ummtaalib

Split from inspiring stories and moved to Muslimah section

A Lesson of Faith Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem This is a true story: In France, after picking groceries in the supermarket, a Niqabi sister stood in the line to pay. After a few minutes, her turn came up at the checkout counter. The checkout girl was a non-Hijaabi Muslim girl, who began to scan the items of the Niqabi sister, one by one. After a while, she looked at her with arrogance and said: “We have many problems in this country and your Niqab (Face-veil) is one of them! We, immigrants, are here for trade and not to show our Deen or history! If you want to practice your Deen and wear Niqaab, then go back to your Arab country and do whatever you want!" The chaste Niqabi sister stopped putting her groceries in the bag and lifted up her Niqaab… The checkout girl was in total shock. The Niqabi girl, who was blonde with blue eyes, told her: "I am French, from pure French descent, not an Arab immigrant. This is my country and THIS IS MY ISLAM. You born Muslims sold your Deen and we bought it from you!" ________________________ Allah Ta’ala says: “…AND IF YOU TURN AWAY, HE WILL REPLACE YOU WITH ANOTHER PEOPLE; THEN THEY WILL NOT BE THE LIKES OF YOU.” [sURAH MUHAMMAD 47 : 38] gemsofguidance

Remember them in your Duas And for our brothers and sisters suffering in And anywhere else in the world. gemsofguidance

(Click on post to enlarge)

To completely trust in Allah is to be like a child who knows deeply That even if he does not call for the mother The mother is totally aware of his condition And is looking after him ~ Al Ghazali~

Nourish your patience with worship, and nourish your certainty with your connection to Allah and nourish your sincerity with pure dedication and reliance upon Allah. idealwoman.org

Question: I neglect all good actions when I’m faced with difficulties in life. How should I improve in becoming a good Muslim? Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. We are pleased to hear that you have made an intention of changing into a better Muslim. You state that you are unable to maintain consistency in offering your daily Salahs etc. Firstly, you should ask yourself why you are unable to maintain consistency in offering your daily Salahs or any other act of virtue. Good deeds are a form of light while sins are a form of darkness. When a person commits sins and is engaged in the disobedience of Allah, her heart becomes hard. When the heart becomes hard, it is unable to accept anything which is good. Hence, a person finds it difficult to perform virtuous acts. However, when a person makes Taubah and sincerely repents to Allah, her heart is purified and soft again. The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam has mentioned: «إِنَّ العَبْدَ إِذَا أَخْطَأَ خَطِيئَةً نُكِتَتْ فِي قَلْبِهِ نُكْتَةٌ سَوْدَاءُ، فَإِذَا هُوَ نَزَعَ وَاسْتَغْفَرَ وَتَابَ سُقِلَ قَلْبُهُ، وَإِنْ عَادَ زِيدَ فِيهَا حَتَّى تَعْلُوَ قَلْبَهُ، وَهُوَ الرَّانُ الَّذِي ذَكَرَ اللَّهُ» (كَلَّا بَلْ رَانَ عَلَى قُلُوبِهِمْ مَا كَانُوا يَكْسِبُونَ) (القرآن 81: 14) “When a person commits a sin, a black dot appears on his heart. When he seeks forgiveness and repents, his heart is then purified. If he returns to the sin (without repenting), more black dots appear encompassing the entire heart. This is the same rust regarding which Allah mentions (in the Quran). (By no means! but on their hearts is the rust of the (ill) which they do!)” (Al-Quran: 81:14)[1] Secondly, when a person lacks Iman and Yaqeen that every good and evil is from Allah, then such a person is quickly disappointed when she is afflicted with difficulties in life. A believer is always happy in every situation Allah keeps her. She is content with the decisions of Allah. She thinks to herself that Allah has protected me from a greater calamity by afflicting me with a smaller calamity. For example, when one incurs loss in her wealth, one should ponder over the matter and think to herself that Allah has protected her from a greater loss such as the loss of limbs. One should acknowledge that in every calamity there is Khair for her. One should not be carried away by the whispers of Shaitan by becoming disappointed with the decree of Allah. One should thank Allah immensely for all the bounties He has bestowed upon her. One should thank Allah for all of her limbs which function properly. There are many people in the world who are disabled and in need of help. One should thank Allah that He did not place her in the same situation as them. All of these thoughts should bring one back to her conscious mind to abstain from disobeying Allah. Here under are some points to consider and practice upon in becoming a successful Muslim: Farāid: Fulfill all those Ibādah which are obligatory: a) Perform the five daily Salāhs b) Fast in the month of Ramadan c) Perform Hajj (if it has become Wajib upon her) d) Give Zakāh (if it has become Wajib upon her) Each one of these obligation should be fulfilled with due diligence. Zikr: Constantly engage in the zikr (remembrance) of Allah. Frequently remembering Allah will help you to abstain from sins. Allah mentions in the Quran regarding zikr: وَلَذِكْرُ اللَّهِ أَكْبَرُ (القرآن :29: 45) “And verily the remembrance of Allah is greater” (Al-Quran: 29:45) Another Ayah states: يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ ذِكْرًا كَثِيرًا () وَسَبِّحُوهُ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًا (القرآن :33: 41، 42) “O you who believe, remember Allah more often. And exalt Him morning and evening.” (Al-Quran: 33: 41-42) Allah says in another Ayah: يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُلْهِكُمْ أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَلَا أَوْلَادُكُمْ عَنْ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَمَنْ يَفْعَلْ ذَلِكَ فَأُولَئِكَ هُمُ الْخَاسِرُونَ )القرآن :63: 9( “O you who believe, let not your wealth and your children divert you from remembrance of Allah. And whosoever does that – then those are the losers.” (Al-Quran: 63: 9) Recitation of the Holy Quran: Recite some portion of the Quran daily. The Quran is the Kalām (speech of Allah). When a person speaks to her beloved, her soul feels enriched. When reciting the Quran, you are talking to Allah and you will feel spiritually enriched. Try and attend the Tafsīr classes of reliable Ulama. You should also read the English Tafsir of Maariful Quran written by Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Shafi Sahab (Rahmatullahi Alaih). Rights of People: Shariah has emphasized on the rights of other people. Always be sensitive to the next person’s feelings and emotions. You should try to help and assist others. If you cannot do that, then at least you should not harm anyone. It is very important to abstain from backbiting, slander and false accusation. Once the people asked the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam: قَالُوا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، أَيُّ الإِسْلاَمِ أَفْضَلُ؟ قَالَ: «مَنْ سَلِمَ المُسْلِمُونَ مِنْ لِسَانِهِ، وَيَدِهِ» “Which type of Islam is the most virtuest?” He replied, “In which the Muslims are safe from his tongue and his hand.” [2] In one Hadith, it has been mentioned that a person should love and wish for his Muslim brother what he loves and wishes for himself. لاَ يُؤْمِنُ أَحَدُكُمْ، حَتَّى يُحِبَّ لِأَخِيهِ مَا يُحِبُّ لِنَفْسِهِ “None of you can attain the level of Iman unless you love for your brother what you love for [3]yourself.” Another Hadith mentiones: إِنَّ شَرَّ النَّاسِ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ مَنْزِلَةً يَوْمَ القِيَامَةِ مَنْ تَرَكَهُ النَّاسُ اتِّقَاءَ شَرِّه “The worst of people in the eyes of Allah on the Day of Judgment is he from whom others keep their distances in order to save themselves from his mischief.”[4] Regarding backbiting, the Hadith considers it worse than committing adultery. Rasullullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam has said: إِيَّاكُمْ وَالْغَيْبَةَ؛ فَإِنَّ الْغَيْبَةَ أَشَدُّ مِنَ الزِّنَا» . قِيلَ: يا رسول الله! وكيف الْغَيْبَةُ أَشَدُّ مِنَ الزِّنَا؟ قَالَ: «الرَّجُلُ يَزْنِي فَيَتُوبُ، فَيَتُوبُ اللهُ عَلَيْهِ، وَإِنَّ صَاحِبَ الْغَيْبَةِ لا يُغْفَرُ لَهُ حَتَّى يَغْفِرَ لَهُ صَاحِبُهُ “Abstain from backbiting. Verily backbiting is worse than committing adultery.” He was asked, “O Prophet of Allah, how is backbiting worse than committing adultery?” He replied, “A person fornicates and repents and Allah forgives him. And a person who backbites is not forgiven unless the person whom he backbited does not forgive him.” [5] Love for Rasullullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam: The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam has said that a person can never be a true Muslim until the Prophet of Allah is more dear to him than anything in this world. لَا يُؤْمِنُ أَحَدُكُمْ حَتَّى أَكُونَ أَحَبَّ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ وَلَدِهِ، وَوَالِدِهِ، وَالنَّاسِ أَجْمَعِينَ “None of you can attain the level of Iman unless I am more dear to him than his son and his parents and all of mankind.” [6] Obtain literature on the Seerah (biography) of Rasullullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam and educate yourself with the great life of Rasullullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam. Learn the Sunnāhs and try implementing them in your life. The best and the most convenient way of implementing the Sunnāhs in one’s life is to add at least one Sunnāh every day in one’s life. Some of the books on the Seerāh of Rasullullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam are: Tāreekh-e-Islam by Moulana Akbar Shah Najeeb Abadi (Urdu). Tareekh-e-Millat by Mufti Zain-ul-abideen Sajjad Meerathi (Urdu). The Sealed Nectar by Saifur Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri (English). This book is originally known as “Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtoom” in Arabic. Join the Company of the Pious: In order to rectify oneself, join the company of the pious people. The company of such people will change a person’s behavior. The Hadith mentions: الْجَلِيسُ الصَّالِحُ خَيْرٌ مِنَ الْوَحْدَةِ، وَالْوَحْدَةُ خَيْرٌ مِنْ جَلِيسِ السُّوءِ، أَلَا إِنَّ مَثَلَ جَلِيسِ الْخَيْرِ كَمَثَلِ الْعِطْرِ إِلَّا يُحْذِكَ يَعْبَقْ بِكَ مِنْ رِيحِهِ، أَلَا وَإِنَّ مَثَلَ جَلِيسِ السُّوءِ كَمَثَلِ الْكِيرِ إِلَّا يَحْرُقْكَ يَعْبَقْ بِكَ مِنْ رِيحِهِ… “The company of the pious is better than solitude. And solitude is better than the company of the wicked. Verily the example of the company of the pious is like that of a musk from which fragrance emits. And verily the example of the company of the wicked is like the works of the bellows from which he either burns you or a bad smell emits…” [7] Obtain literature on the life of our pious predecessors and try reading a portion of it daily. This will help in understanding how the lives of true friends of Allah were. Education of Deen: Learn all the important aspects and Faraid of Deen. Also try to rectify common mistakes that are usually made in Ibādah. For example, one should rectify the performance of her Salah and correct her Tajweed and the pronunciation in reciting the Quran. Rasullullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam has said: طَلَبُ الْعِلْمِ فَرِيضَةٌ عَلَى كُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ “Acquiring knowledge is binding upon every Muslim.” [8] And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai. [1] (سنن الترمذي، ج5ص434، شركة مكتبة) Sunan At-Tirmidhi, V.5 Pg.434, Shirkah Maktabah) [2] (صحيح البخاري، ج1ص12، دار طوق النجاة) (Sahih Al-Bukhari, V.1 Pg.12, Dar Tauq An-Najah) )[3] صحيح البخاري، ج1ص12، دار طوق النجاة) (Sahih Al-Bukhari, V.1 Pg.12, Dar Tauq An-Najah) [4] (صحيح البخاري، ج8ص13، دار طوق النجاة) (Sahih Al-Bukhari, V.8 Pg.13, Dar Tauq An-Najah) [5] (المجالسة وجواهر العلم، ج8ص273) (Al-Majalisah Wa Jawāhirul Ilm V.8 Pg.273) [6] (صحيح البخاري، ج1ص12، دار طوق النجاة) (Sahih Al-Bukhari, V.1 Pg.12, Dar Tauq An-Najah) [7] (مصنف ابن أبي شيبة، ج7ص142، مكتبة الرشد) (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaibah, V.7 Pg.142, Maktabah Ar-Rasheed) [8] (سنن ابن ماجه، ج1ص81، دار إحياء الكتب العربية) (Sunan Ibn Majah, V.1 Pg.81, Dar Ihyaah Al-Kutub Al-Arabiyyah

Question: I would like to know the permissibility of doing a pap smear for females, I am a nurse in internship currently and want to know if this would be ok for me doing for patients? Answer:In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salamu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh. A pap smear is a quick, painless test used to detect early cell changes in the neck of the womb, which may later progress to cancer. Cancer does not develop suddenly in the cells. There is a gradual change from normal, through various levels of abnormality, through pre-cancer and eventually to cancer. This whole process can take many years. The pap smear detects these along-the-way changes and indicates how far along that road a women has traveled. Treatment can be given at an early stage and so prevent the later development of true cancer. An instrument is placed into the vagina and cells are scraped off the surface of the cervix with a wooden spatula. The cells are put onto a glass slide which is then sent to the laboratory for examination under a microscope. Should abnormal cells be detected, the client will be referred for treatment to prevent development of cancer of the cervix.[1] It is clear from the above that a pap smear test is conducted for medical reasons, hence it is permissible.[2] And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai. idealwoman.org [1] www.kznhealth.gov.za/papsmear.htm [2] وَيَجُوزُ النَّظَرُ إلَى الْفَرْجِ لِلْخَاتِنِ وَلِلْقَابِلَةِ وَلِلطَّبِيبِ عِنْدَ الْمُعَالَجَةِ وَيَغُضُّ بَصَرَهُ ما اسْتَطَاعَ كَذَا في السِّرَاجِيَّةِ وَيَجُوزُ لِلرَّجُلِ النَّظَرُ إلَى فَرْجِ الرَّجُلِ لِلْحُقْنَةِ كَذَا ذَكَرَ شَمْسُ الْأَئِمَّةِ السَّرَخْسِيُّ كَذَا في الظَّهِيرِيَّةِ وقد رُوِيَ عن أبي يُوسُفَ رَحِمَهُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى إنْ كان بِهِ هُزَالٌ فَاحِشٌ فَقِيلَ له إنَّ الْحُقْنَةَ تُزِيلُ ما بِكَ من الْهُزَالِ فَلَا بَأْسَ بِأَنْ يُبْدِيَ ذلك الْمَوْضِعَ لِلْحُقْنَةِ وَهَذَا صَحِيحٌ فإن الْهُزَالَ الْفَاحِشَ نَوْعُ مَرَضٍ يَكُونُ آخِرُهُ الدِّقَّ وَالسُّلَّ وَذَكَرَ شَمْسُ الْأَئِمَّةِ الْحَلْوَانِيُّ رَحِمَهُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى في شَرْحِ كِتَابِ الصَّوْمِ أَنَّ الْحُقْنَةَ إنَّمَا تَجُوزُ عِنْدَ الضَّرُورَةِ وإذا لم يَكُنْ ثَمَّةَ ضَرُورَةٍ وَلَكِنْ فيها مَنْفَعَةٌ ظَاهِرَةٌ بِأَنْ يَتَقَوَّى بِسَبَبِهَا على الْجِمَاعِ لَا يَحِلُّ عِنْدَنَا وإذا كان بِهِ هُزَالٌ فَإِنْ كان هُزَالٌ يُخْشَى منه التَّلَفُ يَحِلُّ وما لَا فَلَا كَذَا في الذَّخِيرَةِ عن أبي حَنِيفَةَ وَأَبِي يُوسُفَ رَحِمَهُمَا اللَّهُ تَعَالَى لَا يَدْخُلُ على الْأُمِّ وَالْبِنْتِ وَالْأُخْتِ إلَّا بِإِذْنٍ أَمَّا على امْرَأَتِهِ يُسَلِّمُ وَلَا يَسْتَأْذِنُ كَذَا في التَّتَارْخَانِيَّة امْرَأَةٌ أَصَابَتْهَا قُرْحَةٌ في مَوْضِعٍ لَا يَحِلُّ لِلرَّجُلِ أَنْ يَنْظُرَ إلَيْهِ لَا يَحِلُّ أَنْ يَنْظُرَ إلَيْهَا لَكِنْ تُعْلِمُ امْرَأَةً تُدَاوِيهَا فَإِنْ لم يَجِدُوا امْرَأَةً تُدَاوِيهَا وَلَا امْرَأَةً تَتَعَلَّمُ ذلك إذَا عُلِّمَتْ وَخِيفَ عليها الْبَلَاءُ أو الْوَجَعُ أو الْهَلَاكُ فإنه يُسْتَرُ منها كُلُّ شَيْءٍ إلَّا مَوْضِعَ تِلْكَ الْقُرْحَةِ ثُمَّ يُدَاوِيهَا الرَّجُلُ وَيَغُضُّ بَصَرَهُ ما اسْتَطَاعَ إلَّا عن ذلك الْمَوْضِعِ وَلَا فَرْقَ في هذا بين ذَوَاتِ الْمَحَارِمِ وَغَيْرِهِنَّ لِأَنَّ النَّظَرَ إلَى الْعَوْرَةِ لَا يَحِلُّ بِسَبَبِ الْمَحْرَمِيَّةِ كَذَا في فَتَاوَى قَاضِي خَانْ وَلَوْ خَافَتْ الِافْتِصَادَ من الْمَرْأَةِ فَلِلْأَجْنَبِيِّ أَنْ يَفْصِدَهَا كَذَا في الْقُنْيَةِ وَالْعَبْدُ في النَّظَرِ إلَى مَوْلَاتِهِ الْحُرَّةِ التي لَا قَرَابَةَ بَيْنَهُ وَبَيْنَهَا بِمَنْزِلَةِ الرَّجُلِ الْأَجْنَبِيِّ الْحُرِّ يَنْظُرُ إلَى وَجْهِهَا وَكَفِّهَا وَلَا يَنْظُرُ إلَى ما لَا يَنْظُرُ الْأَجْنَبِيُّ الْحُرُّ من الْحُرَّةِ الْأَجْنَبِيَّةِ سَوَاءً كان الْعَبْدُ خَصِيًّا أو فَحْلًا إذَا بَلَغَ مَبْلَغَ الرِّجَالِ وَأَمَّا الْمَجْبُوبُ الذي جَفَّ مَاؤُهُ فَبَعْضُ مَشَايِخِنَا رَخَّصُوا اخْتِلَاطَهُ بِالنِّسَاءِ وَالْأَصَحُّ أَنَّهُ لَا يُرَخَّصُ وَيُمْنَعُ وَلِلْعَبْدِ أَنْ يَدْخُلَ على مَوْلَاتِهِ بِغَيْرِ إذْنِهَا إجْمَاعًا وَأَجْمَعُوا على أَنَّ الْعَبْدَ لَا يُسَافِرُ بِسَيِّدَتِهِ كَذَا في فَتَاوَى قَاضِي خَانْ وَلَا بَأْسَ بِدُخُولِ الصِّبْيَانِ على النِّسَاءِ ما لم يَبْلُغُوا الْحُلُمَ وَقُدِّرَ ذلك بِخَمْسَةَ عَشَرَ لِأَنَّ الصَّبِيَّ لَا يَحْتَلِمُ وَالْوَاحِدُ وَالْكَثِيرُ فيها سَوَاءٌ كَذَا في الْكُبْرَى سُئِلَ الْحَسَنُ بن عَلِيٍّ الْمَرْغِينَانِيُّ رَحِمَهُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى هل على الْمُسْتَحَاضَةِ أو على الْحَائِضِ أَنْ تَنْظُرَ إلَى فَرْجِهَا وَقْتَ كل صَلَاةٍ فقال لَا وَسُئِلَ أَيْضًا عن النَّظَرِ إلَى عِظَامِ الْمَرْأَةِ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا مِثْلُ جُمْجُمَتِهَا هل يَجُوزُ فقال لَا كَذَا في التَّتَارْخَانِيَّة نَاقِلًا عن الْيَتِيمَةِ في مُتَفَرِّقَاتِ الْكَرَاهَةِ اللِّوَاطَةُ مع مَمْلُوكِهِ أو مَمْلُوكَتِهِ أو امْرَأَتِهِ حَرَامٌ الْمَرْأَةُ إذَا انْقَطَعَ حِجَابُهَا الذي بين الْقُبُلِ وَالدُّبُرِ لَا يَجُوزُ لِلزَّوْجِ أَنْ يَطَأَهَا إلَّا أَنْ يَعْلَمَ أَنَّهُ يُمْكِنَهُ أَنْ يَأْتِيَهَا في الْقُبُلِ من غَيْرِ الْوُقُوعِ في الدُّبُرِ وَإِنْ شَكَّ فَلَيْسَ له أَنْ يَطَأَهَا كَذَا في الْغَرَائِبِ وَاَللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ { الفتاوي الهندية، ج 5، ص 330}

SEVEN MORAL VALUES TO TEACH OUR CHILDREN As parents, we ensure our children's education through the medium of schools. Our children will learn certain things in their classrooms. However, our responsibility to teach does not end with dropping off the child at the school gates. In the home, parents have to set a good example in their conduct and realise that children are good observers of their actions. Parents have to be keen in making sure that their children grow up with sound moral values and not influenced by negative traits picked up here and there along the way and from amongst peers. The Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam is reported to have said: Allah Ta'ala will ask every caretaker about the people under his care, and the man will be asked about the people of his household.” (Nasa’i and Abu Da’ud) Good upbringing of children in our care is a responsibility and teaching of manners is central to it. A famous saying of Abdullah bin al-Mubarak (RA) goes: “I spent thirty years learning manners, and I spent twenty years learning knowledge.” In no particular order of importance, below are a selected seven moral values that we can bequeath to our children, yielding returns without measure, insha-Allah. 1. Respect Respect for the other and authority is an important value in society. Alongside respect children learn other values such as self-discipline and patience. The conduct of the child is often a reflection of the nature of upbringing. The Swahili of East Africa have a saying: “Those who are not taught [manners] by their parents, will be taught by the world.” Parents caring for the future of their children will not leave it to the ‘school of hard knocks.’ 2. Humility It may sound self-defeating to teach a child humility in an era when a child has to grow in ‘self-belief’ and ‘confidence’. However, humility is about being graceful in achievement without pride and arrogance. It is also about acknowledging that you have shortcomings for which you apologise especially when another has been inconvenienced by your action or omission. 3. Responsibility Even at a young age, children show interest in performing duties and chores around the home. This has to be encouraged to lay a foundation for taking up more responsibilities of their own personal hygiene, maintaining cleanliness in their own spaces, caring for their possessions and so on. This inculcates discipline and helps to develop a sense of even more responsibility as they become of age. 4. Obedience Iblis’s fall from grace was due to his arrogance and disobedience. How often do we see defiance to authority as an act of bravery? “Rules are made to be broken,” so goes the rebel’s refrain. A good parent gives latitude but knows where to draw the line. It is important to remain firm and consistent in re-enforcing obedience by using appropriate rewards and sanctions. 5. Politeness It is common courtesies and good manners towards others that set apart a refined character and an intolerable personality. By teaching our children how to greet, express gratitude, how to speak to adults and even to leave alone matters that do not concern them, we would have given them a key to the door of inter-personal relations. Civility costs nothing but it’s worth much. The Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said, It [Hellfire] is forbidden to touch a man who is always accessible, having polite and tender nature.” (Tirmidhi) In the home situation, it should not be hard for a son who learns by hearing a father saying ‘sorry’ to a mother. “…No one is humble for the sake of Allah without Allah elevating him.” [Muslim] 6. Honesty Parents sometimes ask children in prosecutorial manner, demanding answers that put children on the defensive. It is important to encourage children to always say the truth by showing that you care and that their honesty and not ‘cover-ups’ leads to solutions that they can be at ease with. Teach children that it is truth that sets one free. The Almighty commands us: “O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. (Qur’an 4:135) 7. Friendliness In an environment where we teach our children not to ‘speak to strangers’, it is a difficult to strike a balance between caution against those who can take advantage of our young ones and being friendly. Regardless, where possible, our children need to be sociable. Abu Dharr Radhi-Allahu anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: “Your smile to your brother is a sadaqah (charitable act) for you. (Tirmidhi) So, do not respond to your child’s smile with a hostile: “What’s funny?!” Courtesy of islamsa.org Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians 223 Alpine Road, Overport, Durban

The True Miser عن علي رضي الله عنه قال : قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: البخيل من ذكرت عنده فلم يصل علي.(الترمذي رقم 3546 Hadhrat Ali (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “A true miser is the one who my name is mentioned in his presence and he does not recite durood upon me Reciting one thousand Durood daily Abul Hasan Baghdaadi Ad-Daarimi (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) says that he had often seen Abu Abdillah Haamid (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) in a dream after his death. I asked him what had transpired with him and he said: “Allah Ta’ala forgave me and had mercy on me.” I then asked him: “Please inform me of one such deed, which shall admit me directly into Paradise.” He replied, “Perform one thousand nafl rakaats and in each rakaat recite one thousand times Surah Ikhlaas.” Abul Hasan said: “But this is indeed an extremely difficult deed to fulfil.” He replied: “In that case, recite durood upon Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) one thousand times every night.” Abul Hasan further says that this has been my routine since then. (Fazaail Durood) يَا رَبِّ صَلِّ وَ سَلِّم دَائِمًا أَبَدًا عَلَى حَبِيبِكَ خَيرِ الخَلْقِ كُلِّهِمِ Ihyaaud Deen

Reciting Durood One Hundred times Daily عن جابر رضي الله عنه قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم من صلى علي في كل يوم مائة مرة قضى الله له مائة حاجة سبعين منها لآخرته و ثلاثين منها لدنياه (القول البديع ص 277) Hadhrat Jaabir (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever recites durood one hundred times upon me daily, Allah Ta’ala will fulfil one hundred of his needs, seventy of the hereafter and thirty of this world.

Reminder!

Sunnats and Aadaab of Safr (Travelling) – Part 3 1. One should recite the following masnoon du`aa of safr. 1) بِسْمِ اللهِ , اَلحَمْدُ لله سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُونَ اَلحَمدُ لله , اَلحَمْدُ للهِ , اَلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ , الله أكبر, الله أكبر, الله أكبر,لا اله الا الله سُبحَانَكَ اَللهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفسِي فَاغْفِر لِي, فَإِنَّهُ لاَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ In the name of Allah Ta’ala. All praise be to Allah Ta’ala, Glory be to Allah Ta’ala who has subjugated this animal (or placed this vehicle under our control) though we were (without His help) unable to control it. Surely, to our Sustainer are we to return. All praise be to Allah Ta’ala. All praise be to Allah Ta’ala. All praise be to Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala is the greatest. Allah Ta’ala is the greatest. Allah Ta’ala is the greatest. There is no deity worthy of worship besides Allah Ta’ala. (O Allah) You are most pure. O Allah, indeed I have oppressed myself so forgive me, for there is none who forgives sins except You. عن على بن ربيعة قال شهدت عليا رضى الله عنه وأتى بدابة ليركبها فلما وضع رجله فى الركاب قال بسم الله فلما استوى على ظهرها قال الحمد لله ثم قال سبحان الذى سخر لنا هذا وما كنا له مقرنين وإنا إلى ربنا لمنقلبون ثم قال الحمد لله. ثلاث مرات. ثم قال الله أكبر. ثلاث مرات (زاد في رواية لأحمد لا اله الا الله) ثم قال سبحانك إنى ظلمت نفسى فاغفر لى فإنه لا يغفر الذنوب إلا أنت. ثم ضحك فقيل يا أمير المؤمنين من أى شىء ضحكت قال رأيت النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم فعل كما فعلت ثم ضحك فقلت يا رسول الله من أى شىء ضحكت قال « إن ربك يعجب من عبده إذا قال اغفر لى ذنوبى يعلم أنه لا يغفر الذنوب غيرى (ابو داود رقم 2604) Ali bin Rabee’ah (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) says: “On one occasion I witnessed Hadhrat Ali (Radhiallahu Anhu) when an animal was brought before him to ride upon. When he placed his leg on the stirrup, he recited بسم الله, when he sat on the back of the animal he recited الحمد لله and then he recited سبحان الذى سخر لنا هذا وما كنا له مقرنين وإنا إلى ربنا لمنقلبون He then recited الحمد لله thrice, الله أكبر thrice, (لا اله الا الله once) and recited سبحانك إنى ظلمت نفسى فاغفر لى فإنه لا يغفر الذنوب إلا أنت Hadhrat Ali (Radhiallahu Anhu) then smiled. A man who was present asked him: “O Ameerul Mu’mineen, Why did you smile?” He replied: “I saw Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) do exactly what I had done, and he then smiled. I asked: “O Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), why did you smile?” Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied: “Certainly Allah Ta’ala loves that his servant asks for forgiveness of sins, and Allah Ta’ala becomes pleased that His servant recognized that only Allah Ta’ala can forgive him.”

Question Salaam I have a “quite a few” questions regarding Jinns. 1. Firstly I’ve have heard that there are more Jinns than humans, if that is true does that mean that there are more than 6 Billion Jinns? 2. Coz Jinns also have 2B Muslims too, does that mean that Man & Jinn are equal, will we both judged the same way or is 1 regarded higher than the other? coz a Jinn prays at a Mosque that I know & they wanted 2 knock it all down so they could rebuild it, but they had 2 get permission from the Jinn First & also he prays at a certain place, so no1 is allowed 2 pray there. Its the only Mosque that I know which a Jinn prays. 3. Do they have their own Mosque in which they pray or can they only pray at Human Mosques? 4. Have there been any Messengers that were Jinns sent just 2 tell the truth 2 Jinns? 5. Prophet Suliman (peace be upon him) could control the Jinns, what did he do 2 the Jinns, did he make them all Muslim? 6. A Witch, whos feet are backwards are they also a Jinn or a different thing altogether? 7. Can a Jinn posses u just like that, coz Jinns are suppose 2B in toilets, can those Jinns harm or posses u? 8. And Finally Will Jinns only been seen by Humans if they want themselves 2B seen. Is it true that sometimes a Photo Camera can take a picture of a Jinn & same with a camcorder when the person taking it cannot see it? Jazakallah Answer Bismillah Al-jawab billahi at-taufeeq (the answer with Allah’s guidance) 1) Undoubtly the creation of the Jinn came before the creation of man, because Allah Ta’ala says, “And indeed, We created man from sounding clay of altered black smooth mud. And the jinn, We created aforetime from the smokeless flame of fire.” (15:26,27) This verse clearly states that the Jinn were created before man. 2) Allah Ta’ala created the Jinns for the same purpose as that for which he created mankind. Allah Ta’ala says, “And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).” (51:56) On this basis, the Jinns are accountable and subject to commands and prohibitions. Whoever obeys Allah and His Rasul, Allah will enter him in paradise. On the day of ressurection, Allah Ta’ala will say, addressing the Kuffar of the jinn and mankind, rebuking them: “O you assembly of jinns and mankind! “Did not there come to you Messengers from amongst you, reciting unto you My Verses and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?” They will say: “We bear witness against ourselves.” It was the life of this world that deceived them. And they will bear witness against themselves that they were disbelievers.” (6:130) They will also be punished in Hell like humans. “(Allah) will say: “Enter you in the company of nations who passed away before you, of men and jinns, into the Fire.” Every time a new nation enters, it curses its sister nation (that went before), until they will be gathered all together in the Fire. The last of them will say to the first of them: “Our Lord! These misled us, so give them a double torment of the Fire.” He will say: “For each one there is double (torment), but you know not.” (7:38) In another place, “And surely, We have created many of the jinns and mankind for Hell. They have hearts wherewith they understand not, they have eyes wherewith they see not, and they have ears wherewith they hear not (the truth). They are like cattle, nay even more astray; those! They are the heedless ones.” (7:179) 3) Both are possible. 4) Allah Ta’ala says, “O you assembly of jinns and mankind! “Did not there come to you Messengers from amongst you, reciting unto you My Verses and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?” They will say: “We bear witness against ourselves.” It was the life of this world that deceived them. And they will bear witness against themselves that they were disbelievers.” Messengers to Jinns were human. Al Suyooti (RH) said, “The majourity of scholars, of the earlier and later generations, say that there has never been a Messenger or prophet among the Jinns. What makes it more likely, that human messengers were also the messengers to the Jinns is what the Jinn said when they heard the Quran. “And (remember) when We sent towards you (Muhammad SAW) Nafran (three to ten persons) of the jinns, (quietly) listening to the Quran, when they stood in the presence thereof, they said: “Listen in silence!” And when it was finished, they returned to their people, as warners. They said: “O our people! Verily! We have heard a Book (this Quran) sent down after Moosa (Moses), confirming what came before it, it guides to the truth and to a Straight Path (i.e. Islam).” (46:30) The message of Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is universal and is addressed to both humans and Jinns. “Say (O Muhammad SAW): “It has been revealed to me that a group (from three to ten in number) of jinns listened (to this Quran). They said: Verily! We have heard a wonderful Recital (this Quran)! It guides to the Right Path, and we have believed therein, and we shall never join (in worship) anything with our Lord (Allah). ” (72:1,2) 5) There is no mention that he made them Muslims. Yes, they were subdued to his control. Allah Ta`ala blessed him with authority over them. Allah Ta’ala Says, “He said: “My Lord! Forgive me, and bestow upon me a kingdom such as shall not belong to any other after me: Verily, You are the Bestower.” “So, We subjected to him the wind, it blew gently to his order whithersoever he willed,” “And also the Shayâtin (devils) from the jinns (including) every kind of builder and diver,” “And also others bound in fetters. “ “[saying of Allah to Sulaiman (Solomon)]: “This is Our gift, so spend you or withhold, no account will be asked.” (38:35-39) Allah Ta’ala also says, ” And to Solomon (We subjected) the wind, its morning (stride from sunrise till midnoon) was a month’s (journey), and its afternoon (stride from the midday decline of the sun to sunset) was a month’s (journey i.e. in one day he could travel two months’ journey). And We caused a fount of (molten) brass to flow for him, and there were jinns that worked in front of him, by the Leave of his Lord, and whosoever of them turned aside from Our Command, We shall cause him to taste of the torment of the blazing Fire. “ “They worked for him what he desired, (making) high rooms, images, basins as large as reservoirs, and (cooking) cauldrons fixed (in their places). “Work you, O family of Dâwud (David), with thanks!” But few of My slaves are grateful. “ “Then when We decreed death for him [sulaimân (Solomon)], nothing informed them (jinns) of his death except a little worm of the earth, which kept (slowly) gnawing away at his stick, so when he fell down, the jinns saw clearly that if they had known the unseen, they would not have stayed in the humiliating torment.” (34:12-14) 6) We have not seen shayateen and Jinns, hence we cannot comment on their feet. 7) Verses of the Quraan and du’as for Seeking refuge and effective in repelling the Evil Jinn: Say ” ‘Audhu billah” (I seek refuge in Allah) and other zikr (remembrance of Allah, Ta’ala) when the evil whisper of Shaitaan comes upon you, such as 1) when becoming angry, 2) having confusing or disobedient thoughts, 3) when approached by arrogants who dispute the Truth of the Ayats of Allah Ta’ala, 4) when about to recite Qur’an, 5) or when in any situation that Quran and Sunnah teaches you is a result of the Shaitaan. “And if an evil whisper from Shaitan (Satan) tries to turn you away (O Muhammad SAW) (from doing good, etc.), then seek refuge in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” (Fussilat 41:36) “And if an evil whisper comes to you from Shaitân (Satan) then seek refuge with Allah. Verily, He is All-Hearer, All-Knower.” (Al-A’raaf 7:200, 201) Verily, those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious – see V.2:2), when an evil thought comes to them from Shaitân (Satan), they remember (Allâh), and (indeed) they then see (aright). “Verily, those who dispute about the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, without any authority having come to them, there is nothing else in their breasts except pride [to accept you (Muhammad SAW) as a Messenger of Allâh and to obey you]. They will never have it (i.e. Prophethood which Allâh has bestowed upon you). So seek refuge in Allâh (O Muhammad SAW from the arrogants). Verily, it is He Who is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.” (Ghaafir 40:56) “So when you want to recite the Quran, seek refuge with Allah from Shaitan (Satan), the outcast (the cursed one).” (An-Nahl 16:98) In Al-Muwatta 51.10 Yahya related to me from Malik that Yahya ibn Said said, “When the Messenger of Allah was taken on the Night Journey, he saw an evil jinn seeking him with a torch of fire. Whenever the Messenger of Allah turned, he saw him. Jibril said to him, ‘Shall I teach you some words to say? When you say them, his torch will be put out and will fall from him.’ The Messenger of Allah said, ‘Yes, indeed.’ Jibril said, ‘Say, ‘I seek refuge with the Noble Face of Allah and with the complete words of Allah which neither the good person nor the corrupt can exceed, from the evil of what descends from the sky and the evil of what ascends in it, and from the evil of what is created in the earth and the evil of what comes out of it, and from the trials of the night and day, and from the visitations of the night and day, except for one that knocks with good, O Merciful!” Audhu bi wajhi’llahi’ l-karim wa bi kalimati’llahi’t-tammati. Allati la yujawazu hunna barra wa la fajir, min sharri ma yanzil min as-sama, wa sharri ma yaruju fiha, wa sham ma dhara’ fi’l-ard, wa sharri ma yakhruju minha, wa min fitani’l-layli wa’n-nahar, wa min tawariqi’l-layli wa’n-nahar illa tariqan yatruq bikhayr ya Rahman! The Ayat “Al-Kursi” (2:255) is well-known as a means for repelling mischievious jinn… Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Ever, Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. neither slumber, nor sleep overtake Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great (Ayat-ul-Kursi). (Al-Baqara 2:255) In Majmu, vol. 19, p. 55, Ibn Taymiyyah says, “The numerous people who have experienced these events all confirm the amazing effectiveness of this verse in warding off jinn and breaking their spells. It [editor's note: ayat al-Kursi] has a great effect in repelling devils from humans, from the possessed and from those picked out by jinn, such as wrongdoers, people with bad tempers, those who follow their desires and lusts, musicians and those who become ecstatic through whistling and clapping. If these verses are read over them with sincerity to Allah, the jinn will leave. It will put an end to the mirages created by the jinn. It will also disclose the falseness of those, the brothers of the jinn, who perform miraculous acts. The jinn inspire their devotees with some knowledge that the ignorant think are miracles that Allah grants His pious servants. In fact, they are simply Shaytaan’s acts of deception over his devotees, of those whom have earned Allah’s wrath and those who have gone astray.” Narrated An-Nu’man ibn Bashir: Allah’s Messenger said, “Two thousand years before creating the heavens and the Earth, Allah inscribed a book of which He sent down two verses with which He concluded surat al-Baqarah. The Devil will not come near a house in which they are recited three nights.” [Tirmidhi and Darimi transmitted it, Tirmidhi saying this is a gharib tradition.] (Tirmidhi 2145) Jinns in the toilet may harm a person or see one undress: So, mentioning the name of Allah before entering the toilet or taking off your clothes will prevent the jinn from seeing a person in a state of undress or harming him. The Prophet (sallahu alahi wa sallam) says: To put a barrier that will prevent the jinn from seeing the `awrah of the sons of Adam, let any one of you say Bismillah when entering the toilet. (Reported by At-Tirmidhi) You should recite this Du’a before entering toilet. Reported by Anas ibn Malik (ra) who says: When the Messenger of Allah (sallalalhu alaihi wa sallam) entered the toilet, he would say, ‘Allahumma inni a`udhu bika min al-khubuthi wal-khabaith (O Allah, I seek Refuge with You from all offensive and wicked things [evil deeds and evil spirits]).’ (Bukhari) Recite Surahs Al-Falaq (Chapter 113) and An-Nas (Chapter 114).. Narrated Abu Sa’id al-Khudri : The Prophet used to seek protection against the Jinn and the evil eye till surahs al-Falaq and an-Nas were revealed. After they were revealed he stuck to them and discarded everything beside them. [Transmitted by Tirmidhi] (Al-Tirmidhi 1019) Narrated Abu Sa’id al-Khudri: Allah’s Messenger used to seek refuge in Allah from jinn and the evil eye in men till the Mu’awwidhatan came down, after which he made use of them and abandoned everything else. [Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah transmitted it, Tirmidhi saying this is a hasan gharib tradition] (Al-Tirmidhi 4563) 8) They are called Jinns because they conceal themselves from people’s sight. Allah Ta’ala says, O Children of Adam! Let not Shaitan (Satan) deceive you, as he got your parents (Adam and Hawwa (Eve)) out of Paradise, stripping them of their raiments, to show them their private parts. Verily, he and Qabeeluhu (his soldiers from the jinns or his tribe) see you from where you cannot see them. Verily, We made the Shayatin (devils) Auliya (protectors and helpers) for those who believe not. (7:27) Many people in our times and in the past have seen things like that, even though many of those who have seen or heard them did not realize that they were Jinn; they (Jinns) claimed that they were ghosts, angels. The most truthful report of this type is the report that the messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saw the Jinn and that he spoke with them and they with him, that he taught them and recited the Quran to them. (The world of the Jinns & Devils, by Dr Umar S. Alashqar) And Only Allah Ta’ala Knows Best. ————————————– Moulana Qamruz Zaman London, UK muftisays.com

Difficulty with social interaction Socialising doesn't come naturally - we have to learn it. People with autism often have difficulty recognising or understanding other people's emotions and feelings, and expressing their own, which can make it more difficult for them to fit in socially. They may: - Not understand the unwritten social rules which most of us pick up without thinking: they may stand too close to another person for example, or start an inappropriate subject of conversation - Appear to be insensitive because they have not recognised how someone else is feeling - Prefer to spend time alone rather than seeking out the company of other people - Not seek comfort from other people appear to behave 'strangely' or inappropriately, as it is not always easy for them to express feelings, emotions or needs. Difficulties with social interaction can mean that people with autism find it hard to form friendships: some may want to interact with other people and make friends, but may be unsure how to go about this. Source

Best Deeds It is narrated on the authority of Abdullah bin Mas'ood (may Allah be pleased with him), who observed: "I asked Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) which deed was the best." He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'The Prayer at its appointed hour.' I (again) asked: "Then what?" He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'Kindness to the parents.' I (again) asked: "Then what?" He replied: 'Jihad in the cause of Allah.' I refrained from asking any more questions for fear of annoying him. (Sahih Muslim: 120) Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) was asked about the best of deeds. He observed: "Belief in Allah." He (the inquirer) asked: 'What next?' He (the Holy Prophet) replied: "Jihad in the cause of Allah." He (the inquirer) again asked: 'What next?' He (the Holy Prophet) replied: "Pilgrimage accepted into the grace of the Lord." (Sahih Muslim: 118) Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that I asked the Messenger of Allah: "Which of the deeds is the best?" He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'Belief in Allah and Jihad in His cause.' I again asked: "Who is the slave whose emancipation is the best?" He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'One who is valuable for his master and whose price is high.' I asked: "What if I cannot afford to do it?" He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'Help an artisan or make anything for the unskilled (laborer).' I (Abu Dharr) said: "O Messenger of Allah, you see that I am helpless in doing some of these deeds." He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'Desist from doing mischief to the people. That is your own charity for your self.' (Sahih Muslim: 119) SOME OF THE HUMAN QUALITIES ALLAH, THE ALMIGHTY LOVES "Say (O Muhammad to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic monotheism, follow the Quran and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran: 3:31) Patience "And Allah loves as-Sabirun (the patient)." (Quran: 3:146) Justice and Dealing with Equity "Be just: that is nearer to piety; and fear Allah." (Quran: 5:8) Putting Trust in Allah "Certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)." (Quran: 3:159) Rescuing Abu Ya ‘la Dailami and Ibn Asakir narrated: Abu Hurairah and Anas Ibn Malik said: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves rescuing the one who needs rescue." Kindliness "Aisha narrated: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves kindliness in all matters." (Bukhari) Repentance "Truly, Allah loves those who turn unto him in repentance." (Quran: 2:222) Piety "Verily, then Allah loves those who are al-Muttaqun (the pious)." (Quran: 3:76) Good-doing "Truly, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good-doers)." (Quran: 2:195) Body Purification "And Allah loves those who make themselves clean and pure [ i.e. who clean their private parts with dust (which has the properties of soap) and water from urine and stools, after answering the call of nature]." (Quran: 9:108) Humility of the Rich Muslim narrated: Sa'd Ibn Abi Waqqas said: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves the believer who is pious and rich, but does not show off." Belief and Work Al-Tabarani narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves the slave who believes and acquires a career (or work)." Reflection of Allah's Grace Al-Tirmidhi narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves from amongst his slaves, the one who has a sense of zeal or honor." Magnanimity Al-Hakim narrated: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Allah is All-Generous and He loves generosity in sale, purchase and judgment." Virtuosity The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: " Allah loves the slave-believer who is poor but virtuous enough to refrain from begging though he has many children." (Muslim and Ahmed) Justice Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah loves that you be just toward your children even when kissing them." (Ibn Al-Najjar) Strength Muslim narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "The strong believer is better and more loved by Allah than the weak one, but they are both good." Love for the Sake of Allah Al-Tabarani, Ibn Ya'la, Ibn Hibban and Al-Hakim narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "If two men love each other for the sake of Allah, the stronger in love to his brother will be more loved by Allah." Forgiveness Ibn Iday narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah is All-Forgiving and He loves forgiveness." Continuous Performance of Righteous Deeds Bukhari and Muslim narrated: Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) said: "The best loved deeds to Allah are the ones that are continuous even if they are not very many." Loving and Visiting Believers Malik narrated: Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) said: "Allah said: My love is due to those who meet for My sake, visit one another and make any effort for My pleasure." Love of Virtuous Deeds Ibn Abi Al-Dunya narrated: Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) said: "The best loved slaves to Allah are those who are made to love virtue and loving virtuous deeds is made lovely to them." Good Manners and Conduct Al-Tirmidhi narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "The best loved by me and the nearest to me on the seats on the Day of Resurrection are those who have the best manners and conduct amongst you, who are intimate, are on good terms with others and are humble, and the most hated by me and who will be on the furthest seats from me are those who are talkative and arrogant." Love of Allah Ta'ala is the basis of worship that should be directed to Him alone. Any other love should be for His sake too. The real love of Allah Ta'ala is to do whatever He ordained and to abandon whatever He forbade, in addition to following the Prophet's Sunnah. Whoever obeys someone or something other than Allah Ta'ala and His Messenger, or follows any saying other than theirs, or fears other than Allah Ta'ala or seeks the pleasure of other than Allah Ta'ala , or puts his trust in other than Him, does not love Allah Ta'ala, nor does he love His Messenger. Muslims should also love one another and wish the best for one another. Allah's Messenger (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasalaam) said: "One will not be a true believer unless he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." (Bukhari, Muslim, Nasa'i, Ahmed and Ibn Majah) Imam Malik and Imam Ahmed narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Allah said: My love is due to those who love one another for My sake." islaaminfo

Adopting a child Q: My elder sister don't have any child due to some medical reasons. My family wants that I give her my child which will be born. Am I allowed to give my child and if yes than what about the father's name? Should he or she be called from original father's name or from my brother in-law's name? A: The child will be your child. If you are happy to allow them to adopt the child, then there is no problem in that. However in regard to adopting children, the following Shar'ee laws will have to be adhered to: The child will be attributed to his biological father. To attribute the child to the father who had adopted him is impermissible. The parents of the child have greater rights over the child and they will be responsible for his Deeni education and his upbringing. At any time later if they wish to take the child back, they have the right to do so and the child throughout his life will be answerable to them. Shar'ee hijaab will have to be observed when the child grows up between those who are na mahrams of the child. If the child is a girl, then purdah will have to be observed between her and her father that adopted her and his male children. If the child is a boy, then purdah will have to be observed between him and his mother who had adopted him and her female children. In the issue of inheritance, the adopted child will not inherit from the parents who had adopted him, instead he will inherit from his parents. And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best. ادْعُوهُمْ لِآبَائِهِمْ هُوَ أَقْسَطُ عِندَ اللَّـهِ فَإِن لَّمْ تَعْلَمُوا آبَاءَهُمْ فَإِخْوَانُكُمْ فِي الدِّينِ وَمَوَالِيكُمْ وَلَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ فِيمَا أَخْطَأْتُم بِهِ وَلَـٰكِن مَّا تَعَمَّدَتْ قُلُوبُكُمْ وَكَانَ اللَّـهُ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا ﴿الأحزاب: ٥﴾ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا قُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا وَقُودُهَا النَّاسُ وَالْحِجَارَةُ عَلَيْهَا مَلَائِكَةٌ غِلَاظٌ شِدَادٌ لَّا يَعْصُونَ اللَّـهَ مَا أَمَرَهُمْ وَيَفْعَلُونَ مَا يُؤْمَرُونَ ﴿التحريم: ٦﴾ و حرم المصاهرة ( بنت زوجته الموطوءة وأم زوجته ) وجداتها مطلقا بمجرد العقد الصحيح ( وإن لم توطأ ) الزوجةما تقرر أن وطء الأمهات يحرم البنات ونكاح البنات يحرم الأمهات ويدخل بنات الربيبة والربيب وفي الكشاف واللمس ونحوه كالدخول عند أبي حنيفة وأقره المصنف ( وزوجة أصله وفرعه مطلقا ) ولو بعيدا (الدر المختار 3/ 30-31) قال الشامي : قوله ( وزوجة أصله وفرعه ) لقوله تعالى ولا تنكحوا ما نكح آباؤكم وقوله تعالى وحلائل أبنائكم الذين من أصلابكم والحليلة الزوجة وأما حرمة الموطوءة بغير عقد فبدليل آخر وذكر الأصلاب لإسقاطه حليلة الابن المتبنى لا لإحلال حليلة الابن رضاعا فإنها تحرم كالنسب بحر وغيره (رد المحتار 3/ 31) فصل في بيان المحرمات قال لا يحل للرجل أن يتزوج بأمه ولا بجداته من قبل الرجال والنساء لقوله تعالى { حرمت عليكم أمهاتكم وبناتكم } والجدات أمهات إذ الأم هي الأصل لغة أو ثبتت حرمتهن بالإجماع قال ولا ببنته لما تلونا ولا ببنت ولده وإن سفلت للإجماع ولا بأخته ولا ببنات أخته ولا ببنات أخيه ولا بعمته ولا بخالته لأن حرمتهن منصوص عليها في هذه الآية وتدخل فيها العمات المتفرقات والخالات المتفرقات وبنات الإخوة المتفرقين لأن جهة الاسم عامة قال ولا بأم امرأته التي دخل بها أو لم يدخل لقوله تعالى { وأمهات نسائكم } من غير قيد الدخول ولا ببنت امرأته التي دخل بها لثبوت قيد الدخول بالنص سواء كانت في حجره أو في حجر غيره لأن ذكر الحجر خرج مخرج العادة لا مخرج الشرط ولهذا اكتفي في موضع الإحلال بنفي الدخولقال ولا بامرأة أبيه وأجداده لقوله تعالى { ولا تنكحوا ما نكح آباؤكم من النساء } ولا بامرأة ابنه وبني أولاده لقوله تعالى { وحلائل أبنائكم الذين من أصلابكم } وذكر الأصلاب لإسقاط اعتبار التبني لا لإحلال حليلة الابن من الرضاعة ولا بأمه من الرضاعة ولا بأخته من الرضاعة لقوله تعالى { وأمهاتكم اللاتي أرضعنكم وأخواتكم من الرضاعة } لقوله عليه الصلاة والسلام يحرم من الرضاع ما يحرم من النسب (هداية 2/307) Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beachh)

By Maulana Khalid Dhorat, Masjid Hamzah, Erasmia When the Americans dropped a small 10-kiloton nuclear bomb in the August of 1945 on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, 66 000 people died instantly. A huge fireball was seen, 1000 times more intense than lightning, and people up to 10 kms away were permanently blinded by just witnessing it. The clothing of some as far as 15 kms away, caught fire; whilst many were burnt beyond recognition within five kms of ground zero. The windows of homes 20kms away were shattered whilst those nearer were completely destroyed by the gale-force nuclear winds traveling up to 600 kms per hour. None could escape. If all the superpowers of the world were to drop their nuclear bombs now on the world, the living world – the people, animals, plant and marine life – will come to an end within seconds. Mountains will be flattened and due to the intense radiation, life will not revive for a few centuries thereafter. The world will resort back to the ice ages. Many people mistakenly believe that there is nothing more deadly than a nuclear missile, but there is one thing more deadly - the displeasure and curse of your mother. Sacrifice of a Mother Think of your beloved mother sitting on a hard stool, slowly sipping cold tea from a chipped cup in a gloomy old-age home. Her heater is switched on in summer too, but the bars are so worn out that it produces no heat. Her favourite item of comfort is a quilt that she inherited from her own mother 50 years ago; and of course her plastic pill-box, which is always filled by the nurses daily. Sadly, she moved out of her son’s house just one year after her husband passed away, not because she was chased out, but because she felt that she wouldn’t be a burden to any of her children who could now go on holiday at any time without worrying about her wheelchair and medication. Now let us go 40 years back when this same mother was expecting you. Did she think that you would be a burden to her, having to feed you, burp you, and then also change your stinky nappies!! Did she think about dropping you in a trash can because you would vomit at any time on her designer carpet? Did she reason that having a baby would spoil her hourglass figure, and she wouldn’t be able to fit in her favourite jeans after that? The fact that our mothers bore all these difficulties with love and patience is enough to make us her captive for life. Ponder on the fact that upon birth, there was a cozy blanket awaiting your arrival in the cold world; but even before this, your mother carried you within three levels of comfort: in her tummy, in her womb and within her fluids wherein you could move and frolic freely. The umbilical cord connected you to her, nourishing you, like an invisible comforting hand, until you were delivered in a death-like pain in this world. After delivering you, your mother had to sacrifice the comfort of her home and go to her mother’s place to ensure that you were properly cared for. She happily nursed you, sleeping only when you slept and eating only when you ate. She rubbed ointment on your rear due to your nappy rash, but didn’t bother about the stretch marks on her own tummy. She sacrificed her favorite beryani because the masoor – those small brown balls – would’ve given you wind, and she made sure you had 10 pairs of clothing at any given time whilst her slipper needed upgrading eight years ago. When she felt dizzy or when her blood pressure rose, she couldn’t even take medication because the medicine could have affected the milk she fed you. In fact, no amount of words can do justice to the selfless love and sacrifice of a mother to the degree that even if she were to give birth to a snake, she wouldn’t abandon it. A person asked our Holy Prophet Muhammad if he would fulfill the rights of his mother if he carried her from Madinah to Makkah for Hajj and back and the answer he received blew his socks off: “This action wouldn’t even suffice for one sip of milk she nursed you with.” Sadly, today we are witnessing the return of the Muslim old-age home, and more sadly, our parents actually see it as a solution to their problems. A Different Relationship Due to the supreme sacrifice of a mother, our relationship with her is not like other relationships. If we have a “give and take” policy with our partner, or a tolerant attitude with our neighbour, an attitude of respect with our teacher, or a habit of overlooking the faults of our children, then to our mother, it is about not saying even “oof” or “aagh” to her. It is not about merely obeying her, but about pleasing her and making her as comfortable as possible. Its about making her your priority in life and to carry out whatever she tells you, unless it is wrong or in matters of clear disobedience to the Creator. In short, it’s a relationship of blind love. Our noble Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) prophesized that a distressing time will come when people will listen to their wives, and disobey their mother. In fact, some of our youngsters start their journey of rudeness to their mother from their teen years already, breaking her heart over and over again, until when they marry, she becomes just a burden in their life. The tragedy of the modern day is that if we demand from our parents, especially our mothers, items that they can not provide, they are no good to us anymore. If they can not fund our weekend outings, upgrade our wardrobe with the latest trends, and send us on holiday, they are useless. She is treated like a piece of furniture, whose purpose in life is just to put a plate of food on the supper table and make sure the laundry is done. She is nothing but a glorified maid. Conversely, if our mothers were to attach a price for her service to her children, a solid gold bar per day in payment until the end of our lives, would be insufficient. Consequence of Disobedience Whatever a parent does for their children is done from the heart. So, if they pray for the happiness and success of their children, it will be from the heart. According to a hadith, it is highly unlikely that a sincere prayer for a parent in favour of their children will go unanswered. So, your success in this world and the next depends on how happy you keep your parents – not only as a carefree child, but as an adult saddled with all the responsibilities of life. Obedient children will be successful in life, whilst disobedient children will never be successful. Many people in society, when asked about the reason for their success in life, will attribute it to one thing only: the prayers of their parents. Indeed, fortunate children simply die for those moments wherein they feel the air of paradise on their face – the time when heartfelt prayers emanate from the lips of their parents. This does not mean that we should obey our parents in a way that we trample on the rights of others – like our spouse – but it should be done in a sensible way. Making obedience to parents a pretext to undermine our duty to others is a hallmark of our ignorance and our cunning ability of using “religious blackmail” to shirk our duty. Sometimes parents even make use of this “religious blackmail” to influence their children against their partners. Sayyadina ‘Alqamah was a Sahabi known for his piety, but he was unable to recite the shahadah (testimony of faith) on his death-bed. It was learnt that the reason for this was that his mother was displeased with him on some account. The Prophet ordered that a huge pile of wood be gathered and ‘Alqamah be burnt alive therein before his actual death. When his mother who refused to forgive him at the time, learnt of this, she exclaimed: “How can my son be burnt!!” She was told that if she didn’t forgive him, he would be burnt in any case in the hereafter. The sight of the firewood was enough to stir her sympathy, and she forgave her son. Just then, ‘Alqamah’s tongue was released, he recited the shahadah and he passed into the mercy of the Almighty. The displeasure of ‘Alqamah’s mother was more deadly than a nuclear bomb. A nuclear bomb would’ve wiped you off the face of this earth and that would be the end, but the displeasure of your mother would ensure your eternal damnation. People who didn’t make peace with their parents before they died have a pain in their heart that can never be settled, whilst those who lost their parents whilst on good terms with them will testify that a huge chunk of blessings that they witnessed during their lifetime was also lost for ever. Conclusion A mother remains a mother, not until you can walk on your own or feed yourself; but until your death. She worries for you more than herself, and then repeats the cycle all over again with her grandchildren. So, it is natural that if someone sacrifices their entire life for you, you need to sacrifice yours for them. The Almighty demands this level of obedience and respect to our parents, anything less is regarded as selfishness and a deficiency in our duty to them. Due to old age, many parents start acting childishly and may be stubborn in their ways, but remember if they could put up with your childish ways and stubbornness when you were in nappies, you need to patiently tolerate them if they are in nappies now. This is the test of your devotion – a test which you can not afford to fail. Never let them feel unwanted in your home. Rather smile at them as they take an awkward step back and forth, for a loving smile at ones parents is equivalent to an accepted hajj and ‘umrah according to a hadith. So go on. Give your parents a huge hug and a smile today and everyday after this. Overlook their mistakes and earn paradise the easy way through them. jamiat.org

(click on picture to enlarge)