ummtaalib

Live Like a MirrorBy Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh Call towards the path of your Rabb with wisdom and good admonition. (16:125) This is the order of Allāh ta‘ālā to every believer. Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam spent his entire life calling towards the Path of Allāh ta‘ālā with the concern that every single human being should be saved from the fire of Jahannam and granted entry into Jannah. Out of this concern, he continuously instructed and taught people to do good and refrain from evil. As followers of Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam, we also need to adopt this concern for our Muslim brothers and sisters and our fellow human beings. We should ask ourselves: “How can I help others to follow the Straight Path, reach Allāh ta‘ālā, acquire entry into Jannah and secure refuge from the Fire of Jahannam?” Be a Mirror Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam has said: A believer is a mirror for [another] believer. (Abū Dāwūd) When you stand in front of a mirror it shows your physical appearance. It reveals what is good about the way you look as well as any defects you may have. In this hadīth, Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam instructs every believer to be like a mirror for other believers. A number of important points can be derived from this hadīth: 1. If you witness another believer behaving incorrectly, you should inform him, for you are a mirror for him and a mirror points out the defects of the one who stands in front of it. However, a mirror reveals the faults very quietly, without bringing disgrace; you should do the same too. 2. A mirror does not only reveal physical defects but also physical beauty. Similarly, when advising a fellow believer, you should highlight his mistakes in the overall context of his good attributes, an approach that is more palatable to the one being advised and less likely to breed resentment. Take the example of someone who performs sajdah in a manner contrary to the Sunnah: inform him of his mistake after commending him on the correctness of the rest of his salāh. 3. Just as you are a mirror for other believers, every other believer is also a mirror for you. So every Muslim is simultaneously a mirror and a person standing in front of a mirror; an advisor and one who is advised. 4. If a mirror reveals a defect in your appearance, you may be upset but you will not feel resentment or anger towards the mirror. Similarly, when another Muslim adopts the role of a mirror and advises you of something you are doing wrong, you should not get offended. Why should we take offence when someone points out a shortcoming in us that, if left unattended would make us unsuccessful at the time of death, in the grave and on the Day of Qiyāmah? Instead, we should be happy. In fact, it is only those who have love and concern for us that will go to the trouble of informing us of our shortcomings. The Sharī‘ah commands us to point out the mistakes of a fellow brother in a polite manner, tactfully, with wisdom and concern. However, even if someone were to point out a fault impolitely, we should still not take offence and still be happy that he helped save us from harm in the hereafter. If we were walking along a path and about to fall into a hole and someone shouted in an impolite way for us to stop, we would thank him and be grateful and indebted to him for saving us, despite his manner. Shaykh Qārī Siddīq Bandwi rahimahullāh was a great scholar and a very pious saint. He treated me with a lot of love and affection and I had the privilege of accompanying him when he was here on his one and only visit to the UK, during the latter days of his life. In a talk in Walsall he said: “Assume you have two doors to your house, one at the front and one at the back, and you only ever use the front door. One day, your neighbour is in his garden when he notices a huge crack in the back wall of your house. He then knocks on your door and tells you about the structural damage to your house, and advises you to tend to it without delay. Will you feel happy he told you or unhappy? Will you feel indebted to him or not?” We all answered that we would be happy and indebted to him. The Shaykh continued: “If someone sees a structural problem in our spiritual and religious ‘building’, and says e.g. that ghībah is harām and will bring our spiritual structure down, why do we feel offended?” Concern for Self-Rectification Our mashāyikh have mentioned that while being concerned for the spiritual wellbeing of others, we should always be concerned about our self-rectification too. A person who is particular about his appearance will often be seen standing before a mirror. Those who are concerned about their spiritual rectification and purifying themselves from any religious mistakes will also be seen ‘standing before the mirror’ by asking their friends to point out any shortcomings and highlight any room for rectification they see. The fact is, at times we cannot see our own faults and it takes someone else to point them out to us. ‘Umar al-Fārūq radhiyallāhu ‘anhu had great concern for his self-rectification, despite his eminent status and despite having been given the glad tidings of Jannah by Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam on numerous occasions. A question he once asked Hudhayfah ibn Yamān radhiyallāhu ‘anhu reflects this concern. Hudhayfah radhiyallāhu ‘anhu was known as Sāhibu Sirri Rasūlillāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam, i.e. one to whom Rasūlullāh confided certain information that no one else knew. One such piece of information was the names of those among the Muslims who were actually hypocrites. ‘Umar radhiyallāhu ‘anhu, concerned about his own standing in the eyes of Allāh ta‘ālā, once asked whether his own name was among the list of hypocrites, upon which Ḥudhayfah radhiyallāhu ‘anhu assured him it was not. Four Ways to Self-Rectification Our mashāyikh have explained that there are four ways through which a person can rectify himself: 1. The best way, is to find a shaykh. Hand yourself over to him and give him full liberty to carry out your spiritual rectification in the way he sees fit. Normally, complete rectification is not possible without the guidance of a shaykh. However, until you find a shaykh, adopt one of the following three methods (these methods are also beneficial for those who have a shaykh): 2. When you see someone doing something wrong, reflect immediately on your own life and question yourself whether you are free of that shortcoming or not. 3. Keep your ears open to what your enemies say about you. It is part of life that people have enemies, those who dislike them and talk about them. You should reflect on the faults they perceive in you, and if those faults truly exist, they should be rectified. 4. Tell your friends to act as mirrors and notify you of any faults they see in you. at-tazkiyah

How can we show happiness upon the years of our lives decreasing? Question This subject was being discussed in the house, and my older sister objects to having a birthday party, which I kind of agree with her, but her husband wishes to celebrate the childs first birthday. Please explain why birthdays or other non-religious rituals are harmful or against shariah. By non-religous I mean on thanksgiving day when the whole family is off of work and you can all get together… Jazak Allah Kair Salaam Answer CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS It is not necessary that everything the West does is according to logic. The biggest proof that it is the invention of the west are the song words without which this function is not complete viz. ‘Happy birthday to you.’ No one says, ‘Happy birthday celebration’ or ‘Happy Blessed birthday’ or any other words of this kind. This disease of celebrating birthdays was never prevalent among Muslims before, but since Muslims started living alongside the non-Muslims, they have been influenced by them. Birthdays are celebrated usually at the end of a year and not at the beginning of the year. For example, if one’s birth date is on the 1st of January, then the birthday will be celebrated on the 1st of January and not the 2nd of January. Now just ponder, what intelligence is there in celebrating and showing happiness when a year has decreased in one’s life. During a birthday celebration, candles are lit on a cake, amounting to the years of the one’s life. He extinguishes these candles by blowing them out and all present clap their hands. Hands are clapped at two occasions only, one at the time of joy for some achievement of his. Secondly, when someone acts foolishly, then to mock at him. Here a person is extinguishing the rays of the years of his life by blowing them out himself. Then this is no happiness, nor is it any achievement. So the clapping of hands is only for mocking at this person’s stupidity. Ponder that this is a custom and sign of non-believers. When it is someone’s birthday, one year of his life has decreased, and not increased. This world is a field to work for the hereafter. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu æ#129;layhi Wasallam)’s Ummah has been sent in this world for a very great object. The example of this world is like a king who send a few people into his treasure room saying that shortly he will send them out, so at that time whatever they will be possessing will be their property. Inside the treasure room, on one side there are heaps of gold and silver, on another side are lying pearls and jewels, then at another place in the room, delicious food and soft beds are arranged. Now some people think that the king may send them out any minute. They quickly gather the gold, silver, pearls and gems. They feel they will go out from there and organise the food and beds for themselves afterwards. There is another group of people who think that they have just arrived. They feel, ‘Let us enjoy the food, then lay down to rest. After that we will take from the treasures. There is ample time.’ So they eat, sleep and pass their valuable time without taking from the treasures. Suddenly the king sends everyone out. Now those who had collected the valuables can enjoy their lives eating and sleeping while those that wasted their time and did not accumulate anything will begin to regret. Every moment of this worldly life is very valuable. Here we have to earn for the long and everlasting life of the hereafter. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu æ#129;layhi Wasallam) has said that after entering into Jannat, the people of Jannat will not be sorry about anything of this world, except for that moment which was spent without the remembrance of Allah. It is apparent that when reward will be granted for remembrance of Allah in this world which is an abode of actions, then one must surely feel very regretful, that if they should have spent more time in the remembrance of Allah, they could be worthy of more rewards. Hafiz Zain Siqti asked Hafiz Jurjani the reason for swallowing dry flour to which he replied that when he compared the time of swallowing dry flour and chewing roti then, in chewing so much time is spent in which say 70 times Subhanalla can be uttered. Therefore he left eating roti for the last 40 years. How can it be permissible to waste time by celebrating birthdays and becoming happy that a big slice of one’s life is put behind. This world is a prison for the believer and a Jannat for the disbeliever. Allah has bought the life and wealth of the believers for Jannat. This life is a trust of Allah by us. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu æ#129;layhi Wasallam) said, ‘A person will not be able to move from his place, until he does not reply to five questions: How did you spend your life? How did you spend your youth? Where did you earn your wealth from? Where did you spend your wealth? How much did you act upon your knowledge? A person who is concerned of replying to these questions, how can he show happiness upon the years of his life decreasing? Besides all this, Islam does not permit waste. This is the reason that the poor of this Ummat will enter Jannat 500 years before the wealthy, because the wealthy will be delayed by giving an account of their wealth. By spending on birthday parties, there is no benefit to Islam nor to the poor. It is stated in a Hadith the worst Walima feast is the one in which the poor and destitute are left out and the wealthy are only invited. Another object of the birthday parties is show. Islam encourages simplicity. By this attitude of show, the poor feel inferior and deprived and the rich have a superiority complex. Also, in these gatherings, music, singing, video filming and the taking of photographs and other un-Islamic and forbidden acts take place. May Allah Taãla guide us and protect us from all these evils. By Moulana Abdul Hamid Ishaq Principal – Madrasah Arabia Islamia, Azaadville

There is no basis for the celebrations of Birthdays in Islam Question My second question is about celebrating birthdays and anniversiries . Is it ok if we celebrate birthdays and anniversiries but not with the intension of copying non muslims .If not is it of if we go to others birthday parties because our own close relatives can get angry and specially if we are living together in one house. Answer To celebrate anniversaries and birthdays is not permitted in Shari’a. One should refrain from celebrating in a manner which resembles the disbelievers. Islam is a perfect way of life and it has taught us the occasions in which a person should express his happiness and the manner of celebration. You should also abstain from participating in other people’s birthdays and anniversaries. If the person is a relative, then try to explain to them with wisdom that you are not participating in the party not due to any ill feeling, but for the reason that Islam does not permit it. One should remember that Islam teaches us to keep good ties with our relatives. If your relatives have become upset as a result of you not participating in their anniversary or birthday, then try to reunite this relationship by showing good character and even offering gifts from time to time. If after making efforts to keep good ties they still remain upset with you and they themselves break ties, then you will not be at fault and will not be responsible. And Allah knows best Wassalam Ml. Ehzaz Ajmeri, Student Darul Iftaa Checked and Approved by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai Darul Iftaa, Madrassah In’aamiyyah

Many cultures have one or more coming of age birthdays: Jewish boys become bar mitzvah on their 13th birthday. Jewish girls become bat mitzvah on their 12th birthday, or sometimes on their 13th birthday in Reform and Conservative Judaism. This marks the transition where they become obligated in commandments of which they were previously exempted and are counted as part of the community. In Canada and the United States, families often mark a girl's 16th birthday with a "sweet sixteen" celebration. In some Hispanic countries, as well as in Portuguese-speaking Brazil, the quinceañera (Spanish) or festa de quinze anos (Portuguese) celebration traditionally marks a girl's 15th birthday. In India, Hindu male children of some castes like Brahmins have the 12th or 13th birthday replaced with a grand "thread ceremony." The child takes a blessed thread and wears it, symbolizing his coming of age. This is called the Upanayana. This ceremony is practiced amongst boys in the Hindu Brahmin culture. In the Philippines, girls on their 18th birthday or boys on their 21st birthday celebrate a debut. In some Asian countries that follow the Zodiac calendar, there is a tradition of celebrating the 60th birthday. In Korea, many celebrate a traditional ceremony of Baek-il (Feast for the 100th day) and Doljanchi (child's first birthday). In Japan there is a Coming of Age Day, for all of those who have turned 20 years of age. In the United Kingdom cards from the Royal Family are sent to those celebrating their 100th and 105th birthday and every year thereafter. In Ghana, on their birthday, children wake up to a special treat called "oto" which is a patty made from mashed sweet potato and eggs fried in palm oil. Later they have a birthday party where they usually eat stew and rice and a dish known as "kelewele", which is fried plantain chunks. In Sudan the children who live in the cities celebrate their birthday, whereas in the country they don't. In India, on a child's first birthday, his or her head is shaved while being held by a special fire. Removal of the hair cleanses the child of any evil in past lives, symbolizing a renewal of the soul. wikipedia

The Method to gain acceptance in the sight of Allah Ta’ala Moulana Thaanwi (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) mentioned: Once a respected Aalim arrived and requested some advice. I told him that you are an Aalim of Deen, what advice can I offer you? After requesting for the second time, I told him that I only remember one lesson which I continue mentioning. The lesson that I have learnt from my elders is that to the best of your ability, regard yourself as a complete non-entity (i.e. if you wish to gain acceptance in the sight of Allah Ta’ala, then do not attach any importance to yourself and do not have pride). These words had such an impact on the Aalim that he immediately began to weep. (Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat 10/ 33) Ihyaaud Deen

Sunnats and Aadaab of Safr (Travelling) – Part 6 1. The following Duaa should be recited when bidding someone farewell at the time he is departing on a journey: اَستَودِعُ اللهَ دِينَكَ وَأَمَانَتَكَ وَخَوَاتِيمَ عَمَلِكَ I place your deen, your trust (wife, children and subordinates) and your final actions (at the time of death) in the care and trust of Allah Ta’ala عن سالم أن ابن عمر كان يقول للرجل إذا أراد سفرا ادن مني أودعك كما كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم يودعنا فيقول استودع الله دينك وأمانتك وخواتيم عملك (ترمذي رقم 3443) Saalim (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) reports that Hadhrat ibn Umar (Radhiallahu Anhuma) would address a person embarking on a journey saying: “Come close to me, I will bid you farewell in the manner that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would bid us farewell. He would say: اَستَودِعُ اللهَ دِينَكَ وَأَمَانَتَكَ وَخَوَاتِيمَ عَمَلِكَ

Receiving the Reward for the Journey though Remaining Behind عن أنس بن مالك رضي الله عنه قال رجعنا من غزوة تبوك مع النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم فقال إن أقواما خلفنا بالمدينة ما سلكنا شعبا ولا واديا إلا وهم معنا حبسهم العذر رواه البخاري وأبو داود ولفظه إن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم قال لقد تركتم بالمدينة أقواما ما سرتم مسيرا ولا أنفقتم من نفقة ولا قطعتم من واد إلا وهم معكم قالوا يا رسول الله وكيف يكونون معنا وهم بالمدينة قال حبسهم المرض (الترغيب و الترهيب 1/65) Hadhrat Anas (Radhiyallahu Anhu) reports that on one occasion while we were returning from the battle of Tabuk with Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “There is a group of people who remained behind in Madina Tayyiba. During our journey there was no valley or mountain pass that we had passed by except that they were with us (i.e. in regard to receiving the reward of the journey). (In the report of Abu Dawood) Sahaabah enquired from Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), “How is it so that they were with us in the reward, whereas they remained behind in Madina Munawwara?” Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “(Allah Ta’ala has blessed them with the reward of passing by each mountain pass and valley, though they were not physically present with us on account of the fact that they had sincerely intended to come out with us on the journey,) however they were held back due to some valid excuse. Ihyaaud Deen

Tawakkul of Ibrahim (as) A beautiful example of faith in Allah was when Prophet Ibrahim (as) was ordered to leave his wife, Hajar and his son, Ismael in a barren valley. Imagine Ibrahim (as), after so many years of begging Allah for a son finally got Ismael, and soon afterwards he was commanded by His Lord to led them and leave them to an uncultivated valley having no fruit, no trees, no food, no water and no sign of life. Imagine how he would have felt. And what did he beg Allah for when he was leaving them? He didn’t ask Allah to provide food or water for them. Instead he made this beautiful plea; “O Our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Thy sacred House; in order, O Our Lord, that they may establish regular prayer: so fill the hearts of some among men with love towards them, and feed them with fruits: so that They may give thanks. O Our Lord! truly Thou dost know what we conceal and what we reveal: for nothing whatever is hidden from Allah, whether on earth or In heaven.” (Chapter 14, verse 37 – 38)

We cannot fully comprehend the workings of Allah Allah ta'ala makes mention of the meeting between Hazrat Musa (as) and Khidr in Surah Kahf. At that particular juncture in Musa’s life he assumed that he was the most knowledgeable person on the face of the earth. When Allah brought to Musa’s attention that there was someone (Khidr) who had more knowledge than him, Musa set out to meet and learn from Khidr. During their journey Khidr did certain actions that appeared to be harmful and ‘senseless’. For example he scuttled a boat that was owned by Masaakin (poor people). Musa (as) using reason and logic was of the opinion that Khidr intended to cause the owners of the boat to drown. However as Khidr would later reveal it was to safe guard their boat from the unjust ruler. The full story of Musa (as) and Khidr is recorded in Surah Kahf, ayats 65 to 82. (Tafseer Ibn Katheer) The Story of Musa and Al-Khidr Musa meeting with Al-Khidr and accompanying Him Damaging the Boat The Story of killing the Boy The Story of repairing the Wall Allah tells us that Interpretations of why the Ship was damaged Interpretation of why the Boy was killed Interpretation of why the Wall was repaired for no Charge

Tawakkul and Medication In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful. Tawakkul is translated as either trust or dependence. It is a very important part of our belief to have trust in Allah (SWA). Allah (SWA) in the Holy Quran has said that: “Put the trust on the exalted in might, the merciful.” Surah Shuarah v.217) The absolute reliance upon Allah must be in every situation. It is the means of strengthening your Iman. It is knowing that no matter what happens, in the end everything will turn out to be good, as long as you depend on Allah to support and help remedy the situation. One must know that everything that happens happens because it is a part of a divine plan. If a person is tested with poverty or diseases there is good in it as long as we depend upon Allah (SWA). This was the case of Yusuf Alayhis Salam when he was imprisoned, he had tawakkul. Ibrahim Alayhis Salam when he was thrown into the fire and of Saaidah Maryam when she gave birth alone, she had tawakkul. There are many ahadith which encourage the Muslims to seek medical treatment. Saaidah Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu narrates that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said; “there is no disease that Allah (SWA) has created, except that he has created its remedy.” (Sahih Bukhari p.848 v.2) Saaiduna Usamah Bin Shuraik Radiallahu Anhu narrates; “O’ Prophet of Allah! Should we seek medical treatment for our illnesses? He replied; yes, you should seek medical treatment, because Allah (SWA), has left no disease without providing for its cure except for one ailment, old age.” (Sunan Tirimizi p.24 v.2) The Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam not only instructed sick people to take medicine, but also invented many medicines and cures, which can be found in Imam Suyuti’s Tibb Nabawi. Finally, it is stated in Fatawa Hindiyyah that there are three types of means to remove harms and difficulties: 1) Those that remove potential harm for certain such as the drinking of water in order to quench thirst and eating of food in order to remove hunger. 2) Those that by using them, it is presumed health will be restored such as medical treatment. 3) Those that may cure (but less significant than the second situation) such as the using of amulets etc… With regards to the first type, abstaining from using them is no way considered as part of reliance and trust in Allah, rather it is unlawful to refrain from using these means. If a person was to die due to not drinking water, he will be sinful. The second type of means, using it is not contrary to the concept of Tawakkul, and abstaining from its usage is not a sin also. The third type of means is not essential in that complete reliance in Allah is only achieved by abstaining from using them. Only Allah Knows Best Mohammed Tosir Miah Darul Ifta Birmingham

Reliance on Allah swt Tawakkul means leaving everything on Allah SWT. Allah SWT lies above asbaab. But unfortunately, our state is that we are running after the sabab and forgetting that Allah SWT is the one who causes asbaab in the first place. He is above and beyond asbaab.There are not one, but many verses in the Quran in which Allah SWT talks about placing our complete trust and reliance on Him. Allah says that we should place our trust on Him if we are people of Iman and people of Taqwa because nothing is difficult for Allah. All He has to do for anything to happen is to say “Kun” (meaning: “Be”) and that happens. Allah SWT has guaranteed us that He is responsible for the rizq of everyone on earth. Rizq is not simply income. For different people, it can be different things. For example, for students, rizq is knowledge. Therefore, Rizq is every single thing that we need. Surely, we are forgetful and unthankful human beings. All we need to do is sit on janamaaz and ask Allah SWT but we keep on forgetting His promise and run after people and worldly objects and getting what we want. There is also a hadith of Prophet Mohammad S.A.W that we are supposed to rely on Allah like birds rely on Him. If we were to look at birds closely, we can observe that everyday birds leave their homes to get food for the day. Before leaving the homes, they have no idea from where will they get their rizq. But they completely rely on Allah (SWT). Birds are not like humans who , if were in a similar situation, would say “Oh what should I do? My future is so dark. I don’t even know how to get food for the day” Instead everyday is a new day for the birds and they always find their rizq and this is how they live their life. We should remember that Allah has promised Rizq but not promised Jannah. So instead of being worried on things He has promised us, we should be worried about Jannah, for which He has made no promise and which completely depends on our own efforts. If we were to look at our own Islamic history, we will realize that Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W) and sahabah had complete and absolute reliance on Allah SWT. In the battle of Badr, we all know that muslims were 313 as compared to the kuffar who were more than 1000 in number. Muslims had nothing but Iman with them to fight the army of kuffar. Normally, before war, people spend time making plans and schemes to fight the army but Prophet Mohammad S.A.W spent the time making dua to Allah SWT. He prayed so much to Allah SWT that Hazrat Abu Bakr R.A came and said that “Ya, Rasool Allah, enough. You have made so much dua that surely Allah will help us” And then, Allah sent down 3000-5000 angels from the sky to help the muslim army. And Muslims were victorious in the battle. Sahabah said that we saw people in white fighting next to us in the battle. And Allah never took those angels back to sky. He has left them on earth for us. Everything is still the same. Allah is same. Islam is same. It is we who are at fault that we have stopped relying on Allah SWT. Another very famous incident that we all know was when Hazrat Ibrahim was being thrown into fire. Angel Gibrael came and said to Hazrat Ibrahim that if you want, I can completely destroy this town. Then Hazrat Ibrahim said “Does my Allah know that I am being thrown into fire?” to which the angel replied in affirmative. Hazrat Ibrahim refused the help of an angel and said His Allah was enough for him. And then Allah said that if you don’t want any sabab, then I also don’t want anything in between. And He Himself asked the fire to cool down for Hazrat Ibrahim. You and I look for friend in this world. But Hazrat Ibrahim was Khalil Allah, the friend of Allah… , Nothing better than to have Allah as your friend! There is another incident of Hazrat Maryam. Hazrat Zakariya had left her with insufficient amount of food. When he came back, he saw she had a lot of food. So he asked her where she got it from. She said “min indillah (From Allah)” Verily Allah provides without measures. He gave her fruits out of season! When Hazrat Zakariya saw that, He prayed to Allah and He provided him with a son in a very old age. Another very famous incident is when Hazrat Ibrahim left Hazrat Hajra and Hazrat Ismael in the barren desert. But the only thing Hazrat Hajra asked him was if he was leaving them for the sake of Allah. When he answered in positive to her, she didn’t argue. And while at the desert, when Hazrat Ismael was thirsty, Hazrat Hajra ran from Safa andMarwa seven times to look for water. And Allah provided them water. There was so much water that Hazrat Hajra had to say “Zam Zam (Rok jaa)” Allah had provided them from the ghaib! This is the same practice that the muslims all over the world repeat when they go for Umra showing the importance of complete reliance on Allah (SWT) So now the next question is how to increase our reliance on Allah SWT? The first thing is that we should make Dua. Even when our shoe laces break, we should ask Allah that “oh Allah what should I do. Help Ya Allah” That’s how intimate He wants us to be with Him. For anything we want, we normally go to makhlooq (friends, teachers etc) but we should remember that “jis ka rab hai, uss kaa sab hai” So we should make dua to Allah as much as we can after reading Quran, after our fard namaaz, in tahajjud etc . Second thing is that we have to increase our rememberance of Allah. We should increase our nafl ibadat, recite istaghfar, listen to bayaans, read Quran etc. And the third thing is that we have to recite the verses of Takwa and tawakkul which will remind us of His promises if we forget. All these steps will make us a better Muslim Insha Allah. Zaynab Academy

Once a pious man went into a Masjid with the intention of observing I’tikaaf. He had no provisions of food or drink. The Imaam advised him that since he was a destitute person, it is better for him not to observe I’tikaaf. Instead he should take up work somewhere and earn his daily bread. The pious man gave no reply. The Imaam again insisted but he remained silent. After the Imaam had repeatedly asked him to do so for the third and fourth time, the pious man replied: “Next to the Masjid there is a shop owned by a Jew who has promised to send me two loaves of bread every day.” The Imaam said: “If he has promised to send you food then by all means you may observe I’tikaaf here.” The pious man then reprimandingly said: “It is quite strange that you have great reliance on the promise made by a Jew but you put little trust in the promise made by Allah Ta’ala to provide sustenance to all living creatures.” (Raudh-ur-Rayyaheen pg 278) Lesson: Various Aayaat of the Quraan-e-Kareem exhort us to cultivate a firm belief in Tauheed (the Oneness of Allah Ta’ala). And since Tawakkul (having complete reliance on Allah Ta’a’a) is the essence of Tauheed, the more firmly grounded a person is in his belief in Tauheed the more advanced will he be in Tawakkul. We should constantly remind ourselves that supreme control over everything lies only in the hands of Allah Ta’ala. Nothing can benefit us nor can anything bring us any harm except by the will of Allah Ta’ala. Al-Haadi

'Umar [ibn al-Khattab] (may Allah be well pleased with him) used to quote these two verses [of Arabic poetry] as an instructive example: Go easy on yourself, for the outcome of all affairs is determined by God's decree. If something is meant to go elsewhere, it will never come your way, but if it is yours by destiny, from you it cannot flee In the words of one wise saying: "He who puts all his trust in the Lord is like a baby. Just as the infant is not aware of having anything else to turn to, except its mother's breast, the completely trustful person [al-mutawakkil] feels himself guided in no other direction, except toward his Lord (Almighty and Glorious is He)." In the words of another wise saying: "Absolute trust in the Lord [tawakkul] means the banishment of doubts, and the delegation [tafwid] of one's concerns to the King of kings [Malik al-muluk]." In the words of yet another wise saying: "Absolute trust in the Lord [tawakkul] means relying with confidence on what is at the disposal of Allah (Almighty and Glorious is He), and expecting nothing at all from what is at the disposal of human beings." Someone asked Yahya ibn Mu'adh [ar-Razi] (may Allah the Exalted bestow His mercy upon him) : "When does a man become someone who is absolutely trustful [mutawakkil]?" To this he replied: "When he is perfectly satisfied with Allah as a Trustee [Wakil]." It was Bishr [al-Hafi] (may Allah the Exalted bestow His mercy upon him) who said: "One of them may say: 'I have put all my trust in Allah [tawakkaltu 'ala 'llah],' although he is actually telling a lie. For, by Allah, if he had really put all his trust in Allah, he would be perfectly content with the way Allah treats him." Abu Turab an-Nakhshabi (may Allah the Exalted bestow His mercy upon him) once said: "Absolute trust in the Lord [tawakkul] means casting the physical body into servitude ['ubudiyya], attaching the inner feeling to the Divine Lordship [rububiyya], and having serene confidence in sufficiency [kifaya], so that one responds to receiving by giving thanks, and to deprivation by being patient." Full Article

Tawakkul means putting all one's trust in Allah subhaanhau wata'ala "And when someone puts all his trust in Allah, He will be enough for him." (65:3) 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be well pleased with him) is reported as having said: "Allah's Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: "'If you really and truly placed all your trust in Allah [law tawakkaltum 'ala 'llahi haqqa tawakkuli-hi], He would sustain you as He sustains the birds. They start the day with their bellies empty, and end it with their bellies full.'" Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be well pleased with him) is reported as having said: "A man once rode into town on a fine she-camel of his, and he said: 'O Messenger of Allah, shall I just leave her unattended, and put my trust in the Lord [ada'u-ha wa atawakkalu]?' So the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) told him: 'Hobble her feet with a rope, and put your trust in the Lord [a'qil-ha wa tawakkal]!'"

Origins of Birthday Celebrations Do Muslims who celebrate birthdays ever ask the question: What are the origins of some of the customs used to celebrate birthdays? Answers from non-Islamic sources The German periodical "Schwäbische Zeitung" (magazine supplement Zeit und Welt) of April 3/4, 1981 on page 4 stated: The book The Lore of Birthdays (New York, 1952) by Ralph and Adelin Linton, on pages 8, 18-20 had this to say: Candles....... Horst Fuhrmann, professor of medieval history at the University of Regensburg, made this comment about birthdays: Part of an article from a Christian site....

What commercial and cultural propaganda presents as beautiful is rooted in ugly paganism but most blind followers do not know. By Khalid Baig There is a group of practices that we can consider as the twin sister of bid'ah. Like bid'ah they flourish on the twin foundations of ignorance and outside influence. Like bid'ah they entail rituals. But unlike bid'ah the rituals have not been given an Islamic face. They are followed because they are considered an acceptable cultural practice or the hottest imported "in" thing. Most of those who indulge in them do not know what they are doing. They are just blind followers of their equally blind cultural leaders. Little do they realize that what they consider as innocent fun may in fact be rooted in paganism. That the symbols they embrace may be symbols of unbelief. That the ideas they borrow may be products of superstition. That all of these may be a negation of what Islam stands for. Christianity tried to stop the evil celebration of Lupercalia. Its only success was in changing the name from Lupercalia to St. Valentine's Day Consider Valentine's Day, a day that after dying out a well deserved death in most of Europe (but surviving in Britain and United States) has suddenly started to emerge across a good swath of Muslim countries. Who was Valentine? Why is this day observed? Legends abound, as they do in all such cases, but this much is clear: Valentine's Day began as a pagan ritual started by Romans in the 4th century BCE to honor the god Lupercus. The main attraction of this ritual was a lottery held to distribute young women to young men for "entertainment and pleasure"--until the next year's lottery. Among other equally despicable practices associated with this day was the lashing of young women by two young men, clad only in a bit of goatskin and wielding goatskin thongs, who had been smeared with blood of sacrificial goats and dogs. A lash of the "sacred" thongs by these "holy men" was believed to make them better able to bear children. As usual, Christianity tried, without success, to stop the evil celebration of Lupercalia. It first replaced the lottery of the names of women with a lottery of the names of the saints. The idea was that during the following year the young men would emulate the life of the saint whose name they had drawn. (The idea that you can preserve the appearance of a popular evil and yet somehow turn it to serve the purpose of virtue, has survived. Look at all those people who are still trying, helplessly, to use the formats of popular television entertainments to promote good. They might learn something from this bit of history. It failed miserably) Christianity ended up doing in Rome, and elsewhere, as the Romans did. How can anyone in his right mind think that Islam would be indifferent to practices seeped in anti-Islamic ideas and beliefs? The only success it had was in changing the name from Lupercalia to St. Valentine's Day. It was done in CE 496 by Pope Gelasius, in honor of some Saint Valentine. There are as many as 50 different Valentines in Christian legends. Two of them are more famous, although their lives and characters are also shrouded in mystery. According to one legend, and the one more in line with the true nature of this celebration, St. Valentine was a "lovers'" saint, who had himself fallen in love with his jailer's daughter. Due to serious troubles that accompanied such lottery, French government banned the practice in 1776. In Italy, Austria, Hungry, and Germany also the ritual vanished over the years. Earlier, it had been banned in England during the 17th century when the Puritans were strong. However in 1660 Charles II revived it. From there it also reached the New World, where enterprising Yankees spotted a good means of making money. Esther A. Howland, who produced one of the first commercial American Valentine's Day cards called--- what else--- valentines, in the 1840s, sold $5,000 worth--when $5,000 was a lot of money--the first year. The valentine industry has been booming ever since. It is the same story with Halloween, which has otherwise normal human beings dressing like ghosts and goblins in a reenactment of an ancient pagan ritual of demon worship. Five star hotels in Muslim countries arrange Halloween parties so the rich can celebrate the superstitions of a distant period of ignorance that at one time even included the shameful practice of human sacrifice. The pagan name for that event was Samhain (pronounced sow-en). Just as in case of Valentine's Day, Christianity changed its name, but not the pagan moorings. Christmas is another story. Today Muslim shopkeepers sell and shoppers buy Christmas symbols in Islamabad or Dubai or Cairo. To engage in a known religious celebration of another religion is bad enough. What is worse is the fact that here is another pagan celebration (Saturnalia) that has been changed in name ---and in little else--- by Christianity. During joys and sorrows, during celebrations and sufferings, we must follow the one straight path --- not many divergent paths. Even the celebration considered most innocent might have pagan foundations. According to one account, in pagan cultures, people feared evil spirits - especially on their birthdays. It was a common belief that evil spirits were more dangerous to a person when he or she experienced a change in their daily life, such as turning a year older. So family and friends surrounded the person with laughter and joy on their birthdays in order to protect them from evil. How can anyone in his right mind think that Islam would be indifferent to practices seeped in anti-Islamic ideas and beliefs? Islam came to destroy paganism in all its forms and it cannot tolerate any trace of it in the lives of its followers. Further, Islam is very sensitive about maintaining its purity and the unique identity of its followers. Islamic laws and teachings go to extra lengths to ensure it. Salat is forbidden at the precise times of sunrise, transition, and sunset to eliminate the possibility of confusion with the practice of sun worship. To the voluntary recommended fast on the tenth of Muharram, Muslims are required to add another day (9th or 11th) to differentiate it from the then prevalent Jewish practice. Muslims are forbidden to emulate the appearance of non-Muslims. A Muslim is a Muslim for life. During joys and sorrows, during celebrations and sufferings, we must follow the one straight path --- not many divergent paths. It is a great tragedy that under the constant barrage of commercial and cultural propaganda from the forces of globalization and the relentless media machine, Muslims have begun to embrace the Valentines, the Halloween ghost, and even the Santa Claus. Given our terrible and increasing surrender to paganism the only day we should be observing is a day of mourning. Better yet it should be a day of repentance that could liberate us from all these days. And all this daze. Al-Balagh

The hearts of the Awliyaa (The true friends of Allah Ta’ala) There was a person who used to harbor enmity towards Hazrat Nizaamuddeen Awliyaa (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) throughout his life. He always tried to cause harm to Hazrat and exhausted all his energies in bringing disrepute to him. When this person passed away, and the news of his death reached Hazrat Nizaamuddeen Awliyaa (Rahmatullahi Alaihi), Hazrat (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) immediately set out to the place where he was buried and stood at the head side of the grave and supplicated to Allah Ta’ala in the following words: “O Allah, whatever this person said, did or even thought off to cause harm to me then I have forgiven him, so O Allah, I beg You to forgive him. O Allah, I do not wish that on account of the harm he caused to me, You should punish him.” Hazrat Nizaamuddeen (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) once said to the people: “Always be polite and gentle in your conduct. Persevere patiently the hardships and difficulties of life. Never think of taking revenge for the harm that was caused to you by the servants of Allah.” Thereafter Hazrat recited the following poetry: “It is our duaa that whoever does not wish to befriend us then may Allah Ta’ala befriend him and whosoever causes harm or pain to us in any way then we forgive him and may Allah Ta’ala bless him throughout his life with ease and comfort. After a few moments of silence, Hazrat recited these words: “Whoever spreads thorns in our pathway due to enmity and hatred, may the thorns of his garden of flowers of life be removed (i.e. may he enjoy every moment of his life in happiness)” (Jawaahir Paare) Ihyaaud Deen

Listed below are some useful ways to help create true love for our beloved Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam: “1. Recite durūd (salāt-‘alan-Nabī) at least 300 times daily. You may read any formula of durūd as long as it is from an authentic source. The most virtuous is the Durūd Ibrāhīmī, though who are not able to read it 300 times may read a shorter one. An easy method is to recite the short formula ‘sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam’, and to read the longer Durūd Ibrāhīmī after every ten of the short durūd. 2. Increase the recitation of Durūd on Fridays because the reward increases manifold. 3. Try to recite the compilation of forty salāt and salām from authentic sources of hadīth published by the IDA as a booklet entitled ‘Salāt and Salām’ daily. If you are unable to read it daily, then read it at least once a week on Friday. 4. Study the sunnah of Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam, and aim to bring every sunnah into practice. 5. Read the sīrah of Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam.” Courtesy of In Shaykh's Company: www.shaykh.org

Question Respected Shaykh, I wanted to ask regarding a hadith that I always hear during the Friday khutbah, I wanted to know if it is an authentic hadith and if it should be read every week during the khutbah? The Hadith is a long one that discusses the khulafa and other sahabah, but it starts of with ‘Arhamu Ummati Bi Ummati Abu Bakr Wa Ashadduhum Fi Amrillahi Umar Wa Asdaquhum Hayan-an Uthman…’ the Hadith continues to mention Ali, Hassan, Hussain, Fatimah, Hamzah and Abbas (radiyallahu’anhum). Is this Hadith is authentic, and are the Khulafa mentioned in the hadith in order? Jazakallah for your time, May Allah bless you and your family. Answer The Fuqaha have ruled that it is preferable to mention the Khulafa and the two uncles of Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam), i.e. Sayyiduna Hamzah and Sayyiduna ‘Abbas (radiyallahu’anhuma) in the Khutbah. (Raddul-Muhtar vol.2 pg.149) The hadith that is often heard in the Friday khutbah (sermon) is a collection of several hadiths that are narrated from Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam). 1. The part in which the four Khulafah are mentioned is recorded in the following authentic works: Sunan Tirmidhi, hadith 3790, Musnad Ahmad, hadith13925, Sahih ibn Hibban hadith7131, Musnad Abu Ya’ala vol.5 pg.298, hadith: 5736 & Kashful-Khafa vol.1 pg.118. The mention of Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu’anhu) is found in the last two references only. Yes, the hadith mentions the khulafa in order. 2. The part of Sayyidatuna Fatimah and Sayyiduna Hasan and Husayn (radiyallahu’anhum) is recorded by Imams: Tirmidhi hadith 3781 & Nasa’i 3. The part of Sayyiduna ‘Abbas and his son (radiyallahu’anhuma) is recorded by Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) hadith 3762 4. Mention of Sayyiduna Hamzah (radiyallahu’anhu) has been recorded in Mustadrak Hakim vol.3 pgs.194, 198, 199 hadith 4880, 4881, 2898, 4900. And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best, Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomer hadithanswers

But how do I keep my concentration during zuhr and asr salaat praying in jamaa Askimam.org Question During salaat I try to focus on the words so to keep my concentration in salaat. But how do I keep my concentration during zuhr and asr salaat praying in jamaat when we are supposed to stand silently? Answer In order to maintain devotion in the silent Salaah, you may look at the place of Sajda and ponder over the greatness of Allah. Ponder over His Power and His Creation. You may also ponder over the sacrifices of Nabi Muhammed. Inshallah this will maintain your devotion in Salaah. and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Ebrahim Desai

I Cannot Focus Question i am having trouble in my solah, everytime i pray ,i can not focus in prayer probably, so many bad things distract my mind, even i can not control , i feel like something controling my brain, everytimes took more than one hour for me to complete one solah, i feel very difficult help me plss, i am scared i will go to hell if my solah like this Answer In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. When a person undertakes an important task, the success of the task depends on the mental condition. If one has conditioned his mind to reach the stream, in all probability he will eventually reach the stream. The purpose of Salah is to attain the closeness of Allah. Condition the mind before Salaah to attain the closeness of Allah through Salaah. Be committed to that goal and be determined. With that mindset, prepare for Salaah. Perform Wudhu with the mindset that’ I will be presenting myself before my Allah’. Think about how all the sins are washed away through Wudhu in preparation for the great meeting with Allah in Salaah. Allah washed your sins in appreciation of a servant wanting to meet Allah through Salaah. Imagine what lies in actually meeting Allah Ta’ala.Note your spiritual journey has already begun. Before commencing Salaah, condition your mind that you are seeing Allah. At least have conviction that Allah is seeing you. Concentrate on the majesty of Allah and say Allahu Akbar (Takbeer Tahrima) from the deep recess of your heart knowing well that indeed Allah is the greatest. Think how fortunate I am to be in divine communication with Allah. Make the best of it. Think that this may be my last chance. I may not be alive for the next Salaah. Give it all to Allah with heart and soul and mind. In your thana’a concentrate on the purity of Allah and His majesty. Concentrate on at least the words of Surah Faatiha and the Surah you recite. Think ‘this is the speech of my Allah’. How fortunate am I to be given the opportunity to recite the Quran with my tongue. When going into Ruku, tell yourself I bend in humility to my Allah. It’s not just bending. I express my respect to my Allah and I say Allah the great is pure (Subhana rabbi ‘al azeem) with all my heart. Praise Allah and enjoy doing so. When going into Sajdah, tell yourself I place every limb from forehead till toes before my creator. I submit to Him and again proclaim (Subhan Rabii al a’la) pure is my Allah, the highest. Do this in every Rakat. When sitting in Tashahhud and reciting the Attahiyyaat, think about how Rasulullah Sallallāhu Alayhi Wasallam made a heavenly declaration of submission to Allah in Me’raj. You are fortunate to supplicate that in Salaah. My Salaah is my Me’raj. I am before my Allah. In Salaah you were accompanied by the angels. When making Salam to the right and left, make intention of greeting the angels on the right and left. Upon completion of Salaah, make Istighfar and repent for not being able to fulfill the rights of Allah in Salah. Make Dua after Salah ‘Oh Allah accept my Salaah’. In order to achieve this standard in Salaah, you have to make an effort. Start performing shorter Salaah’s with full concentration and gradually increases that. When the quality of Salaah is upgraded, you will notice a revival of spirituality in your heart which will impact in all aspects of your life. You will feel different, see different, hear different and talk different. All with the conscious of the presence of Allah. No amount of comfort and luxury can buy this peace you get through Salaah. Mufti Ebrahim Desai askimam

Leaving out a sunnah or waajib of Salaah Q: If someone leaves out a sunnah of the salaah or commits a makrooh action in salaah, is it necessary to repeat the salaah? What if the time for the salaah has already finished? Does it make a difference if the action is Sunnah muakkadah, makrooh tahreemi or tanzeehi? A: If a Sunnah action was left out, the Salaah will not have to be repeated. If a waajib action of the Salaah was left out, then sajda-e-sahw will have to be made. If one did not make the sajda-e-sahw, then the Salaah should be repeated as long as the time of the Salaah remains. Once the time elapses, one does not have to repeat the Salaah. And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best. ( لها واجبات ) لا تفسد بتركها وتعاد وجوبا في العمد والسهو إن لم يسجد له وإن لم يعدها يكون فاسقا آثما وكذا كل صلاة أديت مع كراهة التحريم تجب إعادتها (الدر المختار1/456-457) قال الشامي في رد المحتار: المطلب صلاة أديت مع كراهة التحريم تجب إعادتها قوله ( وكذا كل صلاة الخ ) الظاهر أنه يشمل نحو مدافعة الأخبثين مما لم يوجب سجودا أصلا وأن النقص إذا دخل في صلاة الإمام ولم يجبر وجبت الإعادة على المقتدي أيضا وأنه يستثنى منه الجمعة والعيد إذا أديت مع كراهة التحريم إلا إذا أعادها الإمام والقوم جميعا فليراجع ح تنبيه: قيد في البحر في باب قضاء الفوائت وجوب الإعادة في أداء الصلاة مع كراهة التحريم بما قبل خروج الوقت أما بعده فتستحب (رد المحتار1/ 457) Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)