ummtaalib

Allah, The Most Exalted, says: “Do they envy others for the bounty that Allah has bestowed upon them?". Qur'an-(4:54) The Noble Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: “Do not envy one another; do not hate one another; do not turn your back on one another (in discontent); (but) be servants of Allah as brothers." (Hadith Bukhari & Muslim) Note: Envy refers to the desire that a person feels for the destruction or removal of a blessing that another person has – a destruction which the bearer of this feeling would himself carry out if he had the power to. This is quite different to wanting such blessings for oneself while not wishing for them to be removed from others, for that is, indeed, a positive and commendable desire. Envy is an evil disease of the heart and the cancer of the soul. If unchecked it leads to animosity, bad behaviour, thinking evil of others, backbiting, tale-bearing and dishonesty. It is considered to be among the most dangerous and destructive of internal diseases and is the most destructive to a person's religion and worldly life.

THE EVILS OF GAMBLING INTRODUCTION Gambling has unfortunately become an acceptable practise in Muslim Society due to its wide scale promotion by the media. A large number of good Muslims are also caught in the web, not realising that they are gambling and that the earnings from the gambling are haraam. The following is a translation of a scholarly article by the late Mufti Muhammad Shafi rahmatullahi alaihe which is being published to make Muslims aware of the different forms of transactions and other items which are classified in Shar'iah as gambling. THE DEFINITION OF GAMBLING Every transaction in which gain and loss is obscure is known as Qimaar' and 'Maisar' in the Shar'iah terminology, and as 'Juwa' in the Urdu language. For instance, if two people compete in a race with the following conditions, that if you surpass me, then I will give you a thousand pounds and if I surpass you then you will have to give me a thousand pounds. Or if someone says, 'If it rains today you will have to give me a thousand pounds and if it does not rain then I will give you a thousand pounds.' Likewise if some packed boxes are being sold for a fixed price, for example four pounds per box and some of the boxes have contents with a value of five pounds with others containing a value of two pounds, then the purchase of these boxes will be Qimaar. Because of the obscurity of the gain and loss. There are numerous methods of gambling and in every age and region, gambling has been played in different forms and methods. There was a certain procedure amongst the Arabs for gambling. There would be ten arrows, each with a special name, all having different shares allocated to them, for example, one share, two shares, three shares, etc. There would also be some without a share at all. They would then jumble the arrows and ask someone to pick an arrow for each person. Whichever arrow was picked out for a person, that would be his allocated share and thereafter would be considered the owner of it. On the other hand, whosoever happened to acquire a share-less arrow he would receive nothing at all. The custom, which went hand in hand with this, was that a camel would be slaughtered and distributed according to the shares entitled to them by the arrows. A person who was unlucky would not only be deprived of the camel meat but he would also have to pay for that camel. This kind of gambling has been labelled Maisar and Azlaam by the Qur'aan. Maisar is that particular camel which is slaughtered and distributed because of gambling and Azlaam are the arrows that are used to define the amount of the shares in gambling. Apart from this, gambling was prevalent in trade in different forms. They were known as Mulamasa and Munabaza, etc., the prohibition of which is present in the Ahaadith of the Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam. Before the advent of Islam, gambling was not only customary but also taken to be a cause of pride, nobility and honour. For excessive show of pride, these people would distribute their share of the winnings amongst the poor. (Tafseer-ul-Kabeer Lir-Razi vol 2 p231) THE PROHIBITION OF GAMBLING As Islam plays a moderate role in worship, similarly it plays a role in economics and social orders. How can Islam, the moderate way of life, cope with a state where one can take possession of somebody else's property without any valid reason, due to which, the latter gets poorer and his state diminishes and the former, without working, gathers the wealth equivalent to that of Qaroon (Korah, a kaafir whom Allah bestowed with great wealth at the time of Musa alaihis salaam)? Alternatively, without any religious excuse, a great amount of wealth is taken from the poor people's pocket and a single person is made to own it. Therefore, it was vital for Islam to prohibit these unfair ways of taking possessions. For this reason the open mindedness of the all-encompassing religion, Islam, took consideration and concern of the human passions. When alcoholic drinks and gambling were intended to be banned, their prohibition was not revealed immediately, but firstly all the disadvantages concerning them were made clear. Once these were totally engraved into their hearts, then the laws of prohibition were revealed. In the early days of Islam the Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam was questioned regarding the permissibility of gambling and alcohol. The first verse that was revealed regarding this, is in Surah Baqarah which is as follows: "They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say, 'In them is great sin and some benefit for men; but the sin is greater than the benefit." (Qur'aan 2:19) In the above aayah, the permissibility and non-permissibility of wine and gambling is not clarified. Soon after understanding the tone of discountenance in the verse, the highly ranked companions of the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam abstained from them. On the other hand, Muslims in general were still involved in them and the Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam had not said anything that indicated their prohibition, until Allah revealed the following verse: "O believers! Intoxicants and gambling, worshipping stones and divination by arrows are impure, of shaytan's handiwork: refrain from such abomination that ye may prosper. " (Qur'aan 5:90) In this verse, the total prohibition of alcoholic drinks and gambling has been clearly revealed. Its prohibition has been mentioned with such assurance that Imaam Razi rahmatullahi alaihe states as follows: "Firstly, the Arabic word 'innama' has been placed in the beginning of the verse. In Arabic, this creates emphasis on what is mentioned afterwards. Secondly, these prohibited things have been classified as being 'rijs' (impure), from which natural disposition abstains. Thirdly, they have been branded as satanic acts. Fourthly, their severity has been categorised in the same level as idol worshipping (shirk) in the sense that they all are links of a single chain." After mentioning that these all are 'rijs' (impure), Allah Ta'ala orders: "Keep away from them." Allah Ta'ala does not terminate the subject here, but He carries on mentioning their religious and worldly harm in the following aayah. Allah, the Almighty states conclusively that shaytaan wants to ruin our worldly life and the life of the Hereafter. These forbidden things, (alcohol and gambling), lay the seeds of hatred and hostility between human beings. These evil outcomes are innumerable. Their habit distracts a man from obligatory duties such as salaah and the remembrance of Allah. May Allah protect all the Muslims from their evil. THE NOBLE SAHAABAH'S SPIRIT OF OBEDIENCE AFTER THE ORDER OF PROHIBITION Generally, habits and old customs that become part of a person's temperament are almost second to human nature. This was a time of great trial when, up to now, these sinful acts were part of their life and nobility, but today, they became expressly prohibited. This period is of a great importance for the Muslim Ummah in Islamic history. It is amazing that, on one hand, there was the concern of human feelings and habits in the Shari'ah, and on the other hand, there was a great desire in the Ummah to obey the revealed commandments. After the revelation of the above mentioned verse, Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam sent out a caller to proclaim: "Behold, alcoholic drinks (intoxicants) have been made haraam." It was the cry of the caller or perhaps a lightning which immediately changed their habits and feelings. Intoxicants were very popular among the Arabs. They were manufactured and imbedded almost in every home and to drink had, so to speak, become a mark of advancement in culture. As soon as the announcement was made, the people who were greatly addicted to it and who regarded it a virtue and sign of social and cultural eminence and who would spend lavishly in the state of drunkenness from which the poor and needy profited. These very same people now in a short span of time were ready to forsake and sever any ties they may have had in regards to alcohol which had, for years played a major role in their lives. Those who held goblets in their hands immediately threw them on the ground. Many others who were in the act of drinking, spat the contents out. Sounds of pitchers and jars being smashed up were soon audible from neighbouring houses. Wine was running to such an extent that the streets of Madinah were overflowing. Hazrat Anas radiyallahu anhu, an eminent companion of the Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam narrates that some friends including Abu Ubayda ibn Jarrah, Abu Dujahna, Mu'az ibn Jabal and Sahl ibn Bayzah radiyallahu anhum had gathered at the house of Abu Talha. Alcohol was flowing and I was acting as the cup-bearer when suddenly the cry of the announcer reached our ears. None of us considered it necessary to go out and investigate the matter. Instead, the containers and jars were smashed to the ground and the wine thrown onto the streets of Madinah. After performing wudhu and ghusl we proceeded towards the Masjid where upon our arrival we found the blessed Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam reciting the aforesaid verse. Hazrat Buraidah radiyallahu anhu also narrates a similar account wherein a group of Sahaabah were busy consuming liquor when the announcement was made. The words no sooner reached their ears that the cups were thrown to the ground. Others who were about to swallow the alcohol immediately spat it out, numerous barrels were also destroyed in the process. (Ibn Kathir vol2 p95) This is not the occasion for a lengthy discussion regarding the prohibition of alcohol, nonetheless, due to the fact that the prohibition was revealed at the same time to that of gambling, it was necessary to give an example of the Sahaabah's habitual obedience, courage and passion. From these incidents it can be imagined just how difficult the situation had become for the Sahaabah. Likewise it can be conceived as to how much hardship they must have endured when the prohibition of gambling was also revealed. Therefore, history itself is a witness that after the revelation of the aayah, the Companions refrained from associating with anything that was even minutely related to gambling. In an authentic hadith of Bukhari the Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam is reported to have said, "If one person says to another, 'Come lets gamble.' (regardless of whether he acts upon it or not) then he shall be liable of committing a sin; and the compensation for that sin will be to give Sadaqah." It is a disgrace that today's Muslims, despite the fact that severe and grave warnings have been given in the Qur'aan and Ahaadith relating to gambling and alcohol, lead a life of complete ignorance and unconcern. It seems that they no longer have faith in the Qur'aan and Ahaadith, Allah save us! It is not only the illiterate who are involved, but the sad fact is that those who hold lofty positions in society and who are regarded as religious, because they perform their fasts and salaah, have also fallen prey to its evil clutches. Hence for the benefit of those who are unaware or not acquainted, a few forms of gambling are being mentioned that are currently prevalent. CROSSWORD PUZZLES Nowadays, just like the epidemic of plague, the art of gambling too has now become so common that it has become virtually a means of trade and commerce. Under such headlines as "Solve this Puzzle", or "Win this Lottery" of innumerable newspapers and monthly journals that are on an ever-increase. They offer prizes for solving puzzles subject to the submitting of a fee. The participants are lured into false belief that they can win substantial sums of money. Some organisers fix huge prizes for the winners due to which the poor public think that the fees is only a small amount and will not bring no harm and therefore enter trying to win a substantial amount. Because people have fallen prey to this disease, thousands of individuals are entering the lottery. It is crystal clear that when a person enters into playing this game he submits his fee on the understanding that he either loses a small amount or wins a fortune; according to the divine law of Islam this act is classified as 'gambling'. In some monthly magazines this form of gambling has expanded very widely and the income runs into millions from which the businesspersons gain overall benefit. Even if the company tries not to indulge in any form of cheating, and distributes the prize money justly, a substantial amount of money is left over which is the blood and sweat of the poor people. The outcome of all this, is that it is the public who ends up in poverty whilst the organisers benefit from the expenses of the poor. In confirmation of the prohibition of gambling, the above mentioned evidence is sufficient; the democratic rules and curriculum of lslam and its fundamental principles forebears the public money to go in the possession of few individuals. Gambling in the form of crosswords which are prevalent today, are to be reprimanded furthermore severely since they are an aggregation of vices and sins. The sole reason for this is that the public is being urged and exhorted to go against the commandments of Allah Ta'ala and His disobedience and the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam'. Each and every person that takes part in this vice is disobeying the commandments which are stated by Allah Ta'ala very clearly in the Holy Qur'aan. The participator becomes a doer of major sins, most of which falls upon the organisers. The people who help them in any form also become guilty of this particular major vice. Likewise, thousands and millions of Muslim brethren openly go against the clear order of Allah Ta'ala and his Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam. In addition, thousands and millions of Muslims become involved in this act of gambling with the result that it becomes an unending and everlasting vice. May Allah Ta'ala bestow the entire mankind with salvation and freedom from this disease, Aameen. THE PRIZE WINNING TICKETS OF (CAR) SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS It has been observed throughout the years in Karachi, Lahore and many other places that various types of tickets are being sold to enter exhibitions. The organisers issue tickets with lucky numbers and then prizes are allocated to the lucky persons whose numbers appear. This form is not regarded as open gambling because the ticket owner receives the returns by entering the exhibition but now it is all depending on the intention. The person who purchases this ticket on the basis of winning a prize will be indulging in gambling. On the other hand if his intention is solely to enter the exhibition with no desire of winning a prize, and wins the prize then it will not be classified as gambling according to the rules pertaining to gambling. HORSE RACING The present day horse racing where one stakes a certain amount on a particular horse is in fact gambling. It is exactly that form where loss and gain is based on something indistinct, where one person loses his initial amount and the other wins a substantial amount. LOTTERY In this present day each and every kind of lottery is included within gambling and is prohibited. It is found in bazaars and factories and out of which, a few well-known forms are mentioned. The lottery business of this category has now reached an international level. The purchaser of this ticket does not buy the ticket solely with the intention of just buying it but he buys it on the basis of it being a possible winning dice by which he can win the amount of money he has aimed for. That is the reason why this is not merely trade or business venture but rather it is an act of sin to buy these or even to sell them. Because he is not merely committing a sin and transgressing but is also promoting it. Islam gives peace to the mind, body and soul, keeping the human in perfect harmony. Every iota balanced and scaled to perfection. A serene picture of bliss and joy but when a shattering and destructive vice strikes through the heart it leaves it in a weak and downtrodden state. The National Lottery, a new religion, has hit Britain. A moneymaking, exciting, nail-biting game of chance, preying on the human soul and wealth. This modern lottery system of gambling came from the crusades. The crusaders during a siege of the Islamic citadel of Azhar were forced to pass their time by developing new pass-times. One of those was called hazard and today this is the usual French word used for games of chance. Hazard developed into a state enterprise and since then it has been upgraded and reformed constantly, without any feeling of guilt. Now it has, ultimately, hit Britain with a vengeance. It seems it is here to stay for a long time to come. The saddening thing however is that from the constant onslaught of the Modernity on Islam, the National Lottery will contribute a great deal towards their ultimate goal, the total assimilation of the Muslims into the British society. Coming towards the main aspect of our argument that in no manner can it be justified that it is permissible to play the lottery or to take part in any form of gambling whatsoever will follow. Gambling developed and turned into a money-maker, all in the name of charity. The Qur'aan has commanded the prohibition and total ban of any form of gambling and in no way whatsoever can it be proven permissible. Thus, any person who denies the prohibition of any form of gambling such as lottery etc. will be committing an act of kufr. Gambling is prohibited with absolute proof as the Allah Almighty says in the Holy Qur'aan, "O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds ofalcoholic drinks), gambling, Al-Ansab, and Al-Azlam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination ofsatan, handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful." (Qur'aan 5:90) When the Sahaabahs received the order to refrain from gambling they did not hesitate to fulfil. This is because the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam had said, "Whosoever invites a person towards gambling should give some amount of charity to the poor." (Bukhari) Due to inviting a person towards gambling, he has committed a minor sin and created zulmat (darkness) in his heart, thus it is necessary to cleanse it and replace it with the noor (light) of Imaan by giving charity. The indication is that even uttering the word gambling is very dire and leads to bad consequences. There are sound and noble objectives behind this strict prohibition of gambling. 1. Islamic teachings urge the Muslims to follow Allah's directives, for earning a living, which is direct means for the attainment of His objectives. On the other hand gambling, which involves raffling or the lottery makes a person dependant on chance, luck and empty wishes taking him away from honest labour, serious work and productive effort. The gambler loses respect for the laws of caution that Allah has established for the people. 2. In Islam an individual's property is sacred; it may not be taken unless given willingly or by lawful exchange. The Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam has said, "A person's wealth is not halal but with his good pleasure. " (Baihaqi, Dar-e-Qutni) What happens in lotteries is that people's wealth is gathered and then one of them takes the lot (e.g. £18 million in the recent lottery draw). The money given to a certain person is not from the lottery organisers in fact it is from individuals' pocket. If you were asked to present your money to the winning person, would you willingly do so? I am sure you would reply no. This is one of the reasons for prohibiting gambling. 3. Gamblers develop hatred and enmity towards one another, although they may claim that losing does not trouble them. However, I would seriously question this, a loser may seem composed but behind his composure is frustration, due to disappointment, anger at the loss of money and regret for not winning the game. The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam has said, "Do not harbour envy or ill-will; and neither spy nor be inquisitive for other persons 'faults nor make bogus offers of prices to spoil a bargain, and O Allah's servants! Be brethren to each other." (Bukhari) 4. Gambling has its own compulsion. The loser plays in the hope of winning and to regain his earlier losses, while the winner plays again to enjoy the pleasure of winning and the greed for more. Naturally, luck changes hands, the loser becomes the winner and the winner the loser. Thus, the gambling addiction is such that gamblers are unable to leave it. 5. The person engaged in gambling does not stop at a point. Satan the accursed, who is our grave enemy, conquers the mind to such an extent that the gambler does not realise as to how much he has spent. If he were to sit down and think of the amount he has lost, he would then surely understand the situation. We read in the papers that a charity firm who greatly in need of cash for renovating their premises gathered a few thousand pounds and were quiet happy to take the chance and gamble it in the lottery. Had this amount been rightly used, it would have at least given some benefit. 6. Because of this addiction, gambling takes a person away from the remembrance of Allah resulting in negligence of his duties towards his Creator. How correct is the Holy Qur'aan in mentioning drinking and gambling together in its verse, since their harmful effects are so similar. That is why usually one is not found without the other. To sum up on the filth of gambling, the saying of Almighty Allah is enough for a fearing Muslim:- "O' you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), gambling, Al-A nsab, and Al-Azlam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Satan's handiwork So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful. Satan wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayers. So will you not then abstain? And obey Allah and the Messenger, and beware (of even coming near to drinking, or gambling, or Al-Ansab, or Al-Azlam, etc.) and be afraid of Allah. Then if you turn away, you should know that it is Our Messenger's duty to convey (the Message) in the clearest way. The non-permissibility will encompass everyone taking any part, whether it be selling, buying, playing or keeping a vending machine. Muslims should refrain from it as much as possible. Because gambling is a process in which a small sum of money is deposited with the greed of possibly attaining a much greater sum, it is very much appealing to the heart and soul, hence it becomes very hard to even want to believe that it is haraam. May Almighty Allah give us all the ability to act upon His commandments and abstain from His prohibitions, Aameen. inter-islam Back to table of contents

Today we are featuring a most beautiful durood taken from the Dalail ul Khairat Thursday chapter: lovedurood.com (Click on picture to enlarge)

Fear of Accountability and the Gifts of Allah Ta’ala If we study the contents of the first few surahs that were revealed, we will find that the theme in these surahs revolves around Qiyaamah, Jannah and Jahannum. It is obvious that if the commands and prohibitions had to come from the very beginning then it would have been extremely difficult for the new Muslims. But when topics of Qiyaamah etc. were discussed initially then it created the belief of accountability. Hence, when the fear of the hereafter was developed then the commands and prohibitions were no longer difficult. In proportion to the fear within one’s heart will one be able to move in the correct direction. Therefore, these topics have to be discussed on an on-going basis. Among the initial surahs was Surah Najm. Allah Ta‘ala commences with: “By the oath of the star when it sets.” Thereafter, mention is made of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). The link between the both is that just as a star is a source of guidance when travelling, likewise Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is a source of guidance for mankind. Further, Allah Ta‘ala speaks of the star when setting and not about when it rises. The reason for this is that when it is about to set and the sailor realises this he makes the most effort at that time to navigate his course. Otherwise, generally at the time when it rises, he is not much concerned because he feels that he still has plenty of time. Likewise, Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is not to remain forever. He has a short time in this world. Hence, maximum benefit should be derived from Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). For those after Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), this will apply in that Allah Ta‘ala dispenses His gifts of hidaayat (guidance). Thus, when one comes across such opportunities, he should not let them go by for he does not know when such an opportunity will come back again. At times, Allah Ta‘ala enables a person to realise his wrong and allows his conscience to feel the guilt of his wrong. This is also a gift from Allah Ta‘ala to enable one to repent and make taubah. If one does not take advantage of this then he will become immune and addicted to the sin. Source: Al-Haadi

Words of advice by Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat (Hafizahullah) As the UK braces itself for stormy weather and potential flooding in different regions, many will be keeping a watchful eye on the weather forecasts and many will be listening attentively to the radio broadcasts. As Muslims, our focus should always be towards the life and practices of our beloved Rasool Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam & his noble Sahaabah radiallahu anhum. Before anything we should be re-affirming our belief that Allāh ta‘ālā is the Hāākim (The Supreme Ruler) and the Hakīīm (The Most Wise). This means that whatever happens, whether good or bad in appearance, is according to the Wish of Allāh ta‘ālā. He has Power over everything. Every single particle in the whole universe is under His Control. ***What Should We Do At Times Like This?*** Every person, during such times should turn towards Allāh ta‘ālā with humbleness, faith and genuine repentance. According to the Sharī‘ah, common and open disobedience of Allāh ta‘ālā is one of the many reasons for the cause of calamities like earthquakes. When the land is overloaded with the disobedience of Allāh ta‘ālā, earthquakes from beneath and violent storms from above are commonplace. There are various scientific explanations as to why natural disasters occur, however the underlying facts point towards ‘how’ they happen and not ‘why’ they happen. The answer to ‘why’ and ‘when’ and even to ‘how’, in reality, remains with Allāh ta‘ālā. An answer to ‘why’ has been revealed in the Qur’ān: (Corruption and) Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned, that He (Allāh) may give them a taste of some of their deeds in order that they may turn back (from evil). (30:41) Incidents like these are, as it were, ‘wakeup’ alarm calls from Allāh ta‘ālā. Allāh ta‘ālā in His Infinite Mercy is jolting us through such incidents, so that we may mend our ways and reflect on our transgressions and as a result rectify ourselves before it is too late. Allāh ta‘ālā has revealed to his beloved Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, that as long as this Ummah continues to repent for their wrong-doings, He will not punish them through calamities. Incidents like these should not be viewed with some momentary sympathy or investigated out of curiosity, but treated strictly as a reminder to wake up and reflect on our lives of disobedience. The way Allāh has the Power to cause calamities in any part of the world, He also has the Power to cause a catastrophe here, in this very city, in the very vicinity of our homes. Hence it is absolutely essential for Muslims, not just from the affected regions, but from all over the world, to turn towards Allāh ta‘ālā. They must direct all their attention towards Him and reflect on their lives to find out where the Commands of Allāh ta‘ālā are being violated, then sincerely repent and resolve to adorn their future lives with taqwā, abstain from the disobedience of Allāh ta‘ālā, and observe His Commands.

Aaishah (ra) reports, "New-born children used to be brought to the Messenger of Allah and he would supplicate for blessings for them, and rub a chewed date upon their palate." (Muslim) Over 1400 years later - the BBC News has reported that "experts" have said - "A dose of sugar given as a gel rubbed into the inside of the cheek is a cheap and effective way to protect premature babies against brain damage" This is why we as Muslims follow the sunnah of the messenger without questioning it. It is revelation from Allah. Everything that the messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) did is the best. So don't wait until science catches up, because Islam is the forefront of development. The things we do according to the sunnah (such as fasting Mondays and Thursdays) are only just being recognised as "scientific breakthroughs" BBC 'Sugar gel' helps premature babies A dose of sugar given as a gel rubbed into the inside of the cheek is a cheap and effective way to protect premature babies against brain damage, say experts. Dangerously low blood sugar affects about one in 10 babies born too early. Untreated, it can cause permanent harm. Researchers from New Zealand tested the gel therapy in 242 babies under their care and, based on the results, say it should now be a first-line treatment. Their work is published in The Lancet. Sugar dose Dextrose gel treatment costs just over £1 per baby and is simpler to administer than glucose via a drip, say Prof Jane Harding and her team at the University of Auckland. Current treatment typically involves extra feeding and repeated blood tests to measure blood sugar levels. But many babies are admitted to intensive care and given intravenous glucose because their blood sugar remains low - a condition doctors call hypoglycaemia. The study assessed whether treatment with dextrose gel was more effective than feeding alone at reversing hypoglycaemia. Neil Marlow, from the Institute for Women's Health at University College London, said that although dextrose gel had fallen into disuse, these findings suggested it should be resurrected as a treatment. We now had high-quality evidence that it was of value, he said. Andy Cole, chief executive of premature baby charity Bliss, said: "This is a very interesting piece of new research and we always welcome anything that has the potential to improve outcomes for babies born premature or sick. "This is a cost-effective treatment and could reduce admissions to intensive care services, which are already working at high capacity levels. "While the early results of this research show benefits to babies born with low blood sugars, it is clear there is more research to be done to implement this treatment."

ROSES ARE RED VIOLETS ARE BLUE CELEBRATING VALENTINE DAY IS WHAT TRANGSGRESSORS DO SHAYTAAN'S PRESENT BETWEEN THE INTIMATE TWO SO REMEMBER O MUSLIM! IT IS FORBIDDEN FOR YOU!

Question and Answer: Q. is it a sunnah of our Beloved Nabi Muhammad (S.A.W) to have the nikah on the day of Jumuah? (Query published as received) A. There is no record of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) prescribing Nikah on the day of Jumu'ah to be Sunnah and it therefore should not be regarded as Sunnah. A person may perform Nikah on any day of the week. Nevertheless, it is Mustahabb (preferable) according to some of the Fuqahaa (jurists) such as Allamah ibnul Humam, Imam Ibn Qudamah and Imam Zakariyya al-Ansari (Rahimahumullah) to perform Nikah on a Friday. It is also recorded that some of the Sahabah and Tabi'oon (successors of the Sahabah - Radiyallahu Anhum) preferred Nikah on this day due to the day of Friday being a blessed day. And Allah Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

A Palace in Jannah Everyday Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'Whoever performs 12 Rakaats of Salaat in one day excluding the Fardh Salaat, he will be granted a house in Jannah.' (Sahih Muslim Hadith1691) These 12 Rakaats have been specifically enumerated in another narration as: the 2 Rakaats before Fajr, 4 Rakaats before Dhuhr, 2 Rakaats after Dhuhr, 2 Rakaats after Maghrib and 2 Rakaats after Esha. (Sunan Tirmidhi Hadith415). This Hadith is authentic according to Imaam Tirmidhi. On the day of Qiyaamat, if there be any deficiency in a person's Fardh Salaat, his Nafl Salaats will compensate for that. (Sunan Tirmidhi Hadith413) – Imaam Tirmidhi has classified this narration as sound. Therefore, utmost care should be taken in correcting and perfecting our Fardh Salaat by fulfilling all its requirements as well as by being particular of performing the Sunnah Salaat. The 2 Rakaat Sunnat before the Fardh of Fajr Salaat is the most emphasised Sunnah Salaat of the day (Bukhari Hadith1169, Sahih Muslim Hadith1683, Tahtaawi pg.212) Sayyidatuna Aaisha (Radhiallaahu Anha) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said. 'The 2 Rakaats before Fajr are better than the entire world and whatever it contains. (Sahih Muslim Hadith1685) Regarding the 4 Sunnats before Dhuhr, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) mentioned that the doors of the heavens open at that time (Sunan Tirmidhi) and if one follows it up with 4 more Rakaats after the Fardh of Dhuhr (2 Sunnats and 2 Nafl - Fathul Qadeer vol.1 pg.387) Almighty Allah will protect him from Jahannum. (Sunan Tirmidhi Hadith427; Sahih ibn Khuzaymah Hadith1190) If a person performs 4 Rakaats before Asr Salaat, he will receive a house in Jannah. (Majmauz-Zawaaid vol.2 pg.222). Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) has made a special Du'aa for the mercy of Allah Ta’aala to be showered on such a person. (Sunan Tirmidhi Hadith430; Sahih ibn Khuzaymah Hadith1193) Makhool (Radhiyallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'If the 2 Rakaats after Maghrib are performed before speaking, it will be lifted high into the heavens. (Al-Maraaseel of Imaam Abu Dawud Hadith73) If a person performs 4 Rakaats (2 Sunnats and 2 Nafl) after Esha in the Musjid, he will receive the reward of performing these Salaats on Laylatul Qadr. This has been mentioned by various Sahaaba (Radhiallaahu Anhum) – refer al-Musannaf of Imaam ibn Abi Shaybah Hadith7347 – 7353 To perform Witr Salaat is compulsory. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'Whosoever does not perform Witr Salaat is not among us.' (Al-Mustadrak vol.1 pg.305-306). Imaam Haakim has classified this narration as Sahih (authentic). (Ibid, also refer to Nasbul-Raayah vol.1 pg.112) Bearing in mind the abovementioned virtues, every Musallee should endeavour to acquire these benefits by remaining steadfast on the Sunnah Salaats regarding which people are becoming increasingly lax and unmindful these days. Doing so will acquire one the love and assistance of Almighty Allah. (Sahih Bukhari Hadith6502) Islaaminfo

Conditions for Spiritual Benefit by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh The ‘Suhbat’ or company of the Auliya Allah (Friends of Allah Ta’ala) is such that even if they remain silent in their Majaalis, those who are present and who had come with sincerity, will leave with Noor in their hearts. It is via this Noor that a person makes sincere Taubah, and it is this Noor which is instrumental in creating the keen desire of change in the person’s life. Fragrant roses in a room do not give any speech. Their fragrance imbues throughout the room, enters the nostrils and creates pleasure in the heart. The conditions for benefiting are : The roses must be real and fragrant; not artificial. The people in the room must have their noses open and sinuses unclogged. In a similar manner, the person must be a genuine Wali of Allah Ta’ala and not a fraud, and the people sitting in his company must have love and respect for him and must sit with an open and unprejudiced heart, willing to receive. People sitting in the talks of a Wali, harbouring malice against that Wali, will derive no benefit whatsoever. What would be a person’s reaction, when instead of these virtues, he or she finds arrogance, pride, malice, greed, jealousy, etc.? Source

Death, an indispensable reality (Islaaminfo) ...You claim to love Paradise, yet you do not work for it... HOW often do we remember death? Yes death, a harsh and fearful reality that escapes no living person. None can avoid it. The people around a dying person don’t have the ability to prevent it. Death happens every moment and it does not discriminate between the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak. Everyone is equal in front of death, because no one has any means to escape it or use intercession to avoid it or even delay it. Allah Ta'ala says in the Qur’an: “Say: Indeed, the death from which you flee will surely meet you, then you will be sent back to Allah, the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. And He will then tell you what you used to do.” (Qur’an, 62:8) “Every one is going to taste death. And We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good, and to Us will you be returned.” (Qur’an, 21:35) Our hearts tremble with fear on the thought of this indispensable reality. A person’s actions are sealed with death and what comes after that is more fearful, because will there be a place where one can flee to in order to escape the afflictions suffered in the grave? What will our reply be when we are questioned in the grave? None of us know where we will end up. Will it be Paradise whose width is like the heavens and the earth or will it be the Fire whose fuel is of men and stones? Ibrahim Bin Adham (d. 160H) was asked about the verse: “Call upon Me and I will respond to you.” (Qur’an, 40:60) that: “We call upon Allah, but He does nor respond to us.” So Ibrahim replied: “You know Allah; yet you do not obey Him. You recite the Qur’an; yet you do not act according to it. You know Shaytan; yet you continue agreeing with him. You claim to love Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him); yet you abandon his Sunnah. You claim to love Paradise, yet you do not work for it. You claim to fear the Fire; yet you do not stop sinning. You say ‘indeed death is true’; yet you have not prepared for it. You busy yourselves with the faults of others; yet you do not look at your own faults. You eat the sustenance that Allah provides for you; yet you are not grateful to Him. And you bury your dead; yet you have not heeded its lesson.” (Ibn Rajab’s Al-Khushu’-fis-Salah, pg. 62) This reality must be firmly established in our heart – the reality that life in this world is limited and has an appointed end, and that this end will surely come. Sheikh Ali Hasan mentions some good reflections in his book Al-Mawt: “The righteous will die; and the wicked will die. The warriors who fight jihad will die; and those who sit at home will die. Those who busy themselves with correct beliefs will die; and those who treat people as their slaves will die. The brave who reject injustice will die; and the cowards who seek to cling to this vile life will die. The people of lofty goals and ambitions will die; and the wretched who live for cheap enjoyment will die...So keep death in mind, and the passing on to the next life, and the number of sins that one has committed and the small amount of good that one has done. Think of the good that you would earnestly like to do at that time – then bring that forward and do it today. And think of all those things which you would desire to clear yourself of – then clear yourself from them now.”

View from someone's hotel room! (Click on picture to enlarge)

Imaamah and Topi Q: I read the hadith "The difference between us and the pagans is that we wear the 'imama on top of the qalansuwa" (Abu Dawud). Does this mean that the mere wearing of a topi resembles the practise of the pagans and that it is better for us to wear imamas? The only problem for me wearing an imama is that it is uncommon amongst the Muslims where I live, most people including elders and teachers wear topi, and I am afraid that I give myself a higher rank than I am worth if I wear an imama. Is this a valid excuse not to wear an imama? A: The Imaamah and the Topi are both Mubaarak Sunnats of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). As far as the Hadith you have refered to, it should be understood that this Hadith in actual fact highlights the importance of the topi and it being a salient feature in the life of a Mu'min. The pagans in the time of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) did not recognise the topi and only sufficed on the imaamah. As far as the Sahaabah were concerned, they recognised both the Imaamah as well as the topi. Hence at times Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and the Sahaabah sufficed on wearing the topi and at times they wore the Imaamah above the topi. And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best. فرق ما بيننا وبين المشركين العمائم على القلانس أي الفارق بيننا أنّا نعمم على القلانس وهم يكتفون بالعمائم (طيبي) ويحتمل عكس ذلك بل رجحه القاري في المرقاة والأول الشيخ عبد الحق. والله أعلم (كذا في هامش الترمذي 1/308) قال ابن تيمية في كتابه "اقتضاء الصراط المستقيم" ص 279 و ايضا ما روى ابو داود: حدثنا قتيبة بن سعيد الثقفي حدثنا محمد بن ربيعة حدثنا ابو الحسن العسقلاني عن ابي جعفر بن محمد بن علي بن ركانة او محمد بن علي بن ركانة عن ابيه أن ركانة صارع النبي صلي الله عليه و سلم فصرعه النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم قال ركانة وسمعت النبي صلي الله عليه و سلم يقول: "فرق ما بيننا و بين المشركين العمائم علي القلانس". و هذا يقتضي أنه حسن عند أبي داود و رواه الترمذي أيضا عن قتيبة و قال غريب و ليس إسناده بالقائم و لا نعرف أبا الحسن و لا ابن ركانة و هذا القدر لا يمنع ان يعتضد بهذا الحديث و يستشهد به و هذا بين في ان مفارقة المسلم المشرك في اللباس أمر مطلوب للشارع كقوله: "فرق ما بين الحلال و الحرام الدف و الصوت" فان التفريق بينهما مطلوب في الظاهر اذ الفرق بالاعتقاد و العمل بدون العمامة حاصل فلولا انه مطلوب بالظاهر ايضا لم يكن فيه فائدة. Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Fadhaaile-Durood - Virtues of Salaat and Salaam by Hazrat Shaykh Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhalawi Muhajir-e-Madani Translated by Moulana Irfan Adalat I intend to compile this book upon a few chapters, finishing with a conclusion. The first chapter will discuss the virtues of ṣalāt and salām, the second chapter will discuss the specific virtues of certain forms of ṣalāt and salām, the third chapter will mention the warnings for not conferring salutations and blessings upon the Prophet(Sallallahu A’lihi Wassalam) , the fourth chapter will be on miscellaneous points and the fifth chapter will consist of stories. May Allāh grant people the ability to conferṣalātand salām abundantly. By reading this book, every reader will realise how great a treasure ṣalāt and salām is and how those who are negligent therein deprive themselves of such an immense fortune. fazail-e-durood_virtuesofblessingsonprophetsallallahualaihiwasallam.pdf

Procedure for Dalail ul Khairat

One of the most comprehensive and authentic collections of durood historically celebrated and greatly utilized among Muslims is the collection of Imam Jazuli (ra), as he is commonly known, titled Dalail ul Khairat wa Shawariqil Anwaar fi Zikr Salaat alan Nabiyy-il-Mukhtar salallaho alayhi wa sallam. It is roughly translated as “The Guide to Goodness and the Radiant Bursts of Light in the Remembrance of the Chosen Prophet salallaho alayhi wa sallam.” It was compiled by the Moroccon scholar, sufi and saint commonly known as Imam Jazuli (ra). According to his best biographer, Muhammad al Mahdi al Fasi, in Mumti al Asma Imam Jazuli. Imam Jazuli, or his full name, Abu Abdullah Mohammad ibn Abdur Rahman ibn Abu Bakr ibn Sulayman Al Jazuli (ra), was born in the southern Moroccon village of Tankarat in the Sus area. He belonged to the Simlal offshoot of the Jazula tribe of Sanhaja Berbers of Africa. He studied primary education there but due to the heavy violent before setting off to the Madrasa Saffarin in Fes, Morocco where he would become a master of the Maliki Fiqh memorizing cover to cover the Mudawwana Kubra. There he studied under such great luminaries as Imam Shaikh Ahmed Zarruq (ra) and a descendant of Shaikh Abul Mahasin Abu Abdallah Mohammed Amghar (ra) with whom he would enter into bayah. He was a very serious student, his classmates said that he would come out of his dorm only to attend the dars, lectures, and then return back. He was a recluse, remained in isolation during his studies. He was not in madrasa to make friends. After his studies he left to spend a great deal of time between Makkah, Madinah and Jerusalem. After this time he returned and historians say that it was now that he entered into the Shadhili tareeqa at the hands of Shaikh Mohammed Amghar as Saghir (ra). Some people raised a doubt that it was possible that he had compiled the Dalail before bayah but logically this makes no sense. If a person has such spirituality to compile a book such as the Dalail why would he need to turn to a shaikh for bayah? What need would such a person have for that? So it was that after his bayah he compiled the book. The way he came about compiling the Dalail was that one day he was traveling somewhere and had stopped in a village for salaah. The time for his Zuhr salaah was passing and frantically he was looking for water to make wudhu. He found a well but the water was too low and he could not reach it when suddenly a small girl 8-9 years old came and asked him about his trouble. He informed her about the situation and she read something and spat into the well which caused the water to suddenly increase and it began to overflow out of the well. Imam Jazuli then made his wudhu and performed his salaah then went looking for this blessed girl. He found her and inquired what was the means for her to attain this miraculous power to be able to spit into a well and cause the water to overflow. She informed him that she sent salutations upon the Best of the Creation and recited the durood she was a frequent reciter of. He then set out to compile the Dalail. His fame grew far and wide and he had many students under him. This caused the governor of Safi to become jealous of him and he had his food poisoned. Imam Jazuli then died while leading the Fajr salaah most likely in the last sajdah. The Encyclopedia of Islam 1957 reports that 77 years after his death his body was exhumed to be transferred to a newly built moseleum to honor him and when the onlookers saw his body they found it to be untouched by the grave even after 77 years. Dalail ul Khairat was a very famous book and Muslims all over the world enjoyed to read it and would gift each other copies of the Dalail and utilized its blessings. Then in the later years Muslims stopped its frequent recitation and eventually stopped giving recitation of durood any importance all together. All mashaikh agree on its blessing and it has been utilized in all salasil of tasawwuf. Deobandi hazraath of the past read it, encouraged its recitation and took benefit from its blessings. The person who recites one complete recitation cover to cover of Dalail per day is called Shaikh ul Dalail and there are such people who live in the world today. The unique thing about the Dalail is that it has a quantity of somewhere around 1200-1300 durood of which a great number of them are of very high quality. Within these durood the author has embedded many dua. Also, the author has embedded various different blessed names of the Holy Prophet salallaho alayhi wa sallam and also he has embedded within Dalail many Asma ul Husna and when a reciter reads the Dalail he gets the reward of reciting all of the above. The author wishes the reciter to read 1,2,3,4 or more complete recitations per day, if not then 1 if not then 3/4 if not then half and if not then a 1/2 and if not then the author has also divided the Dalail into 8 chapters to be read daily. The recitation of the Dalail begins on Sunday after Maghrib which technically is Monday night according to the lunar calendar. Source

The Story of Dala’il al-Khayrat by Sheikh Nuh Ha Mim Keller Dala’il al-Khayrat, the most celebrated manual of Blessings on the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) in history, was composed by the Sufi, wali, Muslim scholar of prophetic descent, and baraka of Marrakesh Muhammad ibn Sulayman al-Jazuli (d. 870/1465). Born and raised among the Gazulah Berbers of the Sus region in southern Morocco, he studied the Qur’an and traditional Islamic knowledge before travelling to Fez, where he memorized the four-volume Mudawwana of Imam Malik and met scholars of his time such as Ahmad Zarruq, and Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullah Amghar, who become his sheikh in the tariqa or Sufi path. Amghar traced his spiritual lineage through only six masters to the great founder of their order Abul Hasan al-Shadhili and thence back to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). After initiating Jazuli into the way, he placed him in a khalwa or solitary retreat, where he remained invoking Allah for some fourteen years, and emerged tremendously changed. After a sojourn in the east and performing hajj, Jazuli himself was given permission to guide disciples as a sheikh of the tariqa. Imam Ahmad al-Sawi relates that one day Jazuli went to perform his ablutions for the prescribed prayer from a nearby well but could not find any means to draw the water up. While thus perplexed, he was seen by a young girl who called out from high above, “You’re the one people praise so much, and you can’t even figure out how to get water out of a well?” So she came down and spat into the water, which welled up until it overflowed and spilled across the ground. Jazuli made his ablutions, and then turned to her and said, “I adjure you to tell me how you reached this rank.” She said, “By saying the Blessings upon him whom beasts lovingly followed as he walked through the wilds (Allah bless him and give him peace).” Jazuli thereupon vowed to compose the book of Blessings on the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) which came to be known as his Dala’il al-Khayrat or “Waymarks of Benefits.” His spiritual path drew thousands of disciples who, aided by the popularity of his manual of Blessings on the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), had a tremendous effect on Moroccan society. He taught followers the Blessings upon the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), extinction of self in the love of Allah and His messenger, visiting the awliya or saints, disclaiming any strength or power, and total reliance upon Allah. He was told by the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) in a dream, “I am the splendor of the prophetic messengers, and you are the splendor of the awliya.” Many divine signs were vouchsafed to him, none more wondrous or unmistakable than the reception that met his famous work. Its celebrity swept the Islamic World from North Africa to Indonesia. Scarcely a well-to-do home was without one, princes exchanged magnificently embellished copies of it, commoners treasured it. Pilgrims wore it at their side on the way to hajj, and a whole industry of hand-copyists sprang up in Mecca and Medina that throve for centuries. Everyone who read it found that baraka descended wherever it was recited, in accordance with the Divine command: “Verily Allah and His angels bless the Prophet: O you who believe, bless him and pray him peace” (Qur’an 33:56). In the post-caliphal period of the present day, Imam Jazuli’s masterpiece has been eclipsed by the despiritualization of Islam by “reformers” who have affected all but the most traditional of Muslims. As the Moroccan hadith scholar ‘Abdullah al-Talidi wrote of the Dala’il al-Khayrat: “Millions of Muslims from East to West tried it and found its good, its baraka, and its benefit for centuries and over generations, and witnessed its unbelievable spiritual blessings and light. Muslims avidly recited it, alone and in groups, in homes and mosques, utterly spending themselves in the Blessings on the Most Beloved and praising him—until Wahhabi ideas came to spread among them, suborning them and creating confused fears based on the opinions of Ibn Taymiya and the reviver of his path Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhab of Najd. After this, Muslims slackened from reciting the Dala’il al-Khayrat, falling away from the Blessings upon the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) in particular, and from the remembrance of Allah in general” (al-Mutrib fi awliya’ al-Maghrib, 143–44). Sheikh Nuh Keller

Follow this video for proper pronunciation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Myd0s_Bt2q8&list=PLypJJVlnHtc2CqseLyCmwwA7uqa68FdcV#t=139

Dalail ul Khairaat by Imam Jazuli RA Dala’il al-Khayrat, the most celebrated manual of Blessings on the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) in history, was composed by the Sufi, wali, Muslim scholar of prophetic descent, and baraka of Marrakesh Muhammad ibn Sulayman al-Jazuli (d. 870/1465). (Shykah Nuh Keller) Shaykh Zakariyya Kandhlawi Ra writes in Faza'il-e-Durood page 138, Shaykh Zarruq Ra has written that the fragrance of amber and musk emanates from the grave of the author of Dala'il al-Khayrat, and this is all through the baraka of invoking of blessings and peace." READ HERE

Sunnats and Aadaab of Drinking - Part 1 1. One should recite the following Duaa after drinking water. اَلحَمْدُ للهِ الَّذِي سَقَانَا عَذْبًا فُرَاتًا بِرَحْمَتِهِ، وَلَم يَجْعَلْهُ مِلْحًا أُجَاجًا بِذُنُوبِنَا All praise is due to Allah Ta’ala who provided us with sweet drinking water through His grace, and He did not make it bitter and salty on account of our sins. عن أبي جعفر مرسلا أنه كان إذا شرب الماء قال الحمد لله الذي سقانا عذبا فراتا برحمته ولم يجعله ملحا أجاجا بذنوبنا (الحلية لأبي نعيم كما في المرقاة 10/96) [1] Hadhrat Abu Ja’far (Rahmatullahi Alaihi) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would recite the following duaa after drinking water: اَلحَمْدُ للهِ الَّذِي سَقَانَا عَذْبًا فُرَاتًا بِرَحْمَتِهِ، وَلَم يَجْعَلْهُ مِلْحًا أُجَاجًا بِذُنُوبِنَا or الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي جَعَلَهُ عَذْبًا فُرَاتًا بِرَحْمَتِهِ، وَلَمْ يَجْعَلُهُ مَالِحًا أجاجا بِذُنُوبِنَا [1] عن أبي جعفر : كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم إذا شرب الماء قال : الحمد لله الذي جعله عذبا فراتا برحمته و لم يجعله مالحا أجاجا بذنوبنا (شعب الايمان للبيهقي رقم 4479)

“It is easy to fall prey to the deception of Shayṭān that we are performing much more worship than those around us. What we need to understand is that quantity is not everything. Consider the example of a toddler who spends hours scribbling on a piece of paper. Even though the child has spent much time and effort, his writing is of no real value. On the other hand, in five minutes of inspiration, a professional author is able to craft an article that goes on to become a masterpiece. The toddler however will not be able to understand the difference between his work and the work of the professional. When it comes to practising Dīn we are also like toddlers in comparison to the pious servants of Allāh ta’ala whose short devotions are far greater than our lengthy devotions. This is why we think that we are performing so much. Shayṭān plays on this misconception and thus we do not reflect. This is the reason why we need to spend time in the company of the pious. Through their company, we will begin to master the art of worship and ultimately, inshā’allāh, turn our scribbles into priceless gems.” Courtesy of In Shaykh's Company: a blog maintained by the students of Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah www.shaykh.org

Sunnah posture of sitting while eating Q: What are the Sunnah postures for eating? A: The sunnah posture of sitting while eating on the floor is that one sits with both knees on the ground (in the tashahhud posture), or with the right knee raised. And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best. فالمستحب في صفة الجلوس للأكل أن يكون جاثيا على ركبتيه وظهور قدميه أو ينصب الرجل اليمنى ويجلس على اليسرى (عمدة القاري 21/44) أحسن الفتاوى (9/50) Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Question Asalaam Alekum, I have a question about Salaat. Since quite a while I’ve been praying all my prayers I try not miss any prayer. In the morning when I wake up and after performing my Fajr namaaz I read Surah Yaseen once. And then go back to sleep again. But whenever I have my monthly periods its obvious I can’t perform my Salaat or read Quran then and then I feel so depressed and guilty about not doing my daily things. When I pray my Prayers I feel like I can Handle the whole world but when I can’t pray because of my monthly periods then I feel like a failure and like I have failed in every aspect of my life. Nowadays when I have my periods at the end of the day before going to sleep I repeat 10 times third Kalma, 4 Times Surah Fatiha, 3 Times Surah Ikhlaas, 10 Times Darood Sharief. Like this at the end of the day I feel fine. But not fully relaxed and calm like the way I feel when I do my daily prayer. Therefore I would like to know What I could do not to feel guilty and depressed. Kinds Regards, A Muslim Girl Answer Bismillaah-ir-Rahmaan-ir-Raheem. Wa ‘Alaykumussalaam wa Rahmatullaahi wa Barakaatuh. MashaAllaah. May Allaah bless you with steadfastness in whatever good you are doing, and may Allaah bless you with the ability to progress farther. Ameen. * It is related in a Hadeeth that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has said, “During Haidh (menses), if a woman reads the following (or any other istighfaar) seventy times at the time of every Salaah, she will get the reward of reading one thousand Rakaats of Salaah, seventy of her sins will be forgiven, her status is raised in the eyes of Allaah Ta’aala; and for every letter of Istighfaar she receives a noor (light); and for every vein in her body, the reward of one Haj and Umrah is written: سبحنك استغفر الله الذي لا اله الا هو الحي القيوم Subhaanaka Astaghfirullaah-al-lathee laa ilaaha illa huw-al-Hayy ul-Qayoom * During monthly menses it is Mustahab (desirable) for a woman to perform Wudhu (ablution) at the time of every Salaah and to sit in the place where she normally performs Salaah, and occupy herself in some form of Zikr, for the time that it normally takes her to complete Salaah. InshaAllaah, this will ensure that the habit of performing Salaah remains. * It should be remembered that in this state of impurity she should try to remain clean and occupy herself with Zikr, Duaas, Salawaat (Durood Shareef), Istighfaar, etc. In this way she will be saved from Shaytaan who is very active during this period. Many booklets are available with Duaas and Wazaaif that women can pray during their menses. One can also pray Hizbul-A’zham or Munaajaat-e-Maqbool, Salaat and Salaam, 40 Rabbanaas etc. And Allaah knows best. Wassalaam. ————————————– A. Z. Pandor muftisays.com

عن عبد الله بن عمر قال : كنا مع النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم في بعض غزواته فمر بقوم فقال : " من القوم ؟ " قالوا : نحن المسلمون وامرأة تحضب بقدرها ومعها ابن لها فإذا ارتفع وهج تنحت به فأتت النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال : أنت رسول الله ؟ قال : " نعم " قالت : بأبي أنت وأمي أليس الله أرحم الراحمين ؟ قال : " بلى " قالت : أليس الله أرحم بعباده من الأم على ولدها ؟ قال : " بلى " قالت : إن الأم لا تلقي ولدها في النار فأكب رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يبكي ثم رفع رأسه إليها فقال : " إن الله لا يعذب من عباده إلا المارد المتمرد الذي يتمرد على الله وأبى أن يقول : لا إله إلا الله " . رواه ابن ماجه (مشكوة المصابيح رقم 2378) Hadhrat Abdullah bin Umar (Radhiallahu Anhuma) reports that on one occasion we were accompanying Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in one of the battles when he passed by a group of people. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) enquired regarding who they were, to which they replied that they were Muslims. Amongst them was a woman who was busy lighting a fire under a pot, who had a child with her. When the fire in the pot rose and became intense, the mother took her child and she receded from the fire. She then came to Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and asked: “Are you the messenger of Allah Ta’ala?” Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied: “Yes, I am.” The woman then asked: “May my parents be sacrificed for you, tell me is Allah Ta’ala not the most merciful of those who show mercy?” Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied: “Definitely Allah Ta’ala is the most Merciful.” She then asked further: “Is Allah Ta’ala not more merciful upon His slaves than a mother is upon her child?” Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied: “Certainly Allah Ta’ala is more merciful.” She then remarked: “Definitely a mother will not throw her child into the fire.” (How will Allah Ta’ala put certain servants into Jahannum). Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) lowered his head and began crying. He thereafter raised his head and said to her: “Allah Ta’ala will not punish His servants, except those persist in rebellion against Him and refuse to profess Tauheed (i.e. they deny the oneness of Allah Ta’ala). Ihyaaud Deen

Question: If a woman had a little amount of coloured discharge on 17/07/12 and then only clear discharge until 19/07/12 when the period starts properly then which date does one take as the beginning of haidh? Jazakallah Answer: If the duration from the 17/07/12 from the time of seeing the coloured discharge till the end of her bleeding is 10 days or less, then her Haidh will have started from the time of the coloured discharge on the 17/07/12. However if it is more than ten days, then however many days her Haidh was in the previous month will be considered Haidh and the rest will be Istihaadhah. Therefore, she will have to repeat the prayers she missed during the Istihaadah period. In both cases the period will be counted from the 17th. Wallahu A’lam Wassalam tafseer Raheemi