ummtaalib

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

NIYYAH 1. The person who intends to perform Hajj must do so with the express niyyah of attaining Allah’s Pleasure, and to fulfil one’s fardh, and also to diligently carry out the Commands of Allah and His Rasool sallallahu alayhi wasallam. The rewards for deeds depend greatly on the niyyah that is formed. Sincerity is extremely important. 2. The ‘ibaadah of Hajj has the exclusive status of being fardh only once a lifetime, for those who can afford it. It is therefore important that the sincerity of intention must be given due regard. In other ‘ibaadaat and devotions it is possible to gradually develop ikhlaas, whereas the time available for Hajj is usually limited. The need for ikhlaas is vital because a fardh Hajj can never be repeated. During your journey to Hajj a concerted effort towards developing this all important sincerity must be made. 3. It is important that Hajj should be kept free of ulterior and worldly motives. Joining worldly objectives with religious aims is like adding water to milk. There are three types of adulteration which are possible in the performance of Hajj; To ruin the Hajj even before departing from home by having a desire to be called a haji, and using haraam or doubtful earnings for this ‘ibaadah. To engage in improper acts while performing Hajj e.g. to commit sins during the time that one is engaged in the performance of Hajj, to have arguments, not to make tawbah (repentance). To complete the Hajj and then to indulge in such deeds that defile the Hajj, e.g. to neglect the fardh salaat, to indulge in sin etc. Perform the Hajj with all its aadaab and requisites, for anything done in keeping with this is well accomplished. 4. While in Hajj do not do things to display to others. Do not announce your Hajj to all and sundry. (To avoid riyaa which is to show off and act to gain fame). On returning from Hajj do not emphasize the difficulties which may have been endured, instead turn your attention towards the eternal benefits and rewards you will receive. One must understand that the difficulties endured during this sacred journey are insignificant compared to the high position one will receive in jannah. TAWBAH 5. Before beginning one’s journey repent sincerely. Perform two rakaats nafl with the niyyah of tawbah. The effect of sincerely repenting and then proceeding for hajj will be, that one will be favoured by Allah Ta‘ala and blessed with the strength to continually do good deeds. 6. Develop a relationship with the pious person for guidance. This will assist you in making a true and sincere tawbah. FULFILMENT OF DEBT 7. If you have monetary debt or are responsible for any moral transgression, then fulfil your debt or have it waived, and have your moral violations forgiven. It is important that one settles all outstanding matters and transactions, and has his faults and shortcomings forgiven. 8. All amaanaat (trusts) and anything borrowed must be returned. A detailed and final will must be made regarding all important matters. EDUCATION 9. It is compulsory for a person who wishes to perform Hajj to learn the necessary masaail well before the time of Hajj. When a firm intention is made then first learn the necessary masaail, or acquire these from a reliable and recognized aalim (scholar). DEPARTURE 10. Depart with happiness from home. A Hajj which is performed with a feeling of love and keenness is conducive to religious upliftment. Inconvenience during travel should not hamper this love and keenness. 11. Perform two rakaats nafl before departing. Take care that this salaat is not performed during the makrooh times. Give some sadaqah to the poor before leaving home and also after commencing your journey. 12. Ask your near and dear ones, neighbours and friends to overlook and forgive your shortcomings. Make a request for their du‘aa. Make musafahah (shake hands) using both hands when leaving. Do not make musafahah with non-mahrams (those of the opposite sex whom you can marry). 13. Be at your best behaviour amongst your companions. Assist them in their needs. The person who helps his companions on this journey will be regarded as a mujaahid (one who strives to uplift Islaam). IBAADAH Salaat, Du‘aa, Tawaaf and Tilaawat 14. Take great care and be punctual in the performance of all salaat with jama‘at whilst visiting the sacred places. Do not delay any salaat at all. 15. After every salaat beseech from Allah ta‘aalaa that He grant you a mabroor Hajj (one that is accepted and free from sin). A Hajj which is full of Allah ta‘aalaa’s Blessings and Favours. 16. A haji is fortunate in being present at the various sacred places where du‘aa are assured acceptance. Therefore repeatedly ask Allah ta‘aalaa for your needs of this world and the Hereafter. Your du‘aa must be appropriate and made with respect and humbleness. Do not ask for meaningless and unrighteous things. 17. There are three persons whose du‘aa are assured acceptance; the oppressed, the traveller and the father’s du‘aa for his son, (meaning children). 18. The qadhaa (fulfilment in arrears) of ‘ibaadaat which are owing to Allah ta‘aalaa should be correctly fulfilled or compensated. 19. The reward for one salaat in the Masjidul Haraam (Makkah) is 100,000 fold (with jama‘at 2,700,000). The reward for salaat in the Masjidun Nabawi (Madeenah) is 50,000 fold. Each good deed done in Makkah is equivalent in reward to 100,000 good deeds done elsewhere. 20. Whenever entering either of the two masjid or any other masjid, form a niyyah for nafl i‘tikaaf. 21. Your stay in the Masjidul Haraam and Masjidun Nabawi must be with utmost dignity and honour. 22. Perform as many tawaaf, umrah and nafl salaat as you can and make du‘aa that the thawaab (reward) of this be presented to Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam. 23. Complete the Qur’aan at least once in each of the two Holy Masjid, i.e. Makkah and Madeenah. 24. Perform nafl salaat with the niyyah of expressing one’s gratitude to Allah ta‘aalaa. MAKKAH MUKARRAMAH 25. During your stay in Makkah abundantly increase your recital of the Kalimah Tayyibah: Laa’ilaha il lal’lahu·, and istighfar: ‘Astaghfirullah·. 26. If you desire, give an excellent gift to your near dear ones, friends who are living, and especially those who have passed away. The gift of the rewards of tawaaf and umrah will please their souls very much. There will be no reduction from your own reward for these acts. 27. Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam has said that the water of Zamzam will have the desired effect of whatever intention is made at the time of drinking Zamzam. Zamzam should be drunk with the intention of quenching the thirst of the Day of Qiyaamah (resurrection). It should also be taken with the intention of shifaa (cure) from spiritual and physical ailments. It is commendable to drink Zamzam with the niyyah of being granted the tawfeeq of conforming to the sunnah of our beloved Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam. MADEENAH MUNAWWARAH 28. It is stated in hadeeth: (i) “Whoever comes with the sole intention of visiting my grave, my intercession will become incumbent for that person”. (ii) “Whoever visits my grave after my death is like the one who has visited me during my lifetime”. 29. Recite durood (salutations) in abundance on Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam, on beginning your journey to and from Madeenah Munawwarah, and during your stay there. 30. To hurt or cause inconvenience to any Muslim and especially the people of Madeenah Munawwarah is a great sin. GENERAL 31. Choose an able pious companion who will assist you in times of need, and it is better if this companion is a reliable recognized aalim (scholar). 32. Regard the time in Hajj as a blessing. One never knows when one may be favoured with this good fortune again. 33. Since your stay there is a short one, you should value every moment there. Do not waste your time roaming in the bazaars and do not indulge in meaningless things and idle talk. 34. Do not allow your attention to drift towards the decoration and splendour of the buildings, nor indulge in humour and ridicule. 35. One must be extremely cautious with regard to the etiquette of these sacred places. Any disrespect in this regard will be a cause for retribution. 36. Do not criticize the conditions and people there. After all, the local residents are human and are prone to faults just as we are. When noticing the shortcomings of others, special attention must immediately be drawn to one’s own faults and weak points. 37. One must make a concentrated effort to avoid sin, especially casting passionate glances at female who are present at Hajj. One must keep one’s gaze lowered when women gather for tawaaf and salaat-u-salaam. 38. Hadhrat ‘Umar radhiyallahu anhu said, “For me to commit a sin in Makkah is worse than committing seventy sins outside Makkah”. Just as the rewards of good deeds are multiplied in Makkah, so too is the retribution of misconduct multiplied. 39. One must show consideration and take care that one does not trouble or inconvenience those who are present for Hajj and ziyaarah. 40. One must not deceive or trick others in buying or selling. To swindle or cheat the residents of Makkah or Madeenah would result in one’s own destruction. One must be extremely cautious in this regard. Transactions must be carried out with honesty. http://www.idauk.org/publications/leaflet03.html

By Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah Mu'jizãt (Miracles) Whenever Allah sent a Nabee (Prophet), he provided various signs which served as proof that the Nabee was authentic in his claim. These signs took forms of various unusual and wonderful feats being performed by the Nabee by the Will, Power and Command of Allah. These signs are called mu'jizãt (miracles). The miracles of the Prophets alayhimus salaam were of such unique nature that no one else was able to perform them, no matter how hard he tried, and he was thus rendered reluctant and helpless and had to admit that the Nabee in question is a Divine Messenger. The word mu'jizah literally means "that which renders powerless or helpless", and a miracle of a Nabee is called mu'jizah because the feat performed by him cannot be emulated by anyone and disbelievers are therefore left helpless. Mu'jizãt of Prophet Muhammad sallalahu alayhi wasallam The miracles of the previous Prophets 'alayhimus salaam were mainly of a practical nature and were limited to their lifetime only. The miracles of our Nabee sallalahu alayhi wasallam on the other hand were practical in nature as well as intellectual and some of them exist up to this day, well after his demise. Because Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam is superior amongst all the Prophets alayhimus salaam, similarly his miracles are also not only greater in number but are more superior. Me'rãj One of the greatest and very well-known miracles of Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam is his ascension to the heavens and beyond, known as Me'rãj (ascension). This journey apart from being a miracle is a conglomeration of miracles and has been recorded in the Qur'ãn as well as various books of Hadeeth. Me'rãj in Hadeeth Hãfiz Ibne Katheer rahmatullahi alayh has recorded the incident of Me'rãj from twenty-five Sahãbah radhiallahu anhum. (Tafseer Ibne Katheer Vol. 3 Page 3) The well-known muhaddith, Allãmah Zurqãni rahmatullahi alayh states that the incident of Me'rãj is narrated by forty-five Sahãbah radhiallahu anhum comprising of the Ansãr and the Muhãjireen. One may ask as to how the Ansãr narrated this incident whilst it took place in Makkah before migration? The answer is that this event was so important and well-known amongst the Muslims that the Ansãr requested its details directly from Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam as is evident from a Hadeeth reported by Shaddãd Ibne 'Aws radhiallahu anhu. He reports: "We said, 'O Messenger of Allah! How were you taken for a journey by night?'" (Tirmizi) The words 'We said' also indicate that the conversation of Me'rãj used to take place in the midst of a large gathering. Another Ansãri, Mãlik Ibne Sa'sa'ah radhiallahu anhu narrates the story of Me'rãj in the following words: "The Nabee sallalahu alayhi wasallam related to them . . ." (Bukhãri) It is clear that the incident of Me'rãj was well-known amongst the Sahãbah radhiallahu anhum and is narrated in authentic Ahãdeeth. Me'rãj - Physical or Spiritual The Me'rãj of Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam was physical i.e. with body and soul. He ascended the seven heavens and proceeded beyond that to the Sidratul Muntahã and further physically. In the mind of a mu'min (true believer), a doubt concerning the possibility of a physical ascent to the heavens does not occur. For a believer this is a fact which requires no logical reasoning. What doubt can there be concerning Allah's power to do as He wishes? Nowadays with the advancement of modern technology the man is orbiting satellites and landing on the moon. If man has advanced so much, is it not possible for the Creator of man to carry His Beloved Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam physically with body and soul into the heavens and back within a very limited part of the night? Of course it is possible! Me'rãj was Physical 1. "Glorified be He who carried His servant by night . . ." (Qur'ãn 17:1) This verse from the Qur'ãn describes the initial stages of the miraculous journey of our Beloved Nabee sallalahu alayhi wasallam. One can clearly ascertain from the words of this verse that the Me'rãj was physical: a. Allah ta'ãlã initiates the verse with the word subhãn which means glorified be He Whose Self is pure from all defects and frailties and is above all kinds of weakness and helplessness. He is not dependent upon any means and He is not bound by any physical laws. Those things which look extremely strange to our imagination and which our imperfect wisdom think as quite impossible are not a bit difficult before the Power and Will of Allah. Thus, from the very outset, the event of Me'rãj has been described as extraordinary and the word subhãn belies the misconception that the event was only a dream. b. The journey of Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam is further expressed by the verb asrã which is used for a journey of body and soul in the state of consciousness by night. This same verb is used elsewhere in the Qur'ãn too. In Soorah Hood and Hijr, the instruction given to Prophet Loot alayhis salaam by the Angels is: "So take away your people in a part of the night." (11:81, 15:65) Similarly, Prophet Moosa alayhis salaam is ordered by Allah, "Take away my slaves by night." (44:23, 20:77) In both cases, the Prophets alayhimus salaam are ordered to take their people physically with body and soul and not spiritually in dream. c. The word 'abd (servant) is used to mean either the body only or body and soul together. It is not used to mean soul only. 2. Another verse of the Qur'ãn regarding Me'rãj is: "We appointed the vision which we showed thee as an ordeal for mankind." (17:60) The word ru'yã (vision) is used for two meanings: dream or vision / view / sight. The Commentators of the Qur'ãn have given examples from Arabic poetry where ru'yã is used to mean vision/seeing and not dream. Imãm Bukhãri rahmatullahi alayh has narrated from Abdullah Ibne Abbãs radhiallahu anhuma the meaning of the word ru'yã in this verse with the following words: "It (the ru'yã) was an actual eye-witness (account) which was shown to Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam the night he was taken on a journey (through the heavens)". (Bukhãri Vol. 6 page 204) 3. It is an accepted fact that when one relates a story or an event but does not say that it was a dream, it is naturally taken as an incident of consciousness. The verse of the Qur'ãn describing the miraculous journey and the Ahãdeeth do not mention or indicate that it was a dream. Hence this incident will be considered physical in the state of awakening. 4. When the kuffãr (disbelievers) of Makkah heard the details of the incident of Me'rãj, they rejected it. They jeered at the Muslims, made fun of Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam and called him a liar. They asked him to describe the masjid in Jerusalem, which he had never seen before. Had it been only a dream they would neither have mocked at him, nor asked for any evidence. Similarly, there was no reason for their rejection as people often dream of strange things. It is apparent that they were asking for further details knowing that the journey was physical. Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam too, did not say that it was only a dream. Instead he substantiated his physical journey with another miracle which is reported by Bukhãri and Muslim from Jãbir Ibne Abdullah radhiallahu anhu that Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, "When the disbelievers of Makkah rejected my night journey to Baytul Maqdis and made queries about the details of Baytul Maqdis, I stood in the Hateem and Allah ta'ãlã opened the veils (between myself and) Baytul Maqdis. I was looking at it and informing them of the details they were asking for. 5. The incident of Me'rãj has been listed amongst the miracles of Nabee sallalahu alayhi wasallam. What is so extraordinary about travelling such long distances in a mere dream? This is sufficient to prove beyond a shadow of doubt that Rasoolullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam travelled from Makkah to Al-Masjidul Aqsa and then ascended the heavens physically with body and soul in the state of awakening within a very limited part of the night. http://www.idauk.org/publications/leaflet42.html

By Moulana Abdul Hameed Ishaq 1. Accept your in-laws as your own parents. You have them to thank for the wonderful man who has become your life partner. 2. Don’t compare them to your parents as to show your spouse how inadequate his parents are. 3. If your in-laws give a gift, appreciate it and do not pass unkind remarks. 4. Praise them often in the presence of your husband, family, and friends in that way, even though you have not grown to like them, you will in time. 5. Realize that they are also humans. They have their faults. You would never disown your parents for their flaws, so how can you expect the same from your husband’s parents? Hide their faults. Allah Ta’ala will conceal your faults in the hereafter. 6. Lower your expectations. As much as you might feel that marriage is a huge adjustment to you, having their son married is an adjustment for them too. Their son no longer belongs exclusively to them. You will now have to learn to share. 7. Treat them respectfully. A bad word creates a permanent rift. 8. When your children show them love, be thankful rather than jealous. Would you deprive your own children of the love of their grandparents, confining them only to the love of your own parents because of jealousy? How would you feel if your brother’s wife did the same with your parents? 9. Do all you can to make them feel at home when they come by to visit. When you visit them, assist them as much as possible. They should feel pleased when you come. 10. Treat every instruction of your mother-in-law like an instruction of your own mother. Give her pleasure precedence even though she may ill-treat you. Speak to her with respect and not as you speak to an equal. Never say anything if she scolds you. Never speak harshly to her. 11. Never speak ill of them in the presence of your children. If they have overstepped the boundaries, discuss this in private with your husband. 12. Never drag your husband into an argument between your mother-in-law and yourself. By doing this, you place your husband in a very precarious position. Should you have any issue you need to address with your mother-in-law, do so in a respectful manner. By holding mature adult discussions, an amicable agreement can be reached. 13. Be a giver instead of a demander. Always remember that it is sheer folly to always go around demanding that your rights be fulfilled. Rather, concentrate on fulfilling the rights of others. In doing so, you will find that those around you will automatically begin to fulfil your rights. 14. If your in-laws have no one else to reside with, offer them to reside with you. This is more so when the father-in-law passes away. By being of service to your mother-in-law, you will attain lofty stages in the hereafter, since service grants one Allah Ta’ala Himself. Never be selfish and ask your husband to choose between his mother and you. Remember; as you do, so will you be recompensed. One day, you too will reach old-age and will require assistance. Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, “Whichever young person honours an old person due to his age, Allah Ta’ala will create someone who will honour him in old age.” 15. If your in-laws oppress you, firstly turn to Allah Ta’ala and make dua to Him. Speak to your husband in a polite manner, and inform him of your plight. Learn to forgive and forget. Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: “Allah Ta’ala increases a person in honor who forgives. Whoever humbles himself for Allah Ta’ala, Allah Ta’ala will raise him.” 16. Always encourage your husband to keep good ties with his family members, especially parents and brothers and sisters. Many brothers and sisters become estranged after marriage due to the stories carried by the wives to their husbands. Behave respectfully to all elders like the wives of the husband’s elder brother. If younger, be kind and loving and assist as far as possible in their work. 17. Recompense comes from Allah Ta’ala. Give and give and do not ever expect something in return. Always remember that the best recompense is always from Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala says: “And what is the reward of good except good?” (Ar-Rahman. 55:601) Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

By Moulana Abdul Hameed Ishaq, Azaadville 1. Bear in mind that your daughter-in-law is a human being with aspirations and feelings. She has made a great sacrifice to come and serve your son for the rest of her life. Treat her like your own daughter. Remember when you were a daughter-in-law. As you desired to be treated, treat her. Remove the jealousy which generally comes into the heart that someone new has come and taken over my son whom I brought up with great pain. 2. Give gifts to her. This will create love between you’ll. 3. Do not demand control of your son’s money. It is for him to use in an appropriate manner. 4. Never compare one’s daughter-in-law with another, or with your daughters. Every person is different and has different abilities. Look at the good in everyone. 5. Overlook faults and errors. Your daughter-in-law is still naive. In all likelihood, you made the same errors when you were young. 6. If she lives with you, do not expect her to do everything in the house. However, if the kitchen is one, then some ‘ulema, have stated that it will be better if the mother-in-law hands it over completely to her daughter-in-law, if she is happy to accept this responsibility. If not, then rather have turns in the kitchen, because generally problems start in the kitchen. Everyone’s ways and methods are different. 7. Think before you speak. What you say to your daughter, you cannot say to your daughter-in-law, since your daughter has natural love for you whereas your daughter-inlaw’s love for you will have to be slowly cultivated. Even if she errs, be careful as to how you correct her. Sometimes, even a wrong word, however innocent it may be, can cause problems. It is a delicate situation. 8. Never discuss your one daughter-in-law with the other or discuss them with even your own sisters, daughters or best friends. If a secret cannot stay in your mouth, how do you expect it to remain in someone else’s? Discussing with others is just looking for problems. If you have a problem, speak directly to the one concerned. 9. Learn from your mistakes. If you have once said something that created a problem, make sure you never repeat it. 10. Be simple. No one is perfect. Do not be unnecessarily fussy about things that are not really a life-or-death situation. 11. Be generous in praising their cooking, baking, etc. even though it is not up-to your standards. 12. Never drag your daughter-in-law into any disagreement between yourself and your son. If you are upset with your son for any reason, there is no need to pass the message via your daughter-in-law or get upset with her. Speak directly to your son. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

MINOR AND MAJOR SIGNS OF QIYAMAT IN DETAIL The Prophet s prophesised many events that are to occur prior to Qiyamah. These signs of Qiyamat are of two types: the minor signs and the major signs. THE MINOR SIGNS OF QIYAMAH The minor signs are those which began with the death of the Prophet s and will end with the birth of Imaam Mahdi. The major signs are those that will begin with the emergence of Imaam Mahdi and end with the blowing of the trumpet. The first minor sign of Qiyamat was the death of the Prophet s. The next sign was that many people would turn back to disbelief and this prophesy was realised immediately after the death of the Prophet s, when many turned back to idol worship and some started to follow false prophets. Another sign was the conquest of Baytul Muqaddas which happened during the reign of Umar t. Next was the discord and disunity amongst the Ummah which occurred during the time of Uthmaan t and 'Ali t. Many other signs of Qiyamat have also been mentioned in the Ahaadeeth, amongst which are: 1. Knowledge will be raised and ignorance will become widespread. 2. Adultery and alcohol abuse will become widespread. 3. The population of women will increase and that of men will decrease, so much so that a time will come when one man will be the guardian of 50 women. 4. Music, musical instruments and singing women will be common. 5. Falsehood will be common. 6. People will begin disobeying their mothers and obeying their wives. 7. People will begin to show affection towards their friends and have hatred for their fathers. 8. People in power will regard the property of people as their own. 9. Abuse of trust will be widespread. 10. Ignorant and unworthy people will become leaders. 11. People of low status and fussaaq (evil doers) will become the leaders of tribes. 12. Modesty and shame will become non-existent. 13. Oppression and tyranny will become widespread. There are many other signs of Qiyamah. They are all true and will occur before the last day. Most of the minor signs have already become apparent and will continue to do so as time goes on. THE MAJOR SIGNS OF QIYAMAH The Major signs will appear very close to Qiyamah. The first among them will be the advent of Imam Mahdi. SIGNS PRECEDING THE ADVENT OF IMAM MAHDI There are many signs that will precede his appearance; generally there will be great confusion, disputes and violent deaths. Calamities will befall people so much so that there will be no shelter for them. There will be many battles and fitnah, earthquakes, widespread adultery, erection of tall buildings, imitation of non Believers etc. Some specific signs before his advent are that (according to some Ulama) the River Euphrates will disclose a mountain of gold over which people will fight and die. There will be two eclipses, a lunar eclipse on the first night of Ramadhaan and a solar eclipse in the middle of Ramadhaan. In the same year a battle will take place in Mina where many people will die and Hajjis will be looted. There are many other signs, i.e. the earth will swallow a village near Damascus; an army with black banners will come from the East etc. The Muslim Ummah will be encircled by the domination of non Muslim forces from all sides and the Muslims will be at their weakest. Yearning for Imam Mahdi will be strong. IMAM MAHDI Imam Mahdi will be from the progeny of Fatimah, the beloved daughter of the Prophet s. His name will be Muhammad. His father's name will be 'Abdullah. He will resemble the Prophet s in character. He will be a slender man of medium built with a broad forehead and a high bridged nose. He will speak with a slight stutter. He will be a resident of Madinah from where he will flee in fear of being caught up in a dispute and made the new Khalifah. He will flee to Makkah where some Makkans will bring him out of his house against his will, take him to the Haram and pledge allegiance to him between the corner of the Ka’bah with the Hajare Aswad and the Maqaame Ibraaheem. As news will spread an army will be sent from Syria to fight him, however the earth will swallow up this army in a flat piece of land between Makkah and Madinah. On seeing this the pious saints of Syria and Iraq will pledge allegiance to him. He will have to fight many battles (details in “Major signs before the Day of Judgement” – Mawlana Ahmed Ali). He will first rule over the Arabs and then the entire world will be under his leadership. He will restore peace and justice throughout the world. He will rule in complete accordance with the Shari'at of the Prophet s. Islam will flourish during his reign and people will be happy and at peace. During his lifetime Dajjal will appear and ‘Isa u will descend from Heaven. The majority group among the Shi'a believe that the Mahdi was born in the year 256 AH. He then went into hiding in the year 260 AH/872CE. They believe he is alive and will make his appearance when Allah S wills. This belief is baseless. THE APPEARANCE OF DAJJAAL The word Dajjaal is derived from the Arabic word 'dajl' which means to deceive, dupe, cheat etc. hence Dajjaal means imposter, swindler, cheat. (Story of Tamim Daari – in “Major signs before the Day of Judgement” page 21, by Mawlana Ahmed Ali) He will appear during the time of Imam Mahdi and ‘Isa u will descend from heaven and slay him. The Dajjaal mentioned in the Hadeeth will be from a Jewish tribe. He will be known as maseeh. He will be one eyed. His hair will be curly. On his forehead will be the letters (kaaf, faa, raa) which true believers will be able to read. He will appear between Syria and Iraq and claim to be a prophet. He will thereafter go to Isfahaan where 70 000 Jews will become his followers. Here he will make a claim of being God and begin to spread mischief throughout the world. Two years before his appearance there will be a severe drought. To test the believers, Allah S will allow Dajjaal to demonstrate many supernatural feats. He will cause rain to fall, plants to grow and raise the dead. He will burn a large fire and call it Jahannam and he will also have a garden and call it Jannah. With a great following he will move around the world spreading mischief and causing destruction. He will try to enter the blessed lands of Makkah and Madeenah but he will be stopped by the Angels who will be standing guard at every entrance of the city. He will then travel towards Damascus where Imam Mahdi will be living. Upon this Imam Mahdi will make preparations for an army to fight him. After arranging his army he will go to the Masjid to perform Asr salaat when suddenly, ‘Isa u, resting his hands on the shoulders of two Angels will descend from the sky on the eastern minaret of the Jam'e Masjid of Damascus. From there he will come down by a ladder and Imam Mahdi will request him to lead the salaat which he will refuse to do. After salaat, Imam Mahdi will offer to hand over total responsibility to ‘Isa u but he will refuse saying his special mission is to kill Dajjaal. ‘ISA u (JESUS) The descent of ‘Isa u and consequent slaying of Dajjaal is the third major sign of Qiyamah. ‘Isa u is a Messenger from among the Messengers of Allah S. He had a miraculous birth i.e. without the agency of a father, and his mother Maryam was a virgin and she was a chaste woman. Allah had chosen Maryam for a great miracle. He wanted to show men that He could create a child without a father just as He created Adam u without a father or a mother. Maryam’s mother had dedicated her to the worship of Allah S and Zakariyyah u was her guardian. She resided in a chamber where no one was allowed to enter and so Zakariyyah u was surprised to see food whenever he entered. On being questioned she replied that Allah S provided her with the food. When an Angel appeared and gave her glad tidings of a child she was shocked and exclaimed that no man had touched her. She was given the good news of an immaculate birth. This should not come as a surprise for those who believe, as Allah S has power to do whatever He wills. After the birth people accused her of being unchaste. Maryam remained quiet and merely pointed at the baby and ‘Isa u spoke to the people telling them he was the slave of Allah S and he had been sent as a Messenger to the Children of Israel. He also stated that he had been sent to confirm the Law of the Torah which was given to Musa u (Moses) and that he was given a scripture, the Injeel. By the time he grew up the Israelites had forgotten the message brought to them by Musa u. They practiced every evil to the extent that they even killed the Prophets sent to them by Allah S. In these circumstances he was ordered to announce his Prophethood . The people mocked and jeered at him, made fun of his teachings and spread rumours about his mother. He continued his preaching and when they demanded that he perform miracles to prove himself, he did so by the will of Allah S. He made a clay bird and breathed life into it, he cured the blind and the lepers and brought the dead back to life. The Qur’an also describes the incident where his disciples requested a meal and miraculously Allah S provided them with a meal which descended from heaven. As his popularity grew amongst the people the Jews conspired to kill him. They told the Roman governor that ‘Isa u was a threat to the government and upon this falsehood his arrest was ordered. Roman soldiers surrounded the house he was living in and Allah S sent an Angel to raise ‘Isa u physically up to the heavens i.e. bodily, while he was alive. The soldiers sent in one of their men to find ‘Isa u and Allah S transformed his appearance to that of Isa u. When he did not come out of the house the soldiers entered and arrested him thinking he was ‘Isa u. He screamed and shouted that he was not who they thought but they ignored him and he was eventually crucified on the cross. Thus, ‘Isa u did not die, but was raised physically to the heavens while he was alive and where he remains to this day. Our Prophet s met ‘Isa u during his journey through the Heavens on the night of Me’raaj. As mentioned before he will descend during the time of Imam Mahdi. Imam Mahdi will propose to hand over complete control to ‘Isa u but he will decline saying that he has come with a special duty which is to kill Dajjaal. ‘Isa u will pursue Dajjaal and kill him and thus the evil and corruption of Dajjaal will come to an end. Isa u will abolish the tax and order the destruction of the cross and the killing of pigs. The world will once again be filled with peace and justice and there will not be any disbelievers left as all the Christians, Jews and idolators will embrace Islam After some time Imam Mahdi will die and ‘Isa u will become the ruler. He will not reign as a Prophet but as a follower of the way shown by our Prophet Muhammad s. He will marry and have children and will die a natural death. YA’JOOJ AND MA'JOOJ Ya’jooj and Ma'jooj are two tribes who have been imprisoned behind a mountain range by Zul Qarnayn. They are a powerful and wild people. When they emerge during the reign of ‘Isa u (after the death of Imam Mahdi) they will wreak havoc on earth. ‘Isa u will ask Allah S to destroy them. A plague will be sent which will kill all of them. Allah S will then send some birds, the likes of which have never been seen before who will eat some of them and throw the remains in the ocean. Then there will be torrential rain that will cleanse the earth from the smell and diseases caused by their dead bodies. DEATH OF ‘ISA u After this there will be great bounties and blessings in the world. Honesty, trust, goodness etc will spread on earth. Lions will graze with camels and wolves with goats; children will play with snakes without being harmed and hatred and jealousy will disappear. ‘Isa u will live for a period of time after which he will die and be buried next to the Prophet s. After his death a person named Jahjaj of Yemen from the tribe of Quhtaan will be Ameerul Mu’mineen and he will rule with justice and piety. After him will follow several rulers, however slowly evil will once again start to set in. THE 40 DAY FOG During this time a dense fog will cover the earth for 40 days. The result will be that people will begin to suffocate. The Muslims will develop symptoms of a cold and the non believers will lapse into a state of unconsciousness. Some will recover within a day, others after two or three days. THE NIGHT OF THREE NIGHTS After the Fog clears suddenly after the 10th of Zul Hijjah, a night will become extended, which will instil restlessness and fear in people and animals. This night will be as long as three nights. THE RISING OF THE SUN FROM THE WEST One of the greatest signs of Qiyamat will be the rising of the sun from the west. This will occur after the ending of the long night mentioned previously. The sun will rise from the west but it will have no brilliance. It will be very dim and dull and will only rise to a hand span, thereafter, it will begin to set. Then it will resume its normal habit of rising from the east and setting in the west. Every person alive at the time will witness these phenomena. After this no Imaan will be accepted from any Disbeliever or repentance from any Muslim. The books of Hadeeth confirm that this sign is the rising of the sun from the west. When the sun rises from the west one’s Imaan or repentance will not be accepted as this will herald the end of creation. The Hereafter which until now was hidden from sight will now be clear and apparent. Imaan in only accepted when brought in the state when one believes in the unseen. THE EMERGENCE OF THE ANIMAL FROM THE GROUND This will follow the rising of the sun from the west. Allah S mentions in the Qur’an: "And when the promise of Qiyamat unfolds on them; We will take out an animal from the ground that will talk to them. Indeed the people do not believe in our signs." An earthquake will grip Mount Safa which will split open and this strange and wonderful animal will emerge from it. It will talk to the people and travel around the world at great speed. With the Asaa (staff) of Musa u it will place a luminous sign on the faces of the Believers which will make their faces glitter. With the ring of Sulaymaan u it will put a stamp on the noses or necks of the Disbelievers which will cause their faces to become dark. After this it will disappear (Kitaabul Imaan – S Africa, page 58) THE BREEZE After a short while a cool breeze will blow from the south. It will result in the death of all the Believers. Even if a Believer was hiding in a cave or on top of a mountain the breeze will reach him and he will die. There will now be nobody on earth who would differentiate between good and evil. THE RULE OF THE ABYSSINIANS The world will now be filled with Disbelievers and they will come under the rule of a group of Abyssinians. Oppression and tyranny will become very common. The world will be plunged into immodesty, evil and indecency. Along with moral degeneration technology will reach its zenith. The Ka’bah will be destroyed brick by brick and Hajj will no longer take place. The words of the Holy Qur’an will disappear from its pages and not a single person will be left to take the name of Allah S. Many years will pass in this state until the sounding of the Soor. THE FIRE The final sign of Qiyamat is a fire, starting from the centre of Yemen from which people will flee but the fire will follow them driving them towards the plains of resurrection. Imam Muslim reports a Hadeeth in which he mentions 10 of the major signs of Qiyamah. The last of which is: "A fire will emerge from Yemen and take the people to their place of resurrection." BLOWING OF THE SOOR (TRUMPET) Now Allah S will command Israafeel u to blow the soor. The soor is a gigantic horn shaped trumpet, a real material object created by Allah S and rejection of its reality is kufr. The effect of its sound will bring about the destruction of the entire universe – mountains will fly like flakes of cotton, stars will breakdown, the heavens will be split asunder – and all creatures will be annihilated. A long period of time will pass in this condition of total silence and inactivity. Thereafter, Israafeel u will again be commanded to blow the soor which will result in all the dead being resurrected (the souls will return to their bodies). The first to rise will be our beloved Prophet s, followed by ‘Isa u, the Ambiyaa, the Siddiqeen, the pious, the sinners and lastly the Disbelievers. They will proceed toward the Plain of Qiyamah. THE PLAINS OF QIYAMAH This day of Qiyamat will be the length of fifty thousand years. On this day the sun will be brought very close. Each person will be drowning in his own sweat in accordance with how sinful he had been in the world. Fear will be overwhelming and the people in desperation will seek out different Prophets asking them to intercede. Each will excuse himself from this duty. In the end the Prophet s will intercede on behalf of the entire creation, this first intercession being for the actual commencement of judgement. This will be accepted and the reckoning will begin. The Mizaan (scales) will be set up and good and bad will be weighed. After the reckoning the record of deeds of the righteous (the successful ones) will be given in their right hands while the records of the evil will be given in their left hands signifying their failure. The Siraat, (the bridge which is finer than a hair and sharper than a sword) will then have to be crossed. The people of Jannat will safely cross it with varying degrees of speed and comfort depending on their righteousness in the world, while those doomed to Jahannam will slip and fall into the fire. This day will be very severe on those who were disobedient. Only those who led lives of piety will be saved. Jannat and Jahannam are real with Jannat being an abode of luxury, comfort and everlasting pleasure while Jahannam is an abode of hardship, misery and punishment. They are not figurative expressions as interpreted by those who have strayed from the correct Path.

The Prophet s was taken by Jibra-eel u to Baitul Maqdis where he met all the previous Ambiya u and led them in Salaah. From there he was raised to the first heaven where he met Adam u and thereafter on to the second heaven where he met Yahya u and ‘Isa u. On the third heaven he met Yusuf u, on the fourth, Idris u, on the fifth Haaroon u, on the sixth he met Musa u and on the seventh heaven he met Ibraaheem u. After this he was made to go forth (on his own) beyond the Sidratul Muntaha beyond which no one has gone before. His meeting with Allah S took place and Salaat was enjoined upon him on this occasion. Many things were shown to him the details of which will be covered during lesson. For one to be a Muslim, belief in the Israa and Mi’raaj is essential.

Beliefs in The Aakhirat (Hereafter) Beliefs in events preceding the Day of Qiyamat: A Muslim believes in the Minor and Major signs preceding the Day of Judgement as predicted by Muhammad s A Muslim believes in the Major signs, such as the appearance of Mahdi, the appearance of Dajjal; the appearance of Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj (Gog and Magog); the rising of the sun from the West; the appearance of a talking beast; the breeze and the spreading of the fire Beliefs in the Day of Qiyamat and the Hereafter: A Muslim believes in the Day of Qiyamat when the trumpet will be blown and everything in the universe will be destroyed, when mountains will fly like cotton, stars will break down and the heavens will be split asunder. A Muslim believes that the trumpet will be blown a second time when everything will be resurrected and human beings and the Jinn will be assembled before their Creator to be accounted A Muslim believes in the Mizaan (the scales) A Muslim believes in the Big Shafa'ah i.e., the intercession of Nabi s to Allah on the Day of Judgement, which will relieve mankind from the torment and anguish of waiting for requital. A Muslim also believes in the smaller Shafa'ah of the Prophet s on behalf of some sinners so that they may receive the forgiveness of Allah S. A Muslim believes in the physical nature of Jannat (Paradise), and Jahannum (Hell) and that they have already been created A Muslim believes in the Aa'raaf (place between Jannah and Jahannum) which is the place where the dwellers of Jannah and Jahannum will converse and which will eventually cease to exist. A Muslim believes in the Siraat A Muslim believes in al-Hawd or the Blessed Reservoir which removes thirst forever from the blessed ones according to the authentic books of Hadith. A Muslim believes in the deedaar (sighting) of Allah S in Jannah Various Other Beliefs A Muslim believes in the Angels who were created from light and who are sinless and obey every order of Allah S; that Jibraeel was a messenger to the Prophets, Mikaeel is in charge of rain, food etc, Izraeel is the Angel of death and Israfeel will blow the trumpet and Munkar and Nakeer who will question us in the grave. A Muslim believes in the Jinn who were created from smokeless fire A Muslim believes that al-Qur'an is the Word of Allah S revealed to the Prophet s. It is not created like the speech of man. A Muslim believes that wahi - Divine Revelation - terminated with the passing away of Muhammad s A Muslim believes that no new Rasul or Nabi is to come after Muhammad s and ‘Isa u (Jesus) will come as an Ummati (follower) of Muhammad s without losing his previous status of Prophethood. A Muslim believes in the virgin birth of ‘Isa u and in all his miracles that are mentioned in the Qur'an and that Allah saved him from crucifixion and raised him to heaven. A Muslim believes that Allah revealed the Injil to ‘Isa u and the Tawrah to Musa u and Suhoof to Ibrahim u and the Zabur to Dawud u A Muslim believes that these Divine Books were the Word of Allah as is the Qur'an. A Muslim believes in all the miracles of the Ambiyaa (Prophets) and Messengers that are mentioned in the Noble Qur'an. A Muslim believes that Allah S referred to Ibrahim u as a "friend" and that He talked to Musa u in an audible voice. A Muslim believes in the covenant with Allah which He drew from the children of Adam A Muslim believes in al-Lawh, the "Slate" or the eternal record concerning everything in the seen and unseen worlds. A Muslim believes in al-Qalam, the "Pen", which refers to the recording of everything. A Muslim believes that none can interfere with or change that which is recorded in the al-Lawh. Thus a Muslim believes that Allah S has foreknown everything. A Muslim believes in al-Arsh, "Throne" (it is beyond description, it encompasses the universe, it is the centre of control from where all Commands originate and it is borne by 8 powerful Malaaikah) and al-Kursi which is a physical object and which cannot be comprehended by our minds A Muslim believes in the Sidratul Muntaha, the final limit of the Malaaikah beyond which they are not permitted. Prophet s is the only person among the creation who was honoured to go beyond this point on the night of Mi’raaj A Muslim believes in the Baitul Ma’moor, the qiblah of the Malaaikah and around which they are perpetually engaged in Tawaaf. The Ka’bah is directly below it A Muslim loves all the companions of the Prophet s and does not speak of anyone of them except with reverence and respect. Love for them is a sign of good faith and hatred for anyone of them is a mark of hypocrisy. A Muslim believes that the Khilaafat or succession of the administration of Islam after the Prophet s went to Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali (RadhiAllaahu-anhum) in this order and in justice. A Muslim believes that the Blessed Ten about whom the Prophet s was inspired by Allah S to promise Paradise to are also deserving of our testimony as such. They are Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali (RadhiAllaahu-anhum), Addur-Rahmaan bin Auf, Talha bin Ubaidullah, Zubair bin al Awwaam, Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas, Sa'id bin Zaid, and Abu 'Ubaida bin al Jarrah. May Allah S be pleased with them all. A Muslim believes that all scholars from the past generation of Islam (the al-Tabi-een), down to the present generation of scholars and pious learned people of Islam cannot be mentioned except with praise and appreciation. Whoever mentions one of them with contempt is astray from the right way. A Muslim does not separate from, or differentiate between the generality of the Muslim community. We see in the jama'ah (the general community of Islam) the truth, and consider division in Islam as misguidance and an evil temptation of the Shaytaan. A Muslim does not consult or believe in an astrologer or soothsayer. A Muslim believes in Taqdeer, that all things that happen and will happen are in the knowledge of Allah S and will take place according to His will and command. In any loss or grief one must not think that it could have been avoided if one had acted differently. A Muslim believes that those who commit major sins among Muslims are not doomed to eternal punishment in Hell, if they died believing in the Oneness of Allah S, even if they did not repent. Such sinners are under the judgement of Allah S alone. He may forgive whoever He pleases as stated in His Divine Words A Muslim believes in the Aalamul Barzakh (the phase of life after death) and that in the Barzakh there is reward and punishment, comfort and hardship A Muslim believes that supplication and charity given by the living Muslim on behalf of a dead Muslim is beneficial to the dead. A Muslim offers prayer for every dead Muslim but He does not judge or declare by His Judgement that a particular one is deserving of Paradise or Hell. A Muslim does not draw any weapon to threaten the life of any Muslim except in justice according to the Law of Islam. A Muslim obeys Muslim leaders so long as they rule and act according to the Law of Allah S and His Messenger s. A Muslim follows the generality of Muslims and does not follow the excesses, nor divisions, nor does he follow any innovations in Islam. Muslims love the people of justice and faithfulness and dislike the people of injustice and deceit. A Muslim believes that Allah S does not put a burden on His servants beyond their ability to bear, because of His Mercy and Kindness, without being under any obligation to do so. A Muslim believes that the Religion with Allah S from the beginning of the world until its end is Islam

لآاِله اِلاّ اللهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَّسُولٌ الله “Laa-ilaaha illallaah Muhammadur rasoolullaah” There is no deity (who is worthy of worship & obedience) except Allah S and Muhammad s is Allah’s S messenger The kalimah consists of two parts, the first of which is an affirmation of Tawheed (the oneness of Allah S) and the other of the Risaalat of Prophet Muhammad s. This means to believe without doubt and accept with full understanding everything taught by Prophet Muhammad s and to lead one’s life in total adherence to the complete Shari’at brought by him. Beliefs in Allah S: A Muslim believes that Allah S is One and He has no partner. He created the universe. He is the Sustainer and the Nourisher and He has power over everything. He is the Protector and He has Knowledge of every atom in His creation. There is none like Him and He begets not, nor is He begotten. He is eternal with no beginning or ending to His existence. Comprehension does not encompass Him, and thought cannot understand Him. He is the All Hearing and Seeing. He is free of all weaknesses and defects. He created man and predestined their lot and fixed their life span. He knows what they will do before their creation. He orders them to be obedient to Him, and prohibits disobedience. Whatever He wills for his creatures, it will be, and whatever He does not, will not be. He guides to the right way whomever He pleases. He is Exalted above opposites or equals * Ponder over His creation and His attributes Beliefs in Prophet Muhammad s: A Muslim believes that Prophet Muhammad s is Allah’s servant and messenger, the seal and last of all Prophets and Messengers. Every claim to Prophethood after him is false. He was sent as a guide to all mankind. He is the noblest and highest of rank in the entire creation. A Muslim believes in Israa and the Mi'raaj and that the Mi'raaj (ascension to the heavens), was in body and soul. A Muslim believes that Wahi (Revelation from Allah S) came to him. * Love him and follow his way to acquire the love of Allah S