Bint e Aisha

Q: Is it permissable to make Qurbani of Llama? It is an animal of your country so what is your practise in this matter? A: Maulana, I hope that you are well. Outside of Eidul-Adha we have sacrificed Llama, its meat is delicious and it’s low incholesterol. But in our country, we have researched with the farmers about its origin and they have stated that it is a hybrid breed and does not specifically resemble other species (although it may originate from them). So it is permissible to eat. But we don’t make Qurbani (Udhiya) of it because it is not mentioned in clear Nas of Hadeeth, we believe that just like deer (which is permissible to eat) llama is also not suitable for Qurbani. Our second reasoning is that in Shariah forQurbani specific species, ages or shares are mentioned but llama is not mentioned. There are plenty of animals which are permissible for consumption but Qurbani is specific. These animals are common in Peru,Bolivia and Chile and there are other species like this as well such as Alpaca.The injunction for Llama and Alpaca is the same for Qurbani. Someone once did a Qurbani for it and I had a discussion with him on the topic (of Qurbani), llama is neither as tall as Camel nor fully resembles a camel so the analogy that it is camel cannot apply to it. Jazakallahu Khayran Maulana Muhammad Salman Chile Source: Wifaqul Ulama

4 things to do on the Blessed 10 Days of Dhul HijjahDhul Hijjah is the sacred month of Hajj. So blessed are the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah that according to a large group of commentators of the Qur’an, Allah swears by these 10 days in Surah Fajr:Allah the Most High & Exalted says: By the Dawn; By the ten Nights; (89:1-2)This oath substantiates the greatness and sacredness of these ten nights in the eyes of Allah. This is an extra ordinary oath; it is very reliable and significant and the wise men can understand that by this oath, Allah too attaches great importance and value to the ten nights of Dhul Hijjah.The Prophet (Sallahu Alaihi Wassalam) has said regarding these Blessed days: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." The people asked , "Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?" He said, "Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out, giving himself and his wealth up for the cause (of Allah), and came back with nothing." (Reported by Al-Bukhari)It is clear then that these 10 days possess tremendous blessings and excellence. Therefore we should spend these 10 blessed days & nights in intensive worship & virtuous acts. Therefore we cannot possibly afford to miss out on such immense rewards otherwise we will definitely be in utter regret in the Hereafter! The following are recommended acts to do during the blessed 10 days and Nights of Dhul Hijjah:1. Fasting the 9 days of Dhul Hijjah:It is recommended to fast on the first nine days of Dhu’l Hijjah, especially the 9th which is the blessed day of Arafah. Allah’s Messenger (Salallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) encouraged us to do righteous deeds in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah; and indeed fasting is one of the best of deeds. Almighty Allah says, “All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.”’ (Al-Bukhari) Note: The 10th of Dhul Hijjah is the Day of Eid ul Adha and is prohibitively disliked and sinful to fast on this day.Forgiveness for 2 years of sins (Minor sins) for fasting on the day of Arafah:Abu Qatada (Ra) related that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “Fasting the Day of `Arafah (f: 9th of Dhu’l Hijjah) expiates for two years, one prior and one forthcoming. And fasting the Day of `Ashura (f: 10th of Muharram) expiates for the past year.” [Muslim, Abu Dawud, Nasa’i, and Ibn Majah]Therefore we should try our utmost to fast all the blessed 9 days of Dhul Hijjah particularly the 9th oh Dhul Hijjah which is the day of Arafah. If not then we should at least fast as many as we can possibly can as we may not get this opportunity again next year as life is uncertain and we should never procrastinate on doing good actions. Tip 1: Eat light & hydrate well: If you will be staying up until Fajr, then the more you eat, the harder it will be for you to stay up and the less productive you will be! Keep some water with you at all times. This will help you stay up, feel energised and refreshed and have a clearer mind.2. Reciting Tasbeeh, Tahmeed, Tahleel & Takbeer abundantly:It is Sunnah to recite takbeer (Allahu-akbar), tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), tahleel (Laa ilaaha ill-Allah), and tasbeeh (SubhanAllah) during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. These words should be recited abundantly in the masjids, homes, streets and in every place where it is permissible to remember & glorify Allah. ‘That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (reward of Hajj in the Hereafter and also some worldly gain from trade), and mention the Name of Allah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice).(22:28) Reciting the Takbeeraat-e-Tashreeq from the 9th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah:Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallahu Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa lillahil Hamd. Translation: "Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. There is no deity besides Allah and Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest and all praises are for Allah only." It is Waajib (compulsory) for men to recite the above after every Fardh Salaat from Fajr of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah until Asr of the 13th of Dhul Hijjah audibly. Women should recite it silently.Tip 2: Remember & Glorify Allah no matter what you are doing: This is particularly easy as one can remember Allah anywhere and at anytime whether it is during work or any daily activity. 3. Doing the Qurbani (Sacred sacrifice of a livestock Animal):The Qurbani is the sacrifice of a livestock animal during Eid ul-Adha. It is the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (As). It is a means of getting closer to Allah. It is obligatory upon every sane adult who is not a traveller and can afford it (Wealth equal to or more than nisab). It is performed on the days of sacrifice which is the 10th, 11th or 12th of Dhul Hijjah. One may sacrifice a thousand animals on days other than these, but it will never be regarded or considered a Qurbani. Therefore the Qurbani is a sacred act which can only be done during the 3 days of Dhul Hijjah as specified. Regarding the Qurbani, Allah says in the Qur'an:"It is not their meat, nor their blood, that reaches Allah, It is their piety that reaches Allah" (22:37) The Prophet (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) says regarding the Qurbani: “There is nothing dearer to Allah during the days of Qurbaani than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgement with its horn, hair, and hooves (to be weighed). The sacrifice is accepted by Allah before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open and happy heart.” (Tirmidhi V1 pp275, Ibne Maajah V1 pp226)Tip 3: Doing Qurbani is very easy nowadays: Doing Qurbani during the days of sacrifice is a means of getting closer to Allah and gaining immense rewards. Nowadays it is much easier for us to fulfil this sacred act by the mere click of a button over the internet where we can buy an animal to be sacrificed on the various established Muslim charity websites.4. Doing more good deeds than usual:The Prophet (Sallahu Alaihi Wassalam) said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days (Dhul Hijjah)."(Bukhari)Therefore we should increase the amount of good deeds we do in order to take advantage of this blessed time where good deeds are increased significantly. Tip 4: Complete all tasks beforehand & do not waste this precious time: Make arrangements to clear as many of your pending tasks as possible or make a plan for tackling them later. This way, one is free to worship during the 10 days and nights without being distracted by worldly tasks. We must make a firm intention that during these blessed 10 days, we will not take part in idle talk, watch TV, play computer games or spend time on the social media. There are 355 days in the year for all that – if you really cannot resist. This is just 10 days! There will be indeed an utter loss and regret for those of us who waste these blessed 10 days. The following 7 deeds are amongst the best actions we can do during these blessed 10 days:1. Reciting the Qur’an abundantly:Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that “Alif, Laam, Meem” is a letter, rather I am saying that “Alif” is a letter, “laam” is a letter and “meem” is a letter.” So increase your recitation of the Qur’an to gain these merits, and to gain the following merit as well. (At-Tirmidhi)So if one letter of the Qur'an is equivalent to ten good deeds then imagine how much reward there is for reading each letter during these blessed 10 days which are said to be the best days of the year! Subhanallah!Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas & Anas Ibn Malik (RA) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, ‘Whoever recited Surah Zilzilah (99) would get the reward of reciting half the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Kaafirun (109) would get a reward as if reading a quarter of the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Ikhlas (112) would get a reward as if reading one third of the Qur’an’. (At-Tirmidhi 2818/A)Therefore let us recite as much of the Qur’an as we can during these 10 days and nights and aim to finish at least one Qur'an if we can. After that we should continue reciting the Qur'an throughout the rest of the year, for there is no better worship of Allah than to recite the Qur'an!Note: It is also very relevant to read the story of Ibrahim (As) which will give one a deeper understanding of the rituals of Hajj & the Qurbani.2. Showing exemplary character: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Nothing will be heavier on the Day of Resurrection in the Scale of the believer than good manners. Allah hates one who utters foul or coarse language.” [At- Tirmidhi]. So we must aim to be the best in character during these blessed days and nights and continue to do so for the rest of the year. We must not argue, swear, backbite, slander or gossip.3. Giving much to charity:As the rewards of doing good deeds during these days are increased significantly then we should also give as much as we can in charity. Allah promised forgiveness of our sins if we give in charity and give to the poor and needy. He honoured our charity and described it as a “ beautiful loan to Allah “ to emphasise that we are doing something good that He loves, and that He himself will pay our loan back to us doubled: "If ye loan to Allah a beautiful loan, He will double it to your (credit), and He will grant you Forgiveness: for Allah is Most Ready to appreciate (service), Most Forbearing." At-Taghabun 64:174. Respecting & honouring our parents:Islam teaches us that of the most beloved deeds to Allah, having respect for one's parents is second only to that of prayer and is greater than that of fighting in His cause.It is narrated on the authority of Abdullah bin Mas'ood (Ra), who observed: "I asked Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) which deed was the best." He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'The Prayer at its appointed hour.' I (again) asked: "Then what?" He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'Kindness to the parents.' I (again) asked: "Then what?" He replied: 'Earnest struggle (Jihad) in the cause of Allah.' I refrained from asking any more questions for fear of annoying him. (Sahih Muslim: 120)5. Doing many Nawafil (Superogatory) Prayers: Rabi'ah ibn Malik al-Aslami reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu alehi wasallam) said:"Ask (anything)." Rabi'ah said: "I ask of you to be your companion in paradise." The Prophet said: "Or anything else?" Rabi'ah said: "That is it." The Prophet sallallahu alehi wasallam said to him:"Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., supererogatory prayers)." (Muslim)The following are Sunnah & Nawafil prayers to pray during the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah:- Pray 12 Raka'ahs of Sunnah daily: - 2 Sunnah of Fajr, 4 Sunnah & 2 Sunnah of Dhuhr & 2 Sunnah of MaghribUmm Habibah Ramilah bint Abu Sufyan (RA) narrated she heard the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying: “A house will be built in Paradise for every Muslim who offers twelve units of Prayers other than the obligatory ones in day & night, to seek pleasure of Allah.” (Muslim)- Salaatul Duhaa: - (Can be prayed from 20 minutes after sunrise up until 20 minutes before Dhuhr begins) So we should remain seated after Fajr prayer & recite the Qur'an or do Dhikr up until 20 minutes after Sunrise & pray Salaatul Duhaa. If not then we can pray it anytime before midday.'Salat al-Dhuhaa consists of 2 - 12 Rakaats & it is preferable to perform 8 Rakaats.' (Raddul Mukhtaar vol.1 pg.505)The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said: Whoever prayed twelve rakaats (before midday), then Allah will, as a reward, prepare a palace of gold for him in Paradise. (Mishkat, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)- 4 Sunnah, 2 Sunnah & 2 Nawafil of Dhuhr:Umm Habibah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever sticks to the habit of offering four rak`ahs before Noon Prayer & four rak`ahs after it, Allah will shield him against the Hell-Fire.” (Abu Dawud & At-Tirmidhi) - 4 Raka'ahs Sunnah of Asr:The Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi wa sallam) said:"May Allaah have Mercy on the one who offers four (Raka'ahs) before 'Asr prayer."(Abu Dawud)- Two Raka'ahs Sunnah after entering Masjid:Abu Qatadah (RA) narrated the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) as saying: “If any one of you enters a mosque, he should pray two rak`ahs before sitting.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim) - Tahiyyatul Wudu: - 2 Raka'ahs Sunnah after doing Wudu (Ablution)Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying to Bilal (RA): “Tell me about the best of your deeds (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding) since your embracing Islam because I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise.” Bilal (RA) replied: “I do not consider any act of mine more rewarding than that whenever I make ablution at any time of night or day, I perform Prayer for as much as was destined for me to do.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)”- Tahajjud prayer: (The Night Vigil prayer) - Can be prayed straight after Isha up until the break of DawnImam Abu Sa'id al-Khadimi said, "There is scholarly consensus (ijma`) that among the best of virtuous acts is the night vigil prayer." [al-Bariqa al-Mahmudiyya Sharh al-Tariqa al-Muhammadiyya]The Most virtuous Nawafil (Voluntary) prayer is the Tahajjud prayer as it enables one to get closer to Allah (glorified and exalted be He). It can be prayed after Isha’ until just before Fajr begins. The best recitation of the Qur’an is done during Tahajjud prayer. You should recite as much of the Qur’an as you have memorised. In the long prostrations, beg Allah (glorified and exalted be He) for forgiveness and mercy and surely He will never turn away his slaves who beg of him during this prayer.Note: During the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah we should aim to pray Tahajjud every night. If not then we should pray it in as many nights as we possibly can. When fasting during the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah one should awaken a little earlier for Suhur, make Wudu & pray between 2-12 Raka'ahs of Tahajjud. The last third portion of the night is the most blessed part of the night in which Dua's are more readily accepted during this time. So by praying Tahajjud it gives us the best opportunity to get closer to Allah & to make sincere Dua, repenting for our sins past & present & to beg, cry & ask of Allah for whatever we want. 6. Increase in glorification & remembrance of Allah:As his creations we should all remember & glorify our creator as much as we possibly can, but even more so during these blessed days:The following are some easy and very beneficial Dhikr and glorification we can do throughout these Blessed Days and Nights:- Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallahu Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa lillahil Hamd- Subhanallah- Alhamdulillah- Allahu Akbar- Laa ilaha ilallah- LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH- Asthaghfirullah- SUB-HAN'ALLAH HIL AZEEM WA BI-HAM'DIHI, - Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-aliyyi-l-azīm- Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa alā kulli Shay-in qadīrOr the shortened version:- Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeerOne can also recite the durood that one recites towards the end of one's Salaah or the shortest durood: Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim7. Making much Dua:Almighty Allah says in the Qur'an:"When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me." [2:186] The place of duaa is so high to Allah, that the Prophet(Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim) had said: "Nothing is more honourable to Allah the Most High than du`a." [Sahih al-Jami` no.5268]. Almighty Allah also said: "The most excellent worship is Du'a." [Sahih Al-Jami` no. 1133]We should busy ourselves in Dua during these 10 blessed days and nights particularly on the night and day of Arafat which is the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. Duas are also readily accepted during fasting, especially just before Suhur ends and just before breaking the fast.Tip 5. Making life changes: We should make the necessary changes to improve ourselves as Muslims and what better time to make such changes than during these blessed 10 days where we can change our lives forever. We must internalise these changes and make a firm commitment to Allah (glorified and exalted be He), and maybe that he will wipe off our sins until we become newborn babies, In sha Allah.Finally:Therefore let us make the best of these blessed days and make the necessary changes so that we may live a life devoted to Allah. We should aim to rectify our condition and live for the Hereafter rather than living for this world which can end at any second for any one of us. Allah tells us In the Qur'an to enter fully into our deen (Way of life) and not partly:O believers enter into Islam completely and do not follow the footsteps of Shaitan, surely he is your clear-cut enemy.... (Surah Al-Baqara, Ayah 208-210)So then will we not make Islam a FULL part of our lives? This is our best opportunity and if we don't grab it now and death comes to us then surely we will regret it for ETERNITY! Surely there is no logic in putting all of our efforts into a short, temporary life which can end at any second and neglect that which will last forever. Knowing this then why do we put everything into this life and neglect the Hereafter? Time is passing us by and we are blinded by the deception of this life. Time is not on our side. This life is very short indeed. It is like a quick passing phase. It is a short stopover in our journey to the eternal Afterlife. This short life is our only one opportunity to build our Hereafter. In the Hereafter we will want to be taken back to this life in order to live it again so that we can worship Allah. But we will not be able to. So let us prepare for the Hereafter and our inevitable death before preperations are made for our funerals.May Allah enable us to make the best of these blessed days and Nights and make it a means of our success in this world and the Next. Ameen Hamza Asadullah

Durood Sadiqul Wa'd Courtesy: LoveDurood Consider the following 3 points and then read the durood after: 1 - The greatest worry of the Holy Prophet salallaho alayhi wa sallam was not Badr or Hunain or whether his family will eat or not but his greatest worry was whether he fulfilled the amanat what he was trusted with by Allah swt and delivered the message of Allah swt to the creation. And about this at the Farewell Hajj he asked all of the Sahaba ra and made Allah swt a witness over them. 2 - Among the etiquette adaab in Madinah Munawwarah at the time of ziyarat is to say (along with the salaam) that "I testify that you indeed conveyed the message and fulfilled your trust." - Our Ulama say that it comes in Hadith e Shareef that each durood recited is delivered to the Holy Prophet salallaho alayhi wa sallam word for word as it is recited along with mentioning the name of the reciter and their fathers name. I wanted a durood which would convey the message of fulfilling the trust and conveying the message of Allah swt and so a fikr was made and with the help of some ulama a durood was made with that wording and some seygas of other durood were added on as well. I title this durood Sadiqul Wa'd: I hope that you will read this durood. As you will read this durood each time it will be delivered immediately by the malaaikah in the service of the Holy Prophet salallaho alayhi wa sallam using your name and your fathers name saying "fulan the son/daughter of fulan" conveys this salaat wa salaam..." and then the durood is conveyed. So just ponder that each time you read this durood the Holy Prophet salallaho alayhi wa sallam receives a message from you in which you are saying he fulfilled his trust and conveyed the message (plus the other praises in the durood).

Games of Chance QUESTION: Asalamu alykum. is it permissible to play games where you have to pay to play, and you might win (not based on any skill) or not. for example a kids game where they pay you a fee and there are a few things in a bowl of jelly and you ask them to pick out a certain thing with their mouth. if they pick out the right thing they win a prize. is this permissible? ANSWER: This comes under games of chance. Hence, it is not permissible. (Mufti) E Salejee

Following on Twitter Last Updated on Thursday, 02 November 2017 11:34 Question: Assalaamu ‘alaikum I am a girl and I follow various males on twitter and there are lots that follow me. I don't speak to any of them but some post inspirational stuff while others just post something funny or interesting from time to time. Sometimes I retweet things from these various males. My husband does not agree with this at all and always tells me he doesn't like me following men or them following me even though I don't speak to them. My questions are: 1. Is it haraam for me to follow males and allow them to follow me? 2. If my husband is unhappy about it, is it okay for me to still do so? 3. Is my husband right for not wanting me to do that? Answer: Bismihi Ta‘ala Wa ‘alaikumus salaam wa rahmatullahi wa barkaatuh Respected Sister in Islam Firstly, as an introduction, understand clearly that hayaa is one of the most essential qualities of a Mu-min. It is also naturally to a much higher degree in a woman. The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) were the true embodiments of hayaa. Once Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) asked the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum): “What is the best quality of a woman?” The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) remained silent and did not give any answer. Later ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) came home and posed the same question that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had asked them to his wife, Sayyidah Faatimah (radhiyallahu ‘anha). She spontaneously replied: “Why did you not reply (that the best quality of a woman is) that she does not see any (non-mahram) man and no (non-mahram) male gets to see her”(non-mahram refers to one with whom marriage is not forbidden. This includes cousins, brothers-in-law, etc.). ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) relayed her reply to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), upon which he replied in great joy: “Faatimah is a part of me (hence she gave such a wonderful and perfect reply)” (Bazzaar #526 – Majma‘uz Zawaaid #7395 and Hilyatul Awliyaa #1445) Sayyidah Faatimah (radhiyallahu ‘anha)’s reply emanated from her natural hayaa which Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) aptly engendered. These are the footsteps in which we should follow. While social media platforms have their own terminologies which do not convey the literal meaning of the word, nevertheless for a female to still say that she has many (non-mahram) male followers is not in keeping with the dictates of hayaa. Males “following” a non-mahram female will throw open the doors of fitnah. On a general note the same applies to females following non-mahram males on social media. Further, it is extremely important that the wife be obedient to the husband in anything that does not contravene sharee‘ah. Thus even if something may be permissible, but the husband, for whatever reason, is not happy that his wife be involved, participate, etc. in that aspect, then the wife should obey the husband. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is reported to have said that had sajdah been permissible for anyone besides Allah Ta‘ala he would have ordered the wives to make sajdah to their husbands. (Sunan Tirmizi #1159) Therefore, bear this in mind in all aspects and insha-Allah there would be great barakah in your marriage. (Obviously husbands are also advised not to be unreasonable and to allow their wives some leeway in things which are permissible when there is no apparent harm that could come from any particular aspect that his wife intends doing. However the wife’s duty is to obey the husband in all aspects that conform to sharee‘ah.) May Allah Ta‘ala grant us all the correct understanding of Deen and enable us to practice that which will please Him. Answered by: Uswatul Muslimah Panel of ‘Ulama Uswatulmuslimah.co.za

Finding a Husband Online Question: Assalaamu ‘alaikum Please forgive me for sending such a long message. I went to an Islamic co-ed school and I also went to university. I have always worn the abaya and hijaab/scarf. I left university after taking the advice of a few local ‘Ulama. This is how all the girls I know got married: Take pictures -> post them on social networks -> receive interest from guys -> engage with them and find potentials -> go out with them, and even be intimate -> get married. Most girls believe that there is more scope online and that’s the way to get married. My family, unfortunately, is of the same opinion.I have been told that I am too rigid and strict, and that maybe if I was more easy going, I would have been married by now and would have already had children. Now I am too old and it will be hard to find a spouse. I always said that I place my reliance totally on my Allah to send me a spouse. So, over the years, I have made fervent du‘aa and read all the wazeefahs for marriage. Also, my idea of the process of marriage would not be to message/meet with the boy until after the nikaah. But I have been told that this is absurd, and in this day and age, you have to go out and see how the boy is.You have to message each other so that you are comfortable with one other. Is this even true? I sometimes silently agree – so many marriages break because a boy would show his most perfect ‘Islamic’ side when he comes home and in the weeks before the nikaah. But afterwards, he turns out to be an alcoholic, abusive person, etc. How can one know a guy’s true nature just based on a few meetings? Everyone and everything just seems to be messing with my head, and I’m beginning to doubt the choices I made. Even though I’m still doing the right thing, I struggle and regret it sometimes. It has been hard to watch everyone’s dunya work out so easily for them. I couldn’t even finish my degree because I left university! I feel frustrated and miserable. It is very difficult to do the right thing when you are young and alone. You stand out like a sore thumb! I always complain that I’m not getting married, but I do receive a lot of interest from boys - just not in the halaal way I would like. Do you perhaps think that I should allow boys to talk to me and from there, see who is serious? Also, I’m sometimes fearful that my actions won’t be accepted by Allah Ta‘ala because I’m sometimes so unhappy when I am doing it e.g. when I say no to photos or when I wear abayas to weddings. Please advise!! Jazakallah khayr for this platform. Answer: Bismihi Ta‘ala Wa ‘alaikumus salaam wa rahmatullahi wa barkaatuh Respected Sister in Islam 1. May Allah Ta‘ala keep you steadfast on the straight path and protect you from all the fitnahs that are ever increasing. May Allah Ta‘ala reward you tremendously for the sabr you have exercised and for having refrained from doing the wrongs that others have been trying to drag you into. Although, it seems difficult to do the right thing, you should keep in mind the great rewards that have been promised for the one who remains firm on fulfilling the commands of Allah Ta‘ala, despite the challenges and difficulties that he has to encounter. One example is the hadeeth of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam): “The one who holds firmly to my sunnah (way of life) when (the condition of) my Ummah is degenerating will receive the reward of one hundred martyrs.” (Baihaqi – Targheeb vol. 1, pg. 80) 2. It is actually the task of the seniors in the family to seek out a suitable match who will be compatible with you, especially someone who shares your Deeni aspirations. 3. This is the whisperings of Shaitaan – that some marriages broke up due to the boy turning out to be a person of negative character and habits. However, how many more marriages have broken up despite the couple having been in an illicit relationship for a long time before marriage? Despite knowing each other very well and for a long time, barely months into the marriage, problems began which eventually led to a divorce. It is obvious that any person will show only their ‘good side’ in a love relationship. Furthermore, in a love relationship, the degree of responsibility and commitment which is found in marriage does not exist, as dating revolves around mere romance. Hence, dating a boy does not necessarily expose his true self and how he will fare when shouldered with the responsibilities and commitments of marriage. Thus, the correct method is where the elders of the family do a background check on the boy and enquire regarding his temperament, ways and habits etc. from those who are close to him and know him best. This method is far safer and much more accurate. Therefore, even statistics prove that arranged marriages have a far higher success rate than love marriages, and some sectors of Western society are also beginning to incline to the benefits of arranged marriages. 4. Therefore, remain steadfast and do not be swayed by the wrong thinking of people around you. Be totally pleased with the decision of Allah Ta‘ala and continue making du‘aa. Daily recite “Ya Jaami‘u, Ya Lateefu” 111 times, together with Durood Shareef 7 times before and after and then make du‘aa for a suitable spouse. Do this diligently for at least 40 days. May Allah Ta‘ala bless you with the most suitable spouse, who will be good for your Deen and dunya. Answered by: Uswatul Muslimah Panel of ‘Ulama Uswatulmuslimah.co.za

Umrah & Hajj, Resources بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُه 1. Presentation for Mosques: https://www.central-mosque.com/index.php/Acts-of-Worship/kitabhajj.html 2. Hanafi Fiqh of Hajj: https://www.central-mosque.com/index.php/Acts-of-Worship/kitabhajj.html 3. Lectures & Speeches: اردو میں بیانات بھی موجود ہیں https://www.central-mosque.com/index.php/Acts-of-Worship/exhaustive-resources-on-hajj-a-umrah.html 4. Books: اردو میں کتب بھی موجود ہیں https://www.central-mosque.com/index.php/Acts-of-Worship/books-exhaustive-resources-on-hajj-a-umrah.html جزاك اللهُ خيرًا Read | Reflect | Act | Forward © Wifaqul Ulama 2018 Admin: +447956589613 31JULY2018 17DHUL-QA'DAH1439 19:00 Twitter: https://twitter.com/WifaqulUlama/status/1024313143022047232 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wifaqululama/photos/a.1642227896041653.1073741828.1641200819477694/2059639630967142/?type=3

There was a time when I used to think that why bad things happen to good people. That if circumstances and situations change one’s problems and pains are solved. I was wrong… I finally came to realize that no matter where you go, no matter what institution of deen you put your effort in and no matter what you do, you will face problems. I wonder what feelings did Sayyidina Nuh AS have had when he saw his son drowning as a disbeliever. And didn’t Sayyidina Yusuf AS feel bad when he was wrongly accused and jailed? And what was the condition of Sayyidina Ibrahim’s AS heart when he was leaving his wife and only son in a valley and when he had to slaughter his only son? How desperate would have Sayyidina Yunus AS been feeling when he left his nation without Allah’s permission? How much remorse he had been feeling inside the fish? What were the feelings of Sayyidina Muhammad SAWS when he was criticized and ridiculed by those who used to respect him for 40 years? How did he feel when his mother and then his grandfather and then his uncle die? Didn’t he feel pain in Taif? What were his feelings during the death of his daughters and two sons? What were his emotions when his two daughters were divorced? What did he think on the demise of his beloved wife? How did he feel when his beloved wife was accused by the munafiqoon? What were his feelings on the martyrdom and mutilation of his uncle’s body? Yes! They were prophets. But they were also humans and they were not devoid of feelings. No matter where you go and what you do, you will have to face problems. At home you will have to face those who are close to you but are sometimes disagreeable and difficult. At work you will have to face your boss. During dawah you will have to face mistreatment by your companions or from those who you are giving dawah to. Upon migration to the mountains, you will have to face harsh and difficult terrain, weather and a hostile environment. If you rebel against the government (which you shouldn’t) you will face punishment and torture from the authorities. On the path of jihad you will face pain from the enemies. No matter where you go and whatever you do, you will have to face difficulties. Alas! Those who recite without understanding are missing the miracle of Quran. Alas! The imitators are missing the blessings of Tabligh. Pain will not go away. New problems will keep on appearing. However, foundational ibadah (salah, dhikr, tilawah, durood, sawm etc) will make you strong enough so that you can bear that pain and will prepare you for practicing the advanced levels of deen. Finally, I realized that pain is not the enemy of a believer but a friend. This is because the price of paradise is PAIN. Taken from Muftisays (by Sipraomer)

Tips to Wake up for Fajr. Twelve Tips to Wake up for Fajr in the Light of Qur’an, Hadith and the Teachings of Our Elders 1. To supplicate to Allah with the following: رب جعلني مقيم الصلاة ومن ذريتي ربنا وتقبل دعاء. ربنا اغفر لي ولوالدي وللمؤمنين يوم يقوم الحساب By the blessings of this du’a, Insha Allah you and your children will be granted the ability to be punctual with your prayers. 2. If it’s convenient then to take a nap in the afternoon which is also a sunnah and aids in causing a person to wake up for Fajr. 3. To have dinner early and to not overeat. Mawlana Thanwi (RA) has written that when a person eats, there comes a moment where a question arises in his mind should I continue eating or quit? The moment this question arises, a person should stop eating. 4. To not drink water before going to sleep unless there is a dire need to do so and if so, then to drink a small amount. 5. To go to sleep early otherwise the above- mentioned points will be of no benefit. 6. To perform those acts which are sunnah prior to going to sleep, refer to Beautiful Sunnahs of the Beloved Nabi (S), by Hazrat Mawlana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Sahib (DB). 7. Prior to going to sleep tell someone to wake you up for Fajr. 8. To use an alarm clock and to put it at such a distance that one has to get up and out of their bed and walk to turn it off, by doing so the stupor of sleep will wear off. 9. To recite verse number 127 of Surah Baqarah or the last four verses of Surah Kahf before going to sleep. By reciting these verses if a person intends to wake up at a particular time, Insha Allah one will wake up on that time. 10. Immediately upon waking up, to sufficiently rub your eyes according to the sunnah, this too will cause the effects of sleep to wear off. 11. If possible, upon waking up after wiping ones’ face with ones’ hands recite verses 190-194 of Surah Al-Imran. This is also a sunnah. ‘Ulema have written that through their experience this practice also causes the effects of sleep to go away. 12. Upon awakening from ones sleep, using ones strength and willpower immediately stand up. Never fall victim to the ploy of ones nafs that I will wake up in a little while otherwise one will miss their salaah. Taken from PathOfEhsaan

Twenty advices to those undertaking the Mubarak journey of Haj The Honourable Father of Moulana Haroon Abasoomar Saheb (hafizahullah), who is also the Ameer of Darul Hadith Research Centre offered the following advices for those going for Haj: 1. Make Shukr at every point of the journey and do not complain. 2. Respect one and all: a) Those people that are coming for Haj. b) Those people that stay in the Holy Lands. 3. Always think that I am not deserving of this great bounty. 4. Make Istighfar after every deed. 5. Make du’a that Allah Ta’ala makes us better people. 6. You are part of a special delegation, therefore: Increase in du’a. Make special time for du’a. 7. Make a firm intention to: Fulfill all the Fard obligations. Make khidmah of everyone. Acquire complete Din in your life. 8. Guard your eyes and tongue. 9. Refrain from useless activities. 10. Give a lot of Sadaqah, and try to feed the poor especially. 11. Keep to the Haram Sharif and your room. Use the time properly and value your time. 12. The Ayah: فَلا رَفَثَ وَلا فُسُوقَ وَلا جِدَالَ فِي الْحَجِّ (Surah Baqarah, verse: 197) Has three prohibitions: No obscenity No disobedience No arguments See more in link below from where you can also download the PDF https://www.al-miftah.com/twenty-advices-to-those-undertaking-the-mubarak-journey-of-haj/

Gauging the “Truthfulness” of a Desire بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم Many of us long to walk the path of Deen but we don’t get to do it the way we desire. Is that because our desires are not “truthful”? The following incident provides us with an important guideline in this regard! Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani narrated that once his elder sister asked her father, Mufti Muhammad Shafi, to pray that she may be able to do Hajj. Mufti Shafi asked “Do you have a desire to perform Hajj?”, to which she (obviously) replied in affirmative. However, Mufti Shafi remarked “No, you don’t have a (true) desire!”. Startled by this response, she insisted that she did have an immense desire. At this Mufti Shafi asked “Have you started to collect some money for it?”. Upon hearing a negation, he remarked “This shows that your desire is limited to your words. If you would have had a true desire, you would have collected some money for it!”. The daughter excused that she doesn’t get to have any savings (due to a low income of her husband) at which Mufti Shafi asked “Can’t you even save a cent (from your expenditures) for it?” The daughter replied that she could but that would be far too less to be able to afford the trip for Hajj. Mufti Shafi instructed her to at least do what she could do on her part – Allah helps those who take a step in His path. At most, even if the Hajj couldn’t be done, she will nevertheless get the reward for it. However, without taking any steps, mere “wishes” don’t end up anywhere! Later, when the daughter passed away, a pouch was discovered among her belongings with a tag attached to it that read “Savings for Hajj” (Hajj kay lyay Paysay). Mufti Shafi’s eyes turned tearful at this sight. The collected money was given to a resident of Arabia so that he could perform the Hajj and the reward may reach the daughter. Later when Mufti Shafi went to the Hajj, he saw, probably in a sleepy state, that his deceased daughter is climbing Jabal al Rahmah (the Mount of Mercy) in ‘Arafah (this illusion was taken as a sign that Allah had accepted her “truthfull” desire and efforts for the Hajj – Talhah). Adapted from what Shaikh Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani narrated in his lectures and also in his autobiographical articles, entitled “Yadain”. SayyidTalhah

اللہ کے قُرب کا نسخہ ۔۔۔ حضرت ڈاکٹر عبد الحئی عارفی رحمتہ اللہ علیہ پیشہ کے اعتبار سے ہومیوپیتھک معالج تھے اور مطب (کلینک) کرتے تھے۔ علی گڑھ کے تعلیم یافتہ تھے۔ یہ حضرت مولانا اشرف علی تھانوی رحمتہ اللہ علیہ سے بیعت تھے اور ان کی صحبت اور تربیت سے روحانی معالج بھی بن گئے اور جید علماء ان سے بیعت ہوئے، جیسے حضرت مولانا مفتی محمد تقی عثمانی صاحب اور مفتی اعظم پاکستان حضرت مولانا مفتی محمد رفیع عثمانی صاحب، حضرت مولانا محمد یوسف لدھیانوی صاحب وغیرہ ڈاکٹر سے بیعت ہوئے۔ مشہور کتاب اسوۂ رسولِ اکرم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ڈاکٹر صاحب ہی کی لکھی ہوئی ہے۔ ایک دفعہ حاضرین مجلس سے فرمانے لگے آپ کہاں لمبے لمبے مراقبے اور وظائف کرو گے۔ میں تمہیں اللہ کے قرب کا مختصر راستہ بتائے دیتا ہوں۔ کچھ دن کر لو پھر دیکھو کیا ہوتا ہے، قرب کی منزلیں کیسے طے ہو تی ہیں: 1۔۔اللہ پاک سے چُپکے چُپکے باتیں کرنے کی عادت ڈالو وہ اس طرح کہ جب بھی کوئی جائز کام کرنے لگو دل میں یہ کہا کرو اللہ جی۔۔ 1 اس کام میں میری مدد فرمائیں۔۔ 2 میرے لئے آسان فرما دیں۔۔ 3 عافیت کے ساتھ پایہ تکمیل تک پہنچائیں۔۔ 4 اپنی بارگاہ میں قبول فرما لیں۔۔ یہ چار مختصر جملے ہیں مگر دن میں سینکڑوں دفعہ اللہ کی طرف رجوع ہو جائیگا اور یہ ہی مومن کا مطلوب ہے کہ اسکا تعلق ہر وقت اللہ سے قائم رہے۔۔ 2۔۔۔انسان کو روز مرہ زندگی میں چار حالتوں سے واسطہ پڑ تاہے۔۔ 1۔ طبیعت کے مطابق۔ 2۔ طبیعت کے خلاف۔ 3۔ ماضی کی غلطیاں اور نقصان کی یاد۔ 4۔ مستقبل کے خطرات اور اندیشے۔ جو معاملہ طبیعت کے مطابق ہو جائے اس پر اللهم لَكَ الحَمدُ ولَكَ الشُّكر کہنے کی عادت ڈالو۔ جو معاملہ طبیعت کے خلاف ہو جائے تو انا للله وانا اليه راجعون کہو۔ ماضی کی لغزش یاد آجائے تو فورا استغفراللہ کہو۔مستقبل کے خطرات سامنے ہوں تو کہو اللهم اِنّى أعوذ بكَ مِن جَمِيعِ الفِتَنِ ما ظَهَرَ مِنها وما بَطَن۔ شکر سے موجودہ نعمت محفوظ ہو گئی۔۔ نقصان پر صبر سے اجر محفوظ ہو گیا اور اللہ کی معیت نصیب ہو گی۔۔ استغفار سے ماضی صاف ہو گیا۔۔ اور اللهم انى أعوذ بك سے مستقبل کی حفاظت ہوگئی۔۔ 3۔۔شریعت کے فرائض و واجبات کا علم حاصل کر کے وہ ادا کرتے رہو اور گناہِ کبیرہ سے بچتے رہو۔ 4۔۔تھوڑی دیر کوئی بھی مسنون ذکر کر کے اللہ پاک سے یہ درخواست کر لیا کرو اللہ جی۔۔۔ میں آپ کا بننا چاھتا ہوں، مجھے اپنا بنا لیں، اپنی محبت اور معرفت عطا فرما دیں۔ چند دن یہ نسخہ استعمال کرو پھر دیکھو کیا سے کیا ہوتا ہے اور قرب کی منزلیں کیسے تیزی سے طے ہوتی ہیں!

Six Prophetic Character-traits of Shaykh al-Islam Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani (hafizahullah) By Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam (Leicester, UK) All praise is for Allah, Lord of the worlds; and peace and blessings be on our master Muhammad, and his family and companions. Great people achieve greatness because they adopt the qualities and character-traits of the greatest man ever: our Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). One such example - at least for me - is my dear and beloved Shaykh Mawlana Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani (hafizahullah). I have known the Shaykh since my study days at Darul Uloom in Karachi (Pakistan) around 1998/99. Since then, I have attempted to keep in contact with him and be in his company whenever possible. During the last five or six years, by the grace of Allah, I have managed to spend more time in his company - especially during his travels to the UK, as well as some other counties like Denmark, Abu Dhabi and recently Bosnia. He possesses many great qualities such as the breadth of his knowledge and piety, but from what I’ve observed whilst being in his company, six traits really stand out in terms of his nature and character. These character-traits are all traits of our beloved Messenger (Allah bless him & give him peace), and I believe they are what really make Shaykh Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani (hafizahullah) an amazing human being and a top calibre scholar (alim) - one who is respected and loved by many the world over. 1) Cheerful countenance (talaqat al-wajh) The smile emanating from the Shaykh’s face each time you see him brings happiness and positivity to the heart. Despite being on his travels - and the tiredness and difficulties that come with traveling - I have yet to see him not smile when someone greets him. His greeting is always accompanied with love, a wide smile and cheerful expression - the Sunna of Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him & grant him peace). Jarir ibn AbdAllah al-Bajali (Allah be pleased with him) says, “Since I accepted Islam, Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) never kept a barrier between myself and him, and never looked at me except with a smile” (Muslim). Smiling at others and bringing happiness to them is a source of much reward - if done for the sake of earning Allah’s pleasure. In one hadith, Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) says, “Do not consider any good act insignificant, even if it is that you meet your brother with a cheerful countenance” (Muslim). It also makes others love you and want to be in your company. The innocent and loving smile on the face of Shaykhuna Muhammad Taqi Usmani makes a person fall in love with him. His smile is evidently genuine that has no motive other than seeking the pleasure of Allah Most High. 2) Making others feel important Anyone who comes into contact with the Shaykh feels he has a special relationship with him. He gives attention to everyone and makes them feel important. I have observed this trait in the Shaykh repeatedly. On numerous occasions, the way he conversed with me and showed an interest in my personal affairs made me feel that I was very close to him. I then saw him doing the same with many others Al-hamdulillah. At the same time, no one can feel they have an exclusive relationship with him; he is close to everyone, yet not exclusively attached to anyone. This balance is rare and difficult to create. Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be on him) would give attention to his companions and make them feel loved and important. Sayyiduna Amr ibn al-Ass (Allah be pleased with him) says, “I asked the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), ‘Who is the most beloved to you from the people?’ He replied, ‘A’isha’. I said, ‘from amongst the men, O Messenger of Allah?’ He replied, ‘her father’. I said, ‘then who?’ He replied, ‘Umar’. I asked, ‘then who?’ He replied, ‘Uthman’. I asked, ‘then who?’ He replied, ‘Ali’. Thereafter I remained silent for the fear that he may not mention me; I used to think I was the most beloved to him, because of how well he treated me.” ( 3) Treating everyone with Respect This - I believe - is one of Shaykh’s distinctive and defining trait. He treats everyone with ultimate respect, and never looks down upon anyone regardless of who they are. His respect for fellow scholars (ulama) and peers is well known, but the amazing thing is that he shows respect and appreciation to even his students and juniors. I have always heard him address his students with expressions of respect. A teacher normally addresses his students with expressions that indicate a teacher-student relationship (and there is nothing wrong with that), but Mufti Taqi does not even describe them as his students, and when addressing them he uses words of respect; for example ‘aap’ in the Urdu language. I was reading a biography of one of the greatest scholars produced by this Umma, Imam Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (Allah have mercy on him). His student, Imam Sakhawi, states that he was so humble he would always refer to his students - even if young - as my companion so-and-so. I have seen this same practice in Shaykh Taqi, referring to his juniors and students - even those the same age of his grandchildren - as "my brother so and so" or "my colleague so and so." In around 2003, I compiled a short booklet titled 'Simplified Rules of Zakat.' I requested him to write a few words as endorsement for the book, which he did. However, to my amazement, he called me 'his brother' despite me being his student and much much younger! I then saw this habit of his on many different occasions with various others. Moreover, his respect for non scholars is also unique. He has always enjoyed a good relationship with professionals and academics in other fields such as doctors and barristers. I have not seen an alim who respects non Ulama the way he does. Scholars can sometimes subconsciously disregard non-scholars, thinking they are ignorant (juhhal) and laypeople (awam). However, the way Shaykh Taqi (hafizahullah) treats non Ulama is Subhan Allah something we can all learn from. If he is sitting and someone comes to greet him, he will stand up to greet them, or at the least make some sort of movement of acknowledgement towards them. He does not remain seated reclining and acting like a big Shaykh who is superior to the one greeting him. It is worth noting here that respect breeds respect, and this is why we see others respect him. Sometimes ulama complain that the general public don’t respect them, but they fail to see if they have given respect back to the people?! As such, a scholar of Islam should respect and appreciate others, and by doing so, others will respect them too. Treating others with respect, dignity and courtesy is a Prophethic trait. The books of Hadith have a special chapter titled ‘manaqib’ dedicated to hadiths in which the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) praised various companions and mentioned their merits. When his beloved daughter Sayyida Fatima (Allah be pleased with her) would visit him, he would stand up for her, honour her and make her sit on his place (Abu Dawud). It is reported in some narrations that once when Jarir ibn AbdAllah al-Bajali (Allah be pleased with him) visited Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be on him), the latter took off his sheet/cloak and placed it on the ground and asked Jarir (Allah be be pleased with him) to sit on it, and said, “When a noble person of a tribe comes to you, honour him.” Jarir ibn Abdullah placed the sheet over his eyes, kissed it and said to him, “May Allah honour you the way you have honoured me” (Tabarani, al-Bazzar and others). 4) Humour Despite being the Shaykh al-Islam and one of the greatest scholars of our time, Mufti Taqi Usmani (hafizahullah) is very humorous, jovial and lighthearted when amongst people. He does not try to create an artificial sense of seriousness so that people respect him. He will happily join in humorous conversations and laugh with others - as the Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings be upon him) “would laugh when they [the companions] laughed, and express amazement to something when they expressed amazement.” There are far too many examples for me to cite in this regard; however, one particular incident comes to mind. I once called a close friend regarding a matter, and he - at the time - was driving and escorting the Shaykh to a particular destination, but I was unaware of this. The brother received my call and after exchanging salam said, “I've put you on speaker; someone wants to talk to you.” Thereafter, that ‘someone’ said Assalamu alaykum. In an extremely casual and informal manner I asked "who is this?" repeating it in English, Arabic and Urdu. My driver friend intervened saying, “haven't you recognised him?”, to which I replied in the negative. He continued, “Well, If you really love him then you should be able to recognise him.” I replied saying his voice was not clear, so could he speak again. I could hear the mysterious person laughing lightly in the background, and he then said again "Assalamu alaykum warahmatullahi wa barakatuh, recognise me?" In absolute astonishment and somewhat embarrassment, I realised it was non other than Mufti Taqi Usmani! I exclaimed, "Hazrat Mufti Sahib??” and then apologised for my informal behaviour. He laughed it off and then blessed me with a good ten minute conversation Al-hamdulillah. This incident reminded me of the Companion Zahir (Allah be pleased with him) who was trading in the market when Allah's Messenger (Allah bless him & give him peace) came behind him quietly and locked him with his arms, as to say "guess who this is?" The Companion quickly realised that it was the best of creation.... until the end of the story (al-Shama’il al-Muhammadiyya). Imagine, this is the leader of all the Prophets who was sent as a Messenger and guide for the whole of humanity; yet he had time to share a joke with one of his devotees. Sadly, some of us think that it does not behove a righteous and respectable person to be jovial and joke around with others; this is far from the truth. Whose life can be more serious and meaningful than the life of Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him)?! Indeed, one must not transgress the limits set by Shari’a such as using vulgar language or making fun of someone. Having fun with someone is fine, but making fun out of someone is not permitted, and Allah knows best. 5) Humility (tawadu’) and Simplicity If you ask anyone who has spent even some time in the company of Shaykhuna Mufti Taqi Usmani (hafizahullah) to describe one quality of his that stands out, I believe most people would point to his simplicity and humility. He is the embodiment of humility (tawadu’), and it seems that his success and greatness is because of it - as per the Hadith, “Whosoever adopts humility for Allah’s sake, Allah elevates him” (Tabarani). Despite being one of the great scholars of the world, and revered and adored by many all over the world, he is far away from the celebrity culture we see these days. There is no glitz, glamour or entourage! He doesn’t have hundreds of people lining up at the airport when he arrives, and neither an army of devotees giving him a send off when departing. He probably travels more than anyone else all over the world, but we don’t see him updating his social media accounts with details and pictures of where he’s been and what he has been up to. When you sit with him, you see an innocent human being with a clean and pure (taqi) heart; one who has no clue or idea of his status. It seems that despite being everything he thinks of himself as nothing, whilst some of us despite being nothing think we are everything! His name on most of his books simply reads “Muhammad Taqi Usmani”, without inflated titles. He normally writes “servant [of Allah]” before his name, and you can tell he actually means it. For me, the way he sits, walks, eats, drinks and converses with people, slave-hood (ubudiyya) emanates from him. This is in accordance with the Sunna of Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) - who despite being the best of creation always considered himself to be a slave of Allah. He (peace and blessings be upon him) says, “‎I am indeed a slave [of Allah]; I eat as a slave eats, and I sit as a slave sits” (Abu Ya'la & others). When he was with his Companions, the Prophet of Allah would act as one of them. He disliked that people stand for him, and you would never see an entourage behind him. In the beginning, he did not even have a designated seat such that a newcomer would need to ask, “Which one of you is Muhammad?” He (Allah bless him & give him peace) was given a choice between being a Prophet with kingdom and a Prophet who is a slave; he chose the latter. On many occasions, such as on group journeys, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would join in with his Companions in doing some work or task. Once the Companions planned on slaughtering a lamb, and they divided the various tasks of slaughtering, skinning, cooking amongst themselves. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said, “I shall collect firewood for the cooking.” They said to him that he should not discomfort himself and that they would be honoured to do this on their own. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) replied, “I know that you are eager to do it on your own, but I do not want to distinguish myself from the group. Allah is not pleased with the slave who distinguishes himself from his companions”, and thereafter he went and gathered wood and brought it to the group. (Khasa’il al-Nabawi) This was the humility of the leader of mankind and best of creation. And it is in his footsteps great people like our Shaykh are also humble and non pretentious. May Allah allow us to follow in their footsteps, Ameen. 6) Caring for others It goes without saying that caring for the creation of Allah and having a concern for them in the heart is an important component of being connected to the Creator. Whosever loves Allah will have compassion for His creation, and Shaykh Mufti Taqi Usmani is no different. Time and time again, I have witnessed this in him. I will just recall three examples that I witnessed during our recent trip to Bosnia. A young brother, whom the Shaykh was not acquainted with previously, also traveled with our group. Unfortunately, he has a disability which restricts his mobility, and thus he moved around with us on a wheelchair. The young brother himself says that nearly everyday when the Shaykh saw him, he would ask him how he was feeling, if he slept well, etc etc. On another occasion, when the group was exiting the mini bus, a brother slipped slightly and fell down. The Shaykh was already outside the bus, and as soon as he saw him slip he was the first person to rush towards him and ask whether he was okay or hurt. The brother reassured him that he was fine. On a third occasion, our mini bus had to leave from somewhere but a brother and his family and a few others could not join us for some reason - it was arranged that they would come in a taxi. However, as our bus was leaving, the Shaykh wanted to be assured that alternative plans were made for those we were leaving behind and only allowed for our bus to depart once he was reassured. This care and concern for humanity was the hallmark of not just our Prophet but all the Prophets of Allah (peace be upon them). They cared for the well-being of others, both the well-being of this life and the hereafter. The whole life of Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) was dedicated to caring for others, and he said, “He who alleviates the suffering of a believer from the sufferings of the world, Allah will alleviate his suffering from the sufferings of the Hereafter; and he who finds ease for one who is hard-pressed, Allah will make things easy for him in this world and the Hereafter... and Allah is in the help of his slave until the slave is in the help of his brother” (Muslim). Although the Shaykh has many more qualities, but I felt the above six really stand out. It is not within the scope of each and every one of us to become an expert in Qur’anic sciences, hadith, fiqh, Islamic finance, etc like him, but we can definitely try and adopt these character-traits, whether scholars, professionals or laymen. Not only because they are his traits; but also because they are the traits of all the great people that have passed and the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). May Allah allow us to follow in their footsteps, Ameen. Source

Kia Islam main vote dena jaiz hai? (Is it allowed to vote in Islam?) https://youtu.be/ZDq5VxyJ9nk

Question: My friends often say or text "Salam" instead of "Assalamu alaikum". Is it ok to say "salam" only? Do we have to reply if someone says "salam" only? Answer: بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Saying "salam" is not the same as saying "assalamu alaikum"; and one will not get the reward of saying "assalamu alaikum" by saying "salam". Moreover, when someone is greeted with "assalamu alaikum", it is compulsory on him to reply (by saying "wa alaikumus-salaam" etc). However, if one is greeted with "salam", it is not compulsory to reply. This is because saying only "salam" is not the sunnah method of greeting someone. The above also applies to writing and texting "salam".[1] And Allah Ta'ala knows best Mufti Faizal Riza 5/2/2013 Darul Ifta Australia www.mufti-online.net [1] في الدر المختار: صرّح في الضياء بوجوب الرد في بعضها وبعدمه في قوله سلام عليكم بجزم الميم. وفي الشامي: قوله بجزم الميم) كأنه لمخالفته السنة، فعلى هذا لو رفع الميم بلا تنوين ولا تعريف كان كجزم الميم لمخالفته السنة أيضا. اهـ..... لكن قال في الظهيرية: ولفظ السلام: "السلام عليكم" أو "سلام عليكم" بالتنوين، وبدون هذين - كما يقول الجهال - لا يكون سلاما اهـ ( رد المحتار: 1/ 618 ط سعيد ) وفي الحظر والإباحة من الدر المختار: وقدّمنا في باب ما يفسد الصلاة كراهته في نيف وعشرين موضعا وأنه لا يجب رد سلام عليكم بجزم الميم. وقال الشامي: (قوله بجزم الميم) الأولى بسكون الميم، قال ط: وكأن عدم الوجوب لمخالفته السنة التي جاءت بالتركيب العربي ومثله فيما يظهر الجمع بين أل والتنوين اهـ. وظاهر تقييده بجزم الميم أنه لو نوّن المجرّد من أل كما هو تحية الملائكة لأهل الجنة يجب الرد، فيكون له صيغتان، وهو ظاهر ما قدمناه سابقا عن التتارخانية، ثم رأيت في الظهيرية: ولفظ السلام في المواضع كلها "السلام عليكم" أو "سلام عليكم" بالتنوين، وبدون هذين - كما يقول الجهّال - لا يكون سلاما ( رد المحتار: 6/ 415 ط سعيد ) في مرقاة المفاتيح: قال النووي: اعلم أن أفضل السلام أن يقول: السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته ..... وأقلّ السلام أن تقول: السلام عليكم، وإن قال السلام عليك أو سلام عليك حصل أيضا .... ( وبعد صفحتين) .... ( «فإن تسليم اليهود الإشارة بالأصابع، وتسليم النصارى الإشارة بالأكف» ) . بفتح فضم جمع كف، والمعنى: لا تشبهوا بهم جميعا في جميع أفعالهم خصوصا في هاتين الخصلتين، ولعلهم كانوا يكتفون في السلام أو رده أو فيهما بالإشارتين من غير نطق بلفظ السلام الذي هو سنة آدم وذريته من الأنبياء والأولياء، وكأنه - صلى الله عليه وسلم - كوشف له أن بعض أمته يفعلون ذلك، أو مثل ذلك من الانحناء أو مطأطأة الرأس، أو الاكتفاء بلفظ السلام فقط (مرقاة المفاتيح: 8/ 428، 430 ط مكتبة رشيدية )

فجر کی جماعت کھڑی ہونے کے بعد فجر کی سنتیں کب پڑھے سوال:مفتی صاحب ایک مسلۂ درپیش ہے.کہ جب فجر کی جماعت کھڑی ہو جائے تو فجر کی سنتیں پڑھ سکتے ہیں اس وقت اگرنہیں پڑھ سکتے تو پھر کیا اشراق کے وقت پڑھے؟جواب: فجر کےسنتوں کی تاکید بہت زیادہ ہے حدیث شریف میں ہے کہ فجرسےپہلےکی دوسنتیں نہ چھوڑو اگرچہ گھوڑےتمہیں روندڈالیں اس لئےاگراس کو ایک رکعت بلکہ محققین حنفیہ کے نزدیک تشہد ملنے کی امید بھی ہو توفجرکی سنتیں ترک نہ کرے بلکہ مسجد سے باہر جگہ ہو تو وہاں ورنہ مسجد کے دروازے کے پاس یا جتنا جماعت کی صفوں سے دور ہو کر ادا کرنا ممکن ہو وہاں کسی ستون وغیرہ کے پیچھے پڑھ لے جماعت کے دوران صفوں کے متصل کھڑے ہوکر سنت پڑھنا مکروہ ہے اس سے بچنا چاہئے۔تاہم اگر کسی کےفجرکی سنتیں چھوٹ جائیں توطلوع آفتاب سےپہلےپڑھناجائزنہیں البتہ طلوع آفتاب کےبعدجب مکروہ وقت ختم ہوجائے اس وقت پڑھے طلوع آفتاب سےپہلےنہ پڑھے کیونکہ بہت سی احادیث میں فجراورعصر کےبعد نوافل پڑھنےکی ممانعت آئی ہے۔سنن إبن ماجه365/1عن أبي هريرة : – ان النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم نام عن ركعتي الفجر . فقضاهما بعد ما طلعت الشمس إعلاءالسنن 21/1عن علي رضي الله عنه قال كان رسول ﷺ یصلی فی أثرکل صلوۃ مکتوبۃ رکعتین إلاالفجروالعصرحاشية ابن عابدين (2 / 56)(وإذا خاف فوت) ركعتي (الفجر لاشتغاله بسنتها تركها) لكون الجماعة أكمل (وإلا) بأن رجا إدراك ركعة في ظاهر المذهب. وقيل التشهد واعتمده المصنف والشرنبلالي تبعا للبحر لكن ضعفه في النهر (لا) يتركها بل يصليها عند باب المسجد إن وجد مكانا وإلا تركها لأن ترك المكروه مقدم على فعل السنة.مراقي الفلاح – (1 / 195)ومن حضر و ) كان ( الإمام في صلاة الفرض اقتدى به ولا يشتغل عنه بالسنة ) ۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔( إلا في الفجر ) فإنه يصلي سنته ولو في المسجد بعيدا عن الصف ( إن أمكن فوته ) ولو بإدراكه في التشهد ۔۔۔۔۔۔۔( وإن لم يأمن ) فوت الإمام باشتغاله بسنة الفجر ( تركها ) واقتدى لأن ثواب الجماعة أعظم من فضيلة ركعتي الفجر لأنها تفضل الفرض منفردا بسبع وعشرين ضعفا لا تبلغ ركعة الفجر ضعفا واحدا منها ( ولم تقض سنة الفجر إلا بفوتها مع الفرض ) إلى الزوالردالمختار57/2)والحاصل أن السنة في سنة الفجر أن يأتي بها في بيته، وإلا فإن كان عند باب المسجد مكان صلاها فيه وإلا صلاها في الشتوي أو الصيفي إن كان للمسجد موضعان وإلا فخلف الصفوف عند سارية لكن فيما إذا كان للمسجد موضعان والإمام في أحدهما ذكر في المحيط أنه قيل لا يكره لعدم مخالفة القوم وقيل يكره لأنهما كمكان واحد. قال في القنية: لو خاف أنه لو صلى سنة الفجر بوجهها تفوته الجماعة، ولو اقتصر فيها بالفاتحة وتسبيحة في الركوع والسجود يدركها فله أن يقتصر عليها لأن ترك السنة جائز لإدراك الجماعة، فسنة السنة أولى. وعن القاضي الزرنجري: لو خاف أن تفوته الركعتان يصلي السنة ويترك الثناء والتعوذ وسنة القراءة، ويقتصر على آية واحدة ليكون جمعا بينهما وكذا في سنة الظهر. اهـ. وفيها أيضا: صلى سنة الفجر وفاته الفجر لا يعيد السنة إذا قضى الفجر.ردالمختار 57/2قوله ولا يقضيها إلا بطريق التبعية إلخ) أي لا يقضي سنة الفجر إلا إذا فاتت مع الفجر فيقضيها تبعا لقضائه لو قبل الزوال؛ وما إذا فاتت وحدها فلا تقضى قبل طلوع الشمس بالإجماع، لكراهة النفل بعد الصبح. وأما بعد طلوع الشمس فكذلك عندهما. وقال محمد: أحب إلي أن يقضيها إلى الزوال كما في الدرر. قيل هذا قريب من الاتفاق لأن قوله أحب إلي دليل على أنه لو لم يفعل لا لوم عليه. وقالا: لا يقضي، وإن قضى فلا بأس به، كذا في الخبازيةالفتاوى الهندية – (1/112،رشيدية) والسنن إذا فاتت عن وقتها لم يقضها إلا ركعتي الفجر إذا فاتتا مع الفرض يقضيهما بعد طلوع الشمس إلى وقت الزوال ثم يسقط هكذا في محيط السرخسي وهو الصحيح . هكذا في البحر الرائق وإذا فاتتا بدون الفرض لا يقضى عندهما خلافا لمحمد رحمه الله تعالى . كذا في محيط السرخسي . http://www.suffahpk.com/fajar-ki-jamat-khari-hony-k-baad-fajar-ki-sunnaty-kab-parhy/

کسی کی حوصلہ افزائی کےلیے تالی بجانے کا حکم سوال : کسی کی حوصلہ افزائی کےلیے تالی بجانا کیساہے ؟ کیاکسی صورت میں اس کی گنجائش ہے؟براہ کرم مفصل اورمدلل تحریر فرمائیں ۔ جواب : فی نفسہ عام حالات میں تالی بجانے کی ممانعت کی کوئی دلیل شریعت میں نہیں ملتی،البتہ نماز کی حالت میں مردوں کوتالی بجانے سےمنع کیاگیاہے۔جہاں تک سوال کسی کی حوصلہ افزائی کےلیے تالی بجانے سےمتعلق ہے۔سواس کا جواب یہ ہے کہ یہ طریقہ غیرمسلموں سےشروع ہواہے،اگرچہ بعد مسلمانوں میں بھی رائج ہوگیاہے،تواس مشابہت کی وجہ سے اس میں کراہت تنزیہی معلوم ہوتی ہے اس لیے بہتریہ ہے کہ کوئی دوسرا مناسب طریقہ اختیار کیاجائے ،تاہم اگرکوئی تالی بجانے کواختیار کرےتواسے معصیت نہیں کہاجاسکتا۔ ( تبویب : (1452/89) حاشیہ بن عابدین : (319:6) الموسوعۃ الفقھیۃ الکویتیۃ : (82:12) http://www.suffahpk.com/kisi-ki-hosla-afzai-k-liy-tali-bajany-ka-hukum/

Question Assalamu alaykum wa rehmatullahi wa barkatuhu. There is a chit scheme.In this lets say about 10people and 1 agent will be involved..these 10 people will pay 10,000 each for 10 months(that means 100,000 (10,000*10people’s money) will be gathered each month).The agent will take 4000 as commission each month for maintaining this process. Money(96,000) will be given to the people each month who needs it the most but the person who takes the money should pay 1,000 extra for the remaining months. say if x takes the money(96,000) in the 1st month then he will pay extra 1000 for the remaining 9 months. 2nd person who takes money in 2nd month will get 96,000+1,000(1st persons extra money) and pays 1000 from 3rd month, 3rd person will get (96,000+1,000(1st persons) +1,000(2nd person) and so on..So like that the last person will get (96,000+(1,000*9)) Note that the last person will not pay anything extra but gets 9000 extra apart from 96000 which he deserves. My question is, Is this kind of transactions appropriate.If it is permissible then why and if it is not permissible then why.Please explain with reference. Hope that I am clear..waiting for a reply. Jazak allah khair Answer Wa’alaykum as Salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu, The scheme outlined in your query is not permissible due to two factors: Interest Gambling The interest aspect comes to the fore when a person withdraws his money towards the end, or even last, he receives his initial capital plus the 1000 ‘penalty’ which the other members had to pay in the previous months. The only reason he is getting all this additional funds is because his money was in the fund for a longer period. Money in exchange of money is interest, which is clearly prohibited in Shariah. The gambling aspect is due to the fact that the person who really gains the most is the person who is lucky enough to remain till the end of the ten months. Those who cash up in the first few months actually lose out. In other chit funds, members have to bid, and the one who is willing to take the biggest lose can cash out first. By entering the chit scheme, each person hopes and wishes to last till the end and derive the most. But, due to circumstances, a member will be forced to leave early, and take the loss. This too is not permissible in Shariah. References الَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ الرِّبَا لَا يَقُومُونَ إِلَّا كَمَا يَقُومُ الَّذِي يَتَخَبَّطُهُ الشَّيْطَانُ مِنَ الْمَسِّ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَالُوا إِنَّمَا الْبَيْعُ مِثْلُ الرِّبَا ۗ وَأَحَلَّ اللَّهُ الْبَيْعَ وَحَرَّمَ الرِّبَا ۚ فَمَن جَاءَهُ مَوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِ فَانتَهَىٰ فَلَهُ مَا سَلَفَ وَأَمْرُهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ ۖ وَمَنْ عَادَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ (275) يَمْحَقُ اللَّهُ الرِّبَا وَيُرْبِي الصَّدَقَاتِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ كَفَّارٍ أَثِيمٍ (276) إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَوُا الزَّكَاةَ لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ (277) يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَذَرُوا مَا بَقِيَ مِنَ الرِّبَا إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ (278) فَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ۖ وَإِن تُبْتُمْ فَلَكُمْ رُءُوسُ أَمْوَالِكُمْ لَا تَظْلِمُونَ وَلَا تُظْلَمُونَ (279) يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّمَا الْخَمْرُ وَالْمَيْسِرُ وَالْأَنصَابُ وَالْأَزْلَامُ رِجْسٌ مِّنْ عَمَلِ الشَّيْطَانِ فَاجْتَنِبُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ (90) عن أبى هريرة قال قال النبى -صلى الله عليه وسلم- ح وحدثنا وهب بن بقية أخبرنا خالد عن داود – يعنى ابن أبى هند – وهذا لفظه عن سعيد بن أبى خيرة عن الحسن عن أبى هريرة أن رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم- قال « ليأتين على الناس زمان لا يبقى أحد إلا أكل الربا فإن لم يأكله أصابه من بخاره ». قال ابن عيسى « أصابه من غباره ». (أخرجه أبو داود في سننه (3/ 248) عن جابر قال لعن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم آكل الربا وموكله وكاتبه وشاهديه وقال هم سواء (أخرجه مسلم في صحيحه – (3/ 1219) MUFTI ISMAIL MOOSA https://www.fatwaa.com/chit-funds/

Do Not Undermine Sins Every sin is serious and detrimental, and is a means of distancing from Allah. After showering us with so many favours and bounties, it does not behove us to break any commandment of Allah. Bilal bin Sa’d (may Allah be pleased with him) said, لا تنظر إلى صغر الخطيئة ولكن انظر من عصيت (شعب الإيمان – (1/ 269) “Don’t look at the insignificance of the sin, but look at the greatness of the one who you are disobeying.” (Shu’ab al-Iman, 1/269) Furthermore, a seemingly ‘small’ sin can be magnified due to other reasons. For example, treating a sin as trivial or inconsequential is enough to intensify that sin to such an extent that it can become more destructive than even relatively greater sins. It is precisely for this reason that Sahabah were extremely cautious not to disobey Allah. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, إنكم لتعملون أعمالا هي أدق في أعينكم من الشعر إن كنا لنعدها على عهد النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم من الموبقات قال أبو عبد الله يعني بذلك المهلكات (أخرجه البخاري في صحيحه – (8/ 103) “You perpetrate certain sins and regard those sins to be more insignificant than a straw. But, at the time of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) we used to count those sins among those things that can destroy a man.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 8 / 103) Similarly, ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said, عبد الله بن مسعود حديثين أحدهما عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم والآخر عن نفسه قال إن المؤمن يرى ذنوبه كأنه قاعد تحت جبل يخاف أن يقع عليه وإن الفاجر يرى ذنوبه كذباب مر على أنفه فقال به هكذا قال أبو شهاب بيده فوق أنفه (أخرجه البخاري في صحيحه – (8/ 67) “A believer treats a sin as if it is a mountain over his head that may fall on him any moment. Whereas a regular violator looks at them as a fly that perked on his nose and he waived it away with his hand.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 8 / 67) By undermining any sin, a person will tend to commit that sin more frequently. Thus, the prophet (sallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, عن عبد الله بن مسعود أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال إياكم ومحقرات الذنوب فإنهن يجتمعن على الرجل حتى يهلكنه (أخرجه أحمد في مسنده – (6/ 367) “Beware of undermining sins. Verily, they gather upon a man until they destroy him.” (Musnad Ahmad, 6/367) In short, every sin is damaging and a rebellion in its own right, and the conscientious Muslim must strive to avoid it at all cost. The devil makes us trivialize sins so that we do not repent to Allah.

Putting water on the grave and enclosing the grave Question Assalamualaikum. Why do we put water in the graves when we go to the cabrestaan? Just saying because the mayyit is really down and we just put some water. Is there anything you can tell me? My father tells me that we should start from the head side towards the feet. Can we put some iron bars at the side of the grave so that the grave may be well recognized? Instead of only sand. Som Answer In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. 1) It is not necessary to put water on the grave. If putting water on the grave is regarded as compulsory, it will be regarded as a Bidah. Generally, people water the plants on the grave to keep the plants alive and fresh. A fresh plant makes Zikr of Allah and invokes the mercy of Allah.[1] 2) It is not permissible[2] to put iron bars around the grave. Shari’ah encourages us to keep graves simple. One may place a headstone with the name of the deceased for identification[3] purposes. Consider the following Hadith[4] عن جابر قال نهى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم أن تجصص القبور وأن يكتب عليها وأن يبنى عليها وأن توطأ Translation: Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam prohibited plastering graves, writing on them, building over them, and treading on them." Hadith1052 Tirmidhi And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best Muhammad Yaasir Yunus Hussen Student Darul Iftaa Quelimane - Mozambique Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai. [1] عَنْ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ قَالَ: مَرَّ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ بِقَبْرَيْنِ فَقَالَ: «إِنَّهُمَا لَيُعَذَّبَانِ وَمَا يُعَذَّبَانِ فِي كَبِيرٍ، أَمَّا أَحَدُهُمَا فَكَانَ لَا يَسْتَبْرِئُ مِنْ بَوْلِهِ، وَأَمَّا الْآخَرُ فَكَانَ يَمْشِي بِالنَّمِيمَةِ»، ثُمَّ أَخَذَ جَرِيدَةً رَطْبَةً فَشَقَّهَا نِصْفَيْنِ، ثُمَّ غَرَزَ فِي كُلِّ قَبْرٍ وَاحِدَةً، فَقَالُوا: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، لِمَ صَنَعْتَ هَذَا؟ فَقَالَ: لَعَلَّهُمَا أَنْ يُخَفَّفَ عَنْهُمَا مَا لَمْ يَيْبَسَا .سنن النسائي (4/ 106) [2] فروع: في " المحيط ": لا يجص القبر ولا يطين، في رواية الكرخي، وكره التجصيص الحسن والنخعي، والثوري، ومالك، والشافعي، وأحمد، وأباح أحمد التطيين. وفي " منية المفتي ": المختار أنه لا يكره، وكره أبو حنيفة أن يبنى على القبر أو يوطأ عليه، أو يجلس عليه، أو ينام عليه، أو يقضى عليه حاجة الإنسان من بول أو غائط، أو يعلم بعلامة، أو يصلى إليه، أو يصلى بين القبور. وحمل الطحاوي الجلوس المنهي عنه على الجلوس لقضاء الحاجة وكره أبو يوسف أن يكتب عليه. وفي " قاضي خان " ولا بأس بكتابة شيء، أو بوضع الأحجار؛ ليكون علامة. وفي " الميحط ": لا بأس بالكتابة عند العذر. البناية شرح الهداية (3/ 259) [3] فتاوى يوسفيه ج٢ص١٠٤–١٠٢ (قَوْلُهُ وَلَا يُجَصَّصُ) لِحَدِيثِ جَابِرٍ «نَهَى رَسُولُ اللَّهِ - صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ - أَنْ يُجَصَّصَ الْقَبْرُ وَأَنْ يُقْعَدَ عَلَيْهِ وَأَنْ يُبْنَى عَلَيْهِ وَأَنْ يُكْتَبَ عَلَيْهِ» وَأَنْ يُوطَأَ وَالتَّجْصِيصُ طَلْيُ الْبِنَاءِ بِالْجِصِّ بِالْكَسْرِ وَالْفَتْحِ كَذَا فِي الْمُغْرِبِ، وَفِي الْخُلَاصَةِ، وَلَا يُجَصَّصُ الْقَبْرُ وَلَا يُطَيَّنُ، وَلَا يُرْفَعُ عَلَيْهِ بِنَاءٌ قَالُوا أَرَادَ بِهِ السَّفَطَ الَّذِي يُجْعَلُ فِي دِيَارِنَا عَلَى الْقَبْرِ وَقَالَ فِي الْفَتَاوَى الْيَوْمَ اعْتَادُوا السَّفَطَ، وَلَا بَأْسَ بِالتَّطْيِينِ. اهـ. وَفِي الظَّهِيرِيَّةِ، وَلَوْ وُضِعَ عَلَيْهِ شَيْءٌ مِنْ الْأَشْجَارِ أَوْ كُتِبَ عَلَيْهِ شَيْءٌ فَلَا بَأْسَ بِهِ عِنْدَ الْبَعْضِ اهـ. وَالْحَدِيثُ الْمُتَقَدِّمُ يَمْنَعُ الْكِتَابَة فَلْيَكُنْ الْمُعَوَّلَ عَلَيْهِ لَكِنْ فَصَّلَ فِي الْمُحِيطِ فَقَالَ: وَإِنْ اُحْتِيجَ إلَى الْكِتَابَةِ حَتَّى لَا يَذْهَبَ الْأَثَرُ وَلَا يُمْتَهَنُ فَلَا بَأْسَ بِهِ فَأَمَّا الْكِتَابَةُ مِنْ غَيْرِ عُذْرٍ فَلَا اهـ البحر الرائق شرح كنز الدقائق ومنحة الخالق وتكملة الطوري (2/ 209) 23 - يُكْرَهُ تَجْصِيصُ الْقُبُورِ وَالْبِنَاءُ عَلَيْهَا اتِّفَاقًا بَيْنَ الْفُقَهَاءِ؛ لِقَوْل جَابِرٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ: نَهَى النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَنْ يُجَصَّصَ الْقَبْرُ، وَأَنْ يُبْنَى عَلَيْهِ (3) وَلأَِنَّ ذَلِكَ مِنَ الْمُبَاهَاةِ وَزِينَةِ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا، وَتِلْكَ مَنَازِل الآْخِرَةِ، وَلَيْسَتْ بِمَوْضِعٍ لِلْمُبَاهَاةِ. وَكَذَا يُكْرَهُ تَطْيِينُهَا عِنْدَ جُمْهُورِ الْفُقَهَاءِ، وَفِي قَوْلٍ عِنْدَ الْحَنَفِيَّةِ جَوَازُهُ. (4) الموسوعة الفقهية الكويتية (11/ 275) [4] صحيح وضعيف سنن الترمذي (3/ 52، بترقيم الشاملة آليا) Askimam

How many "likes"? By Sister Sumaiyah Seedat How many times have we posted a picture that we thought to be something great and to our surprise the picture receives a meager 10 "likes"?...Instant removal ! In our quest to boost our self-confidence, we have become egotistical and as fake as the filters we apply to our pictures on social media. Sadly, our lives have come down to us needing constant validation from others, some of whom are complete strangers to us! This is unhealthy because we build unrealistic views on life and suddenly what Allah Ta'ala has given to us is not enough. We find fault with our complexion, our weight, height even the colour of our hair requires some sort of modification. We are indeed so vulnerable. The filters applied to pictures are deceptive and brainwashing and yet so many of us strive to look that way. "You will never look like the girl on the front page of the magazine, as even that girl doesn't look like her original self" The harms of abusing social media are not only the inferiority-complex it gives its users, it also commonly leads to a narcissistic approach to life. One has reduced their self-worth to the amount of 'likes' they accumulate on their 'selfies' and thus feeding their ego's when they have indeed overlooked that "Allah does not like the arrogant, the boastful" (Qur'an An-Nisa, 4:36). Really, our beauty is sacred; we are beautiful because we are the work of Allah! You do not need validation from any human being. The next time you are about to post a 'selfie' that you are convinced is going to get you many likes, ask yourself 3 things: 1. Would I be comfortable showing this picture to my children? 2. Would I be pleased if they grew up to do the same? 3. If I were to take my last breath tomorrow, would my pictures work for or against me in my grave? Islam is not about doom and gloom, but in fact it's about being in peace and harmony with our Creator 'Ar-Rahmaan'. "Never despair of the mercy of your Lord"(Qur'an Az-Zumar 39:53) No matter how far you may have strayed, do not let Shaitaan (Satan) misguide you into thinking that there is no way back, the doors of forgiveness are always open. Always remember, a pretty face is temporary and inner beauty more important than outer beauty. Rather aspire to "be so beautiful that others can't take their HEARTS off you" Source: eislam

Dr76 writes: (Here) بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم Subhan Allah.. Ajeeb.. i was pondering over this thought today.. like how Allah سبحانه وتعالى makes us turn towards him.. Like a mother teaching a child to walk.. the child is afraid to stand.. let alone walk.. while the mother calls him with outstretched hands.. the child has made a comfort zone with things that would impede his walk.. he has a false belief of safety in his environment.. lies in dirt at times while crawled outside his house.. he doesnt know the joy in walking.. instead feels safe lying down crawling in dirt.. The mother makes cheerful gestures so the child could take a step towards her.. and as he does take it eventually she runs and embraces it with great love as a mother only could.. Our condition is quite similar to this child.. we have crawled out from the shadow of his merciful house.. into the dirt of sins where we have attached ourselves in one way or other.. be it our eyes.. ears.. hearts.. thoughts.. actions.. heedlessness or plain ignorance.. and he stands there.. arms outstretched waiting for us.. that may be today he shall do taubah.. may be today he shall come towards me.. and he waits.. showing his signs.. his mercy.. his bounty.. for us to just take that one little step towards him.. As he says in Hadith Qudusi.. “Take one step towards me, I will take ten steps towards you. Walk towards me, I will run towards you.” So when Allah has blessed us with Imaan.. showed us the path towards him why dont we take that one step towards him.. and ask him to never make us sit again but keep running towards him.. May Allah سبحانه وتعالى give me and u the Taufeeq to make Taubah and run towards him.. duas.. wa Assalam..