Saturday, 9 November 2013

Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us

“Hasbunallahu wa ni`mal Wakil’:
حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ

Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).”                                 آل عمران‎ : Surah Al ‘Imran (3:173)

Such a powerful ayah, it was recited by the prophets (P.B.U.H.) in the time of distress. This single verse very simply and strongly defines our submission to the Almighty with an unconditional trust in his doing.

Narrated Ibn Abbas:

'Allah is Sufficient for us and He Is the Best Disposer of affairs," was said by Abraham when he was thrown into the fire; and it was said by Muhammad when they (i.e. hypocrites) said, "A great army is gathering against you, therefore, fear them," but it only increased their faith and they said: "Allah is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer (of affairs, for us)." (3.173)
[Bukhari]

Monday, 21 October 2013

Benefits of performing Wadu

Wudu doesn't just purify and cleanse our body and soul for worship but also washes away minor sins! SubhanAllah.. Every small act towards Allah is bestowed with immense mercy.

Reported by Abu Hurairah (RA): Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "When a Muslim or a believer washes his face (in the course of Wudu'), every sin he has committed with his eyes is washed away from his face along with water, or with the last drop of water; when he washes his hands, every sin they wrought is erased from his hands with the water, or with the last drop of water; and when he washes his feet, every sin towards which his feet walked is washed away with water, or with the last drop of water, with the result that he comes out cleansed of all sins". [Muslim]

Thursday, 8 August 2013

Zakat al-Fitr

Zakat al Fitr Zakat al Fitr is an obligatory charity on every muslim at the end of the month of ramadan. Ibn 'Umar said: "the prophet (p.b.u.h.) enjoined the payment of one sa'a of dates or one sa'a of barley as Zakat al-Fitr on every Muslim, young and old, male and female, free and slave." (Bukhari and Muslim)

 The purpose of Zakat al-Fitr is to purify the one who has fasted from any type of indecent act or speech he might have committed while fasting. it also helps the poor and the needy.
Ibn abbas said: "the messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) enjoined Zakat al-Fitr on the one who fasts to shield him from any indecent act or speech and for the purpose of providing food for the needy." (Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah.) 

The amount of Zakat al-Fitr As the first Hadith indicated, the amount of Zakat al-Fitr is one Sa'a.

Sa'a is a volume measure corresponding approximately to the volume of 5 lb of good wheat.

The material of Zakat can be either dates, barley, wheat, rice, corn or similar items considered as basic foods.

Abu Saeed said: "we used to give for Zakat al-Fitr on behalf of every child, aged person, free man or slave during the lifetime of the messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) one Sa'a of food, or one Sa'a of dried yogurt, or one Sa'a of barley, or one Sa'a of dates, or one Sa'a of raisins." (Bukhari and Muslim.)

 The time for Zakat al-Fitr Zakat al-Fitr has to be paid by the end of Ramadhan.
There are two times to pay akat al-Fitr. Either one or two days before Eid as 'Umar used to do, or the day of Eid before the Eid prayer.

Ibn Umar reported that the prophet (p.b.u.h.) ordered them to pay Zakat al-Fitr before they go out to perform the Eidprayer.
If Zakat al-Fitr is paid after the Eid prayer, it will only be considered as regular charity.
The prophet (p.b.u.h.) said: "if one pays Zakat al-Fitr before the salat, it is considered an accepted Zakat, if he pays it after the salat, it is considered an ordinary charity." (Abu Dawud)

 Zakat al-Fitr is to be given to the same eight categories or people as in the other types of zakat. Some scholars say that the poor and the needy are the most deserving ones since the prophet (p.b.u.h.) said that it had "...the purpose of providing food for the needy." 

THE SUNNAH OF THE DAY OF EID

THE SUNNAH OF THE DAY OF EID -:- EVERY MUSLIM SHOULD OBSERVE:

1 – Doing Ghusl before going out to the Prayer. 
Yahya related to me from Malik from Nafi that Abdullah ibn Umar used to do ghusl on the day of Fitr before going to the place of prayer. [Malik :: Book 10 : Hadith 10.1.2]

2 – Eating before going out to pray on Eid al-Fitr: 
Narrated Anas bin Malik,: Allah's Apostle never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of 'Id-ul-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates. Anas also narrated: The Prophet used to eat odd number of dates. [Bukhari :: Book 2 :: Volume 15 :: Hadith 73]
Whoever does not have any dates may eat anything that is permissible. 

3 – Takbeer on the day of Eid The time for takbeer on Eid al-Fitr starts from the night before Eid until the imam enters to lead the Eid prayer.
 It was narrated in a saheeh report that ‘Abd al-Rahmaan al-Sulami said, “They (companions) emphasized it more on the day of al-Fitr than the day of al-Adha.”. Wakee’ said, this refers to the takbeer. [See Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 3/122/]
Ibn Abi Shaybah narrated with a saheeh isnaad that al-Zuhri said: The people used to recite Takbeer on Eid when they came out of their houses until they came to the prayer place, and until the imam came out. When the imam came out they fell silent, and when he said takbeer they said takbeer. [See Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 1/121]

4 – Offering Congratulations 
It was narrated that Jubayr ibn Nufayr said: When the companions of the Prophet PBUH met one another on the day of Eid, they would say to one another, " تَقَبَّلَ اللَّهُ مِنَّا وَمِنْك 'Taqabbal Allaahu minna wa mink' '(May Allaah accept (this worship) from us and from you)". [Ibn Hajar said, its isnaad is hasan. Al-Fath, 2/446.]

 5 – Adorning oneself on the occasion of Eid.
 Narrated 'Abdullah bin Umar: Umar bought a silk cloak from the market, took it to Allah's Apostle and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Take it and adorn yourself with it during the 'Id and when the delegations visit you." Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) replied, "This dress is for those who have no share (in the Hereafter)." [Bukhari :: Book 2 :: Volume 15 :: Hadith 69]
The Prophet PBUH agreed with ‘Umar on the idea of adorning oneself for Eid, but he denounced him for choosing this cloak because it was made of silk. 

Narrated Naafi: Ibn ‘Umar used to wear his best clothes on Eid. [Sunan Kubra Bayhaqi 6363, Sahih Isnaad]So a man should wear the best clothes that he has when going out for Eid. 

6 – Going to the Prayer by one route and returning by another. 

Narrated Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah RA: "On the day of Eid, the Prophet PBUH would vary his route, i.e., he would go via one route and come back via a different route". [Bukhaari 986]

Monday, 5 August 2013

Laylatul Qadr

Laylatul Qadr
Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said:
“Verily this month has come to you; and therein is a night which is better than a thousand months. Whosoever is deprived of it is deprived of all good; and none is deprived of its good except a totally unfortunate person.” [Ibn Majah]
... Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power) is the crowning glory of Ramadhan. Its merit can be judged by the fact that it was the night in which Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) chose to send down the Quran from the Lawh-Mahfudh (Preserved Tablet) to the earthly skies.
“We have indeed revealed this in the Night of Power. And what will explain to you what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit (Jibreel) descend in it by Allah's permission, with every command. Peace it is till the debut of dawn!” [Quran: Surah Al-Qadr]
A thousand months are equivalent to 83 years and 4 months. Fortunate is the person who spends this night in prayer and trying to understand the Quran that made this night so special.
The person who spends this night in trying to draw closer to Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) through His revelation will be blessed with the reward of having worshipped Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) for at least eighty three years and four months consecutively. Since Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) says that the Night of Power is better than one thousand months the reward is even greater than that.
A'meen.

Saturday, 13 July 2013

Ramadan - A month of spiritual transition

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Prophet {P.B.U.H} said, "ALLAH said, 'All the deeds of Adam's sons (people) are for them, except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it.

' Fasting is a shield or protection from the fire and from committing sins. If one of you is fasting, he should avoid sexual relation with his wife and quarreling, and if somebody should fight or quarrel with him, he should say, 'I am fasting.' By Him in Whose Hands my soul is'

The unpleasant smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk.

There are two pleasures for the fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his fasting."

Sahih Al Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31, Number 128

SubhanAllah..!  Fasting is definitely a shield,  it's also a spiritual cleansing process.

I've seen Muslim that smoke, don't offer prayers, use foul language,  can't skip a single meal or snack everyday.. became such ideal Muslims in the holy month of Ramdan. They become patient,  avoid all bad habits and turn to Allah sincerely 5 times a day and also offer the Taraweh prayers with sheer dedication and commitment. 

It's truly amazing to see what we all are capable of,  if only we could maintain this spiritual transition throughout the year.. We'd all be better Muslims!  InshaAllah..  :-) 

Sunday, 7 July 2013

Calamities, life, and remembrance of Allah

“A calamity that makes you turn to Allah is better for you then a blessing which makes you forget the remembrance of Allah”

Easy to say,  tough to believe.. But that's what keeps faith and hope alive! Clinging on to this belief makes it easier to strive through the calamities and develop an eternal bond with the Almighty.

May we all have the courage and patience to overcome worldly difficulties.  Ameen.

Tuesday, 25 June 2013

Praying in the last third of the night

Narrated Abu Huraira:Allah’s Apostle said, “When it is the last third of the night, our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, descends every night to the heaven of the world and says, ‘Is there anyone who invokes Me (demand anything from Me), that I may respond to his invocation; Is there anyone who asks Me for something that I may give (it to) him; Is there anyone who asks My forgiveness that I may forgive him?’
Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 75, Number 333

This is why praying Tahajjud has such a big significance at that hour of the night. 

Allah S.W.T. gives us the chance to ask for forgiveness and seek his blessings every night,  we should try to make the most of it and not let go of such opportunities for few minutes of sleep.

Tuesday, 21 May 2013

Remembering Allah..

The best solution to all the hardships and trials that trouble us.
Remembering and praying in front of the Almighty brings a true sense of peace and tranquility.

Sunday, 19 May 2013

Allah expiates sins..

It's usually tough to accept problems and very difficult to be patient through big and small trials and difficulties.. but this hadith definitely makes it easy to trust the Almighty, reinstate our faith in him and accept all the hardships and overcome them.
Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri and Abu Huraira: The Prophet (may peace be upon him) said, "No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that."
Sahih Al Bukhari : book 70, hadith 545

Friday, 17 May 2013

Friday ..things to do

Don't forget to do all that and also recite alot of Durood and pray for Muslims all across the globe.

Wednesday, 15 May 2013

Islam is the way of Life

We shouldn't try to include Islam into our life, we should live our lives based on Islam..and make ISLAM as a way of life..

Tuesday, 14 May 2013

Depend on Allah..

Very true ! Depend on your creator alone..ask Allah (s.w.t.) for help, seek his assistance, he is the provider and the most merciful and will not disappoint his slave!

Monday, 13 May 2013

Loving your mother..

A man once consulted the Prophet Muhammad about taking part in a military campaign. The Prophet asked the man if his mother was still living. When told that she was alive, the Prophet said: "(Then) stay with her, for Paradise is at her feet." (Al-Tirmidhi)

MashaAllah everyday is mother's day in Islam.

Friday, 10 May 2013

Friday..blessed day

Friday..a blessed day,  send lot of supplications and seek rewards from the almighty.

Thursday, 9 May 2013

Guide us to the right path

May Allah guide us all towards the right path, to the path that pleases the Almighty and the one that leads us to Jannah!  Ameen

Wednesday, 8 May 2013

He has knowledge of everything

Surely, nothing happens without his command and knowledge..! He has knowledge of everything, what you revel and what is in your hearts.

Tuesday, 7 May 2013

Hardships..

Being patient.. While going through hardships has such tremendous rewards.

Sunday, 5 May 2013

Greeting each other

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said, "The riding person should greet the walking one, and the walking one should greet the sitting one, and the small number of persons should greet the large number of persons."

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said, "The younger person should greet the older one, and the walking person should greet the sitting one, and the small number of persons should greet the large number of persons."

[Sahih Al Bukhari : book 74, hadith 252]

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr:

A man asked the Prophet , "What sort of deeds or (what qualities of) Islam are good?" The Prophet replied, 'To feed (the poor) and greet those whom you know and those whom you do not Know.

[Sahih Al Bukhari : book 2, hadith 27]

Greeting each other with "Asalaam Alaikum" and responding back with " Walaikum Asalaam" is considered as one of the good deeds of Islam for a Muslim.
The hadith explains who should take the initiative to greet in different situations, remember the first one to greet gets more rewards.

Asalaam Alaikum :-)

Saturday, 4 May 2013

Immense love for the Prophet


Love for the Prophet 

Shaykh Tabarsi has narrated that Thauban, the freed slave of the Prophet used to love the Messenger of Allah (S) very much and could not bear separation from him. He came to the Prophet one day and his face was pale, body weak and thin. The Holy Prophet (S) asked him why he was so pale? He said that he was not suffering from any illness but that till he did not see the Prophet, he used to be restless and eager and till he did not come to the Prophet, he could not get rest.

Then I remember the hereafter, how I will come to the presence of the Messenger of Allah (S), although I know that you will get the loftiest grades of Paradise with the divine prophets. If I also reach Paradise, I will be at a much lower station than yours. And if I cannot reach Paradise, I will never be able to see you again. The following verse was revealed at that time:

4:69. " And whoso obeys Allah and the Messenger (Muhammad ), then they will be in the company of those on whom Allah has bestowed His Grace, of the Prophets, the Siddiqun (those followers of the Prophets who were first and foremost to believe in them, like Abu Bakr As-Siddiq ), the martyrs, and the righteous. And how excellent these companions are! "

[Surah An-Nisa , 4:69]

The Holy Prophet (S) said: “By the One who sent with truth, no man is perfect in faith till he does not consider me dearer to him than his parents, family and all other people.”

The following lecture by Mufti Menk explains this incident beautifully:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaK6YgwTo0E

This ayah should inspire us to love and obey the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.) and strive to be among the best followers of his practices.



Friday, 3 May 2013

The Virtues of Jumu'ah

Rasulullah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: "Friday is the best of days. It was on this day that Hadrat Aadam alayhis salaam was created, it was on this day that he was granted entry into jannah, it was on this day that he was removed from jannah (which became the cause for man's existence in this universe, and which is a great blessing), and the day of resurrection will also take place on this day. " (Sahih Muslim)
Allah Ta'ala has taken an oath of that day. He says in the Quran:"By the sky in which there are constellations .By the promised day (of judgement). By the day that witnesses (Friday), and the day that is witnessed (day of Arafah). "

Wednesday, 1 May 2013

Reward for good deeds ..

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said, "If any one of you improve (follows strictly) his Islamic religion then his good deeds will be rewarded ten times to seven hundred times for each good deed and a bad deed will be recorded as it is."

[ Sahih Al Bukhari : book 2, hadith 40 ]

Is there any judgment system on earth that would reward us 10 to 700 times more for the good deeds we do ? Only Allah S.W.T. can be this merciful and compassionate! 
This hadith definitely encourages us to do more good deeds and seek the Almighty's blessings.

Tuesday, 30 April 2013

Allah will give shade to seven on the day of judgement

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet (may peace be upon him) said, "Allah will give shade, to seven, on the Day when there will be no shade but His. 
1. (These seven persons are) a just ruler,
2. A youth who has been brought up in the worship of Allah (i.e. worships Allah sincerely from childhood),
3. A man whose heart is attached to the mosques (i.e. to pray the compulsory prayers in the mosque in congregation),
4. Two persons who love each other only for Allah's sake and they meet and part in Allah's cause only,
5. A man who refuses the call of a charming woman of noble birth for illicit intercourse with her and says: I am afraid of Allah, 
6. A man who gives charitable gifts so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given (i.e. nobody knows how much he has given in charity), and 
7. A person who remembers Allah in seclusion and his eyes are then flooded with tears."

[Sahih Al Bukhari : Book 11, Hadith 629]

Monday, 29 April 2013

1. Bounties of paradise

Narrated Anas bin Malik:

The Prophet (may peace be upon him) said, "There is a tree in Paradise (which is so big and huge that) if a rider travels in its shade for one hundred years, he would not be able to cross it."

[ Sahih Al Bukhari : book 54, hadith 474 ]

SubhanAllah ..such a tree can only exist in paradise..!

Saturday, 27 April 2013

"Allah is more pleased with the repentance of his slave .."

I was listening to a lecture yesterday, the scholar described the hadith below in an amazing manner that made me realize the importance of repentance and it's over all impact.
Imagine a traveler traveling through a desert in the middle of the day, when it's blazing hot, there are no rest stops through out the isolated journey from source to destination.
In the olden days there were no rest stops on the way to provide the basic necessities such as food and water during long journeys. The traveler had tied up all the basic necessities such to his camel.
The traveler sees a tree/shade in the middle of the journey and stops to get some rest. He takes a nap and wakes up to find that his camel has wandered off with all his food and water with it !
Frantic and desperate the traveler searches here and there because he knows that that the camel is his only means of survival and escape through the desert.
After frantically searching  the traveler finally gives up accepting that his death is imminent now as there are no means of survival.
The dejected traveler comes back to the same resting spot and lays down anticipating death. Since he is understandably hungry, thirsty and highly exhausted he falls asleep.
He then wakes up to find that his camel has come back and is right in front of him ! Imagine the joy, relief and sheer happiness of finding his lost camel especially when he had given all hope of living and had accepted death!
The importance of repentance and reciting Astagfar is brilliantly illustrated with the hadith mentioned below.
Narrated Anas bin Malik:
Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said, "Allah is more pleased with the repentance of His slave than anyone of you is pleased with finding his camel which he had lost in the desert. "
[ Sahih Al Bukhari :book 75 , hadith 321]
According to the HADITH Allah is more pleased with his repenting slave than that traveler who lost and then found his camel in the middle of an isolated desert !!
SubhanAllah..we should all start including the zikr of Astagfar in our daily lives.. and not just recite it with our tongue but feel it and repent for our sins and wrongdoings sincerely. InshaAllah..!

Friday, 26 April 2013

Friday - blessed hour for our prayers to be accepted

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: There is a time on Friday at which no Muslim servant would pray and would ask Allah for a thing (that is good) but He would give it to him. Qutaiba pointed with the help of his hand that it (the time) is short.
Sahih Muslim : book 4, chapter 1849

Thursday, 25 April 2013

Sharing food..

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said, "The food for two persons is sufficient for three, and the food of three persons is sufficient for four persons."

[Sahih Al Bukhari: book 65, hadith 304 ]

This hadith talks about sharing food with others, and it all depends on our intention of sharing as well.

Real patience

Narrated Anas:

The Prophet (may peace be upon him) said, "The real patience is at the first stroke of a calamity."

[Sahih Al Bukhari : book 23, hadith 389 ]

Wednesday, 24 April 2013

Ask for forgiveness..

Narrated Abu Huraira:

I heard Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) saying." By Allah! I ask for forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day."

[Sahih Al Bukhari: book 75 , hadith 319]

Monday, 22 April 2013

Envy these two.. And wish to be like them

Narrated 'Abdullah:

Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said, "Do not wish to be like anyone, except in two cases: (1) A man whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it righteously. (2) A man whom Allah has given wisdom (knowledge of the Quran and the Hadith) and he acts according to it and teaches it to others."

[Sahih Al Bukhari : book 89, hadith 251]

Narrated Ibn Masud:

I heard The Prophet (may peace be upon him) saying, "There is no envy except in two: a person whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it in the right way, and a person whom Allah has given wisdom (i.e. religious knowledge) and he gives his decisions accordingly and teaches it to the others."

[Sahih Al Bukhari: book 24, hadith 490 ]

Sunday, 21 April 2013

Thanking the Almighty..

Narrated Al-Mughira:

The Prophet (may peace be upon him) used to stand (in the prayer) or pray till both his feet or legs swelled. He was asked why (he offered such an unbearable prayer) and he said, "should I not be a thankful slave."

[Sahih Al Bukhari : book 21, hadith 230 ]

If our beloved Prophet Muhammad ( P.B.U.H) ; messenger of the highest stature..could stand for hours at night till his feet were swollen..to thank Allah S.W.T., can we all even begin to COMPREHEND how thankful we should be towards our creator?

I think we should at least start by appreciating all the small things we often take for granted and start thanking the Almighty every step of the way for all the small and big favors he has blessed us with ! InshaAllah ..!

Saturday, 20 April 2013

The Story Of the journey to Isra and Miraj



Narrated Malik bin Sasaa:
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said, "While I was at the House in a state midway between sleep and wakefulness, (an angel recognized me) as the man lying between two men. A golden tray full of wisdom and belief was brought to me and my body was cut open from the throat to the lower part of the `Abdomen and then my `Abdomen was washed with Zamzam water and (my heart was) filled with wisdom and belief. Al- Buraq, a white animal, smaller than a mule and bigger than a donkey was brought to me and I set out with Gabriel

When I reached the nearest heaven. Gabriel said to the heaven gate-keeper, 'Open the gate.' The gatekeeper asked, 'Who is it?' He said, 'Gabriel.' The gate-keeper,' Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel said, 'Muhammad.' The gate-keeper said, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel said, 'Yes.' Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What a wonderful visit his is!' Then I met Adam and greeted him and he said, 'You are welcomed O son and a Prophet.'

Then we ascended to the second heaven. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel said, 'Gabriel.' It was said, 'Who is with you?' He said, 'Muhammad' It was asked, 'Has he been sent for?' He said, 'Yes.' It was said, 'He is welcomed. What a wonderful visit his is!" Then I met Jesus and Yahya (John) who said, 'You are welcomed, O brother and a Prophet.' 

Then we ascended to the third heaven. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel said, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is with you? Gabriel said, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been sent for?' 'Yes,' said Gabriel. 'He is welcomed. What a wonderful visit his is!' (The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) added:). There I met Joseph and greeted him, and he replied, 'You are welcomed, O brother and a Prophet!' 

Then we ascended to the 4th heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met Idris and greeted him. He said, 'You are welcomed O brother and Prophet.' 

Then we ascended to the 5th heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in previous heavens. there I met and greeted Aaron who said, 'You are welcomed O brother and a Prophet". 

Then we ascended to the 6th heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met and greeted Moses who said, 'You are welcomed O brother and. a Prophet.' When I proceeded on, he started weeping and on being asked why he was weeping, he said, 'O Lord! Followers of this youth who was sent after me will enter Paradise in greater number than my followers.'

Then we ascended to the 7th heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met and greeted Abraham who said, 'You are welcomed o son and a Prophet.' 

Then I was shown Al-Bait-al-Ma'mur (i.e. Allah's House). I asked Gabriel about it and he said, This is Al Bait-ul-Ma'mur where 70,000 angels perform prayers daily and when they leave they never return to it (but always a fresh batch comes into it daily).'

Then I was shown Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (i.e. a tree in the seventh heaven) and I saw its Nabk fruits which resembled the clay jugs of Hajr (i.e. a town in Arabia), and its leaves were like the ears of elephants, and four rivers originated at its root, two of them were apparent and two were hidden. I asked Gabriel about those rivers and he said, 'The two hidden rivers are in Paradise, and the apparent ones are the Nile and the Euphrates.' 

Then fifty prayers were enjoined on me. I descended till I met Moses who asked me, 'What have you done?' I said, 'Fifty prayers have been enjoined on me.' He said, 'I know the people better than you, because I had the hardest experience to bring Bani Israel to obedience. Your followers cannot put up with such obligation. So, return to your Lord and request Him (to reduce the number of prayers.' I returned and requested Allah (for reduction) and He made it forty. I returned and (met Moses) and had a similar discussion, and then returned again to Allah for reduction and He made it thirty, then twenty, then ten, and then I came to Moses who repeated the same advice. Ultimately Allah reduced it to five.
When I came to Moses again, he said, 'What have you done?' I said, 'Allah has made it five only.' He repeated the same advice but I said that I surrendered (to Allah's Final Order)'" Allah's Messenger (P.B.U.H.) was addressed by Allah, "I have decreed My Obligation and have reduced the burden on My slaves, and I shall reward a single good deed as if it were ten good deeds."

(Sahih Al- Bukhari : Vol. 4, Book 54, Hadith 429)

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "On the night of my Ascension to Heaven, I saw (the prophet) Moses who was a thin person with lank hair, looking like one of the men of the tribe of Shanua; and I saw Jesus who was of average height with red face as if he had just come out of a bathroom. And I resemble prophet Abraham more than any of his offspring does. Then I was given two cups, one containing milk and the other wine. Gabriel said, 'Drink whichever you like.' I took the milk and drank it. Gabriel said, 'You have accepted what is natural, (True Religion i.e. Islam) and if you had taken the wine, your followers would have gone astray.' "  
(Sahih Bukhari : Book #55, Hadith #607)

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "I met Moses on the night of my Ascension to heaven." The Prophet then described him saying, as I think, "He was a tall person with lank hair as if he belonged to the people of the tribe of Shanu's.' The Prophet further said, "I met Jesus." The Prophet described him saying, "He was one of moderate height and was red-faced as if he had just come out of a bathroom. I saw Abraham whom I resembled more than any of his children did." The Prophet further said, "(That night) I was given two cups; one full of milk and the other full of wine. I was asked to take either of them which I liked, and I took the milk and drank it. On that it was said to me, 'You have taken the right path (religion). If you had taken the wine, your (Muslim) nation would have gone astray."
(Sahih Bukhari : Book #55, Hadith #647)

Abu Huraira reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) was presented two cups at Bait al-Maqdis on the night of Heavenly journey, one containing wine and the other containing milk. He looked at both of them, and be took the one containing milk, whereupon Gabriel (peace be upon him) said: Praise is due to Allah Who guided you to the true nature; had you taken the one containing wine, Your Umma would have gone astray.
 ( Sahih Muslim :Book #023, Hadith #4985)


The Israa and Miraj refer to, two parts of an miraculous journey that Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) took in one night from Makkah to Jerusalem and then an ascension to the heavens.

Israa is an Arabic word referring to Prophet Muhammad's (P.B.U.H.) miraculous night journey from Al Masjid-al-Haram  at Makkah to the farthest mosque in Jerusalem - specifically, to the site of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem - as referred to in Surah Al-Israa in the Quran.

It is believed to have been followed by the Mi'raj, his ascension to heaven. According to some of the Hadith scholars this journey is believed to have taken place just over a year before Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) migrated to from Makka to Madina, on the 27th of Rajab.


Friday, 19 April 2013

4. Friday prayer


Narrated Abu Huraira:

heard Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him)s (p.b.u.h) saying, "If the prayer is started do not run for it but just walk for it calmly and pray whatever you get, and complete whatever is missed. "

[ Sahih Al Bukhari : book 13, hadith 31 ]

Narrated Ibn Juraij:

I heard Nazi' saying, "Ibn Umar, said, 'The Prophet (may peace be upon him) forbade that a man should make another man to get up to sit in his place' ". I said to Nafi', 'Is it for Jumua prayer only?' He replied, "For Jumua prayer and any other (prayer)."

[ Sahih Al Bukhari : book 13, hadith 34 ]

Thursday, 18 April 2013

It is unlawful for a Muslim to desert his brother Muslim

Narrated Abu Aiyub Al-Ansari:

Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said, "It is not lawful for a man to desert his brother Muslim for more than three nights. (It is unlawful for them that) when they meet, one of them turns his face away from the other, and the other turns his face from the former, and the better of the two will be the one who greets the other first."

[ Sahih Al Bukhari : book 73, hadith 100 ]

Narrated Anas bin Malik:

Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said, "Do not hate one another, nor be jealous of one another; and do not desert one another, but O Allah's worshipers! Be Brothers! And it is unlawful for a Muslim to desert his brother Muslim (and not to talk to him) for more than three nights."

[ Sahih Al Bukhari : book 73, hadith 99 ]

I think a lot of people are guilty of not following this hadith ( including myself ) , it's always easy to be angry and sever ties with our family and friends, but the first one to make amends is definitely the better Muslim.
I think we should at least put in some effort to be cordial and greet each other respectfully, our social behavior is what differentiates humans from animals.

Abu Huraira, r.a., said, "I heard Abu al Qasim (the Prophet saaws), say, 'The best among you in Islam are those with the best manners, so long as they develop a sense of understanding.' "

[Hadith - Bukhari's Book of Manners #286 ]

13. 99 names of Allah - Al-Bari



Name 


Al-Bari



Meaning 

The One Who gives life

Benefits

A childless wife who wishes to have children should fast for seven days and break her fast at the proper time each day with a glass of water over which she has recited Ya Khaliqu, Ya Bari’u and Ya Musawwiru 21 times. By doing that insha’ Allah she will be able to conceive.

Wednesday, 17 April 2013

Why should we say "Ameen" after the Imam?

Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said, "Say Amen' when the Imam says "Ghair-il-maghdubi 'alaihim wala-ddal-lin; not the path of those who earn Your Anger (such as Jews) nor of those who go astray (such as Christians); all the past sins of the person whose saying (of Amin) coincides with that of the angels, will be forgiven.

[Sahih Bukhari Volume 001, Book 012, Hadith Number 749]

By attesting our faith in the Almighty by affirming to the verses from Surah Al Fatiha  " not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray." and uttering Ameen..our sins could be forgiven ! SubhanAllah !

Monday, 15 April 2013

The story of the 3 people in the cave

'Abdullah b. 'Umar reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Three persons set out on a journey. They were overtaken by rain and they had to find protection in a mountain cave where at its mouth there fell a rock of that mountain and thus blocked them altogether. One of them said to the others: Look to your good deeds that you performed for the sake of Allah and then supplicate Allah, the Exalted, that He might rescue you (from this trouble).

One of them said: 0 Allah, I had my parents who were old and my wife and my small children also. I tended the flock and when I came back to them in the evening, I milked them (the sheep, goats, cows, etc.) and first served that milk to my parents. One day I was obliged to go out to a distant place in search of fodder and I could not come back before evening and found them (the parents) asleep. I milked the animals as I used to milk and brought milk to them and stood by their heads avoiding to disturb them from sleep and I did not deem it advisable to serve milk to my children before serving them. My children wept near my feet. I remained there in that very state and my parents too until it was morning. And (0 Allah) if Thou art aware that I did this in order to seek Thine pleasure, grant us riddance from this trouble. (The rock slipped a bit) that they could see the sky.

The second one said: 0 Allah, I had a female cousin whom I loved more than the men love the women. I wanted to have sexual intercourse with her; she refused but on the condition of getting one hundred dinirs. It was with very great difficulty that I could collect one hundred dinirs and then paid them to her and when I was going to have a sexual intercourse with her, that she said: Servant of Allah, fear Allah and do not break the seal (of chastity) but by lawful means. I got up. 0 Allah, if Thou art aware that I did this in order to seek Thine pleasure, rid us from this trouble. The situation was somewhat eased for them.

The third one said: Allah, I employed a workman for a measure of rice. After he had finished his work I gave him his dues (in the form of) a measure of rice, but he did not accept them. I used these rice as seeds, and that gave a bumper crop and I became rich enough to have cows and flocks (in my possession). He came to me and said: Fear Allah, and commit no crueltv upon me in regard to my dues. I said to him: Takeaway this flock of cows and sheep. He said: Fear Allah and do not make a fun of me. I said: I am not making a fun of you. You take the cows and the flocks. So he took them. 0 Allah, if Thou art aware that I did it for Thine pleasure, case the situation for us. And Allah relieved them from the rest of the trouble.

[ Sarah Muslim : book 36, hadith 6606 ]

This story illustrates a great example of how Allah eases the hardships of his true followers.
These three persons remembered Allah and followed his commands when they were free from any troubles and Allah saved them when they were in distress. Hence, whenever a man fulfills his duties towards Allah during times of ease, Allah will support him in times of worry, trouble and distress.

He is the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful, the following verses give us a better understanding:
 " … And whosoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out ( fromhardships). And will provide him from sources he could never imagine" (At-Talaaq: 2-3).

 "And whosoever fears Allah, He will make his matter easy for him" (At- Talaaq: 4).

The hadith covers 3 different points :
1. The first one is regarding obedience and love towards our parents.
2. The second one is w.r.t. to choosing right from wrong , being influenced by Satan or preventing yourself from being lead astray and choosing the right path for the fear of Allah.
3. The third I believe is about honestly and sincerity, about being a just employer and giving the employees their due wages.

Treat women nicely..

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not hurt (trouble) his neighbor. And I advise you to take care of the women, for they are created from a rib and the most crooked portion of the rib is its upper part; if you try to straighten it, it will break, and if you leave it, it will remain crooked, so I urge you to take care of the women."
[Sahih Bukhari 7:62:114]

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah 's Apostle said, "Treat women nicely, for a women is created from a rib, and the most curved portion of the rib is its upper portion, so, if you should try to straighten it, it will break, but if you leave it as it is, it will remain crooked. So treat women nicely."
[Sahih Bukhari 4:55:548]

Sunday, 14 April 2013

12. 99 names of Allah - Al-Khaliq



Name 


Al-Khaliq


Meaning 


The Creator



Benefits

If you recite this name of Allah 100 times for 7 days, Allah will safeguard you against all adversities. If you form the habit of reciting it regularly, Allah will appoint an angel who will worship Allah continuously on your behalf. Insha-Allah.

Iman

" Iman is like an airplane ride, the higher up you go, the smaller the things on earth look ! "

Saturday, 13 April 2013

"If Allah wants to do a favor to somebody.."

Narrated Humaid:

I heard Muawiya bin Abi Sufyan delivering a sermon. He said, "I heard The Prophet (may peace be upon him) saying, "If Allah wants to do a favor to somebody, He bestows on him, the gift of understanding the Quran and Sunna. I am but a distributor, and Allah is the Giver. The state of this nation will remain good till the Hour is established, or till Allah's Order comes."

[Sahih Al Bukhari : book 92, hadith 415 ]

Friday, 12 April 2013

The Mercy of Allah

Narrated Abu Huraira:
I heard Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) saying, Allah divided Mercy into one-hundred parts and He kept its ninety-nine parts with Him and sent down its one part on the earth, and because of that, its one single part, His creations are Merciful to each other, so that even the mare lifts up its hoofs away from its baby animal, lest it should trample on it."

[ Sahih Al Bukhari: book 73, hadith 29 ]

This is one of my favorite hadith; it is so incredible that words couldn't possibly describe it!

Have you ever come across a very kind and forgiving person and thought of them with such high level of admiration?  

Ever noticed how even the animals are loving and caring towards their offspring, how even the most ferocious predators can be compassionate towards their young ones? 

Just imagine if we have been sent just ONE part (i.e. assuming that we have actually acquired the whole one part) among ourselves... And Allah S.W.T. has the rest 99 parts; can we even begin to value and assess the level of MERCY the almighty owns?  Not even close… surely he is the Most Compassionate and the Most Merciful! 


11. 99 names of Allah - Al-Mutakabbir



Name 


Al-Mutakabbir



Meaning 

The Self-Glorious

Benefits

If recited 14 times at sleeping time, the person will be saved from nocturnal emission. If this holy name is recited in front of an oppressor or a tyrant, he (the oppressor etc) will be dishonored at the spot. It is also effective for gaining dignity

Friday prayer - 3 Seek for that blessed time..

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Apostle (way peace be upon him) as saying. There is a time on Friday at which no Muslim would ask Allah for what is good but He would give it to him. And further said: This is a very short time.
[Sahih Muslim :book 4, hadith 1853 ]
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: There is a time on Friday at which no Muslim servant would pray and would ask Allah for a thing (that is good) but He would give it to him. Qutaiba pointed with the help of his hand that it (the time) is short.
[Sahih Muslim :book 4, hadith 1854 ]
Abu Huraira reported Abu'l-Qasim (the kunya of the Holy Prophet) (may peace be upon him) as saying: There is a time on Friday at which no Muslim would stand and pray and beg Allah for what Is good but He would give it to him; and he pointed with his hand that (this time) is short and narrow.
[Sahih Muslim :book 4, hadith 1850 ]
We shall all try to seek that blessed hour when Allah S.W.T. answers all our prayers..!

Thursday, 11 April 2013

" Allah will remove his sins for him as a tree sheds its leaves."

Narrated 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud:

I visited Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) while he was suffering from a high fever. I touched him with my hand and said, "O Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him)! You have a high fever." Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said, "Yes, I have as much fever as two men of you have." I said, "Is it because you will get a double reward?" Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said, "Yes, no Muslim is afflicted with harm because of sickness or some other inconvenience, but that Allah will remove his sins for him as a tree sheds its leaves."

[ Sahih Al Bukhari : Book 70, hadith 564 ]

If Prophet Muhammad ( P.B.U.H ) ..the greatest Messenger and a Prophet of the highest degree can be subjected to such pain and suffering,  who are we to complain?
May be, at least this way our sins are forgiven and we are inclined to seek guidance towards the right path.

Tuesday, 9 April 2013

What is life?

What is life ?

As a kid I've often wondered what life is all about ? Even as a kid it always seemed like an intriguing mystery.
Is it a journey? Is it a learning experience? Is it merely a soul passing through time ?

From a religious point of view, is it a test? Is it a stage .. where we're simply being judged ?

It's not just tough..it's impossible to find the answer to the question. If it's a test and we shall be judged by the Almighty then who are these people around us that are usually the FIRST to judge us ? Does it make them superior than the Almighty ? I certainly don't think so.

We believe that we have the freedom to live our lives,  the freedom to make choices, the freedom to create and break rules. However,  the harsh reality is that we never have or had the freedom to live our lives. 

We are bound by numerous constraints and restrictions,  we are asked to follow the book sent by the Almighty and lead our lives according to his rules and regulations BUT our deeds and belief system seems rather far fetched in this superficial world.

Have you wondered how many times we ask this question " what will they think  ?" before taking a trivial or major decision?!

We lead our lives based on this society, their cultures and traditions.  We are bound in these meaningless yet relentless constraints..most of OUR decisions in life are based on OTHERS and that is a fact.

How often do we  stop to think and ask " What till Allah think ?" before taking small and big decisions?  Not as often as we should I'm afraid,  specially since that is the only criteria that should be given utmost importance...!

Sadly enough I've come to the conclusion that our lives are not our own...we have no command over it, the world has us tied with a leash,if only we surrender and give Almighty control over our lives.. we'd at least "LIVE" in some peace.

P.S.- I know this post isn't with respect to any particular hadith or topic..just few random thoughts that I've jotted down.

Sunday, 7 April 2013

8. 99 names of Allah - Al-Muhaymin



Name 
Al-Muhaymin



Meaning 
The Giver of Protection

Benefits

Reciting Ya Muhayminu after having performed the ablution will result in one’s inner being becoming radiant.

9. 99 names of Allah - Al-Aziz




Name 

Al-Aziz



Meaning 

The Mighty


Benefits

Reciting Ya Azizu 40 times after salat al-Far from 40 days will result in Allah(SWT) freeing us from dependence on others.

10. 99 names of Allah - Al-Jabbar



Name 

 Al-Jabbar



Meaning 

The Overpowering Lord


Benefits

Whoever recites Ya Jabbaru will not be subjected to coercion, and will not be exposed to violence, severity or harshness.

7. 99 names of Allah - Al-Mumin



Name 

Al-Mumin

Meaning 


The Giver of faith

Benefits

Reciting Ya Mu’minu will safeguard us from the evil of the enemy.

If Allah loves a person..


 Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "If Allah loves a person, He calls Gabriel saying: 'Allah loves so and so; O Gabriel, love him.' Gabriel would love him, and then Gabriel would make an announcement among the residents of the Heaven, 'Allah loves so-and-so, therefore, you should love him also.' So, all the residents of the Heavens would love him and then he is granted the pleasure of the people of the earth."

[Sahih al-Bukhari 6040]

SubhanAllah...such a beautiful Hadith, may Allah make us among the ones he loves..! Ameen!

6. 99 names of Allah - As - Salaam



Name 


AS- Salaam

Meaning 


The Giver of Peace


Benefits

Reciting Ya Salamu  over a person who is ill will help in making that person recover from his/her illness.

Saturday, 6 April 2013

Sadaqa begins at home


Allah S.W.T. has made it so easy for us to seek rewards, even taking care of the basic responsibilities as a guardian/ care giver is considered as the best kind of sadaqa.

Sadaqa is closely defined as  - Giving something to somebody without seeking a substitute in return and with the intention to please Allah OR voluntary charity .

Providing for the basic needs of the family is an obligation on the male member of the family, but to spend on them with happiness while seeking Allah's pleasure becomes a source of reward. Islam teaches us to take care of our family,  to help and provide for the them .

We are asked to look after our family,our relatives, our neighbors, our community .. roughly in that order. Charity surely begins at home, fulfilling the responsibilities of your dependents is regarded as Sadaqa! SubhanAllah !!





Following Hadiths will give a better understanding of the topic -

Narrated Abu Mas'ud Al-Ansari:
The Prophet (may peace be upon him) said, "When a Muslim spends something on his family intending to receive Allah's reward it is regarded as Sadaqa for him."
[Sahih Al Bukhari volume 7, book 64, hadith 263]

Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said, "The best alms is that which you give when you are rich, and you should start first to support your dependants."
[Sahih Al Bukhari volume 7, book 64, hadith 269] 


Thauban reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The most excellent dinar is one that a person spends on his family, and the dinar which he spends on his animal in Allah's path, and the dinar he spends on his companions in Allah's path. Abu Qilaba (one of the narrators) said: He (the narrator) started with family, and then Abu Qilaba said: Who is the person with greater reward than a person who spends on young members of his family (and thus) preserves (saves them from want) (and by virtue of which) Allah brings profit for them and makes them rich.
[Sahih Muslim Book 5, chapter 12, hadith 2180]

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Of the dinar you spend as a contribution in Allah's path, or to set free a slave, or as a sadaqa given to a needy, or to support your family, the one yielding the greatest reward is that which you spent on your family.
[Sahih Muslim Book 5, chapter 12, hadith 2181]

5. 99 names of Allah - Al - Quddoos



Name Al - Quddoos


Meaning The Holy One and One who is free from all blemishes


Benefits
Reciting Ya Quddusu 100 times each day will purify our hearts and relieve us from all anxiety.

Friday, 5 April 2013

2. Friday Prayer

Narrated Salman-Al-Farsi:

The Prophet (may peace be upon him) (p.b.u.h) said, "Whoever takes a bath on Friday, purifies himself as much as he can, then uses his (hair) oil or perfumes himself with the scent of his house, then proceeds (for the Jumua prayer) and does not separate two persons sitting together (in the mosque), then prays as much as (Allah has) written for him and then remains silent while the Imam is delivering the Khutba, his sins in-between the present and the last Friday would be forgiven."

[Sahih Al Bukhari : Volume 1, Book 13, hadith 8 ]

SubhanAllah such an easy way to please the Almighty, simple acts of obedience and worship.. that would expiate your sins.
Allah S.W.T. has granted us the opportunity of implementing this every week ! May you all have a blessed Friday..  ( Ameen)

Thursday, 4 April 2013

4. 99 names of Allah - Al - Malik




Name 
Al - Malik
Meaning
 The Sovereign
Benefits
Constantly reciting Ya Maliku will result in enjoying respect and dignity in the sight of others.

1. 99 names of Allah - Allah




Name 
Allah
Meaning
(The Name of Allah)
Benefits

If you recite this name of Allah 1000 times daily, Allah will remove all doubts and uncertainities from your heart and instill determination and faith. Insha-Allah.

3. 99 names of Allah - AR - Raheem



Name 
Ar - Raheem
Meaning
 Most Merciful
Benefits
If you recite ya Raheemu name of Allah 100 times daily after every Salaah (prayer), Allah will safeguard you against all calamities and maladies. Insha-Allah.


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