ummtaalib

Important article posted by Shaykh Abdur Raheem Limbada [db] a few hours ago. A must-read for all Muslims! Guidelines for the Muslim Community regarding new cartoons to be published Tomorrow - Wednesday 14 January 2015 The following points are general guidelines for Muslims on how to initially deal with and immediately react to the depiction of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in magazines due to be published tomorrow (WEDNESDAY). 1. For every Muslim, Love of the Prophet ﷺ is a NECESSARY part of his/her FAITH. He is dearer to us than our mothers, fathers, sons & daughters. We prefer him to our own self. 2. The publishing of cartoons will definitely hurt the sentiments of 1.8 billion Muslims around the world, as well as millions of non-Muslims who respect the great personality of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). 3. Muslims do believe in freedom of speech. And they do respect the right for people to say what they believe to be correct. However, we all know that there is no such thing as absolute free speech. There are laws to protect the dignity and properties of people. We urge all decent minded Governments and individuals to respect these sensitivities, as we should respect all races and religions. 4. As it is clear that the cartoons are to be published again, Muslims will inevitably be hurt and angered, but our reaction must be a reflection of the teachings of the one we love & are angered for, ﷺ. Enduring patience, tolerance, gentleness and mercy as was the character of our beloved Prophet (peace and Blessings be upon him) is the best and immediate way to respond. With dignified nobility we must be restrained, as the Quran says “And when the ignorant speak to them, they say words of Peace.” Our aim is to not, inadvertently, give the cartoons more prominence through our attention. Muslims must remain calm and peaceful in their speech and actions. Repel harm with goodness is the Qur’anic imperative and by which the Prophet Muhammad lived. Legal action, civil protest, letter writing & other legal avenues can then be considered, insha Allah. 5. Muslims have to remember that by depicting the Prophet ﷺ, no one can ever tarnish his image, as he is way beyond what is depicted, as Allah says, ‘We have elevated for you your name’. We should spend such regrettable moments in reading lots of Durood, sending salawaat and blessings to his beloved personality. May Allah's mercy, peace & blessing be upon his soul. 6. Engage with others about your feelings. Speak of your love for the Prophet ﷺ and do not be shy to let your non-Muslims friends know your justified anger at the mockery that is made of our faith. People need to know HOW MUCH WE LOVE OUR NABI ﷺ. 7. Learn more & share more about the great Prophet Muhammed ﷺ. Hassaan bin Thaabit (may Allah be pleased with him) describes him with the following couplets: "My eyes have never seen anyone more perfect than you No woman has given birth to anyone more handsome than you You have been created free from all defects As if you were created the way you wished" 8. We should, through our actions and deeds, display the sublime character of the Prophet (peace be upon him). The Prophet faced many great challenges but he exhibited impeccable beauty and character in his actions. He did not react inhumanely or violently. He was attacked verbally and physically in Taif but he forgave the people. His uncle and companions were murdered but he reacted peacefully and in a human manner. And there are many such examples from the seerah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) we must display. 9. As British citizens we must not allow tragic incidents of Paris allow hate to creep into our hearts. Muslims, non-Muslims and people of all backgrounds must come together and show unity and solidarity and not let it divide our communities. We must remember the statements of the Prophet (peace be upon him) such as: “Someone who unjustly kills a Dhimmi (non-Muslim person under protection) cannot attain a whiff of Heaven. However, its fragrance is felt from a distance of forty years. (Sahih Bukhari), or, “He who hurts a Dhimmi (non-Muslim person under protection) hurts me, and he who hurts me annoys Allah.” (Tabarani) And many other similar hadiths highlighting that Muslims are not allowed to hurt their non-Muslim brothers and sisters in humanity. 10. We must continuously supplicate to Allah that He rectifies our situation. Pray to Him that the chaos, injustice and oppression is lifted from our society. We should pray to Allah so that He makes Britain a better, fairer and just country for all. Pray to Him to aid the oppressed and the victims of the oppressors in France and all over the world. Pray that He allows us to contribute to a more peaceful and just world. Sincerely pray at night and beseech Him to protect our honour and our dignity. May Allah give us the ability to do what is right and avoid what is wrong. May Allah protect the humanity from trials and tribulations. Ameen By shaykh Yunus Haleebi

Childbirth ("Wilaadah") The ushering of a new life into this world is indeed a miracle. Application of the prescribed Islamic observances at this precious occasion secures protection, blessings and inspiration for the newborn along the journey of life. The arrival of a newborn into this world is an occasion which brings great joy and delight to the parents, families and friends. The newborn breathes new life and inspiration into the hearts of the parents. Difficulties and tribulations are forgotten, and the parents' focus and concern is now directed to their new baby. However, it is also imperative to bear in mind that coupled with this joy and delight, the arrival of a newborn is a tremendous responsibility upon the shoulders of the parents. The Shariah has prescribed certain practices on this occasion, which are very beneficial, and if carried out correctly, will have positive effects on the child. All meaningless traditions, rituals and customs, which bear negative repercussions for the child, should be abandoned. Only those practices directed to us by the Shariah should be observed. After the Birth of the Child If possible and health permitting the child should be given a Ghusl (bath). Thereafter, the Athaan should be called into the child's right ear and Iqaumah in the left ear. (Mirqaat, vol.8 pg.81) The Athaan may be called by the child's father or an adult Muslim. By calling out the Athaan and Iqaumah into the newborn's ears, the Oneness of Allah Ta'ala and the message of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) reach the depths of the child's heart. The seed of Iman and faith is embedded in the child. Athaan also repels Shaytan. (ibid) It is preferable to recite the following Dua after the Athaan and Iqaumah. (Mirqaat, vol.8 pg.82) For a boy recite: Allahumma inni Ueezuhu bika wa Zurriyyatahu Minash shaytaanir Rajeem. O Allah, I seek your protection for him and his progeny from the cursed Shaytan. (Surah Aal Imran) For a girl recite: Allahumma inni Ueezuha bika wa Zurriyyataha Minash shaytaanir Rajeem. O Allah, I seek your protection for her and her progeny from the cursed Shaytan. (Surah Aal Imran) Thereafter recite: Bismillah Rahmaan Nir Raheem. Qul Huwallahu Ahad Allahus Samad Lam Yalid walam Yulad wa lamyakullahu kufuwan Ahad. In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent the Most merciful. Say! He is Allah, the One. Allah is one on whom the entire creation depends and He depends on no one. He does not beget nor is He begotten. And there is no one like Him. (Surah Ikhlaas) For a boy read: Allahumma Allimhul Kitaab wal Hikmata wa Faqqihhu Fiddeen. O Allah teach him the Quran and wisdom (the Sunnah) and bless him with the understanding of Deen. (Bukhari) For a girl read: Allahumma Allimhal Kitaab wal Hikmat wa Faqqihha fiddeen. O Allah, teach her the Quran and wisdom (the Sunnah) and bless her with the understanding of Deen. (Bukhari) One may also recite (for a boy: Allahummaj alhu Barran Taqiyyan wa ambithu Fil Islami Nabaatan Hasana. O Allah, make him pious and Allah conscious and let him excel in Islam in an excellent manner. For a girl read: Allahummaj alha Barratan Taqiyyatan wa ambitha fil Islaami Nabaatan Hasana. O Allah, make her pious and Allah conscious and let her excel in Islam in an excellent manner. The afterbirth (placenta) and navel cord: The afterbirth and navel-cord should be treated with respect and buried with due care, since they are portions of the human body. Disposing it in an incinerator or waste centre is unacceptable. The dead body of a human being, limbs and organs should not be incinerated or abandoned. Tahneek: Tahneek means, placing a tiny portion of a chewed substance into the mouth of the infant, preferably dates. Honey or anything sweet may be an ideal substitute for it. Tahneek is a Sunnah practice. (Sharhu Nawawi 'ala Sahih Muslim, vol. 7 pg.349) Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) himself performed the Tahneek of many Sahaabah (companions) (like), Abdullah bin Zubair and Abdullah bin Talha (radiyallahu anhuma). The purpose of Tahnik is to take a good omen in that the first thing to enter the belly of the child was the saliva of a pious servant of Allah. It is hoped that the child will be affected by his piety. (Sharh Nawawi, vol.7 pg.349). A pious family member or Aalim may perform the Tahneek. If Tahneek is omitted for some reason, there is no harm or sin. Aqeeqah: Aqeeqah means, to remove the baby's hair from the head, slaughter an animal(s) on behalf of the child, and select a suitable Islamic name for the child. These practices should be carried out preferably on the 7th day after birth. (Note: in determining the 7th day, the date of birth should be considered as the 1st). It is Mustahab (commendable) to sacrifice an animal on behalf of the child on the 7th day. For the purpose of Aqeeqah, 2 sheep or goats should be slaughtered for a boy and 1 sheep or goat for a girl. Alternately, 2 shares from a sacrificial animal of seven shares can be sacrificed for a boy and 1 share for a girl. (Sunan Tirmithi Hadith; 1516). It is also Mustahab to remove the baby's hair on this day, and silver, equivalent to the weight of the hair should be given in charity. If the above practices are being carried out on the 7th day, then it will also be preferable to name the child on this day. Or else one may even name the child on the first day. (Fathul Baaari vol.9 pg.671 chapter.71; also see Al-Azkaar, pg.361) Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had named his son: Sayyiduna Ibrahim (alayhis salaam) on the day of birth. (Sahih Muslim). It has been reported in one Hadith that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) performed the Aqeeqah of Hasan (RA) and instructed Fatima (RA) to remove his hair and give the equivalent of its weight of silver in charity. This equivalent was one dirham or less. (Mishkat) Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "The child is safeguarded through his Aqeeqah, which is slaughtering on his behalf on the 7th day, shaving his hair from the head and giving him an Islamic name." (Mishkat). Note: The aforementioned practices are not compulsory. If one has the means and carries them out there will be immense benefit. These practices should be carried out according to one's financial capacity. Unnecessarily burdening oneself beyond one's means by taking loans to fulfil these practices should be avoided. In fact some Tabi'in have stated that in this case when such a person offers Qurbâni later in his life, it will also suffice for his 'Aqeeqah. (Fathul Baari, Hadith: 5472) It is permissible for everyone to partake of the Aqeeqah meat. The child's parents, family, neighbours and friends may all partake, or it may be distributed. The meat of Aqeeqah cannot be sold. The Dua to be read when doing the Aqeeqah is: Allahumma haaza Aqeeqatu (name of a child), damuha bi damihee wa lahmuha bi lahmihee wa azmuha bi azmihee wa jilduhaa bi jildihee wa sha'ruha bi sha'rihee. Allahumma jalha fida'a ibnee minan naar. O Allah, I sacrifice this animal in Your name for my child, in substitution, blood for blood, flesh for flesh, bones for bones, skin for skin and hair for hair. O Allah accept this sacrifice as a protection for my child from the fire of hell. After shaving the head one may apply Saffron on the head of the child. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith: 2836 - Beheshti Zewar, part.3 pg.42). Source

O! You Muslims who are… Desirous to drive large, shiny cars, REMEMBER: You will be driven one day as a horizontal passenger. Wild and crazy over expensive clothes, REMEMBER: You will end up in just a ‘KAFN.’ Recklessly sacrificing everything to construct beautiful homes and palatial mansions, REMEMBER: the graveyard ‘PIT’ – one’s real home. Greedily devouring tasty dishes and all types of extravagant delicacies, REMEMBER: one day YOU will be the meal for ants, worms and other insects. Aspiring for fame, fortune, and bright lights. REMEMBER: the awaiting darkness and loneliness in the grave. Source: ‘DEATH’ by Husainiyah Publications Estcourt

Q: What is the Sunnah method of congratulating the bride and bridegroom on the occasion of nikah? A: Whenever Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) congratulated a Sahaabi on the occasion of nikah, he congratulated him with the following dua: بَارَك اللهُ لَك وبَارَك عَلَيْكَ وَجَمَعَ بَيْنَكُمَا فِيْ الْخَيْر "May Allah Ta'ala bless you and grant you abundant barkat in your nikaah and may t​his union be a means of all good" And Allah Ta'ala knows best. عن أبي هريرة : أن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم كان إذا رفأ الإنسان إذا تزوج قال بارك الله لك وبارك عليك وجمع بينكما في الخير (جامع الترمذي رقم 1091) Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Sins, their effects and Repentance in Islam Devastation of sinning: We (human beings) are spiritual beings in addition to being physical entities. Our Creator (Allah) has placed an innate desire (a homing beacon) within our souls for us to accept goodness and to feel guilty on breaching the commands of our Creator. We have to go against our natural (primordial) nature to become satisfied (or even live) with a state of disobedience. Our natural and upright nature is to accept the commands of our Creator and to be obedient as stated in the Qur’aan: فَأَقِمۡ وَجۡهَكَ لِلدِّينِ حَنِيفً۬ا‌ۚ فِطۡرَتَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّتِى فَطَرَ ٱلنَّاسَ عَلَيۡہَا‌ۚ لَا تَبۡدِيلَ لِخَلۡقِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلۡقَيِّمُ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَڪۡثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ Whenever a sin is committed (a disobedience of the Creator) those who still have a good (uncorrupted sound) nature will become restless and won’t find peace. This is the reason why you find people repenting, crying, being remorseful and constantly reflecting upon the sin. However, the devastation of sins is not just limited to being restless its effects are multifaceted and affect many aspects of our lives. Shaykh (Imam) Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya (RA) has mentioned up to 10 side effects of sin: Deprivation of Knowledge: حرمان العلم ، فإن العلم نور يقذفه الله في القلب ، والمعصية تُطفئ ذلك النور . ولما جلس الشافعي بين يدي مالك وقرأ عليه أعجبه ما رأى من وفور فطنته ، وتوقُّد ذكائه ، وكمال فهمه ، فقال : إني أرى الله قد ألقى على قلبك نوراً ، فلا تُطفئه بظلمة المعصية Being deprived of knowledge for knowledge is light that Allaah causes to reach the heart, and sin extinguishes that light. When Imam Al-Shafi‘i (RA)Al-Shafi‘i (RA) sat before Imam Malik ibn Anas (RA)Malik ibn Anas (RA) and read to him, he admired him because of the intelligence, alertness and understanding that he saw in him. He said: “I think that Allah has caused light to enter your heart, so do not extinguish it with the darkness of sin.” Deprivation of Provisions: حرمان الرزق ففي مسند الإمام أحمد عن ثوبان قال : قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم : " إن الرجل ليُحرم الرزق بالذنب يُصيبه " رواه ابن ماجه In Musnad Ahmad it is narrated that Sayyidina Thawbaan (RA) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaho Alaihe Wassallam) said: "A man is deprived of provision because of the sins that he commits." [ibn Majah] Alienation from Creator وحشة تحصل للعاصي بينه وبين ربه ، وبينه وبين الناس .قال بعض السلف : إني لأعصي الله ، فأرى ذلك في خلق دابتي وامرأتي Sense of alienation that comes between a person and his Lord, and between him and other people. One of the salaf (righteous predecessors) said: “If I disobey Allah, I see that in the attitude of my riding beast and my wife.” Life becomes difficult: تعسير أموره عليه ، فلا يتوجه لأمرٍ إلا ويجده مغلقاً دونه أو متعسراً عليه ، وهذا كما أن من اتقى الله جعل له من أمره يسرا Things become difficult for him, so that he does not turn his attention towards any matter but he finds the way blocked or he finds it difficult. By the same token, for the one who fears Allaah, things are made easy for him as stated in the Qur'aan: وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يَجۡعَل لَّهُ ۥ مَخۡرَجً۬ وَيَرۡزُقۡهُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَحۡتَسِبُ‌ۚ وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلۡ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسۡبُهُ [65:2]... Whoever fears Allah, He brings forth a way out for him, [65:3] and provides him (with what he needs) from where he does not even imagine. Heart is darkened: أن العاصي يجد ظلمةً في قلبه ، يُحس بها كما يحس بظلمة الليل ، فتصير ظلمة المعصية لقلبه كالظلمة الحسية لبصره ، فإن الطاعة نور ، والمعصية ظلمة ، وكلما قويت الظلمة ازدادت حيرته حتى يقع في البدع والضلالات والأمور المهلكة وهو لا يشعر ، كأعمى خرج في ظلمة الليل يمشي وحده ، وتقوى هذه الظلمة حتى تظهر في العين ، ثم تقوى حتى تعلو الوجه، وتصير سواداً يراه كل أحد . قال عبد الله بن عباس : " إن للحسنة ضياءً في الوجه ، ونوراً في القلب ، وسعةً في الرزق ، وقوةً في البدن ، ومحبةً في قلوب الخلق ، وإن للسيئة سواداً في الوجه ، وظلمةً في القلب ، ووهناً في البدن , ونقصاً في الرزق ، وبغضةً في قلوب الخلق " . The sinner will find darkness in his heart, which he will feel just as he feels the darkness of night. So this darkness affects his heart as the physical darkness affects his vision. For obedience is light and disobedience is darkness. The stronger the darkness grows, the greater becomes his confusion, until he falls into innovation, misguidance and other things that lead to doom, without even realizing, like a blind man who goes out in the darkness of the night, walking alone This darkness grows stronger until it covers the eyes, then it grows stronger until it covers the face, which appears dark and is seen by everyone. Sayyidina ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abbaas (RA) said: “Good deeds make the face light, give light to the heart, and bring about ample provision, physical strength and love in people’s hearts. Bad deeds make the face dark, give darkness to the heart, and bring about physical weakness, a lack of provision and hatred in people’s hearts.” Deprivation of Obedience & Worship حرمان الطاعة ، فلو لم يكن للذنب عقوبةٌ إلا أن يُصدَّ عن طاعةٍ تكون بدله ، وتقطع طريق طاعة أخرى ، فينقطع عليه بالذنب طريقٌ ثالثة ثم رابعة وهلم جرا ، فينقطع عنه بالذنب طاعات كثيرة ، كل واحدة منها خير له من الدنيا وما عليها ، وهذا كرجل أكل أكلةً أوجبت له مرضاً طويلا منعه من عدة أكلات أطيب منها والله المستعان If sin brought no punishment other than that it prevents a person from doing an act of worship which is the opposite of sin, and cuts off access to other acts of worship, that would be bad enough. So the sin cuts off a third way and a fourth way and so on, and because of the sin he is cut off from many acts of worship, each of which would have been better for him than this world and everything in it. So he is like a man who eats food that is bound to cause a lengthy sickness, and thus he is deprived of many other foods that are better than that. And Allaah is the One Whose help we seek. Sin breeds sin: أن المعاصي تزرع أمثالها ، ويُولِّد بعضها بعضاً ، حتى يعز على العبد مفارقتها والخروج منها Sin breeds sin until it dominates a person and he cannot escape from it. Weakens willpower: أن المعاصي تُضعف القلب عن إرادته ، فتقوى إرادة المعصية ، وتضعف إرادة التوبة شيئاً فشيئاً إلى أن تنسلخ من قلبه إرادة التوبة بالكلية ، ... فيأتي من الاستغفار وتوبة الكذابين باللسان بشيءٍ كثير ، وقلبه معقودٌ بالمعصية ، مُصرٌ عليها ، عازم على مواقعتها متى أمكنه ، وهذا من أعظم الأمراض وأقربها إلى الهلاك It gradually strengthens his will to commit sin and weakens his will to repent until there is no will in his heart to repent at all… so he seeks forgiveness and expresses repentance, but it is merely words on the lips, like the repentance of the liars, whose hearts are still determined to commit sin and persist in it. This is one of the most serious diseases that are most likely to lead to doom. Desensitisation towards sin and evil: أنه ينسلخ من القلب استقباح المعصية فتصير له عادة ، لا يستقبح من نفسه رؤية الناس له ،ولا كلامهم فيه . وهذا عند أرباب الفسوق هو غاية التهتك وتمام اللذة ، حتى يفتخر أحدهم بالمعصية ، ويُحدِّث بها من لم يعلم أنه عملها ، فيقول : يا فلان ، عملت كذا وكذا . وهذا الضرب من الناس لا يعافون ، ويُسدُّ عليهم طريق التوبة ،وتغلق عنهم أبوابها في الغالب . كما قال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم : " كلُّ أمتي معافى إلا المجاهرون ، وإنَّ من المجاهرة : أن يستر الله العبد ثم يُصبح يفضح نفسه ويقول : يا فلان عملت يوم كذا .. كذا وكذا ، فيهتك نفسه وقد بات يستره ربه " He will become desensitized and will no longer find sin abhorrent, so it will become his habit, and he will not be bothered if people see him committing the sin or talk about him. For the leaders of immorality, this is the ultimate shamelessness in which they find great pleasure, such that they feel proud of their sin and will speak of it to people who do not know that they have done it, saying, “O so and so, I did such and such.” Such people cannot be helped and the path to repentance is blocked for them in most cases. Hearts is stamped/marked: أن الذنوب إذا تكاثرت طُبِعَ على قلب صاحبها ، فكان من الغافلين . كما قال بعض السلف في قوله تعالى : { كلا بل ران على قلوبهم ما كانوا يكسبون } قال : هو الذنب بعد الذنب When there are many sins they leave a mark on the heart of the person who commits them, so he becomes one of the negligent. As one of the salaf said, concerning the aayah (verse): this means sin after sin. Witnesses of sinning: There is no such thing as a “private sin” in Islam. There are multiple witnesses to every sin as follows: Earth witnesses sins and its testimony against you: إِذَا زُلۡزِلَتِ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ زِلۡزَالَهَا وَأَخۡرَجَتِ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ أَثۡقَالَهَا وَقَالَ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنُ مَا لَهَا يَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ۬ تُحَدِّثُ أَخۡبَارَهَا ٱلۡيَوۡمَ نَخۡتِمُ عَلَىٰٓ أَفۡوَٲهِهِمۡ وَتُكَلِّمُنَآ أَيۡدِيہِمۡ وَتَشۡہَدُ أَرۡجُلُهُم بِمَا كَانُواْ يَكۡسِبُونَ Angels witness sins and their testimony against you: وَإِنَّ عَلَيۡكُمۡ لَحَـٰفِظِينَ كِرَامً۬ا كَـٰتِبِينَ يَعۡلَمُونَ مَا تَفۡعَلُونَ Sin is recorded in your book of deeds: وَإِذَا ٱلصُّحُفُ نُشِرَتۡ I have sinned, what now? You need to understand that Allah (SWT) has created human weak and perfection is not an attribute of our creation. Our Creator knows that we are weak and He (SWT) intends to then make things easy for us when we make mistakes, Allah (SWT) declares in the Qur’aan: يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ أَن يُخَفِّفَ عَنكُمۡ‌ۚ وَخُلِقَ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنُ ضَعِيفً۬ا . It is understood as part of our (weak) nature that we will commit sins from time to time. It is expected from him to occasionally slip up but then we are advised to acknowledge our weakness, acknowledge our error, repent and turn to Allah (SWT). Those of us who acknowledge our weakness and errors with humility and then turn to our Creator seeking forgiveness are considered the best. Seeking forgivnes is what sets apart the humble and the haughty, the submissive from the arrogant and the modest from the proud. كل ابن آدم خطاء وخير الخطائين التوابون Allah (SWT) is the Most Merciful of those who show Mercy and every ready to shower and immerse us in Mercy. He (SWT) looks for opportunities to shower his Mercy upon those who have turn to him in sincerity seeking forgiveness. عن أبي هريرة ، عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال : إن لله مائة رحمة ، أنزل منها رحمة واحدة بين الجن والإنس والبهائم والهوام ، فبها يتعاطفون ، وبها يتراحمون ، وبها تعطف الوحش على ولدها ، وأخر الله تسعا وتسعين رحمة ، يرحم بها عباده يوم القيامة Sayyidina Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrated that Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihe Wassallam) said: “Allah has one hundred parts of mercy, of which He sent down one between the jinn, mankind, the animals and the insects, by means of which they are compassionate and merciful to one another, and by means of which wild animals are kind to their offspring. And Allah has kept back ninety-nine parts of mercy with which to be merciful to His slaves of the Day of Resurrection.” [Muslim] In fact, Allah (SWT) is so eager to forgive that he (SWT) has declared that if we didn’t commit sins (thus for Allah (SWT) to forgive) then he would replace us by those who sin so Mercy can be showered upon them! عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ لَوْ لَمْ تُذْنِبُوا لَذَهَبَ اللَّهُ بِكُمْ وَلَجَاءَ بِقَوْمٍ يُذْنِبُونَ فَيَسْتَغْفِرُونَ اللَّهَ فَيَغْفِرُ لَهُمْ Sayyidina Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrated that Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihe Wassallam) said: “By Him in whose hand is my soul, if you did not sin Allah would replace you with people who would sin and they would seek the forgiveness of Allah and He would forgive them.” [Muslim] So what do I have to do to seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT)? In Islam, repentance has to fulfil 3 conditions and a 4th additional condition if the sin was committed towards another human, Imam Nawawi (RA) enumerates them are as follows: Disconnect and detach yourself from the sin: أحدها أن يقلع عَنْ المعصية Feel remorseful over the sin: والثاني أن يندم عَلَى فعلها Commit to not repeating the sin, permanently: والثالث أن يعزم أن لا يعود إليها أبدا Absolve yourself from the rights of another human: وإن كانت المعصية تتعلق بآدمي فشروطها أربعة: هذه الثلاثة وأن يبرأ مِنْ حق صاحبها. فأن كانت مالا أو نحوه رده إليه، وإن كان حد قذف ونحوه مكنه مِنْه أو طلب عفوه، وإن كانت غيبة استحله مِنْها But if the sin involves a human's right, it requires a fourth condition, i.e., to absolve onself from such right. If it is a property, he should return it to its rightful owner. If it is slandering or backbiting, one should ask the pardon of the offended. What should I do after I have repented? And what happens when I commit the sin, again? The conditions of repentance (above) have to be valid at the time of seeking forgiveness. A sound (firm) intention is needed. Once you have turned to Allah (SWT) with sincerity and repented then don’t dwell on the matter! It is part of human nature to slip up then you need to seek forgiveness again. Don’t be despondent of the Mercy of Allah (SWT) and don’t be tricked by the Shaytaan into thinking that your repentance is futile! We must try our human best to resist and leave the sin and this doesn’t mean that the person should continue to sin (willing and voluntarily) and also keep seeking repentance. There has to be a genuine effort to break the cycle of sin. قال [ عمر بن عبد العزيز ] : " أيها الناس مَن ألمَّ بذنبٍ فليستغفر الله وليتب ، فإن عاد فليستغفر الله وليتب ، فإن عاد فليستغفر وليتب ، فإنما هي خطايا مطوَّقة في أعناق الرجال ، وإن الهلاك في الإصرار عليها " Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Azeez (RA) said: O people, whoever commits a sin, let him seek the forgiveness of Allah and repent, and if he repeats it, let him seek the forgiveness of Allah and repent, and if he repeats it, let him seek the forgiveness of Allah and repent, for it is like chains around the neck of man, and doom lies in persisting in it. قيل للحسن البصري : ألا يستحيى أحدنا من ربه يستغفر من ذنوبه ثم يعود ، ثم يستغفر ثم يعود ؟ فقال : ود الشيطان لو ظفر منكم بهذا ، فلا تملُّوا من الاستغفار It was said to al-Hasan al-Basri (RA): Would not any one of us feel ashamed before his Lord to seek forgiveness from his sin then go back to it, then seek forgiveness then go back to it? He said: The shaytan would like you to feel that way; never give up seeking forgiveness. What do you mean by perpetual repentance? A sincere believer is someone who is full of servitude and humility. He accepts that despite his best efforts he can never fulfil the rights of Allah (SWT) as they ought to be fulfilled, his best in devotion and exertion in performing acts of worship will fall short of when compared to the grandeur and rights of Allah (SWT). Importantly, he never regards his efforts to be exemplary, rather relies solely on the Mercy of Allah (SWT). Our Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihe Wassallam) despite being (the highest) of the Prophets still turned to Allah (SWT) hundred times a day so where are we? وعن الأَغَرِّ بْن يَسار المُزنِيِّ رضي الله عنه قال : قال رسول الله صَلّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وسَلَّم : يا أَيُّها النَّاس تُوبُوا إِلى اللَّهِ واسْتغْفرُوهُ فإِني أَتوبُ في اليَوْمِ مائة مَرَّة Sayyidina Al-Agharr bin Yasar Al-Muzani (RA) narrated that: The Messenger of Allah (Sallallaho Alaihe Wassallam) said: "Turn you people in repentance to Allah and beg pardon of Him. I turn to Him in repentance a hundred times a day". [Muslim] قَالَ اللَّهُ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى يَا ابْنَ آدَمَ إِنَّكَ مَا دَعَوْتَنِي وَرَجَوْتَنِي غَفَرْتُ لَكَ عَلَى مَا كَانَ فِيكَ وَلَا أُبَالِي يَا ابْنَ آدَمَ لَوْ بَلَغَتْ ذُنُوبُكَ عَنَانَ السَّمَاءِ ثُمَّ اسْتَغْفَرْتَنِي غَفَرْتُ لَكَ وَلَا أُبَالِي يَا ابْنَ آدَمَ إِنَّكَ لَوْ أَتَيْتَنِي بِقُرَابِ الْأَرْضِ خَطَايَا ثُمَّ لَقِيتَنِي لَا تُشْرِكُ بِي شَيْئًا لَأَتَيْتُكَ بِقُرَابِهَا مَغْفِرَةً Therefore a daily schedule should be organised and sometime set aside for Astaghfaar (daily recitation of (أستغفر الله) astaġfiru l-lāh i.e. "I seek forgiveness from Allah". This can be recited any number of time but for the sake of consistency and developing a perpetual habit a count of 100 should be set and this should be recited 100 times daily. We have recorded some daily recitations in this article for anyone to benefit and formulate their own schedule and routine. Should I tell others about my sin? Absolutely not! If Allah (SWT) has been Merciful to you and your wrongdoing has been hidden from people then you should not disclose and publicise your sin. If you wish to ask people to make dua for you to remain steadfast then you can say in general terms that I made a mistake and I request that you make dua for Allah (SWT) to prevent me from making the same (or similar) mistake again. The disclosure of sins is strictly forbidden under normal circumstances. أبي هريرة ـ رضي الله عنه ـ أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: كل أمتي معافى إلا المجاهرين، وإن من المجاهرة أن يعمل الرجل بالليل عملاً، ثم يصبح وقد ستره الله عليه فيقول: يا فلان عملت البارحة كذا كذا، وقد بات يستره ربه ويصبح يكشف ستر الله عنه Conclusion: We conclude this brief treatise with the dua for Allah (SWT) to give us and all Muslims the ability to repent (sincerely), routinely and perpetually (Ameen) and end this piece with this beautiful narration about the Mercy of Allah (SWT). إذا تاب العبد أنسى الله الحفظة ذنوبه و أنسى ذلك جوارحه و معالمه من الأرض حتى يلقى الله و ليس عليه شاهد من الله بذنب The ordeal of sincere repentance Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadhul-Haq (HA) AUDIO at CENTRA-MOSQUE

No need to ask Acacia...our respected brother wont mind inshaAllah Taking the liberty and posting it below : )

Real Investment Mother of Moulana Muhammad ‘Umar Paalanpuri (rahimahullah) – Part Four Once Maryam Khala narrated to her the hadeeth regarding the parent of a Haafiz receiving a crown of honour on the Day of Qiyaamah. Hearing this she teared and told her son, Moulana ‘Umar Saheb (rahimahullah): “You must become a Haafiz of the Quraan Majeed and an ‘Aalim of deen.” He said to her: “What will happen to my school education.” This great woman replied: “I am least concerned about that, you need to study the divine knowledge.” All her relatives opposed her saying: “He is doing very well in school. If you have to take him out from school and he only studies deen, he will be dependent on others for his livelihood.” She replied: “You are only concerned about the world. However if he really studies deen, the world would come at his feet.” Notwithstanding the great opposition and financial constraints, she insisted on her son studying deen. When he reached the final year of his studies, she became very ill. Her feet were too weak to support her and she lost her eyesight. Despite all of this, she sent him more than thousand miles away to complete his studies. After a while her condition deteriorated even further and most of her relatives came to visit her (to be at her side during what seemed to be her last days). Finally they all wished to call Moulana, but she refused and said: “If Allah Ta‘ala asks me what I have brought, I shall say: ‘O My Rabb! I am empty handed and have nothing to present before you, besides my beloved son whom I have sent in your path, only for your sake, so that he can be a means of my salvation.” Then a state of drowsiness prevailed over her. As her final moments drew closer, she exclaimed: “I can get a very sweet smell,” although she had lost her smell by then. She then made salaam and smiled. Thereafter she fell unconscious. When she regained her consciousness and was asked what had happened, she replied: “I saw my son, Muhammad ‘Umar, with two angels on either side of him. Hence I made salaam and smiled at my son.” Not long thereafter, this pious woman breathed her last and left this world. After her demise, her son Moulana ‘Umar Saheb (rahimahullah) saw her in a dream and inquired from her as to where she was? She replied in Arabic: “I am in Jannah.” (Reference: Sawaanih Hazrat Moulana Muhammad ‘Umar Paalanpuri (rahimahullah), pgs. 59 - 68 and Misaalee Khawaateen, pgs. 270 – 274) Lesson: Subhanallah! This is the good death and great reward that Allah Ta‘ala grants the one who sacrifices for His sake. Every mother should have this aspiration of choosing the line of deen for her children, the benefit of which she would receive in this world and the next.

True Values Mother of Moulana Muhammad ‘Umar Paalanpuri (rahimahullah) – Part Three From a tender age she instilled true values in her children and passed on great lessons to them. Moulana ‘Umar Saheb (rahimahullah) explained the following examples: 1. “Since I reached the age of understanding, I can recall seeing my mother performing salaah and crying before Allah Ta‘ala in du‘aa.” 2. “When she would buy something for us, she would ask us to share it among ourselves. Then she would carefully observe who was more greedy and who was more generous. Thereafter she would correct us accordingly.” 3. “Once she was explaining to us the terrifying conditions of the grave and the questions of the two angels. So I said to her: ‘I have already learnt the answers to these questions’ (as she had previously taught it to us). She replied: ‘This tongue of flesh will not work in the grave; rather the tongue of actions will speak. So do good actions.’” 4. “She would say: ‘O my Son! If you wish to backbite anyone, you rather speak ill of me, so that your rewards would come to me and it would remain within our own home.’ What she really meant is that you should not be so silly to backbite others and pass over all your rewards to them.” Lesson: While it is important for a mother to see to the physical well-being of her children, it is even more imperative for her to instil the correct qualities, values and character in them.

Story Time Mother of Moulana Muhammad ‘Umar Paalanpuri (rahimahullah) – Part Two Though she was not a very learned woman, she would however regularly visit a pious and learned woman in her neighbourhood known as Maryam Khala, from whom she would learn various aspects of deen and imaan. Through the blessings of this pious company, she developed a very high level of fear of Allah Ta‘ala and concern for the Hereafter. Throughout her life she strove to pass on the same fear and concern to her children. She would do this by narrating to them the various incidents of the Messengers of Allah Ta‘ala that appear in the Quraan Majeed. Moulana (rahimahullah) says: "I can still recall my mother explaining Surah Kahaf as well as the incident in Surah Burooj of that wicked ruler who ordered that the believers be driven into a ditch of fire. These incidents were explained to us while we were still little children." Lessons: Pious company has a dynamic effect in conditioning one’s mind and moulding it in the correct direction. Similarly bad company is extremely dangerous in corrupting one’s thought process. One should also bear in mind that companions are not only humans who we can talk to and laugh with. Websites, magazines, social media, the TV and Radio programmes are the new companions of the modern age. Narrating the incidents of the pious is a great tool in the correct nurturing and upbringing of a child. We also need to encourage our children to read authentic Islamic literature, and discourage them from stories and novels that influence them negatively.

An Inspirational Woman Mother of Moulana Muhammad ‘Umar Paalanpuri (rahimahullah) – Part One Moulana Muhammad ‘Umar Paalanpuri (rahimahullah) was a great scholar and famous daa‘iee (preacher) of the recent past. His foreign da’wah travels amount to eighty one, apart from the twenty hajj that he had performed. Allah Ta‘ala had blessed him with an amazing manner of oration. He would regularly address crowds of hundreds of thousands in one gathering. Thousands would be inspired to repent from their wrongs, change the direction of their lives and resolve to sacrifice their wealth, time and lives for the cause of Allah’s deen. However, the question is: “Who was that great person who had inspired this inspirational personality?” It was none other than … His Mother. He was orphaned at the age of eight, hence she had nurtured him as a single parent. In fact this great acceptance that he enjoyed was actually her du‘aa and prediction. Once while he was still a student, and was reading some incidents to his mother using an oil lamp, she said: “O my Son! Today I am the only one who is listening to you in this dark house, however Allah Ta‘ala will show you that day when hundreds of thousands would be listening to your lectures.” Insha-Allah in the next three parts we would discuss a few amazing qualities of this great woman. May Allah Ta‘ala make us all inspirational personalities, who inspire towards good and virtue, aameen. uswatulmuslimah

Q: Please could you tell me what is the correct way of disposing of the Placenta after birth and whether getting it incinerated is allowed? A: It is important to treat the human body and parts of it with respect. The placenta/afterbirth etc. should therefore be buried. Hence one should request this from the hospital and bury it. It should not be incinerated. And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best M.D. Mangera (Mufti) Fatwa Dept. DarulIhsan

The Rights of Allah Ta‘ala and the Rights of the Family Mother of Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmaani (hafizahullah) – Part Three Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmaani Saheb (hafizahullah) writes: “Allah Ta‘ala had blessed my mother with a passion for carrying out optional acts of worship. Until before she became bed-ridden, she would never miss her practices of Quraan recitation, du‘aa, zikr, tasbeeh and nafl (optional) salaah. From the break of dawn till mid-night, she would be busy seeing to the children, serving my father and taking care of her elderly mother-in-law, to such an extent that she would never get a break during this entire duration. Yet her spiritual practices never suffered. These practices continued even after she became bed-ridden. When she became paralysed and even exempted from doing these practices, then too she would face the qiblah at the time of salaah and read whatever she could manage. A few days before her demise, whilst turning towards the qiblah, she had a second attack of paralysis and fell on to the bed. Whilst she was in this state of uneasiness, I saw her moving her hand, trying to look for something under her pillow. I realised that she wanted her tasbeeh which used to be kept there. When I passed it to her, although she didn’t have the ability to recite with her tongue, she continuously moved the beads of the tasbeeh with her hand until she became unconscious. A few days later she left this world. Thus the last two things that she did whilst she was conscious were, turning to the qiblah for salaah, and moving the beads of the tasbeeh.” (Nuqooshe Raftagaa pg. 162) Lesson: A famous statement declares: “As you live, so will you die.” Those who devoted their lives to Allah Ta‘ala, they eventually meet Allah Ta‘ala in such a wonderful way. If we also wish to have a wonderful death, let us start living an excellent life - a life that is free from sins and filled with righteous actions.

Mother’s Lap – The First Classroom Mother of Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmaani (hafizahullah) – Part Two Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmaani (hafizahullah) writes: “My mother’s lap was not only a cradle, rather it was a vibrant centre of learning and nurturing. She educated me not with books, but with her practical life. Although she was not a graduate of a college, university or madrasah, and had limited home education, she possessed such impeccable character and such a knack of nurturing which is not even found in professional women who hold high qualifications. Patience, contentment, sacrifice, preferring others, and courage were all her second nature. Apart from this, she also taught me the elementary Urdu books, since there were no organized deeni institutes when we moved over to Pakistan.” (Nuqooshe Raftagaa pg. 160) Lesson: The mother’s lap has generally been the place where all great people were nurtured. Many great luminaries in Islamic history were in fact orphans and were raised single-handed by their mothers. However this is only possible if the mother is focused towards inculcating true values in the child.

A Pillar of Support to Grand-Muftis Mother of Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmaani (hafizahullah) – Part One Mufti Muhammad Shafee’ (rahimahullah) was a great scholar and the Grand Mufti of Pakistan. He rendered great services for this Ummah. Allah Ta‘ala blessed his progeny with great knowledge and piety. Two of his sons, Mufti Muhammad Rafee’ Usmaani and Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmaani (hafizahumallah), are world renowned muftis. However his wife played a vital role in all of this goodness. Her son, Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmaani (hafizahullah), writes: “The biggest support to me in life, after my father’s death, was my mother. Her compassion was a cure for all worries and her affectionate look would remove the bitterness of all the difficulties of life. My father’s entire life was devoted to the cause of Islam and my mother supported him through all the turbulent times. Infact, she had relieved him largely from all domestic worries to allow him to serve deen untroubled. Because of this, insha-Allah she would definitely receive a great share in all the good works my honorable father had done.” (Nuqooshe Raftagaa pg. 159-160) Lesson: This is the need of the time: Mothers who will inspire and motivate their children with Islamic values, and wives who will support their husbands in the effort of deen. We should never become obstacles in the spread of Islam. Our concern should be the pleasure of Allah Ta‘ala and the progress of deen.

Jumu'ah started for us...lets increase durood

The People of the Orchard Allaah speaks in Surah Qalam about the people of an orchard. There was a pious man from Yemen who lived in a place called Dowraan. He was very wealthy and owned vast orchards. Whenever he harvested his crops, he kept for himself only what was needed and gave the rest away to the poor. However, when he passed away, his sons stopped the practice because they wanted everything for themselves. They therefore decided to harvest the crops long before daybreak so that no poor people could come and beg from them. That night Allaah sent a hot wind, which ignited the crops and caused them all to burn to the ground. The sons proceeded for the harvesting early in the morning, only to discover that everything was lost. They then saw the error of their intentions and repented. (From "Madrasah in Just 5 Minutes" - Mufti A.H.Elias) A Parable of the Removal of the Earnings of the Disbelievers Quran Tafsir Ibn Kathir

The mashaikh advice us to recite at least 300 durood daily and increase it on Fridays There are many to choose from and it can even be a short one like "sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam".

(click on picture to enlarge)