shaikhrafique

Muhammad Rafiq Etesami Almighty Allah says in the holy Qur’an, “And when your Lord said to the angels: Surely I am going to create a successor in the earth, they said: Will you make a successor who will make mischief in the earth and shed blood? We, who are sufficient for your glorification and sanctification, Allah said: You do not know what I know” (Qur'an). And the Substance from which man was created is mentioned in the Qur'an: "And We created man from sounding clay, and We created the jinn from a flame of fire before him" (Al-Mu'minun (The Believers) ). The idea is that first the statue of a man was made from the clay and then when it dried and began to grind, then it became the human body and its characteristics were the hardness and weight. And then it was cooked somewhat in fire. That is why it caused to mix a gradient of the evil nature in man. Then this statue was passed through the various stages and then it was able to breath the soul into it. First man was made of by clay that has burden and falls down as usual. And notable is that as mankind falls down physically, also falls down spiritually and morally. Because there are two enemies of man one is inordinate soul (Nafs Ammara) that is the part of his body and the other is Satan Iblis, which according to the hadith circulates like blood inside man. As the history shows the bad tricks of Nafs Ammara and Satan to mislead the people, whether these people are the Muslims or belong to any other religion, race or caste. One thing is common in every human being is that he makes mischiefs, deceives and even kills others for his profitable things. The first man was killed, the son of Adam namely Habeel by his brother Qbeel due to a woman. According to the history, how many human lives have been lost due to get the power, money, women and land, all these things can be seen in the context of the nature of man and from what substance he has been created as mentioned above? But the fact is, all human beings are not equal in nature and morality and character. Because among the human beings, the holy Prophets (peace and mercy of Allah be upon them), good people and saints were born. And it is impossible to Satan and ‘nafs’ to mislead the holy Prophets (PBUH. As regards the saints and good people so Allah also protects them from the tricks of Satan as Says in the holy Qur’an to Satan," verily, thou shalt have no power over My creatures- unless it be such as are [already] lost in grievous error and follow thee [of their own will]” ( Al-Hijr (The Rocky Tract) 15:42). So, in this article, human nature is examined in general, that man often misleads by Satan and inordinate soul. But according to the Qur'an, if someone wants to purify himself, it is quite possible as the holy Qur’an reveal, “Indeed, he is successful who purifies himself, and remembers and prays (to Allah), but you prefer the worldly life, while the Hereafter is better and more lasting” (Al-A'la (The Most High) 87:15 )۔ Therefore, the best way for a faithful believer is that he should make himself purify and should protects from the tricks of Nafs Amara and Satan Iblis.

By Mohammad Rafiq etesame Allah Almighty says in the holy Quran, "As many friends as there are will be enemies on that day, but those who fear Allah, O my servants, there will be no fear for you this day, nor will you be sad" (al-Zakharf: 68). Infect Allah is the real fried of the Muslim, He helps him, He is invisible but all the time is with him as the holy Qur,an reveals:- “human vision can encompass Him, whereas He encompasses all human vision: for He alone is unfathomable, all-aware”. (The Cattle) 6:103 Also” God is near unto those who have faith, taking them out of deep darkness into the light - whereas near unto those who are bent on denying the truth are the powers of evil that take them out of the light into darkness deep: it is they who are destined for the fire, therein to abide” Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:257 Also those are the real friends of him from the human beings who are the piety and pious and true Muslims and act upon the good example (uswae hasana) of the holy Prophet PBUH and are the true in their words, as the holy Qur,an reveals “O YOU who have attained to faith! Remain conscious of God, and be among those who are true to their word! (The Repentance) 9:119 It is written in the Tafsir that on this day (the Day of Judgment) a friend will run away from a lest he should not be caught because of him, all the friendships and loves in the world will be cut off on that day lest anyone should not to be arrested because of any others investigation? Nowadays, some people are very much affected by Hindu culture and civilization after watching movies and dramas and try to adopt their habits and style. So a Muslim should be careful about his friendship and he should nod make friends to those who are the infidels, atheists, ascribing partners to Allah, or have wrong belief against Islam and they should Muslims, May Allah give us toufeeq to do so, Amin.

By Mohammad Rafique Etesame The holy Quran makes mention: - ND UNTO GOD belongs the dominion over the heavens and the earth: and God has the power to will anything” ---( Al-Imran (The Family of Imran) 3:189), And,“verily, God has the power to do anything.” (Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:20), and” God always prevails in whatever be His purpose: but most people know it not, and ” ), and ” God always prevails in The Originator is He of the heavens and the earth and when He wills a thing to be, He but says unto it, 'Be' -and it is”. (Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:117)whatsoever be His purpose: but most people know it not, These verses reveal that a faithful believer should has his full trust in God knowing that He is the absolute King of the universe that have full power and authority, to enforce His commandment over His creature and should not be doubtful about it because a hadith reveals that Allah is with His servant whatever he thinks about Him ashttps://www.islamicboard.com/images/smilies/embarassed.gif/ So, a man should good thinking about Allah in order to all his problems and needs should be solved and he can get unlimited mercy of Allah, Amin

حَدَّثَنَا الأَنْصَارِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا مَعْنٌ، حَدَّثَنَا مَالِكٌ، عَنْ أَبِي الزِّنَادِ، عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ لاَ يَقُولُ أَحَدُكُمُ اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي إِنْ شِئْتَ اللَّهُمَّ ارْحَمْنِي إِنْ شِئْتَ لِيَعْزِمِ الْمَسْأَلَةَ فَإِنَّهُ لاَ مُكْرِهَ لَهُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ ‏.‏ Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “None of you should say: ‘O Allah forgive me if You wish. O Allah have mercy on me if You wish.’ Let him be firm in asking, for there is none that can compel Him to do things.” This hadith reveals that if a believer asks for anything to Allah, then he should not hesitate and should be confuse, but he should ask by open heart what is permissible in the shariah and he should not be doubtful about it. Because Allah can do everything whatever He wants as the holy Quran reveals, “verily, God has the power to do anything.” (Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:20) And…” God always prevails in whatever be His purpose: but most people know it not.” Yusuf (Joseph) 12:21 May Allah give us power to do so, Amin.

يَوْمَ لَا يَنفَعُ مَالٌۭ وَلَا بَنُونَ ٨٨ إِلَّا مَنْ أَتَى ٱللَّهَ بِقَلْبٍۢ سَلِيمٍۢ 26:89) The holy Quran reveals "The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, Except him who brings to Allah a clean heart [clean from Shirk (polytheism) and Nifaq (hypocrisy)]: The question is: what does it mean qalbe saleem ? whether it means a ritualistically heart free from diseases? But it means a hart free from infidelity ascribing partners to Allah A lmighty, hatred enmity and Nifaq (hypocrisy)]deceit etc. as a hadith reveals:- Anas reported God’s messenger as saying, “Sonny, if you can keep your heart morning and evening void of deceit towards anyone, do so.” Then he said, “Sonny, that pertains to my sunna. He who loves my sunna has loved me, and he who loves me will be with me in paradise.” (Mish kat ul masabeeh) So, it is the need of time that we should clean our hearts from all spiritual diseases in order to be really successful at the Day of Judgement.

عَنْ عَبْدِ اللهِ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ‏:‏ عَلَيْكُمْ بِالصِّدْقِ، فَإِنَّ الصِّدْقَ يَهْدِي إِلَى الْبِرِّ، وَإِنَّ الْبِرَّ يَهْدِي إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ، وَإِنَّ الرَّجُلَ يَصْدُقُ حَتَّى يُكْتَبَ عِنْدَ اللهِ صِدِّيقًا، وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَالْكَذِبَ، فَإِنَّ الْكَذِبَ يَهْدِي إِلَى الْفُجُورِ، وَالْفُجُورَ يَهْدِي إِلَى النَّارِ، وَإِنَّ الرَّجُلَ لَيَكْذِبُ حَتَّى يُكْتَبَ عِنْدَ اللهِ كَذَّابًا‏.‏ Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani) صـحـيـح (الألباني) The Truth saves a man and lies destroys himself! By Mohammad Rafique Etesame Abdullah reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "You must be truthful. Truthfulness leads to dutifulness and dutifulness leads to the Garden. A man continues to tell the truth until he is written as a siddiq with Allah. Beware of lying. Lying leads to deviance and deviance leads to the Fire. A man continues to lie until he is written as a liar with Allah." (Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani) This hadith reveals that a man should be a truthful one should not be a liar. Because the truthfulness gives guarantee to the everlasting success as the holy Qur’an makes mention,” Allah says: This is a day in which their truthfulness profits the truthful, for theirs are Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they are secure forever, Allah taking pleasure in them and they in Him. That is the great triumph” (Al-Ma'idah (The Table Spread) 5:119). As it is said that “The truth saves and lies destroys." It means that a man should be a truthful one in every walk of life i.e. to his parents, to his children, to his business fellows, to his relatives and to other people etc. Similarly, he should save himself from lying, because a liar attains no reliable status in the society and he remains a rejected one and a failure one in every walk of life. So, a man should be careful about the truth and lying, because its profit and loss goes to his own self and not to anyone else. May Allah Almighty gives us power to act upon this hadith, amin.

Hatred is the razor, that shaves away the deen! By Mohammad Rafique Etesame Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "By the One in Whose Hand my soul is, you will not enter Paradise until you submit to Islam. And, you will not submit to Islam until you love one another. Extend the greeting to one another and you will love one another. Beware of hatred, for it is the razor. I do not tell you that it shaves the hair, but it shaves away the deen." حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ أَبِي أُوَيْسٍ قَالَ‏:‏ حَدَّثَنِي أَخِي، عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ بْنِ بِلاَلٍ، عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ بْنِ أَبِي أُسَيْدٍ، عَنْ جَدِّهِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ‏:‏ وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ، لاَ تَدْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ حَتَّى تُسْلِمُوا، وَلاَ تُسْلِمُوا حَتَّى تَحَابُّوا، وَأَفْشُوا السَّلاَمَ تَحَابُّوا، وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَالْبُغْضَةَ، فَإِنَّهَا هِيَ الْحَالِقَةُ، لاَ أَقُولُ لَكُمْ‏:‏ تَحْلِقُ الشَّعْرَ، وَلَكِنْ تَحْلِقُ الدِّينَ‏.‏ (الألباني حسن لغيره) Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "By the One in Whose Hand my soul is, you will not enter Paradise until you submit to Islam. And, you will not submit to Islam until you love one another. Extend the greeting to one another and you will love one another. Beware of hatred, for it is the razor. I do not tell you that it shaves the hair, but it shaves away the deen." This hadith reveals three things, first is that nobody can enter Paradise until he/she accepts Islam, because no other religion except Islam will be accepted in the Day of Resurrection. Second is that, despite acceptance Islam, it is necessary that there should be love, affection and sympathy among the Muslims also. And, to achieve this purpose, greeting should be extended among themselves. And the third is most important, it means that abhorrence, loathing, or abomination etc. should not be among the faithful believer and heart should be clean from malice, ill feeling bitterness and arrogance from others. The holy Prophet PBUH said,” Anyone has an atom's weight of arrogance in his heart will not enter Paradise." A man said:" What if one likes his clothes and shoes to look good?" He said: "Verily, Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty. Arrogance is to reject the truth and look down on people." Sahih/Authentic. - [Muslim] So, in order to entering Paradise, every faithful believer should arrange to act upon this hadith, amin.

Implementation on Quran is quite impossible without Hadith of the holy Prophet PBUH By Mohammad Rafique Etesame Wahii (Revelation) has two categories ‘wahii matlow’ (which is being recited i.e. the holy Qur’an) and ‘wahii ghair matlow ‘(which is not recited) i.e. hadith, the sayings of the holy Prophet PBUH. In the holy Qur’an, there are the commandments of Allah Almighty, for offering Salat, paying Zakat, observing the fasts of Ramadan etc. And How can these orders be implemented? So, we find the guidance for it in the hadith. In fact, the holy Prophet PBUH is the practical commentary of the holy Qur’an, as the mother of the faithful believer Aisha siddiqah R.A. said that, عَنْ سَعْدِ بْنِ ہِشَامِ بْنِ عَامِرٍ قَالَ: أَتَیْتُ عَائِشَۃَ فَقُلْتُ: یَا أُمَّ الْمُؤْمِنِینَ! أَخْبِرِینِی بِخُلُقِ رَسُولِ اللّٰہِ ‌صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وآلہ ‌وسلم قَالَتْ: کَانَ خُلُقُہُ الْقُرْآنَ، أَمَا تَقْرَأُ الْقُرْآنَ قَوْلَ اللّٰہِ عَزَّوَجَلَّ: {وَإِنَّکَ لَعَلٰی خُلُقٍ عَظِیمٍ}؟ It means The morals of the Messenger of Allah, PBUH, were the Qur'an. He was included in the habits and morals of Allah (may peace be upon him). For example, the holy Qur’an makes mention,” Establish worship, pay the poor-due, and bow your heads with those who bow (in worship)”. (Al-Baqara) 2:43). So, the Messenger of Allah, PBUH, established Salat before his companions R.A. and said, that was the real meanings of the Salat, as a hadith reveals, صلوا کما رایتمونی اصلی “offer Salat just as I am offering it”. Similarly, he explained that what is the fixed quantity of Zakat from the earning of a believer? Also how can a believer observer fasts of Ramadan and what are its terms and conditions? However, some people (Ahle al-Qur’an) say that the holy Prophet PBUH gave to his Ummah only the holy Qur’an just like a post man delivers a message card or document only, and all hadiths are fabricated and invented by men and Unreliable. The holy Qur’an is sufficient for us and that,” Do not use any hadith invented by human to explain Quranic verses, Allah is very clear in His verses etc. And if someone asks them to prove their prayers, Zakat or fasting of Ramadan form the holy Qur’an and must reply these questions as: - (1) What is the correct method to perform an obligatory Salat? (2) How many units (rak’t) should be offered in Salat Zuhar, Asar or in other Salats? (3) How many are the obligations (fraiz) of Salat? (4) How many are the wajibat of Salat? (5) By which action the Salat goes invalid? (6) If a man commits a mistake in Slat, how can he reform it by ‘sajda sahwah’? (7) what is the fixed amount of Zakat from earning? (8) Who should pay Zakat (poor-due) and who are deserving to receive it? (9) How can a believer observer fasts of Ramadan and what are its terms and conditions according the holy Quran? So, they cannot answer these questions at all, but are stubborn refusal to every argument. Also if asked to them that “how do they establish their own Salat according the holy Quran, give an example, so they become silent. The question i: when they do not pray any Salat, then how can they respond? And if they offer funeral prayer on their dead, then what is its method apparat from hadith? So, a faithful believer should act upon the ‘uswai-hasana’ of the holy Prophet PBUH, in order to implement on the complete Islam. May Allah Almighty give us ‘taufeeq’to do so, amin.

Celebrating Eid meelad-un-Nabi PBUH by taking out procession, is only a lip service? By Mohammad Rafique Etesame Every year when 12 rabi-ul-awwal comes, some Muslims celebrates Eid meelad-un-Nabi PBUH i.e. ‘Eid of birth day’ of the holy Prophet PBUH and they take out processions to the market and bazars, with music and a statue of the shrine of the holy Prophet PBUH by some processions also. The question is: whether all this is permissible in Islam and whether the holy Prophet PBUH and his companions and those who came after them, celebrated Eid meelad-un-Nabi PBUH? So, assuredly not, but reality is that, almost one thousand years after the passing away of the holy Prophet PBUH, we do not find such type of example in history. In principle, this is an occasion of great happiness and good luck for every Muslim but, how to celebrate it, so scholars differ in this issue. The best way of it is, to recite Drood Sharif more and more on the holy Prophet PBUH, and to mention the good attributes of him and also to intend firmly to follow the uswai-hasana i.e. the good example of the holy Prophet PBUH. And it can be witnesses for years that, those who celebrate Eid meelad-un-Nabi PBUH in this occasion by taken out processions, have not changed themselves according to the Islamic teachings yet. Whether it is not only a lip service? eid-milad-un-nabi_650x400_41512225601.webp

Definition of '‘Shirk Jali (plain) and Shirk khafi (hidden) By Mohammad Rafiqu Etesame The holy Qur’an makes mention,” Indeed, shirk is the greatest injustice" (Al-Quran). There are two types of shirk: shirk jali (open or plain shirk) and shirk khafi or hidden shirk. Definition of plain shirk is that, to associate partners with Allah Almighty i.e. to hold belief that Allah Almighty is true God and worthy of worship, He gives life and death, provides to his creation, fulfills their needs, sends down rains and blowing winds, etc. Just like that, such and such god, goddess or the sun, the moon, fire or other natural phenomena (to whom these people give the status of God), are the worthy of worship and can do these actions. Now to understand the definition of hidden shirk, it is necessary that every action is done only by Allah’s will and command as the holy Qur’an makes mention,” The decision is for Allah only. He tells the truth and He is the Best of Deciders” ﴾57﴿. According to these verses, everything is in motion only by Allah’s command and no living creator can move without this, even a man cannot hold a cup of tea by his own will unless Allah wants, and the effect of profit or loss in everything exists by His order. For example, cooling of ice and burning of fire is only by His command, and they can do nothing by themselves. The holy Qur'an coin a similitude of Prophet Abraham PBUH, that when he was put into fire, then Allah's command came,” [But] We said: O fire! Be thou cool, and [a source of] inner peace for Abraham!” (Al-Anbiya (The Prophets) 21:69). And the fire did not burn him but became the pleasant for him instead. And it is proved by the holy Qur’an that when the Prophet Abraham PBUH intended to slaughter to his son Prophet Ishmael PBUH with a knife, but the knife did not work, because Allah did not order to it to do so and a sheep was slaughtered instead. Similarly, food and water cannot quench hunger and thirst of anyone and no medicine can heel but by Allah’s command. So, according to Islamic teachings, when any Muslim takes a food or water or medicine, then he should intend that, “I am taking them only by following Allah’s command and sunnah of the holy Prophet PBUH. Now the definition of Shirk khafi is that, to give too much importance to beings, which function as a means in the creation of things, and to think that they have the power to influence, then this is a hidden shirk or shirk khafi. For example, food water or medicine are only the means to fulfills a need, and if someone thinks that these are independent to do something by themselves without Divine command, then he commits shirk khafi. And the man who does so, it is like that he adopts many other ‘gods’ besides a real One God. For example, one god causes to quench his hunger and other his thrust, and some heels his disease etc. Now a question arises here that, generally when a Muslim eats food or drinks water and he does not intend anything, whether he commits shirk khafi? But it doesn’t so, because Oneness of God exists in every Muslim’s heart and he knows well that everything is done by Allah’s command. Therefore, he doesn’t commit shirk, however the disbelievers when they commit plain shirk by ascribing partners to Allah Almighty, then they also commit shirk khafi along with it.

Everyone has recognized Allah Almighty in the world of spirits, and knows about his right and wrong? Part one By Mohammad Rafique Etesame This is verily interesting, but is reality that every man has recognized Allah Almighty when he was in the world of spirits before coming in this world and knows well about the right and wrong actions as per the teachings of Islam? The Holy Qur'an makes mention,” And (remember) when thy Lord brought forth from the Children of Adam, from their reins, their seed, and made them testify of themselves, (saying): Am I not your Lord? They said: Yea, verily. We testify. (That was) lest ye should say at the Day of Resurrection: Lo! of this we were unaware; Or lest ye should say: (It is) only (that) our fathers ascribed partners to Allah of old and we were (their) seed after them. Wilt Thou destroy us on account of that which those who follow falsehood did?” ﴾(Al-A'raf: 173﴿ The Commentators explanation that,” God gathered all human beings, and divided them into different groups, granted them human form and the faculty of speech, made them enter into a covenant, and then making them witnesses against themselves He asked them: ‘Am I not your Lord?’ They replied: ‘Assuredly you are Our Lord.’ Then God told them: ‘I call upon the sky and the earth and your own progenitor, Adam, to be witness against you lest you should say on the Day of Judgement that you were ignorant of this. Know well that no one other than Me deserves to he worshipped and no one other than Me is your Lord. So do not ascribe any partner to Me. I shall send to you My Messengers who will remind you of this covenant which you made with Me. I shall send down to you My Books.’ In reply all said: ‘We witness that You are Our Lord and our Deity. We have no lord or deity other than You.’ (Musnad Ahmad b. Hanbal) Now, this is crystal clear that man has observed Allah Almighty in the world of sprits and has testified about Him as being The Lord and The Master of the universe, and since then up to his birth, he does not forget that covenant as a hadith reveals about it, “Abu Huraira, narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Every child is born with a true faith (i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone) but his parents convert him to Judaism or to Christianity or to Magainism, as an animal delivers a perfect baby animal. Do you find it mutilated?" Then Abu Huraira recited the holy verses: 'The pure Allah's Islamic nature (true faith i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone), with which He has created human beings.' " (30.30).

Everyone has recognized Allah Almighty in the world of spirits, and knows about his right and wrong? Part two. Now the question is: when man become a young one, whether that covenant is fresh in his mind till now? The answer is yes, because as we see that every man has a spirit of worship and he is excited for that he should bow down before any supernatural power. Therefore, every man adopts a religion to satisfy this passion. Notable that whenever the ruins of an ancient civilization are discovered in any part of the world, there exists a boundary of a place of worship necessarily. But the religion of Islam guides a man to the right way of worship i.e. to worship of Allah Almighty, a real Supernatural Power and The Creator of the universe. Now the question is: how can man knows about the right and wrong actions by himself? So, the holy Qur’an makes mention,” And a soul and Him Who perfected it, And inspired it (with conscience of) what is wrong for it and (what is) right for it” (Surah Shams: 8). Also mentions, “And showed him the two ways (of good and evil)” (Surah Balad, Verses: 10). According to the commentators, in the conscience of man there is a light or a criterion of guidance that has been granted to him to examines the facts he faces and it does not take long for him to know about them as to right and wrong or the truth and falsehood? For example, if someone is asked about stealing, committing adultery, to kill or to hurt someone, injustice, or to be disobedience to the parents that, what type of these actions? He will immediately reply without any hesitation that, all these actions are wrong, immoral and should not be done. And on the other hand, if he is asked about the moral status of to worship, to help others, to get rid of a debtor's neck from debt, to obey the parents and to share in someone's pain and trouble state of affairs? So he will immediately answer that all these actions are good and should be done! He will never say in reply that, “I don’t know what type of these actions, First I shall read my religious book or I shall ask to my religious leader, priest or a Guru, then I shall answer! Reason is that, this Devine light guides to him every time. So, everyone should be careful about his covenant and should be ready to obey the commandments of Allah, in order to be successful one!

A black spot on the heart due to committing sins! By Mohammad Rafique Etesame Abu Hurairah (R.A.) reported: The Messenger of Allah, https://youtu.be/E7nBcWHmXUI be upon him, said, “Verily, when the believer commits a sin a black spot appears upon his heart. If he repents and abandons the sin and seeks forgiveness, then his heart will be polished. If he increases in sin, then the blackness is also increased. That is the covering which Allah has mentioned in His Book: No, but on their hearts is a covering because of what they have earned.” (83:14) This hadith reveals that when a faithful believer commits a sin it leaves a black spot on his heart. If he repents and be ashamed of that sin, then this spot will be removed, and if it is not so, then this black spot increases and covers his heart as a whole. And this does not mean that the heart turns black in real, but it means that the evil of the sins covers the heart and puts the believer away from the mercy of Allah. Now the question is: what happens when the whole heart of the believer covered with the blackness of the sins? So, his heart becomes spiritually dead due to this, because when a faithful believer commits a sin with a living heart, then he feels a knocking or pricking in his heart and becomes uncomfortable. According to another hadith,” An-Nawwas bin Sam'an (RAA) narrated, ‘I asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) about virtue and sin and he replied, “The essence of virtue is (manifested in) good morals (Akhlaq) whereas sinful conduct is that which turns in your heart (making you feel uncomfortable) and you dislike that it would be disclosed to other people.” In other words, it means that his living heart says to him after committing sin,” what you have done, this is wrong and a sin, seek forgiveness to Allah and repent.” And on the other hand, if his heart is dead, then there is no pricking or knocking at all. As we see that some people commit sins in the name of custom of the times and do not care for the Islamic teachings and are quite free to do whatever they want… Perhaps they love much to their people or friends and think that,” when the accountability will be held at the Day of Resurrection, and if our friends will be entered in Paradise, then most welcome, and if by chance or unfortunately, they will be entered in the Hell-fire, then no problem, we shall also be entered into it with them!” So, it is wrong thinking and every faithful believer should stop himself from committing sins as it is possible, but if committed, then he should repent and intend not to do again. So that his heart may be pure and may be granted the blessings and mercy of Allah, amin!

Definition of Hadith of the holy Prophet PBUH and its authority in the religion of Islam By Mohammad Rafique Etesame Almighty Allah Says in the holy Qur’an,” And whatsoever the messenger giveth you, take it. And whatsoever he forbiddeth, abstain (from it). And keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is stern in reprisal.” (Al-Hashar : 7). And,” وَأَمَّا بِنِعْمَةِ رَبِّكَ فَحَدِّثْ Therefor of the bounty of thy Lord be thy discourse. ﴾Az-Zuha: 11﴿. And the holy Prophet PBUH said,” حدثوا عنی ولا حرج” Talk to me, no problem. Literal meaning of hadith is utterance or to speak any word, but according to Islamic term, it applies to the saying, actions and the silent approval of the holy Prophet PBUH. It means if a companion of the holy Prophet PBUH did any Islamic act in the presence of the holy Prophet PBUH, and it was in his PBUH notice, but he did not disapprove and criticize it. Then this was the proof that it was right. Also hadith is defined as,” A compilation of narratives describing the sayings, practices and silent approval of Prophet Muhammad. And a collection of traditions containing sayings of the prophet Muhammad PBUH which, with accounts of his daily practice (Sunnah), constitute the major source of guidance for Muslims apart from the Al-Qur’an. And Hadith have been called "the backbone" of Islamic civilization, and within Islam the authority of hadith as a source for religious law and moral guidance ranks second only to that of the Quran. (Wikipedia) Hadith is, infect the practical explanation of the holy Qur’an, the holy Prophet PBUH expounded the commandments of the holy Qur’an by his good example, the holy Qur’an makes mention,” وَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُوا۟ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَٱرْكَعُوا۟ مَعَ ٱلرَّٰكِعِينَ “and be constant in prayer, and spend in charity, and bow down in prayer with all who thus bow down”. (The Cow) 2:43). So, the holy Prophet PBUH said,” صلوا کما رایتمونی اصلی” establish prayers just as I establish them. So, the holy Prophet PBUH established the daily five prayers with detail and explained their complete method. Now, only that prayer will be accepted and is authentic that is offered in the same way of the good example of the holy Prophet PBUH, and apart from that, any prayer that is offered against it , will be rejected. Similarly, the holy Prophet PBUH offered other worships like zakat (poor-due, charity), fasting of the Month of Ramadan, going to Hajj and other religious matters by his good example. So, a faithful believer should follow this “uswai hasana” in every walk of life, so that he/she may be successful in this life and also in the Hereafter.

Islam vs Monasticism, the salient features of Islam (1) By Mohammad Rafique Etesame Monasticism is defined as: - “Monasticism, or monkhood, is a religious way of life in which one renounces worldly pursuits to devote oneself fully to spiritual work. This is the religious practice of living apart from the world, usually secluded in a community of like-minded people, to avoid sin and grow closer to God.” This is the specific way adopted by some people in order to grow closer to God, as regards the religion of Islam, so it is against it as a hadith of the holy Prophet PBUH reveals as: - Anas declared that God’s messenger used to say, “Do not impose austerities on yourselves and so have God imposing austerities on you; for people have imposed austerities on themselves and God has imposed austerities on them. Their survivors are to be found in cells and monasteries.” [Then he quoted from the holy Qur’an], “Monasticism, they invented it; we did not prescribe it for them” ( Al-Hadid 57:27). The question is: what does a man do to become a monastic? So, there are many ways to become a Monastic or Monk but a common thing is that he does not marry so that he may separate himself or herself from society either by living as a hermit or anchorite (religious recluse) or by joining a community

Islam vs Monasticism, the salient features of Islam (2) By Mohammad Rafique Etesame But the best way to get oneself closer to God is, to accept Islam and to act upon its teachings. In this way a faithful believer, not only can fulfills his natural desires or other requirements i.e. to get married, eating delicious foods and drinks, having children and to pass a luxury life etc. And also he can gets himself closer to God along with it. Also he can attain the highest position of spirituality in the best manner than the Monasticism or Monkhood. But Some Monastics, Monks and those who left social life and take refuge in jungle, mountains or caves, they claim that they do hard exercises to gain high spiritual places. But if considered, then it becomes clear that living in the society and act upon the teachings of Islam is more difficult than these exercises. Reason is that, when a man gets used to any hard work and toil in any circumstances, then, by and by this work becomes a feature of his nature and he feels no difficulty to do it. For example, if you see someone walks on ice even in winter season, or eats leafs of a tree as his food, or uses any other abnormal foods, then people become surprise to see him, while it is his routine work. On the other hand, when a believer who passes a routine life in society and eats every delicious food and drink, meanwhile, the month of Ramadan falls. Now he is bound to stop himself from eating, drinking and fulfilling sexual desire at least for sixteen to twenty hours more or less, except in the time of ‘suhor’ when he begins his fast or when he breaks his fast at evening’ this is for a month. So, actually, this is difficult because this is not his routine habit. Similarly, offering prayers for five times daily regularly both in summer and winter season particularly when he is busy in his business or service, as the holy Qur’an reveals,” Seek help in patience and prayer; and truly it is hard save for the humble-minded, Who know that they will have to meet their Lord, and that unto Him they are returning” ﴾Al-Baqarah: 46﴿. And along with it, to become safe from unlawful earnings and other bad acts like telling a lie, betrayal to others and adultery etc. These acts are not impossible but difficult, also paying all the rights and duties to his wife, children and of other people, all these acts are difficult than Monasticism and other hard exercises of None-Muslims like Sadhu and Guru others. So, the best way to get real spiritual purity and pleasure of God is, to join Islam and act upon its teachings.

Why do people accept or convert to the religion of Islam? (2) By Mohammad Rafique Etesame Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Every child is born with a true faith of Islam (i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone) but his parents convert him to Judaism, Christianity or Magainism, as an animal delivers a perfect baby animal. Do you find it mutilated?" Then Abu Huraira recited the holy verses: ‏{‏فِطْرَةَ اللَّهِ الَّتِي فَطَرَ النَّاسَ عَلَيْهَا لاَ تَبْدِيلَ لِخَلْقِ اللَّهِ ذَلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ‏} "The pure Allah's Islamic nature (true faith of Islam) (i.e. worshipping none but Allah) with which He has created human beings. No change let there be in the religion of Allah (i.e. joining none in worship with Allah). That is the straight religion (Islam) but most of men know, not." (30.30) Every child born on the right nature means that every child born with a true faith of Islam because he has seen Allah Almighty already at the “yaume alast“ and has testified about Him as being his Lord and The Creator of the world and that is why the foundation of Islam is rooted in his heart. But when he becomes a young, he adopts his forefather’s religion automatically. But reality is: the passion, devotion and longing of Islam exists in his heart yet. That is why in most cases, we see that many people try their best to study and understand Islam and at last they accept or convert to Islam. (The end)

Why do people accept or convert to the religion of Islam? (1) By Mohammad Rafique Etesame The holy Qur’an makes mention,” Lo! religion with Allah (is) the Surrender (to His Will and Guidance). Those who (formerly) received the Scripture differed only after knowledge came unto them, through transgression among themselves. Whoso disbelieveth the revelations of Allah (will find that) lo! Allah is swift at reckoning”. (The Family of Imran) 3:19 These verses reveal that the religion with Allah is only Islam but as we see that people follow many religions rather than Islam in the world i.e. Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Shinto, Sikhism, Confucianism, Jainism, Hinduism and Taoism etc. The question arises here that why do people follow the various religions for worship and what is the reason behind it? So, the reason is that every man has a sense of worship into him, it means he seriously wishes that he should bow down and or to prostrate before a Supernatural being. That is why when any ruins of ancient civilization are discovered in any part of the world, a temple also exists in it in which people used to worship according to their belief. Now the question is: where from this sense of worship has been created in man, so the holy Qur’an reveals,” And (remember) when thy Lord brought forth from the Children of Adam, from their reins, their seed, and made them testify of themselves, (saying): Am I not your Lord? They said: Yea, verily. We testify. (That was) lest ye should say at the Day of Resurrection: Lo! of this we were unaware; Or lest ye should say: (It is) only (that) our fathers ascribed partners to Allah of old and we were (their) seed after them. Wilt Thou destroy us on account of that which those who follow falsehood did? (Al-A'raf (The Heights) 7:172 ). (To be continued)

Infidels or the Atheists will desire, would that We Were the Muslims!! By Mohammad Rafique Etesame The holy Qur’an makes mention,” It may be that those who disbelieve, wish ardently that they were Muslims. Let them eat and enjoy life, and let them (false) hope beguile them, they will come to know”. (Al-Hajar:3) These verses reveal that a time will come when the infidels, Atheists or the other None-Muslims will wish seriously that they were the Muslims! The question is: when will this time come? So according to the commentators the first occasion was that when the chieftains of the infidels of Mecca were defeated by the poor Muslims of Madinah in the battle of Badar. Then they wished if they had the Muslims, they would have not been dishonored and defeated. And the second occasion is that when every None-Muslim dies and sees at that time to the Angels capturing souls and tormenting, then he wishes seriously that if he were the Muslim, then he will die easily and would not be punished. And the third occasion was that when Mecca was conquered and the holy Prophet PBUH entered victoriously in it and the disbelievers fear what will happen to us? Would that if we were the Muslims, then will be safe and sound and will get the privileges of the Muslims. And the last occasion will be that when it was Day of Judgement and the Muslims will be made enter the Paradise and the infidels and the sinful Muslims will be made enter the Hellfire. Then the infidels will make joke to the Muslims saying that “what type of benefit did you take from your Islam that you are also burning with us?” Then Allah will Ordains that, “Take out (of the Fire) whoever has got faith equal to a mustard seed in his heart. Then those Muslims will be brought out and be entered in Paradise and then the doors of Hell will be closed forever. Then the disbelievers will wish would that if we were the Muslims, we were also be safe from the Hell-fire and will be entered the Paradise.

Who Has Created Your Lord? By Mohammad Rafique Etesame Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "Satan comes to one of you and says, 'who created so-and-so?’ Till he says, 'Who has created your Lord?' So, when he inspires such a question, one should seek refuge with Allah and give up such thoughts"( Bokhari). This hadith reveals that Satan Iblis whispers to a believer about Allah’s existence saying that “who has created God? So that he may cast doubt on him and make him speechless about Allah-Almighty as being a Creator of this universe. And also he may mislead him and causes him not to act upon the teachings of Islam. So in this whisper touches him, the believers must seek refuge in Allah and read: اعوذ باللہ من الشیطٰن الرجیم and put away this whispering. As regards that how can one recognize God, so, a man should consider in various signs i.e. signs in his soul and signs in the horizon. As regards the signs of Allah’s existence in the human’s soul, so he should think about himself that where he come from and how did he was created? So he was a thickened fluid in the womb of mother at first, and then he is delivered in this world and then by and by he becomes young and old and then he embraces the death, this is the reality of human being. A hadith reveals that من عرف نفسہ فقد عرف ربہ “who has recognized himself i.e. his reality, then he can recognize Almighty.” As regards the horizontal signs, so man should consider over the sky, Moon, Sun, Stars, Planets Galaxies and their movements into a fixed circle. Because they are Billions of trillions, but they do not collide with each other at all. The holy Qur’an reveals,” And He it is Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. They float, each in an orbit. ﴾ Al-Anbiya :33﴿ Those who want to recognizes Allah Almighty sincerely and strive for it, then they can find Him surely as the holy Qur’an reveals,” But as for those who strive hard in Our cause -We shall most certainly guide them onto paths that lead unto Us: for, behold, God is indeed with the doers of good” (Al-'Ankabut 29:69). Only Discussion for discussion is not useful in this way.

Be in this world as if you are a stranger or a way-farer! By Mohammad Rafique Etesame `Abdullah bin Umar R.A. said, "Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) took hold of my shoulder and said, 'Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler." The sub-narrator added: Ibn `Umar used to say, "If you survive till the evening, do not expect to be alive in the morning, and if you survive till the morning, do not expect to be alive in the evening, and take from your health for your sickness, and (take) from your life for your death." This hadith reveals that a man (faithful believer) should live in this world as if he is a stranger or a traveler! But, although this is not impossible yet difficult definitely. Only the companions R.A. of the holy Prophet PBUH could act upon this advice. As regards the current era, we see that everyone wants to pass a comfortable and luxury life. In which he should have all facilities, a furnished and spacious home, a sound business and a car etc. Although everyone cannot get all of this, but he tries his best to do so. The hadith further reveals that, “take from your health for your sickness, and (take) from your life for your death. It means that he should value his time and don’t waste it, and does sufficient work lest any sickness falls on him and he cannot do any more. Similarly, he should get from his life that will be useful to him in the Hereafter. It means he should pass his life following to the good example of the holy Prophet PBUH and act upon Shariah orders. Because this is a temporary life while the life after death is everlasting and unlimited. Therefore, the wise man is the one who should value his time and do good actions. May Almighty give us power to act upon this hadith, Amin.

Fire of Enmity can be Put out by Love By Mohammad Rafique Etesame Islam gives the lesson of love, affection, friendship sympathy and tolerance etc. Entire Muslims living in any part of the world are brothers to one another’s by the thread of Islam. It is the religion that lays stress on cleanliness of the hearts from hate malice, hostility, grudge and suspicious etc. The most honorable person in the sight of Islam is the one who is pious and piety. The Holly Qur’an reveals,” Lo! The noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Lo! Allah is Knower, Aware.” (Al-Hojrat: 13) Hazrat Anas bin Malik (R.A), a companion of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), was his attendant and lived in his service for ten years. One day the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said to him,” O my son! If you can pass your life in such a way that you have no hatred or enmity for anyone in your heart; then this is my Sunnah and who loves my Sunnah, as he loves me, and who loves me, will be with me in Paradise.” (Al-Mishkat-ul-Malabeeh). This is the reality that the reaction of hatred always becomes double. It means if someone abuses to other, then other tries even to cut his tongue, and if someone gives a slap on other’s face, the tries to break even his face instead. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) spread Islam by love, pardon, and toleration as the good example of his life reveals. He also put out the fire of enmity going on almost four hundred years among the tribes of Arab by his good morality and character. The Holy Qur’an reveals,” Verily ye have in them a goodly pattern for everyone who looks to Allah and the Last Day. And whosoever may turn away, lo! Still Allah, He is the absolute, the Owner of Praise.” Usually, the basis of hatred and enmity is an outcome of suspicion; that is prohibited in Islam. Almighty Allah Ordains,” O ye who believe! Shun much suspicion, for lo! Some suspicion is a sin. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you love to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You abhor that (so abhor that other)! And keep your duty (to Allah). Lo! Allah is Relenting, Merciful.” (Al-Hojorat:12) The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, “O the slaves of Allah, avoid the suspicion! Because it is a false thing, and spy not to anyone, not become jealousy, nor hateful, and not have enmity in your hearts for others, and should not break the relationship with others and be the true brothers to one another’s as it is the command of Allah. Enmity and suspicion is created by anger. So, those who suppress their anger and forgive the people are desirable persons in the sight of Islam (Al-Mishkat). The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said that the real wrestler is not the one who causes the other wrestler down on his back, but it is that who keeps control over his passions at the time of anger. He also said that when anyone becomes angry, if he is standing, sit down, and if he is sitting, then he should lie down and drink water. Because anger is created by fire and fire becomes cold by water. (Almishkat-ul-Masbeeh) So, it is the need of time to put out the fire of enmity among us, by love and affection. May Allah Almighty Give us “Taufeeq” to do so Ameen.

What is the real Friendship and How to Find a Best Friend? (2) By Muhammad Rafique Etesame Now the question is: what Allah has given or will give to man as being his Friend, and similarly what does man can give to Allah Almighty as being His friend? So, what Allah has given to His slave, cannot be counted at all because His treasures of grace and generosity are limitless. He Ordains in the holy Qur’an, “If you want to count God's blessings, you will never be able to count them” (Al-Qur’an). And as for the man, so what can he will give to his Friend on demand? So, he can give to his Friend the most precious thing what he has by himself, and actually that is his soul and the wealth! And if he fulfills this demand, then what will he gain in return it? The holy Qur’an reveals, "Undoubtedly, Allah Almighty has bought from the Muslims their lives and their property in exchange for Paradise." They fight in the cause of Allah, in which they kill and are martyred. For this is the true promise of Allah. In the Torah, in the Gospel, and in the Qur'an. You people rejoice in the sale you have made a deal with and this is a great achievement” (At-taubah: 111). The holy Qur’an reveals, " But your Sustainer says: “Call unto Me, [and] I shall respond to you!” (Ghafir (The Forgiver) 40:60). And,” Nay - who is it that responds to the distressed when he calls out to Him, and who removes the ill [that caused the distress]” (An-Naml (The Ants) 27:62). It means that whenever a faithful believer makes a call without any fixed time and condition, then he will find his Friend with him, Who Says to him,” Don’t worry I am here.” So in order to find such a Great Friend, it is necessary to the believer that he should give something first, and that is according to the basis of friendship that,” whatever I possess, it is not mine but belongs to my friend.” It means he should be surrender himself before the will of Allah Almighty the True Friend, in order to be the successful in this life and also in the Hereafter.

What is the real Friendship and How to Find a Best Friend? (1) By Muhammad Rafique Etesame This is the burning question now-a-days that how to find a best friend? Because the man who has no friend, feels himself alone and desolate. That is why he always looking for a friend that should be the sincere, faithful, honest and selfless one, and is ready to sacrifice everything for the happiness of his friend. And if by good luck someone finds such a friend then he feels that a spring comes in his life, as the buds’ crack, flowers bloom and the colors of rainbow are scattered in the air. The question is, whether it is possible to find such a friend? Although it is not impossible but is difficult also. Because as usual, we find those who are the selfish ones and cut the roots of their friends and make their own way instead. But in this selfish situations, we can find an absolute True Friend Who Stays forever with His bondmen for all time. The One who is invisible but helps his friends and does well to them, The One who is powerful with authority, Knows well how to carry out his command. Yes, this friend is Allah Almighty! The Master, The Creator, and the king of the universe, He is really the True Friend of man. The holy Quran makes mentions about it,” Allah is the Protecting Friend of those who believe. He brings them out of darkness of disbelief to the light of guidance “(2.257). And,” Or they chosen protecting friends other than Allah? In fact, Allah He (alone) is the Protecting friend, He will revive the dead, and He is Able to do all things” (Ash-Shoora: 09). And, “And if they turn away, then know that Allah is your Befriender—a transcendent Patron, a transcendent Helper” (Al-Anfal: 38). The question is: what is the true definition of the friendship? So that is the friend who is of the opinion that whatever I possess, it is not mine but belongs to my friend if he makes demand…. what is this? Yes, this is the real definition of the friendship; but considerable that the limit of friendship is within the realm of reason and Shariah Laws. It means that mutual transactions of friendship will be held based on the shariah laws and not by the lustfulness demand. (To be continued)

The Truth Gets revenge from the sinner ones! By Mohammad Rafique Etesame The holy Qur’an reveals, “We created not the heavens and the earth and all that is between them save with truth, and lo! the Hour is surely coming. So forgive, (O Muhammad), with a gracious forgiveness (Al-Hijr :85) These verses reveal that the entire universe has been created with truth and not in vain. And the truth is that the mankind should worship Allah Almighty as the holy Qur’an reveals. The question is: how to do worship, so, for this purpose Allah Almighty sent His holy messengers PBUT to every nation and they set up a good example to show their people that how to do worship and what Allah Almighty wants? And assuredly man can act upon that whatever he is commanded about Islamic beliefs and action. The holy Qur’an reveals, “God does not burden any human being with more than he is well able to bear.” (Al-Baqara: 2:286) All the holy Messengers (A.S.) were human beings and not angels or from any other supernatural creations, so that the people might not raise an objection. They obeyed all the commands of Allah Almighty and imposed them on their bodies first and then they began to enjoin the good and forbid the evil to their followers. So all man kinds were ever bound to act upon the good example of their holy Prophets (A.S.), and now in the recent age, everyone is bound to obey the holy Prophet Mohammad PBUH. The holy Qur’an reveals, “O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the messenger and those of you who are in authority; (Surah An-Nisa: 58) Allah Almighty Has created a sense of worship in every man, it means he wants to bow down before any supernatural power for worship. That is why we see many ways of worship in the world, some are idolaters, some worship the sun, moon and fire etc. As to satisfy their sense of worship. Infect they follow Satan Iblis to do so, because Allah Almighty Ordains human being to worship Him as the holy Qur’an reveals,” O MANKIND! Worship your Sustainer, who has created you and those who lived before you, so that you might remain conscious of Him” (Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:21). The holy Qur’an mentions about Satan that he is a plain enemy of human beings. But the reality is that most people in the world follow the commandments of Satan rather than The Beneficent and they make him an associate partners of Allah. So, the holy Qur’an reveals,” HENCE, do not think that God will fail to fulfil the promise which He gave to His apostles: verily, God is almighty, an avenger of evil!” (Ibrahim (Abraham) 14:47). Therefore, how does Allah gets revenge from the sinful believers, ‘mushriks’ and infidels? The holy Qur’an reveals,” But he who turns away from the remembrance of Me, his will be a narrow life, and I shall bring him blind to the assembly on the Day of Resurrection. He will say My Lord wherefore hast Thou gather me (hither) blind where I was won’t to see? He will say: so (it must be) Our revelation came unto thee but thou didst forget them. In like manner thou are forgotten the Day!” (Ta Ha: 126). Also reveals,” The guilty will be known by their marks, and will be taken by the forelocks and the feat. Which is it, of the favours of your Lord, that ye deny? This is Hell which they go circling round between it and fierce, boiling water” (The Beneficient: 45).” So it is the need of time to follow on the entire commands of Allah Almighty so that we may become safe and sound from the revenge of The Truth and be entered in Paradise.