ummtaalib

Question: When the menses period of a woman terminates – how does she establish when to perform ghusl? For example: does she wait for the appearance of white discharge, wait for 24 hours after the bleeding stops, or perform ghusl when the bleeding stops? Note sometimes bleeding may stop but may re-occur again. Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh A woman may perform ghusl and pray Salah immediately upon the termination of her menses. She is not required to wait for 24 hours or the appearance of white discharge. If she knows her regular cycle such as 7 days, then immediately upon the completion of the 7th day, the menses will terminate and she will perform ghusl and pray her Salah. If she witnesses bleeding after the 7th day, it will be considered Haidh (menses) until the 10th day. Any bleeding which occurs after the 10th day will be considered Istihadah (irregular bleeding). [2] And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai. [2] يشترط استمرار الدم في كامل مدة الحيض حتي يكون حيضا، ولكن العبرة لاوله وآخره. (منهل الواردين، ص311، دار الفكر) اذا انقطع الدم قبل الثلاثة، او جاوز العشرة- حقيقة او حكما- في المعتادة، تومر بقضاء الصلاة. (منهل الواردين، ص312، دار الفكر)

Q. Who are Imam Abu Mansoor al Maaturidi and Imam Abul Hasan al Ash’ari? This is an often asked question and the reply is as follows: To believe in the set of beliefs (Aqeedah) as expounded in the Qur’an and Sunnah and as understood by the Companions, is a prerequisite for a person to be a Muslim. This is a set of quite clear and simple beliefs. However, as Islam spread, Muslims were exposed to other cultures and heritages, Greek philosophy being one of them and Muslims were exposed for the first time to the rational theology of the Greeks. It gave rise to a discipline called ‘Ilmul Qalaam which had not existed during the time of the Prophet s or his illustrious Companions. This branch of knowledge therefore arose out of the need of the time as a climate was created where arguments for and against Islamic beliefs were examined in the light of Greek rational thought. Many delicate and intricate questions arose for which there were no clear texts of the Qur’an and Sunnah and discussions on these issues led to the formation of many groups. In this regard it was Imam al Maaturidi and Imam al Ash’ari who represented the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaa’ah and they clarified the position held by the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaa’ah in their discourses. It is in regard to the issues of ‘Ilmul Qalaam that the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah follow these two Imams. A point often mentioned is the fact that they differed from each other. They did differ on minor issues of interpretation, however the subject of ‘Ilmul Qalaam is rational thought which in itself allows for differences of opinion.

Imam Abu Hanifa ra Out of the four Imams, Imam Abu Hanifah ra has the greatest following. He is known as the “Lamp of the Ummah” and “The leader of the Jurists”. He was a pious, kind and generous person. He was born in the era of the Sahaaba RA in Kufa, Iraq in 80 AH. Kufa was the centre of learning in those times. He was a Tabi’ee (one who has met the Companions) and closest to the era of the Prophet s. Great Scholars and Jurists have acknowledged his eloquence in judicial matters and in understanding complex issues. Imam Shafi’ee said about him, “Mankind is dependant on Imam Abu Hanifa in the field of jurisprudence”. Imam Maalik stated, “Imam Abu Hanifa has been granted such a deep insight in jurisprudence that he experiences no perplexity in Fiqh”. A distinctive feature of the Hanafi Madhab is it’s liberality. Imam Abu Hanifa interpreted most laws in favour of man and Schiolars agree that he erected a very tolerant system of law. The Deen was made very moderate, sensible and easy to follow. The Prophet s said, “The best religion is the easiest religion” We of the Asian subcontinent inhabited a land where the Hanafi Madhab was predominant and this predominance was not the result of our effort or choice. Scholars and books of Hanafi Fiqh was established in these lands and it would have been difficult to acquire knowledge of the Shari’at through another Madhab. Imam Abu Hanifah ra was jailed and tortured for not accepting the post of Chief Justice. He was forcefully made to drink poison in prison and he died at the age of 70 in the posture of sujood. 50,000 people attended his funeral. Imam Maalik ra Was born in 93 AH in Madinah. He was a Tabi-Taabe’ee and he acquired his knowledge from great teachers within Madinah. Here he spent his life acquiring and imparting knowledge and here he died in 179 AH. Imam Shafi’ee ra Was born in a town in Syria in 150 AH. He was a very learned scholar. At the age of 2 he was taken to Makkah where he started acquiring knowledge, after which he gained education in Madinah. At the age of 7 he knew the whole Qur’an with knowledge of it’s meaning and he learnt Imam Malik’s “Muatta” at the age of 10. He was very intelligent and eloquent and people came from far and wide to attend his teachings. He was very generous, broad-minded and understanding. He died at the age of 58 on a Friday in Egypt. Imam Ahmad Ibne Hambal ra Was born in Baghdad in 164 AH. His pious and scholastic ways were recognised at a very early age. He acquired knowledge from the great scholars of Baghdad and then he travelled to Kufa, Basra, Makkah, Madinah, Syria etc. He died at the age of 77 in 241 AH in Baghdad and 600 000 people attended his funeral with rows formed throughout the city. Even non-muslims mourned his death as they had expressed their admiration for him during his life.

Although he loved peace, Salahuddin Ayyubi became one of the world's greatest warriors. He was born in Tekrit in 1138 CE when his father Ameer Najmudin was the ruler of Tekrit. He was brought up by his noble father and talented uncle, Asad-ud-din Shirkhu. Salahuddin was a very intelligent and noble person. He loved peace and never enjoyed fighting battles. But all changed when Salahuddin was ordered to go to Egypt with his uncle. He went to Egypt many times with his uncle to fight two enemies, the Franks and the Batnids. After his uncle's death, he became the commander and Vizier of Egypt. Salahuddin Ayyubi never lived in the palace. Instead, he lived in a small house near the mosque. Salahuddin had a great love for Islam and as the vizier and general of Egypt, he tried hard to root out the Crusaders. For this purpose, he maintained a strong army. He established peace and prosperity throughout the country. From the beginning, many prejudiced Egyptian ministers disliked him. When they saw he was winning the hearts of the Egyptian people they did many conspiracies against him but due to Salahuddin's wisdom, they were defeated. When the Fatmid caliph Al Aziz died, Salahuddin became the ruler of Egypt. When Salahuddin took over Damascus the people opened the gates of the city to him and greeted him warmly. The Crusaders were not happy by Salahuddin's increasing power and success. Uniting their forces, they planned a decisive attack on Muslim area. Battle of Hittin took place. Muslims won under the leadership of Salahuddin. Thousands of Crusaders were arrested. Salahuddin treated the prisoners with tolerance. In 1187 CE, Salahuddin conquered Jerusalem. Thousands of Crusaders were arrested. However, when their mothers, sisters, and wives appealed to Salahuddin, he released them. Many crusaders were ransomed. However, he paid for many of them. In addition, he provided them transport, etc. He allowed neither massacre nor looting. He gave free pardon to all citizens. He even arranged for their traveling. He granted freedom to Christians to leave the city if they paid a small tribute. Salahuddin paid it, himself, for about ten thousand poor people. His brother paid it for seven thousand people. Salahuddin also allocated one of the gates of the city for people who were too poor to pay anything that they leave from there. On Friday 27th Rajab 583 AH, Salahuddin entered Jerusalem. After entering the city they went straight to the Mosque and cleaned it. Then for the first time in more then 80 years, the people of Jerusalem heard the Azan (call of prayer) from Al Aqsa Mosque. Further Reading: Great Muslims: Salahuddin Ayyubi http://www.albalagh.net/kids/history/salahudin.shtml

The Holy Land saw peace and justice during 1300 years of Muslim rule and persecution of Jews, Christians, and Muslims at other times. Posted: 28 Safar 1423, 11 May 2002 Palestine is the land of prophets. Many prophets were born or died in Palestine, including Prophets Ibrahim (Abraham), Lut (Lot), Dawood (David), Suleiman (Solomon), Musa (Moses), and Isa (Jesus), alayhimu-salam. Baitul-Maqdis in Palestine was the first Qibla (direction in which Muslims face when praying) too, and Muslims prayed facing Baitul-Maqdis for around 14 years, after which Allah ordered the Qibla to be changed towards the Kaabah in Makkah. Early History The Canaanites are the earliest known inhabitants of Palestine. They were thought to have lived in Palestine in the third millennium BC. Then Pharaonic Egypt controlled the area for much of the second millennium BC. Prophet Musa, alayhi-salam, was born in Palestine during this time. When Egyptian power began to weaken, new invaders appeared: the Hebrews, a group of Semitic tribes from Mesopotamia; and the Philistines, after whom the country (Philistia) was later named, an Aegean people of Indo-European stock. The Israelites, a confederation of Hebrew tribes, defeated the Canaanites, but the struggle with the Philistines was more difficult. The Philistines had established an independent state on the southern coast of Palestine and controlled the Canaanite town of Jerusalem. The Philistines were superior in military organization and severely defeated the Israelites in about 1050 BC. Then, in around 995 BC, Prophet Dawood, alayhi-salam, Israel's king, united the Hebrew tribes and eventually defeated the Philistines. The three groups (Canaanites, Philistines, and Israelites) assimilated with each other over the years. The unity of Israelite tribes enabled Prophet Dawood, alayhi-salam, to establish a large independent state, with its capital at Jerusalem. After the death of Prophet Dawood, alayhi-salam, in around 961 BC Prophet Sulayman, alayhi-salam, his son, became the new king of Israel Construction and Destruction of the First Temple Prophet Sulayman, alayhi-salam, built a magnificent place of worship, the First Temple, which housed the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest holding the tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments. Soon after his death, the kingdom was divided into two parts: northern Israel and southern Judah. Pagan Assyrians overran Israel in 721 BC. They destroyed the First Temple. In 538 BC Persian emperor Cyrus defeated the Babylonians and Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem. Construction and Destruction of the Second Temple In 515 BC the Jews built the Second Temple at the same site of the First Temple. Alexander conquered Palestine in 332 BC. Three centuries later, the Romans entered Jerusalem. Herod, the client king for the Roman Empire expanded the Second Temple but destroyed the religion. Then Prophet Isa, alayhi-salam, was born, around 4 BC. Jews joined with Roman paganism to persecute Prophet Jesus and his followers. In 70 CE, Titus of Rome laid siege to Jerusalem. The Herodian Temple eventually fell, and with it the whole city. Seeking a complete and enduring victory, Titus ordered the total destruction of the city. A new city named Aelia was built on the ruins of Jerusalem, and a temple dedicated to Jupitor was raised. Christian Rule of Palestine In 313 CE the Roman emperor Constantine I legalized Christianity. Palestine, as the Holy Land, became a focus of Christian pilgrimage. Most of the population became Hellenized and Christianized. In 324 CE Constantine of Byzantium marched on Aelia. He rebuilt the city walls and commissioned the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and opened the city for Christian pilgrimage. In the year 620 CE, Isra' wal Mi'raj took place. On this night, in a miraculous way, the Prophet http://www.albalagh.net/kids/_images/saws.gif was taken on a momentous journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and from there to heaven. The Night Journey was a great miracle that Muslims believe was given to Prophet Muhammad http://www.albalagh.net/kids/_images/saws.gif as an honor and also to impress upon the Muslims the importance of Jerusalem to them. The Night Journey from Makkah to Jerusalem is called al-Isra' and the ascension from Jerusalem to the heaven is called al-Mi'raj. Both of these events took place on the same night. Angel Gabriel took Prophet Muhammad http://www.albalagh.net/kids/_images/saws.gif from Makkah to Jerusalem. There he met all the Prophets and Messengers and led them in prayers. Then it is reported that the Prophet http://www.albalagh.net/kids/_images/saws.gif stood at the Sacred Rock (al-Sakhrah al-Musharrafah), went to the heavens. He arrived back in Makkah the same night. Muslim Rule of Palestine The Byzantines who ruled Jerusalem at this time were very harsh. They not only barred Jews from entering Jerusalem, but also persecuted Christians who did not follow the same sect as them. On the other hand, Muslims had the reputation for mercy and compassion in victory. So when the Muslims marched into Palestine in 638 CE, the people of Jerusalem gave up the city only after a brief siege. They made just one condition, that the terms of their surrender be negotiated directly with the Khalifah Umar, Radi-Allahu anhu, in person. Sayyidna Umar, Radi-Allahu anhu, agreed to come and entered Jerusalem on foot. There was no bloodshed or massacres. Those who wanted to leave were allowed to leave, with all their goods. Those who wanted to stay were guaranteed protection for their lives, property and places of worship. The conquest of Palestine by the Muslims put an end to centuries of instability, religious persecution, and colonial rule. After the advent of Islam, people enjoyed security, safety and peace. Schools, mosques and hospitals were founded. Palestine was a center of learning from which a large number of scholars graduated. The conquest of Palestine by the Muslims began the 1300 years of Muslim rule, with the exception of the period of the Crusades (1099-1187) in what then became known as Filastin. The Christian occupation of Palestine began after the sermon which pope Urban the second delivered in 1095 CE, when he incited the Christians to rescue the Holy Sepulcher from the hands of the Muslims. The Holy Land fell after a month of siege. The Crusades entered it in 1099 CE and massacred its residents not sparing the infants or elderly, and the number killed went over seventy thousand. Then the Crusaders established a Latin kingdom. During the occupation, massacres and great injustices were committed against the Muslim, Jewish and native Christian residents of the area. Finally, in 1187 CE, Palestine was liberated by the Muslims under the leadership of Salatuddin Ayyubi, who brought back Islamic law to the area. Peace and justice once again ruled Palestine, and everyone, regardless of their religion, was allowed to live there peacefully The Founding of Israel and Palestine Today The first serious plan for the establishment of the country of Israel was in the Bale conference in Switzerland in 1897 CE. The conference succeeded and was attended by 204 of those invited, where they decreed the establishment of a nation for the Jews in Palestine. After the Bale conference, the Jewish movement became active which led Sultan Abdul Hameed (the then Khalifah) to deliver his famous decree in 1900 to stop the Jewish pilgrims from residing in Palestine for longer than three months. Sultan Abdul Hameed knew very well the designs and plans of the Jews. Contact with the Sultan was commenced by the Jews in 1882 when the Friends of Zion society put up a request to the Ottoman council in Russia for residence in Palestine. The Sultan responded: "The Ottoman government hereby decrees to all the Jews who desire to migrate to Turkey that they will not be permitted to reside in Palestine." The Jews were angered and began to send delegation after delegation each of which returned with a response more severe than the one preceding it. Then in 1901, Sultan Abdul Hameed passed a law forbidding the sale of any land in Palestine to the Jews. In 1902, Herzl formed another delegation to meet with the Sultan a second time after he attempted to convince him in 1896. The Sultan refused to meet with him, so they went to the Prime Minister Tahsin Basha with their suggestions. They offered the repayment of the entire debt of the Ottoman government which were to the extent of twenty three million gold English pounds, and to build a fleet for he protection of the empire costing two hundred and thirty million gold franc, and to offer an interest free loan to the value of thirty five million gold lira to revive the treasury. All these offers were in return for permission by the Sultan to the Jews to establish a Jewish nation in Palestine; that is to sell the lives and livelihood of the Palestinian people and the holy land for these offers. Sultan Abdul Hameed rejected all these offers After the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the First World War, Britain and France signed the Sykes-Picot Agreement, which divided the Arab region into zones of influence. Palestine submitted to the British occupation and at the same time the ratios of Jewish migration began to increase with support from the non-Muslim countries. Balfour Declaration. In 1917 CE the British government made promises to Arab leaders for an independent Arab state that would include Palestine (the Hussain-McMahon correspondence). Simultaneously, and secretly, it issued the Balfour Declaration, which declared Palestine to be a homeland for Jews. At that time Jews made up approximately 8% of the population of Palestine and owned approximately 2.5% of the land. Hundreds of thousands of Muslims were forced out of Palestine by the Jewish terrorist groups such as the Irgun, Levi, and Haganot, In 1918 the British and their Arab nationalist allies defeated the Ottomans. The British dismembered the Ottoman Empire and occupied Palestine. The British immediately began a campaign of immigrating European Jews to Palestine. By 1947, the number of Jews in Palestine had reached approximately six hundred and fifty thousand (31% of the total population). They began to establish organizations, which were trained in organized terrorism. From these a large number were trained in and participated in the Second World War in order to gain experience and skills to go to battle in Palestine in the next stage. So when the United Nations decreed the division of Palestine, the Jews had seventy five thousand armed and trained members. Jewish Terrorism In 1948 the Jews claimed the establishment of a state for themselves over the land of Palestine and called it Israel. Hundreds of thousands of Muslims were forced out of Palestine under the military pressure of Jewish terrorist groups such as the Irgun, Levi, and Haganot, which were financed and armed by the British army as well as US Jewry. In 1967 Israel attacked Egypt, Jordan and Syria and occupied more land including for the first time Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa. Since that time Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa has been the target of several attempts by the Jews to destroy or burn it, including attempts to collapse it through underground excavations In December 1987, the Palestinians began an uprising (Intifada) in the West Bank and Gaza Strip against the continued Jewish occupation. On September 28, 2000, Ariel Sharon broke into Masjid Al-Aqsa with 3000 Zionist soldiers profaning the Masjid Al-Aqsa to provoke the Palestinians. Palestinians protested and the second intifada began. Since then thousands of Palestinian civilians have been killed by the Israeli army, and there is no end in sight. http://www.albalagh.net/kids/history/palestine.shtml

615 CE Muslims migrate to Abyssinia to escape persecution from the Makkans. The king of Abyssinia, Negus, treats them well and later accepts Islam, himself. 670 CE,50 A.H Qairowan (in present-day Tunisia) founded by Uqbah bin Nafi, Radi-Allahu anhu. 680 CE, 60 A.H Uqbah bin Nafi, Radi-Allahu anhu, marches west and claims Africa for Islam. 698 CE, 78 A.H Byzantines flee from Carthage and Muslims get full power on the Berber Country. 750 CE, 132 A.H Muslim Arabs have created a huge Islamic Empire in Middle East. 900 CE, 287 A.H Arab Merchants come to live in Ghana. And as Arabs gain more influence, they teach the people of Ghana about Islam. Many government officials and merchants convert to Islam. Some merchants spend large funds to builds mosques. Among the first converts were the Mandinke people from the Southern Sahara. They served as middlemen between Arab traders and Wangara. The Mandinke build small trading companies that made contact with many different people. They spread Islam throughout West Africa. Many people converted to Islam because they were impressed by its teachings and the conduct of the early Muslims. Islam stressed brotherhood of all believers. This also encouraged peaceful trade between people of different nations. 1000CE, 390 A.H The city of Timbuktu is founded. As traders settle there, they bring Islamic scholars with them. Islamic scholars spoke and wrote Arabic. West African tribes spoke many different languages and so Islam gave them one language to speak. Nearly every Muslim in Timbuktu learned to read and write. Learning Qur'an was important for West African Muslims. 1087 CE, 480 A.H Soninke gain control from Al Moravids. 1100CE, 493 A.H Berbers, who had long been Muslims, battle for power. 1203 CE, 599 A.H King Sumanguru over throws Soninke king. 1235 CE, 632 A.H King of Mali defeats King Sumanguru and Mali replaces Ghana. This year marked the fall of Ghana. 1307 CE, 706 A.H Mansa Musa, a devout Muslim, becomes king of Mali. Under his rule, conversions to Islam greatly increased. 1324 CE, 724 A.H Mansa Musa makes pilgrimage to Makkah and after this pilgrimage, European merchant get interested in Mali's wealth. Mansa Musa had brought Muslim scholars from Makkah to teach in Mali's learning centers. Mali's border also expanded under Mansa Musa's rule. 1332 CE, 732 A.H Mansa Musa dies. Mali is ruled by a series of kings who are unable to protect it's vast territories. Songhai begins to revolt. People from south raid Mali's southern border. 1400 CE, 802 A.H Mali slowly weakens. Berber's take over the trade and learning centers of Timbuktu and Walata. 1435 CE, 838 A.H Songhai's prince declares Gao's independence from Mali. 1464 CE, 868 A.H Songhai begins conquering neighbors under leadership of Sunni Ali, a Muslim. Gao becomes Songhai's capital. After Sunni Ali died, his son, a non-Muslim, takes over. 1490 CE, 895 A.H Askia Muhammad over throws Sunni Ali's son and becomes king of Songhai declaring Islam as the state religion. Askia Muhammad encourages non-Muslims to convert and invites scholars to his country and his country becomes a city of learning. 1500 CE, 905 A.H As the number of Muslims increase, Songhai becomes the greatest empire of Africa. 1585 CE, 993 A.H Morocco ruler captures Songhai's salt mines. 1590 CE, 998 A.H Morroco's ruler sends soldiers to conquer Songhai. They wanted to control Songhai's source of gold and in the end, Goa fell, then Timbuktu, and finally Songhai . http://www.albalagh.net/kids/history/africa.shtml

"Read! In the Name of your Lord Who Created. He Created man out of a leech- like clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Benevolent -- He Who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not." [Al-'Alaq: 1-5] These were the first five verses of the Quran revealed to Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, through Angel Jibreel, starting Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam's, Prophethood. For the first three years of his Prophethood, Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, preached secretly within his family and relatives. Then Allah commanded him to preach Islam publicly. The majority of the Makkans (who were pagan idolaters) were very angry and started persecuting the Muslims very much. Only a few became Muslims, but those Muslims were very strong in their belief, so the number of Muslims continued to grow. When persecution became unbearable, some Muslims migrated to Abysinnia (now Ethiopia), where a Christian king provided protection for the Muslims and later became a Muslim. Madinah Life in Makkah became so unbearable, that Allah commanded the Muslims to migrate to Madinah, where the majority of people had become Muslims. Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, migrated to Madinah in his 13th year of Prophethood (622 CE). In Madinah, the Muslim State was established under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. The Muslims were free to pray on their own, etc. The Makkan idolaters did not like that and they attacked the Muslims in Madinah several times to crush Islam. But the Muslims resisted attack after attack. Finally a peace treaty was drawn up that was in the favor of the unbelievers. Though the peace treaty was in their favor, the unbelievers broke the treaty by helping their ally in attacking one of the Muslims' allies. But, the Muslims had grown very strong by now, and since the treaty was now null, Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, decided that it was time to conquer Makkah and cleanse the Kaaba from all the idols put in it. All the preparations were done secretly and no news about that reached Makkah. Conquest of Makkah During the 8th year after the migration from Makkah, Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, left for Makkah. Upon arriving at Makkah, the army numbered ten thousand. Many of the unbelievers had become Muslims and the tables had turned. The Muslims had become very strong by now. The Makkans were very afraid of the Muslims. Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, could have easily killed every single person in Makkah who had tortured and oppressed the Muslims for so long, but he was a man of peace and mercy. He ordered the Muslims not to fight unless they were attacked. He told the Makkans that whoever closed their doors, laid down their arms, took refuge by the Kaaba, or entered Abu Sufyan's house (who was one of their leaders) would be safe. The whole entry into Makkah was peaceful. Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, destroyed all the idols in the Ka'aba. He then turned to the Makkans and asked them what treatment they would expect from him. They replied: You are a noble brother and a noble cousin. Then Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, said, "Go for you are free." Most of the Makkans became Muslims that day. Last Pilgrimage After that, Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, went back to Madinah. Many deputations kept on coming to Madinah from various tribes to become Muslims. In the 10th year after migration from Makkah, Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, left for Makkah with one hundred and fourteen thousand of his followers for his farewell pilgrimage. There on the plain of Arafat near the Mount of Mercy he delivered his last sermon. After the pilgrimage, Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, went back to Madinah. The whole of Arabia had now become Muslim and was under his rule. In the 11th year after the migration from Makkah, Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, became ill. After an illness that lasted 13 days, Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, breathed his last on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal (Rabi-ul-Awwal is an Islamic lunar month). He was 63 years old. Abu Bakr, Radi-Allahu anhu After Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam's, death Abu Bakr, Radi-Allahu anhu became the Caliph, or successor to Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. The first challenge he faced was from the people who had refused to pay Zakat and some false claimants of prophethood. He dealt with them strongly and all of those people were defeated. Abu Bakr, Radi-Allahu anhu, also took steps against the Persian Empire that was a constant danger to the Muslims. It had helped the people who had rebelled against Islam. In the first battle against the Persians, the Battle of Chains, the Muslims emerged victorious while the Persians suffered a humiliating defeat. Thousands of Persians were killed and taken captive. Next, the Muslims fought the Battle of Mazar against the Persians. Again the Muslims won. In the battles of Walaja and Ulleis, too, the Muslims won the battles against the Persians. They also conquered the kingdom of Hira. The Muslims also conquered a fort named Ein-at-Tamr. The Muslims also fought against the Byzantines. In the battle of Basra, the Muslims emerged victorious against the Byzantines. So were they victorious against the Byzantines in the Battle of Ajnadein. The Muslims also laid siege to Damascus, which was lifted because of the death of Abu Bakr, Radi-Allahu anhu. Umar, Radi-Allahu anhu Umar, Radi-Allahu anhu, became the next Caliph after Abu Bakr, Radi-Allahu anhu's, death. Umar, Radi-Allahu anhu, continued the war against the Persians because of the continuous troubles they were causing for the Muslim State. The Muslims fought the Battle of Namarraq against the Persians. The Muslims won this battle. After that the Battle of Jasr took place. In that battle, the Muslims were defeated. Then the Muslims fought the battles of Buwaib, Qadisiya, and Jalula. The Muslims won in all of these battles. The Muslims also conquered Madain, Shustar, and Jande Sabur. Then came the Battle of Nihawand. This was one of the most decisive battles in history and it sealed the fate of the Persian Empire. It also proved to be the gateway for Muslims to Persia. Umar, Radi-Allahu anhu, also fought against the Byzantine Empire. The Muslims conquered Syria after the Battle of Yarmuk. The Muslims then conquered Jerusalem and Egypt. In Russia, the Muslims conquered Azerbaijan and Tabaristan. Uthman, Radi-Allahu anhu During Uthman, Radi-Allahu anhu's rule, there were uprisings in Persia and in Byzantine. Uthman, Radi-Allahu anhu, crushed these revolts and made his grip on the territories firmer. During his rule, the Muslims conquered the whole of North Africa. It included countries now known as Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. The island of Cyprus was also conquered during his time. Campaigns were also sent against Khurasan (in present-day Iran), Armeain, and Asia Minor (now Turkey). Muawiyah, Radi-Allahu anhu During Muawiyah, Radi-Allahu anhu's rule, the Muslims founded the city of Qairowan in Tunisia. They conquered Kabul, captured the island of Rhodes, and occupied Samarkand (in present-day Uzbekistan) and Tirmiz. Campaigns were sent in Khurasan (in present-day Iran). Bukhara (in present-day Uzbekistan) became a vassal state. Factors That Led to This Rise The Muslims spread their empire at lightning speed. Within half a century after Prophet Muhammad Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam's death, three continents had come under the Muslim rule and both super powers of the time, the Persian and the Roman, had been defeated. It was their faith, character, and courage that was responsible for this phenomenal achievement. Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, had left a great number of trained companions. The Muslims knew they were fighting for the sake of Allah and so they did not plunder the lands that they acquired nor did they treat the citizens of the conquered lands harshly. They were brave, courageous, and not afraid of dying. They were not greedy people or people seeking worldly pleasures. Rather they were very generous people often leaving themselves with hardly anything while fulfilling the needs of others. The commanders of great armies that conquered the Persian Empire, etc. were not the least bit different from the soldiers in their army regarding their lifestyle. Their lifestyle was simple. Their clothes were just enough to fit them and their foods were scanty. Often they went hungry for many days. If they got food, it would be no more than a piece of bread or dates and some water. Their clothes would have so many patches in them. In stark contrast to the pomp and show of both the Persian and the Roman empires, the Caliphs' lifestyles were no different from the citizens. Often when a dignitary from a different empire would come to meet the Caliph, he would have a hard time recognizing the Caliph because he was the same as a normal citizen. The Caliphs kept no guards and did not feel a bit insulted in washing their own clothes and mending their own shoes or doing work for others such as milking the neighbor's goats, etc. They were very kind to the people of the lands they conquered. They never destroyed any temple or church after conquering the place where the temple or church was. They were very just. They only resorted to war if it was inevitable. Often they would sign treaties assuring the subjects of total safety. Only the subjects would have to pay a small amount of tax called Jizyah for the protection they were getting from the Muslims. At the same time, they were exempted from paying Zakat and participating in military campaigns. The Muslims' character impressed many and many became Muslims after observing their character. No person became a Muslim under compulsion. The people became Muslims totally because they wanted to. http://www.albalagh.net/kids/history/rise.shtml

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From a lecture by Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat, “UM365 - Allah ki be intihaa rahmat” In this lecture our respected Shaykh (hafizahullah) relates two inspiring, heart softening stories. Despite our disobedience and disloyalty to Allah subhaanahu wata’ala we need not despair of His mercy as He remains loyal and His grace knows no bounds. Once the great Shaykh, Zun Noon Misri was walking along a river bank when he noticed that a scorpion ran towards a tortoise, jumped onto its back and the tortoise started swimming across the river. On reaching the other side the scorpion jumped off and raced towards a tree nearby. Zun Noon Misri, amazed at this scenario had followed and he noticed that a man was sleeping under the tree and it occurred to him that the man was probably a sinful person and Allah subhaanahu wata’ala had sent the scorpion as a punishment. As he neared the tree he noticed a huge python moving towards the sleeping person and to his amazement the scorpion leapt at the python, attacked and killed it. Thereafter it ran back to the riverbank, jumped onto the waiting tortoise which carried its load to the other side where they both separated and went their own way. The great Shaykh wondered at this amazing episode. He sat by the man waiting for him to wake up thinking he must be a very special friend of Allah subhaanahu wata’ala for Him to create such measures for his safety. When the man finally woke up Zun Noon Misri was shocked because he could smell the stench of alcohol on his breath. At that moment he was inspired by Allah subhaanahu wata’ala with the following words, “O Zun Noon, why are you shocked? This slave, sinful as he maybe, is My slave”! The second story is about Musa ‘alayhis salaam and Qaaroon whose enmity for the Prophet knew no bounds. After a long time Musa ‘alayhis salaam’s patience wore out and turning to Allah subhaanahu wata’ala he asked that Qaaroon be punished. Allah subhaanahu wata’ala put the earth at his disposal and Musa ‘alayhis salaam commanded the earth to swallow up Qaaroon. Upon this command Qaaroon sank into the earth up to his ankles. He started pleading with Musa ‘alayhis salaam who ignored him and commanded the earth to continue. Qaaroon sank in up to his knees and his fear increased. He pleaded for forgiveness and promised not to persecute him ever again. Musa ‘alayhis salaam refused to accept as he had indeed been tried much and he commanded the earth once again to continue. Qaaroon sank into the earth up to his waist and then as Qaroon continued to beg for forgiveness and mercy he finally disappeared completely. At this Jibra’eel the Angel descended with a message from Allah subhaanahu wata’ala saying, “O Musa, when Qaaroon pleaded with you over and over again you refused to relent. If he had but turned to Me just once I would have forgiven him.” In these stories lies a great lesson for us. We need not despair of the mercy of Allah subhaanahu wata’ala. Despite our disloyalty to Him, he remains loyal to us and does not push us away! Not only that but every occasion of Hajj, Umrah, Ramadhaan etc are but an excuse to forgive us, His disobedient servants! “He made enmity with Shaytaan when he refused to show respect to Insaan (human). Now Insaan betrays Ar-Rahmaan and befriends the enemy Shaytaan.”

True story told by Shaykh “Abdul Mohsen al Ahmad”, it happened in... Abha (the capital of Asir province in Saudi Arabia) “After performing Salãt Al Maghrib, she put her make-up, wore her beautiful white dress preparing herself for her wedding party, Then she heard the Azan of ‘Ishã and she realized that she broke her Wudhu she told her mother: “Mother, I have to go to make wudhu and pray ‘Ishã” Her mother was shocked : “Are you crazy?!! Guests are waiting for you, to see you! what about your make -up? It will be all washed away by water!!” then she added: ”I am your mother and I order you not to perform Salãh now! wallahi if you make wudhu now, I will be angry at you” Her daughter replied: ”Wallahi I won’t go out from here till I perform my Salãh! Mother you must know that “There is no obedience to any creature in disobedience to the Creator.”!! Her mother said: “What would our guests say about you when you’ll show up in your wedding party without make-up?! You won’t be beautiful in their eyes! They will make fun of you!” The daughter asked with a smile: “Are you worried because I won’t be beautiful in the eyes of creations? What about my Creator?! I am worried because, if I miss my Salãh, I won’t be beautiful in His eyes” She started to make wudhu, and all her make-up was washed away, but she didn’t care. Then she began her Salãh and at the moment she bowed down to make sujud, she didn’t realize that it will be her last one! Yes! She died while in sujud! What a great ending for a Muslimah who insisted on obeying her Lord! Many people who heard her story were so touched!! She put Him and His obedience first in her priorities, so He granted her the best ending that any Muslim would have! She wanted to be closer to Him, so He took her soul in the place where Muslim are the closest to Him! Subhana Allah! She didn’t care if she would be beautiful in the eyes of creatures so she was beautiful in the eyes of Her Creator! O Muslim sister, imagine if you are in her place! What will you do? What will you choose : pleasing creations or your Creator? O dear sister! Do you guarantee that you will live for the next minutes? Hours? Months?!! No one knows when their hour will come? Or when will they meet angels of death? So are you ready for that moment? O non hijab sister! What do you choose: Pleasing yourself by not wearing Hijãb or pleasing your Lord by wearing hijãb? Are you ready to meet Him without Hijãb? May Allah guide us all to what pleases Him and grant everyone who is reading these lines good ending. Source: ATTARBIYAH (Islamic Tarbiyah Academy)

A baby comes into this world with absolutely nothing and totally helpless with no abilities except that of crying. It cries in hunger, pain and discomfort. It cries for its needs to be fulfilled. Muft Shafi' sahib says that if only we cried like this child to Allah Almighty Who can fulfil every need of ours!

Originally Posted by dr76 on sunniforum A house when kept locked away for a long time.. with windows open.. shall gradually begin to gather dust.. then with passing of time cobwebs begin to spin .. then insects that were hidden in crevices begin to crawl about freely.. then over a time pigeons make nest so do other animals find their way in.. then years roll by and creepers begin to grow on the walls gradually setting the pace for its ruin... This is exactly what goes on in a heart that is devoid of the remembrance of Allah .. His ghair finds way through the many open windows.. dust blows in through his eyes when they are cast at ghair Mahram.. so does the filth of haram food that gushes forth through the arteries.. and the insects of haram thoughts gather within either through ears by listening to music.. or through other senses.. now this heart is just like the house above.. dark and in ruins.. (I have left out a portion of dr76 Sahib's post) He continues: .. and yes it shall be cleaned by the rememberance of Allah .. and fortified by a life on sunnah.. but for that reason a heart specialist is required.. and that is the Shaikh.. There is never a hurry for bayat as Islahi Ta'alluq could be kept even without initiation in a tareeqa.. just find someone who is strict on kitab and sunnah.. repent seriously .. and there u go..

Shyakh Yunus Patel sahib (DB) presents a wonderful and splendid analogy. He asks: “When does the sun rise?” and then he, himself, gives the reply: “When the horizon turns red.” Then he continues to describe the spiritual condition of the heart in the same light : When the heart turns red with the blood of one’s evil desires which have been sacrificed for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala, then Allah Ta’ala causes not just one ‘sun’ but many ‘suns’ of His Muhabbat (Love) and Ma’rifat (Recognition) to rise in such a heart. The sun of this world has restrictions : It neither lights up the entire world at once, nor is its heat always the same. Moreover, whilst it brings light and warmth as it rises; it inevitably sets, leaving behind darkness. The ‘suns’ of Allah’s love rise within the heart and lights it up. These ‘suns’ do not set unless the person becomes a persistent sinner, without Taubah (repentance). Added to this, the one in whose heart, the ‘suns’ of Allah’s love and ma’rifat have risen, will generate such light that will in turn light up the hearts of people all over the world. …The pain endured by the heart brings in its wake, happiness, satisfaction, the noor of Imaan and the sweetness of Imaan. In fact, the sorrow of the heart on this path of Divine Love is the very envy of happiness. Such a person is blessed with the companionship of Allah Ta’ala, for Allah Ta’ala says : ‘I am with those of broken hearts.’ Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) mentions the exceptional stage reached by those who adopt patience in abstaining from fulfilling their evil desires : On subscribing to sabr (patience) and sacrifice, the ‘Ahh’ which continually and invariably issues forth from that ‘bleeding’ heart transports one to the supreme and absolute stage of Wilayat. Maulana Rumi (Rahmatullah ‘alaih) says : Those who resort to Sabr on the Path of Allah; Have acquired the Wilayat of the Siddiqee[ url=http://yunuspatel.co.za/books-Aashiq-e-Sawdiq-1-31.php]http://yunuspatel.co.za/books-Aashiq-e-Sawdiq-1-31.php[/url]

4 stages of achieving the spiritual goal In this Majlis [gathering], Shaykh Adam Lunat Sahib (hafizahullah) elaborated on words from Maulana Roomi. The lesson was explained through an example [as is both Maulana Roomi’s and Shaykh's teaching style, All praise be to Allah]. If one wants to dig a well to find water, one must first pass through 4 stages. At first when the person is digging, they will come across: 1. Dry earth If he gives up at this stage and thinks ‘how can I get water from dry earth?’ then he will not achieve his goal. [Do not be deceived by the apparent impossibility of your goal.] 2. Slightly wet earth If he gives up at this stage and thinks ‘how can wet earth be of any benefit?’ then he will not achieve his goal. [Do not be deceived by the apparent imperfections faced.] 3. Muddy water If he gives up at this stage and thinks ‘how can mud be of any benefit as it is not pure enough to clean or quench?’ then he will not achieve his goal. [Do not be deceived by the apparent distance faced.] 4. Clear, pure water It is due to not giving up that the person reaches the last and final stage where his goal is finally fulfilled. Now he can enjoy the water. Using this, Maulana Roomi explains and Shaykh elaborates on Roomi’s words: If a man wishes to be submerged in Deen, he will find it difficult at first. For example, he will feel no inclination, happiness or joy in worship and will see no good dreams and such like. If he doesn’t stop despite all this, then he will reach the 2nd stage. Now he begins to see the fruits of carrying on. For example, his Du'a will start being accepted. If he stops at this stage, then he will lose everything but if he carries on, he will gain everything. If he continues to persevere and increases his good deeds, he will reach the last and pure stage of complete contentment with Allah’s will. His words will be, ‘Oh Allah! Mujhe teri thaat se Muhabbat hein [O Allah! I love you completely] and whatever you decide, pleases me’. This is a Mu’min Muttaqi [Pious Believer]. http://www.darsdays.blogspot.com/ .

“Niyyatu mu’min khayrum min ‘amalihi” Intention of the Believer is better than his action A small and seemingly insignificant action can become weighty once the intention is rectified. A man who used to remain too busy with providing for his family with no time left for extra worship used to envy a pious Wali of Allah who lived in his neighbourhood. He used to think to himself that if I was rich I would have spent even more time in worship. After the Wali of Allah passed away someone saw him in a dream and enquired about his state. The reply was that he had been forgiven and given high stages however the man who used to remain too busy to spend time in extra worship had received higher stages due to his sincere intention.

Would it not be wonderful if someone totally trustworthy held us by the hand and not just showed us the straight path, but led us to it and stayed with us all the way? Would it not be wonderful because there would be no chance of being led astray and if we did slip up we would immediately find a helping hand? Is this even possible? Read on and find out! The answer lies in becoming the beloved of Allah subhaanahu wata’ala by attaining the quality of Ihsaan (to be constantly aware of Allah subhaanahu wata’ala) because a person with this awareness will follow every single command and refrain from all disobedience and if per chance a sin was committed he/she will immediately turn to Allah subhaanahu wata’ala in repentance. Now how does one attain this quality? Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat (Hafizahullaah) explains that the first step toward this goal is to make Mujaahadah (To strive against the base desires). To begin with one needs to make a firm resolution to make Mujaahadah and thereafter act upon it with courage. Mujahadah is necessary when the heart inclines toward disobedience of Allah subhaanahu wata’ala i.e. when one desires to commit a sin like listening to music or when one feels disinclined to act on a command like performing the compulsory Salaah. Once Mujaahadah against the base desires takes firm root then it will be said that one has attained the quality of Ihsaan and then it will be as if Allah subhaanahu wata’ala Himself takes the hand and leads one on the Siraatal Mustaqeem, the path leading to His closeness. He will open doors of ease on this path and the closeness will increase when after the compulsory worship is established, the optional worship is increased. One will then become like the person mentioned in the Hadith, “.....When a friend of Mine comes closer to Me, with a thing with which I love, out of things which I have prescribed; and when he seeks favour through optional prayers (Nawaafil) I start loving him and when I love him, I become his ear with which he hears and his eyes with which he sees and his hands with which he grasps and his foot with which he walks, and when he requests Me for anything I grant him and when he seek protection I give him protection”.

It is easy to achieve a rapport with Allah سبحانه وتعالى. but it is difficult to maintain especially for a person who has pride in his heart. One of the consequences of pride is that it leads to friction with others. A proud person will expect respect, love, attention and affection from others but when he does not receive them (despite thinking he deserves them) it will inevitably lead to friction and conflict. Never expect respect, love, affection or anything else which boosts your ego and leads to pride. You should not even expect respect from your wife or husband and immediate family members. If you can be like this then even if you do not get what you want you will not feel indignant. If someone offends you, you will not be offended. Learn to be truly humble; in front of your parents, teachers, Shaykh and fellow Muslims. This humbleness and piety should be natural and consistent; not that you are pious in front of one person and haughty in front of another. Pride in one’s heart is akin to weeds in a rose garden. Roses will not bloom, flourish or last very long in a garden of weeds. If your heart is full of pride, you will not bloom spiritually because of these weeds of pride. Words of wisdom from spiritual gatherings of Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh Ul Haqq/i]

Our Muslim names, Islamic dress and our prayers are like the sign board found outside a shop, which informs us that inside this shop, sweets, chocolates, biscuits, cakes, fruit, etc. are stocked and sold. The person reading the signboard thus expects to find what has been advertised outside, inside that shop. What would be the reaction of the person if he or she finds cow dung, horse manure and cat’s droppings inside, instead of sweets and chocolates ? In a similar vein, our beautiful Muslim names and Islamic garb informs others that inside our hearts there is certain ‘merchandise’ in the form of firm Imaan in Allah Ta’ala and love for His Beloved Rasool e. One expects to find therein, the attributes of trustworthiness, honesty, sincerity, forgiveness, charity, Taqwa (piety), zuhd (asceticism), sabr (patience), shukr (gratitude), etc. These are the qualities and traits a person expects to find in his social dealings with us. Our beards, kurtas, turbans, tasbeehs, the cloak, purdah, etc. are all additional signs which lay more and more emphasis on the above. What would be a person’s reaction, when instead of these virtues, he or she finds arrogance, pride, malice, greed, jealousy, etc.? Shaykh Yunus Patel (raheemahullah) (Haqq Islam) Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat (hafizahullah)www.shaykh.org “Any good that exists in the heart will make its effect apparent, just as a bottle of musk emits its fragrance.”

Imam Waaqidi, a great Wali of his time was poor and once at the time of ‘Eid his wife requested him to see if he could get something at least for the children. He set off to borrow some money from a friend who was a trader. The friend immediately handed over a sealed bag with 1200 dirhams in it. Arriving home he had just handed over the bag to his wife when there was a knock on the door. It was another friend of his who was in a similar situation and he asked Imam Waaqidi for help. He consulted his wife who in turn asked for his opinion. When he suggested they hand over half (even though he personally wished to give it all) she advised him to give it all and he handed over the bag to his friend leaving his family with nothing for ‘Eid. Soon after this his trader friend, from whom he had borrowed the money, arrived enquiring about the bag. Imam Waaqidi was hesitant to disclose his actions however on his friend’s insistence he told him what had taken place. The trader friend then explained that when Imam Waaqidi had arrived asking for help he did not have anything except the bag which he had handed over to him. His family was also in need and his wife also requested him to try to get something for ‘Eid and so had gone to the friend to ask for help who in turn handed over the bag which he recognised as his own and which he had given to Imam Waqidi only a short time before. He was perplexed as to how that bag had reached his other friend and that was the reason for his insistence for an explanation. Each of the three friends had been prepared to sacrifice all for a friend in need!

Shaykh related the story of Sultan Nasiruddeen who was once busy writing a passage of the Qur’an while seated with his ministers. A passer-by, who was not a Haafiz of the Qur’an, came and stood watching him. The passer-by pointed out that the Sultan had repeated a word twice. The Sultan picked up a pen, circled the word that was repeated and thanked the person. After the person left the Sultan started scraping off the circle he had made. At this the ministers enquired why he had made the circle in the first place since the repetition of the word was not a mistake. The Sultan replied that it was easier to scrape off the mark of the circle made on the paper; the waters of the seven seas would not have been enough to wash off the mark of embarrassment caused by his tongue if he had told the passer-by in front of all the people that it was he who was mistaken. Posted on www.shaykh.org(25 Nov 2007)

Shaykh Rasheed Ahmed Gangohi The great Shaykh was once giving a dars in the yard of the masjid when there was a sudden downpour. The students, worried more about their books, ran in protecting them from the rain. Once inside they realised their shoes would be soaked and turned back only to find that their ustaad (teacher), the great Shaykh Rasheed Ahmed Gangohi, had already collected his students’ shoes in his sheet and was carrying them in! ‘Umar bin ‘Abdul ‘Azeez Late at night while in the company of a guest the flame of the lantern (chiraag) went out. The leader of the Believers refused to wake up his servant who he said would be tired and his sleep disturbed if woken up, and he also refused his guest’s offer of help. He himself went to fill the lantern with oil. After the job was done he said to his guest that before the errand he was son of ‘Abdul ‘Azeez and he still remained the son of ‘Abdul ‘Azeez after it.

Some years ago on a hot summer day in south Florida, a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward him. His mother, in the house, was looking out the window and saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, she ran toward the water, yelling to her son as loudly as she could. Hearing her voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his mother. It was too late. Just as he reached her, the alligator reached him. From the dock, the mother grabbed her little boy by the arms just as the Alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the mother, but the mother was much too passionate to let go. A farmer happened to drive by, heard her screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator. Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal, and on his arms, were deep scratches where his mother's fingernails dug into his flesh in her effort to hang on to the son she loved. The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my Mom wouldn't let go." You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. Not from an alligator or anything quite so dramatic. These are the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But some wounds, my friend, are because Allah has refused to let go. In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you. Islam teaches us that Allah loves us. He wants to protect us and provide for us in every way. But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations. The swimming hole of life is filled with peril and we forget that the enemy(Shaytan) is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-of-war begins, and if we have the scars of His love on our arms, be very, very grateful. He did not and will not let us go. Please pass this on to those you love. Allah has blessed you, so that you can be a blessing to others. You just never know where a person is in his/her life and what they are going through. That is why it is so important that we make du’a for each other and hope for the best for each other.

My mom only had one eye. I hated her... she was such an embarrassment. My mom ran a small shop at a flea market. She collected little weeds and such to sell...anything for the money that we needed, she was such an embarrassment. There was this one day during elementary school. I remember that it was field day, and my mom came. I was so embarrassed. How could she do this to me? I threw her a hateful look and ran out. The next day at school..."Your mom only has one eye?!" and they taunted me. I wished that my mom would just disappear from this world, so I said to my mom, "Mom, why don't you have the other eye?! You're only going to make me a laughingstock. Why don't you just die?" My mom did not respond. I guess I felt a little bad, but at the same time, it felt good to think that I had said what I'd wanted to say all this time. Maybe it was because my mom hadn't punished me, but I didn't think that I had hurt her feelings very badly. That night...I woke up, and went to the kitchen to get a glass of water. My mom was crying there, so quietly, as if she was afraid that she might wake me. I took a look at her, and then turned away. Because of the thing I had said to her earlier, there was something pinching at me in the corner of my heart. Even so, I hated my mother who was crying out of her one eye. So I told myself that I would grow up and become successful, because I hated my one-eyed mom and our desperate poverty. Then I studied really hard. I left my mother and came to Seoul and studied, and got accepted in the Seoul University with all the confidence I had. Then, I got married. I bought a house of my own. Then I had kids, too. Now I'm living happily as a successful man. I like it here because it's a place that doesn't remind me of my mom. This happiness was getting bigger and bigger, when someone unexpected came to see me "What?! Who's this?!" ...It was my mother...Still with her one eye. It felt as if the whole sky was falling apart on me. My little girl ran away, scared of my mom's eye. And I asked her, "Who are you? I don't know you!!!" as if he trying to make that real. I screamed at her "How dare you come to my house and scare my daughter! GET OUT OF HERE! NOW!!!" And to this, my mother quietly answered, "oh, I'm so sorry. I may have gotten the wrong address," and she disappeared. Thank goodness... she doesn't recognize me. I was quite relieved. I told myself that I wasn't going to care, or think about this for the rest of my life. Then a wave of relief came upon me... One day, a letter regarding a school reunion came to my house. I lied to my wife saying that I was going on a business trip. After the reunion, I went down to the old shack, that I used to call a house...just out of curiosity there, I found my mother fallen on the cold ground. But I did not shed a single tear. She had a piece of paper in her hand.... it was a letter to me. She wrote: My son... I think my life has been long enough now. And... I won't visit Seoul anymore... but would it be too much to ask if I wanted you to come visit me once in a while? I miss you so much. And I was so glad when I heard you were coming for the reunion. But I decided not to go to the school.... For you... that I only have one eye, and I was an embarrassment for you. You see, when you were very little, you got into an accident, and lost your eye. As a mother, I couldn't stand watching you having to grow up with only one eye... so I gave you mine...I was so proud of my son that was seeing a whole new world for me, in my place, with that eye. I was never upset at you for anything you did. The couple times that you were angry with me. I thought to myself, 'it's because he loves me.' I miss the times when you were still young around me. I miss you so much. I love you. You mean the world to me My world shattered!!! Then I cried for the person who lived for me... My MOTHER

By Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah Wedding of Fātimah radiyallahu anha Fātimah radiyallahu anha is the youngest daughter of our beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam. Out of all the children, she was the most beloved to him. He said, ‘The queen of the ladies in Jannah is Fātimah.’ He also said, ‘Fātimah is part of my body. Whoever grieves her, grieves me.’ When Fātimah radiyallahu anha reached the age of fifteen, proposals for her marriage began to come from high and responsible families. But the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam remained irresponsive. ‘Ali radiyallahu anhu, who was 21 at the time, says: ‘It occurred to me that I should go and make a formal proposal, but then I thought, “How could this be accomplished, for I possess nothing.” At last, encouraged by the Prophet’s kindness, I went to him and expressed my intention to marry Fātimah radiyallahu anha. The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam was extremely pleased and asked, “Ali! Do you possess anything to give her in mahr?” I replied, “Apart from a horse and an armour I possess nothing.” The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “A soldier must, of course, have his horse. Go and sell away your armour.”’ So, ‘Ali radiyallahu anhu went and sold his armour to Uthmān radiyallahu anhu for 480 Dirham and presented it to Rasūlullāh sallallahu alayhi wasallam. Bilāl radiyallahu anhu was ordered by the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam to bring some perfume and a few other things and Anas radiyallahu anhu was sent to call Abū Bakr, Uthmān, Talhah and Zubayr with some companions from the Ansār radiyallahu anhum. When these men arrived and had taken their seats, the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam recited the khutbah (sermon) of nikāh and gave Fātimah radiyallahu anha in marriage to ‘Ali radiyallahu anhu. He announced, ‘Bear you all witness that I have given my daughter Fātimah in marriage to ‘Ali for 400 mithqāl of silver and ‘Ali has accepted.’ He then raised his head and made du‘ā saying, ‘O Allāh, create love and harmony between these two. Bless them and bestow upon them good children.’ After the nikāh, dates were distributed. When the time came for Fātimah radiyallahu anha to go to ‘Ali’s radiyallahu anhu house, she was sent without any clamour, hue and cry accompanied by Umm Ayman radiyallahu anha. After the ‘Ishā Salāh, the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam went to their house, took permission and entered. He asked for a basin of water, put his blessed hands into it and sprinkled it on both ‘Ali and Fātimah y and made du‘ā for them. The sovereign of both worlds gave his beloved daughter a silver bracelet, two Yemeni sheets, four mattresses, one blanket, one pillow, one cup, one hand-grinding mill, one bedstead, a small water skin and a leather pitcher. In this simple fashion, the wedding of the daughter of the leader of both the worlds was solemnized. In following this sunnah method, a wedding becomes very simple and easy to fulfill. Some Points Derived from the Above Mentioned Marriage 1. The many customs as regards engagement are contrary to sunnah. In fact, many are against the Shari‘ah and are regarded sins. A verbal proposal and answer is sufficient. 2. To unnecessarily delay nikāh of both the boy and the girl after having reached the age of marriage is incorrect. 3. There is nothing wrong in inviting one’s close associates for the occasion of nikāh. However, no special pains should be taken in gathering the people from far off places. 4. It is appropriate that the bridegroom be a few years older than the bride. 5. If the father of the girl is an ‘ālim or pious and capable of performing nikāh, then he should himself solemnize the marriage. 6. It is better to give the Mahr Fātimi and one should endeavour to do so. But if one does not have the means then there is nothing wrong in giving less. 7. It is totally un-Islāmic for those, who do not possess the means, to incur debts in order to have grandiose weddings. 8. It is fallacy to think that one’s respect will be lost if one does not hold an extravagant wedding and invite many people. What is our respect compared to that of Rasūlullāh sallallahu alayhi wasallam? 9. The present day practice of the intermingling of sexes is an act of sin and totally against Shari‘ah. 10. There is nothing such as engagement parties and mendhi parties in Islām. 11. Great care must be taken as regards to salāh on occasions of marriage by all - the bride, the bridegroom and all the participants. 12. It is un-Islamic to display the bride on stage. 13. The unnecessary expenses incurred by the bride’s family in holding a feast has no basis in Shari‘ah. 14. For the engaged couple to meet at a public gathering where the boy holds the girl’s hand and slips a ring on her finger is a violation of the Qur’ānic law of hijāb. 15. It is un-Islamic for the engaged couple to meet each other and also go out together. 16. Three things should be borne in mind when giving one’s daughter gifts and presents at the time of nikāh: i) Presents should be given within one’s means (it is not permissible to take loans, on interest, for such presents); ii) To give necessary items; iii) A show should not be made of whatever is given. 17. It is Sunnah for the bridegroom’s family to make walimah. NOTE: In walimah, whatever is easily available should be fed to the people and care should be taken that there is no extravagance, show and that no debts are incurred in the process. 18. To delay nikāh after the engagement is un-Islamic. Some Customs In following modern day trends, we have adopted many cutoms that are unislamic and contrary to the sunnah. Some examples are: i Displaying the bride on stage; ii Inviting guests for the wedding from far-off places; iii Receiving guests in the hall; iv The bride’s people incurring unnecessary expenses by holding a feast which has no basis in Shari‘ah. We should remember that walimah is the feast arranged by the bridegroom after the marriage is consummated; v It is contrary to sunnah (and the practice of some non-Muslim tribes in India) to wish, hope for or demand presents and gifts for the bridegroom, from the bride’s people. We should always remember that our Rasūl sallallahu alayhi wasallam did not give ‘Ali radiyallahu anhu anything except du‘ā. Islamic Da'wah Academy Leicester UK

By Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah Once again more than two million believers were honoured to become the ‘Guests of Allah’ and through Divine Guidance have completed the rituals of Hajj with great love and enthusiasm. How fortunate are these souls who are blessed with the following words from Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam: Whoever performs Hajj for the Pleasure of Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall return from it (free from sin) as the day on which his mother gave birth to him. Bukhaari, Muslim Verily there shall be no reward for a Mabroor Hajj except Jannah. Bukhaari, Muslim It is hoped that all the pilgrims were sincere in their intentions and had travelled thousands of miles only to secure the Pleasure of Allah by fulfilling the obligation laid down upon them. May Allah the Almighty grant all the pilgrims acceptance and grant them opportunity again and again to visit the Sacred Land. Aameen. Nevertheless, I wish to draw the attention of the pilgrims towards certain points which are necessary and of utmost importance to observe about which many pilgrims seem to attach no importance. Firstly, the sincerity of intention should remain even after the performance of Hajj. There should be no pomp or show. One should not wish to be called or recognised as a Haajji. Many people adopt the habit of talking frequently about their journey in order that people may come to know of their Hajj. They talk about the expenses incurred in the Way of Allah, their charity amongst the poor and needy, their devotion and worship, their assisting the weak and old, etc.; and all this is mentioned with the intention of gaining fame. This is a deceit from Shaytaan who ruins the ‘ibaadat of the person who is unaware of it. It is therefore of great importance that the pilgrim does not talk about his Hajj without necessity as it may lead to riyaa (show, insincerity). However, if necessity arises and one must talk about his Hajj then he is at liberty to do so. But, he must not indulge in this type of conversation unnecessarily. Secondly, it is noted through experience, that many pilgrims return with nothing but the sad memories to reflect upon and this darkness filters through their tongues to the extent that they talk only about the hardships they have encountered during Hajj. The pilgrims should strictly refrain from this. On the contrary, they should talk about the greatness of the sacred places, the spiritual gains, the enjoyment in devotions of Haramayn ö Umrah, Tawaaf, Salaam on the Sacred Grave, Salaat in Masjidul Haraam and Masjidun Nabawi etc. If one looks at his journey of Hajj carefully he will find that the spiritual benefits far outweighs the physical hardships. Every second spent in these sacred places is incomparable with anything in the world. The journey of Hajj is a long journey; one has to travel by air, pass the immigrations, go through the customs, encounter people who speak foreign languages, etc. In these circumstances, difficulties are certain to arise. When we travel in our country, do we always travel with comfort and ease? Do we never encounter difficulty? Do we not find ourselves held up in traffic for hours on a Motorway? Considering the fact that 2-3 million pilgrims perform the rituals of Hajj at one time, in one place and that they all come from different countries and backgrounds and that many of them have never before used or seen the facilities available to them, I think the difficulties encountered are insignificant. Moreover, the pilgrims are rewarded abundantly by Allah ta‘aalaa upon every difficulty encountered in their journey whereas the same is not the case whilst we undertake other journeys. Those people who engage in these types of conversation become the cause of discouragement to others who have not yet had the opportunity to perform Hajj. These unfortunate pilgrims fall into the category .... and who stop (men) from the way of Allah, and from the Sacred Masjid, ... mentioned in Soorah Hajj in the Qur’aan. They should take heed that if people are discouraged by their conversation and postpone their Hajj then those who have discouraged them will be equally responsible. Thirdly, the sign of a ‘Mabroor Hajj’ or ‘accepted Hajj’ is that upon one’s return, his life changes from worst to good. He becomes totally punctual in fulfilling the Commands of Allah ta‘aalaa. His love and inclination towards the Hereafter increases and love for the worldly pleasures decline. Therefore, it is essential that the pilgrim is watchful over his actions and conversations and should try his utmost to instil in himself good characters and refrain from all types of evil. He should endeavour to fulfill the obligations laid down by Allah and avoid all the things forbidden by Him. http://www.idauk.org/publications/leaflet08.html