ummtaalib

“We do not try to attract the Mercy and Help of Allāh ta’ala in our du‘ās the way we should. We discuss the state of the Ummah and its problems and politics for hours on end, yet we cannot take out five minutes to beseech Allāh ta’ala – the One who is fully able to solve our problems and improve our condition.” Courtesy of In Shaykh's Company: a blog maintained by the students of Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah www.shaykh.org

‘Īd-ul-Fitr By Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah The Night of ‘Īd The nights of both ‘Īds are described in the hadīth as amongst the great and sacred nights in the Muslim calendar. To remain awake on the nights of ‘Īd and perform ‘ibādah is a source of great virtue and reward. 1. Abū ‘Umārah radhiyallāhu anhu relates that Rasūlullāh sallāllahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: Whoever stays awake and performs ‘ibādah on the night of the two ‘Īds, with hope for abundant reward (from Allāh ta’ālā), his heart will not die on the day (i.e. Qiyāmah) when all hearts will be dead. (Targhīb) 2. Mu‘ādh Ibn Jabal radhiyallāhu anhu relates that Rasūlullāh sallāllahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: Jannah is wājib (incumbent) for those who stay awake with the intention of making ‘ibādah on the following nights: 8th, 9th, 10th, of Dhul Hijjah, the night of ‘Īd-ul-Fitr and the night of the 15th of Sha‘bān. (Targhīb) 3. Imām Shafi‘ī rahimahullāh said: “Du‘ās are answered on the nights of Friday (the night between Thursday and Friday), the nights before the two ‘Īds and the 15th night of Sha‘bān.” Sunnats of the Day of ‘Īd 1. To rise early. 2. To clean the teeth with miswāk. 3. To have a masnūn bath. 4. To dress in one’s best garments in an Islamic manner. 5. To use ‘itr (apply fragrance). 6. To eat dates or any other sweets before going for the ‘Īd-ul Fitr Salāh. 7. To go early for ‘Īd Salāh. 8. To go walking for ‘Īd Salāh. 9. To read the Takbīrāt of Tashrīq in a low voice while going for the ‘Īd Salāh. Allāhu akbar Allāhu akbar lā ilāha illallāhu wallāhu akbar Allāhu akbar wa lillāhil hamd 10. To use different routes to and from the place of ‘Īd Salāh. Mas’alah: It is harām to fast on the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Ḥijjah, (i.e. on ‘Īd-ul-Ad’hā and three days after) and the day of ‘Īd-ul-Fitr. The Method of ‘Īd Salāh 1. Make niyyah (intention) of performing two raka‘āts wājib of ‘Īd-ul-Fitr behind the imām, with six wājib takbīr. 2. The first takbīr in the first rak‘ah is the takbīr tahrīmah which is followed by three wājib takbīr. Raise your hands to the ears in all four takbīr (saying the takbīr). However, after the first takbīr fold the hands under the navel and read thanā (sub’hānakallāhumma...). Thereafter, in the following two takbīr raise the hands up to the ears and drop them on the sides and after the fourth takbīr fold them again. 3. The imām will recite Sūrah-al-Fātihah and another sūrah and go into rukū‘ and sajdah etc. as usual. 4. In the second rak‘ah, after the recitation and before rukū‘ another three takbīr will be called. In all three takbīr raise the hands to the ears and drop them on the sides and go into rukū‘ when the fourth takbīr is called. NOTE: Four takbīr are said together in each rak‘ah; at the beginning of the first rak‘ah and before going into rukū‘ in the second rak‘ah. The easy method of remembering when to drop the hands and when to fold is mentioned hereunder: (a) Remember the following words: Fold, drop, drop, fold, for the first rak‘ah and drop, drop, drop, rukoo‘, for the second rak‘ah. (b) Or keep the following general rule in mind: when there is something to be recited after a takbīr; the hands should be folded and when nothing is to be recited the hands are to be dropped to the sides. Mas’alah: It is makrūh to offer any salāh in the masjid where the ‘Īd Salāh is to be performed, before or after the ‘Īd Salāh. Mas’alah: It is also makrūh to perform any ṣalāh at home before the ‘Īd Salāh, but it is not makrūh after the ‘Īd Salāh. Hence, we should not perform nafl Salāh such as Ishrāq on ‘Īd day. Mas’alah: If anyone missed the ‘Īd Salāh then he cannot offer it individually. Mas’alah: Khutbah after the ‘Īd Salāh is sunnah. However, the listening of the khutbah is wājib. Mas’alah: If anyone joins the ‘Īd Salāh after the imām has said the three takbīr in the first rak‘ah he should say his three takbīr immediately. If he joins while the imām is in rukū‘, then if he feels and has strong hope that he will say three takbīr and join the imām in rukū‘ then he should complete the takbīr before going into rukū‘. Otherwise he should join the imām in rukū‘ and say the three takbīr instead of the tasbīḥ of rukū‘. NOTE: Whilst saying the takbīr in rukū‘, he should not raise his hands. NOTE: If the imām rises from rukū‘ before one’s takbīr are completed, one should also rise with the imām and his takbīr will be remitted for him. Mas’alah: If anyone missed the first rak‘ah and joined the imām in the second rak‘ah, he should say the three takbīr of the first rak‘ah after the recitation when he gets up to complete the missed rak‘ah. Mas’alah: If anyone joined the imām in the second rak‘ah after rukū‘, then he should perform two raka‘āts as mentioned above. Islamic Da'wah Academy

Question: How does a wife who has no source of income pay Zakat on her jewelry? Answer: In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful, If an individual possesses in his/her ownership wealth in the form of gold, silver, cash, merchandise, or livestock to the value of the Zakat-payable amount (nisab), then Zakat will be obligatory upon them. In the Hanafi School, one is also obliged to pay Zakat on gold and silver jewellery even if the jewellery is for personal use. (See: the various Fiqh references) Thus, if a woman has in her ownership gold or silver the value of which reaches the appointed Nisab amount, then she will be required to pay Zakat. If she has money in the form of cash, she may pay the Zakat from it; otherwise, she will have to sell some part of the jewellery in order to pay the Zakat. She may even give an item from the jewellery itself as Zakat to the poor and needy. However, it is suggested that if she has no other savings, her husband or father pay Zakat on her behalf with her permission. It will be as though her husband or father is giving her some money as gift, and she is utilizing that money to pay off her Zakat. If that is not possible, she will have no alternative but to sell some part of the gold and silver jewellery in order to fulfil her responsibility. The same ruling would apply with ritual slaughter (udhiyya), in that if one does not possess cash, one will have to sell some part of the wealth in order to fulfil this duty. Udhiyya becomes Wajib when one has wealth (in any form) in excess of one�s personal needs to the amount of Nisab. Thus, even a male who has no cash on hand would be required to sell some items and perform Udhiyya. And Allah knows best Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari Darul Iftaa, Leicester, UK

A Gift from Allah Ta’ala to this Ummah Fasting Six Days of Shawwal After Ramadhaan: “Like Fasting The Entire Year” The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days from Shawwal it is as if they fasted the entire year.” (Hadith-Muslim) NB. It is permitted to fast these six days separately throughout the month, or consecutively, after Eid al-Fitr. It is prohibitively disliked (makruh tahrimi) and sinful to fast on Eid day itself. EISLAM

The little boy came running to his mother crying with a request. “Jarir and Mughiz have both got new clothes for Eid. Can I have some new clothes as well?” The mother picked him up and wiped his tears. Their mother, Fatima bint Abdul Malik(RA), was no ordinary woman. Her father, grandfather and each of her four brothers were at one time or another Caliph and leader of the Muslim Ummah. In fact, her own husband was the present Caliph, Umar ibn Abdul Aziz(RA) – who ruled the world’s largest empire that stretched from the Atlantic to the Indian oceans. She promised him that she would check with his father to see if he could have new clothes for Eid. When Umar ibn Abdul Aziz returned home, his wife related her sons request to him. The Caliph had a pained look in his eyes. “Fatima, you know how much I value my children, but all the money I have is in front of you”, he said motioning towards the sparsely furnished hut. Though a Caliph, Umar took care to live honestly and did much to ensure justice. Fatima agreed with her husband, but she said that maybe it would be possible to buy very cheap clothes for him and he would just be happy with something new to wear. The tears have left satins on his cheeks. Finally, the Caliph, saddened by the plight, agreed and wrote a letter to his treasurer requesting that his pay be advanced a month early so that he could buy his child something to wear on Eid. But the honest and pious Caliph had an equally honest treasurer who wrote a letter in reply to the Caliph. The Caliph read the letter with tears flowing from his eyes: “Amir Ul-Mumineen, I have great respect for you and I trust and obey you completely. However, if you could guarantee to me that you will live through the next month and do your service to the people (which will entitle you to your pay) then the money can be advanced to you. If you cannot give the assurance of your life, then how can the treasury pay you and why are you taking the rights of the poor,orphans and widows onto your shoulders?” Caliph Umar ibn Abdul Aziz realised his mistake. Fatima bint Abdul Malik, washed the old clothes. The day of Eid arrived and the whole area of Damascus was buzzing with joy and celebration with people clad in their new attires. Caliph Umar ibn Abdul Aziz also set out for the Eid Prayer holding the hand of his son, both father and son wearing their clean old clothing. The young boy’s face shone brightly, as he walked alongside his father, convinced that the eternal pleasure and comforts of Jannah(Paradise) are by far superior to the comforts of this temporary world. One has to wonder if they were made from the same dust as us. Once we (Muslims) were kings on this Earth, but it wasn’t because we were large in number that we were respected. It wasn’t because we were powerful that we were victorious. It wasn’t because we were successful that we were admired. It wasn’t because our women were beautiful that they were treated with honour and dignity. It wasn’t because we were intelligent that our example was emulated. It was all due to the faith of Islam. Sometimes, it’s worthwhile reflecting on how far we’ve fallen so we know how high we need to climb. A Very Special Eid Mubarak! EISLAM

Q. Should Sajdah Tilawah be performed immediately after the ayah of sajida or if we wish to perform all 14 at once. Shukran. A. It is best to perform the Sajdah Tilawah immediately upon reciting the verse of Sajdah. Nevertheless, if it is delayed till one completes the Qur'an and all 14 Sajdahs are done at the end, this will be permissible. And Allah Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

The Achievement’s of Sayyid Ahmad Shahid By ‘Allamah Sayyid Abu ‘l-Hasan ‘Ali al-Nadawi Translated by Mohiuddin Ahmad The reformatory endeavour of Sayyid Ahmad ibn ‘Irfan Shahid al-Berelwi (1201/1786 – 1246/1831 / Allah have mercy on him) and the far-reaching effect his movement had on the subsequent development of Indian Muslims are recognised by all, friends and foes alike. However we cite here the views of some scholars of the earlier generations about the achievements of Sayyid Ahmad Shahid. ‘Abd al-Ahad writes: “More than forty thousand Hindus and other non-Muslims embraced Islam through his efforts and three million Muslims pledged allegiance to him. His deputies (khalifa) are still enlisting people to his order and the number of all such persons would run into several millions.” (Sawanih Ahmadi, p. 65) Maulana Wilayat ‘Ali (d. 1269/1853) who had undergone great sacrifices for the sake of Sayyid’s cause, attested that: “Thousands of persons left their unsound creeds to embrace Islam. Within a brief period of five or six years three million persons took bay’at (allegiance) at the hands of the Sayyid while another hundred thousand were initiated in his order during his pilgrimage.” (Risalah Da’wat) Another reputed scholar, Nawab Sayyid Siddiq Hasan Khan of Bhopal (d. 1307/1890) who had met a number of Sayyid’s disciples bears witness to the task of reform and renovation of faith performed by the Sayyid in these words: “A sign of God he was in guiding the people on the right path and making their hearts incline towards God. A large number of these pure-hearted souls attained sainthood through the potent influence exerted by him, while his spiritual successors swept the country clean of all innovations and polytheistic thoughts and practices, and this great work of reformation is still continuing… In short, there was none so godly and perfect of spirit in the whole world in those days, nor was there any mystic or religious scholar who exerted such a salutary influence even over one-tenth of the people as he did.” (Taqsar Juyud al-Ahrar, p. 109-110) It was through the Sayyid’s magnetic personality that the founders of the Deoband school, on the one hand, and a body of selfless workers headed by the great organisers of Sadiqpur (the centre of the Sayyid’s Jihad movement), on the other, were initiated in the Mujaddidiyyah-Naqshbandiyyah order. The first group exerted itself to establish educational institutions for religious reform while the second struggled against foreign influences alien to the spirit and teachings of Islam. Both of them awakened the Muslims from their deep slumber at a time when they seemed to have no future at all. These disciples and deputies of the Sayyid restored the self confidence of the Indian Muslims. The intellectual ferment and quickened vitality of the masses informed by a sense of Islamic identity stirred up by the followers of Sayyid Ahmad Shahid, constituted a marvellous achievement of the Sayyid’s movement which was not only unparalleled in the history of mysticism and religious reform but also protected the great Muslim community of this sub-continent against ever reverting back to unsound beliefs and polytheistic practices as witnessed in India towards the later half of the tenth century after Hijri. All these achievements assign a honoured place to the Sayyid among the galaxy of great mujaddids whom we find giving a call to the faithful at every turning point of our history. (Saviours of Islamic Spirit Volume 3, Lucknow: Academy of Islamic Research and Publications, 1994, p. 332-4) friendsofdeoband

All great men have been nurtured in the laps of women. As the famous saying states, “Behind every successful man there is a woman.” It is either the touch of a loving mother or the embrace of a devoted wife which propels man to the summits of success. Men are moulded in the shadows of ideal women. The ideal woman is the nucleus of the family. She keeps bonds strong. Whilst the father is busy earning the daily bread, the ideal woman as a mother at home wraps the children in a blanket of love and affection. She tends to their needs and feeds them the love children so ardently desire. When the mother sits to worship her loving Creator, she positions her child next to her on the prayer mat. The child observes the mother inquisitively. As the days pass, the child begins to imitate her actions. A time comes where the child falls into prostration himself. Before the mother falls to the ground in the presence of her Mighty Lord, the child displays his servitude and tumbles into prostration. With the passage of time, the mother dons the child with Islamic attire. The cute child now wears a qalansuwa (hat) and a jubba. The child becomes accustomed to the times of prayer. There was a time when the mother would call him to prayer, now he races to the prayer mat and awaits his mother. The ideal woman reads and narrates the stories of the Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam and Sahabah radialallahu anhum to the child. She inspires and infuses the child with lofty aspirations. She breathes into him the love of Islam and striving in the path of Allah. She encourages the child to adopt the likes of Khalid bin Waleed and Salaahudeen al-Ayyubi radiallahu anhuma as heroes. The ideal woman induces the love of Allah in her infant. She implants the hatred of the materialistic life in the eyes of her child. She places halal morsels into the small mouth of her child. She raises him with the Qur’an resonating in his ears. She instils prophetic values and ethics into the child. Above all, she teaches him the name of Allah and introduces her son to Allah. Her touch is imprinted and indented on the child. Such a mother is the ideal woman. The ideal woman does not fall short in her duties to her husband. Upon seeing her husband, the flame of love is ignited and kindled in her bosom. She awaits her husband earnestly in the shadows of her home. When there is a knock on the door, she jumps with excitement to see her love of her life. As she opens the door, she opens her arms to welcome and embrace her husband. The intensity of love is so high, the sight of one another dissolves all tiredness, frustration and pain. The ideal woman is very sensitive to the feelings of her husband. His smile is her smile. His laugh is her laugh. His happiness is her happiness. She does all she can to keep face of the husband glowing with a smile. She gives her night and day to serve her prince. The ideal woman is the coolness of her parent’s eyes. Her sight is cooling to the eyes and soothing to soul. She serves her parents. She sits with her father and mother. She expresses her sentiments to them. She protects her chastity and honour. She is a source of pride and delight for the parents. The ideal woman is a caring friend. Her shoulder is always nearby for a friend in need. She is a refuge for the weak ones. Others find solace and comfort in her midst. She expels evil, sadness and gloom with her soft touch. Her soft and warm tone draws the hearts together. In essence, the ideal woman is the balance in society. She is the pivot of humanity. Her uprightness and soundness causes the society to be upright and sound. She is a treasure for the husband, a fortune for the children, a jewel for the parents and a blessing for humanity. We have to make a deal with ourselves to become ideal. Until ‘I’ and ‘deal’ do not get together, one can never be ideal. With Compliments- Darul Fiqh

Solution to Spiritual Maladies for the Lovers of Allah ta'ala Shaykh Muhammad Akhtar (Raheemahullah) A compilation of the inspirational prescriptions given by Shaykh Akhtar Sahib (Raheemahullah) to his followers.... A very beneficial compilation Solution_Spiritual_Maladies.pdf

SHARIAT AND TASAWWUF by Maseehul Ummat, Maulana Mohammed Maseehullah Khan Sherwaani one of the greatest of authorities in Tasawwuf of our times THE NATURE OF TASAWWUF The department of the Shariat relating to a’male batini (esoteric acts or states of the heart) is called Tasawwuf and Suluk; and, the department of the Shariat relating to a’male zahiri (exoteric acts or physical acts) is called Fiqh. The subject matter dealt with by Tasawwuf is tahtheebe akhlaq or the adornment of character while the motive of this branch of the Shariat is the attainment of Divine Pleasure. The method of acquisition of this Divine Pleasure is total obedience to the commands of the Shariat. Tasawwuf in fact is the rooh (soul) and state of perfection of the Deen. Its function is to purify the batin (the heart) of man from the lowly bestial attributes of lust, calamities of the tongue, anger, malice, jealousy, love of the world, love for fame, niggardliness, greed, ostentation, vanity, deception, etc. At the same time it (Tasawwuf) aims at the adornment of the heart with the lofty attributes of repentance, perseverance, gratefulness, fear of Allah, hope, abstention, tauheed, trust, love sincerity, truth, meditation, reckoning, contemplation, etc. In this way, attention towards Allah Ta’ala is inculcated in man. This is in fact the purpose of life. Tasawwuf or Tareeqat is therefore not at all negatory of the Deen and Shariat. On the contrary it is incumbent for every Muslim to become a Sufi (one who follows the path of Tasawwuf). Minus Tasawwuf, a Muslim cannot truly be described as a perfect Muslim MORE...... ShariatAndTasawwuf-HzrtMaseehulUmmat.pdf

Mufti Abdul Kader Hoosen Various Lectures: Seerah of Muhammad Sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam Women in Islam Series Gaza - Palestine Series Signs of Qiyamah HERE

Attabligh.com The Revivor of Imaan Various Speakers: Shaykh Abdur Raheem Limbada Mufti A K Hoosen Mawalana Suleman Mulla Shaykh Mumtazul Haq English Lectures

Attabligh.com The Revivor of Imaan Urdu Lectures of Various Inspiring Speakers: Mawalana Abdullah Kapodrawi Mufti Taqi Uthmani Mufti Ahmed Khanpuri Mawalana Tariq Jameel Shaykh Qamaruz Zamaan Ilaahabaadi Shaykh Hanif Luharvi ....and many more! attabligh.com

Maulana Shah Hakeem Mohammed Akhtar (Rahimahullah) Wali Allah Na Bannay ki Wajoohat http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZLuAhUSxUw

Maulana Tariq Jameel Sahib Nafas Ki Pakeezgi

Aameen!

Assalaamu 'alaykum. Update from our member: Please continue making du'a

Shaykh Yunus Patel (Raheemahullah) Maulana Yunus was honoured with the mantle of Khilafah from two great luminaries, Mufti Mahmoodul Hasan Gangohi rahimahullah and later on Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb. Over the many years, thousands around the globe drank from his fountain of wisdom, piety and knowledge. Scores of people are known to have changed their lives just by sitting in our of his gatherings. His humility, generosity, concern for the well being of the young and old coupled with his burning love of Allah and his Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam were remarkable traits all embodied in one personality. A Range of his Inspiring Lectures

Official Website of Mufti A H Elias alislam.co.za Islamic Lectures

Blessed days and blessed nights slipping away, Like water through our fingers flow. How much we did and how much we could have done, He, (subhaanahu wata’ala) alone knows. Time awaits no one. Like ice in the sun it melts away. Gone in a blink of an eye have the ten days of Rahmah And the rest will follow but do not give up it’s never too late, A single tear of regret is all it takes for Maghfirah. O Allah! Forgive us our shortcomings in our ‘ibaadah, Deal with us gently through Your never ending Rahmah. And in all our matters, overlook our excesses, You are aware O Allah, of all our weaknesses. Ummi Taalib

THE VEIL I offend thee, yes i offend thee, i just dont know why, You stop and stare and glare at my clothing, Ninja i hear and even dark vader, But who cares who cares no not I !! For respect of my body is a faithful advantage, Who cares about wordly advances ? you can keep your skimpy clothing, And you can keep your fake looks, I would rather be a ninja or even dark vader, I am content as I am, I pray my Lord remain pleased, I don't care for your ignorant perceptions, Or your fashion conscious conceptions, Who cares, who cares, no not I !! Wearing the veil and covering my face has positively changed my life. It has brought me closer to Allah s.w.t it has simplified my life, protects me from lewd glances and evil advances of men. Covering up makes me feel independent, more confident, protected and more in my feminine natural state. It is a shaytanic myth by those who do not have the understanding behind covering, that Allah s.w.t. revealed His commandments for prophetic times only, the truth is all of Allah s.w.t. laws and commandments were revealed with farsightedness for all times in existence. So to all those voices rushing to speak on my behalf, wanting to free and liberate me from my self-respect so I may follow the shameless immodest dress and lifestyle of the lost immoral society of today. Please allow me the freedom to cover as i please and allow me the freedom to protect myself. Whilst you have the freedom of speech also allow my voice to be heard. Muftisays

Eid - Superior Festival by Mohammed Ilyas Pandor No sooner has one season of favours passed, Allah Taa'la has bestowed us with another occasion of blessings. The moon of Ramadhan has hardly waned when the moon of the days of Hajj has begun to wax. In between, we are fortunate enough to witness the festivities of non-Muslims, fortunate because it increases our appreciation of our festive days. There is not one thing which they do not have, in which we have not been given something superior or rather we have been given something superior in whose response, the non-Muslims have attempted to rival it and have failed miserably. “But if you do it not, and you can never do it…………..” Most festivities have little or no historical authenticity. Rather it is presumed conjecture which has been scrupulously glamorised into a spirit of commercial enterprise making many non-religious people actually celebrate events they cannot bring themselves to actually believe in. Millions of hard earned cash has disappeared into a black hole accounting for nothing but drunkardness and a feeling of spiritual depravity. Even in the blinding light of these facts, Muslims sadly have adopted the ways of others and forgotten the Hadith of Prophet Muhammed : “Whoever imitates a certain nation, he will be from amongst them.” Even if we do not imitate them outwardly, some of us may harbour significant feelings towards non-Muslim festivities to the extent that we may feel ‘left out' on their days of celebration. This is a sign indicative of the weakness of our spiritual state and the downward spiral to spiritual emptiness that we find ourselves in. Moreover, festivities are more or less exclusive now in the sense that almost invariably poor folk are not catered for. How can they expect to be when the donators themselves are forced to take loans out (such as interest based overdrafts, credit agreements, etc) in order to finance a hyped-up commercial season. The benefactors are in the same boat as the beneficiaries. In contrast, by the grace of Allah Taa'la, we have a festival full of spirituality, tolerance, inclusiveness and most importantly moderation. Muslims are encouraged to celebrate Eid bearing in mind their less fortunate brethren and understanding the confines of Shariah as regards to celebrating in Islam. The fasting in Ramadhan before Eid-al-Fitr trains people to experience and remember the needs of the less fortunate, with charity being one of the main outputs. Similarly Eid-al-Adha all over the world in the Month of Hajj involves the Qurbani which again involves making financial sacrifices for the sake of the Needy. The pure Shariah has even taught humans how to celebrate as humans. In addition, a Muslim has an opportunity to make everyday a day of Eid, says Said ibn Jaabir : “Everyday that is spent without the displeasure and disobedience of the Lord is a day of Eid for the believers” In conclusion, I appeal to my readers to make everyday of their lives a day of Eid by not disobeying Allah. inter-islam

Hadhrat Abu Umamah (RA) narrates that Rasulullaah (SAW) said, "The heart of the person who stands in worship on the two nights of Eid (Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adhaa), shall not die on the day that hearts will die (on the Day of Qiyaamah)." {Ibn Maajah as quoted in Targheeb} EXPLANATION : According to a narration of Tabraani, Rasulullaah (SAW) cited this reward for the person who "gave life to" the nights of Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adhaa. This means that the person engaged in Ibaadah (acts of worship) during these nights, which include Dhikr, Tasbeeh, joining family ties and doing other forms of good as well. One should bear in mind that treating one's family and friends with love and affection and ensuring that one's relationship with them remains cordial is also an act of Ibaadah which one may engage in during these auspicious nights. The meaning of Rasulullaah (SAW)'s statement that such a person's heart will not die on the Day of Qiyaamah is that this person will not appear to be in a state of intoxication like other people who will seem to be drunk because of their extreme fear and worry. This fearful and comatose condition of people will be a dreadful form of punishment which will result from the frightful nature of the Day of Qiyaamah. While people will be suffering like this, the person who devoted the nights of Eid to Allaah's worship shall be receiving bounties and will be far removed from distress. They shall remain happy with every type of bounty at their feet. May Allaah include us amongst these fortunate people. It is therefore apparent that the nights of Eid are extremely virtuous and should be appreciated. We can show our appreciation by reciting Durood and engaging in Dhikr and other forms of Ibaadah during these nights. If one is unable to stay awake the entire night, one should spend as much time as possible engaged in Ibaadah. The very least that one can do is to perform the Isha and Fajr salaah in congregation (Jamaa'ah) together with Takbeer Ula (the very beginning of the salaah when the Imaam says "Allaahu Akbar"). Between these two salaahs, one should try to engage in Dhikr and other forms of Ibaadah to the best of one's ability. By doing this, it is strongly hoped that Allaah shall not deprive one of the immense rewards of these nights. Five Blessed Nights Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal (RA) narrates that Rasulullaah (SAW) said, "Jannah is compulsory for the person who gives life to five nights; (these nights are) the night of Tarwiyah (8th Dhul Hijjah), the night of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah), the night of Nahr (Eidul Adhaa viz. 10th Dhul Hijjah), the night of Eidul Fitr and the night in the middle of Shabaan (15th Shabaan). {Isfahaani} EXPLANATION : The above Hadith makes it clear that that person who engages in Ibaadah during five nights among which are the nights of the two Eids, shall have the great boon of Jannah as his/her reward. To sacrifice only five nights from the hundreds of nights in a year is not such a difficult task when one considers that many nights one sacrifices for worldly activities. We find so many night watchmen staying awake the entire night just as many other people do when their employment requires them to work the night-shift. When these people do this for small monetary gains, why should one not sacrifice just a few nights to be saved from the terrible chastisement of the Day of Qiyaamah and to enter the everlasting bliss of Jannah? This is certainly not beyond us! We should therefore fight Shaytaan and our carnal passions to resolve that we shall not waste these valuable nights. We should use Dhikr, Ibaadah, Tasbeeh and all acts of virtue to give life to these nights to the best of our ability. Alislam.co.za

“Daily during the month of Ramaḍhān and thereafter as well, you should take account of the deeds that you have performed each day. You should ask yourself two things: • Have I done any good deed today which will attract the Mercy and Forgiveness of Allāh ta’ala ? • Have I committed any sin today which will divert Allāh ta’ala’s Mercy and Forgiveness away from me?” Courtesy of In Shaykh's Company: a blog maintained by the students of Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah www.shaykh.org

Parental Responsibilities and Developing Islamic Character By Shaykh Abdullah Kapodravi On 7th April 2006, Shaykh Abdullah Kapodravi (db), a prominent scholar from India, made an impromptu speech before Salat al-Jumu`ah Jumma Masjid, Batley, England. He highlighted the dangers facing Muslims in today’s turbulent times, pleading Muslim parents to focus on their responsibilities, and asking the audience to implement the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam. The Shaykh is a prolific writer, orator and educationalist, who served as chancellor of Darul Uloom Tadkeshwar, India for 28 years. He has traveled extensively in the Islamic world and the West. He is aged 74, and currently resides in Canada. The speech was translated and edited by Sulaiman Kazi. All praise is due to Almighty God, Allah, and may He, the Exalted, bestow His peace and blessings upon Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, upon his good and pure family, as well as upon all of the noble companions, and upon those who follow them in righteousness until the Day of Judgment. Friends, a very serious issue that confronts the Islamic world today is the character of our youth, which is far removed from Islamic teachings. When I read newspaper accounts about the behavior of our youth my heart cries with pain. I anguish where is the Ummah heading? Could anyone have imaged that in this Ummah a mother would have an illicit relationship with her son? Lamentably, this is happening. A Muslim youth would be drinking? A Muslim youth would be stealing? A Muslim youth and s/he has no respect towards his/her elders? Bad character is manifesting itself everywhere. And the Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, was sent into the world to correct human conduct and morals. As the famous poet Shauki said: “In the world communities are raised with noble conduct, communities are obliterated with bad character.” We have become addicted to criticizing others. So and so is doing such and such. Day and night we are accustomed to leveling accusations against others. Do we not consider what we are doing? Which direction our community is heading? The biggest responsibility that falls on the Muslim Ummah is to provide correct Islamic teachings and instill excellent morals and character in our children. No matter what education they pursue the paramount consideration must be for our children to develop a strong Islamic moral character. They must never lie, never deceive anyone, nor look towards strange women. Should they be a shopkeeper then they must not misappropriate even five pence. A community imbued with good morals always ascends. This is a universal principle that holds true in all times. And a morally bankrupt community always degenerates and becomes devoid of progress. We need to inculcate good habits in our children. This is imperative for our progress. Pitifully our situation is such that we send children to Maktabs (supplementary religious schools) from the age of 6 or 7 but when they attain the age of 12 they leave the Maktabs but continue to pursue schooling. These children then have no contact whatsoever with the glorious Qur’an or any Islamic books. In fact between the ages of 12 and 24 a young person is most susceptible. This point is confirmed by educationalists. During this period if a child’s guidance and upbringing is overlooked or neglected then s/he will not remain steadfast on Islam. Rasulullah, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, used to discern even minor things. Once Hussain, Radhiallahu Anhu, placed a piece of date in his mouth which was designated as Sadaqah (voluntary charity). Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam placed his finger inside the mouth and made him vomit it out, saying “This item is earmarked as Sadaqah and it cannot be consumed by you.” If the same scenario was before us we would allow the child to eat the date saying, “He’s a kid. What’s wrong with him having a date? When he grows up he will understand the difference between Halal or Haram.” No, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam immediately stopped Hussain Radhiallahu Anhu. Similarly, once a boy was eating with Rasulullah, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam. Instead of eating food which was near him he was taking food from different places. So Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam explained to him gently, “My dear son, first recite Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim, eat with your right hand, and eat from in front of you.” This illustrates that Rasulullah, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, used to sit with children and observe their eating habits. Do we ever do the same? Nowadays children are eating whilst walking, standing and on their way to school. We don’t even reprimand them saying this is contrary to the lifestyle of Muslims. In the lifestyle of Rasulullah, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, we have a comprehensive mode of living. Rasulullah, Sallallahu Alyhi Wasallam, has taught us an entire way of life which is distinct and supreme. We have neglected that lifestyle and become careless and as a result our children have fallen prey to an un-Islamic lifestyle. My friends, I am sitting in the Masjid and testify to you that our society is in a state of decadence and our children and youth are going astray, totally pursuing a wayward life. For Muslim parents, the need to provide sound Islamic upbringing should take precedence over all other responsibilities they owe to their children. Life is constituted of good morals and character. The Prophet, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, was sent into the world for teaching good character to humanity. Within such a short period of time, he established such splendid character among his Companions. Today, there is no parallel to these people. The character of Abu Bakr, Umar, Osman, Ali, Radhiallahu Anhum – who nurtured their character and made them who they were? Undoubtedly, they were taught by Sayyidina Muhammad, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam. Those who sat in the company of Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, their character was raised to sublime heights. After departing from the Prophet’s company, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, they would never again speak a lie, oppress anyone. And if ever they happened to utter something wrong it would agitate and stir great remorse. Once Sayyidina Abu Bakr, Radhiyallahu Anhu, was seen pulling his tongue and rebuking himself: “How could I have said a harsh word to my fellow Muslim brother.” Nowadays we tend to lie, gossip, and backbite whilst forgetting the heart of a Muslim will be hurt. At this moment the most important duty that falls Muslim parents is to impart correct Islamic education to their children and inculcate sound Islamic character. Our character should be of such a high standard that humanity is drawn to Islam. What kind of bad character is this: there was a public demonstration in Lucknow, India against the publication of cartoons in Denmark depicting the Prophet, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam. During the demonstration evil slogans were being chanted, shop-keepers were forced to shut their shops – including shops belonging to non-Muslims, car windows smashed, cars set alight in the street. What kind of emotional and irrational response is this? To illustrate your protest at the publication of cartoons you are recklessly damaging property. Where is the sense in this? Recently, in France a government minister made controversial comments about immigrants and Muslim youths rioted by burning around 10,000 cars in Paris. At the time of this flare-up, I was visiting Reunion Islands. Two representatives of the French government were also there as guests to celebrate 100 years of the establishment of the mosque in St Dennis. They became aware that scholars were present from the Indian sub-continent. They approached me and one of the first things they asked me was regarding the burning of cars, how Islam viewed such acts? I replied categorically that these actions had no bearing with Islam. What is wrong must be pointed out as such. Sometimes there is a tendency to cover up the wrong doings of Muslims, justifying the actions by saying it was done by Muslims so it is acceptable to turn a blind-eye. No, what is wrong must be categorized as wrong irrespective of who has done it. We have been taught moderation. How much injustice was perpetrated against the Prophet, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, in Makkah Mukaramah? You all know that thorns were placed in his path and he was persecuted. But did he ever respond by asking his Companions to take out a demonstration? In fact, when a lady who used to lay thorns in the path of the Prophet, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, fell ill, the Prophet himself when to visit her. Such was his character. He enquired “Why have you not laid any thorns in my path recently?” She enquired, “Who are you?” Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, replied: “I am the same Muhammad for whom you lay thorns.” She started weeping profusely. As they say, “With character you win, with character you respond.” My dear Prophet, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, exemplified the noblest character. Despite being hit with stones and bleeding profusely, so much that when angels were sent asking him to order that the mountains of Taif crush the perpetrators belonging to Banu Thaqif, he replied, “O Allah, grant my people guidance.” He did not retaliate in the least as he was sent as a mercy for mankind and to guide humanity to the truth and beauty of Islam. Patience, steadfastness and good character are prerequisites for being a good Muslim. Muslims need to create awareness and understand the challenges they are facing. It pains me to see how apathetic Muslims have become. We must always be on our guard that our wrongdoings should not blemish or tarnish the image of Islam. May Almighty Allah grant us understanding of the challenges that face us, protect us and grant us all the Tawfiq (strength and ability) to practice the wonderful teachings of Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam. Ameen. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Universe. IlmGate