses from the Holy Quraan. [3] From the above we conclude that all verses of the Holy Qura’an could be recited for Ailments and sicknesses.[4] And Allah Ta’ala knows best Mufti Luqman Hansrot Fatwa Dept. Source

1. Hazrat Anas radiyallahu anhu reported Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, “Everything has a heart and the heart of the Holy Qur’aan is Yaseen. Allah Ta’ala will record anyone who recites Yaseen as having recited the Holy Qur’aan ten times.” (Tirmizi, Darimee) 2. Hazrat Ata ibn Abu Rabah radiyallahu anhu told of hearing that Allah Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, “If anyone recites Yaseen at the beginning of the day, his needs will be fulfilled.” (Darimee) 3. Hazrat Maqil ibn Yasaar Muzani radiyallahu anhu reported the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, “If anyone recites Yaseen for Allah’s pleasure, his past sins will be forgiven; so recite it on those who are dying.” (Baihaqi) 4. Hazrat Anas radiyallahu anhu reported Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, “Whoever goes to the graveyard and reads Surah Yaseen Allah Ta’ala gives them (the grave dwellers) ease that day, and the reciter receives spiritual blessings equivalent to the amount of letters of Surah Yaseen.” (Qurtubi) 5. Hazrat Maqil ibn Yasaar radiyallahu anhu reports that the Holy Prophetsallallahu alaihe wasallam has said, “Recite Surah Yaseen on those who are dying.” (Abu Dawood) 6. Hazrat Ummud Darda radiyallahu anhu reports the Noble Prophetsallallahu alaihe wasallam saying, “Over no person who is about to die and Surah Yaseen is read upon them but Allah Ta’ala lightens the difficulties of death for him.” (Qurtubi) 7. Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu says that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihe wasallam has said, “Whoever recites Surah Yaseen at night seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala, that night he will be forgiven.” (Abu Nuaym) 8. Hazrat Aisha radiyallahu anhu reports Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam saying, “Indeed in the Noble Qur’aan there is a Surah, for its reading will intercede and will be a means of forgiveness for its listener. Listen carefully, it is Surah Yaseen, in the Torah it is called Muimmah.” It was enquired, “O’ Messenger of Allah, what is Muimmah?” Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam replied, “It contains for its reader the benefits of this world, it removes from him the dread of the next life, and it is called Dafiah and Qadhiyah.” Again it was enquired, “How is this Surah Dafiah and Qadhiyah?” Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam replied, “It takes away from its reader all afflictions and fulfills his need. Whoever recites it, it will be made equal to twenty pilgrimages. Whoever shall listen to it, it will be as thousand dinars, which he has given as charity in the path of Allah. And whoever shall write it and then drink it, it will enter into his heart a thousand cures, a thousand radiant lights, a thousand times more increase in belief, a thousand mercies, a thousand blessings, a thousand times more increase in guidance, and will remove from him all gall and disease.” (Al-Tha’labi, Hakeem Tirmizi in Nawadrul Usoos) 9. Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu reports the Messenger of Allahsallallahu alaihe wasallam saying, “Whoever recites Surah Yaseen on the eve of Friday he will be forgiven by morning.” (Qurtubi) 10. Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu reports the Holy Prophetsallallahu alaihe wasallam saying, “Whoever recites Surah Yaseen at night he will be forgiven in the morning, and whoever recites that Surah Haameen in which Dukhaan is mentioned he will be forgiven in the morning.” (Abu Ya’la) 11. Hazrat Jundub ibn Abdullah radiyallahu anhu narrates that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam has said, “Whoever reads Yaseen at night seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala he is forgiven.” (Ibn Habbaan) 12. Hazrat Ibn Abbas radiyallahu anhu reports Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam saying, “My heart’s desire is that Surah Yaseen should be present in the heart of every individual of my Ummah.” (Al-Bazzaar) 13. Yaha ibn Abi Kathir says, “This narration has reached me that whoever shall recite Yaseen at night, he remains content till morning and whoever shall recite it in the morning, he remains content till evening. And that person who has related this to me has also experienced this.” Thalabi said, and Ibn Atiyah has mentioned this and Ibn Atiyah says, “Experience confirms this.” Jamiatul Ulama

Reciting Surah Maryam and Surah Yusuf during pregnancy Q: A pregnant woman is advised to recite surah maryam and surah yusuf. Please advise if this is bidah or is it authentic? Also please advise if anything else should be recited. A: It is permissible. However it should be borne in mind that this relates to amaliyaat and many of the prescriptions and benefits of amaliyaat are proven through experience. This should not be regarded as a Sunnah practice. And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best. وعن عبد الله بن مسعود قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم عليكم بالشفاءين العسل والقرآن رواهما ابن ماجه والبيهقي في شعب الإيمان وقال والصحيح أن الأخير موقوف على ابن مسعود (مشكاة #4571) عمرة أن أبا بكر دخل على عائشة رضي الله عنهما وهي تشتكي ويهودية ترقيها فقال ارقيها بكتاب الله قال محمد وبهذا نأخذ . لا بأس بالرقى بما كان في القرآن وما كان من ذكر الله فأما ما كان لا يعرف من كلام فلا ينبغي أن يرقى به (مؤطا إمام محمد #875) فرع في المجتبى التميمة المكروهة ما كان بغير العربية قال الشامي في رد المحتار : قوله ( التميمة المكروهة ) أقول الذي رأيته في المجتبى التميمة المكروهة ما كان بغير القرآن وقيل هي الخرزة التي تعلقها الجاهلية فلتراجع نسخة أخرى وفي المغرب وبعضهم يتوهم أن المعاذات هي التمائم وليس كذلك إنما التميمة الخرزة ولا بأس بالمعاذات إذا كتب فيها القرآن أو أسماء الله تعالى ويقال رقاه الراقي رقيا ورقية إذا عوذه ونفث في عوذته قالوا وإنما تكره العوذة إذا كانت لغير لسان العرب ولا يدري ما هو ولعله يدخله سحر أو كفر أو غير ذلك وأما ما كان من القرآن أو شيء من الدعوات فلا بأس به (رد المحتار 6/ 363) Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Pregnancy by Moulana Moosa ibn Ahmad Olgar, extract: Upbringing of Children After some time has elapsed, the couple desire that Allah Taa'la bless them with a child and thus through marital consummation Allah Taa'la grants their wish. The first stage that follows is that of pregnancy. A person should not be ashamed of being pregnant or treat it as a big burden, as there are many beautiful virtues and rewards for being pregnant. Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "The woman that dies in her virginity or during her pregnancy or at the time of birth or thereafter (in nifaas) will attain the rank of a martyr." It is mentioned in another Hadith that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Does it not please you (O Women!) that when you conceive from your husbands while he is pleased with you then that woman will receive such reward equal to that of a fasting person in the path of Allah and spending the night in ibaadat. When her labour pains commence the inhabitants of the earth and the sky are unaware of the stores of comfort that are prepared for her. When she delivers and breast feeds her child then she will be granted a reward for every gulp of milk, and if she had to remain awake during the night for the sake of her child, she will receive the reward of emancipating seventy slaves in the path of Allah. O Salaamat! Do you know who these women are? They are pious, upright, delicately natured but yet are obedient to their husbands and not ungrateful to them." Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "A woman from her pregnancy till the time of weaning her child is like one protecting the boundaries of the Islamic state. If she passes away during this period she attains the reward of martyrdom." In another Hadith it is mentioned that, "The woman who dies of labour pains is regarded as a martyr (shaheedah)." A woman should therefore gladly bear these difficulties patiently and calmly as she will be highly rewarded. Hazrat Mail bin Yasaar (radiyallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Marry such women who are loving and produce children (in abundance) because (on the day of Qiyaamah) I will vie with other Ummats and be proud of your numbers." In another Hadith Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Even the miscarried foetus will drag its mother towards Jannat if she exercised patience with the hope of acquiring reward." Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "When the woman breast feeds then on every gulp of milk the child receives, the reward is as though she has granted life to a being and when she weans her child, then the angels pat her on her back saying: CONGRATULATIONS! all your past sins have been forgiven, now start all over again." [by sins is intended the minor sins, this is also a great reward.] DAYS OF PREGNANCY During this time, great care and precautions should be adopted. During this stage, any physical weaknesses affect the growth of the child. In the early days of pregnancy, constipation should be avoided as there is a fear of miscarriage. Constipation is a fairly common complaint during pregnancy. Stimulant laxatives should be avoided in pregnancy and while breast-feeding. Similarly diarrhoea should be avoided as this can make her weak and at times can result in a miscarriage. During this period nausea, vomiting and discomposure is experienced. This induces a desire for sour and salty foods. Some women have a sudden craving for black soil and soap etc. Caution should be taken that no such items are consumed which are detrimental to the health. Also extremely bitter and spicy foods should be avoided. During pregnancy simple foods should be eaten that assist in digestion. If during the days of pregnancy any sickness befalls you, then immediate treatment should be given and the doctor should be told of your pregnancy. One should not feel ashamed of being pregnant. Those women who have their first pregnancy are ashamed to tell their in-laws and relatives and as a result they suffer. The pregnant woman should remember that giving birth to a normal child does not lead to so much of weakness as in the case of a miscarriage. Therefore if one has a miscarriage, full precautions should be taken or else this weakness will affect her for the rest of her life. During the early days of pregnancy, very heavy things should not be carried or lifted. Likewise jumping from a high place, hopping, running or any form of physical (pain) strain should be prevented as this may cause excessive bleeding or even a miscarriage. The Islamic education of the child starts when the child is still in the womb of the mother. This is through the thoughts that she carries in those days, by the feelings that she has, by the kind of books that she reads, by the kind of company that she keeps and by the kind of things that she hears. During pregnancy frightening pictures of deformed children or animals should not be seen. One should look at beautiful children, flowers and should smell beautiful fragrances. Also during pregnancy reading evil books, having evil thoughts, bad intentions, practising of bad habits and doing sinful works should be avoided or else there is a fear that these evils may effect the unborn child later on. All these have an effect on the unborn child because the mother's nervous system is affecting all the systems of the baby. Although the baby has its own independent systems, remember it is the mother's womb that is carrying the baby and that the baby is being affected by whatever she is thinking, feeling, reading and listening to. It is better and advisable for the mother to keep good company, to read good books (the Quraan Shareef should be read in abundance) and to be at such places where she hears the words of Allah and about our DEEN. It is important to have good feelings, good thoughts and not to carry grudges, have fear of something or be unduly worried about something. One should always remain calm and happy and should not be allowed to be over concerned and allow oneself to be overtaken by grief. The thoughts that you generate within yourself will influence the kind of disposition the child will have. If you are sad and miserable the child will be equally affected. So remember the environment prior to the child's birth is as important as the environment he is born into. WHAT TO READ DURING PREGNANCY During the days of pregnancy, duas for the protection from calamities should be read in abundance. Also the performance of Salaat regularly is a protection from calamities. The following duas and surahs should be read in abundance during pregnancy: A'oodhu bikalimmatillaahit taammmaati min sharri maa khalaqa I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of that which He has created. Hasbunallaahu wa ni'imal wakeel Allah suffices us and He is the best guardian Inniy u'eedhuhaa bika wa dhurriyyatahaa minas shaytaanir rajeem And I command her and her offspring to Thy protection, from the evil one, the rejected. Aayatul Kursi, surah Yaseen, surah Maryam, surah Yusuf and surah Muhammad Also it is mentioned that Hazrat Fatima (radiyallahu anha) reports that when it was time for her to deliver her child, "Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) sent Umme Salma (radiyallahu anha) and Hazrat Zainab (radiyallahu anha) to me with the instruction that they read Aayatul Kursi, surah Al-Falaq and An-naas and the following verse for easy delivery: Inna rabbakumullaahul ladhiy khalaqas samaawaati wal ardha fiy sittati ayyaamin thumma-stawaa alal arsh, yughshiyl llaylan nahaara wa yatlubuhoo hatheethan was shamsa wal qamara wan nujooma musakh-kharaatim bi amrihi . Alaa lahul khalqu wal amru, tabaaraka llaahu rabbul aalameen. Ud'oo rabbakum tadharru'an wa khufyatan, innahoo laa yuhibbul mu'tadeen." Surah Al-A'raf (7:54,55) If a woman has difficulty during childbirth, the following should be written on paper, wrapped in a piece of white cloth and tied around her left thigh. Insha-Allah it will ease the birth. Also Aayatul Kursi and the two Ayats from surah Al-A'raf (7: 54,55) are to be recited near the woman in throes of birth. Surah Al-Falaq and An-Naas are also to be read and thereafter blown on her. CERTAIN BEAUTIFUL NAMES OF ALLAH TO BE READ BEFORE AND DURING PREGNANCY Yaa waahidul ahad, The ONE Un-Equalled Anyone desiring good and pious children should inscribe this ism on paper, or cloth and keep it with him at all times. Yaa awwalu, The First. Anyone desirous of male children should say this ism 40 times daily for 40 days. His needs will soon be fulfilled. (Insha-Allah) Yaa mubdi-u, The Originator Anyone who, while placing his hand on the stomach of his pregnant wife, repeats this ism 99 times at the time of sehri, neither will she have a miscarriage nor will she give birth prematurely. (Insha-Allah) Yaa barru, The Good. Anyone who reads this ism 7 times and blows on his child soon after birth, Allah will grant the child protection from calamities until puberty. (Insha-Allah) Yaa baari-u, One Who Gives Life. If a barren woman fasts for 7days and each day, after making Iftaar with water, reads this ism 21 times Allah will grant her male children. (Insha-Allah) Yaa musawwiru, Fashioner of Shapes. If a barren woman fasts and each day, after making Iftaar with water read this ism 21 times Allah will grant her male children. (Insha-Allah Yaa naafi-u, One Who Confers Benefits. If this ism is said prior to having intercourse, Allah will grant him good and pious children. (Insha-Allah) FASTING DURING PREGNANCY If the pregnant woman is certain or almost certain that if she fasts the foetus will be harmed or she herself will be harmed, she is then permitted not to observe the fasts. If a woman comes to know after having had the intention of the fast that she is pregnant and she is almost certain that fasting would be harmful for her, she is then permitted to break the fast and observe it on another day without expiation. WHAT TO EAT DURING PREGNANCY During the days of pregnancy good and pure foods are essential for the health of the child. But excess of healthy foods and fruits and too much of resting causes the weight of the child to increase due to which delivery becomes difficult. Therefore excess of healthy foods should not be consumed, nor should there be too much of resting. A little bit of work should be done. Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "If a woman eats sweet melon, she will give birth to a handsome and pretty child." It is interesting to note that an intelligent child is born when a pregnant woman eats beans. Also it increases the mother's milk. During the days of pregnancy by eating coconut and sugar candy, it lessens the amount of vomiting. There is easiness at the time of the birth of the child. Also on the body of the child there would be no heat rashes and the child will be fair and pure (skin) and the child will be born healthy. (Insha-Allah) Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has emphasised the importance of dates and their effectiveness in the growth of the foetus. He (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) recommended that they be given to women. Sayyidah Maryam (alayhas salaam) had dates as her food during her confinement and labour. Experiments have shown that dates contain stimulants which strengthen the muscles of the uterus in the last months of pregnancy. This helps the dilation of the uterus at the time of delivery on one hand and reduces the bleeding after delivery on the other. Dates enrich the breast milk with all the elements needed to make the child healthy and resistant to disease. Modern Science has proved that dates are a part of a healthy diet. They contain sugar, fat and proteins as well as important vitamins. They are also rich in natural fibres. Medical research has proven that they are effective in preventing stomach cancer. Dates also surpass other fruit in sheer variety of their constituents. They contain oil, Calcium, Sulphur, Iron, Potassium, Phosphorous, Manganese, Copper and Megnesium. In other words, one date is a mini-mine of a balanced and healthy diet. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said that bitter orange (grapefruit) is a cure for all illnesses. Also, it increases the milk in the mother's breast.

Devotion and Concentration in Salaah Hazrat Shaikh Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) writes: The Soofia have written that Salaah in reality is an ibaadat wherein one supplicates to Allah Ta’ala and communicates with him. Therefore one needs to have concentration during Salaah as the Salaah cannot be discharged with negligence. In case of other ibaadaat, even though one does not possess a high level of concentration, the ibaadat will take place. Consider the example of zakaat, the essence of zakaat is to spend money for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala. Spending in itself is so hard on a person that even if he does it inattentively he would feel the pinch of it. Similarly, fasting requires giving up eating and drinking and sexual satisfaction. All these restrictions are extremely difficult on the soul. Even if they are not observed with proper attention and devotion, the ibaadat will be discharged. On the other hand, Zikr and recitation of the Qur'an are the chief constituents of Salaah. If these are not done attentively with devotion and concentration, they will not constitute supplication and communication with Allah Ta’ala. (Fazaail-e-A’amaal [urdu], Fazaail-e-Namaaz pg. 87) Ihyaauddeen

PREPARATION FOR THE BLESSED MONTH OF RAMADHAAN From the discourses of Moulana Mufti Ahmad Saheb Khanpuri The month of Ramadhaan is a great bounty of Allah. The regard shown towards something will be in proportion to its importance and preciousness. If for example a person is hosting some occasion, then proportionate to the occasion will be the preparation. Preparations are made two or four days in advance for certain occasions, eight days prior preparations are made for certain other occasions, weeks before for another and even months before for certain others. Read Here

Laying the Foundation for Ramadan Shaykh Junaid Kharsany RayyanInstitute.com The foundation has to be laid down weeks before the month of Ramadhaan! A must listen now! Prepare To Give This Ramadan Shaykh Junaid Kharsany RayyanInstitute.com

Short Lectures In Urdu And English About Ramadhaan by Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat (Hafizahullah) Value the Month of Ramadhaan

What to recite when a person dies Question Upon a persons death please tell me if the shahadah must be read as well as Surah Baqarah. Also does reading Quran , Yasin or du’as help the dead person? Answer 1. When a person is in the throes of death, those present should recite the shahadah audibly, to remind this dying person to recite it. One should not directly address the dying person and ask him/her to recite the shahadah. Sayyiduna Abu Sa’id Al-Khudary (radiyallahu’anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) said: Remind those among you who are dying to recite ‘Lailaha illallah… (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 916 ) There are no specified number of times to recite the shahadah at this instance. When the dying person recites the shahadah, then those present should remain silent. 2. Reciting Surah Baqarah by the deceased: Sayyiduna Al Lajlaj (radiyallahu ’anhu), a companion of Rasulullah (sallallahu ’alayhi wa sallam), had bequeathed his son that after he leaves this world, he should recite the beginning and end of Surah Al-Baqarah at the head side of his grave. Sayyiduna Al-Lajlaj (radiyallahu ’anhu) then mentioned that he heard this from Rasulullah (sallallahu ’alayhi wa sallam). (Al Mu’jamul Kabir of Imam Tabarani; Hafiz Haythami has regarded the narrators of this tradition as reliable – refer Majma’uz Zawaid vol.3 pg.44) This has also been recorded to be the practice of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘’Umar (radiyallahu ’anhu). (As Sunanul Kubra of Imam Bayhaqi vol.4 pg.56). This narration has been classified as sound (hasan) by ‘Allamah Nawawi and Hafiz ibn Hajar (rahimahumallah). (Al Adhkar pg.212 Hadith: 493; Al Futuhatur Rabbaniyyah vol.3 pg.194) 3. Sayyiduna Ma’qil ibn Yasar (radiyallahu’anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu’alaihi wasallam) said: “Surah Yasin is the heart of the Qur’an. When anyone who intends the Akhirah recites it Allah will forgive him. Recite it upon your deceased.” (Sunan Abi Dawud) Imam Hakim has classified this tradition as sahih (authentic); Mustadrak Hakim vol.1 pg.565 – see Targhib vol.2 pg.376 Imam Ahmad has narrated in his Musnad from Safwan that, ‘The scholars use to say that when it is recited near the deceased, Allah creates ease for him/her.’ (See Tafsir ibn Kathir vol.3 pg.571) 4. For details on how to benefit the deceased with our deeds by ‘isalus thawab’ click here. And Allah Ta’ala Knows best, Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar hadithanswers

The Last Time From the moment you hold your baby in your arms, you will never be the same. You might long for the person you were before, When you have freedom and time, And nothing in particular to worry about. You will know tiredness like you never knew it before, And days will run into days that are exactly the same, Full of feedings and burping, Nappy changes and crying, Whining and fighting, Naps or a lack of naps, It might seem like a never-ending cycle. But don’t forget … There is a last time for everything. There will come a time when you will feed your baby for the very last time. They will fall asleep on you after a long day And it will be the last time you ever hold your sleeping child. One day you will carry them on your hip then set them down, And never pick them up that way again. You will scrub their hair in the bath one night And from that day on they will want to bathe alone. They will hold your hand to cross the road, Then never reach for it again. They will creep into your room at midnight for cuddles, And it will be the last night you ever wake to this. One afternoon you will sing “the wheels on the bus” and do all the actions, Then never sing them that song again. They will kiss you goodbye at the school gate, The next day they will ask to walk to the gate alone. You will read a final bedtime story and wipe your last dirty face. They will run to you with arms raised for the very last time. The thing is, you won’t even know it’s the last time Until there are no more times. And even then, it will take you a while to realize. So while you are living in these times, remember there are only so many of them and when they are gone, you will yearn for just one more day of them. For one last time. Source : Idealmuslimah

A House By The Canal In Arabia As salaamu alaii kumm wa rahmatullahi wa barakath, This incident occured in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. In the holy month of Ramadan, a pious woman gathered her children every day before iftaar (the time for breaking the fast after sunset) and asked them to pray with her. Then she raised her hands and said: “O Allah! Provide us with our own house by the side of a flowing canal.” The children then all raised their hands and repeated the prayer. The woman’s husband laughed at them and said: “Your wish for a house is understandable, but what do you mean by a canal flowing beside the house? How will this canal come to our desert area?”. The wife replied: “Don’t worry about it; this is a matter between us and Allah Almighty. He (Allah) says: “Call upon Me and I will respond to your call. So we will seek from Him whatever comes to our mind again and again.” In short, she gathered the children daily and prayed to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala. The holy month of Ramadan was over her and husband asked her sarcastically: “Now tell me where is your house and the canal?” The lady replied with firm faith: “Allah Almighty will certainly give us a house, He will fulfill all our desires.” What happened next was related by the woman herself: “I had barely finished fasting the six days of Shawwal when one day a strange incident happened. My husband was coming out of the mosque after ‘Asr prayer. A well-known and affluent person of Riyadh stopped him. My husband did not recognise him. The person said salaam to my husband and said: “I have a house with my father living in half of it. The other half is vacant. Allah Almighty has blessed me and my children with a lot of property and we don’t need the vacant portion. Today I left my place with the intention of offering the remaining portion of the house to the first person who comes out of the mosque after ‘Asr prayer. I’ve come across you here. Now my request is that you accept half of our house as a gift.” We were reluctant to accept the offer without paying anything. However, the man said, “If you insist on paying for the house, you may give me whatever amount you can arrange easily.” We collected money from different sources, which amounted to around 8,000 riyals. We handed over that amount to the gentleman. “Now we were the owners of half a house in a posh locality of Riyadh. It is true that whoever calls upon Allah ta’ala with sincerity in his or her heart, Allah Almighty does answer their call”. “However, one thing perturbed me. I had asked Allah for a canal to flow alongside the house, but there was no canal. I asked a religious scholar whether Allah Almighty blesses a person with what he or she seeks from Him? I sought a house on the bank of a canal from Allah Almighty but I got the house without any canal.” The religious scholar was astonished at my firm belief. He asked me what lay in front of my new house. I replied that there was a beautiful mosque there. The religious scholar smiled and said, “That is the canal!” There is a Hadith that once the Prophet of Allah (immense peace and infinite blessings be upon him) said to the Companions (may Allah ta’ala be pleased with them): “If a person lives in a house by the side of a flowing canal and he takes a bath in it five times a day, will any dirt or impurity remain on his body?” The Companions replied: “No, O Prophet of Allah! No dirt or impurity will remain on his body”. The Prophet (immense peace and infinite blessings be upon him) said: “This is the case with praying five times a day by means of which Allah Almighty removes sins.” theijtima.com

What to do upon a Death WHEN SIGNS OF DEATH START SHOWING UP The blessed Companion Aboo Sa'eed Khudri radiyallahu anhu narrates that the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, "Prompt the dying among you to say (the kalimah): Lã ilãha illallãh (I declare that there is no god but Allah)." (Muslim) The blessed Companion Ma'qil Ibne Yasãr radiyallahu anhu narrates that the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, "You should recite Soorah Yãseen over the dying among you." (Musnade-Ahmad, Aboo Dãwood, Ibne Mãjah) IN THE AGONY OF DEATH Turn the face of the dying person towards the Qiblah. Let him or her make the following prayer, "O Allah, forgive me and have mercy on me and have me join higher companions." (Tirmizi) RULINGS 1. Soon after the signs of death become obvious, make the dying person lie on his back with the Qiblah on his right. Turn the face slightly towards the Qiblah, raise the head a little by placing a pillow or some other head-rest, in which case also, the dying person will be considered as facing the Qiblah. But leave the dying person as he is if he feels uncomfortable while being made to face the Qiblah. One should sit down close by and say loudly, "Ash'hadu allã ilãha illallãhu wahdahoo lã shareeka lahoo wa ash'hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhoo wa rasooluh." (I bear witness that there is no god but Allah. He is One, there is no partner with Him; and I bear witness that Muhammad sallalahu alayhi wasallam is His Servant and His Messenger.) Given his condition, do not ask him to recite the kalimah, for that is a time of great trial - who knows what he might say under stress. 2. After the dying person has recited the kalimah once, leave it at that. Do not try to make him say the kalimah non-stop in an effort to see that he breathes his last whilst reciting it. For, the purpose is simply to make sure that the last words he says should be the kalimah. It is not at all necessary that the recitation of the kalimah continues right through the last breath. However, should he return to the mundane and the ordinary concerns of life, start reciting the kalimah again. When he, taking the cue, recites it, then be silent. 3. When breath loses its momentum and starts heaving faster and legs sag down, unable to stay up and the nose-top turns aside and the temples collapse inwards, take these signs to be the certain knock of death. At this time, start reciting the kalimah in a raised voice. 4. Reciting Soorah Yãseen lightens the hardship of death. Recite it sitting on the side of his head or anywhere else near the body, or ask someone else to do it. 5. At a time such as this, say nothing which may divert his attention to the concerns of worldly life, for this is the time to leave the mortal world and be present in the majestic Court of Allah Almighty. Do say that which turns his heart away from the concerns of the mortal world and diverts it towards the thoughts of his Creator, for it is here that the well being of the dying lies. At a time like this, bringing his children and family members before him, or anyone else he loved most, or to remind him of things or people in a nostalgic manner causing him to be swamped in the thoughts of loves lost, is a terrible thing to do to him. It is not nice that he says farewell to his life in the world so bound by its fond memories. 6. If, at the time of death, some unfortunate remark bordering on kufr (the denial of Faith) escapes the lips of the dying person, feel or say nothing about it. Instead, take it to be a slip of his reason under the stress of approaching death. When man loses his reason, he stands forgiven for his sayings and deeds. Keep praying that Allah Almighty forgives him. 7. When death comes, all concerned should say, "Innã lillãhi wa innã ilayhi rãji'oon" (Surely to Allah we belong, and to Him we are to return) and make the following prayer, "O Allah, help me in my hour of trial and replace it for me with what is better." (Tirmizi) 8. When death becomes obvious and certain, take a strip of cloth, wide enough to pass under the chin, bring it on to the head, tie a knot, then close the eyes gently and pray, "I begin with the Name of Allah while being faithful to the Religion of His Messenger sallalahu alayhi wasallam. O Allah, make his matter easy on him and that which he is to face after death, and make him the blessed beholder of Thy Sighting, and make that to which he has departed better than what he has departed from." (Durre-Mukhtãr) 9. Then straighten hands and feet, bring toes of the feet close together and tie them with a strip of cloth. Then, throw a sheet over the dead body and place it on a cot or a flat wooden bunk. Do not leave it lying on the ground. It is advisable to place some weight on the stomach lest it inflates. Allow no impure persons (in need of a bath, including women in conditions that exempt them from offering Salãh etc.) near the dead body. (Durre-Mukhtãr) Now inform relatives and friends of the deceased so that they can all participate in his funeral prayers. 10. Some incense (such as oblibanum, lobãn or Frankincense), if available, may be placed near the deceased. 11. Reciting the Qur'ãn near the deceased before the washing of the body is not correct. 12. All funeral arrangements including the shrouding of the dead body have to be made very quickly. Start with locating a gravesite and the preparation of the grave. Collect everything needed for the stages of washing, shrouding, funeral and burial. 13. If a person dies on a Friday, it is better to make all arrangements and bury the deceased before the Jumu'ah congregational Salãh. Holding on to the prepared body with the thought that there will be a lot of participants in the Janãzah salãh after Jumu'ah is makrooh (detested). (Shãmi) LET THERE BE NO WAILING OVER THE DECEASED It has been related in a Hadeeth that once the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam paid a visit to a Sahãbi who was on his deathbed. Seeing him in that condition, the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam broke in tears. When people saw him in that state, they too started weeping. He then said to them, "Listen to me O people, and listen well. Allah Almighty certainly does not apprehend the weeping eye and the hurting heart, for a Servant of Allah has no control over these." Then, pointing to the tongue, he added, "But a mistake made by this, that is, on intentional mourning and wailing, He punishes, and on reciting 'Innã lillãhi wa innã ilayhi rãji'oon' (To Allah we belong and to Him we are to return), and on raising hands of prayer and on seeking of His Forgiveness, He bestows His Mercy." (Bukhãri, Muslim) KISSING THE DECEASED After the deceased has been given the required ghusl (bath), it is permissible to kiss the deceased under intense desire to express love or personal devotion as it was with the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam when he kissed 'Uthmãn Ibne Maz'oon radiyallahu anhu and wept. Very similar to this, the noble Companion Aboo Bakr radiyallahu anhu kissed the forehead of the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam after his departure from this mortal world. (Zãdul-Ma'ãd) ALL FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE SWIFT It has been narrated that once the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam came to visit Talhah Ibne Barã radiyallahu anhu when he was sick. Seeing his critical condition, he said to the people around him, "I feel that the time of his death has arrived. If it does come to pass, I should be informed and funeral arrangements be made with haste, for it is not appropriate that the dead body of a Muslim be left amidst his family members for long." (Aboo Dãwood) 'Abdullah Ibne 'Umar radiyallahu anhuma narrates that he heard the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam saying, "When one among you dies, do not keep him in the house for long. Make haste in taking him to the grave and burying him." (Bayhaqi, Shu'abul-Imãn) Islamic Da'wah Academy

Hadhrat Umme Sulaym (Radhiallahu Anha) and the Mubaarak Perspiration Hadhrat Umme Sulaym (Radhiallahu Anha) (who was a mahram of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) narrates that once Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) visited her, and took his afternoon rest (qayloola) at her home. Whilst sleeping, Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) began perspiring. She narrates that she took a small bottle and began collecting his blessed perspiration. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) awoke and asked her what she was doing. She informed Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) that she was collecting his blessed perspiration, as there was no fragrance sweeter than it. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) permitted her and did not disapprove of this action. (Muslim) يَا رَبِّ صَلِّ وَ سَلِّمْ دَائِمًا أَبَدًا عَلَى حَبِيبِكَ خَيرِ الخَلْقِ كُلِّهِمِ

Initially when a person does a wrong, there is reluctance and hesitation. This is a favour of Allah Ta‘ala which needs to be appreciated and taken advantage of. When a person ignores this inspiration a few times, it stops and then he does not feel anything in doing the worst of sins. On the other hand, if he appreciates it, he will be blessed with more of these inspirations. The whole trial is that of resisting of temptation. This temptation comes in various ways. Sometimes it is in what we look at, what we listen to, or even what kind of deals we get involved in. If we leave out temptation, 90% of the battle is won. Source: Al-Haadi

Can an heir reject their inheritance? Q. Can an heir reject his/her share of inheritance and give it to others? (Question published as received) A. An heir does not have an option in accepting or refusing his/her share of inheritance as their shares are given to them by Allah Ta’ala and the inheritor inherits his/her share automatically. However, an heir may dispose of his/her share of inheritance after taking possession of it by gifting it to whomsoever they wish. (Shaami) And Allah Knows Best Mufti Ismaeel Bassa Confirmation: Mufti Ebrahim Desai Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

...why is Islam the fastest growing religion in the world? Some of the reasons attributed by people who convert to Islam are listed below. Eloquence of Quran’s language – The uniqueness and beauty of Quran’s text has been marveled by the best of Arab linguists and scholars from the days it was revealed until today. The more knowledgeable people are in the language, the more they appreciate the wonders of the textual fluency of the Quran. Overwhelming scientific evidence and proofs – The Quran, revealed more than 1400 years ago has numerous scientific facts that are being validated by science only in this era. Divine wisdom behind various social issues – The Quran provides a solution to numerous social issues, a deviation from which has known to cause societal chaos at all levels. Divine Text – Quran’s language and prose is very different from the language in the hadith (Prophet’s sayings) thus proving that Quran is not the “imagination” or words of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him), as many doubters have alleged in the past and do so even today.

…why do Muslims regard the Qur'aan as a living Miracle? The Quran is the only book that has remained in its original form since it was revealed. It has, and continues to be memorised word for word, from cover to cover by millions of Muslims throughout the world, thus ensuring that not even a word can be changed. The Quran, revealed more than 1400 years ago has numerous scientific facts that are being validated by science only in this era. It cannot be reproduced by a human : God, in the quran challenges people to reproduce something similar to the Quran: “Do people imagine that this Qur’an is not from Us, and that you, O Prophet are falsely attributing to us? Tell them that if they are speaking truly they should produce ten surahs (chapters) resembling the Qur’an, and that they are free to call on the aid of anyone but God in so doing.” (11:13) “Oh people, if you doubt the heavenly origin of this Book which We have sent down to Our servant, the Prophet, produce one surah (chapter) like it.” (2:23) A yet stronger challenge occurs in another chapter: “Or do they say: 'He forged it'? Say: 'Bring then a sura (Chapter) like unto it and call [to your aid] anyone you can”. (10:38) Source

Stepfather-in-law a Mahram? Q. I am a Muslim female. My father in law passed away and my mother-in-law remarried another man? Is my mother in laws new husband a Mahram to me or not? (Question published as received) A. Your mother-in-law’s new husband i.e. your husbands stepfather, is not a Mahram to you. (Verse 23 Suratun Nisaa). Hence, it is necessary for you to observe Hijaab from him at all times. And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Ismaeel Bassa Confirmation: Mufti Ebrahim Desai Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Who is a Mahram?

Insha'allāh, with the blessed month of Ramadān now very close, the respected Shaykh hafizahullāh regularly reminds us that we value every second of this blessed month. To understand the virtues of this great month and how to benefit from it, we would like to share with you an editorial of the respected Shaykh. Ramadān – a Mercy for All by Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh Ramadān is a month of mercy, forgiveness and deliverance from the fire of Jahannam. Salmān al-Fārsī radhiyallāhu ‘anhu narrates that once, while addressing the Sahābah radhiyallāhu ‘anhum at the end of Sha‘bān, Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said: ...It [Ramadān] is a month whose beginning is mercy, whose middle is forgiveness and whose end is freedom from the Fire... (Ibn Khuzaymah) People around us can be divided into three categories: 1. The muttaqīn servants of Allāh ta‘ālā. Who are the muttaqīn? They are the servants of Allāh ta‘ālā who refrain from disobeying Him, and who, if they do ever commit a sin, do not delay in repenting immediately. In this way they remain pure, and their state is such that if they were to depart from this world at any moment, they would go straight to Jannah. 2. Those who mix good deeds with bad deeds. This is the category in which most of us belong. Sometimes we are overcome with regret - due to sitting in gatherings of the ‘ulamā and the mashā’ikh or on blessed nights or blessed occasions and places - and we beg Allāh ta‘ālā to forgive us. In this way, our sins are washed away but then, some days later, we relapse and go back to the way we were before. Or it may be that we repent from one sin but not from another. In other words, we are fifty-fifty when it comes to obeying Allāh ta‘ālā. 3. Those who are disobedient to Allāh ta‘ālā. They do not carry out the Commands of Allāh ta‘ālā and when they sin, they do not repent. They carry a burden of sin on their shoulders at all times, and their condition is such that if they were to depart from this world, they would go straight to Jahannam. The first category, who keep themselves pure and are not in need of forgiveness, will find that Ramadān showers them with mercy and bounties right from the very first day. For the second category, it is as if Allāh ta‘ālā is saying that although during the last eleven months they have disobeyed Him for half that time, in return for ten days work He will forgive their sins come the eleventh of Ramadān. The third category, those who have done nothing but wrong, are invited to work for twenty days, and then from the twenty-first day Allāh ta‘ālā will deliver them from the fire of Jahannam. So it is clear that during Ramadān every category can reap the fruits of mercy, forgiveness and deliverance from the Fire. Through the immense mercy of Allāh ta‘ālā, He has made it easy for us to do this. A hadīth describes how Allāh ta‘ālā helps His servants during Ramadān: When Ramadān comes the doors of Jannah are opened, the doors of Jahannam are closed and the shayātīn are imprisoned. (Al-Bukhārī) This means that the actions that lead to Jannah are made easy and the actions that lead to Jahannam are made very difficult. It can be observed that people who never offer Fajr salāh outside of Ramadān feel no burden in doing so in Ramadān, and people who would normally find even two raka‘āt of nafl salāh difficult, perform twenty raka‘āt tarāwih every night with ease during Ramadān. This year we should all make the intention to work hard so that before the crescent of ‘Īd is sighted, we are included in the list of the friends of Allāh ta‘ālā - the muttaqīn. My beloved Shaykh, Hājī Fārūq rahimahullāh, used to say that as Allāh ta‘ālā states in the Qur’ān: ‘O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those that came before you, so that you can become muttaqīn,’ we should beseech Him to make us of the muttaqīn, as that is what He has created this month for. We should also hold fast to the following points: • Abstain from all sins, be they major or minor. • Do not waste a single second. • Do as much tilāwah of the Glorious Qur’ān as possible. • Mix as little as possible with others, for the more we get together with others, the more we talk; and talk eventually ends up becoming sinful, be it in the form of ghībah, slander, accusations, making fun of people etc. Shaykh-ul-Hadīth Mawlāna Muhammad Zakariyyā rahimahullāh used to tell his assistants to announce to those spending Ramadān with him that they should go to sleep rather than engage in talking with each other. • Ask Allāh ta‘ālā to grant you His mercy, His love and His friendship. • Contemplate over the past and make resolutions for the future. • In a hadīth, Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam has directed us towards four things we should do in abundance during the blessed month: recitation of the Kalimah Tayyibah, asking for forgiveness, asking for Jannah and seeking refuge from Jahannam. My late father rahimahullāh taught me a special formula of du‘ā to recite abundantly in Ramadān when I was a child back in India. He taught me the words: lā ilāha illallāh, astighfirullāh, as’alukal-jannah wa a’ūdhu bika minan nār. It was only when I had grown up that I learned this hadīth, and realised that by teaching me that simple formula, my beloved father rahimahullāh was helping me to practice on it. • During the last precious portion of the night, perform tahajjud and then sit in the darkness of your room, alone, and turn to Allāh ta‘ālā, asking for all your needs of this world and the hereafter. • Ten to fifteen minutes before breaking the fast, forget everything and just turn to Allāh ta‘ālā and ask Him to fulfil all your needs. May Allāh ta‘ālā make this Ramadān a turning point for us all, and may He enlist us in the honoured group of those who are His special friends. Āmīn. I humbly request all readers to also make du‘ā for me, my parents, teachers, mashā’ikh, family and associates during the blessed month. © Riyādul Jannah

Nani’s Coming! Imagine if you were married overseas with no relatives around you. Moreover you haven’t seen your parents and siblings for years. Your children don’t even know what their Nani’s face looks like. Out of the blue, your mother drops a surprise call that the entire family is coming over to visit for one full month. Can words ever express the level of excitement at home??? You would be over the moon. You would turn the house upside down cleaning and scrubbing, perhaps even applying a new coat of paint. A special menu would be planned and your pantry would be stocked up. Your house and family would be shipshape and ready for the very special visitors. Why is all this done? … Because these guests are very important to you. As the day draws closer, the anxiety increases and the wait becomes unbearable. This is exactly the condition of the pious with regards to the month of Ramadhaan. Some of them begin preparing for it six months in advance. When the moon of Rajab would be sighted, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) would beg Allah Ta‘ala to allow him to witness the blessed month of Ramadhaan. We also need to prepare for this great guest by ‘spring cleaning’ the thick layers of dust that have settled on our hearts through sins and disobedience, and by patching up with those whom we have cut off ties with. Let us draw up a spiritual ‘menu’ of the different acts of worship that we would complete in this month, laying greater emphasis on completing all our past qaza salaahs. When the ‘big day’ finally comes, and our guests finally arrive, we will spend maximum time with them. Perhaps we would stay awake the whole night catching up on the years of stories and ‘panchaat’. We would never ‘dump’ them in the lounge and continue with our daily routine, or leave them at home and go for a stroll in the mall, or a night out with the friends!!! We won’t even dream of allowing our children to go on an excursion, or spend their entire weekend in sport practice and league matches!!! Never! That’s unimaginable! Why? Because they mean too much to us. In fact some might even freeze food in advance to spend more time with them. If this great guest of Allah Ta‘ala, the blessed month of Ramadhaan, means as much to us as well, we won’t allow it to merely pass whilst we continue with our normal lives. Rather we would definitely spend maximum time ‘in its company’ and stay awake during its nights. Source