ummtaalib

Q:) In what way Al-Masjid al-Aqsa (in Jerusalem) is significant to Muslims and Jews? A:) The Centrality of Masjid al Aqsa in Islam To Muslims, Jerusalem houses one of the holiest Mosques, the Masjid-al-Aqsa and represents a place of greatest religious significance. This needs to be appreciated by the West before a sincere bridge of mutual friendship is built. Muslims' call to rule over Jerusalem is not driven by colonist, nationalist or material motives. The love of every grain in the Holy City is sacred to Muslims. As Muslims' respect all the Prophets revered by Judaism and Christianity and their venerated places are also central to the ethos of Islam. Therefore, it is only by entrusting the custody of the Holy City to the Muslims can the present Judaisation of Jerusalem come to a halt and morally open the city to all the three faiths. To quote a few Qur'anic verses and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) with regard to Jerusalem will indicate the importance Masjid al Aqsa and therefore Jerusalem has assumed upon the Muslims hearts. MIRAAJ: 1. The miraculous journey of the holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) from Makkah to Masjid al Aqsa (al Isra) and his ascension through the heavens (al Ma'araj) has linked Jerusalem to the Muslims hearts and minds. The Holy Qur'an states: "Glory to Allah who did take His Servant for a journey by night from the Sacred Mosque (in Makkah) to the Al-Aqsa (in Jerusalem) whose precincts We did bless (al-Isra 17: 1) The Lord Almighty had at in His power to have taken the Prophet Muhammad e from Makkah straight up to the heavens. However, to impress the importance of Jerusalem upon Muslims the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) was first taken to Masjid al Aqsa in Jerusalem. When in Masjid al Aqsa Haram Shareef the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) led Salaah and was followed by all the previous Prophets Alayhis salaam. Hence the whole of Masjid al Aqsa precincts are unique in that this is the only place on earth where all the Prophets Alayhis salaam performed Salaah in congregation. 2. The Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) Alayhis salaam central to all the three faiths migrated to the land of Canaanite around 1805 BC. The Qur'an states: "We said, O Fire! Be thou cool and safety for Ibrahim. Then they planned against him, but We made them the greater losers. But We delivered him and (his nephew) Lot (and directed them) to the land which We have blessed for the nations (Al-Anbiyaa 21: 69-71) 3. The sacredness of Jerusalem is emphasised on numerous places in the Holy Qur'an. The Apostles of Allah, Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and also Prophet Musa (Mosses) [Alayhis salaam] alluded to it. The Holy Qur'an reports Prophet Musa [Alayhis salaam] telling his people: O my people! Enter the holy land... (Al-Maida 5: 21) Further the Holy Qur'an states: (It was Our power that made) the violent (unruly) Wind flow (tamely) for Sulaman. To his order, to the land Which We had blessed... (Al-Anbiyaa 21: 81) 4. Masjid al Aqsa and therefore Jerusalem's importance was further emphasised by the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam): (a) According to Islamic teachings there are only three places to which it is desirable to undertake a journey for the purpose of Salaah. Abu Huraira [ra] is quoted as saying that Allah's Messenger [sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam] said, 'set out deliberately on a journey only to three mosques: this mosque of mine (in Medina), the Sacred Mosque (in Makkah) and the Masjid al Aqsa (in Jerusalem) (Bukhari & Muslim) (b) The virtues of praying in Masjid al Aqsa are exalted: Abu Darda [ra] is quoted as saying that the Prophet of Allah Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, a prayer in the Sacred Mosque (in Makkah) is worth 100, 000 prayers, a prayer in my mosque (in Medina) is worth 1, 000 and a prayer in Jerusalem is worth 500 prayers more than in an any other mosque. (Bukhari) As part of another tradition, on the authority of Maimunah bint Sa'd, it is reported that, upon being asked about a person who is unable to travel to the Masjid al Aqsa, the Messenger of Allah [Alayhis salaam] said, 'He should make a gift of oil to be burnt therein, for He who gives a gift to the Masjid al Aqsa will be like one who has prayed Salaah therein.' (Ahmad & Ibn Majah) © The Masjid al Aqsa is the second house of prayer established on earth: Abu Dhar [ra] is quoted as saying, I asked the beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) which was the first mosque on earth? 'The Sacred Mosque (in Makkah),' he said. And then which, I asked? 'Masjid al Aqsa,' he said. I further asked, what was the time span between the two? 'Forty years,' the Prophet [Alayhis salaam] replied. (Muslim) (d) Abu Umamah al Bahili [ra] reports that the Prophet of Allah [Alayhis salaam] as saying, 'A group of my ummah will remain firm upon the truth, dominating their enemies. They will not be harmed by their opponents until Allah's decree arrives upon them. They asked, 'Oh Prophet of Allah [Alayhis salaam]! Where will they be?' He replied, 'In Bait al Maqdis and its surrounding areas. (Ahmad) 5. The Masjid-al-Aqsa was the First Qibla (the direction to which Muslims faced when praying Salaah): The centrality, historical and cultural significance of Masjid al Aqsa is further emphasised by the fact that Muslims used to turn towards Jerusalem when they prayed. This was practised until 16 to 17 months after hijra, when Allah I commanded in His wisdom, for the Muslims to face Makkah. The importance of Masjid al Aqsa remained and all the worship performed facing Masjid al Aqsa was good and valid. 6. The resting place of Prophets [Alayhis salaam] and Prophet's companions [ra]: The land of Palestine has in it some of the noblest souls the earth has seen. The graves of many Prophet's are in Palestine. Including Ibrahim Alayhis salaam, Yakub Alayhis salaam, Ishaq [peace be upon them] and according to some commentators there are over 100 Prophets buried in Palestine. Palestine also has the bodies of some of the closest companions of the Prophet e and thus the first generation Muslims. Included in these are the graves of Ubada ibn al Samit, Shaddad ibn Aws ibn Thabit al Ansari and Tamim al Dari [ra]. 7. Merits of Performing Haj or Umrah from Masjid al Aqsa: Umm Salamah [ra] narrates that she heard the Prophet [Alayhis salaam] saying, 'whosoever starts his Umrah or Haj from Masjid al Aqsa his wrong actions will be forgiven, both past and future.' In another version, he is reported to have said that Paradise would be his reward. (Targheeb) 8. Freedom of the Holy City. After the battle of Yarmuk the Muslim forces under the command of Abu Ubaydahr alay siege to Jerusalem. The inhabitants consented to surrender on condition the Khalifa, Umar ibn al Khattab (ra) came in person. Umar [ra] travelled to Palestine and formally received the keys to the city in 637 AC. On his arrival, he concluded the famous peace treaty with the people of Holy City. This opened the doors to the Jews, who were denied access for thousands of years and for the first time Jerusalem under Muslim rule became truly an OPEN CITY to all the three faiths. Throughout Muslim rule of over one thousand two hundred years of Jerusalem, members of Jewish, Christianity and Islam found a heaven to prosper from. Muslim rule enabled the city to live up to its rightful title of 'The Holy City' as it encompassed all the believers in One God to go about their business without hindrance. Published by: Friends of Al-Aqsa

A Powerful Protection alhaadi.org Sayyiduna Buraidah Radhiyallahu Anhu reports, “I heard that Mu‘aaz bin Jabal Radhiyallahu Anhu had captured a Jinn during the lifetime of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam. I thus went to Mu‘aaz Radhiyallahu Anhu and asked him regarding this incident. Mu‘aaz Radhiyallahu Anhu narrated the following to me: “Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam had entrusted the dates of sadaqah to me for safekeeping. Thus, I placed these dates in one of my rooms. However, I would daily find that the dates had decreased. So I went to Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam and complained to him of the dates decreasing, to which Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, ‘It is the work of a Shaitaan. Wait for him in ambush.’ I waited in ambush for this Shaitaan, and after a short portion of the night had elapsed, he appeared in the form of an elephant. When he reached the door, he changed his form and entered through a crack in the door. He then approached the dates and began to swallow them. I firstly checked that my clothing was tightly secured and then confronted and apprehended him saying, ‘I testify that there is no deity besides Allah and that Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam is His servant and messenger! O enemy of Allah! You have rushed to take the dates of sadaqah whereas the poor are more deserving of it than you! I am definitely going to take you to Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam, and he will disgrace you!’ When he heard this, he began to plead with me and promised me that he would not return (and I thus released him). The following morning, I went to Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)who asked me, ‘What happened to the one you captured?’ I replied, ‘He promised me that he would not return,’ Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, ‘He will return, so wait for him in ambush.’ I waited for him on the second night and again captured him. He again pleaded and promised that he would not return, and so I again released him. In the morning, I proceeded to Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam to inform him of what had transpired. However, before I could reach Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam, I heard someone calling out, ‘Where is Mu‘aaz?’ When I reached Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam), he asked me, ‘What happened to your prisoner?’ I told Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam what had happened, to which he replied, ‘He will return, so wait for him in ambush.’ I waited for him for a third night. On this occasion, when I apprehended him, I addressed him saying, ‘O enemy of Allah! You have already promised me twice that you will not return! I will now definitely take you to Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam and he will disgrace you!’ The Shaitaan pleaded, ‘I am a Shaitaan who has dependents and I have come from Naseebeen! If I was able to find some food closer to Naseebeen, I would not have come to you! We used to live in this city of yours (Madeenah Munawwarah). However, after your Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam was deputed, there were two verses of your Quran that were revealed, and these two verses chased us away. We thus went to Naseebeen. If these two verses are recited in any home, no Shaitaaan will enter that home for three days. If you release me, I will teach you these two verses.’ I agreed to release him, after which he said, ‘The two verses are Aayatul Kursi and the concluding verses of Surah Baqarah, commencing from ‘Aamanar Rasulu’ until the end of the surah.’ The following morning, I set out to inform Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam of what had occurred, when I heard someone announce, ‘Where is Mu‘aaz bin Jabal?’ When I entered into the presence of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam, he enquired, ‘What happened to your captive?’ I replied, ‘He promised me that he would not return,’ and I also told Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam of the two verses that he had taught me. When he heard this, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam remarked, ‘The wretch has spoken the truth, whereas he is normally a liar.’ I would thereafter recite these verses on the dates of sadaqah and would no longer find any decrease in their quantity.” (Tabraani – Majma‘uz Zawaa’id #10920 & Fathul Baari vol. 4, pgs. 614 & 615) Lessons: 1. The Quraan is a powerful means of protection from Shaitaan, black magic, etc. Hence, regularly reciting the Quran within the home is a very effective means of protecting the home from evil forces. Furthermore, there are certain verses in the Quraan Majeed that are especially powerful in gaining protection. Most of these verses have been gathered in a compilation known as the ‘Manzil’ which can be recited daily or more frequently if required. Click ‘here’ to download the Manzil. 2. When reciting the verses and Duas of protection, it is important for a person to have strong ‘yaqeen’ (conviction and faith) in the power of these verses and their effectiveness. Hence, they should be read with presence of mind and not merely read in an absent-minded manner, as if one is fulfilling a routine. 3. The Shayaateen and Jinn are notorious liars, as explained by Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam himself. Hence, the information given by Jinn, even if it be through the medium of an ‘Aamil, cannot be trusted and relied on – especially if this information accuses any person of being responsible for the black magic, etc. Sadly, people often accept this information and, as a result, commit the major sin of breaking family ties and accusing people of black magic, whereas they have no proof at all. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

The virtue of performing four rak’ahs after ‘Isha Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) and other Sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum) reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘Whoever offers four rak’ahs after ‘Isha before leaving the Masjid, will receive the reward of [these rak’ahs being offered] on Laylatul Qadr.’ (Musnad Imam Abu Hanifah, Hadith: 178-179, Sunan Sa’id ibn Mansur, Al-Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 5239 and 6332, Al-Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 12240 and 13800 and As-Sunanul Kubra of Bayhaqi, vol.2 pg.477. Also see Targhib, vol.1 pg.401) In addition to this, several Sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum) have also said the same: “Whoever offers four rak’ahs (nafl) after ‘Isha, will get the reward of offering these rak’ahs on Laylatul Qadr” (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith: 7351-7357 and As-Sunanul Kubra of Bayhaqi, vol.2 pg.477) Fortunate are those who can secure such a privilege every night! Shaykhul Hadith, Moulana Fadlur Rahman ‘Azami (hafizahullah) would mention the following Urdu poem in his Hadith lesson: قدر دانوں کیلئے ہر رات شب قدر ہے For those who have real value, every night can be Laylatul Qadr! Note: One may merely add two rak’ahs to the usual two sunnah muakkadah after ‘Isha, and make the intention of practicing on this Hadith. (Fathul Qadir) al-miftah

Trimming Hair and Nails when Intending Qurbani Q: Should one intending to make Qurbani clip his/her nails and shave his hair in the first ten days of Zul Hijjah? A: TRIMMING OF NAILS AND HAIR DURING THE FIRST TEN DAYS OF DHUL HIJJAH FOR ONE INTENDING TO MAKE QURBANI HANAFI MADHAB: It is Mustahabb (meritorious, preferable) for one intending to make Qurbani not to trim the nails and not shave during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. (Raddul Muhtaar V6 P185). If one does trim, etc. no sin will be incurred. SHAAFI'EE MADHAB: It is Sunnah for one intending to make Qurbani not to trim the nails and not shave during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. (Mughnil Muhtaaj V4 P283). It will be Makrooh to trim without need. NOTE: It is Waajib (compulsory) to remove hair from the armpits and pubic hair at least once every forty days. According to both Madhabs it is not permissible to leave it for forty days or more. So if during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, a person's forty days are up, it will be compulsory on him/her to remove the hair. Waajib will take priority over a Mustahabb or Sunnah. (Mughniul Muhtaar 3:283; Fiqhul Ibaadaat, Shafi 1:799; Raudhatut Talibeen 3:210, 234; Al Fataawa Al Hindiyah 5:357; Raddul Muhtaar 6;185) Source

Making an Effort to Acquire the Wealth of Taqwa Hazrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Daamat Barakaatuhu) mentioned: The real commodity for one to earn and purchase is taqwa. The hadeeth teaches us that the one who has taqwa will remain safe even if he is in the territory of his enemy. So make an effort to acquire the wealth of taqwa. Taqwa is for one to have the consciousness of Allah Ta’ala at all times. At any given moment one should not be unmindful of His presence and one should have the conviction that Allah Ta‘ala is watching him at all times.

The Secret to a Student’s Success By Shaykh Muntasir Zaman It is inborn in our nature that we are always in pursuit of success irrespective of the goal at hand. From the eager medical student awaiting his test results to the restless bachelor searching for his other half, humans are constantly in the pursuit of accomplishing their goals. To be more specific, let us look at the average student in Madrassa who, after spending sleepless nights preparing for exams, awaits his report card in the end of the academic year with the hope of having passed. Although strenuous effort alongside sleepless nights may prove to be a powerful recipe for a student’s success as far as his exams are concerned, a very important, yet often overlooked, component for his overall success in acquiring knowledge is his conduct and mannerism towards the sources of knowledge. History bears testimony to this crucial fact, as the famous jurist al-Burhān al-Zarnūjī [d. 591AH] so truthfully writes, ما وصل من وصل الا بالحرمة وما سقط من سقط الا بترك الحرمة The successful only succeeded by virtue of respect whilst the failures only failed due to disrespect[1] In this regard, the author of the monumental Hanafi Fiqh manual al-Hidāyah, Burhān al-Dīn al-Marghīnānī [d. 593AH] writes, “Whilst teaching in the Masjid, occasionally a prominent scholar from Bukhārā would stand up putting his lesson to a temporary halt. His students, after witnessing this strange action, asked him regarding it, so he replied, “My teac her’s child plays with his friends by the road, and sometimes he reaches the door of the Masjid. Whenever I see him, I immediately stand up out of respect for my teacher.”[2] The fruits of this unique form of respect is quite evident to anyone familiar with the traditional Dars-e Niżāmī syllabus taught in Madāris wherein al-Hidāya is studied. There is no surprise as to why the scholars of Islām went to great lengths in insuring that they displayed the utmost reverance towards knowledge and anything related to it, for it was the most effective way to acquire knowledge. A poet says, فاصبر لدائك ان جفوت طبيبه واقنع بجهلك ان جفوت معلما Continue to suffer from your sickness if you offended the doctor, and remain content with your ignorance if you offended a teacher[3] Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwāmh, commenting on the statement of al-Zarnūjī mentioned above, writes, “As for the second part of his statement [“failures only failed due to disrespect”], the clearest proof for that is the wretched consequence of Iblīs’s obstinate refusal to bow down to Adam (peace be upon him) despite the instruction from Allah. As for the first part of the statement [“The successful only seceded by virtue of respect”], the clearest proof for that is the famous story of ‘Abdallah bin ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him). Once Rasūlullah (may peace and blessings be upon him) went to relieve himself, so ‘Abdallah bin ‘Abbās prepared water for Rasūlullah (may peace and blessings be upon him) to make Whudu. After Rasūllah (may peace and blessings be upon him) relieved himself, he noticed that someone had prepared water for Whudū, so he asked, “Who placed this here?” Maymūnah (may Allah be pleased with her), whose turn it was for Rasūlullah (may peace and blessings be upon him) to spend the night with, replied that it was her nephew, ‘Abdallah bin ‘Abbās. Hearing this, Rasūlullah (may peace and blessings be upon him) embraced Ibn ‘Abbas and made the following Du‘ā’ for him with a variation in its wording, “O Allah, grant him understanding of Dīn.”[4] Concerning another instance, Ibn ‘Abāss mentions, “I came to Rasūlullah (may peace and blessings be upon him) towards the end of the night and stood behind him as I joined him in prayer, so he took me by my hand and pulled me to his side. When he reengaged himself in prayer, I stepped back returning to my original place behind him. After completing his prayer, he turned towards me and asked, “What happened? I place you to my side but you stepped backwards.” I replied, “Is it appropriate for anyone to pray by your side whilst you are that messenger Allah who is elevated by Allah.” My statement pleased him so much that he made Du‘ā’ to Allah that He increases me in knowledge and understanding.”[5] It is apparent that Rasūlullah (may peace and blessings be upon him) made Du‘ā’ for Ibn ‘Abbās because of his service in the first instance and because of his respect and honor for prophet hood in the second instance. His position was so lofty that ‘Abdallah bin Mas‘ūd (may Allah be pleased with him) said regarding him, “If he had reached our age, no one would reach even one-tenth of his knowledge.”[6] So let us, as students of Dīn, take the shorter route to success in our studies by respecting knowledge and everything related to it with no exceptions to desks, classrooms and stationaries. This in no way means that merely respecting knowledge without any effort on our part to study will somehow make us like Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him), but without doubt, it is one of the most vital components to achieve, rather aspire, towards that goal. [1] Al-Zarnūjī, Ta‘līm al-Muta‘llim, 26 [2] Ibid, 27 [3] Ibid, 28 [4] Al-Bukhārī, al-Jāmi‘ al-Sahīh, 41:1 [5] Ahmad, Musnad, 330:1 [6] ‘Awwāmah, Ma‘ālim Irshādiyya, 246 Source

Today (Monday 21st August 2017) a solar eclipse is going to occur. In the UK, the partial eclipse will begin around 7.37pm BST and last until Maghrib. To understand the Islamic viewpoint of a solar eclipse and what to do when it occurs, please read the following article of the respected Shaykh-ul-Hadīth, Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh. You can also listen to some advices the respected Shaykh imparted prior to the solar eclipse in 2015. Note: In the UK, as the eclipse will be occurring between 'Asr and Maghrib, the salāh at the time of an eclipse will not be performed however, everyone is encouraged to engage in the other a'māl mentioned below. © Islāmic Da'wah Academy Please read posts above

All praise is due to Allaah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and companions. Fellow Muslims! One of the goals of Islaam is the establishment and fulfilment of Allaah’s rights on man, and the rights of man on his fellow human beings. Allaah says, “Worship Allaah and join not with Him in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, the poor, the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hand possesses. Verily, Allaah does not like such as are proud and boastful.” (An-Nisaa’ 4: 36) Whatever activities people may undertake besides the above-stated goal – like living our day to day lives on the earth, upholding the law and abstaining from injustice, etc. are only secondary obligations and a means to achieve the first and primary goal. Good conduct is the foundation for the fulfilment of one’s obligations to Allaah and to other human beings. Good conduct increases one in rank and erases one’s misdeeds. ‘Aaishah related that she heard the Prophet saying, “A Mu’min (believer) achieves by his good conduct the reward of a person who fasts much and prays in the night.” (Aboo Daawood) The Prophet also said, “Nothing is weightier on the scale of a believing slave (of Allaah) on the Day of Resurrection than good conduct and indeed, Allaah dislikes the obscene and immodest.” (At-Tirmidhee) Good conduct includes all commendable characteristics and all other things which, according to Islaamic Law and sound reason, are good. Some scholars say: “Good conduct is to spread all that is good and abstain from all that is evil.” Good conduct means performing all that Allaah enjoins and abstaining from all that He forbids. One should try to be pious, sincere, patient, forbearing, modest, deliberate, decent, dutiful to one’s parents, kind to the kith and kin, passionate, courageous, generous, truthful, and gentle, enjoin good, forbid evil, have good neighbourliness, humbleness and tolerance; and abstain from trickery, betrayal, immodesty, disgraceful behaviour, consuming unlawful food and drink, lying, slandering, miserliness, cowardliness, showing-off and self-glorification. Good conduct benefits a believer in this life and the next, and increases him in rank before his Lord. Both good and bad people benefit from their good conduct. As for the kaafir, his good conduct only benefits him in this world and Allaah rewards him for it here and on the Last Day he will have no share. ‘Aaishah narrated that she said, “O Messenger of Allaah! What do you think about Abdullah bin Jad‘aan? For he took care of guests, fended for the destitute and assisted people in difficulties, will all this be of any use to him (in the hereafter)?” The Prophet answered, “No, for he has never once said, ‘My Lord! Forgive me my sins on the Day of Reckoning.” Brothers in Islaam! Allaah enjoins in his Great Book all noble characteristics and forbids all distasteful ones. The Sunnah also enjoins good conduct and forbids filthy behaviour. In the Glorious Book, Allaah says, “Come not near to shameful sins, whether committed openly or secretly.” (Al-An’aam 6: 151) He also says, “Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good and turn away from the ignorant.” (Al-A’raaf 7: 199) He says too, “The good deed and the evil one cannot be equal. Repel (the evil) with one which is better (i.e. Allaah ordered the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger, and to excuse those who treated them badly), then, verily, he between whom he and you was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend.” (Fussilat 41: 34) And He says, “And lower your wings to the believers (be courteous to the fellow believer).” (Al-Hijr 15: 88) He also says, “And the slaves of the Most Beneficent (Allaah) are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness, and when the foolish address them, they reply with mild words of gentleness. And those who spend the night before their Lord, prostrating and standing. And those who say, ‘Our Lord! Avert from us the torment of Hell. Verily, it’s torment is ever an inseparable permanent punishment. Evil indeed it is as an abode and a place to dwell. And those who when they spend are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes). And those who invoke not any other god along with Allaah, nor take such life as Allaah has forbidden, except for justice, nor commit illegal s e x u a l i n tercourse.” (Al-Furqaan 25: 63-68) Allaah also enjoins: “O you who believe! Fulfil (your) obligations.” (Al-Maaidah 5: 1) In the Sunnah, the Prophet said, “I am a guarantor of a home in the upper part of Paradise for whomsoever possesses good conduct.” (Aboo Dawood) He also said, “Shall I not tell you of the person for whom Hell is forbidden? – Hell is forbidden for every person who is tolerant, unpretentious and pleasant.” (At-Tirmidhee) ‘Aaishah narrated that the Prophet said, “Gentleness does not but adorn one’s deeds and when something is devoid of gentleness, it becomes disfigured.” (Muslim) Nawwaas bin Sam’aan said, “I asked the Messenger of Allaah about righteousness and sin and he replied, ‘Righteousness is good conduct and sin is something that is deeply rooted in your heart of which you would not like anybody to know.” (Muslim) Good conduct is a blessing for a man and for his community. It means progress, a high position in front of Allaah and it makes one loved by people. It gives peace of mind, easiness in one’s affairs, and earns people’s praise and, ultimately, success on the Last Day. Bad conduct on the other hand brings curses, removal of blessing, people’s hatred, darkness in the grave, and misery in this world and the hereafter. Fellow Muslims! Emulate the righteous predecessors who possessed noble characters of which Allaah attests to in His Book when He says, “Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah, and those who are with him are severe against disbelievers and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and falling down prostrate (in prayer) seeking bounty from Allaah and (His) good pleasure.” (Al-Fath 48: 29) He also addressed them thus: “You (true believers in Islaamic Monotheism and real followers of Prophet Muhammad) are the best people ever raised up from mankind; you enjoin all that is good and forbid all that is evil and you believe in Allaah.” (Aal-‘Imraan 3: 110) He also says about them, “Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allaah, of them some have fulfilled their obligations and some of them are still waiting, but they never changed in the least.” (Al-Ahzaab 33: 23) Everyone among the companions of the Prophet is a nation by himself regarding noble characters and abstention from dwelling upon unimportant matters. However, the exemplar par excellence in noble characters and all commendable attributes is the Messenger of Allaah. Allaah says, “Indeed in the Messenger of Allaah you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the meeting with) Allaah and the Last Day and remembers Allaah much.” (Al-Ahzaab 33: 21) His Lord has refined him in the best possible form and he in turn exerted great effort to reform his ummah and bring them up with commendable characters and guidance. He said, “I am only sent to bring good conduct to perfection.” (Ahmad) Allaah also has glowing praises for His Prophet when He says, “And verily, you (O Muhammad) have an exalted standard of character.” (Al-Qalam 68: 4) Once, ‘Aaishah was asked of the character of the Prophet, she replied, “The Qur’aan was his character.” While commenting on this hadeeth, Ibn Katheer said, “(That means) that abiding by the injunctions of the Qur’aan in terms of what it enjoins and forbids had become his behaviour and accustomed character. Whatever the Qur’aan enjoined on him, he did it and whatever it forbade him from, he abstained from it.” He was naturally disposed to generosity, courage, forbearance and forgiveness and all beautiful conduct.” Even before he was commissioned a Prophet, no fault was recorded against him nor defect. When revelation first came to him, he told his wife Khadeejah: “I fear for myself.” Khadeejah replied, “No! By Allaah! Allaah will never disgrace you; for you are kind to the kith and kin, you tell only the truth, you are patient, take care of guests and assist others upon the truth.” (Al-Bukhaaree & Muslim). The above are only some of the exemplary qualities he possessed before he was commissioned as a Prophet. Then Allaah completed His favour upon him and increased him in these qualities after he was made a Prophet. Therefore emulate him, dear Muslims, by adhering to your religion firmly and implementing his Sharee’ah and taking after him in good conduct as much as Allaah will permit you. Follow his path and Sunnah with all sincerity and without innovating anything in the religion. Allaah says, “Say (O Muhammad to mankind): If you really love Allaah, then follow me; Allaah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Aal-‘Imraan 3: 31) Fellow Muslims! Be aware that the prevention of evil through a good word or deed and the spreading of the Truth with tact and understanding are good, commendable acts. Conversely, cowardly acts of flattery and sycophancy such as refusal to speak out the truth or turning a blind eye to, or even expressly approving of sinful acts is a grave misconduct. Allaah says, “O you who believe! Bow down and prostrate yourselves and worship your Lord and do good that you may be successful.” (Al-Hajj 22: 77) Brethren in faith! Fear Allaah as He should be feared and abstain from all that He forbids. He commands you thus: “Verily, Allaah enjoins justice and Al-Ihsaan [i.e. to be patient in performing your duties to Allaah, totally for Allaah’s sake and in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet]; giving help to kith and kin; and forbids all evil deeds, all that is prohibited (by the Law of Islaam) and all kinds of oppression. He admonishes you that you may take heed.” (An-Nahl 16: 90) This verse encompasses all noble qualities and prohibits all ugly characters. Mu’aadh bin Jabal narrated that the Prophet said, “Fear Allaah wherever you are, follow up an evil deed with a good one - it will erase it - and treat people with good conduct.” (At-Tirmidhee) Aboo Hurayrah said, “The Messenger of Allaah was asked of the act that mostly makes people enter Paradise and he replied: ‘Fear of Allaah and good conduct.’ He was also asked of the act that mostly makes people enter Hell and he answered, ‘The mouth and the private parts.” (At-Tirmidhee) Dear Muslims! Hold fast to the qualities enjoined by your religion and keep to the path of your Prophet that you may prosper in this life and the hereafter. By Shaykh 'Alee Ibn Abdur Rahman Al-Hudhayfee Source

My Mother’s Day! By Abdur Rahmaan Umar “I love you, mom,” whispered Yusuf as he wrapped the soft pashmina shawl around his mother’s shoulders. The vibrant peach contrasted with the dark rings that had grown under her eyes lately, but their brightness had not faded. Her eyes lit up as she stroked the delicate embroidery on the edge of the shawl, “And this…Yusuf?” Yusuf looked at her with the excitement of a young boy unpacking his first bicycle, “Wait ma…there’s more,” he cried, as he removed a burgundy jewellery box. Presenting it in front of his mother, like they were the crown jewels, he gingerly lifted the lid to reveal a string of exquisite cultured pearls, delicately strung together with small black pearls breaking the shimmer of the white pearls. “Yusuf!” exclaimed his mother, her eyes brimming, “What’s all this?” Yusuf stepped back and looked at his mother holding the pearl necklace close to her chest, admiring it, “Mom, always wanted a pearl necklace….” “But it must have cost you a small fortune,” said Saffiyah as she held the pearls up to the light, studying the delicate changes of colour as she turned the necklace, “Why now…what’s special?” “It’s my mother’s day!” he beamed. “Er..,” began Saffiyah as she craned her neck to look at the calendar behind her, “But it’s not mother’s day. Not for a while, yet?” a puzzled look settling on her face. “I didn’t say it was Mother’s day,” replied Yusuf, “I said it was MY mother’s day. But let me explain….” “You remember I told you about Nasser who recently moved here from the coast?” Saffiyah nodded in acknowledgement. “Last night I met him at Sheikh’s program and asked him why he always begged sheikh for duas. I just found it strange that he would always insist that Sheikh make dua for him. He gave me an odd reply – he asked me if my mother was alive, and if I had fifteen minutes? I confirmed that I had both. We sat at the back of the masjid and he told me his story.” Yusuf paused to pour some tea, adding a sugar to each cup, handing one to his mother he continued, “Nasser told me that since his door of dua (supplication) had closed a long time ago, he had to seek another door for dua. Not understanding, I asked him what he meant. He was silent for a long time, and I thought perhaps I said something wrong, but he just looked at me and smiled. Wiping a tear from his eye he told me that his mother passed away when he was only five years old. He said that he could still remember the smell of her hair after she washed it, but remembered little else.” Yusuf watched his mother sipping her tea and noticed just how wrinkled her hands had become, the gold wedding ring still sat gracefully on her ring finger. She always took pride in grooming her nails, buffing them to a perfect shine. “After Nasser’s mother passed away he lived in the care of his aunties. They were good to him and cared for him as one of their own. They bought him what he needed and he had much of what he needed. Then he told me “You know, Joe(as he was referred to by his friends), no one can replace the embrace of a mother. And no one can replace the dua (prayer) of a mother. I lost that dua a long time ago.” Then I thought of all the duas you make for me - how often when I rush out of the house you always say, “Yusuf, slow down, Allah Ta'ala be with you!” “Allah Hafiz.” “Yusuf, may Allah Ta'ala make your children the coolness of your eyes.” “Ma…I never really cherished those duas until I heard Nasser’s story,” said Yusuf, dabbing his eye with a tissue, “I never knew that those were treasures beyond measure. And then it made some sense to me of what Sheikh said when he quoted Abdulla Ibn 'Abbas (RA), "If any Muslim obeys Allah regarding his parents, Allah will open two gates of the Garden for him. If there is only one parent, then one gate will be opened. If one of them is angry, then Allah will not be pleased with him until that parent is pleased with him." “And when Nasser told me – ‘Joe , you know, I will never be able to call anyone in this world Mum, and I will never know the embrace of a mother. You still have it, Joe, value it, treasure it,’ I realised that what Allah had favoured me with was something so special that I couldn’t just celebrate it once a year and call it mother’s day. I decided that from now MY Mother’s day will be Every Day! - Yesterday, today and tomorrow will all be mother’s day. I can never repay you, but I know the heart of a mother asks for no repayment. And…if I can do nothing else for my mother’s day then I will at least thank Allah that he allowed my door of dua(prayer) to be open for one more day.” “Forgive me ma…..” Yusuf choked, “I need to do so much more for you….” Saffiyah clasped his hands and stroked his face, “You are a good son, Yusuf, Allah Ta'ala will grant you lots of goodness in this world and the next.” www.eislam.co.za

Omitting Tawaaf-e-Widaa’ due to Haidh or Nifaas Q: Is it permissible for a woman to omit tawaaf-e-widaa’ on account of haidh or nifaas? A: Haidh or nifaas is a valid shar’ee excuse for omitting tawaaf-e-widaa’. Hence it is permissible for a woman in the state of haidh or nifaas to omit the tawaaf-e-widaa’. ( وحيضها لا يمنع ) نسكا ( إلا الطواف ) ولا شيء عليها بتأخيره إذا لم تطهر إلا بعد أيام النحر فلو طهرت فيها بقدر أكثر الطواف لزمها الدم بتأخيره لباب ( وهو بعد حصول ركنيه يسقط طواف الصدر ) ومثله النفاس … قال الشامى: قوله ( يسقط طواف الصدر ) أي يسقط وجوبه عنها كما قدمناه ولا دم عليها كما في اللباب (شامى ج 2 ص 528) ( انظر أيضا: غنية الناسك ص 190, 275/ معلم الحجاج ص 191 / مناسك ملا على ص 252) قوله ( ولا إحصار بعد ما وقف بعرفة ) فلو وقف بعرفة ثم عرض له مانع لا يتحلل بالهدي بل يبقى محرما في حق كل شيء إن لم يحلق أي بعد دخول وقته وإن حلق فهو محرم في حق النساء لا غير إلى أن يطوف للزيارة فإن منع حتى مضت أيام النحر فعليه أربعة دماء لترك الوقوف بمزدلفة والرمي وتأخير الطواف وتأخير الحلق كما في اللباب والزيلعي وغيرهما ونقله في البحر عن كافي الحاكم الذي هو جمع كلام محمد في كتبه الستة التي هي ظاهر الرواية ثم استشكله في البحر بأن واجب الحج إذا ترك لعذر لا شيء فيه حتى لو ترك الوقوف بمزدلفة خوف الزحام لا شيء عليه الحائض تترك طواف الصدر ولا شك أن الإحصار عذر ثم أجاب بحمل ما هنا على الإحصار بالعدو لا مطلقا فإنه إذا كان بالمرض فهو سماوي يكون عذرا في ترك الواجبات بخلاف ما كان من قبل العبد فإنه لا يسقط حق الله تعالى كما في التميمم اه ونقله في النهر وبه جزم المقدسي في شرح نظم الكنز وذكر مثله في جنايات شرح اللباب قلت ولا ترد مسألة ترك الوقوف لخوف الزحام لما مر في التيمم أن الخوف إن لم ينشأ بسبب وعيد العبد فهو سماوي ( شامي 2/593-594 ) Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Question: As my parent's are not open to me regarding immoral issues, due to their ignorance, i was unknowingly involved in many unlawful immoral activities. I have repented of all these sins and completely left them. Because i have committed such a major sins, there is a huge burden on my heart which only i can feel. Continously my heart puts blame on my parents as they were ignorant and didn't protect me from these sins, because of which i was involved in such sins. I am not able to forgive them for this lapse from their side. Please suggest me how can i forgive my parents as i am not able to do so?? Make dua for me as now i intend to do Hifz so i could get some solace. May allah assist me to work hard so as to become closer to him. (Question Shortened) Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. We take note of the contents of your email. Imaan is the strongest support for a believer. It is the barakah of your Imaan that you resent the wrongs you have committed and wish to reform. That is a sign of your Imaan, Allah consciousness of accountability in the court of Allah Taala. Turn to Allah. Constantly make tawbah and never repeat the sin again. It is natural for a youth to experience a biological change and the feeling to fulfil ones carnal desires. A youth may feel the force and demand of the carnal desires to be like a huge army. If he controls his passion and desires, he will be able to confront the various challenges of life with much ease and comfort as it is much easier to combat an external force than an internal one. Regard this phase of life as a training to strengthen yourself against the challenges of life. If you succeed in combatting your carnal desires, the rest is much easier. You have to change your mind-set regarding your parents. You state that you unknowingly committed the above wrongs yet you used to repent. That shows you knew what was wrong and what was right. It is wrong to blame your parents. Furthermore, The Imaan you have is due to the Imaan of your parents. They preserved you and raised you with Imaan. It is the Imaan in you resent the wrongs you refer to. That credit is due to your parents. In fact, you should be thankful to them for raising you with having the consciousness of Imaan. It is also possible that your parents have been making dua for you and your present condition of realising your wrongs and treading the path of piety is the acceptance of your parents duas for you. We advise you to continue being tolerant and respectful to your parents. Furthermore, this is an injunction of Allah Ta’ālā in the Qur’an. Allah Ta’ālā says, وَقَضَى رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِنْدَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُلْ لَهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُلْ لَهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا. وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَقُلْ رَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا. “Your Sustainer has ordained that you do not worship but him and that you show kindness to your parents. If one of them or both of them reach old age in your life, do not say to them: ‘Ugh!’ nor scold them. Rather, speak to them with respect. Lower before them the wing of humility out of tenderness and say: ‘O Sustainer! Show mercy to them as they reared me when I was little.’ الإسراء: 23، 24 وَاعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَلا تُشْرِكُوا بِهِ شَيْئاً وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَاناً وَبِذِي الْقُرْبَى وَالْيَتَامَى وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْجَارِذِي الْقُرْبَى وَالْجَارِ الْجُنُبِ وَالصَّاحِبِ بِالْجَنْبِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ “Worship Allah and join none with him (in worship), and do good to parents, kinfolk, orphans, poor, (the) neighbour who is near of kin, (the) neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the way farer (you meet) and those (slaves) whom your right hands possess” النساء: 36 We make dua that Allah Ta’ālā put barakah in your youth and make you pious and an asset for the Ummah. And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best Huzaifah Deedat Student Darul Iftaa Lusaka, Zambia Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu Essentials Program Registration is Open Registration for this year's Essentials Program is now open! The Essentials Program is a 7-month course geared toward those who would like to gain the knowledge necessary to live their lives in accordance with the Sunnah and Shariah. The program focuses on the core fundamentals that every Muslim should know. Start Learning Today! The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said, "Seeking knowledge is incumbent upon every Muslim" and in another narration, "Whoever travels a path seeking sacred knowledge, Allah will place him on a path leading to Paradise. The angels lower their wings for the student of sacred knowledge, pleased with what he is doing" (Tirmidhi). Sacred knowledge is the inheritance left to us by the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and one of the quickest ways to earn the pleasure of Allah Most High. Please visit our website for more information on the Essentials Program. Feedback from Past Students "Ilm Essentials has provided an easy and efficient means to getting knowledge to further my deen. I gained the knowledge I needed to become not only a more knowledgeable Muslim, but a Muslim that implemented that knowledge in the practical world and at the same time, got a lot of questions answered. I truly believe in this program and can’t express enough gratitude for all that it’s done for me" (Abir). "Alhamdulillah, Ilm Essentials is a wonderful opportunity for today’s generation. Because classes are held on weekends, one is able to devote adequate time, while still attending school/working during the weekdays.I would definitely recommend this course. It is a golden opportunity one must avail and not let pass by" (Tasmiah). Not Able to Join This Year Please help spread the word to others. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “The one who calls to a good act is rewarded like the one who performed that act” (Muslim). Classes begin Saturday, September 16. Start Learning Today! was salam, Khalid Abdul Sattar Director, Ilm Essentials www.ilmessentials.com

I Want Marriage, Not Responsibility! By Umm Abdullah I think it’s safe to say that most women want the benefits of being married. We want some of the same things – to be loved and taken care of and to have a companion. But how many of us put in the work to receive those benefits? And how many of us are thinking, “what work?” Some women think that the benefits of being married should be automatic, either because the husband loves her or simply because that’s what a married woman is supposed to get. Maybe they think they are entitled to these benefits, whether or not they are doing anything to deserve them. There are also women who say they do their part so they should receive the same. It sounds normal, but the problem comes when the wife’s efforts correlate to her level of pleasure. Meaning the happier the husband makes her, the more she will do for him and if he is not making her happy, he gets the same in return (unhappiness). This image of the husband feeling the wife’s displeasure excuses her of responsibility for her behaviour. Before I got married, I was told “No man is worth your tears and the one who is, won’t make you cry.” This sounds nice and romantic but it is very unrealistic. This is to say that your husband would not do anything that would make you sad or upset. And what happens when he does make you cry? Does that mean he is no longer worthy of your love? Narrated by Ibn Abbas Radhiyallahu Anhu that The Messenger Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, “I was shown the Hell-fire and the majority of its dwellers were women who were ungrateful.” It was asked, “Do they disbelieve in Allah?” (or are they ungrateful to Allah?) He replied, “They are ungrateful to their husbands and are ungrateful for the favours and the good (charitable deeds) done to them. If you have always been good (benevolent) to one of them and then she sees something in you (not of her liking), she will say, ‘I have never received any good from you.” (Bukhari) When I think about this hadith, I am speechless at the accuracy of it. And although you may think you don’t ever say this to your husband with your tongue, there are times when we say it with our actions. You know that moment when your husband tells you he can’t come through on something he promised, something you were looking forward to, or when he hurts your feelings or makes you mad, and something switches inside of you. Something that makes you instantly stop caring about what makes him happy. Something that makes you storm out of the room or hang up the phone. That same thing that makes you say, “Hmph” and you no longer feel motivated to be nice to him. That’s the part that says, “I don’t need you. I’ll do it myself” or “Fine, you don’t want to help me, I won’t help you either.” Even worse, is when we act out by withholding our kindness to blatantly show our displeasure in an effort to get our husbands to “behave”. This is when you have to remind yourself of a few things: What is marriage about? Are you fulfilling the purpose? A couple is supposed to help each other get closer to Allah. What have you done to help your husband achieve this? Is marriage a one-way street? Are you in it just to have someone work to make you happy? Are you okay with pleasing your husband, as long as he is pleasing you? When you fell short and disappointed him, did you expect him to be patient with you or lash out with resentment and harsh words? If the answer is the former, then why do we think it’s ok for us to respond with the latter? If it’s hard for you to be good to him when you are hurt, then maybe you weren’t being good to him for the right reason in the first place. His rights are not dependent on your emotions. There was a poster on the wall in my school classroom that read “When you point a finger at someone, there are three pointing back at you.” This means when you are pointing the finger of blame at your husband, claiming that he has fallen short, you need to take a look at yourself and analyse your own behaviour. Ask yourself, “Has he really done anything wrong? Has he not given me my rights or am I just unhappy about my wants not being met?” Sometimes you may find yourself thinking, “Why should I continue pleasing him if he isn’t pleasing me?” The answer is because you are married. A wife may ask, “Why should I be fake? Why should I continue to be there for him after he’s hurt me?” The answer is, “That’s what marriage is…it’s called Loyalty”. And if you’re reading this and the first thing you say is, “But he’s not being loyal to me!” – You’re doing it again. You are ignoring your part of the deal. Remember how, before you got married, you made a list of the characteristics or qualities of your future husband? You wanted him to be patient with you when you burned the food, supportive when you were tired and helpful when you needed it. Did you think about the qualities you would need to have? I am not advising anyone to put up with a husband’s behaviour if it involves something haram or detrimental. What I am saying is that we need to realign our standards with Allah’s. We need to understand that we will not be questioned on the Day of Judgment about what our husband did. And when Allah tells us of our responsibilities, that is exactly what they are – responsibilities. Not negotiations or bargains. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Part Six The First Arrow Fired for Islam Hazrat Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was part of the army that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had sent under Hazrat ‘Ubaidah bin Haarith (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to Raabigh in order to intercept the caravan of the Quraish. During this expedition, the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and the Quraish fired arrows at one another, and the first Muslim to fire an arrow in the path of Allah was Hazrat Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). It was regarding this occasion that Hazrat Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) recited the following poetry: ألا هل أتى رسول الله أني حميت صحابتي بصدور نبلي أذود بها عدوهم ذيادا بكل حزونة وبكل سهل فما يعتد رام من معد بسهم في سبيل الله قبلي Did the news reach Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that I protected my companions with my arrows? I effectively repelled their enemies with my arrows, in every hard land and in every soft land. Hence, no archer from Ma’ad, before me, is counted among those who fired an arrow in the path of Allah Ta‘ala. (Isaabah 3/64) Source: Whatisislam.co.za

Qiraa’ah in the Sunnah of Fajr Salaah In the two rakaat sunnats of Fajr, it is sunnah for one to recite Surah Kaafiroon in the first rakaat and Surah Ikhlaas in the second rakaat: عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قرأ في ركعتي الفجر: قل يا أيها الكافرون، وقل هو الله أحد. (مسلم رقم 726) Hazrat Abu Hurayrah (Radhiyallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would recite Surah Kaafiroon and Surah Ikhlaas in the two rakaat (sunnats) of Fajr.

Take the good, leave the bad Question Some scholars say ‘Take the good, leave the bad.’ Whats is its’ reference? I have read Mashayikh advising to avoid reading things from people of batil due to zulumat in their writings/speeches, how does this reconcile with the former mentioned quote/principle? Answer This statement is actually an understood principle among the Scholars. It is not a Hadith, but actually a logical conclusion. Who does this apply to? However, it is crucial to understand who this applies to. There are essentially two groups of people; Those who have vast amounts of knowledge and understanding. Those who don’t. Those who have sound understanding (the first group) will be able to easily sift out ‘the good from the bad’ without being affected by the bad. However, they too read such works with caution, only at times of need. Don’t fall prey to falsehood An under qualified or ill equipped reader easily falls prey to the bad, since he has no concept of it being wrong. Therefore the seniors always caution against reading the works of the people of falsehood (ahlul batil), since most of the readers are ill equipped to sift the good from the band in such books. Hence such a reader will be undoubtedly misled. Furthermore, even if one reads only good in the book of an innovator, one will still subtly be affected by the writers ideology in one way or another. Imam Muhammad Ibn Sirin (rahimahullah) had given the Ummah a golden piece of advice when he said: ‘Indeed this knowledge is your religion, so check who you take your religion (Din) from.’ (Muqaddimah Sahih Muslim) In fact Ibn Sirin (rahimahullah) also explained the practice of the Sahabah (radiyallahu’anhum) and Tab’un (rahimahumullah): ‘Initially they would not question the source. When innovations began, they would ask: tell us your source. Thereafter only the narrations from the Ahlus Sunnah would be accepted, and those from the ahlul bid’ah people of innovation (ahlul bid’ah) would be rejected.’ (Muqaddimah Sahih Muslim) And Allah Ta’ala Knows best, Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar hadithanswers

Enhancing the Spirituality of our ‘Ibaadaat Hazrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Daamat Barakaatuhu) mentioned: We carry out our ‘ibaadaat merely as a routine. This is good, but for how long are we going to continue like this? We need to bring the true love of Allah Ta’ala into our ‘ibaadaat. At times, one minute of the ‘ibaadat of a lover of Allah Ta‘ala is better than years of our ‘ibaadat. The lovers of Allah Ta‘ala may not do too many optional good deeds, but their minds are constantly engaged in the thoughts of the love of Allah Ta’ala and in meditation over His favours. When they eat as well, they ponder over the blessings and favours of Allah Ta‘ala and are in constant communication with Him. On the other hand, we are like immature children who don’t appreciate the various aspects of love. Since that horizon hasn’t yet opened up to us, we do not understand it. Hence, we need to explore this horizon of love. Ihyaauddeen.co.za

Part Five The First Blood Shed for the Cause of Islam Muhammed bin Ishaaq (rahimahullah) narrates: The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) would (in the early days of Islam) go into the valleys when performing Salaah so that they would be able to keep their Salaah hidden from the disbelievers (and thus avoid persecution). Once, while Hazrat Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was with a group of Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) in one of the valleys of Makkah Mukarramah, a group of disbelievers discovered them and began to condemn the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and criticize their Deen. This led to a fight breaking out between these Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and the disbelievers, during which Hazrat Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) inflicted a head wound to one of the disbelievers by striking his skull with the jaw bone of a camel. This was the first fight (from the beginning of Islam wherein the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) wounded the kuffaar and) in which blood was shed for the cause of Islam. (Usdul Ghaabah 2/308) Source: Whatisislam.co.za

COMMUNICATING LIKE BEST FRIENDS By Maulana Khalid Dhorat What a WhatsApp conversation looks like after a few years into a typical marriage: “Need bread.” “K” I mean, come on: “K”? Not even an “o” to make that miserable “k” look a little less miserable!! But the truth is the “K” response is still a whole lot better than a husband completely ignoring this daily drudgery request of bringing some item of necessity home. What happens to married people’s manners, enthusiasm and most importantly good assumptions when talking to their spouses? Is it okay to talk this way because you’re just so used to someone? Why do we not talk this way to people we’ve been friends with for years? What makes a spouse less-deserving of respect, enthusiasm and affection when no one deserves it more than them (except our parents) for choosing to live every single day with us? Why do we not talk to our spouses like we talk to our best friends, even though they are much closer to us than anyone will ever be? Happy Muslim couples talk like best friends, in good times and in conflict. In good times, they wait to tell each other about their day, they joke, laugh, share ideas, flirt, complement each other, respect their spouse’s right to hold different opinions and learn from each other’s opposing points of view. In fact, happy Muslim couples communicate just like how our noble Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam communicated with his wives. Once, our mother Sayyidah Aisha Radiallahu Anha narrated that Allah’s Messenger Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam said to her: “I know when you are pleased with me or angry with me.” I said, “Whence do you know that?” He said, “When you are pleased with me, you say, ‘No, by the Lord of Muhammad,’ but when you are angry with me, then you say, ‘No, by the Lord of Abraham.’ ” Thereupon I said, “Yes (you are right), but by Allah, O Allah’s Messenger, I leave nothing but your name.” (Bukhari) Couples that have learnt to communicate effectively do away with the majority of marital stress because they become so attuned to each other’s feelings. They can immediately sense the emotional state of their spouse through the slightest change in words or tone. And as our beloved mother, Sayyidah Aisha Radiallahhu ‘Anha put it so beautifully – even in anger. Happy, loving Muslim spouses never desert anything more than each other’s name when they try to communicate that they feel wronged or hurt. They never desert love and respect for each other in conflict: this, is the key to staying happy in your marriage. Dr John Gottman, a world-renowned marriage researcher, has claimed that can determine whether or not a couple will eventually get divorced with 90 percent accuracy. A part of his analysis includes listening closely to their language. According to his research, here are the four most dangerous types of communication that destroys marriages: 1. Criticism There is a huge difference between giving your spouse loving feedback and attacking their character. When you criticize your spouse, you are identifying their faults to make them feel bad about themselves. Be careful not to harmfully judge your partner in ways that belittles them or makes them feel inferior to you. Rather, give them compliments and focus on their strengths. When you speak in terms of their weaknesses, frame them in a positive way. Talk about how their actions affect you, and give suggestions in humility and with love. A bad communication example: "You are so lazy! You never pick up after yourself. Your mother didn’t teach you table manners." A positive example: "I'm having a difficult time keeping up with all the chores, and I'm starting to get frustrated and overwhelmed. Do you mind taking over the dinner dishes? That would be really helpful to me." 2. Contempt If you are name calling, insulting, mocking or ridiculing your spouse, you are verbally abusing them and showing contempt. Stop it now. It will get you nowhere. Being mean and rude to your spouse is disrespectful and extremely harmful. They don't deserve it, and neither do you. Even if you are "just joking", it is hostile humor and should be avoided at all costs. Always treat your spouse with respect. Find ways to uplift them. Be kind, tender, considerate, and loving. A bad communication example: "You are so untidy that even a dog looks better than you. Pretend not to be my wife when we go out for shopping.” A positive example: "I really love that red outfit that you haven’t worn in a long time. Can I get it ironed for you if it’s creased?” 3. Defensiveness When there is a problem, do you constantly place the blame on your spouse? Are you always the victim? If you never take responsibility for your actions, and constantly make your spouse the "bad guy", you are destructively defensive. Being always defensive, never even considering what your partner is saying or soul searching within yourself invalidates their feelings. It is one-sided, controlling and manipulative. If you are defensive, you are constantly looking for excuses, instead of admitting you are wrong. You do not want to grow in a relationship, but wants to have it your way all the time. Bad example: "It's not my fault that we missed the payment! You never take responsibility for anything or even remind me of anything. If you are a little more alert, we wouldn't have these types of problems." Good example: "I'm so sorry that we missed the payment. It's my fault that it happened. Maybe we can work on delegating responsibilities better, so that we don't have this problem again." 4. Stonewalling Saying nothing can be just as harmful as saying something. "Stonewalling" is when the listener completely shuts off from the conversation. They may ignore their spouse or even leave the room completely. They close off, tune out, act busy, and turn away. When your spouse is upset, don't give them the silent treatment. It's another form of disrespect. Instead, listen carefully to them. Try to understand their concerns. Ignoring the situation never helps solve a problem. Yes, to temporary avoid an issue until both are calm is OK. In conclusion, no matter how angry and upset you may be, always communicate out of love. Have patience with each other and give each other space to grow within the relationship. Miscommunication robs a partner off his/her personality and this eventually leads to breakdown in marriage. May Allah Ta’ala grant happiness to all couples and give them the tools to navigate the wonderful ship called marriage. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Repentance Poem Fast cars, games and music and all frivolous delights Movies and drugs, and partying through the nights Slave to his desires, was this youth who had lost sight That the time granted to him, was only to set things aright Alternation of the seasons, brought him no change No kneeling, no prostrations, no tears nor amends No care for his family, no charity for the poor Not once did he find himself enter the Masjid door Then a day had arrived that he never contemplated The one to be his last, whilst he lay intoxicated With a jolt he became alert and was now wide awake Realising now that repentance was only just too late! So the stupor of death struck, as his life approached its end Frantically he wondered how he could make all amends Alas, that ship has sailed, as his soul exits sinew and nerve Like wool pulled out of thorns, not an inch could he preserve The heavens do not want him, neither the grave that he is plunged in Nor can he answer the questions of the angels present therein Thus, narrow and constricted, remains his pitch black abode In pain and torments he tarries till the end of the road Now Judgement Day has come, as if intoxicated though he is not Walking upon his face he assembles whilst scorched and hot Begging for return, he wants to ransom the world To escape the destined inferno from whence is no return On the edge of the fire, he remembers his days What he would do for a chance to have mended his ways To have prayed a sincere prayer and wept over his sins To have thanked His Creator from his soul deep within To have taken a path in the footsteps of the Messenger Muhammad peace be upon him, the beloved slave of Allah To have learnt the language of the residents of Jannah What he would not do, in order to therein now enter Regret beyond belief, is his state on this Day Would that he had taken with the Messenger a way Alas, his fate has sealed him as he begins his grievous descent Into an abyss of doom and misery with no hope of future ascent So be not like him fellow brethren, when a chance yet remains Turn now, repent, and worship, and make all future amends Let not the time come when you are jolted alert and awake That you find yourself to be only just too late! As-Suffa Student Source

A Dictionary of Islamic Terms This is a dictionary of Islamic terms by Dr. Muhammad Ali Alkhuli. The author said in his introduction: “I felt the need for a dictionary of Islamic terms while I was writing some English books on Islam to introduce the Islamic religion to non-Muslims. I also found that many Arab writers of such English books have the same feeling about the need for such a dictionary because Islamic terms are available in Arabic, to begin with. Therefore, I developed the intention to compile a bilingual Arabic-English dictionary and an English-Arabic dictionary on Islamic terms. The result of this intention has been this dictionary. This dictionary contains the terms related to the Holy Quran, the Sunna, worship, transactions, manners, penal laws, the permitted, the prohibited, marriage, divorce, waiting period, inheritance, jurisprude-nce, pillars of Islam, God’s names, Prophet’s names, names of the Quranic chapters, many terms that may come under the umbrella of ‘Islamic terms’, and terms needed in comparative religious studies.” Download here Read Online: here

I WANT A DREAM ENGAGEMENT! Question: Muhatram Muftiyyan, I have been planning for my wedding and engagement since I was a teenager and dreamt of it to be perfect. My problem arises that my parents have chosen a boy for me and i might get engaged to him in the coming months. My fiance does not want to have a celebration of any sort or exchange any gifts or make the day special in any way as he believes Islam does not allow it. It is very difficult for me to agree to that because i have been planning this day for so long and i dont think islam is so strict about any celebration regarding engagement. I would love for my wedding to be according to the sunnah but i feel adding some elements of joy will not make it against our religion. Please guide me regarding engagement, how to make it an event in the most modest manner and how to convince them for it. (Question Shortened) Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. Sister in Islam, We take note of your wishes and aspirations for a perfect engagement. This is also the wish and aspiration of many young women like you. This wish is inculcated due to the undue importance given to engagements. It is challenging to deflate emotions and correct misconceived thoughts about customs and practices due to cultural practices and norms. Such practices have such an ingrained effect on the mind that one regards un-Islamic practices as correct and looks for ways of justifying such practices. Marriage engagement ceremonies also fall in this category. We advise you to contain your emotions and consider the following with an open mind. As muslims, our responsibility is to analyse all practices in the light of Shariah. If any practice or ceremony is not recognised in Shariah or its practice is not consisted with Shariah, then we should avoid such practices.1 Rasulullah صلي الله عليه وسلم advised, «إِنَّ أَعْظَمَ النِّكَاحِ بَرَكَةً أَيْسَرُهُ مَؤُونَةً» The Nikah in which the least amount of expenses is incurred has the greatest amount of barakah. (Musnad Ahmed)2 When the actual nikah ought to be simple, one can gauge the position of an engagement in Islam. Engagement is a mutual undertaking to marry. There is no reason to celebrate this undertaking. Shariah does not recognise the concept of an engagement ceremony wherein large amounts of money is wasted on dressing and decorations. If we analyse the above quoted hadith further, it implies that extravagance actually leads to being deprived of barakah. Barakah is a Divine blessing from Allah.3 You always dreamt of a perfect engagement. How can an engagement be perfect and bring bliss and happiness to you if it is against the Shariah and deprives on from the blessings of Allah Ta’āla? Have we not witnessed many engagement ceremonies that have become sour and broken up before the marriage? All the dreams of a perfect and happy occasion crumbles into grief and agony. That is due to lack of barakah in such occasions. Dear Sister, Islam is the perfect way of life. Believe in the perfection of Islam and do not assume any other way of engagement to be perfect besides the way shown us to us in Shariah. If your spouse to be has been finalised, the purpose of an engagement is fulfilled. You should proceed with the Nikah. This simple and straightforward approach to Nikah will bring barakah, blessings and happiness in your marriage. We make dua that Allah Ta’āla grant you a happy and successful married life. Ameen. And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best Huzaifah Deedat Student Darul Iftaa Lusaka, Zambia Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai. _________________ سنن أبي داود ت الأرنؤوط- دار الرسالة العالمية (6/ 144) 1 حدَّثنا عثمانُ بنُ أبي شيبةَ، حدَّثنا أبو النضرِ، حدَّثنا عبدُ الرحمن ابنُ ثابتٍ، حدَّثنا حسانُ بنُ عطيَّهَ، عن أبي مُنيب الجُرَشيٍّ عن ابنِ عُمَرَ، قال: قال رسولُ الله - صلَّى الله عليه وسلم -:، مَن تَشَبَّه بقومٍ فهو منهم السنن الكبرى للبيهقي- دار الكتب العلمية (9/ 392) وَأَخْبَرَنَا أَبُو عَبْدِ اللهِ الْحَافِظُ، ثنا أَبُو الْعَبَّاسِ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ يَعْقُوبَ , ثنا الْحَسَنُ بْنُ عَلِيِّ بْنِ عَفَّانَ، ثنا أَبُو أُسَامَةَ، ثنا عَوْفٌ، عَنْ أَبِي الْمُغِيرَةِ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللهِ بْنِ عَمْرو، قَالَ: " مَنْ بَنَى فِي بِلَادِ الْأَعَاجِمِ فَصَنَعَ نَوْرُوزَهُمْ وَمِهْرَجَانَهُمْ وَتَشَبَّهَ بِهِمْ حَتَّى يَمُوتَ وَهُوَ كَذَلِكَ حُشِرَ مَعَهُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ ". وَهَكَذَا رَوَاهُ يَحْيَى بْنُ سَعِيدٍ , وَابْنُ أبي عَدِيٍّ , وَغُنْدَرٌ , وَعَبْدُ الْوَهَّابِ , عَنْ عَوْفٍ , عَنْ أَبِي الْمُغِيرَةِ , عَنْ عَبْدِ اللهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو مِنْ قَوْلِهِ الهداية في شرح بداية المبتدي- دار احياء التراث العربي (4/ 366) والتشبه بهم حرام البحر الرائق شرح كنز الدقائق ومنحة الخالق وتكملة الطوري- دار الكتاب الإسلامي (8/ 555) والإعطاء باسم النيروز والمهرجان لا يجوز) أي الهدايا باسم هذين اليومين حرام بل كفر وقال أبو حفص الكبير - رحمه الله - لو أن رجلا عبد الله تعالى خمسين سنة ثم جاء يوم النيروز وأهدى إلى بعض المشركين بيضة يريد تعظيم ذلك اليوم فقد كفر وحبط عمله وقال صاحب الجامع الأصغر إذا أهدى يوم النيروز إلى مسلم آخر ولم يرد به تعظيم اليوم ولكن على ما اعتاده بعض الناس لا يكفر ولكن ينبغي له أن لا يفعل ذلك في ذلك اليوم خاصة ويفعله قبله أو بعده لكي لا يكون تشبيها بأولئك القوم، وقد قال - صلى الله عليه وسلم - «من تشبه بقوم فهو منهم» وقال في الجامع الأصغر رجل اشترى يوم النيروز شيئا يشتريه الكفرة منه وهو لم يكن يشتريه قبل ذلك إن أراد به تعظيم ذلك اليوم كما تعظمه المشركون كفر، وإن أراد الأكل والشرب والتنعم لا يكفر البحر الرائق شرح كنز الدقائق ومنحة الخالق وتكملة الطوري- دار الكتاب الإسلامي (5/ 133) بخروجه إلى نيروز المجوس والموافقة معهم فيما يفعلون في ذلك اليوم وبشرائه يوم النيروز شيئا لم يكن يشتريه قبل ذلك تعظيما للنيروز لا للأكل والشرب وبإهدائه ذلك اليوم للمشركين ولو بيضة تعظيما لذلك اليوم المدخل لابن الحاج- دار التراث (2/ 48) وَمَعْنَى ذَلِكَ تَنْفِيرُ الْمُسْلِمِينَ عَنْ مُوَافَقَةِ الْكُفَّارِ فِي كُلِّ مَا اخْتَصُّوا بِهِ. وَقَدْ كَانَ - عَلَيْهِ الصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ - يَكْرَهُ مُوَافَقَةَ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ فِي كُلِّ أَحْوَالِهِمْ مسند أحمد (41/ 75) 2 حَدَّثَنَا عَفَّانُ، قَالَ: حَدَّثَنَا حَمَّادُ بْنُ سَلَمَةَ، قَالَ: أَخْبَرَنِي ابْنُ الطُّفَيْلِ بْنِ سَخْبَرَةَ، عَنْ الْقَاسِمِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ، قَالَ: «إِنَّ أَعْظَمَ النِّكَاحِ بَرَكَةً أَيْسَرُهُ مَؤُونَةً» التفسير الوسيط لطنطاوي- دار نهضة (5/ 335) 3 البركات: جمع بركة: وهي ثبوت الخير الإلهى في الشيء، وسمى بذلك لثبوت الخير فيه كما يثبت الماء في البركة شرح المصابيح لابن الملك-إدارة الثقافة الإسلامية (6/ 345) "ثم ادع الله لهم عليها بالبركة": قيل: هي ثبوت الخير الإلهي في شيء، وذلك إما أن يجعل الله القليل مشبعاً بقدرته بالبركة القديمة، وإما بزيادته في أجزائه زيادةً غير محسوسة ابتلاء للآكلين

My Own Experience In 2008 and 2009 I went through a few experiences that devastated me emotionally. I prefer not to go into details, but I was plunged into the deepest depression of my life. I couldn't work, and had trouble focusing on anything. I used to do a lot of driving back then, and at times - when I was alone in the car - I would imagine accelerating to a high speed and then crashing the car into a tree or light pole. I remember one night I was having dinner with my daughter, who was only three years old at the time. I was trying to smile for her and not show my inner turmoil. But she looked up at me and said, "You seem sad, Baba." Tears began rolling down my cheeks and I said, "Yes, I am, but not because of you. You make me very happy." There were four things that saved me, and eventually brought me out of my depression: Allah. In my heart of hearts, I knew that Allah would never abandon me. I could not see the way forward, but I trusted that Allah would provide it. Also, I feared His punishment if I were to take my own life. My daughter. I could never do anything to hurt her. She needs me. She is more important to me than my own life. Martial arts. This is my thing. I train in martial arts every day. The activity, the motion, keeps me emotionally stable. When I'm training, I forget everything else. It also gets me out of the house, and connects me to other people. Affirmations. As I've described above, I wrote a set of affirmations and read them every day. They helped to remind me of who I was, and I'm not comparing myself to anyone else. I'm fortunate, for example, that I don't suffer from a mental illness like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Everyone's life is different. Everyone has their own set of circumstances to deal with. You must find the things that have meaning to you, and can give you hope, or at least distract you for a while, until the pain of your situation lessens, or the problem itself is resolved. I pray for you and I wish you the best. If anything I wrote here seemed hurtful or unkind, I apologize. It's not always easy to find the right words to comfort someone who is suffering. All I can tell you is that I care. O Allah, we hope for Your mercy, so leave us not to ourselves even for as little as the blink of an eye, and set right all our affairs, there is no God but You! - a dua of the Prophet (pbuh) By the time! Indeed humankind is in loss; Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience. - Quran, Surat Al-Asr With thanks to Wael Abdelgawad

8-Point Plan for Change Dear brothers and sisters, I hope you have understood that before anything else, you must put away the idea of suicide. That is not our way as Muslims. There are other ways to deal with your problems. As Muslims we have many resources and solutions to our problems. I will lay out a specific plan for you to follow in order to refresh your heart and renew your faith: 1. Tawbah Yes, you have committed sins, just like every single human being on the face of the earth, except for the Prophets and Messengers. But we Muslims have a great gift, which is that we can cleanse ourselves through Tawbah. You must stop committing the sin right away, ask Allah for forgiveness, and resolve firmly not to do it again. 2. Salat and Dua' Start doing your prayers. If you can't manage it five times a day, do as many as you can. If you don't know how to do the salat, get a religious brother or sister to teach you. Don't worry right now about learning every aspect of Islam. Just focus on salat. Imagine that Allah is in front of you, and ask Him for forgiveness. Remember that the salat is a river in which you bathe five times every day, and it washes away your sins. Share your burdens with Allah. Ask Him to help you and make your life easier. The Quran says, "Whoever is conscious of Allah, Allah makes for him a way out, and provides for him from a direction he does not expect." Allah can help you solve your problems and find your way to a better life. See this page on our website: Dua' for anxiety and stress 3. Ramadan Start getting yourself ready mentally and spiritually for Ramadan. It's never more than 11 months away, and never too early to begin preparing for it. Think of it as an opportunity to cleanse your soul and strengthen your spirit. Make a plan to spend your Ramadan as much as possible around people of strong faith who will support you. 4. Change your self-image One young lady, who had committed some sins, wrote to me and said about herself, "I'm a wreck, a shame to society, I hate my life..." This kind of thinking is common in people who have suicidal thoughts. To change your life, indeed to save your life, you must change the way you think about yourself. When you tell yourself that you are a mess, a shame, etc, you are creating a destructive self-image that stops you from changing. Try this: anytime you find yourself thinking negative thoughts about yourself, I want you to push the negative thoughts away and instead repeat these self-affirmations (write them down if necessary and carry them with you). I made up these affirmations based on Islamic principles. I have used them in the past for myself, and I have found them to be very effective. You can use these, or you can write similar affirmations of your own according to your needs: I am a Muslim. Islam is my faith and my cherished way of life. I choose Islam because it is beautiful and true. (You can also say the shahadah here). I am a believer in Allah (a mu'min). Allah is my guide and the One in whom I trust. (At this point you can praise Allah further and ask Him for strength and guidance). I am a good and worthwhile person. I have many good qualities, ma-sha-Allah. (At this point, name some of your good qualities). I have the power to change my life for the better, with Allah's help. I thank Allah for all the blessings in my life. (At this point, name some of the blessings in your life and thank Allah for each one). Say these affirmations out loud at least once every day, and if you can do them twice a day (once in the morning and once at night) that's even better. Insert your name after you say "I", so for example, if you name is Fatima, you would say, "I, Fatimah, am a Muslim." Same for all the other points. Say them out loud, and mention your name. Regarding point number three, some people might say, "But I have no good qualities." That's nonsense. Everyone has good qualities. Maybe you're a loyal friend, maybe you're kind to animals, maybe you're a good cook or a good writer. The point is to always find something good to say about yourself. Regarding point number five, the blessings that you name in your life could be big or small: good health, food to eat, the sunshine on your face, and of course Islam itself is the biggest blessing of all. Perhaps this sounds like some kind of charm, but it's not. It's a way of changing your self-image by programming your subconscious with the beliefs that you want to have about yourself. 5. Change your friends This is important. If you've been living a sinful lifestyle, then you have to stop hanging around the friends that you drink with, or do drugs with, or the boyfriend/girlfriend that you committed zina (fornication) with. You must cut off all contact with them. Even if you think that you can be around them but resist what they are doing, the problem is that one thing can lead to another. It will be difficult to change your life if you are still surrounded by people who live a sinful lifestyle. If you know any brothers and sisters who are religious and supportive, get to know them and spend your time with them as much as possible. Get involved in a Muslim youth group, or volunteer with an Islamic organization, go to the masjid, get yourself a halal hobby to occupy your time and give yourself something to focus on (martial arts or other sports, chess club, computer club, learning a new language, volunteer with a non-profit organization, etc). 6. Counseling You need to see a counselor or therapist and talk out some of the feelings you are having. This will help you. If you are a student try your student health clinic, they always have a counselor on staff. If you are not a student you can try your public health clinic. If you can find a Muslim counselor, that would be great. A certified Muslim counselor would be ideal, but a non-Muslim would be fine also. 7. Find something that gives you joy I touched on this earlier. You must find something that gives you joy and pleasure in life, and devote yourself to it. Get out of the house and become part of something. If you don't have a job, then do volunteer work. The writer of one of our sister websites, TeenPerspectives.com, volunteered for years at a local hospital and she found it very rewarding. Get involved in a sport, or start a blog, take some college classes, or write poetry. There must be something good and halal in life that gives you pleasure. Find that thing and amplify it. 8. Medication if ncessary I'm hesitant to add this point, because I think people in the West rely far too often on medication as a way to address problems that are actually spiritual in nature. If your depression is something that you've experienced only recently as a result of your life choices, then the previous six points will be enough for you and you do not need any medication. However, if your depression has been a long-term thing (months or years), and doesn't seem related to your life circumstances, then it's possible that you are clinically depressed and you may benefit from a depression medication. Your counselor or physician should be qualified to assess this and refer you to someone if necessary.

There are other options Anyone who commits suicide feels there are no other options. My friend, there are always other options. They might be extreme options, or they might be simple avenues you have not considered. When you're depressed, your vision narrows and you don't see possible solutions. In Islam we have many wonderful tools for changing our lives and renewing our commitment to faith. We have Tawbah (repentance) that can be performed anytime; the daily cleansing of Salat; the powerful purification of Ramadan; the good feeling and reward that comes from giving Zakat and Sadaqah (charity) to those who are less fortunate; and the life-changing spiritual renewal of the Hajj. Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala does not restrict His interaction with humanity to making rules and punishing sinners. Allah is there at any time to hear our prayers, to offer us forgiveness and guidance, and to help us. When we have problems in life, we must turn to Allah and seek solace. Allah will help us and give us the strength and peace we need. Beyond that, there are changes we can make to our lives that will help us to see the way forward. Rather than take a drastic step that can never be undone, please go through the following steps that I have outlined: