ummtaalib

Question: 1) A sister is going for Hajj, she wants to know if she is allowed to take the contraceptive pills? There are many different opinions, from my little research I found that she is allowed to take. 2) When she does take these pills. Everything is in the qudrat of Allah, as pills have no power… so because of the pills sometimes the side effect happens in which spots of blood might become visible (as heard from other people). So what is the ruling of that? Like how about she starts to see few spots of blood then it goes away. Will she be a person with istihaaza? 3) After Hajj she will be travelling to Turkey so is she allowed to continue to take the pill or does she only take the pills during Hajj time and stop thereafter? 4) If she does go to Turkey and stops the pills and gets her haiz is she still allowed to enter the mosques to see them as in the tour whilst avoiding the women’s prayer area. 5) Can a woman perform her Salaah without burkha as in the whole head covering which is from the head to the knees… or can she still perform her salaah with a scarf that covers her hair and she wears long sleeves and makes sure her ankles are covered. Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. 1) A woman should not interfere with her natural monthly cycle. However, in order to overcome some unavoidable challenges especially during Hajj, there is a leeway for her to use contraceptive pills.[1] 2) Contraceptive pills are known to have many side effects including spotting or breakthrough bleeding which generally occurs in between periods.[2] If the spotting occurs during the usual monthly period, then it will be considered as Haiz and she will have to wait until her period is over in order perform Tawaaf-e-Ziyaarah – which is a compulsory act of Hajj – if she has not already done so. If the spotting occurs after the normal monthly cycle, then it will be Istihaza. 3) We advise against the use of contraceptive pills when there is no dire need to do so. 4) A woman in Haiz can not enter the Masjid proper.[3] However, she may enter those parts of the Masaajid which are not included in the boundaries of both the male and female prayer areas. 5) It is necessary for a woman to cover her entire body in Salaah apart from her face, hands and feet.[4] Therefore, she may perform Salaah wearing a scarf. However, the outline of her body should not be clearly visible as this defeats the purpose of covering the body. And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai. idealwoman.org

Secrets of the Majestic Chamber of Allah’s Beloved sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam A translate of an interview which reveals some of the secrets of the majestic chamber of Allah’s Beloved sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam This is the story of the honoured man who had the privilege of cleaning the dust and changing the covering of the blessed chamber! The Conversations of Tears and Reverence I still remember the conversations with the two old men in Makkah, while looking at their weaving. I was in Makkah, so I headed toward the factory of the covering of the Kaaba, and there I learned that the factory has another honour, for it produces also a covering for the Prophetic Chamber. I met at that time- several years ago- with men who partook in the production and installation, and I didn’t want to waste that opportunity as their youngest was in his sixties and I feared that they would leave this world before I could document this work. I recorded with them conversations that were mixed with tears and reverence; sometimes words would betray them, and at others, their emotions would choke them, as they spoke of their unique experience. Their limbs shook from just the memory- as if it happened yesterday- and not a quarter of a century ago. Shaykh Muhammad Ali Madani, head of the automated weaving division of the factory at that time, was generous with me. I learned from him that he was one of those who took part in weaving and installing the covering of the Prophetic Chamber. I said to him, tell me about the covering and the Prophetic Chamber- describe them to me. His sight wandered far, as if he was bringing those treasured memories before him. Then he answered: On that day, I felt a state of complete amazement take over me. It is a grand spot- of utmost grandeur. I do not know its exact circumference, but it seemed to me that the Prophetic Chamber was 48 meters in circumference. The awe of the place was so overbearing that nothing attracted my attention. I was so dazzled that I only saw the lamps hanging from the chamber ceiling, which were old gifts that would be given to the Mosque of the Prophet in ancient times. I was told that there were some Prophetic relics that were kept in another place- I don’t know where- but I do know that some historical items were kept in the chamber of sayyida Fatima al-Zahraa- the same place that she lived in. He added: the chamber covering is a weave made of pure silk, green in color, padded with a strong cotton cloth, and it is crowned by a belt similar to that of the covering of the Honored Kaaba, except that it is red in color. A quarter of its space is taken up by an embroidery of noble Quranic verses from Surat al-Fath, made of lines of cotton and wires of gold and silver… The covering of the Prophetic Chamber is not changed every year like the covering of the Honored Kaaba, because it is kept inside the chamber and far from the hands of the people and of the elements, and so it is only changed when needed. Then I met shaykh Ahmad Sahirty, head of the embroidery division of the factory. It was apparent to me - back then- how old he was, and how weak his vision. He took the initiative, saying: How can I speak to you about my feelings at the moment I entered the Prophetic Chamber… I can’t.. That is a speech above my abilities of speech, and I never thought that I would one day be asked about this experience. And I guarantee you that I will not be able to go through it again. When the Doors Were Opened He drew nearer to me and added: Look at the lenses of my spectacles- and he pointed at their thickness- and look at my white hair and the weight of the years that I carry. My age I do not count, but I’ve heard them say that I was born in the year 1333 A.H. (1917 C.E.). And in all those years, I did not know a single hobby other than the love of beautiful scents and perfumes. I’ve spent such a long period of time in those years that I’ve lived, trying to satiate that voracious appetite that is still with me; I traveled much and learned much, but I can tell you this with confidence: that I have my own special blends that you will not find with anyone else, and that no one else could ever make. And I tell you this because I discovered my inability and the meagerness of my knowledge on that blessed night, when the doors were opened to us, and we entered the Prophetic Chamber, and I inhaled perfumes and scents that I have never known before, and have never known since. I still do not know the secret of its composition: it was a scent above scents, an aroma above and beyond aromas- something else that us people of expertise, the people of the trade, have never experienced before. When I asked him to describe to me the Prophetic Chamber, a slight chill struck him and coursed through his body. And he said in a faint voice: I believe that the chamber is 11 meters in height. Below the green dome is another dome on which is written: “The tomb of the Prophet, the tomb of Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq, and the tomb of Umar ibn al-Khattab”. And I saw also that there was another tomb that was empty, and next to the four tombs was the chamber of sayyida Fatima al-Zahraa, which is the house in which she lived. From our awe we didn’t know how to remove the special pieces made for the dome- our fingers would shake and our breaths would race. We stayed 14 full nights working from after the Isha prayer until the first adhaan of the Fajr, in order to finish our task. We kept removing the pieces, untying the knots of the old covering, and cleaning all the dust and pigeon feathers that were stuck in that pure place. This scene goes back to the year 1971 C.E., and the covering that we changed was old: it was 75 years old according to the date that was weaved on it, and had never been changed since. I was the first to enter, with the Sayyid Habib, one of the notables of al-Madina al-Munawwara, As’ad Sheera the director of religious endowments of Madina at the time, and Habib Moghrabi from the factory management, and Abd al-Karim Flomban, Nasir Qari, Abd al-Rahim Bukhari and others. We were 13 men, I don’t remember most of them, for they have left unto the Mercy of Allah. We were accompanied by the chief of the Aghas who kept the keys to the Prophetic Chamber, and a number of the servants of the Chamber. Whispering was our speech, and that was if signaling was not sufficient. I was, and still am, suffering from weakness of vision and these spectacles have not left my eyes since those days, but in that chamber I was another person… I felt it, and the difference was clear to me. Strange Happenings The shaykh Sahirti swore, saying: I used to put the thread into the hole of the needle without my spectacles, despite the dim light in which we worked. How do you explain that? And how do you explain the fact that I didn’t feel the allergy that I suffered - and still suffer- from? Because I cough severely from the slightest bit of dust. But that day, I was not affected by the dust of the chamber, or the sand flying into the air. As if sand was no longer sand, and as if the dust became a medicine for my ailment. I used to feel all during those nights that I was a young man, and that youthfulness had been given back to me. Another strange thing happened to me whose secret I haven’t understood until today. We had to take out the old covering, and it was carried by whoever carried it. The embroidered band, 36 meters long, remained. I said to them wrap it and leave it. I went up to it, and despite my weakness, carried it over this shoulder. I went out of the Prophetic Chamber with it, without ever feeling its weight. But after that, they came with five young men to carry it from where I had put it down and they couldn’t. The shaykh began to weep silently and continued, while sighing: Someone asked who carried it and brought it here. I replied saying: me. They didn’t believe me. I said to them: Ask Abd al-Rahim Bukhari, the famous calligrapher of the covering. Source

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-24076859 Nothing brings the reality of death in one's heart like a tragic and unexpected death of someone one knows. The tragic fire incident in Leicester on Thursday night was one such incident for my family. I remember a sweet and gentle sister, devoted to studies of the Deen; I remember seeing her last in a little library at the Darul Uloom she studied, surrounded by huge books and I remember being inspired by her! She qualified as an 'Aalimah in August 2013 and immediately joined a class to improve her Qur'an recitation. She died therefore as a student of Deen on Thursday night; Stages upon stages of dying as a student of Deen, on a Friday and as a Martyr! May Allah subhaanahu wata'ala elevate the stages of the family and grant sabrun jameel to Dr Tawfeeq Sahib who lost his beloved wife, three children and his home. The following is advice given by our respected Sahykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat (Hafizahullah) He mentioned seven points in todays evening majlis regarding yesterdays incident.. 1. we should feel sorrow in our heart for this tragic incident as they are our family in Islam whether we know them or not 2. we should go to do taaziyat of the people left behind..not go to increase their sadness but to decrease it by giving comfort 3. if this incident has been done purposefully then make dua for the hidayat of such people who could heartlessly take innocent lives 4. Make dua for the deceased and do isaale Thawab 5. Do not involve in unnecessary speculations of what has happened or what could have happened 6. The grief felt by the father upon losing all the members of his family is undescribable, In a hadith Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi wasallam mentions that the person who misses his asr salaah it is as if he has lost all his family and belongings ie that is how much grief we should feel upon missing any one salah. So be punctual. 7. They had a sudden death..they had no idea that their death was coming that night so we should think also that my death could also be sudden..they had a good death Mashallah travellers, seeking knowledge, shuhadaa, death on a friday..but where will our death be..may it not be while we are sinning away.. May Allah Ta'aala grant us all Tawfiq to take lessons from this incident Aameen

THE SITE OF FATIMA’S (Radhiyallaahu 'anhaa) GRAVE Many people are under the impression that Fatimah (Radhiyallaahu 'anhaa) rests behind the door mentioned in the previous post (Number 29). This is incorrect and the following provides the answer Fatima (RUA), the daughter of the Prophet (SAS), died in a Hujrah adjacent to the Hujrah of Aisha (RUA). Some people erroneously state that she is also buried in her Hujrah. She is in fact, buried in Baqee as proved by many historical facts. 1.Fatima (RUA) used to say, “My modesty is injured by the following thought. After my death, my body will be put on a plank just like bodies of men. It will be covered by a piece of cloth and then carried on shoulders to the graveyard. In this way the shape of my body may become visible to others.” As mentioned in History of Madina, Fatima (RUA) expressed her above concern to Asma bint Omais (RUA). Asma (RUA) said to her, “ Should I not show you what I observed in Habsha?” Fatima (RUA) said, “Why not. Please do demonstrate it to me.” Asma (RUA) ordered a few green branches of palm tree. She bent each one of them into an arc. Then she spread a piece of cloth over these arcs. Fatima (RUA) said, “Fantastic.” This will show the distinction between the janaza of a man and a woman. It will also hide the body of a woman.” Fatima (RUA) added, “Listen Asma, after my death, you and Ali (RU) give me a bath. Nobody else should come near me. Please place the branches of tree on me in the same manner you demonstrated to me.” When Fatima (RUA) died, Asma (RUA) covered a plank of wood in the above manner and said, “This was the will of Fatima (RUA).” It is further explained in History of Madina that Fatima (RUA) was the first Muslim woman to be buried with a cover on her body in the above manner. After that Zainab bint Jahsh (RUA) was buried in the same manner. Consequently, all Muslim women were buried in this fashion. It is clear that Fatima (RUA) knew that her body would be taken from her Hujrah to Baqee. That’s why she expressed her concern and fear to Asma (RUA). If she was to be buried in her Hujrah, she did not need to make above will to Asma (RUA). It is also mentioned in History of Madina that according to some historians, there was a house situated just north of Baqee. It was called Dar Aqeel. The house was adjacent to Baqee and its one door opened into Baqee. Fatima (RUA) was buried in one corner of this very house. 2. It is mention in Vafa-ul-Vafa that Masoudi visited Madina during 302 Hijrah. He saw a stone fixed on certain graves with following inscription on it. In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful. All praise is for Allah (SWT) who has the power to destroy the nations and has also power to put life in rotten and fragile bones. Here is the grave of Fatima (RUA) daughter of the Prophet (SAS) who is the most distinguished lady of the world. Also are the graves of Hasan (RU) bin Ali (RU), Ali bin Husain bin Ali (RU), Mohammad bin Ali and Jaafar bin Mohammad (RU). 3. It is also mentioned in Vafa-ul-Vafa that Hasan (RU) made the following will to his brother Hussain (RU): “When I die, my body should first be brought near the grave of the Prophet (SAS). It should then be transferred to Baqee and buried near the grave of my mother.” He was buried in Baqee near the grave of Fatima (RUA) as desired in his will. It is very clear from these facts that Fatima (RUA) was not buried in her Hujrah. She was, in fact, buried in Baqee. The arguments of historians with contrary thinking has no weight against above proofs. Samhoudi has written in Vafa-ul-Vafa that such contrary narrations are false and are far from the truth. Source

Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat “Upon observing a speed camera, a driver immediately slows his car, because he is aware that he is being watched; he fears the consequences of speeding. Likewise a person who undergoes spiritual training will always feel the presence of Allāh ta’ala and will always remember, wherever he may be that: ‘Allāh ta’ala is watching me!’”

wa'alaykumus salaam word of caution: if anyone wishes to donate, please email Islamic teachings and avoid posting emails/addresses here. Use the "contact us" option on the top bar of the home page Jazaakumullaahu khayraa

What is Piety? Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam has stated: “Piety is beautiful character and sin is what agitates your conscience and what you fear being revealed in public.” (Muslim) “Verily truth is piety, and piety guides to Paradise. While falsehood is immorality, and immorality leads to the Fire.” (Daarimi) “Verily, Allah looks neither at your physique nor at your wealth but He looks at your heart and your deeds.” (Muslim) Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians 223 Alpine Road, Overport, Durban

BIOGRAPHY OF SAYYID ABUL HASAN ALI NADWI (Rahmatullaahi 'alayhi) Exemplar of Islamic Living, Exponent of Islam, Defender of Islamic Identity (1914 – 31 December, 1999 Biography.pdf

Taqleed made easy- For beginners By Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam Al Kawthari Must Listen if you wish to understand why there is need to follow a Madhab

Alhamdulillah! Ban Removed www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/birmingham-metro... Birmingham Metropolitan College drops controversial Muslim veil ban 12 Sep 2013 21:00 College announces policy U-turn ahead of student demonstration after petition attracts 8,000 signatures in two days A city college was forced to drop its controversial ban on Muslim face veils – less than 24 hours before a mass demonstration by hundreds of students. The astonishing U-turn by Birmingham Metropolitan College came after a protest petition attracted a staggering 8,000 signatures in just 48 hours. Hundreds of students planned to gather outside the Matthew Boulton city-centre campus at 2.30pm on Friday to voice their opposition to the policy, which was criticised by city councillors and MPs. On Thursday night, in the face of the furore, the college announced its humiliating climbdown. A statement said: “We are concerned that recent media attention is detracting from our core mission of providing high quality learning. As a consequence, we will modify our policies to allow individuals to wear specific items of personal clothing to reflect their cultural values. “The college will still need to be able to confirm an individual’s identity in order to maintain safeguarding and security. “We have listened to the views of our students and we are confident that this modification to our policies will meet the needs of all of our learners and stakeholders.” The Mail reported on Tuesday how education bosses had introduced a ban on all face coverings, including the niqab, for ‘security’ reasons, along with hoodies and caps. But the National Union for Students condemned the ban and an online protest petition had attracted 8,000 names within two days. Speaking before the decision to drop the ban, Aaron Kiely, Black Students Officer for the union, said: “This ban is a complete infringement on the rights to religious freedom and cultural expression and is a clear violation of a woman’s right to choose. “Women in Britain are rightly free to wear religious dress. We will be exploring all options to robustly challenge this outrageous decision. “We call on Birmingham Metropolitan College to reverse its decision and respect the fundamental rights of its diverse student population to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and cultural expression.” The under-fire college said the policy had been in place for some time and had been designed to protect students. In defending the original decision, a statement from college principal Dame Christine Braddock said: “To ensure that safeguarding is a priority, we have developed our policy alongside student views to ensure we keep them safe. “This needs individuals to be easily identifiable at all times when they are on college premises and this includes the removal of hoodies, hats, caps and veils.” The decision was also attacked by senior councillors in the city and MPs. Coun Waseem Zaffer, chairman of the council’s social cohesion board, said the college should be more concerned with failing ethnic minority students than “silly policy making”, in an open letter to Dame Braddock. “Whilst I recognise fully the priority of safeguarding learners from harm I cannot see, however, how the banning of veils contributes to the safeguarding agenda as I very much suspect that those learners who choose to wear the veil will indeed feel that no one is safeguarding their choice for cultural dress,” he said. “I am also deeply concerned about your success rates for apprenticeships, especially for learners from a minority background. “It would appear that learners from some of our most disadvantaged communities, and arguably the ones who need the most support (African-Caribbean and Pakistani) are not doing anywhere near as well as learners from other backgrounds – and this saddens me immensely as many of my constituents have an African-Caribbean or Pakistani heritage.” Shabana Mahmood, Labour MP for Ladywood, had previously said she was “deeply concerned” by the ban . “For those that choose to wear the full veil, it is an important article of faith,” she said. “I am deeply concerned that other colleges may follow suit, as a result of the which increasing numbers of women will be locked out of education and skills training.” A Muslim woman was granted permission to wear her full-face veil while entering a plea in court yesterday – after a judge initially forbade it. The woman, who denies a charge of witness intimidation, had previously been told she would have to show her face so she could be “conclusively identified” by Judge Peter Murphy at Blackfriars Crown Court in London. She refused, arguing the face covering was essential for religious reasons as she was in the presence of men. The same judge yesterday backed down and allowed her to wear her niqab while entering a not guilty plea.

Question and Answer: Q. please explain whether putting braces to straighten a persons skew teeth is permissible.Is this not also changing what Allah has created or the way Allah has created a person? (Question published as received) A. It is permissible as this is considered to be a rectification of the teeth and not changing Allah's creation. Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

aameen

Asslamo Allaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh, Birmingham Metropolitan College (UK) with roughly 9,000 teenage Muslim students has decided to BAN NIQAB for Security reasons! This is a slap in the face of every decent human being who is proud of the multicultural history and heritage of Birmingham. Waseem Zaffar (Chair BCC O&S Social Cohesion & Community Safety Committee) is acutely aware of the situation. Discussions are ongoing and protests are being planned. This thread will be used to keep everyone updated with the situation. All Muslims are requested to make dua to Allah (SWT), seek forgiveness for their sins and beseech for Allah (SWT)'s Mercy because He (SWT) is the Most Merciful of those who show Mercy! All Muslims are requested to stand united because this isn't a Deobandi/Salafi/Tableeghi issue but an issue of Islam All Muslims are requested to only post information which is credible and verified All Muslims are requested touse all possible means at their disposal to raise awareness about this issue.. More will be posted as it becomes available. Jazakallahu Khairun Full Details

EXPOSING ONE’S REAR IN SALAAH! Salaah being the time of presenting oneself in the Divine Court of Allah Ta’ala requires a certain decorum and respect. As certain occasions demand a certain dress code, the Masjid also demands the same. It is truly lamentable that we find individuals in many Masjids, going into Ruku and Sajdah and simultaneously exposing their rear end due to improper attire. Firstly, the Islamic ruling is that if 1/8 of the area of the buttocks is exposed on account of carelessness and lack of concern, the Salaah will be invalidated instantly. If it is exposed involuntarily or mistakenly for the duration of reciting Subhaana Rabbiyal Azeem/Aa'laa three times, the Salaah will also be invalidated. Secondly, the demand of the Masjid is proper attire. Revealing attire is not only disrespectful to the Masjid, it is disrespectful to the Musallees behind you to whom your rear is exposed. At the very least we should keep a Kurta or Jubba in our cars for whenever we perform Salaah or use the Masjid Jubbas when performing Salaah at the Masjid. In this way the sanctity of the Masjid is preserved as well as the validity of our Salaah. NB. This ruling applies to females as well, but is stricter in its application as a female’s back above the waistline must also be compulsorily covered. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians 223 Alpine Road, Overport, Durban

House of Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her) This door (intricately patterned metal doors, heavily secured with antique locks), on the eastern side of the Roza Mubarak marks the place where the door of the house of Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) and his wife Fatima (may Allah be pleased with her) was located. Fatima (may Allah be pleased with her) was the youngest and most beloved daughter of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him).This was the residence of Fatimah and her husband Ali and their five esteemed children, Hasan, Hussein, Mohsin (who died in childhood) Umme Kulthoom and Zainab RadhiAllahu anhum. References: History of Madinah Munawwarah – Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Abdul Ghani & Almiskeenah

The Dwellings of the Wives of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam Layout of Hujraat (Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed) Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) was buried in the house of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) in whose house he was staying at the time of his death. The wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) lived in small, simple huts adjacent to the masjid. Each hut consisted of a room which was approximately 5m x 4m with a small backyard and were made of unbaked bricks of mud with branches of palm tree as a roof covering. Sauda & Hafsa On the left side of the hut of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) was the hut of Sauda (may Allah be pleased with her), the second wife of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). The hut of Hafsa (may Allah be pleased with her), another wife of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and the daughter of Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was on the opposite side. There used to be a very narrow street between their houses, just enough for one person to walk through. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) and Hafsa (may Allah be pleased with her) used to converse with each other while sitting in their own huts. Part of the hut of Hafsa (may Allah be pleased with her) was located inside the present Sacred Chamber and part of it is where visitors stand for salutation to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). (Notes from Islamic Landmarks) From Almiskeenah Hujuratu Ummahatil Mu’mineen and other adjacent features. The heart swims in an elixir of sweetness as it is carried back to when these rooms were of clay bricks, ceilings of dried date palm leaves, doorways covered with the hides of animals or thick sack cloth. Compacted earthen floors blessed by the noble feet of all the beloved wives RadhiAllahu anhunna of our Blessed Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam as they tended to their daily chores and welcomed others into their modest and humble rooms. Spaces that witnessed our Beloved Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam performing domestic tasks, receiving revelations, entertaining his guests, playing with his grandsons, fare welling loved ones. Walls that he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam passed in and out of and that protected him from the elements for ten years. SubhanAllah. By familiarizing ourselves with the details of how these most blessed rooms on the face of the earth were kindles a love that flames the desire to be closer and to help quell the longing for ostentation. Our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam had he wished, could have built lofty mansions and palaces, but he chose the bliss of the Hereafter as his focus, teaching that pomp and show in this life does not equate with success, that all is temporal. Say: The provision of this world is but small, while the next is better for whoever is God-wary. (4:77) Reflecting on how these Hujurat were brings stillness and deepens the understanding of the importance of zuhud, renunciation of that which steals our contemplation from our true purpose here. Junayd Rahmatullah alaih eloquently said about Zuhud: It is seeing the world as insignificant and erasing its vestiges from the heart, and it is that the hand be free of property and the heart of pursuing it. While Shibli Rahmatullah alaih said: It is to abstain from what is other than God Most High. Allow yourself to be transported back…and then assess your own Hujurat. The Hujuraat (Marked by the coloured circles): green: Sayyidatuna Aishah bint Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu anha red: Sayyidatuna Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha yellow: Sayyidatuna Hafsah bint ‘Umat RadhiAllahu anha dark blue: Sayyidatuna Sauda bint Zama RadhiAllahu anha lime: originally Sayyidatuna Zaynab bint Khuzaymah RadhiAllahu anha before her untimely passing, followed by Sayyidatuna Umm Salamah bint Abu Umama RadhiAllahu anha light blue: Sayyidatuna Zaynab bint Jahsh RadhiAllahu anha lilac: Sayyidatuna Juwayriya bint al-Harith RadhiAllahu anha purple: Sayyidatuna Umm Habibah Ramla bint Abu Sufyan RadhiAllahu anha orange: Sayyidatuna Maimoonah RadhiAllahu anha brown: direction of first Qibla to Jerusalem, when there was a southern door to the Masjid (large pink) burgundy: Minbar green area: Rowdha Shareef with the mihrab (small royal blue) position at the time of our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Abwab (Doors) marked by the coloured lines: pink, Bab Baqi, blue Bab Jibreel, green Babun-Nisa. The positions of Bab Salam (lime) and Bab Rahmah (orange) at the time of our Blessed Rasulullah SallAllahu alahi wasallam, realizing that they are now positioned on the walls of the extensions blue X: place where Sayyidna Bilal RadhiAllahu anhu delivered Adhan for Juma’ah, while the orange X indicates where he would stand on the stump of a palm trunk for all other Adhans. green X: marks the place where a frame was erected for the donated bunches of dates to be hung for the Ahle Suffa from various donors. pink X: is the approximate place where the Banu Thaqeef pitched their tent when they traveled from Taif seeking teachings from our Blessed Rasulullah SallAllahu alahi wasallam.

To know or not to know Once, the people of the city invited Mulla Nasruddin to deliver a speech. When he got on the minbar (pulpit), he found the audience was not very enthusiastic, so he asked "Do you know what I am going to say?" The audience replied "NO", so he announced "I have no desire to speak to people who don't even know what I will be talking about" and he left. The people felt embarrassed and called him back again the next day. This time when he asked the same question, the people replied "YES" So Mullah Nasruddin said, "Well, since you already know what I am going to say, I won't waste any more of your time" and he left. Now the people were really perplexed. They decided to try one more time and once again invited the Mullah to speak the following week. Once again he asked the same question - "Do you know what I am going to say?" Now the people were prepared and so half of them answered "YES" while the other half replied "NO". So Mullah Nasruddin said "The half who know what I am going to say, tell it to the other half" and he left!

Marriage!!! Marriage is like a deck of cards. In the beginning all you need is two hearts and a diamond By the end you wish you had a club and spade!

Passing the examination of life If in any school, university, college or institute, questions of an examination are given or there is a paper ‘leak-out’, the examination is cancelled or reset. Allah Ta’ala has given us the final question paper consisting of three outwardly simple questions. The preparation time has also been given – i.e. our lives. The examiners are also known: Munkar and Nakeer. The consequences too have been spelt out. There is tremendous reward and honour in passing the examination, and there is disgrace and punishment on failure. Even though it would take just a few seconds to learn such simple questions and answers, such that even 3 and 4 year olds could be taught the same, and can memorize them, it is not as easy as it seems. Had it been so extremely easy, many more would have led their lives in accordance to the demands and dictates of the nafs …. because the answers are known. However this is not the reality of our final examination. These answers depend on one’s life and one’s preparations for it. The 3 questions to be asked, as we know, are : Who is your Rabb ? What is your Deen ? Who is this man ? (i.e. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) If we say that Allah Ta’ala is our Rabb (Sustainer), we have to recognize Him as our Creator; as the One who has blessed us with all our spiritual, physical and material gifts. We have to recognize Him through His signs and we have to submit to and obey Him in this worldly life. This recognition is what will bring Ibaadah (worship) into practice. The second question can only be answered if a person has lived a life of Submission to Allah Ta’ala by following the Shariah which He revealed to His Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). The third question can only be answered if a person has followed the way of life of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). It won’t be possible for the person who lived the lifestyle of the enemies of Islam to answer this question easily. Although we claim that we have Imaan and love for Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), our actions contradict our claim. We assert and affirm that the true religion is Islam but we do not practise on its beautiful teachings. …Why? A person may bribe, lie and cheat just to pass an examination of this world but there is no possibility for the same in the Grave. To fly through the examination of the grave, we need to develop our Imaan in Allah Ta’ala, adorn our hearts with His Love and Ma’rifat (Recognition) and grace our lives with a practical expression of Islam by following the Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). There is no other way to pass this most crucial examination of life. And we should always keep in mind that there is no re-testing and no re-marking. A person either passes or he fails. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding of the greatness of this test, and the effort to work in the direction of preparation for the questioning of the grave, that we may pass without any difficulty and with distinction. by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh) islaaminfo.co.za

A debate has been going on about defining or redefining Islãm and its followers. Several terms have been designed to make a distinction among Muslims' various political schools of thoughts. These terms sometimes appear attractive, especially in the state of confusion in which we live. They provide us with a different approach to identify ourselves. However, when we look at these terms deeply, we begin to realize that they are meant to define us in the mould of our thinking influenced by our social and political milieu. Terms that are in fashion currently are moderate Islãm, progressive Islãm, enlightened Islãm, modern Islãm, extremist Islãm, liberal Islãm, conservative Islãm, reformed Islãm, orthodox Islãm, fundamentalist Islãm, medieval Islãm, and obscurantist Islãm, etc. What is interesting is that these terms emerge from the limitations of our own readings of Islãm controlled by our own social political experiences. For instance, in the context of the West, it is now fashionable to use terms such as progressive Islãm and moderate Islãm. When asked to define these terms, their proponents say that "moderate" or "progressive" Islãm opposes violence, accepts the universal charter of human rights, promotes gender equality and recognizes the idea of pluralism. Dialectically, what they are saying is that there is an Islãm that does not recognize the value of non-violence, that rejects universal charter of human rights and that opposes the idea of gender equality and pluralism. If this is the basis of redefining Islãm, then it is a weak premise. Islam is a faith given to human beings to live their lives according to certain values originally defined by the Divine. People have a choice to reject them or accept them because they are responsible for their own actions. Islãm does not advocate violence. Those who use violence as a means to achieve their goals, however noble their goals may be, are essentially in violation of their faith. They are the ones who are deviating from the path of Islãm. Why should their deviation cause some Muslims to redefine Islãm and form a separate category of moderate or progressive Islãm in order to make a distinction between the two? There are always people and groups who use their faith to promote their own political and economic agenda. This is true with all religions. The most effective way to confront such people is to develop a sound argument on the basis of a comprehensive understanding of the divine values and prophetic teachings. This is a struggle that we all have to carry on within ourselves and in the society at large. Creating further divisions and categorizing ourselves in terms that refer to our own political expediencies will not serve the real purpose of the faith. Islãm, after all, demands from every Muslim to be a witness to the truth. The truth is clear in Islãm. We cannot change it for our political purposes. Thus, the coinage of these terms is primarily a weak strategy that defeats the very purpose of the faith. The questions that ought to be raised, then, are: what is this truth and how do we discern it from the falsehood? The truth will emerge from our quest of knowledge, experiences, wisdom and guidance from the Divine. The truth will not be dictated by a few sound bites of President Bush or Daniel Pipes or people like them. In the case of Islãm, the truth, as perceived by Muslims based on their general readings of the Qur’ãn, is that Islãm is a divinely revealed faith that commands its adherents to follow the principles of monotheism, justice, equality, and peace in all aspects of their life. We have to understand our world in the context of these divinely revealed truths and develop suitable instruments to ensure that they are shared with the rest of the world. Thus, our struggle is to be a witness to these truths and to challenge all those who are in violation of these regardless of what label they assume. In the Qur’ãn, the Divine tells us of people who would call themselves Muslims, yet, would do everything that is contrary to the teachings of Islãm. It is not a prudent strategy to say that because of the deviations of others, we are changing our self definition and coining a new term to describe our relation with our faith. Our commitment to our faith is based on the criterion of right and wrong.The propagation of new terminologies by various Mu slim s is leadi ng our community into a bewilderment of confusing ideas without realizing that the principles of faith cannot be compromised for our understanding or lack of understanding of political realities. Thus, we have two tasks at hand. First, internally we have to challenge those who a r e d e v i a t i n g f r o m t h e foundation of Islãm, and second we have to communicate to the rest of the world the real foundation on which our faith stands. It is better that we spend our time and resources in these areas rather than wasting our energy in coining and recoining terms that confuse us and others as well. When we do what is expected of us in Islãm, we will notice qualitative change in our own attitude as well as the attitude of the people in our faith. At-Tarbiyah Islamic Tarbiyah Academy

Hajj Days Soon!! Travelling for Hajj Now Jeddah Airport Or the International Airport in Madinah & Before (Click on pictures to Enlarge)

Model of the layout of the Positions of the various Residences around the Mehraab of Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam a. Prophet’s SAWS mihrab b. Aisha b. Abu Bakr’s RA residence c. Hafsa b. Umar’s RA residence d. Zainab b. Jahsh’s RA residence (not pictured) e. Zainab b. Kuzayma’s RA) residence (not pictured) f. Fatima’s RA residence (not pictured) g. Baab-Uthman b. Affan RA h. Ahlul Suffa Residence i. Juwayriya’s RA residence (not pictured) j. Rumla’s RA residence (not pictured) k. Saffiya’s RA residence (not pictured) l. Baab-ul-Rahma m. Abu Bakr’s RA residence n. Sa’d b. Abi Waqaas RA residence (not pictured) o. al-Abbas b. Abdul Muttalib RA (Prophet’s SAWS uncle) residence p. Jafar b. Abi Sadiq RA residence Source: The Madinah Research & Study Centre, Al Madinah Al Munawara

Why is stoning and honour killings common? Answer You enquire regarding stoning and honour killings. Sharī’ah promotes modesty. Every sound religion promotes modesty. From amongst the most immoral and indecent acts is adultery and fornication. The abundance of immodesty is resulting in young girls merely in their teens falling pregnant. Adolescent boys are raping innocent girls in the schools and colleges. The aftermath of all this is that illegitimate children are being deprived of parenthood. Likewise, the large quantity of fornication and adultery is resulting in marriages breaking up, children being deprived and families falling apart. Even the other scriptures condemned adultery. To the extent that in Christianity, adultery is synonymous to infidelity. If this is the condemnation and consequences of such actions, then surely they need to be impeded. If the current laws are effective, humane and a deterrent, then consider the following statistics: Somewhere in America, a woman is raped every 2 minutes, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Estimated number of men actually raped each year, according to the Dept. of Justice: 93,000 Number of women raped in 2007 under the UCR definition: 91,874 Number of sexual assaults in 2007–which includes rapes the FBI leaves out–according to the National Crime Victimization Survey: 248,300 Dept. of Justice estimate of how many women are actually raped each year: 300,000 [PDF] Number of arrests for rape in 2007 (UCR): 23,307 Average number of rapes to every murder committed annually: 5 to 1.[ii] According to a news report on BBC One presented in 12 November 2007, there were 85,000 women raped in the UK in the previous year, equating to about 230 cases every day.[iii] What is more barbaric? Stoning or having a rape case every two minutes? The western countries have a thousand laws to combat crime, rape and adultery; is crime and violence decreasing or increasing? The facts clearly show the current laws are not successful in impeding the criminals. Neither are the women feeling secure in such countries nor are the crimes decreasing. Surely these countries need to rethink what they consider barbaric. When such laws are a failure, one has to admit that the Sharī’ah has implemented the most effective deterrent. Imagine being stoned? The fear, embarrassment, pain and disgrace will clearly make a person rethink before he makes an evil move. Likewise, imagine watching somebody getting stoned to death. The fear, fright and terror experienced from such a scene will surely result in flashback. The moment the thought of committing adultery transpires in one’s mind, the flashbacks of witnessing someone being stoned will detain and seize these evil intentions. Hence, stoning to death is a legal corporal punishment in Sharī’ah for committing adultery. There are stringent conditions for this corporal punishment to be established. For stoning to be carried out, it has to be decreed by a Muslim judge in an Islamic state. If stoning is being carried out without the correct protocol, it will be illegal and condemned by Sharī’ah, even if it was done in the name of Shari’ah. There are many actions performed in the name of many beliefs, philosophies and groups, does that mean it is endorsed by that philosophy or group? Approximately 4-5 people were stoned in the time of the Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam.[iv] And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best Mawlana Faraz Ibn Adam, Student Darul Iftaa UK Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai. www.daruliftaa.net

Question: Why do females get half the inheritance amount of males? Also, why are stoning, honour killings so prevalent today in the name of Islam? Were they common in the time of the Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam? Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. You enquire why females receive half the inheritance of their male counterparts. One must understand that the laws of inheritance are by Divine order. As Muslims, our attitude to a divine decree is simply to submit. The point of satisfaction is in the fact that Allah is al-Hakīm (The All Wise). Every decree of Almighty Allah has innumerable benefits and wisdoms which we can never fathom or comprehend. Besides the many benefits in each individual law, the common thread in all the laws of Islam is that they consider the realities of life. There is no room for emotions in these Laws. The Laws of Allah are not based on emotions. They are founded on the best possible course for humanity to follow. Each law, the law itself and its ramifications are beneficial for everyone and everything the law applies to. From the day a woman is born to the day she passes away, she is never responsible to earn her own living. From birth to her marriage, her father or guardian is responsible to provide for her. After marriage, her husband is responsible to provide for her. When she gets old, her children are responsible to look after her. On the other hand, a male is tasked with providing and looking after his whole family. If the male did not receive double the share, this would be injustice on the male. Everybody would be asking the question why Islam does injustice on the males as Islam tasks the male to provide and maintain the family, yet Islam does not channel to him the possible funds needed to uphold this responsibility. For example, if a father passed away and his estate was worth £100,000. The son will receive £66,666.66 and the daughter will receive £33,333.33. The son may have to spend almost the entire amount in maintaining his sister and family. Whereas, the daughter who inherited, she will not be obliged to spend a single pence. She can keep the entire amount to herself. What is better? Receiving £66,666.66 and spending it all on others or receiving £33,333.33 and having the privilege of keeping it all to yourself? And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best Mawlana Faraz Ibn Adam, Student Darul Iftaa UK Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai. www.daruliftaa.net

Question and Answer: Q. is it Ok for a Woman to Wait at a Jamaat Khana for Females For her Lift Whilst she is in a State of Menses?(Query published as received) A. She can wait in a Jamaat Khana/Musalla in the state of menstruation. A Jamaat Khana is not the same as a Musjid and purity is not a precondition for entering, unlike a Musjid where it is compulsory to be clean. And Allah Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Confirmation: Mufti Ebrahim Desai