ummtaalib

Kindness at Home Islam is a beautiful religion, full of wisdom and harmony. If this wonderful religion is followed properly then a typical Muslim would only be a great example to follow. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam (May Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "The most perfect believer in faith is the one who is best in moral character..." [At-Tirmithi] Spreading kindness at home: 'Aa'ishah may Allaah be pleased with her said: "The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam (May Allaah exalt his mention ) said: '"When Allaah, The Almighty,Wills some good towards the people of a household, He introduces kindness among them.'" According to another report: "When Allaah loves the people of a household, He introduces kindness among them." [ibn Abu Ad-Dunyaa] In other words, they start to be kind to one another. This is one of the means of attaining happiness at home, for kindness is very beneficial between the spouses, and with the children, and it brings results that cannot be achieved through harshness, as the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam (May Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "Allaah loves kindness and rewards for it in such a way that He does not reward for harshness or for anything else." Helping the wife with the housework: Many men think that housework is beneath them, and some of them think that it will undermine their status and position if they help their wives with this work. The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam (May Allaah exalt his mention ) however, used to "sew his own clothes, mend his own shoes and do whatever other work men do in their homes." This is how 'Aa'ishah may Allaah be pleased with her responded when she was asked about what the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam (May Allaah exalt his mention ) used to do in his house; she described what she herself had seen. According to another report, she said: "He was like any other human being; he would clean his clothes, milk his ewe and serve himself." If we Muslim men were to do likewise nowadays, we would achieve three things: 1. We would be following the example of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam (May Allaah exalt his mention). 2. We would be helping our wives. 3. We would feel more humble and down to earth. These narrations should act as a reminder to those men, who demand food instantly from their wives, when the pot is on the stove and the baby is screaming to be fed; they do not pick up the child or wait a little while for the food. Being affectionate towards and joking with the members of the family: Showing affection towards one's wife and children is one of the things that lead to creating an atmosphere of happiness and friendliness in the home. Thus the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam (May Allaah exalt his mention ) advised Jaabir may Allaah be pleased with him to marry a virgin, saying, "Why did you not marry a virgin, so you could play with her and she could play with you, and you could make her laugh and she could make you laugh?" [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam (May Allaah exalt his mention ) also said: "Everything in which Allaah's name is not mentioned is idleness and play, except for four things: a man playing with his wife..." [An-Nasaa'ee] "The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam (May Allaah exalt his mention ) kissed Al-Hasan Ibn 'Ali, and Al-Aqra' Ibn Haabis At-Tameemi was sitting with him. Al-Aqra' said: 'I have ten children and I have never kissed any one of them.' The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam (May Allaah exalt his mention ) looked at him and said: 'The one who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.'" [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] Islaaminfo

A woman’s heart is the same everywhere. We love. That’s what we do best. We nurture our families and give comfort and strength to the men we love. But we American women have been fooled into believing that we are happiest having careers, our own homes in which to live alone, and freedom to give our love away to whomever we choose. That is not freedom. And that is not love. Only in the safe haven of marriage can a woman’s body and heart be safe to love. Joanna Francis Writer, Journalist – USA

Your most valuable assets are your inner beauty, your innocence, and everything that makes you who you are. But I notice that some Muslim women push the limit and try to be as Western as possible, even while wearing a veil (with some of their hair showing). Why imitate women who already regret, or will soon regret, their lost virtue? There is no compensation for that loss. You are flawless diamonds. Don’t let them trick you into becoming rhinestones. Because everything you see in the fashion magazines and on Western television is a lie. It is Satan’s trap. It is fool’s gold. Joanna Francis Writer, Journalist – USA

“A WOMAN’S DEFICIENCY IN REASON & RELIGION” Shaykh Riyadhul Haqq on Lesson 52 (Darse Hadith), “Laws of Chronic Bleeding”, explains the following hadith which refers to women’s “deficiency in reason and religion”: Hadrat Abu Sa’eed Khudri R.A. reported; ‘(Once) the Messenger of Allah S.A.W. was going to the eidghah on the eve of Eid or Sacrificial Eid. (On the way) he passed by some women. Addressing them he said: “O women! Give away in Sadaqah for I see women in majority in hell.” The women enquired: “Why so, O Allah’s Messenger?” He replied: “This is because you invoke too many curses and are ungrateful to your husbands. (Further he observed) I have not seen anyone excel women in knocking out the reason of a very shrewd man even though they themselves are deficient in reason and religion.” The women submitted: “O Messenger of Allah! What is the deficiency in our reason and religion?” He said: “Don’t you know that the evidence of a woman is equal to half of a man’s evidence?” They submitted: “Yes, this is so.” He said: “This is because she is deficient in reason.” Further he observed: “Is it not a fact that while she is in menses, a woman (according to the order of Shari’at) neither offers salat nor observes fast?” The women submitted: “Yes, that is right.” “This is deficiency in her religion.” Shaykh Riyadhul Haqq explains: This missing of the salaat and the fast during menstruation is in fact the deficiency in the woman’s religion, and the testimony of a woman being similar to half of that of man, is the deficiency in her reasoning. This does not mean that men are inherently far more intelligent than women, i.e. all men are intelligent and all women are not, this is not so. With regards to her testimony being half of that of a man – and this in the Qur’an- in case one woman forgets, the other reminds her. This is because women suffer from emotional and psychological stresses and pressures in pregnancy and afterwards and during menstruation and bringing up children etc. The memory loss, erratic behaviour is part of their physiological makeup. They have no control over it. It does not mean the condition is permanent, but women do suffer from this, and since Allah put upon women these stresses and pressures of menstruation, pregnancy etc, the symptoms that go along with it are also imposed upon them by Allah. In His Wisdom Allah has made the testimony of women half of a man’s, and to object to the Qur’an is kufr. Further explained by Maulana Ashiq Elahi Madani in “A gift for Muslim Women”; The deficiency in a woman’s religion is that in her monthly courses she is deprived of prayer and fasting. Now a woman might raise a question in her heart as to what is the fault of women in this case? The menses are a decree of nature and Shari’at itself has forbidden them to observe prayer and fast during the menstrual period. The answer to this question is that no doubt the process is natural and the Shari’at too has restrained them from prayer and fasting in this period, yet the fact remains that they are deprived of the blessings of prayer and fasting during their menses. It is in deference to their natural course that they are exempted from the duty of offering prayer in the days of menstrual discharge. Now a woman may ask why has Allah put this restraint upon us? To raise such a question is tantamount to interfering with the wise scheme of Allah and objecting to His Providence and Will. This is similar to arguing that those who perform hajj will get the reward for it and those who cant, wont get the reward. Now if a man who cannot afford hajj raises the question: Why hasn’t Allah given me the means for hajj, it will be counted as a foolish question and an evidence of his deficient reasoning. The Qur’an says: “Do not wish for a thing in regard to which Allah has raised some above the others”

Aaameen, thumma aameen! Jazaakallaahu khayran for taking the time to post these kind words. Allah ta'ala grant complete shifa to your dear one and make this trial a means of attaining His everlasting pleasure, aameen. Please keep us and the entire ummah in your du'as. Respected brother, if there are any particular questions or advice you need, please do not hesitate to ask here or by using the "contact us" page. InshaAllah we will try our utmost to get answers from experienced scholars.

Polygamy in other Religions Polygamy According to Hindu Law There is a good deal of controversy as to whether polygamy is sanctioned by Hindu Law. Shri Krishna, a deity among Hindus, had hundred of wives. Vedic teachings permit unlimited number of wives, even in tens, thirteen’s and twenty-sevens at one time. According to Manu the Law on the subject is as follows: “For the first marriage of twice-born men (wives) of equal caste are recommended, but for those who through desire proceed (to marry again) the following females, (chosen) according to the (direct) order (of the castes) are most approved.” (Here follows the list of women who may be approved of) (Manu, iii 12). “It twice-born men wed women of their own and of other (lower castes) the seniority, honour, and habitation of those (wives) must be (settled) according to the order of the castes (Varna).” (Manu, ix 85). “If, after one damsel has been shown, another be given to the bridegroom, he may marry the both, for the same price that Manu ordained,” (Manu, viii 204). “Among all (twice-born men) the wife of equal caste alone (not a wife of a different caste by any means), shall personally attend her husband and assist him in his daily sacred rites.” (Manu, ix 86). “But he who foolishly causes that (duty) to be performed by another while his wife of equal caste is alive, is declared by the ancients (to be) as (despicable) as a Kandala (spring from the) Brahamana caste.” (Manu, ix 87). The above quotations clearly indicate that Manu sanctioned polygamy, “and it is now quite settled in the Courts of British India that a Hindu is absolutely without restriction as to the number of his wives, anyone may marry again without his wife’s consent, or any justification, except his own wish.” (Mayne, On Hindu Law and Usage, p. 113) Polygamy: According to Jewish Law In Exodus (Chapter 21, Verse 10) it is stated: “If he takes him ‘another wife’, her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage shall be not diminish.” Polygamy: According to Christianity The Christian writers say that “monogamy (i.e., marrying one wife only) is the divine ideal. The Creator constituted as a between one man and one woman (Gen. 2:18-24 Matt. 19:5; 1 Car. 6:i6) He preserves the number of males practically equal to the number of females.” (The Westminster Dictionary of Bible, 1944 edition) “And I gave thee (David) thy master’s house, and thy master’s ‘wives’ into thy bosom, and gave thee the House of Israel and of Juda.” (2 Sam. 12:8) How is it that God Himself gave him his ‘master’s wives’ if His intention was to keep the ‘one man with one woman’ rule? Even in the seventh generation after Adam we find that “Lamech took unto him two wives” (Gen. 4:19); Abraham had three wives; Jacob had 2 wives besides concubines; Moses did not forbid it, instead he brought Laws to regulate it, as has been mentioned in the previous heading. Christians try to overcome these difficulties implying that the previous prophets had made mistakes in marrying more than one wife. But the insurmountable difficulty faces them in case of Moses. Because Moses had brought a Law from God, and if it was God’s intention to make marriage ‘a between one man and one wife’, why did He give Moses regulations about polygamy? The above-mentioned Dictionary of Bible tries to gloss over this difficulty by saying, “Moses, who was correcting abuses, not suddenly abolishing them, did not forbid polygamy, but discouraged it.” It is a claim, which cannot be justified, because Moses himself married two wives: one was Zipporah, daughter of Jethro (known in Islamic language as Shuaib), the other was a Cushite woman whom Moses married in the 2nd year of the sojourn of the Israelites in the wilderness. (Num. 12:1) There is no mention anywhere in the scriptures or any other writing that Zipporah was not alive at that time. Thus far we discussed about Moses and the Prophets before him. Now we come to the prophets who came after this ‘supposed discouraging’. We find that polygamy continued to be practiced even after the time of Moses, as by Gideon, Elkanah, Saul, Rehoboam and countless others. For the details, see Judge. 8:30; I Sam. 1:2; II Sam. 12:8; 21:8. Prophet “David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem.” (11 Sam. 5:13). Prophet Solomon “had seven hundred wives, princess, and three hundred concubines.” (I Kings 11:3) “And so it was understood by the leaders of Christendom that there is no intrinsic immorality or sinfulness in plurality of wives. One of the greatest fathers of the Christian Church (St. Augustine) has declared that polygamy is not a crime where it is a legal institution of a country, and the German reformers, even as late as the sixteenth century, allowed and declared valid the taking of a second or even a third wife, contemporaneously with the first, in default of issue, or any other cause.” (Ameer Ali, Life and Teachings, p. 220, and also Ameer Ali, Mohammedan Law, Vol. II p. 23) “When Christianity made its appearance in Rome, history shows that polygamy was recognized and the early Christian Emperors seem to have admitted its validity.” Says Ameer Ali: The Emperor Valentinian II, by an Edict, allowed all the subjects of the Empire, if they pleased, to marry several wives; nor does it appear from the ecclesiastical history of these times that the Bishops and the heads of the Christian made any objection to this law. Far from it, all the succeeding Emperors practiced polygamy, and the people generally were not remiss in following their example. Even the clergy often had wives. This state of the laws continued until the time of Justinian, who… resulted in their embodiment in the celebrated laws of Justinian. ‘But these laws owed little to Christianity, at least directly.’ The greatest adviser of Justinian was an atheist and a pagan. Even prohibition of polygamy by Justinian failed to check the tendency of the age. (Ameer Ali, Life and Teachings of Mohammad pp. 222-223) “(S.V. Mir Ahmad Ali, foot note 499) It should be mentioned here that Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian (527-565) was in the 6th century of Christian era; it means that up to 6th century there was no prohibition of polygamy in Christianity, at all. The following paragraphs from ‘An Apology for Mohammad and Koran’ (by John Davenport) show clearly that the Christian Leaders up to at least 16th century did not frown upon polygamy: St. Chrysostem, speaking of Abraham and Hagar, says, ‘These things were not then forbidden.’ So St. Augustine observes that ‘there was a blameless custom of one man having many wives, which at that time might be done in a way of duty, which now cannot be done but from licentiousness, because for the sake of multiplying posterity, no law forbade a plurality of wives. (See Grotius, De Jure, vol. i. p. 268 note) John Milton, who, in his ‘Treatise on Christian Doctrine’, after quoting various passages from the Bible in defence of the practice, says, ‘Moreover, God, in an allegorical fiction (Ezekiel, xxiii) represents Himself as having espoused two wives, Ahelah and Aholiah a mode of speaking which Jehovah would by no means have employed, especially at such length even in a parable, nor, indeed, have taken upon himself such a character at all, if the practice which it implied had been intrinsically dishonourable or shameful. On what grounds, then, can a practice be considered as so dishonourable or shameful which is prohibited to no one even under the Gospel; for that dispensation annuls none of the merely civil regulations, which existed previously to its introduction…. John Milton has earlier written in the same book (Treatise on Christian Doctrine) as follows: “In the definition, which I have given (i.e., of marriage) I have not said, in compliance with the common opinion, ‘of one man with one woman’, lest I should by implication charge the holy patriarchs and pillars of our faith, Abraham, and the others who had more than one wife at the same time, with habitual fornication and adultery, lest I should be forced to exclude from the sanctuary of God as spurious the holy offspring which sprang from them, yea, the whole of the sons of Israel, for whom the sanctuary itself was made. Source

InshaAllah in this topic we will look at how polygamy was practiced in various cultures and how Islam set limitations and conditions and prohibited injustice. Definition The practice of spouses, male or female, having multiple partners is referred to as polygamy. The practice of a male having more than one wife is known as polygyny and the practice of a female having more than one spouse is called polyandry. Hereunder we will use polygamy in the meaning of polygyny. Mockery and contempt for Polygamy Polygamy: an age old practice Islam came and banned the ill-treatment of women The Beauty of Islam Unfortunately the beauty of Islam often even escapes the Muslims!

Inter-Faith Marriages for Muslim Women Questions and statements such as the following are often raised by non-Muslims and unfortunately some Muslims too: Since Islam permits Muslim men to marry the "women of the book" i.e. Christian or Jewish, why are Muslim women not permitted to marry a non-Muslim men? Islam is biased against women! Women are treated unfairly in Islam! InshaAllah, in the following articles, these misconceptions will be cleared.

Sunnats and Aadaab of Sleeping – Part 5 1. One should sleep on the right side with placing the right hand under the right cheek. عن حفصة رضي الله عنها زوج النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كان إذا أراد أن يرقد وضع يده اليمنى تحت خده ثم يقول اللهم قنى عذابك يوم تبعث عبادك ثلاث مرار. (ابو داود رقم 5047) Hadrat Hafsa (Radiallahu anha) reports that when Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) intended to sleep, he would place his right hand under his cheek and recite the following duaa thrice: اللَّهُمَّ قِنِى عَذَابَكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ 2. One should not sleep on one’s stomach. وعن يعيش بن طخفة الغفاري رضي الله عنهما قال فبينما أنا مضطجع فى المسجد من السحر على بطنى إذا رجل يحركنى برجله فقال إن هذه ضجعة يبغضها الله. قال فنظرت فإذا رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم. (ابو داود رقم 5042) Hadhrat Ya’eesh Ghifaari (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports: “On one occasion I was sleeping on my stomach in the Musjid due to stomach pains. Suddenly a man came and shook me with his leg saying: “Sleeping in this position (i.e. on the stomach) is disliked by Allah Ta’ala.” (I turned to see who was addressing me), then I saw that it was Hadhrat Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).”

Happy to hear you are well Haya! Alhamdulillah for good health and yes its often when we're ill that the reality of death hits us. Otherwise we tend to forget that death is inevitable!

We are Slaves of Allah Ta’ala Hazrat Mufti Mahmood Saheb (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) had a frame in his room in which “Ana ‘abdullah (I am the slave of Allah Ta‘ala)” was inscribed. This serves as a constant reminder that Allah Ta‘ala has the right to command and I have the duty to obey. This duty should be with beauty as well. That is we should carry out our duties happily and not grudgingly. Source: Al-Haadi

Manage Depression and Bring Back Your Productivity Depression is like being stuck in a deep, dark dungeon. The walls are dull and there are no windows. You feel suffocated and disturbed all the time. Your head feels empty and you feel lifeless: like all your abilities and energy have been sucked away by a black hole. The worst part is, no one seems to understand the mental pain you are going through. People label you and call you lazy, moody and selfish. I’ve been through severe clinical depression and would not wish that mental agony for anyone. But despite the pain, Allah taught me many precious lessons through my depression. This illness has shaped me into the person I am today and I do not regret having this disorder. When I was actually having depressive episodes, I wished someone would teach me how to manage this deathly affliction. But that never happened. That’s when I learned the valuable lesson that when you can’t find a shady tree, plant one. “Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves.” [Qur’an: Chapter 13, Verse 11] This article is the tree I’ve planted to help you bring back productivity to your life. So here are 5 proven and practical ways to manage depression that have done wonders for me and many different people for years: 1. Salah Initially in my depression, I was always told to pray more. But I never understood this advice nor did it seem to help me. I was already praying but the depression wasn’t going away. Then I realized: I didn’t need to change the amount of my salah, rather I needed to change the quality of it. When I started improving my relationship with Allah through salah, I noticed an immense change in my mood. Salah helped me manage depression because in sujood, I would make dua to Allah to help me cope with this illness. That’s when I learned the second technique to managing depression… 2. Pills Suggesting taking anti-depressants might come as a shocker for many, but there is nothing wrong with using them if your doctor has prescribed them for you. Just like a deep cut needs a bandage, clinical and severe depression warrants medication. However, this option is not for everyone. When you have situational depression pills are often not the answer. With this type of depression, you need… 3. Exercise and Healthy Eating If you’re skeptical about the consequences of taking prescribed anti-depressants, here’s my personal experience: I’ve been able to completely stay off anti-depressants for ages because of the life style changes I’ve made. I did need pills when I had severe depression, but once the severe down time passes, a little physical exercise and healthy eating can do wonders for your mood. Learn how to make your personal exercise program and plan healthy, tasty meals for yourself! 4. Support Network Strong support networks are one of the most effective aides to completely overcoming depression and regaining your productivity. When you’re low: don’t be alone: be with positive people from your friends or family talk out your depression with people who you know will be of help, but be careful of whom you trust seek help from as many different professionals as you need 5. Therapy Therapy helps you identify the triggers of your depression (even clinical depression) and works better than medication. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy or art therapy – you can explore and choose the therapy that works best to bring back your liveliness. Remember, therapy is a consistent process and needs regular sessions to work. It’s like mental exercise: just like we need to stimulate our body physically, therapy helps stimulate our minds to become productive again. Ultimately, every shady tree that gives you refuge from depression is a favor from Allah. Cherish it, be grateful for it and use it to your advantage. What is your experience with depression? What do you do when you feel depressed? Comment below! Saba Malik (productiveluslim.com)

Six Productive and Practical Steps for Walking Out of Depression Depression is a condition which affects a growing population of individuals around the world. It does not discriminate with regard to race, educational background, social status or religion. Despite the fact that there is nothing to be ashamed of, individuals who suffer from this condition usually bear it quietly for fear of the stigma of being labelled as having a mental incapacity. Islam being not just a religion but also a complete way of life has provided us with a solution out of every problem, and depression is one problem the solution to which can be found in the teachings of Islam. I must stress here that I will not discuss anti-depressants as steps for walking out of depression, the reason being, I consider them to be more chemical than practical. Speaking from personal knowledge and experience, we shall examine six ways of rising above the trials and tribulations of depression: 1. Reciting Suratul Nas: Basically, depression mostly consists of feelings of self-doubt and extremely low self-esteem which I can attribute to the deceptive whisperings of Shaitan. When one peruses through the meaning of Suratul Nas, you will notice it is mostly a prayer for protection from the whisperings of Shaitan. Consistently reciting Surah tul Nas, whenever feelings of self-doubts surface; will safeguard one from depression and uplift the mood of one who suffers from depression. 2. Reciting the duas for overcoming anxiety and sorrow: ‘O Allaah, I am Your servant, son of Your servant, son of Your maidservant, my forelock is in Your hand, Your command over me is forever executed and Your decree over me is just. I ask You by every name belonging to You which You name Yourself with, or revealed in Your Book, or You taught to any of Your creation, or You have preserved in the knowledge of the unseen with You, that You make the Qur’aan the life of my heart and the light of my breast, and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety.’[Hisnul Muslim]. and ‘O Allaah, I take refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debts and from being over powered by men.’[Hisnul Muslim]. 3. Take up or join a charitable cause: It is a proven fact that giving one’s time to providing others with happiness by engaging in charitable causes also has an effect on a person’s mood, countenance and disposition. It’s a simple formula; you give happiness, you get happiness. A charitable cause in this sense need not be something huge in terms of financial consideration. It could be anything from volunteering at a nearby orphanage, soup kitchen, organizing a clothes collection to give to the needy or simply feeding one needy person with a meal a day. Once you start to put a smile on people’s faces, inshaAllah your mood will improve dramatically. 4. Take walks and appreciate nature: One major feature of depression is that it takes hold of sufferers and drains their mental vitality. It is common to find that depressed individuals lose the zeal to interact with people, recede into their own mental shells or confine themselves to their homes, thereby further plunging themselves into the hold of depression. Although it is not as easy as it seems, taking walks and appreciating nature will definitely uplift the spirit and lighten the mood. Speaking from personal experience, I can say seeing the beauty of Allah’s creation and appreciating things as simple as the interaction of birds in the sky, the scenery of the land can be a step towards walking out of depression. 5. Start a new hobby: As the English saying goes “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” If someone suffering from depression stays idle, while isolating himself from the world, then there is a greater chance of one spiraling deeper into depression. Starting a new hobby can also act as an effective barrier against depression. Hobbies such as reading a book, starting an interactive Islamic blog, exercising or reciting the Qur’an are all productive hobbies. I must stress here that listening to music, watching movies or engaging in other frivolous and non-rewarding are not hobbies in this case. 6. Think about how easy your life is: If all the aforementioned tips fail, then this will certainly jolt you out of your reverie. Think about what you’re going through and ask yourself “Can it in any way compare to what the Prophet Muhammad ?” “Am I going through even 1% of what he went through?” He lost his parents at a very young age. He lost his wife and uncle at a time when he needed their support the most. He was persecuted by his kinsmen and banished from his own homeland. What on earth are you going through that even remotely compares to that? I know fighting depression is not as easy as it sounds but inshaAllah, with determination and sincerity, the above steps will help in the fight to step out of it. Usman Shamaki (productivemuslim.com)

10 Tips to Fight Depression ! Assalam O Alaykum, I would like to share this article,which is very usefull for everyone. Well, from last few days, i’m extremely depressed, so I was looking for some solution.and i found this article. .. Feeling down in the dumps, depressed, having the blues: these are just some of the terms used to describe a feeling of hopelessness and despair that can hit even the most optimistic of us at some point in our lives. While clinical depression requires proper professional treatment, the occasional feeling of sadness due to factors ranging from economic difficulty to harassment and discrimination can be helped through some simple spiritual practices. Here are a couple that can help: 1. Look at those below you The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Whenever you see someone better than you in wealth, face or figure, you should look at someone who is inferior to you in these respects” (Bukhari, Muslim). If you are reading this article online, consider this: you are one of the lucky set of human beings on the planet who can afford a computer and internet connection or at least have access to one. The United Nations Development Program’s 2007 Human Development Report notes that there are still around 1 billion people living worldwide at the margins of survival on less than $1 a day, with 2.6 billion living on less than $2 a day. Also consider that in the Quran (14:7), God says that if you are thankful to Him for what you have, He blesses you with more. 2. Serve your fellow human beings The best way to thank God is to serve humanity, especially those who have less than you. Serving others is uplifting and rewarding. It helps us gain a better perspective on life’s challenges, making us realize how very often, are problems seem so small compared to the awesome difficulties others face. That’s why when the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and the Muslims were a small, poor and persecuted community, they used to give to the poor even more. They understood that when you are generous when you have less, you achieve the perspective of a winner. You are focused on the bigger picture. 3. Read Surah Ad Duha According to one report, after the Prophet had begun receiving revelation from God, at one point a long period of time passed with no such communication from Allah. As a result, the Makkans ridiculed the Prophet and he became severely depressed. That’s when this chapter was revealed (Quran 93: 1-11). The chapter is a beautiful reminder to us to see life in the greater scheme of things, to be grateful for what we have and to never give up striving for what is right. This chapter of the Quran can be considered a direct recipe from God for depression. 4. Turn to God in all situations Remember that nothing can harm you without the consent of God. While you must take care of yourself, rely on God and know that He is always with you and only He can give you strength in difficult times. Also remember that He will help you can come out of a trying situation as a better person if you deal with it positively. 5. Remember God’s Names God has many beautiful Names which describe His attributes and powers. These are reminders of His Love, Mercy, Forgiveness, Justice, Strength and much, more. Supplicating to God using these Names reminds us that God has these attributes more than any other being and that we can and must rely on Him during good and bad times. 6. Say ‘Hasbun Allahu wa Ni’ mal Wakeel‘; This has been translated as “God suffices me and He is the best guardian.” It is an excellent way of reminding us that whatever worries we have or problems we face, God has the answer and cure to all of them and is the only One who can really do what is best for us. 7. Make sure when you leave home, you read this Dua ‘In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, and there is no might nor power except with Allah.’ Bismillahe tawakkaltu alAllahe la haula wa la quwwata illa biAllah. 8. Take your spiritual break from the world, five times a day Taking a break away from school, work or other life activities to spend a few minutes to remember God helps you reconnect with the Creator of the Universe, fortify your soul and strengthen your resolve to live a better life that is in tune with your faith and principles. 9. End your day on a good note Shakespeare once wrote a play entitled “All’s well that ends well.” That’s good advice for dealing with depression too. End a day that may have been riddled with challenges and frustrations by making Wudu before going to bed, thinking of God and the Prophet and counting every blessings you have 10. Stop Shaytan in his tracks Shaytan is the source of many of our negative emotions. It’s his job to make us feel pessimistic and to despair of any good in life. When you feel these feelings coming on, stop him dead in his tracks: say Aoutho billahi minash Shaytan ir Rajeem (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed satan). I pray,Almighty will remove these pains from my heart,and make this post usefull for muslims brothers and sisters… Ameen! (islamgreatreligion)

Nasihah (Advice): Tasbeeh Counters Imaam Abu Dawood mentions that on one occasion Rasoolullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam came to a woman who was reciting Tasbih using date pits and pebbles. Rasoolullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam did not reprimand her nor disapprove of her action. (Hadiyyatul Abraar Fi Subhatil Azkaar) _______________________________________________ Question and Answer: Q. Assalamu alaykum, Is using counter or beads to count dhikr of Allah Bidah. Using of digital Tashbeeh or tally counter is allowed? (Question published as received) A. It is permissible (Mubaah) to use a “Tasbīh” or “Subhah” in order to aid oneself in performing Zikr. In the past, people used stones and beads as an aid in making Zikr. In today’s times, digital counters along with other technological methods are used. Hence, if one uses a Tasbih for this purpose it will not be Bid‘ah. The general principle of Mubaah is one may practice on it or use it on condition he does not regard it as compulsory in Deen or a Sunnah. Allah Knows Best Mufti Ismaeel Bassa Confirmation: Mufti Ebrahim Desai Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Use of Left hand or Right for counting Question Is it true ? or I am okay to use both hands for counting tasbihat. I recently got a forwarded email which say Tasbih should not be performed on Left hand (Using fingers to cound number of tasbihat) Is it true ? or I am okay to use both hands for counting tasbihat. Answer (Fatwa: 831/660/B=1431) Recite the tasbeeh only with right hand or with both the hands, both ways are right. It is mentioned in hadith: count using fingers because they will be questioned on the Day of Judgement what they did and answer will be sought from them and while answering they will bear witness. The same thing is mentioned in the holy Quran in several places that the body, hands and feet of man will be asked what good and bad deeds they performed. و في الحديث: واعقدن بالإنامل فإنهن مسؤلات مستنطقات ، الحديث (المشكاة ص:202) Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) knows Best Darul Ifta, Darul Uloom Deoband Source

Question: Assalamualaikum, what is the proof of using a prayer bead? some say it is Bid’ah is this right? Wassalaam Answer: Hazrat Saaad bin Abi Waqqaas (R.A.) reports that once, while accompanied by the Nabi of Allah (S.A.W.), he came across a lady who was using date pits or pebbles for making Tasbeeh (glorifying Allah). Nabi (S.A.W.) addressed her saying, Should I not inform you of an easier or better way than that, SUBHANALLAHI ADADA MA KHALAQA FIS SAMAAI WA SUBHANALLHI ADADA MA KHALAQA FIL ARDHI WA SUBHANALLAHI ADADA MA BAYNA THALIK WA SUBHANALLAHI ADADA MA HUWA KHALIQ WALLAHU AKBAR MITHLA THALIK WALHAMDULILLAHI MITHLA THALIK WA LAILAHA ILLALLAHU MITHLA THALIK WA LA HAUWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAHI MITHLA THALIK. In the commentary of this Hadith, the author of Mirqaat (a commentary of Mishkaat) explains that, the fact that Nabi (S.A.W.) did not disapprove of her action or show any resentment towards it, clearly proves that using beads, pebbles, etc. when making Tasbeeh is permissible. It would therefore be incorrect to classify an act which Nabi (S.AW.) approved of, as Bidah. Hazrat Umar (R.A.) once saw a person using beads for making Tasbeeh and he did not prevent him from doing so. Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R.A.) used a string, which consisted of a number of knots for making Tasbeeh. There are many Ahadeeth in which the Nabi of Allah instructed the Sahabah to recite a particular Zikr a certain amount of times, which naturally implies that something be used for counting. (Mirqaat, Vol. 5, Page 138-139, Hayaatus Sahabah, Vol. 3, Page 427) And Allah Taala knows best Ebrahim bin Zainul Abedeen Backus Attested to as correct by: Mufti Muhammad Ashraf Darul Iftaa Jameah Mahmoodiyah Springs www.mahmoodiyah.org.za [email protected] Source

Question Is using tasbeeh a bidah and can it be given as a gift? I have following questions: 1. Is using tasbeeh is bidah & is this imitation of christianity. 2. Giving tasbeeh as a hadiyah is permissible in islam. Answer In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi wa barakātuh. It is permissible to use a “tasbīh” or “subhah” in order to aid oneself in performing dhikr. A tasbīh helps in performing dhikr in two ways: By holding it in the hand or seeing it, one is encouraged and reminded to perform dhikr. This is why it is also known as a “mudhakkir” (reminder). It also helps one keep count. Using beads or stones to help one with dhikr is supported by hadīths. Imāms Abū Dāwūd and al-Tirmidhī narrated in their collections on the authority of Sa‘d ibn Abī Waqqās (radiyAllāhu ‘anh) that together with Rasūlullāh (sallAllāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) he came upon a woman with date stones or pebbles before her, with which she was reciting tasbīh. The narration continued, but does not state Rasūlullāh (sallAllāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) reprimanded her or disapproved of what she was doing. Imām al-Tirmidhī and Hāfiz Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalānī graded the chain of narration hasan.[1] This offers proof that taking assistance from something to help one to keep count of his dhikr is permissible. Hence, if one uses tasbīh for this purpose it will not be bid‘ah. However, there should be no belief attached to the tasbīh that it has intrinsic virtue or the one who recites dhikr using it is superior to one who does not. The great scholars, Jalāl al-Dīn al-Suyūtī (d. 911 H)[2] and ‘Abd al-Hayy al-Laknawi (d. 1304 H)[3], have both authored treatises showing the permissibility of using a tasbīh. It is permissible to give a tasbīh as hadiyyah. And Allah Ta‘ālā Knows Best Zameelur Rahman Student Darul Iftaa UK Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai. www.daruliftaa.net

Tadbeer, Tafweez and faith in Taqdeer is the solution to depression: For better understanding, the following excerpts are taken from "The Cure for Depression Tafweez" by Shaykh Yunus Patel (Raheemahullah) Tadbeer: Making Effort Tafweez: Antidote to Depression Taqdeer:Predestination Great wisdom lies in the decisions of Allah. Something much worse could have happened....

اَلَّلهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحُزْنِ وَأَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَ الْكَسَلِ وَأَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ وَأَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِن غَلَبَةِ الدَّيْنِ وَقَهْرِ الرِّجَالِ Allaahumma innee a'oothubika minal hammi wal huzni wa-a'oothubika minal 'ajzi wal kasali wa-a'oothubika minal bukhli wal jubni wa-a'oothubika min ghalabatid dayni waqah-rir rijaal Oh Allah I seek protection in you from worries and sadness and I seek protection in you from weakness and laziness and I seek protection in you from miserliness and cowardliness and I seek protection in You from overpowering debts and being overpowered by people.

Trust me; there is no substitute for being able to look in the mirror and seeing purity, innocence and self-respect staring back at you. Joanna Francis Writer, Journalist – USA

A woman’s sexuality should be guarded from unworthy eyes, since it should be your gift to the man who loves and respects you enough to marry you. And since your men are still manly warriors, they deserve no less than your best. Our men don’t even want purity anymore. They don’t recognize the pearl of great value, opting for the flashy rhinestone instead. Joanna Francis Writer, Journalist – USA

Hope in Du'a Once, a ten-year-old boy was praying feverishly in prostration, “O Allah [swt], the Most Merciful, the Magnificent, Make Faisalabad [a small city of Pakistan] the capital of Pakistan, make Faisalabad the capital of Pakistan…” His mother overheard him and inquired, “Why would you pray so, my child?” The boy answered, “Well, Mother. We had a question on our final exam which asked, “What is the capital of Pakistan?” and I mistakenly put “Faisalabad” as my answer

Ridding Oneself of Depression and Suicidal Thoughts Answered by Ustadh Abdullah Anik Misra Question: As’Salamu Alaykum, I have a problem with myself in that I keep having these images of harming myself somehow or committing suicide and I don’t know what to do. I’m at a difficult stage in my life right now. I have very bad family issues, financial problems and problems with myself in terms of my heart. I just feel like ending my life so I can escape all of my problems. The last few years have been very hard for me in that I’ve been unemployed for a while and I have mounting debts that I can’t pay off and other issues. Counselling hasn’t helped. I’ve turned to Allah and prayed long and hard but then suddenly I’ll become lax in my prayers etc. I feel like I’m being pushed away from worshipping Allah. I have started doing some SG courses and they help but I still find myself weak and vulnerable. And lately the suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming myself have started terrifying me. It’s like I don’t have the guts to hurt myself but at the same time I dont know what I’m capable of doing. Please help me before I end up hurting myself. Answer In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate, Wa alaikum as salam, Dear brother in Islam: you possess the most valuable thing that any person could wish for: iman, or true faith in Allah Most High. Remember that mankind’s sworn enemy, Shaytan, is insanely jealous of how much mercy Allah Most High envelopes you in at each moment, and how much Allah loves you. Even in your lowest, most sinful, most problem-ridden, most heedless, depressed state, you mean so much to Allah. This is why Shaytan will do everything in his power to drive you out of true faith: so that you end up damned like him. Shaytan is an evil whisperer; his way of misleading you is to whisper doubts into your heart: doubts about the things around you, about your faith and your sanity, and ultimately, about Islam and Allah Himself. Horrible Thoughts Are Whispers from the Shaytan into the Heart of the Believer The thoughts and images you are seeing start from satanic whisperings (waswasa). You have become tricked into adopting them and believing that they are your own thoughts. You might feel disgusted, shocked and scared. But the thoughts are not really yours; you don’t really want to hurt yourself. They are devilish illusions, that while painful, cannot truly hurt you, or cause you to hurt yourself, unless you allow them to become a part of you. Passing bad thoughts are normal for a Muslim, but they must be disregarded quickly and shunned. Once, the Companions confessed to the Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him]: “Indeed, we are finding thoughts within ourselves that any of us would find abominable to mention!” So the Prophet asked, “Do you really find that within yourselves?” They replied, “Yes.” So the Prophet said: “That is a clear sign of faith.” [Muslim] Ridding Oneself of Bad Thoughts The thoughts may be difficult to erase once the mind has adopted the whisperings. Firstly, at the onset of any of these images or doubts, I would advise that you immediately declare in your heart – with authority and certainty- that these are not your thoughts, and tell the Shaytan you are not about to fall for his tricks. Tell him your Lord is Allah, and that you are so grateful for that, and that you are not scared of him and his whisperings, as you have the greatest Protector watching over you. Then, flee to Allah Ta’ala in your heart, and seek refuge in Him from the Shaytan with full sincerity, consciousness, and in utter neediness. Recite the final surah of the Qur’an with presence of heart, while knowing the meaning of its verses [surah 114: al-Nas]. Admit to Allah Ta’ala that He is your only Lord; your only hope; your rock and your only refuge. Tell Allah that no matter what the thoughts say or provoke, you only want to stand by Him and worship Him. Confess your sins to Him, and repent for them. Then, ask Him to protect you and rid you of those thoughts forever. Completely consign the problem and solution to Him. Shun Bad Influences, Live a Pure Life, And Trust in Allah Once you’ve done that, do your best to rejoice and feel thankful for your faith- Shaytan hates to see that and is driven away by a believer rejoicing in his Lord. Shun and avoid negative, sinful influences in your life that enter your heart through your eyes and ears: violence, sexuality and pornography, or other vices. Cut the mental noise out of your life: stop reading useless blogs and articles, watching TV or ads, or surfing the net. Seek out the company of good people, in good places like the mosque or a study circle. Repent from your sins regularly, maintain a state of ritual purity as much as possible, eat lawful food only, be consistent in your daily prayers, recite some Quran each morning and evening, and try to keep in the remembrance of Allah through dhikr. Don’t go into hyper-mode praying, as that won’t solve your problem; this is Shaytan’s trick to exhaust you till you quit. Rather, stay balanced and moderate, but keep your heart focused on loving Allah as much as possible. Love of Allah is everything. The Importance of Seeking Both Professional and Spiritual Help Lastly, I would advise you to continue to seek counseling for this issue, as we are commanded to use the best means at our disposal, while turning to Allah in prayer and supplication, knowing that the results are in Allah’s hands. Only He creates happiness in the heart. Do not see the challenges in your life as insurmountable; you still have many blessings, so take things a day at a time, seeking Allah’s help. Everything I’ve advised you is what I have gleaned from my spiritual guide; may Allah forgive my shortcomings and mistakes. It is best for you to consult a qualified spiritual guide and master of Islamic spirituality yourself when you can. May Allah Most High bless you, relieve you of your troubles, protect us all, and make us all into His righteous and beloved servants, Ameen. Wassalam, Abdullah Anik Misra Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani Source

Question Could you please give me some dua’s for anxiety and depression. Answer Assalāmu `alaikum Warahmatullāhi Wabrakatuh, What is the cause of the anxiety and depression? It is important to treat the cause. Duas alone are not sufficient to overcome anxiety and depression. We are living in a world of cause and effect and in the world of means. To diagnose a problem and adopt means for cure is the teaching of Shariah. Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam and the Sahaba radi allahu anhum faced various challenges in their lives. They attempted to identify the cause of the problems and adopted means to remedy the problems. Yes, they took strength and courage through Salah and Duas. At times our own actions lead us to anxiety and depression. The remedy is then simple. Self reformation. In such a situation ones can make any amount of dua and Dhikr, his wrong deeds will still drown him in grief and depression. This life is filled with challenges and adversities. It is natural to feel anxious and experience grief. The best solution for such feelings is to remind ourselves that we are muslims and we are sent in this world to be tested. A feeling of anxiety is actually a test from Allah. Allah want to see our reaction. We are caught between the order of Allah and our Nafs. To control ones Nafs at this time and remind ourself of Allahs test is what Allah wants from us. It is then Allah’s help will come. It is the barakaat of such submission, duas and Dhikr that Allah will guide one to the road of relief and comfort. Allah Ta’ala tells us يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ O you who believe! Seek assistance through patience and Salah. Indeed Allah with those who are the patient ones. (Qur’an 2:153) Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam advised us the following dua for grief and depression. اَلَّلهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحُزْنِ وَأَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَ الْكَسَلِ وَأَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ وَأَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِن غَلَبَةِ الدَّيْنِ وَقَهْرِ الرِّجَالِ And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best, Muftī Ebrahim Desai Daruliftaa 35 Candella Rd, Durban, South Africa www.daruliftaa.net Source