ummtaalib

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:

Suicide hurts the people you love People who contemplate suicide sometimes think their family members will be better off without them. "I'm only dragging them down," you might think. "They'll be happier when I'm gone." Or, "They don't love me. They won't even miss me." You're wrong. That's just your depression talking. I guarantee you that no matter what your situation is in life, and no matter how bad your relationship with your family might be, your suicide will devastate them. Family survivors often feel depression, guilt, anger and confusion. Sometimes they feel like failures for not seeing the impending suicide and stopping it. Worst of all, suicide can be contagious. It's well known that family survivors of a suicide have a much greater chance of committing suicide themselves. Imagine your child one day committing suicide, or a niece or nephew, or even a friend. I know you don't want that.

Life is short enoughLife is short enough already! The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said that he was in this world like a rider who stopped to rest in the shade of a tree, then went on and left it behind. We are like the flowers that bloom when the spring rain falls, then die. Our lives are that short, that quickly over. How many thousands of generations have passed before us, and where are they now? Do you see any sign of them, except for some old buildings falling down? Thousands of generations, gone like dust. With life so short, it is precious. It's a chance to please Allah and do good deeds, and earn our spot in Jannah, Insha'Allah. No need to end our own lives and speed our way to the punishment of Hell. It's better to do whatever we have to do in order to change our lives. Even if we have to make drastic changes, isn't it better to live, and see another sunrise, and have hope? Life is precious and rare Life is precious and is a trustEvery breath that you take is worth more than a precious gem. Every single moment of life, as your heart pumps and your blood flows, is worth more than all the world and everything in it, because if life is lost then what is the world? No treasury of any King, no vast estate of any Sultan, no great palace of stone and gold, is worth more than one single moment of your life. Out of all the bounties Allah has bestowed upon human beings, the most precious is the gift of life. This precious gift is given to us in trust. It is not our personal possession or our personal property. We are trustees. Because we are trustees we should utilise each and every moment of our lives in the paths that please Allah.

Suicide is a great sin Suicide is one of the great sins in Islam. Allah says explicitly in the Quran, "And do not kill yourselves. Surely, Allah is Most Merciful to you." (Surah An-Nisa Verse 29) In another verse of the Quaan, Allah says: "And do not throw yourselves in destruction." (Surah Al-Baqarah Verse 195) In a hadith, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) described the people who commit suicide as being in Hell, forced to commit their method of suicide again and again. Actually, something occurs to me about this. In life, when we make mistakes we have the opportunity to learn from them. In the process we grow spiritually, and we find a better way. Learning from mistakes is a vital part of our earthly experience. When you commit suicide, you cut this process short. Suicide itself is the greatest mistake, but because it ends your earthly life, there is no opportunity to learn from it, no chance to grow spiritually, no way to do better next time. The time of our life's ending is determined by Allah, and is part of our Qadr. It's not up to us to end it. Doing so would be like saying to Allah, "I refuse this gift of Yours, and I deny Your right of giving and taking life." A person who commits suicide claims for himself one of the rights of Allah, which is the ending of life. That's why Allah says in a Hadith Qudsi, speaking of the one who commits suicide: “My servant has precipitated My will with regard to himself! Therefore, I am forbidding him entry into heaven.” Please note however that this applies to someone who is sane and in control of his faculties. Allah may deny him Paradise if he commits suicide. As for someone who is mentally unstable or insane, Adil Salahi says: "A person who commits suicide as a result of a mental disorder like depression or some other severe form of anxiety is not in full control of his senses. We cannot say how God will judge such a person, but we trust to God’s justice, because He does not deal unfairly with anyone. We pray for the person concerned, and request God to forgive him. When a man committed suicide during the Prophet’s lifetime, the Prophet was distressed. He did not perform the janazah prayer for the deceased, but he ordered his companions to do it. When they did, they prayed for the man and requested God’s forgiveness for him. This shows that the Prophet did not exclude the possibility of his being forgiven by God."

Allah never burdens someone with more than he can bear Whatever has befallen you, I guarantee that you are strong enough to bear it and come out stronger on the other side. How can I guarantee this? Because Allah says so in the Quran (Surat Al-Baqarah 2:286), in this beautiful verse which is also a wonderful dua' for those who are suffering: "Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned. "Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people." (Umm Muhammad translation) Allah created you, and He knows your strengths and capabilities. No matter how tough your life circumstances seem, Allah knows that you can handle it, and that there is an important lesson in it for you, or an important test. We human beings are astonishingly resilient and we can tolerate much more than most of us realize. At times like this, when life seems like a heavy weight driving us down, we do not ask questions like, "Why me?" Or "Why has Allah done this to me?" Or, "Is this a punishment for me?" Or, "Am I cursed?" Those are absolutely the wrong questions. Why are they the wrong questions? Because they suppose that everyone else is having an easy time, skating through life, and we are the only ones burdened with pain and sadness. Every human being is tested. Every human being suffers. That is the nature of life. Life offers us happiness and pain; joy and suffering; peace and conflict. That is the common experience of every human being since Adam and Hawa, even the Prophets (peace be upon them all), in fact especially the Prophets and the righteous. Allah says, "And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, Who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah , and indeed to Him we will return.' Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided." (2:155-157) In one verse of the Quraan Allah informs humankind, "And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone)." (Surah Adh-Dhariyat Verse 56) Hardship is a part of life. It can be seen as a test, to see which way we will turn. So the questions we should be asking are: * How can I respond to this situation in the best way, to show Allah that I recognize all the blessings in my life, and I am patient with my trials? * How can I turn to Allah at this time, to seek strength and comfort from Him? * How can I use all the faculties and gifts that Allah has given me to find a solution to this problem, even one that does not seem obvious? * What do I have in my life that is good, that I can find happiness in, and be grateful for? * How can I learn from this test, so that I come out of it a wiser and stronger human being and believer?

Suicide is not the Muslim way Remember, we are Muslims, we do not kill ourselves! That is not our way. It is a sin, and it is NOT an answer to life's problems. It's important that we turn to Allah in times of distress. He, our Creator, offers us comfort, guidance and care. He is not a vengeful God, seeking our destruction. Rather He is Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem, the Most Merciful and Mercy-Giving. Some people seek solace in material things in times of stress. They might look to consumerism, drugs or alcohol. However, these things offer no answers. We can find comfort in good friends, healthy hobbies, the beauty of nature, and even in a good book. More importantly, for a believer everything begins and ends with Allah. That's where we must start our search for a way forward out of our depression and sadness.

First, consult a professionalUntreated and undiagnosed clinical mental illness is one of the leading causes of suicide. If you are depressed, and are truly suicidal, you should consult a psychiatrist or a primary care physician as soon as possible. The majority of people who are suicidal are clinically depressed and require medication to function normally, and stabilize themselves. They lack the ability to control these types of thoughts because their thinking is distorted. The filter through which they view the world is flawed because of a chemical imbalance. Prayer and faith may not always be enough for people are clinically depressed. They may feel that they have failed as Muslims, or are unloved by Allah; such thoughts persist and reinforce their depression. So the first thing you should do is see your doctor and talk about the feelings you are having. Your doctor can refer you to someone who can help you deal with these feelings in an appropriate way. If you are clinically depressed, meaning there is something wrong with your brain chemistry that is causing your depression, there may be a medication that can make a huge difference for you. There's nothing wrong or shameful about this, any more than it would be if it were medication for a heart condition.

You are unique and you are loved You, my brother or sister who is experiencing difficulty in your life, try to be strong and remind yourself of all the wonderful things in life. This world is so full of beauty, from the stars in the sky to the taste of a sweet apple in your mouth; from flowers blooming in spring time to the majesty of a lightning storm. There is so much to see and experience. There is so much mystery. Open your eyes to it. There are miracles all around you. As far as your own existence, know that your life has meaning and purpose. Allah put you here on this earth for a reason. You are a unique person, the only one of your kind in the universe, and as such you are a treasure. Just as Allah created the stars, the oceans, and the majestic trees, He created you. In fact you dwarf them, because you are a creature of complexity and free will. If it seems that those around you do not value you, it may be only that they do not know how to show it. Parents who were raised in families that do not express love freely may be uncomfortable showing affection to their own children or spouses. But that does not mean that they do not love you and care about you deeply. Know, in any case, that Allah values you and cares about you. In one of the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) we are told that, "Allah is more loving and kinder than a mother to her dear child." In another saying, the Prophet (pbuh) said, “Allah has one hundred parts of mercy, of which He sent down one between the jinn, humankind, the animals and the insects, by means of which they are compassionate and merciful to one another, and by means of which wild animals are kind to their offspring. And Allah has kept back ninety-nine parts of mercy with which to be merciful to His slaves of the Day of Resurrection.” - Saheeh Muslim, al-Tawbah, 6908 Also, please believe that I care about you as well, even without knowing you, as do others who write about these subjects and speak about them. That is why we do it, because we care. I would like to talk about why suicide is not the Muslim way; and to suggest a way forward for those who are having these thoughts.

Dealing With Thoughts of Suicide by Wael Abdelgawad for IslamicAnswers.com I have been answering questions at IslamicAnswers.com (formerly AskBilqis.com) for over ten years now. I tend to see the same types of questions asked again and again. Some are from women trapped in abusive marriages, others from young people who are in love, or heartbroken, or confused. The questions that disturb me most of all are the ones from (usually young) people considering suicide. I wish that our society today would not put our young Muslims in such difficult positions that their lives become cramped and hopeless. Many of our youth today are put in positions where it is almost impossible for them to marry; or they are denied marriage to the one they choose because of superficial circumstances; or they are pressured into marriage against their will; or they are raised with no guidance or teaching, so that they get into sinful lifestyles and are then burdened with sin and guilt and don't know how to purify themselves. Insha'Allah I will try to impart some important messages and ideas to those of you who may have contemplated suicide, for any reason.

Part Four Hijrah When Hazrat Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and his brother, Hazrat ‘Umair (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), the two sons of Abu Waqqaas, performed Hijrah from Makkah Mukarramah to Madinah Munawwarah, they stayed in the home and orchard of their brother, ‘Utbah bin Abi Waqqaas. ‘Utbah had built his home among the Banu ‘Amr bin ‘Auf clan. ‘Utbah had shed a person’s blood in Makkah Mukarramah and had thus fled to Madinah Munawwarah where he settled among the Banu ‘Amr bin ‘Auf clan. This was before the incident of Bu‘aath (the battle between the Aws and Khazraj tribes of Madinah Munawwarah). (ibn Sa’d 3/103) Note: 1. Hazrat ‘Umair (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), the brother of Hazrat Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), was martyred in the Battle of Badr at the age of sixteen. (Isaabah 4/602) 2. ‘Utbah bin Abi Waqqaas did not accept Islam. In fact, he was responsible for breaking a portion of the blessed tooth of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) during the Battle of Uhud. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had cursed him and before the year could terminate, he died on disbelief. (Isaabah 5/197) Source: Whatisislam.co.za

Are Shias Muslim or Not? Q. Why do Ulama say that Shias are Kaafir? Shouldn't we be more tolerant and promote unity and peace? I have Shia friends who say that they don't believe in the wrong beliefs attributed to the Shias. They say that they are just following another mazhab (school of thought) within Islam. They do admit that there are extremists amongst them just as you would find extremists in other groups as well. Should I consider them as Kaafir even though they claim to be Muslims? (Question published as received) A. The criteria for declaring someone a non-Muslim is as follows: a) When a person openly calls himself a non-Muslim, i.e. he accepts that he is a Christian, Jew, Hindu, etc. b) When a person negates, through his words or actions, something from the Daruriyyat of Deen ( a compulsory /core aspect of the Islamic faith) proven through Quran and Hadith. Such a person will not be regarded as a Muslim even though he/she claims to be a Muslim.(Jawahirul Fiqh Vol:1 Page:23) In light of the above kindly take note of the following: The Shi'a are categorised into three groups in regards to the ruling they fall under: 1. Those about whom it is certain that they negate the principles of Islam. Such Shias will be regarded as non-Muslims even if they do claim otherwise. Shias have the habit of taqiyyah (i.e. they regard it virtuous to lie in order to safeguard their beliefs); therefore, their word will not be accepted, if reliable sources prove otherwise. 2. Those who do not negate any principles of Islam, but have a difference of opinion with the Muslims on saying that Ali (Radiyallahu Anhu) was the most superior amongst all the Sahabah (Radiyallahu Anhum) and other such issues. Such Shias will not be regarded as non-Muslims, but they will still be regarded as fussaq (those who transgress the laws of Islam openly). 3. Those whose beliefs cannot be confirmed. They will not be regarded as Muslims nor will they be regarded as non-Muslims. (Jawaahirul Fiqh Vol:1 Pg:59-63) The Shi'as predominantly found in the world today including Iran are the Ithna Ashari Shi'as who are not Muslims. Although the Ithna Ashari Shi'as claim that they are Muslims, they have beliefs, as established from their own books, that negate the clear cut principles of Islam. Some of these beliefs are listed below: 1. They regard the Quran to be incomplete, and say that much of the Quran has been changed. (Usool al-Kafi Vol:4 Pages: 444/446) 2. They regard most of the senior Sahabah (Radiyallahu Anhum), including the first three Khalifas, as murtads (those who have left the fold of Islam). (Ainul Hayāt page:3, Ḥaqq al-Yaqīn page: 522) 3. They regard the status of their twelve Imams to be higher than the status of the Ambiya Alaihim Assalaatu Wassalaam. (Ḥayāt al-Qulūb vol:3 page:10, Wilāyat al-Faqīh of Khomeini page: 58) These are just a few examples. Many more references can be cited on various aspects of Aqeedah. Due to these and many other such beliefs, the Ithna Ashari Shi'a are not Muslims. It should be noted that Shi'a have the habit of taqiyyah (i.e. they regard it virtuous to lie in order to safeguard their beliefs). A person should be aware of this fact when interacting with them. The differences between Ahlus Sunnah and the Shi'a are well documented and is in no way similar to the differences of opinion within the four schools of Fiqh (jurisprudence) within the Ahl al-Sunnah. While there would be extremists in all groups as you have alluded to in your question, we are referring to the beliefs of the mainstream Shi'a. Only the canonical works of the Shi'a and the opinions of their chief scholars were relied upon when determining their fundamental beliefs. We acknowledge your concern for the unity and well-being of the Muslim Ummah. However, as much as one would want to put aside the differences between the Ahl al-Sunnah and the Shia, the fact remains that these differences do exist, and that by their very nature both groups are worlds apart. We do condemn all forms of extremism and sectarian violence, and also pray for a peaceful end to the conflict in the Middle East, however, at the same time, we do not consider our adherence to the Truth to be detrimental to that aim. It is an obligation upon each one of us to uphold the pristine purity of the Deen of Islam as established from the Quran and Sunnah and to honour the Ahlul-Bait (the pure family of the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and all of his Noble Sahaabah Radhiyallahu Anhum. May Allah guide us all and keep us on the straight path. Aameen. And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Tahir Hansa Confirmation: Mufti Ismaeel Bassa (The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh.) Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians 223 Alpine Road, Overport Durban, South Africa Tel : +27 (0) 31 2077099 Fax : +27(0) 31 2074163 Website : www.jamiat.org.za Twitter:@JamiatKZN

ARTICLES SPIRITUALITY OF HAJJ The Internal Dimensions Of Hajj A True Hajj – Amazing Explanation of Imam Junaid al-Baghdadi Hajj – a Lesson in Submission Hajj – A Beautiful Journey

Hajj – a Lesson in Submission By Hadhrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh On 6th Dhul Hijjah after the Jumu'ah Salāh, we arrived at Dhul Hulayfah, outside Madīnah, and made preparations to enter into ihrām. Dhul Hulayfah was chosen because it was where Rasūlullāh sallallāhu 'alayhi wasallam and his companions radhiyallāhu 'anhum had entered the state of ihrām. It was our desire to begin the hajj by observing this sunnah of Rasūlullāh sallallāhu 'alayhi wasallam. The thought persisted in my mind that the beloved of Allāh performed only one Hajj during his lifetime, and Allāh had chosen this place for him to enter into ihrām. There could not have been a better place for this act. After making all the preparations, attired in only two sheets, we performed two rak'āt, made the intention for Hajj and recited the talbiyah: Here I am at Your service, O Rabb, here I am. Here I am, no partner do You have, here I am. Truly, the Praise and the Favour is Yours, and the Sovereignty. No partner do You have. It is impossible to express how I felt at that moment. Tears trickled down my cheeks wetting my beard. In my mind echoed the thought: 'You are so careless in regard to the Dīn of Allāh ta'ālā. You are not worthy of being invited by Allāh ta'ālā to His Blessed House. How Merciful and Kind is your Creator that despite all your negligence and shortcomings He has listed you amongst the hujjāj of 1426.' We were now in the state of ihrām and many things became prohibited, including the use of 'itr (perfume) and covering the head, both of which at other times are sunnah. On 8th Dhul Hijjah, we arrived in Minā. According to the sunnah practice, we were to spend the whole day and perform all our salāh there. On this day, being present in the Haram for us pilgrims was less rewarding than remaining in Minā. On the next day, 9th Dhul Hijjah, we moved to 'Arafah. Those who performed the Zuhr Salāh in Masjid-un-Namirah behind the Imām of Hajj combined the 'Asr Salāh with it before its prescribed time. We remained in 'Arafah until sunset, after which we left, delaying Maghrib Salāh until we combined it with 'Ishā salāh in Muzdalifah. I came across hundreds of hujjāj from all walks of life, young and old, men and women, and māshā'allāh, not a single person questioned any of the above. Each individual carried out what had been commanded without raising any objection whatsoever. No one was concerned that covering the head and applying perfume, both Prophetic practices, were forbidden. No remarks were to be heard regarding the reward of salāh in the Haram during the stay in Minā. The performance of 'Asr Salāh in 'Arafah before its appointed time did not raise any questions, nor did delaying the Maghrib salāh. Every single hājī was an embodiment of Islām, submitting his/her will to the Will of the Creator, unquestioningly carrying out all the Commands of Allāh ta'ālā. Alhamdulillāh, throughout my journey, amidst the thousands of hujjāj who had come from all corners of the world, I witnessed nothing but Islām i.e. submission to the Will and Command of Allāh. This made me think that the greatest lesson of hajj is that Allāh ta'ālā is telling His bondsmen: "If you are able to submit totally to my commands without any hesitation during these five days, surely you have the ability to do the same after Hajj too. Islām is not difficult, as long as you resolve to follow it." Once this lesson has been learnt, the hājī resolves to submit himself to his Creator. By pelting the Jamarāt and sacrificing an animal he practically begins his battle against those two things that prevent a person from fully submitting to Allāh: Shaytān and the nafs. The act of pelting is an open declaration of enmity with Shaytān, whilst sacrificing an animal is a vow to sacrifice the desires of the nafs. Once these two, Shaytān and the nafs, are under control, submission is no longer difficult. Allāh ta'ālā and His Rasūl sallallāhu 'alayhi wasallam have warned us against both these obstacles: O believers, enter into Islām completely and do not follow the footsteps of Shaytān; surely, he is your open enemy. (2:208) As for the one who feared to stand before his Rabb and restrained his nafs from [evil] desire, Jannah will be his abode. (79:40-41) Intelligent is he who subjugates his nafs and works for what is to come after death... (At-Tirmidhī) If the hājī returns with a resolution to submit wholeheartedly to his Creator then definitely his life will change. And the change is a sign that he has performed al-Hajj al-Mabrūr and the reward for al-Hajj al-Mabrūr is nothing short of Jannah. Courtesy: Riyādul Jannah Vol 15 No 03 Source

Wa'alaykumus salaam warahmatullaah and welcome to the forum! Please see the opening post: http://www.islamicteachings.org/forum/topic/21975-importance-of-inheritance-in-islam/?p=62797 There is an index which includes posts on the importance of inheritance. Inshaa-allah it is of help. If you need more info the following site may be of help: https://inheritancelawsblog.wordpress.com/

The multiple benefits of 10 ayats from Surah Baqarah In an era like ours, in which we’ve become immune to insecurity, the following prescription from one of the most knowledgeable Sahabah (radiyallahu’anhum) is very pertinent. Lets read through the following narrations and be inspired. Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu’anhu) said: ‘Whoever recites the following ten verses of Surah Baqarah in the morning, (1) will be saved from Shaytan till the evening, and whoever recites it in the evening will be protected from Shaytan till the morning. (2) Furthermore, he will not experience unpleasant surprises in his family or wealth. (3) If these verses are recited on an insane person, he will be cured.’ (Sunan Darimi, Hadith: 3382 & Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 2412) In another narration Ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu’anhu) added: (4) ‘If they are recited in a home, no Shaytan shall enter it till the morning.’ (Sunan Darimi, Hadith: 3382 & Al-Mu’jamul Kabir, Hadith: 8673. ‘Allamah Suyuti has declared one chain of Darimi as authentic (sahih) refer: Da’il Falah, Hadith: 84) Those ten verses are: 1-4. The first four verses. (according to some ‘Ulama this ends at the word: ‘Muflihun‘ (Al-Hirzuth Thamin, vol.1 pg.521) 5-7. Ayatul Kursi and the two verses that follow it. 8-10. The last three verses. View a pdf of these verses here. Prescription for not forgetting the Quran Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud’s student; Imam Mughirah ibn Subay’ (rahimahullah) said: (5) ‘Whoever recites these ten verses before sleeping, will not forget the Quran.’ (Sunan Darimi, Hadith: 3385 & Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 2413) Note: Mulla ‘Ali Qari (rahimahullah) has written that according to the Hanafi Scholars, Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu’anhu) is the most knowledgeable Sahabi after the four Khulafa (radiyallahu’anhum) Lets implement this simple formula for divine protection and teach it to others. Many of us already know most of these verses too anyway… al-miftah

During the journey a woman becomes clean, will she do qasar and when is ghusl due after menses? 1. A woman leaves her hometown mpumalanga travels to Johannesburg where she stays for 4 days then she goes to pietermaritzburg where she stays for a further 7 days and then she goes to durban where she stays for 6 days. When she left home she was in a state of impurity she then takes a ghusal in pietermaritzburg. Will she read her full salaah and when she leaves for durban then will she she read qasr or salaah in full 2. A woman gets her menses for 10 days. Eg the first day her menses start at the time of zohr so upon the tenth day does she take a ghusal after zohr and prepare for the asr salaah Answer In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. Answer 1: • In principle, if a woman begun a Shar’i journey in the state of haidh (menses) and then attains purity, the distance from the place she attains purity to her destination will be taken into account. If the distance is 78 km or more and she doesn’t have any intention of staying at a particular place for 15 days or more she will do qasar of her fardh Salah. If the distance is lesser than it, then she will read all her Salah in full. [1] • If a woman begun the journey in the state of purity and thereafter her menses begun and ended in the duration of the journey, she will still do qasar. [1] You state you became paak (pure) in Pietermaritzburg. You will read your Salah in full whilst you are there. Your destination from there is Durban which could be more or less than 78 km dependent on the route taken. If you have taken the route of 78 km or more than you will do qasar once you leave Pietermaritzburg or else you will read your Salah in full. However, in any case you will do qasar on your return to Mpumalanga as it is more than 78 km. [1] Answer 2: The maximum period a woman can get haidh (menses) is 10 days. When your menses began at the time of Dhuhr, on the 10th day the menses will end just before the time of Dhuhr. Therefore, you will do ghusl (bath) whilst the time of Dhuhr sets in and read Dhuhr. The exact time of the days will be considered. If your menses commenced at 1 PM, then on the 10th day, the menses will terminate at the exact time when it commenced at 1 PM. [2] And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best Safwaan Ibn Ml Ahmed Ibn Ibrahim Student Darul Iftaa Limbe, Malawi Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai. ____________________________ الدر المختار وحاشية ابن عابدين (رد المحتار) (2/ 135) – سعيد ) [1] طهرت الحائض وبقي لمقصدها يومان تتم في الصحيح كصبي بلغ بخلاف كافر أسلم [رد المحتار] (قوله تتم في الصحيح) كذا في الظهيرية. قال ط وكأنه لسقوط الصلاة عنها فيما مضى لم يعتبر حكم السفر فيه فلما تأهلت للأداء اعتبر من وقته. (قوله كصبي بلغ) أي في أثناء الطريق وقد بقي لمقصده أقل من ثلاثة أيام فإنه يتم ولا يعتبر ما مضى لعدم تكليفه فيه ط (قوله بخلاف كافر أسلم) أي فإنه يقصر. قال في الدرر لأن نيته معتبرة فكان مسافرا من الأول بخلاف الصبي فإنه من هذا الوقت يكون مسافرا، وقيل يتمان، وقيل يقصران. اهـ. والمختار الأول كما في البحر وغيره عن الخلاصة. قال في الشرنبلالية: ولا يخفى أن الحائض لا تنزل عن رتبة الذي أسلم فكان حقها القصر مثله. اهـ. وأجاب في نهج النجاة بأن مانعها سماوي بخلافه اهـ أي وإن كان كل منهما من أهل النية بخلاف الصبي، لكن منعها من الصلاة ما ليس بصنعها فلغت نيتها من الأول، بخلاف الكافر فإنه قادر على إزالة المانع من الابتداء فصحت نيته احسن الفتاوی (4/86) – سعيد عورت سفر ميں وطن کے قريب جاکر پاک ہوئی تو پوری نماز پڑھے سوال: کوئی عورت سفر ميں حيض کے ساتھ ہو اور ایسی جگہ پہنچکر پاک ہوئی جہاں سے وطن مسافت سفر سے کم ہو اور اس حالت میں اس پر نماز کا وقت آگیا تو یہ قصر پڑھے گی یا پوری نماز پڑھے گی۔ ۔۔۔ الجواب: ۔۔۔ بہر صورت اس اس پر پوری نماز فرض ہے– ۔۔۔ یہ حکم جب ہے کہ ابتداء سفر سے حائضہ ہو، اگر حالت طہارت میں سفر کی ابتداء ہوئی ہو تو حیض ختم ہونے کے بعد بہی قصر ہی پڑھے گی۔ ۔۔۔ اصلی بہشتی زیور (2/38) – مسئلہ 12 – مکتبۃ العلم فتاوی محمودیہ (7/502) – فاروقیہ فتاوی دار العلوم زکریا (2/2-651) – زمزم درر الحكام شرح غرر الأحكام (1/ 42) – دار إحياء الكتب العربية) [2] وَإِذَا انْقَطَعَ لِعَشَرَةٍ أَوْ أَكْثَرَ فَبِمُضِيِّ الْعَشَرَةِ يُحْكَمُ بِطَهَارَتِهَا وَيَجِبُ عَلَيْهَا الِاغْتِسَالُ البحر الرائق شرح كنز الدقائق ومنحة الخالق وتكملة الطوري (1/ 55) – دار الكتاب الإسلامي) وذكر في السراج الوهاج تفصيلا في غسل الحيض فقال: إذا انقطع لأقل من عشرة فعلى الزوج لاحتياجه إلى وطئها بعد الغسل، وإن انقطع لعشرة فعليها؛ لأنها هي المحتاجة إليه للصلاة

Women travelling in her mense Question Me and my wife went jamat, however when we left our house she was in halaate haiz. A) So is she a musafir or B)when will she become a musafir C) how will she pray her salah Answer In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. In principle, if a woman starts her journey in the state of haidh (menses) she will not be considered as a musafir even if she makes intention to go on a journey of 48 miles or more. When she becomes pure, if she now intends a full journey (48 miles or more), she will become musafir, however if she intends less than 48 miles, then she will not become musafir.1 In principle, if a woman begun a Shar’i journey in the state of haidh (menses) and then attains purity, the distance from the place she attains purity to her destination will be taken into account. If the distance is 48 miles or more and she doesn’t have any intention of staying at a particular place for 15 days or more, she will do qasar of her fardh Salah. If the distance is lesser than 48 miles, then she will read all her Salah in full.2 And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best Huzaifah Deedat Student Darul Iftaa Lusaka, Zambia Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai. www.daruliftaa.net

Pornography: An evil indulgence He was a wealthy businessman, a father to three beautiful children and a husband to a pious and humble wife. A respectful family man was what the world saw yet he had a dark evil indulgence, pornography. He would sit hunched over his laptop in his plush office for hours watching the filthiest of videos. His wife was aware of his addiction yet remained silent as he threatened her with divorce on numerous occasions. His thriving business was now on the verge of liquidation, his children were becoming disrespectful and rebellious, his house was to be auctioned and he was now a penniless and homeless man. The evil of his indulgence engulfed his soul and burned his life as well as the barakah from his business. All her life she hated the thought of such filth being available so easily on the internet and television. She was a righteous wife and loving mother. A 'romantic' novel was given to her by her best friend so she read it and soon evil thoughts and desires entered into her mind and heart. She became fiercely addicted to reading and watching pornographic material. Her Salaah was neglected and soon she stopped all her ibaadah. She often indulged her nafs in texting strange men and woman on various dark sites. Her naked lifeless body was found by the police at a downtown hotel, she was raped and murederd. The darkness of her evil indulgence ruined her. A student of hifz, he was the apple of his parents eye. Always brought home an excellent report card and never was he disrespectful or disobedient to his elders. His friends often sent him explicit WhatsApp videos and images in the form of a joke. He never did watch them until he was being labelled as a loser by his mates. He decided to watch just one erotic video and soon it captured his heart. The night he told his parents he was staying over at his best friend’s house was the night he visited a brothel and paid to lose his innocence to a prostitute. A month later he was diagnosed with being H.I.V positive. His submission to his nafs killed his soul. An elegant new bride, innocent and beautiful. She was introduced to pornographic videos on the night of her Nikah. Her husband wanted and asked her to perform sexual acts that she was extremely uncomfortable with and acts that are forbidden in Islam. She never did tell anyone as she felt embarrassed and ashamed. It was supposed to be a regular dinner date with some of his married friends which soon shocked her as she realised it was not just a dinner party but a swingers party. She was now being forced to strip in front of his friends. She felt humiliated and her heart shattered. She escaped that night, yet the horror of it all broke her as her husband continued to force his darkness upon her. That night his best friend raped her as her husband watched as well as recorded was the night she pulled the trigger and ended her life and the life of their child growing inside of her.. He killed her soul and the soul of his unborn child. Pornography is an evil and dark web designed by shaytaan himself to entice, entrap and enslave our Imaan. Today pornographic material is so easily and readily available even children can access this filth. WhatsApp, email, Facebook and the world wide web have videos as well as images of pornography which are circulated every second of the day. How would you feel if your ten year old son found you watching that dirty video your friend sent to you as a joke? Will it be funny then? How would you feel if your mother found you self-pleasuring and submitting to your nafs and desires? How would you feel if the last image you saw was that of naked people before your eyes shut forever? How would you face your Lord knowing you passed away in the state of filth and fitnah? My dear brothers and sisters I urge you to stop hiding and running away from speaking to your family and even your children (age appropriate) about the evils of pornography. If you are watching this haram on television or addicted to it on the internet or know of someone that needs assistance and guidance please do speak up and seek help. Pornography will steal your peace, rob your home of barakaah and happiness, enslave your every thought, shackle your soul and leave you sinking into its depths of evil darkness. May Allah save us, our children and the entire Ummah from this disease that is spreading like wild fire engulfing all into its flames. Ameen. Written by Naadira Chhipa Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians