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The Obligation of Taqlid – Shaykh Fazlur Rahman Azmi The following book is with regard to the obligation of Taqlid (following qualified scholarship) and the harms of abandoning it, with special regards to making Taqlid of an Individual Mujtahid Imam of the highest rank. It was written by Shaykhul Hadith Fazlur Rahman ‘Azmi of South Africa. The authors biography is available here in detail: Biography of Shaykh Azmi TheObligationofTaqlid_fazlurRahmanAzmi.pdf darultahqiq

Value Ramadān (Part 1) Guidance and advice for the Blessed Month from Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh Valuing Ramadān The blessed month of Ramadān is a month of blessings, mercy and forgiveness. This sacred month will pass without us realising what valuable and precious moments were wasted. What has gone cannot come back, and what has been lost cannot be re-acquired. For one who wishes to acquire the pleasure of Allāh ta‘ālā, even one moment is sufficient. Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam has said in a hadīth that Ramadān is a month, the beginning of which is mercy, the middle of which is forgiveness and the end of which is deliverance from the Fire of Jahannam. (Ibn Khuzaymah) From the first of Ramadān, the Mercy of Allāh ta‘ālā descends upon those very pious servants who have no sins in their book of deeds. As far as the sinners are concerned, they are of two types: sinners of a lesser degree, and those who are so filthy that were they to die in their present condition they would go straight into the Fire of Jahannam. As far as the sinners of a lesser degree are concerned, their sins are forgiven after their striving for 10 days. Upon seeing their hard work and effort, Allāh ta‘ālā showers His forgiveness upon them at the end of the first 10 days. For those filthy with sins upon whom Jahannam was wajib (incumbent), after working hard for 20 days, Allāh ta‘ālā's forgiveness enshrouds them and they are then granted deliverance from the Fire of Jahannam. How merciful is Allāh ta‘ālā! We ask Allāh ta‘ālā that He grant us Jannat-ul-Firdaws with His eternal Pleasure and save us from the Fire of Jahannam. Āmīn. Memorable Ramadān Make this Ramadān a memorable one. Make it a Ramadān you will remember for the rest of your life. Make it such that, inshā’allāh, in Jannah you will say it was this Ramadān from when my life changed forever and in which Allāh ta‘ālā made me His walī (special friend). To make this Ramadān a memorable one, abstain from disobeying Allāh ta‘ālā, our Creator. Do not even think about disobeying Allāh ta‘ālā throughout the blessed month. In order to safeguard yourself from disobeying Allāh ta‘ālā; avoid gatherings and mixing with people as many sins such as backbiting and slandering take place when one mixes with people. Safeguard your tongue by only saying what is good and rewarding. Always think before you speak. Safeguard your ears and eyes from those things which are disliked by Allāh ta‘ālā.

Prepare for Ramadān (Part 5) Guidance and advice for the Blessed Month from Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh Virtues of Ramadān As soon as the month of Rajab begins we should commence daily readings from the book 'Virtues of Ramadān' by Shaykh-ul-Hadīth, Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Zakariyyā rahimahullāh. We should motivate ourselves, allocate time and sit daily with the family and read this book collectively throughout Rajab. Shaykh-ul-Hadīth, Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Zakariyyā rahimahullāh was a saintly person and his words have an amazing effect on the heart which will help us spiritually prepare for the blessed month and also benefit from it.

A Muslim Nurse Had the Answer I was on a visit to one of the Islamic centres in Germany when I noticed a woman dressed in full Islamic hijab. I had never seen such proper hijab in the West. Glad because of what I had seen, I thanked Almighty Allah. Later, a friend suggested that I learn from her husband about how she had become a Muslim — which I did. Her husband related: My wife is German. She is an obstetrician and gynaecologist. She used to have a clinic for treating sexually transmitted diseases, which could infect women. She conducted vast research in this area, and one of the specialists suggested that she go to another country where the demographics may show different results in order to make her research more comprehensive. She went to Norway and stayed there for three months. There she found results similar to the ones reached in Germany. So, she decided to go to work in Saudi Arabia for a year. And she began to read about the history and culture of this Muslim country. At that point, she felt contempt for the Muslim woman. She wondered how these women could submissively accept the hijab. She saw it as quite humiliating. A Turning Point The husband continued to relate the story of his wife’s conversion, and he quoted her as saying: When I arrived in Saudi Arabia, I discovered I had to wear a cloak over my body. I hated that. It made me feel like a prisoner, and I felt extremely humiliated by it. I decided, however, to accept that as the price I had to pay to complete my medical research. I worked for four continuous months at the clinic, and I saw hundreds of women. I did not come across a single case of sexually transmitted diseases. I began to feel bored and somewhat restless. For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in Charity, for men and women who fast, for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah’s praise — for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward. (Al-Ahzab 33:35) When seven months had gone by without adding a thing to my research, I became frustrated. I left the clinic one day, feeling angry and upset. One of the Muslim nurses asked me about what was bothering me, and I told her about it. She smiled and said something in Arabic, which I could not understand. When I asked her to explain, she said, “What you are seeing is the fruit of virtue; it is the reward that we get for following the guidance of Almighty Allah, Who says: I was really touched by the Qur’anic verse quoted by the nurse. I started to think about it, and I continued to read more of the Qur’an and the hadiths. Eventually, Almighty Allah guided me to the understanding that the dignity and honour of women are in virtue and hijab. I realized that most of what was written about the hijab in the West is from a Western standpoint, which has little understanding of true virtue and dignity. Ethical Life in Danger I started to think about how the West had managed to change our views on hijab. And to make a long story short, anyway I looked at it, I found that virtue came to change and became a rarity as a result of the media using women to alter the norms of the society. What I fear most today is that Muslims end up following that same road of liberalism and shamelessness. Following the way of life of our religion is our only hope of salvation from the same fate. It is truly disturbing that AIDS has begun to be evident in the Arab region. This disease is the result of the collapse of a value system and the spread of sexual corruption. We find that the values and ethics of Islam are constantly under attack in the media. People are flooded with movies and programs that reflect total lack of shame and virtue. I know this may sound outrageous to non-Muslims. But, it is true that we today live in a world that feeds itself sins and illicitness disguised under the cover of freedom and modernism. What would one expect to happen next? It has to be more of the same fruits we are getting now. We can only escape from such madness and corruption by being committed to our faith and by observing the laws set by Almighty Allah at all times. In a Qur’anic verse, Almighty Allah warns: Indeed, those who like that immorality should be spread among those who have believed will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And Allah knows and you do not know. (An-Nur 24:19) Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Prepare for Ramadān (Part 4) Guidance and advice for the Blessed Month from Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh Talk About Ramadān We should make a habit of talking about the virtues and blessedness of Ramadān as soon as Sha`ban dawns upon us. Those of us who know the virtues of this month should explain to others. The more people become conscious of its virtues, the more likely they are to benefit from Ramadān. Free Your Time We should free up ourselves before Ramadān begins. When we go abroad, we endeavour to complete all tasks in hand prior to our departure. Similarly, we should fulfil all the tasks we are able to prior to Ramadān, and become free in this month as much as possible to devote time to ‘ibādah. Anything that can wait until Ramadān is over, let it wait.

Women’s prayer Assalamu alaykum Question In the hanafi mad-hab, what is the best way for a woman to pray? Some say just like the Prophet (S) but then other say he advised his wives to pray differently. If we are supposed to pray differently (in a more concealing fashion, how I understand it), then what about when I’m praying at home? Wouldn’t there be no need to conceal oneself if you’re alone? Should I pray differently in public? Can you please reference specifically to how high to raise one’s hands, how straight the back should be in ruku, where hands placed in sajdah/how straight back should be, how the legs should be in sitting, and can you please refer to the hadith that says there should be distance between the thighs and the stomach, in relation to women’s prayer? Answered by: Mufti Abdullah Nana Verified by: Mufti Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf In the name of Allah, Most Gracious Most Merciful The Salafis or Ahle Hadith in today’s time claim that a woman’s salat is just like that of men and there is no need for a woman to perform salat in a concealing manner as recommended by the Imams of the four schools. They claim that the hadiths which describe the method of prayer for men is general and applies to women as well. They do not consider the fact that the laws for women are different from the laws of men in many aspects of Din, including salat. For example, women have to cover their hair whereas men do not have to. They have also overlooked the fact that there are clear and explicit hadiths which describe the women’s method of prayer to be different from that of men. It has not been reported that any Sahabi or Tabi’s ever considered the salat of women to be the same as that of men. This is an incorrect view that goes against all four schools of Fiqh, not just the Hanafi school (please refer to Chapter 4 pg. 67 in The Salah of Women). There are numerous ahadith of Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, and many statements of the Sahaba and Tabi’in which prove that a woman should offer her prayer in a concealing manner. You should rest assured that this method of prayer is completely correct and accordance to the teachings of Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam. For a detailed answer to your question, I advise you to read a book entitled The Salah of Women published by Madrasah Arabia Islamia in Krugersdorp, South Africa [available at Al-Rashad Books]. I will now try to answer the different aspects of your question by quoting relevant excerpts from this book. Women should perform their salat in a concealing manner at all times because Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam has commanded them to do so in a general sense without restricting it to any particular situation or time. Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam said, “The salat of a woman is not accepted unless she wears a veil.” (Sunan Bayhaqi) This is a general statement applying to all situations. Also, even if a woman is in the privacy of her home and there is no one to look at her, the angels are still there and a person should dress modestly in their presence. A woman should not look upon this as a burden, rather she should consider it as a commendable action deserving of reward. Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam said, “Indeed Allah looks at her (the woman who conceals herself by attaching her stomach to her sides) and says, ‘O My Angels. Bear witness that I have forgiven her.” (Sunan al-Bayhaqi) Regarding the exact method of a woman performing salat, we would advise you to consult with a sister who is well-versed in Islamic knowledge and to have her teach you how to practically offer your salat. This method has proven to be very effective and informative. If this is not possible, then you should refer to the books. I will outline the method of prayer for women below taking from The Salah of Women: The great scholar of hadith, Imam Bayhaqi has mentioned a general rule regarding the manner of a woman’s salat. He writes, “The separating factor between the laws of salat of males and females is that of concealment. A woman is commanded to do all those actions which are more concealing for her.” (Sunan al-Bayhaqi) 1. When beginning salat, a woman should raise her hands to her shoulders without taking her hands out of her cloak. This is mentioned in a hadith of Majma’ al-Zawa’id and was the practice of Umm al-Darda as is reported in Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah. 2. Women should bow down slightly, just enough for the hands to touch the knees. Do not bend down so much that the back becomes completely straight like the males. 3. The hands should be placed in line with the ears and close to the ears while in sajdah. The fingers should be close together and facing the qiblah. 4. The manner of sitting in salat for women is to sit on the left buttock, take the feet out to the right and keep the right thigh on the left thigh. The feet must be kept horizontally on the ground and not kept erect. Abdullah Ibn Umar Radhiyallahu ‘Anhu said that women during the time of Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wa sallam were then ordered to draw themselves close together and lean onto one side by resting on their left buttocks and completely contracting themselves.” (Jami’ al-Masanid). Abul Wafaa Afghani adds, “This is the most authentic narration of this chapter. It is for this reason that Imam Abu Hanifa has made it the basis of his madhab.” 5. The ahadith describing the manner of the salat of Rasulullah Salallahu Alahyi Wa Sallam state that he used to separate his thighs from his stomach. (Sunan Tirmidhi, Sunan Abi Dawud). However, this is in reference to the salat of men. There are explicit ahadith which emphasize that the salat of women is different in this aspect. Abdullah Ibn Umar Radhiyallah Anhu reports that Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam said, “When a woman sits during sajdah, she should place her one thigh over the other and when she prostrates, she must attach her stomach to her thighs so that it is more concealing for her.” (Sunan Bayhaqi) In all, there are twelve narrations from Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, the Sahaba, and the Tabi’in in this regard. We will not quote all of them at this juncture for the sake of brevity. 6. For benefit’s sake, I also wish to include another relevant issue regarding the salat of woman. Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam commanded men not to spread their arms on the ground like a dog (Sahih Muslim, Tabrani). However, this command does not apply to women. Yazid bin Habib narrates that Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam passed by two women who were performing their salat. He said to them, “When you prostrate, then make the parts of your body touch the ground because a woman is unlike a man in these aspects.” (Maraasil Abi Dawud) Allah knows best. May Allah give us all the divine inspiration to offer a perfect salat. Mufti Abdullah Nana Source

Muslim Degeneration and its only Remedy by Mawlana Ihtishaamul Hasan Kaandlawi muslim_degeneration_and_its_only_remedy.pdf

Degeneration Of The Ummah Shaykh Sulaiman Moola In this lecture Shaykh. Sulaiman Moola explains the reason for the degeneration of the ummah today. http://www.muslimcentral.com/sulaiman-moola-degeneration-ummah/

The Solution for the Crisis of the Ummah A few leading personalities had once come to Hazrat Shaikh Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) with the aim of seeking advice from him regarding the various efforts that could be implemented in trying to improve the situation in Baytul Muqaddas and Palestine. The advice that Hazrat Shaikh (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) gave them was such that it contains guidance for all Muslims at large. An extremely pertinent portion of Hazrat Shaikh (rahmatullahi ‘alaih)’s advice has been reproduced below: “Wherever calamities and tragedies of this nature occur in the world, then there is no Muslim who does not feel distressed and grieved over what is transpiring. However, at the same time, there is no denying that everything that is happening is a result of nothing but our own actions. You are all well acquainted and abreast with the news. Who can deny the enmity that the disbelievers have for Islam? Their ridiculing Islam and spreading corruption and immorality in the world, their adopting all means to eliminate and exterminate Islam from the face of this earth, and every other effort that is taking place against Islam is now going on for some time in the Arab lands. In these trying circumstances, where the world is against Islam, if one has to ponder and reflect, one will realize that it is only the infinite grace and mercy of Allah Ta’ala that allows us to continue. Otherwise, the amount of transgression and sins that the Muslims are involved in warrants His divine punishment. Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’aan Majeed: Whatever misfortune befalls you is because of what your hands have earned, and for many (of them) He grants forgiveness. To understand this verse, one may consider the following illustration. A certain person’s brother or son is meted the death penalty on account of him killing someone. For the person to feel affected and grieved through losing his brother or son is natural due to the bond of mutual love that they share among themselves. However, he will have to come to terms with realizing that the consequences his brother had faced were purely on account of his own actions. Allah Ta’ala speaks about the corruption the Banu Israa’eel were previously involved in and how Allah Ta’ala had subjected them to oppression and tyranny at the hands of their enemies. Whatever had occurred was, in reality, a consequence of their own actions. And We declared to the Banu Israa’eel in the Book, “You will surely spread mischief on the earth twice and be elated with mighty arrogance! When the appointed time for the first of the two came, We sent against you some of our servants given to terrible warfare: They entered the very innermost parts of your homes; and it was a promise bound to be fulfilled. Then We gave you your turn to overpower them, and increased your strength with wealth and sons, and made you greater in number. If you do good, you will do it for your own benefit, and if you do evil, it will be against yourselves. Later, when came the time appointed for the second, (We sent others) to disfigure your faces, and to enter the Musjid as they had entered it before, and to completely destroy whatever they prevail upon. It may be that your Lord may (yet) show Mercy unto you; but if you revert (to your sins), We shall revert (to Our punishments). Are all these incidents which are recounted in the Qur’aan Majeed mere fables and fairytales? My heart’s desire is that those people, who are orators and also well versed in history, should take lesson from the manner in which the disbelievers of that era dealt with the Muslims when the Muslims moved off the straight path, and they should thereafter warn the Muslim Ummah so that they may pay heed as well. This is what I am requesting from you. The essence of this advice is to first remove the corrupt substance and rot before attending to the wound. If the corrupt substance and rot is left in the body, you can well imagine what the result of merely applying a bandage to the surface will be. Allah Ta’ala says: Not your desires, nor the desires of the People of the Book (can prevail. The system of Allah is that) whoever works evil, will be compensated accordingly. And nor will he find, besides Allah, any protector or helper. The evil effects and consequences of a sin perpetrated by an individual are such that they will be confined to that individual. However, when oppression and sins are carried out by people collectively, especially when the oppression involves openly opposing Islam and Deen, then the consequences that follow also affect the people collectively. This worthless servant has written in detail regarding the causes for the degeneration of the Ummah in his book, Al-I’tidaal, in answer to the question “Why are the Muslims facing oppression and tyranny at the hands of the disbelievers?” This book was published in Sha’baan 1357 A.H. approximately thirty years ago. I have already presented this book to you twice before. I first presented it to you a few years back, and the second time I presented it to you was during Shawwaal of last year. When you arrived here, hearing of the problems that had erupted in Sahaaranpur, then during the course of one of our conversations, I had made reference to this article. On that occasion, I also presented this book to you. Even if you now tell me that you want this book, it can be sent to you as many times as you wish. لن يصلح آخر هذه الأمة إلا ما أصلح أولها The latter portion of this Ummah will never be reformed except through that which reformed the first portion of this Ummah. According to the above statement, the need of the time is for us to remain firm on Deen and hold fast onto the example set by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum), together with valuing and showing respect to it. It is only in this that the Ummah will find success, victory and honour. The story of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) travelling to Shaam is well known and you are perhaps aware of it as well. While Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was proceeding to Shaam, he arrived at a place where he needed to cross through water and mud. He thus dismounted from his camel, removed his leather socks, placed them on his shoulder and crossed. Seeing this, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) said, “What will the people of Shaam say if they see you in this condition?” Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) acceded to the request of Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and accepted to ride a fine horse and to wear new clothing. However, after a little while, perceiving the change in his heart, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) dismounted the horse and removed the new clothing he was given to wear. He then addressed Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and the Muslims in the following words: فقال عمر أوه لم يقل ذا غيرك أبا عبيدة جعلته نكالا لأمة محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم إنا كنا أذل قوم فأعزنا الله بالإسلام فمهما نطلب العز بغير ما أعزنا الله به أذلنا الله Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) exclaimed, “Aah! If someone besides you had said that, o Abu Ubaidah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), I would have made him an example for the Ummah of Muhammed (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! We were undoubtedly the most disgraced of nations, then Allah Ta’ala granted us honour through Islam. If we ever seek honour in something besides that through which Allah honoured us, Allah will disgrace us.” I have also mentioned the incident of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and numerous other incidents of this nature in my book, Al-I’tidaal. All these incidents clearly show that the success and salvation of the Muslims lies in holding fast to Islam, not casting Islam aside and abandoning it, or even worse, destroying Islam and idealizing the ways of the disbelievers. During the Mubaarak life of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), when there was a need for adopting some means to call people for Salaah, and some Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) suggested lighting a fire or blowing into a trumpet, then Rasululah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) strongly rejected these suggestions on the basis that they resembled the ways of the disbelievers (the fire worshippers and the Christians). How strange it is to find that it is the Ummah of this very same Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) who are now striving to emulate the disbelievers in every facet of their lives! They are so overawed by the disbelievers that in every department of their lives, they examine their conduct and behavior and thereafter emulate them. When Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) began to recite from the Toraat in the blessed presence of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), the noble countenance of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) began to change out of anger, and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was greatly disturbed. On realizing his error, Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) immediately sought forgiveness. Imagine, when this was the extent of dissatisfaction brought to the heart of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) when he had seen Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) recite the book of the Jews, then how more disturbed and hurt would he not be to see that his Ummah now regard his guidance and the guidance left by his Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) to be worthless, and thus adore the ways of the West and other disbelievers, after which they are prepared to pay any price to try and adopt and promote their ways in their lives. You yourself consider the extent of pain that we are causing to the Mubaarak heart of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) through our actions. When our actions cause such pain to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) (-may my life be sacrificed for him!), then as great as the resulting anger and reprimand of Allah Ta’ala may be (in order for us to come back on the straight path), it is actually His pure mercy upon us that He is not sending His Divine punishment upon us and destroying us entirely. Otherwise, had it not been His grace and forgiveness upon us, we are not worthy of living in this world. You know more of these circumstances and conditions than I do, since you are more acquainted with the news and world conditions. You have substantial influence over people, as you interact with them. Therefore, in diverse ways, you should effectively convey your message to people and conscientise them so that they may take stock of their lives and reform their actions. In this way, as much as the enmity for Islam may be, they will be able to work towards decreasing it. Rather, they will even be able to look for ways to try and remedy the situation. According to this worthless servant, this is the one and only solution to the situation in Baytul Muqaddas and Palestine – that we return to Allah Ta’ala and come back onto the Mubaarak Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and abandon the ways of the disbelievers. I wish to write more on this issue. However, because people will not listen to an uninfluential personality, and because modernists do not subscribe to the ideas of simple people, you should merely mention to them the solution that I have spoken of briefly and concisely. You may also mention it to those who have always been affiliated with me. If you wish, you may also discuss it with those of your guests who are linked to me. (Tarbiyatus Saalikeen pg. 624)

Prepare for Ramadān (Part 3) Guidance and advice for the Blessed Month from Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh More Time in the Masjid When Rajab commences we should increase the time we spend in the masjid. We should start for example by sitting for an extra five minutes after salāh. We should increase this time after ten days, and continue increasing it until we enter the blessed month of Ramadān, when we should increase it even further. If work commitments do not allow this during weekdays, then it should be done on weekends. If we think about how much time we normally spend in the blessed environment of the masjid, we would have to admit that it is the bare minimum or just a little bit more. Relaxing Before Ramadān Some people relax for a few days before Ramadān, intending to busy themselves in ‘ibādah once Ramadān begins. Sometimes this relaxed attitude leads them to sin, with a reassuring feeling that they will make tawbah in Ramadān. Firstly, how do they know they will live to see Ramadān? Secondly, the sin committed may have a negative spiritual impact which may last for the duration of Ramadān, preventing the perpetrator from repenting and doing good deeds, even in the blessed month.

Prepare for Ramadān (Part 2) Guidance and advice for the Blessed Month from Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh Reaching the Shore Reaching the month of Rajab is akin to reaching the shore of Ramadān. This is why the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would read the following du'ā with anticipation upon the advent of Rajab: Allāhumma barik lana fī rajabin wa sha'bān wa balighnā Ramadān. “O Allāh! Bless us in the months of Rajab and Sha'bān, and make us reach Ramadān (by granting us life until then).” (At-Tabrānī) Start Preparing Early The advent of the month of Rajab is a signal for us to begin preparing for the month of Ramadān. If we start gearing up from the month of Rajab, then upon the commencement of the month of Ramadān we will have a set routine of ‘ibadah that we can gradually increase as the month progresses. In this way we will be able to fully benefit from the blessed month. If we intend to increase our ‘ibadah only after the month of Ramadān has begun, then by the time we get into gear, many days of Ramadān would have passed, and we would have wasted valuable opportunities.

Duaa at the Time of Tahajjud One should recite the following Duaa at the time of Tahajjud: اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ قَيِّمُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ لَكَ مُلْكُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ اَنْتَ نُورُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَن فِيهِنَّ وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ الْحَقُّ وَوَعْدُكَ الْحَقُّ وَلِقَاؤُكَ حَقٌّ وَقَوْلُكَ حَقٌّ وَالْجَنَّةُ حَقٌّ وَالنَّارُ حَقٌّ وَالنَّبِيُّونَ حَقٌّ وَمُحَمَّدٌ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ حَقٌّ وَالسَّاعَةُ حَقٌّ اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ أَسْلَمْتُ وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْكَ أَنَبْتُ وَبِكَ خَاصَمْتُ وَإِلَيْكَ حَاكَمْتُ فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ أَنْتَ الْمُقَدِّمُ وَأَنْتَ الْمُؤَخِّرُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ O Allah, all praise belongs to You and You are the sustainer of the heavens and the Earth and whatever is contained within them. All praise belongs to You and to You belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the Earth and whatever is contained within them. All praise belongs to You and You are the noor (i.e. light) of the heavens and the Earth and whatever is contained within them. You are Haqq, Your promises are true and Your meeting is true. Your speech is true, Paradise is true and Hell is true. The messengers are true and Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is true. The last hour is true. O Allah, I have surrendered to You alone. I have Imaan upon You alone. I have placed my trust and reliance upon You alone. It is only towards You that I turn. It is only on account of You (i.e. with Your help) do I dispute (with the kuffaar in proving the truth). It is only towards You do I turn for judgement. Thus forgive my sins, my past sins and my future sins, those sins done in secret and those sins committed openly. You are the first and You are the last. There is none worthy of worship besides You, and there is no power (to do good) nor any ability (to abstain from evil) except with the help of Allah Ta’ala. عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما قال كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا قام من الليل يتهجد قال: اللهم لك الحمد أنت قيم السموات والأرض ومن فيهن، ولك الحمد لك ملك السموات والأرض ومن فيهن ولك الحمد أنت نور السموات والأرض ومن فيهن ولك الحمد أنت ملك السموات والأرض ولك الحمد أنت الحق ووعدك الحق ولقاؤك حق وقولك حق والجنة حق والنار حق والنبيون حق ومحمد صلى الله عليه وسلم حق والساعة حق اللهم لك أسلمت وبك آمنت وعليك توكلت وإليك أنبت وبك خاصمت وإليك حاكمت فاغفر لي ما قدمت وما أخرت وما أسررت وما أعلنت أنت المقدم وأنت المؤخر لا إله إلا أنت ( أو: لا إله غيرك) قال سفيان: وزاد عبد الكريم أبو أمية "ولا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله (بخاري رقم 1120) Hadhrat ibn Abbaas (Radhiallahu Anhuma) reports that when Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would stand up to perform tahajjud at night, he would recite the following duaa: اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ قَيِّمُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ لَكَ مُلْكُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ فِيهِنَّ وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ اَنْتَ نُورُ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ أَنْتَ الْحَقُّ وَوَعْدُكَ الْحَقُّ وَلِقَاؤُكَ حَقٌّ وَقَوْلُكَ حَقٌّ وَالْجَنَّةُ حَقٌّ وَالنَّارُ حَقٌّ وَالنَّبِيُّونَ حَقٌّ وَمُحَمَّدٌ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ حَقٌّ وَالسَّاعَةُ حَقٌّ اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ أَسْلَمْتُ وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْكَ أَنَبْتُ وَبِكَ خَاصَمْتُ وَإِلَيْكَ حَاكَمْتُ فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ أَنْتَ الْمُقَدِّمُ وَأَنْتَ الْمُؤَخِّرُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ Ihyaauddeen.co.za

Great! Jazaakillahu khayraa sister

Prepare for Ramadān (Part 1) Guidance and advice for the Blessed Month from Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh Building Stamina Right from the onset of the month of Rajab, we should begin to prepare for Ramadān. By building up slowly over Rajab and Sha‘bān, we will be in peak spiritual condition when Ramadān arrives. To do this we need to make a programme of ibādah and set daily targets. We then need to fix a timetable so that we are able to achieve those targets. Thereafter targets should be reviewed every week or every fortnight, and gradually increased until Ramadān arrives. Then throughout Ramadān this process should continue. If we do not set targets and do not fix a timetable early on, we will not be able to progress. Consequently, we will not develop the necessary spiritual stamina required to maintain the level of performance in order to reap the maximum benefit from Ramadān.

Actually no. There is a difference in meanings and use of both terms As for the other post, I have not approved it as the forum rules does not allow Q/A's from islamqa.info. The reason is that it may leave readers confused in some issues due to contradictory answers from the site and from the usual sites we post from. Also I need time to read it and have it checked as I'm not a scholar. Jazaakillah for posting

Sister please see the following which will be of help... Taqiyyah Tawriyah Jazaakillah for bringing this up as we all learn from questions. If you find another meaning to it from your teacher please post here.

Greeting strangers of the opposite gender Question I heard it is sunnah not to greet strangers of the opposite sex. And if greeted not to respond. Kindly advise on its authenticity as I have come across a Hadith in which Nabi (salallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) greeted women. Answer The issue of interacting with women is closely linked to fitnah (mischief). Therefore one would observe the Hadith commentators always adding the following cautionary note to Hadiths like the one you have cited. ‘This applies as long as there is no fear of fitnah.’ Notes like this are found in abundance in the Hadith commentaries. Hafiz ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) – the celebrated commentator of Sahih Bukhari- writes the following note on Hadiths which apparently allow males to greet females or vice versa: ‘The permissibility is only when one is safe from fitnah (mischief).’ (Fathul Bari, Hadith: 628) This note is imperative especially in our age, since Nabi (sallallahu ’alayhi wasallam) has warned that the greatest fitnah for men in my Ummah is women.’ (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 5096) The Fuqaha (Jurists) have ruled that due to fitnah, one should avoid greeting or returning the greeting of a young strange (non Mahram) woman. (Shami, vol.6 pg.369 and others) The rulings of the Fuqaha are indeed deduced from the Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu ’alayhi wasallam) whether it be a specific Hadith or a holistic understanding from many Hadiths. The ruling stated above does not change by you stumbling upon one Hadith which states that Nabi (sallalahu’alayhi wasalam) did greet women, as there could be several explanations for this personal practice of Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam). In fact Imam Halimi (rahimahullah) said: ‘Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) was saved from fitnah.’ (Fathul Bari, Hadith: 628) It is absolutely incorrect for one to merely see a Hadith or two on a particular issue, and then deduce one’s own rulings therefrom. Submit to the Jurists We as general people are always encouraged to stick to and abide by the rulings of the highly qualified Fuqaha and avoid trying to deduce rulings directly from the Quran or Hadith. The Fuqaha (rahimahumullah) themselves have done us a great favour by already deducing the rulings of Shari’ah from these sources. All we need to do is submit to their conclusions. Unfortunately, many contemporaries fail to understand this rule! Statements of the Scholars encouraging submission Imam Malik (rahimahullah) said: سلموا للأئمة ولا تجادلوهم، فلو كنا كلما جاءنا رجل أجدل من رجل اتبعناه: لخفنا أن نقع في رد ما جاء به جبريل عليه السلام “Submit to the Imams and don’t argue with them, for if we were to follow every convincing debater, I fear we may end up refuting what Angel Jibrail brought from the skies” (Atharul Hadith, pg.117) Imam Sufyan ibn ‘Uyaynah (rahimahullah) said: التسليم للفقهاء سلامة في الدين “In conceding to the Fuqaha (Jurists) is the security for our din” (Atharul Hadith, pg.117) Imam Sufyan Thawri (rahimahullah) said: نسلم ما سمعنا، ونكل ما لا نعلم إلى عالمه، ونتهم رأينا لرأيهم “We follow what we know, and hand over what we do not know to those who do know. We will even question our understanding in favour of theirs” (Al-Intiqa, pg.265, 266) These quotations are so glaring in the current conditions. You may read more on this subject here. And Allah Ta’ala Knows best, Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar hadithanswers

i read a similar explanation online but did not want to use it. I have sent the question to someone and inshaa-allah will post here if I get a reply. best to ask your teacher. Remember us in du'a and do visit the forum

Wa'alaykumus salaam warahmatullah Welcome to the forum. Unfortunately I myself do not know the answer. I did search online however it is better to ask someone knowledgeable. Inhsaa-allaah will try and find out

A Travellers calculation-Boundary of the City Q. Does a Musaafir calculate his Safr distance from his house/doorstep or from the time he leaves his city or town? (Question published as received) A. A traveller/Musaafir will calculate the distance of travel/Safr (78 kilometres or more) from the boundary of the city i.e. where the buildings of the town ends and not from his house or doorstep. (Fataawa Mahmoodiyyah 7/476) And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Ismaeel Bassa Confirmation: Mufti Ebrahim Desai (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

Islām: A Message of Mercy There are five branches of faith in Islām: 1. Beliefs 2. Worship 3. Good Character and Morals 4. Transactions and Dealings 5. Etiquettes of Social life The fifth branch has a direct bearing on how non-Muslims perceive Muslims and is therefore of great importance in our society. The basic principle of this branch of faith is derived from the saying of the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam: A (complete and perfect) Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand people are safe. In this booklet, Shaykh-ul-Hadīth, Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh sheds light on this important yet often neglected branch of faith. Through examples from the Qur’ān, Sunnah and our pious predecessors, we learn just how prominent a role mercy, compassion, tolerance and consideration for others should play in a Muslim’s life. To acquire a printed copy of this booklet please email [email protected] for details. Download PDF

What does the Qur'an say about life on other planets? Q: I'm curious to know what does the Qur'an say about life on other planets (it can be water, plants, anything, etc.). In the news we heard about people exploring other planets and claim they found life there, or there was life there before. A: The Qur'an is a book of hidaayat (guidance) towards Allah Ta'ala. The Qur'an is not a book of science or astrology. Looking for these things in the Qur'an is in actual fact degrading the position of the Qur'an. Imagine a cobbler trying to search for tips regarding cobbling and shoe making in the Qur'an! And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best. ذَٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ ﴿البقرة: ٢﴾ شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ ﴿البقرة: ١٨٥﴾ Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Assalaamu 'alaykum warahmatullaah Sister and welcome to the forum. Unfortunately there are no scholars here at this time to answer your question. Please refer to this thread to contact a scholar: http://www.islamicteachings.org/forum/topic/19696-hanafi-fiqh-q-abrowse-learn-or-ask-a-question/ Allah ta'ala grant you khayr and 'aafiyat sister and make your easy. Please contact someone knowledgeable for correct information. I highly recommend you contact Mufti Zubayr Dudha: http://islamictarbiyah.com/fatawa/ [email protected]

Final Bequest – A Plea From The Grave My Dear Child, You will be reading this after my death. Please read the following as though I am addressing you from my Qabr. I may now be lying within a space of approximately two meters by one meter. All around me is sand except for the pieces of wood above supporting the load of sand. That too is weakening and the entire load of sand may soon fall directly on me. Be assured that I loved you. My heart and soul was concentrated on you from the time Allah Ta’ala granted you to me. Your beautiful and innocent smile reminded me of Allah Ta’ala’s beauty. Your cry caused me immense pain and I went out of my way to comfort you. As you grew and attended Madrasah to learn the name of Allah Ta’ala, the Qur’an and how to perform Salah, you represented an investment to me far greater than any other worldly investment I may have left behind. You would make Duas and seek forgiveness on my behalf when I would be unable to do so. My dear child, that day has come. You are on the face of the earth and I may be lying paralysed in its belly. How true is the Hadith of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam that a person in a grave is like a drowning person. He awaits the rewards from his beloved. Dear child, I cannot utter a single Subhaanallah. You are my flesh and blood. I love you and if you really love me, I implore you to do the following five things: 1. Be obedient to Allah Ta’ala, that is the greatest reward for you. I am informed of whatever you do, your good deeds please me and your bad deeds cause me pain. 2. Dear child, I know the pain of my death and my absence will gradually decrease and you will carry on with your life. Don’t let engagement of the world make you oblivious of death. Think of me regularly and know that your day will come soon. Do remember death and do prepare for it, send Surah Yaseen every day for me. I will look forward to receiving it. 3. If you can, give some Sadaqah and charity to the poor and needy on my behalf. Allah Ta’ala gave you wealth. If you really love me, give Sadaqah on my behalf. 4. I am lonely in the Qabr. Come and visit me and make Salaam to me. You may not see me or hear me, but Insha’Allah I may see you and hear you. Your standing beside me and making Dua at my Qabr will invoke Allah Ta’ala’s mercy on both of us. 5. Remember, we are from Allah Ta’ala and to Allah Ta’ala is our return. We are merely travellers for a brief moment but our actions here will determine our future for ever. Dear child, exercise patience. We will meet in the Aakhirah Insha’Allah. For that, guard yourself against Shaytaan and his tricks and ensure you live with Imaan and die with Imaan. Mufti Ebrahim Desai (Hafidhahullah)