ummtaalib

Islam is a religion, but not in the western meaning of religion. The western connotation of the term "religion" is something between the believer and God. Islam is a religion that organizes all aspects of life on both the individual and national levels. Islam organizes your relations with God, with yourself, with your children, with your relatives, with your neighbor, with your guest, and with other brethren. Islam clearly establishes your duties and rights in all those relationships. Islam establishes a clear system of worship, civil rights, laws of marriage and divorce, laws of inheritance, code of behavior, what not to drink, what to wear, and what not to wear, how to worship God, how to govern, the laws of war and peace, when to go to war, when to make peace, the law of economics, and the laws of buying and selling. Islam is a complete code of life. Islam is not practiced in the mosque only, it is for daily life, a guide to life in all its aspects: socially, economically, and politically. Islam is complete constitution. Thus Islam keeps the Muslim away from confusion, because Islam is logical and rational. Allah is one. Allah is one Allah has no sons. Allah is not associated with trinity. Allah does not kill to save. No mediation is required between Allah and man. Islam organizes human nature, but does not go against it. There is not a class of clergy in Islam; nor is there celibacy. Islam is complete way of human life. Dr.Al Alkhuli

Consider this: An archaeologist digs deep into the desert sand and finds a piece of an old clay pot. After his investigations, this archaeologist can tell us - from this little old piece of dusty clay - so much about the civilization that existed thousands of years ago that produced it. He can tell us about the types of ovens, temperatures, and dyes that they worked with, the raw materials that they used, and thus assess the level of their artistic skill and technological ability, etc. All this from a small piece of clay lying in the desert. • Did this archaeologist ever see the civilization that produced this pot? • How does he know that it ever existed? He knows because he saw that the piece of clay was produced by someone who designed it, and shaped it, and had the intelligence to be able to heat it and produce the pot, and not only that, they also had the ability to color it and make it look beautiful. A Design needs A Designer To the archaeologist the existence and intricacy of the piece of pottery is conclusive proof of the existence, intelligence and ability of the people who made it. Look around you, at the beautiful sunset on a summer evening, at the moon and the stars on a cloudless night, at the water that you drink, at the trees and how they grow from tiny seeds. Think about yourself, your eyes with which you see, your ears with which you hear, your tongues with which you taste and talk, your hands and your feet, your heart and your brain. Consider how these things are so complex in themselves yet work together in such perfect harmony. From the movement of the galaxies to the complexities of the interaction of molecules, from the dynamics of eco-systems to the intricacies of DNA, all lead to the obvious fact of the existence of the great wisdom, knowledge and power that allows our Universe to exist and function. To any perceptive human being the existence and intricacy of creation is conclusive proof of the existence, knowledge and wisdom of the One who creates, organizes and sustains it. Most people naturally recognize the existence of the Creator, and we find reference to the Creator in all cultures and religions. Even the atheists, communists and (disbelieving) scientists cannot avoid this reality, but avoid the term 'creator', for phrases like 'Mother Nature' and 'the amazing way nature has designed...' How strange in the face of this, that many today reject the belief in the existence of the Creator. Perhaps this is due more to fashion and the desire to justify a materialistic attitude to life rather than real observation and comprehension of reality.

Why dig up the Past? While the disagreements and fights that take place amongst women may not be of a violent nature, they indeed become very prolonged affairs. Their displeasure and ill feelings continue for an extended period of time. What makes matters even worse is the habit of women to dig up the past. Issues which were resolved and forgotten a long time ago are brought up again. As a result a small issue becomes a major problem, especially when past events are recalled and mentioned in harsh and heart - piercing words. To rub salt in the wound she will then also remind the husband of all the favours and good she did for him. All this is done only to please one’s nafs (carnal desire) and shaytaan. It is time we suppress our words of anger and please our most loving Allah Ta‘ala. (Uswatulmuslimah.co.za)

Answer Anger with Sweetness If the husband becomes angry and abusive, never react in the same way. If both husband and wife end up exchanging harsh words, then this results in a very bitter end. When both vent their anger and become abusive, pride and stubbornness overcomes them. Neither of them is then prepared to accept their fault and ask for forgiveness. However if the wife replies to the husband’s anger with sweetness and kindness, then most definitely when he does cool down, he will realise his mistake and he will ask for forgiveness. Sweetness invites sweetness, whereas anger adds fuel to the fire of anger. Uswatulmuslimah

Anas bin Malik ﻰﺿر ﷲ ﻪﻨﻋ relates that Ramadhan arrived so the Prophet ﷲ ﻪﻴﻠﻋ ﻢﻠﺳو ﻰﻠﺻ said, ‘Indeed this month has come upon you, and therein is a night which is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of it is deprived of all good, and none is deprived of it except one who is truly deprived’ [Reported by ibn Majah], He who wastes his time in Ramadhan is truly deprived of the virtues and forgiveness of this month. The sahabah ﻰﺿر ﷲ ﻢﻬﻨﻋ ensured that not a moment passed in futility. They would complete their worldly tasks and free themselves two months prior to Ramadhan i.e. by Rajab. Allah’s acceptance of a fast is not just conditional upon remaining hungry or thirsty but is also dependent upon the fasting of the other bodily organs i.e. the eyes, ears, heart, mind and especially the tongue. Abu Hurayrah ﻰﺿر ﷲ ﻪﻨﻋ reports that Allah’s Messenger ﻰﻠﺻ ﷲ ﻪﻴﻠﻋ ﻢﻠﺳو said ‘Fasting is not merely abstaining from eating and drinking. Rather, fasting is to refrain from futility and indecency. So if someone abuses you or behaves ignorantly towards you, then say: “I am fasting” ’. [Reported by ibn Khuzaymah]. When fasting we should not even shout or raise our voices let alone argue. This is the month in which we should all remain silent as much as possible and not say or do anything which inconveniences others.

Allah, The Most Exalted says: "O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him, and speak (always) the truth". (Qur’aan- 33:70) The Noble Messenger of Allah(peace be upon him) used to say: "Allahumma inni as'alukal-huda wat-tuqa wal-'afafa wal-ghina (O Allah! I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity and self-sufficiency)". (Hadith: Muslim)

Allah, The Most Exalted says: "Truly, nothing is hidden from Allah, in the earth or in the heaven". (Qur’aan- 3:5) The Noble Messenger of Allah(peace be upon him) is reported to have said: 'Verily, 'Allah, the Exalted, becomes angry, and His Anger is provoked when a person does what Allah has declared unlawful". (Hadith: Bukhari and Muslim)

Nasihah (Advice) Moulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahimahullah): Unrestricted indulgence in fulfilling the desires of one’s base or animal self has to be curbed for some time to give an upliftment to one’s spiritual self. The object of fasting as described in the Holy Qur’an is “so that you may guard against evil.” Fasting in the auspicious month of Ramadaan, from dawn until sunset, in obedience to the command of Allah Ta’ala is a training whereby the Believer’s trait of God-Conscious is nurtured. Even though he may be in a place of total privacy and seclusion, on the hottest day of the year, he does not submit to the temptation of sipping even a few drops of water for he is convinced that he cannot evade the sight of the All-Observing Almighty. We are required to maintain the same ‘God-Consciousness’ throughout the entire spectrum of our lives—at home: in our relationship with parents, wife, children; in our business dealings, whilst travelling and even when alone—having full conviction that we can never evade the Sight and Knowledge of Allah Ta’ala. Together with the observance of the rules (Masaa’il) governing fasting for its validity, there must also be an effort on purification of the heart from base qualities.

Ask to become a Muttaqee Haaji Faruq Sahib (Rahmatullaahi ‘alayh) used to say that since the month of Ramadhaan is enjoined upon us so that we become of the Muttaqeen (Allah-fearing) so ask Allah subhaanhu wata’ala to make you a Muttaqee as this is what He wants for you.

Unique advice on giving Charity in Ramadhaan One especially beneficial and unique advice given by our respected Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat (Hafizahullah) was concerning charity. Firstly it should be increased and secondly to reap maximum benefit one should reflect on the following: The Night of Power falls in the last 10 days of Ramadhaan (and in some narrations it could be any night in the month). This night is “better than a thousand months” which according to the calculation made by Shaykh Zakariyyah (raheemahullaah) is “more than 83 years”. Now if one was to give charity every night for the entire month one is bound to attain the reward of the Night of Power and the charity given on that night would be similar to giving that amount every day for more than 83 years! So one should try and give whatever amount one can afford every night during Ramadhaan to attain maximum benefit.

"Verily, he who has purified the heart is successful and he who has despoiled it has lost." A lot of people have misunderstandings about tasawwuf. Many think that it is something beyond Qur'an and Sunnah. Errant Sufis as well as the superficial ulema, although on the opposite ends of the spectrum, are together in holding this mistaken notion. Consequently the first group has shunned the Qur'an and Hadith while the second group has shunned tasawwuf. Actually, although the term tasawwuf, like many other religious terms in use today, evolved later, the discipline is very much part of the Shariah. The department of the Shariah relating to external deeds like salat and zakat is called fiqh while the one dealing with the internal feelings and states of the heart is called tasawwuf. Both are commanded in the Qur'an. Thus while commanding Salat and Zakat, the Qur'an also commands gratefulness and love of Allah and condemns the evil of pride and vanity. Similarly, in the books of hadith, along with the chapters on Ibadat, trade and commerce, marriage and divorce, are to be found the chapters on riya (showoff) takabbur, akhlaq, etc. These commands are as much a mandatory requirement as the ones dealing with external deeds. On reflection it will be realized that all the external deeds are designed for the reformation of the heart. That is the basis of success in the hereafter while its despoiling is the cause of total destruction. This is precisely what is known technically as tasawwuf. Its focus is tahzeebe akhlaq or the adornment of character; its motive is the attainment of Divine pleasure; its method is total obedience to the commands of the Shariah. Tasawwuf is the soul of Islam. Its function is to purity the heart from the lowly bestial attributes of lust, calamities of the tongue, anger, malice, jealousy, love of the world, love of fame, niggardliness, greed, ostentation, vanity, deception, etc. At the same time it 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, contemplation, etc. To diagnose and treat the diseases of the heart normally requires the help of an expert mentor or Shaikh. Here are the qualities of a good Shaikh. 1. He possesses necessary religious knowledge. 2. His beliefs, habits, and practices are in accordance with the Shariah. 3. He does not harbor greed for the worldly wealth. 4. He has himself spent time learning from a good Shaikh. 5. The scholars and good mashaikh of his time hold good opinion about him. 6. His admirers are mostly from among the people who have good understanding of religion. 7. Most of his followers follow the Shariah and are not the seekers after this world. 8. He sincerely tries to educate and morally train his followers. If he sees anything wrong in them, he corrects it. 9. In his company one can feel a decrease in the love of this world and an increase in the love for Allah. 10. He himself regularly performs dhikr and shughal (spiritual exercises). In searching for a Shaikh, do not look for his ability to perform karamat (miracles) or to foretell the future. A very good Shaikh may not be able to show any karamat. On the other hand, a person showing karamat does not have to be a pious person --- or even a Muslim. Prominent Sufi Bayazid Bistami says: "Do not be deceived if you see a performer of supernatural feats flying in the air. Measure him on the standard of the Shariah." When you find the right Shaikh, and you are satisfied with his ability to provide spiritual guidance, you perform baya or pledge. This is a two-way commitment; the Shaikh pledges to guide you in light of Shariah and you pledge to follow him. Then the Shaikh will give his mureed (disciple) initial instructions. They include the following: 1. Perform repentance for all the past sins and take steps to make amends, e.g. if any salat has been missed so far in the life, you start making up for it. 2. If you have any unmet financial obligations toward another person make plans to discharge them. 3. Guard your eyes, ears, and tongue. 4. Perform dhikr regularly. 5. Start a daily session of self-accounting before going to bed. Review all the good and bad deeds performed during the day. Repent for the bad ones and thank Allah for the good ones. 6. Perform muraqaba-maut (meditation over death) every night before going to bed. Just visualize that you have died. Reflect upon the pangs of death, the questioning in the grave, the plain of Resurrection, the Reckoning , the presence in the Court of Allah, etc This helps bring softness to the heart and break the tendency to commit sins. 7. Develop humility. Even if you observe another individual committing the worst of vices you should not despise him/her, nor should you consider yourself nobler. It is very much possible that the perpetrator of the vice may resort to sincere repentance while the one who despised the sinner become ensnared in the traps of nafs and Shaitan. One has no certainty regarding one's end. One, therefore has no basis for regarding another with contempt. The essential idea of tahzeebe akhlaq is to bring our natural faculties in a state of balance. The three basic faculties are anger, desires, and intelligence. Anger: When in equilibrium it results in valor, forbearance, steadfastness, the ability to restrain anger, and dignity. Excess will result in rashness, boastfulness, pride, inability to restrain anger, and vanity. A deficiency will result in cowardice, disgrace, and feeling of inferiority. Desires: Equilibrium here results in chastity, generosity, haya (decency), patience, and contentment. Its excess leads to greed and lust. The other extreme results in narrow-mindedness, and impotence, etc. Intelligence: Equilibrium here makes man wise, sharp-witted and one with great insights. Excess here makes one deceptive, fraudulent and imposture. Its lack results in ignorance and stupidity with the consequence that such a person is quickly misled. A person will be considered as having a beautiful seerah (character) only when these faculties are in the state of balance and equilibrium. Internal beauty varies with people just as external beauty does. The possessor of the most beautiful seerah was Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. The beauty of our seerah is based on its closeness to his seerah. [Condensed from writings of Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi] Further Reading: 1) Fiqh aur Tassuwuf aik Taaruf (Urdu) 2) The Kashf Al-Mahjub (English) albalagh.net

Putting fingers in ears when one hears Music Hadhrat Naafi' (radhiyallahu anhu) narrates: "Once when Hadhrat Abdullah Bin Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) heard the sound of a shepherd's flute, he placed his fingers in both ears (to block the sound of the music), and he diverted his mount from that path. (As they rode o­n), he would say: 'O Naafi', can you still hear (the sound)?' I would say: 'Yes.' He would then continue riding. o­nly when I said: 'I can no longer hear it', did he remove his fingers from his ears. Then he returned to the road. He then said: 'I saw Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) doing like this when he had heard the flute of a shepherd." (Ahmad and Abu Dawood) Source

1. Keep free from eating hi-calorie flesh (gossip) of others - no matter how juicy 2. Switch to fat free truths 3. Avoid artificial tempers 4.Do voice therapy by reciting the Holy Quran 5.Purify your eyes by crying in Dua 6.Do hand reflexology on tasbeehs 7. Brighten your smile with a miswak 8.Take the weight of your shoulders by paying zakat 9. Shrug off those extra kilos of sins by repenting Source

Fasting for Every Part of the Body by Mawlana Obaydullah Suleman “Shaykh ul Hadeeth Muhammad Zakariyyah rahmatullahi alayh commenting on the verse of the Qur’aan ‘fasting has been prescribed for you’ has stated that”: ‘The commentators of the Qur’aan have deduced from this verse that fasting is compulsory for every part of the body. Thus, fasting of the tongue means to avoid all the sins of the tongue. Fasting of the ears means to refrain from all the sins of the ears. Fasting of the eyes means not to look at any form of evil and sin. Fasting of the self means to be free from all carnal desires. Fasting of the heart means casting out from it the love of worldly things. And fasting of the mind means avoiding thoughts about anything other than Allah ta’ala.’ Posted on www.shaykh.org recording the advices/teachings of Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat September 2, 2010

Fasting during Ramadhãn has a connection also with the revelation of the Noble Qur’ãn. This connection has many implications. One of these is that – just as if the Qur’ãn were to be revealed in every Ramadhãn, a believer should seek to be like the angels and abandon eating and drinking, and divest himself of the vain preoccupations and gross needs of his carnal self. During Ramadhãn, he should recite or listen to the Qur’ãn as if it were being revealed for the first time or, if he is able, listen to the Qur’ãn as if he were hearing it recited by the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) or by Sayyidniah Jibraeel to Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) revealed by Allah Himself to Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) through Sayyidniah Jibraeel . Also, he should respect the Qur’ãn in the actions of his daily life and, by conveying its message to the others, demonstrate the Divine purpose for revealing the Qur’ãn. The Muslim world becomes in Ramadhãn like a huge masjid where millions of reciters recite the Qur’ãn, that heavenly address, to the inhabitants of the earth. Demonstrating the reality of the verse, The month of Ramadhãn, in which the Qur’ãn was revealed, Ramadhãn proves itself to be the month of the Qur’ãn: while some members of the vast congregation in that great mosque of the Muslim world listen to its recitation with solemn reverence, others recite it themselves. The rewards for the good deeds done in Ramadan are multiplied by a thousand. According to one hadith, ten rewards are given for each letter of the Wise Qur’ãn. The recitation of a single letter means ten good deeds, and brings forth ten fruits of Paradise. However, in the whole month of Ramadhãn, the reward for each letter of the Qur’ãn is multiplied not by ten, but by a thousand. Furthermore, the reward for each letter of the holy Qur’ãn recited in the Night of Power is multiplied by thirty thousand. Thus, the Qur’ãn, each of whose letters yields thirty thousand permanent fruits of Paradise, becomes in Ramadhãn like a huge blessed tree which produces for believers millions of permanent fruits of Paradise. Consider, then, how holy and profitable a trade this is, and know in how great a loss those are who do not appreciate the letters of the Qur’ãn! The one who fasts, should prevent his tongue from lying, backbiting, bad language and indecent talk, and make it busy with the recitation of the Qur’ãn, glorification of Allah, seeking His forgiveness. In the same way, he should prevent his eyes from looking at, and his ears from listening to, the forbidden things. He should, instead, use his eyes to see such things as those which, for example, will give a spiritual lesson or moral warning; and use his ears to listen to the Qur’ãn. At-Tarbiyyah Islamic Tarbiyyah Academy

Build up Your Forces in Ramadhaan! We have heard and read the Ahaadeeth regarding the virtues of Ramadhaan many times, however do we ever reflect and ponder over what they mean? For instance take the hadeeth regarding the Shayaateen being chained up. Since they are chained up they are not around to cause mischief. Allah subhaanahu wata’ala is giving us an opportunity to build up our forces and become powerful enough to combat their attack when they are released after Ramadhaan. Therefore perform abundant good deeds, refrain from all disobedience and be included amongst the Muttaaqoon (the god-fearing). There is the Hadeeth regarding the good deeds performed in Ramadhaan being multiplied manyfold. "...Whosoever tries to draw nearer to Allah subhaanahu wata'ala by performing any virtuous deeds in this month, for him shall be reward as if he performed a Fard (obligatory action) in any other time of the year. And whoever performs a Fard, for him shall be the reward of seventy Faraaidh in other times of the year..." from Fadhail A'maal Out of all the deeds, the obligatory ones are most beloved to Allah subhaanhu wata'ala. They are a means of attaining His closeness. Therefore the good deeds performed in the month of Ramadhaan become an easy means of attaining Qurb (nearness) of Allah subhaanahu wata'ala! From the teachings of Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat (Hafizahullah)

Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi rehmatullah alayh says, “Some people increase their bad deeds in this month (Ramadhaan). This is perhaps due to unawareness, or due to deficient understanding, or perhaps they know it yet do not practice caution. This is indeed a very strange matter that in this month, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala has even prohibited those things which were permissible in normal months. Isn’t this an indication that those actions which were already impermissible are now prohibited to a greater degree? Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala even mentioned the reason for these fasts “لعلكم تتقون”, that is you fast so that you become more Muttaqi. Now anyone and everyone can judge themselves whether their state outside Ramadhaan is any different from their state in Ramadhaan. Have we secured ourselves from prohibited glances? Have we left aside backbiting? If we have not, then both the conditions are same, without any change. (i.e no progress) As for the food, the timings have been changed for that as well, although the quantity has not been changed. It is as though the Shariah came to decrease the bad deeds in the person, but the person does not take heed. Some Ulama have even gone ahead and said to reduce the level of food intake as well, in comparison to Sha’baan. However, they did not specify how much should one reduce. Whatever one used to eat in Sha’baan, he should reduce it in Ramadhaan. Some (pious predecessors) even fasted with only the amount of La-Yamut (enough to survive death). They saw some difference within themselves only through such measures. (They say that) we ate nicely all the time, so let us at least give one month for the worship. In effect, these people also reduced in their food. However, this is only for the selected few (who have reached such levels). Everyone cannot comply with such level (of hardship), but the least one can do is leave out the disobedience (to the creator by doing bad deeds). Eating food is still within the ambit of ibaha (permissibility) (one may eat more or less since both are permissible), but the disobedience does not even cherish that status (i.e it is haraam). In spite of this we continue to be engrossed in disobedience throughout the day, and some even increase in their disobedience (in this month). Lets take an example, whether we pray our Salaatul Fajr at its proper time or not? It has become our habit to delay this Morning Prayer. Many are such that they often pray Qadhaa (makeup), while those who although do not delay it to the time of Qadhaa, still delay it so much that they do not get the Jama’ah (congregation). Yet, they remain content that “at least we are fasting”. How strange it is that one loses his Salaatul Fajr! How will a fast compensate for that? * Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala has increase so much in his mercy (in these days of Ramadhaan) that He promises ten times the reward for single deed, yet we do so many bad deeds that despite the rewards being in multiples, our bad deeds overshadow our rewards! The ideal ought to have been that we excel in the rewards over our sins. Leave that as it may, it would have even sufficed that our sins were equal to the rewards, because then they would (at least) necessitate “سبقت رحمتى على غضبى” (My mercy supersedes my anger). (In our current state) despite having multiple rewards, our good deeds do not supersede our sins; so, what will be the end result? The limit is such that even if one cannot refrain from disobedience throughout the life, then at least one should desist from bad deeds in the month of Ramadhaan. It is known from experience that the affects of worship remains for eleven months after the act. Anyone who strives and does a good deed in Ramadhaan, will then gain the ability to it even after the month has passed. Similarly, one who desists from something haram in this month then he will gain the ability over refraining from it even after the month has passed. Moreover, it is not really that hard to desist from doing a sin because it is established that the Shayateen (evil jinns) are chained in this month. Thus the disobedience will lessen automatically. The motivator (i.e the Shayateen) being chained does not necessitate that the disobedience will completely fade away, since the other motivator (i.e the Nafs) is still free. In this month Nafs will motivate one towards disobedience, although with lesser force since it is alone. Hence in this endeavor one can bare a month worth of struggle and try to avoid the sins of each and every organ. Khutbaat Hakeemul Ummat – vol. 16 pg. 18-19 * The two worships are of two different categories. One cannot compensate for the other. It is a general misconception that if one is fasting then this act of fasting will compensate for ones lack in other facets of deen. Some even go to the extent and avoid fasting all together saying “Since we don’t pray or desist from vulgar language, we ought not to fast and ridicule fasting” Subhanallah! What deductive logic is this which prevents a person from doing good deeds, and not just any good deed rather one which is an obligatory in sight of Shariah? The example of this is like one who has a habit of wasting food. If he was to use such deductive logic and decide that he will stop eating or drinking altogether just so that he does not ridicule the food being wasted, would anyone consider him a sane person. The two are completely different obligations; eating being one and not wasting being another. One cannot compensate for the other. This is nothing but a ploy of ones nafs, seeking ways to ease ones worldly life.

The Month Of Training Ramadhan is the month of training for one on the path of tazkiyah (spiritual purification) and the training one receives in this month is not received at any other time. Below is some practical advice one should try to act on during this blessed month: • Ramadhan is the month of the Qur’an and one should try to complete at least one recitation. • Along with recitation one should make an effort to understand it by adhering to a reliable commentary or summary. The Glorious Qur’an by Maulana Abdul Majid Daryabadi (may Allah have mercy on him) is the Shaykh’s recommendation. • One should try to spend as much time as possible in the masjid with the niyyah (intention) of i’tikaaf (seclusion). • One should spend more moments in silence, meditation, reflection and try more consciously to engage in tasbeeh and dhikr (remembrance of Allah). • One should look at one’s timings, ability and other considerations and plan accordingly. • Ramadhan is the month of mujaahadah (striving) and our greatest mujaahadah would be to overcome the laziness and lack of motivation of the nafs in reciting the Qur’an. [This short excerpt is based on a brothers' majlis (gathering for spiritual training) held by Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq on 26th August 2008].

Seven Advices 1.Remove the TV from your home. 2. Men should grow a Shar'i beard. One of the blessings of having a beard is that it gives a man the constant awareness that he is seen by others as religious, and this makes him ashamed of committing sins in public. 3. Save yourself from ribaa (usury). 4. Sisters should observe the rules of hijab. 5. Observe the rules of the Shari'ah in your personal matters, e.g. clothing, appearance etc. 6. Be particular about consuming only halal, and saving yourself from haram and doubtful products. Special attention should be given to the matter of take-away food. The difference between eating halal daal and doubtful chicken is twenty minutes of pleasure, followed by the negative effects of eating doubtful or haram food, e.g. laziness in worship. 7. Make a point of spending time in the company of the pious, and avoid bad company. Someone who goes and sits on his own in a coffee shop, a place not considered as a good environment, is better off than someone who sits in the masjid with bad company. Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat (Hafizahullah) Ramadhãn in Shaykh's Company • 14th Ramadhãn 1429 AH

Ramadhaan: A Training Ground “The commands of Allah subhanahu wata‘alaa fall under two categories: obligations, things we have to do, and prohibitions, things we are forbidden from doing. If we analyse the category of obligations, we can conclude that they too are prohibitions. Take the example of the obligation to perform salah; it is in effect a prohibition against not performing salah. So the commands of Allah subhanahu wata‘alaa are all about abstaining from things. A muttaqi is someone who abstains: when it comes to salah, someone who does not neglect salah is termed muttaqi with regards to salah. The 29 or 30 days of Ramadhan are a training ground, teaching us abstinence. From dawn to sunset, we practice abstaining from food, drink and marital relations. Sawm, fasting, is defined as abstinence, and through fasting we become accustomed to abstaining. The month of fasting compels us to ask ourslves the following question: if after becoming accustomed to abstaining from desires during this one month, is there any reason why we cannot abstain from following our base desires and disobeying Allah subhanahu wata‘alaa during the remaining 11 months?” Appeared on www.shaykh.org July 31, 2010 Words of Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat (hafizahullah) recorded by his students

From ATTARBIYAH..ITA Dewsbury In nature cure, one of the very important tools for health and disease cure is fasting. Many people are learning the trick of curing their colds, headaches, nervous spells and other acute troubles by missing a few meals or taking a short fast. It is the simplest and the most efficient way of relieving the overloaded and "foodpoisoned" system. You would be surprised to know how little food is actually required to keep the individual healthy. One of the commonest complaints of the sick is that they have "lost their appetite". In fact, the greatest blessing to them would be to lose their appetite long enough to find their hunger. Loss of appetite is an indication that the system is overcharged with toxins and nature is trying to correct this by giving a chance to the waste accumulation in the organs to escape from the system. Fasting as a remedy is fully in harmony with the "naturecure" philosophy of the cause of disease. If the disease is created by an abnormal accumulation of toxins in the system, it stands to reason that fasting will help in their elimination from the system. The membranous linings ofthe stomach and intestine which act as a "sponge" to absorb food materials are now "squeezed" to throw out the waste matter from the system

Q. In many Muslim regions it is considered that it is prohibited to go outside after sunset (during Salah al-Maghrib), especially it concerns children. whether there are bases at this custom in Islam? A. The practice of preventing children from going outdoors at the time of Maghrib is established from the Hadith. Sayyiduna Jabir (Radiyallahu Anhu) reports that the Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “When it starts to become dark at night, keep your children indoors for the Shayateen (plural of Shaitaan) roam around at this time. When the time for Esha passes, you may let them out” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith #: 3280) Due to the time of Maghrib being a time of high traffic for Shayateen and Jinn, it is emphasized for children to remain indoors as they are most vulnerable to the interference of such creatures. In the event of there being a need for children to be taken outdoors at the time of Maghrib, parents should at least encourage the children to recite the three Quls (Surah al-Ikhlaas, al-Falaq and an-Naas) thrice each or the parents should recite and blow on the children if they are not able to recite it themselves. And Allah Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh) There is no shortage of complaints when it comes to giving up sins and the struggle which ensues between individuals and their nafs, as well as Shaytaan. This battle is inevitably on-going – till our dying day. There is no other way out, except to show the courage and bravery that every Muslim does have – when it comes to Pleasing Allah Ta’ala. Yet another widespread weakness is that of Haraam fantasizing. Young and old, married and unmarried – thousands upon thousands, succumb to their runaway imagination when it comes to fantasy world and this in turn leads to even graver sin. Allah Ta’ala granted us the power of Imagination for a beautiful purpose; but most people today utilize this imagination in filthy thoughts. The following is actually drawn from my Malfoozaat. It is an extract from one of the kitaabs. It is a prescription which I have given to many who have complained of the same. Alhamdulillah, it has been a means of cure for many. May Allah Ta’ala make it a means of cure for all that have this ailment. “Haraam fantasizing is the spiritual disease of almost every person. It is abuse of the great, wonderful and amazing gift of imagination. Why did Allah Ta’ala give us this gift of imagination ? The imagination has been given to us so that it may be used to ponder over the Qur`aan Sharif, which entails stories of past nations and verses upon verses of Jannat and Jahannum and accountability. This is imagination was to be used for the purpose of taking lesson and strengthening our Imaan. It was to be used as a catalyst towards ‘Aml’ (action). The imagination was not given to us so that we may indulge our nafs in filthy thoughts. One of the main reasons why both men and women have this problem plaguing them, is due to their indulgence in lustful gazing. After having cast filthy gazes at ghair-mahareem , or watching porn movies or paging through porn magazines, or reading explicit romance novels, there is desire and craving for more. Since ‘more’ is generally not possible … since the person may be married, or the object of one’s desire is a film star or supermodel or a Miss Universe or Mr. Universe, and there is zero chance of meeting the person, the person tries to satisfy these shahawaat (desires) by fantasizing. But fantasizing is not going to satisfy desire. It will only increase desire. The person’s sickness will increase. His physical health will inevitably also suffer. When the desire to indulge in Haraam fantasizing comes into the heart, then take your imagination to the Day of Judgement; stand before Allah Ta’ala’s Seat of Judgement and begin accounting for all your actions in this world. Think of how you will account for and what you will say to Allah Ta’ala when all these filthy thoughts will be presented to you. Allah Ta’ala states in the Qur`aan Sharif : “WHEN THE SCROLLS ARE LAID OPEN.” [sURAH TAKWEER 81 :10] “THIS OUR RECORD SPEAKS ABOUT YOU WITH TRUTH : FOR WE WERE WONT TO PUT ON RECORD ALL THAT YOU DID.” [sURAH JATHIYA 45 :29] Even though Allah Ta’ala is All-Knowing and well aware of all our actions, He has established a law whereby every action and every detail of every action be recorded and thereafter presented to us on the Day of Reckoning – in favour of us or witness against us. Otherwise take your imagination for Haj : Picture yourself at the Multazam, making Tawaaf, making Sa`ee; picture yourself at the Raudha Mubarak, conveying Salaam to Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), or take your imagination to your Qabr and the events which unfold in the grave after death. …Insha-Allah, this will a means of defeating nafs and Shaytaan as well as obliterating a filthy habit. If you find yourself still weak against the demands of nafs and whisperings of Shaytaan, then immediately occupy yourself in that which is ‘mubaah’ (permissible). Begin conversation with your parents, or with brothers and sisters, or phone a good, pious friend, or listen to some Qiraat or Deeni talk… Occupy yourself in that which is Halaal and mubaah; otherwise nafs will ravage your heart and destroy your peace of mind and lead you to even suicidal tendencies. Added to this, consider filthy thoughts as pigs. Just as we show aversion and absolute disgust on seeing a pig, so should we be disgusted with dirty thoughts – which fall in the same category as pigs. Both are Haraam (forbidden). Furthermore, Haraam fantasizing leads to the evil habit of self-gratification, because there is no Halaal avenue to satisfy one’s desires. This is a rather disastrous weakness amongst the youth and one should ponder over the various harms which are too many, and these harms are spiritual, physical and psychological harms. Satisfying one’s desires by masturbating is not permissible even if a person does not have the means to marry. Allah Ta’ala mentions that those who do not find the means to marry should remain chaste. “And those who do not find the means to marry, should remain chaste until Allah gives them resources by His Grace.” Remaining chaste is thus a Divine command which is compulsory to comply with – therefore we will find the Ahadith presenting prescriptions to remain chaste (lowering the gaze, fasting, etc.). As a prescription, the following harms should be read and re-read if need be, until it is understood that the harms long term are not worth the gratification that comes with the sin. Some Spiritual Harms : Taufeeq of doing good deeds is taken away. The person is deprived of Tahajjud, of Tilawat of the Qur`aan Sharief, of associating with the pious, etc. The person is deprived of knowledge and finds an aversion to people The most dangerous is that the person will not be able to remain steadfast on Deen. (Allah Ta’ala protect). Besides this, a person who satisfies his evil desires in this manner is cursed according to Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Some Physical harms : The following physical harms have been recorded by highly qualified Hakims, the equivalent of specialist doctors. The bladder becomes weak and this leads to problems in respect to taharah – Wudhu/ salaah and other Ibaadah. There are many that are suffering with involuntary urinary and seminal discharges due to the indulgence in this sin, and they write mentioning the difficulties that are thereafter encountered. It also weakens the nerves. It causes some limbs like the legs to shake and shiver. It causes pain in the vertebra column, the spinal column from which semen is ejaculated. This pain creates crookedness and twisting in the back. It creates weakness in the brain and weakness of memory. It weakens the sight and reduces the normal limit of vision. It causes a person to become old before time. It decreases the natural resistence of the body. It causes harm to the four principle organs in the body : the heart, brain, liver and stomach. It weakens the fine nerves and veins of the sexual organs, resulting in impotency. Excessive loss of semen is in reality excessive loss of blood. In later years, it can be that such a person will not have the ability to father any children. It causes an excessive loss of sperm by way of nocturnal emission (wet dreams). Some Psychological Harms : It leads to agitation and irritation over trivial matters, lack of confidence, disinterest in studying and desire for isolation. Much more can be stated in respect to the harms of this sin. So contemplating the above, should give every incentive to give up the sin. No one would like to contend with any one of the above problems and yet just one evil deed and the person has invited waves of calamities upon himself. If evil desires still get the better, then Nikah is a simple solution. Where the evil desires are so difficult to suppress that the person engages in Haraam then Shariah says that it is Fardh for the person to marry. This is, of course, for those who the ability. source

Enter Paradise by whichever Gates you wish Offer your prayers, fast the month of Ramadhaan, guard your chastity and obey your husband.....

Be this kind of Muslimah “Hate no one, no matter how much they’ve wronged you. Live humbly, no matter how wealthy you become. Think positively, no matter how hard life is. Give much, even if you’ve been given little. Keep in touch with the ones who have forgotten you, and forgive who has wronged you, and do not stop praying for the best for those you love.” idealwoman.org