December 12, 2007 was the first day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar in Mumbai and surrounding areas. This is the month of sacrifice and Hajj, and is very auspicious. The ninth day of this blessed month falls on Thursday, December 20, and 'Id -ul-Adha on Friday, December 21, 2007.
Allah swears an oath by the first ten nights of Dhul-Hijjah, and swearing an oath by something is indicative of its importance and great benefit. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): "By the dawn; by the ten nights" (Surah al-Fajr 89:1-2). The "ten nights" refer to those of Dhul-Hijjah.
Ibn 'Abbas reports that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these days [meaning the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah]." (Related by Bukhari)
Ibn 'Umar that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "There is no day more honorable in Allah's sight and no acts more beloved therein to Allah than those in these ten days. So say tahleel (There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah: Laa ilaaha illallaah), takbeer (Allah is the greatest: Allaahu Akbar) and tahmeed (All praise is due to Allah: alhamdulillaah) a lot [on those days]." (Related by Ahmad)
Abu Hurayrah relates that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "There are no days more loved to Allaah for you to worship Him therein than the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. Fasting any day during it is equivalent to fasting one year and to offer salatul tahajjud (late-night prayer) during one of its nights is like performing the late night prayer on the night of power [ i.e., Lailatul Qadr]." (Related by Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and Baihaqi)
Fasting on the day of 'Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah)
Abu Qatadah reported that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "Fasting on the day of 'Arafah is an expiation for two years, the year preceding it and the year following it." (Related by Muslim)
Hafsah reported, "There are five things that the Messenger (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) never abandoned: fasting the day of 'Ashurah [10th Muharram], fasting the [first] ten [days of Dhul-Hijjah], fasting three days of every month and praying two rak'ah before the dawn prayer." (Related by Ahmad and Nasa'i)
For those who intend to sacrifice
Those who intend to sacrifice are recommended to refrain from clipping nails and shaving/cutting hair.
Umm Salamah reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "If anyone has in his possession a sacrificial animal to offer as sacrifice [on 'Id al-Adhaa], he should not get his hair cut and nails trimmed after he has entered the first days of Dhul-Hijjah." (Related by Muslim)
Umm Salamah reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "He who has a sacrificial animal with him whom [he intends] to offer as sacrifice, and he enters the month of Dhul-Hijjah, he should not get his hair cut or nails trimmed until he has sacrificed the animal." (Related by Muslim)
Those who cannot sacrifice an animal are also recommended to refrain from clipping nails and shaving/cutting hair. This will entitle them to a reward equal to those who sacrifice, Insha Allah.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Merits of the month of Dhul-Hijjah
Saturday, October 6, 2007
How to seek Laylat ul-Qadr
Laylat ul-Qadr is the most blessed night. A person who misses it has indeed missed a great amount of good. If a believing person is zealous to obey his Lord and increase the good deeds in his record, he should strive to encounter this night and to pass it in worship and obedience. If this is facilitated for him, all of his previous sins will be forgiven.
Praying Qiyaam
It is recommended to make a long Qiyaam prayer during the nights on which Laylat ul-Qadr could fall. This is indicated in many hadeeths, such as the following:
Abu Dharr (radhiallahu `anhu) relates:
"We fasted with Allah's Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) in Ramadaan. He did not lead us (in qiyaam) at all until there were seven (nights of Ramadaan) left. Then he stood with us (that night - in prayer) until one third of the night had passed. He did not pray with us on the sixth. On the fifth night, he prayed with us until half of the night had passed. So we said, 'Allah's Messenger! Wouldn't you pray with us the whole night?' He replied:
'Whoever stands in prayer with the imaam until he (the imaam) concludes the prayer, it is recorded for him that he prayed the whole night.'…" [Recorded by Ibn Abi Shaybah, Abu Dawud, at-Tirmithi (who authenticated it), an-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah, at-Tahawi (in Sharhu Ma`an il-Athar, Ibn Nasr, al-Faryabi, and al-Bayhaqi. Their isnad is authentic.]
[Point of benefit: Abu Dawud mentioned: "I heard Ahmad being asked, 'Do you like for a man to pray with the people or by himself during Ramadan?' He replied, 'Pray with the people' I also heard him say, 'I would prefer for one to pray (qiyaam) with the imaam and to pray witr with him as well, for the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "When a man prays with the imaam until he concludes, it is recorded that he prayed the rest of that night." [Masaa'il]]
Abu Hurayrah (radhiallahu `anhu) narrated that the Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said:
"Whoever stands (in qiyaam) in Laylat ul-Qadr [and it is facilitated for him] out of faith and expectation (of Allah's reward), will have all of his previous sins forgiven." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim; the addition "and it is facilitated for him" is recorded by Ahmad from the report of `Ubaadah Bin as-Samit; it means that he is permitted to be among the sincere worshippers during that blessed night.]
Making Supplications
It is also recommended to make extensive supplication on this night. `A'ishah (radhiallahu `anha) reported that she asked Allah's Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam), "O Messenger of Allah! If I knew which night is Laylat ul-Qadr, what should I say during it?" And he instructed her to say:
"Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee - O Allah! You are forgiving, and you love forgiveness. So forgive me." [Recorded by Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and at-Tirmithi. Verified to be authentic by Al-Albani]
Abandoning Worldly Pleasures for the Sake of Worship
It is further recommended to spend more time in worship during the nights on which Laylat ul-Qadr is likely to be. This calls for abandoning many worldly pleasures in order to secure the time and thoughts solely for worshipping Allah. `A'ishah (radhiallahu `anha) reported:
"When the (last) ten started, the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) would tighten his izaar (i.e. he stayed away from his wives in order to have more time for worship), spend the whole night awake (in prayer), and wake up his family." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
And she said:
"Allah's Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) used to exert more (in worship) on the last ten than on other nights." [Muslim]
Shaykh Muhammad Nasir-ud-Deen al-Albani
http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=334
Zakaat ul-Fitr -- don't forget!
--What is Zakaat ul-Fitr?
Zakaat ul-Fitr (often referred to as Sadaqat ul-Fitr) is the name given to charity which is given at the end of the fast of Ramadaan. The significant role played by Zakaah in the circulation of wealth within the Islamic society is also played by the Zakaat ul-Fitr.
Zakaat ul-Fitr is a duty which is waajib (obligatory) on every Muslim, whether male or female, minor or adult as long as he/she has the means to do so.
--Purpose of Zakaat ul-Fitr
The main purpose of Zakaat ul-Fitr is to provide those who fasted with the means of making up for their errors during the month of fasting. Zakaat ul-Fitr also provides the poor with a means with which they can celebrate the festival of breaking the fast (`Id ul-Fitr) along with the rest of the Muslims.
Ibn Abbaas reported, "The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaat ul-Fitr compulsory so that those who fasted may be purified of their idle deeds and shameful talk (committed during Ramadaan) and so that the poor may be fed." [Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah]
Hence, the goal of Zakaat ul-Fitr is the spiritual development of the Believers. By making them give up some of their wealth, the believers are taught the higher moral characteristics of generosity, compassion (sympathy for the unfortunate), gratitude to God and the righteousness. But, since Islaam does not neglect man's material need, part of the goal of Zakaat ul-Fitr is the economic well-being of the poorer members of society.
--When is Zakaat ul-Fitr due?
Ibn Abbaas reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "If one pays Zakaat ul-Fitr before the Salaah (i.e., the 'Id prayer), it is considered an accepted Zakaah, if he pays it after the Salaah, it is considered an ordinary charity." [Abu Dawud]
Zakaat ul-Fitr thus becomes obligatory from sunset on the last day of fasting and remains obligatory until the beginning of Salaat ul-'Id (i.e. shortly after sunrise on the following day). However, it can be paid prior to the above mentioned period, as many of the Sahaabah (companions of the Prophet(sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam)) used to pay Zakaat ul-Fitr a couple days before the `Id.
Naafi' reported that the Prophet's companion Ibn `Umar used to give it to those who would accept it and the people used to give it a day or two before the `Id. [al-Bukhari]
Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) order that it (Zakaat ul-Fitr) be given before people go to make the Salaah (of 'Id).
One who forgets to pay this Zakaat ul-Fitr on time should do so as soon as possible even though it will not be counted as Zakaat ul-Fitr (it will be counted as Sadaqah -- see hadith above).
--Amount to be given as Zakaat ul-Fitr
The amount of Zakaah is the same for everyone regardless of their different income brackets. The minimum amount is one Saa` (a volume measure corresponding approximately to the volume of 5 lb of good wheat) of food, grain or dried fruit for each member of the family.
Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaat ul-Fitr compulsory on every slave, freeman, male, female, young and old among the Muslims: one Saa` of dried dates or one Saa` of barely. [al-Bukhari]
The head of the household may pay the required amount for the other members. Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree said, "On behalf of our young and old, free men and slaves, we used to take out during Allaah's Messenger's (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) lifetime one Saa` of grain, cheese or raisins". [Muslim]
According to Hanafi scholars, instead of giving grain as Zakaat ul-Fitr, one can pay the equivalent in currency. Each share of Zakaat ul-Fitr has been calculated to be Rs. 35/- for Mumbai and surrounding areas for this year (1428 H).
Zakaat ul-Fitr is to be given to the same eight categories of people (mentioned in the Qur'an, 9:60) as in the other types of Zakaah. Some scholars say that the poor and the needy are the most deserving ones since the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said that it had "...the purpose of providing food for the needy." (see hadith above)
Shared By brother Shamlan.
Friday, September 7, 2007
DAILY RAMADAAN DUAS DAY 1 TO 30
Ramadan Dua: DAY 1
ALLAH, on this day make my fasts the fasts of those who fast (sincerely), and my standing up in prayer of those who stand up in prayer (obediently), awaken me in it from the sleep of the heedless, and forgive me my sins , O God of the worlds, and forgive me, O one who forgives the sinners.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 2
ALLAH, on this day, take me closer towards Your pleasure, keep me away from Your anger and punishment, grant me the opportunity to recite Your verses (of the Qur'an), by Your mercy, O the most Merciful.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 3
ALLAH, on this day, grant me wisdom and awareness, keep me away from foolishness and pretension, grant me a share in every blessing You send down, by You generosity, O the most Generous.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 4
ALLAH, on this day, strengthen me in carrying out Your commands, let me taste the sweetness of Your remembrance, grant me, through Your graciousness, that I give thanks to You. Protect me, with Your protection and cover, O the most discerning of those who see.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 5
ALLAH, on this day, place me among those who seek forgiveness. Place me among Your righteous and obedient servants, and place me among Your close friends, by Your kindness, O the most Merciful.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 6
ALLAH, on this day, do not let me abase myself by incurring Your disobedience, and do not strike me with the whip of Your punishment, keep me away from the causes of Your anger, by and Your power, O the ultimate wish of those who desire.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 7
ALLAH, on this day, help me with its fasts and prayers, and keep me away from mistakes and sins of the day, grant me that I remember You continuously through the day, by Your assistance, O the Guide of those who stray.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 8
ALLAH, on this day, let me have mercy on the orphans, and feed [the hungry], and spread peace, and keep company with the noble-minded, O the shelter of the hopeful.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 9
ALLAH, on this day, grant me a share from Your mercy which is wide, guide me towards Your shining proofs, lead me to Your all encompassing pleasure, by Your love, O the hope of the desirous.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 10
ALLAH, on this day, make me, among those who rely on You, from those who You consider successful, and place me among those who are near to you, by Your favor, O goal of the seekers.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 11
ALLAH, on this day, make me love goodness, and dislike corruption and disobedience, bar me from anger and the fire [of Hell], by Your help, O the helper of those who seek help
Ramadan Dua: DAY 12
ALLAH, on this day, beautify me with covering and chastity, cover me with the clothes of contentment and chastity, let me adhere to justice and fairness, and keep me safe from all that I fear, by Your protection, O the protector of the frightened.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 13
ALLAH, on this day, purify me from un-cleanliness and dirt, make me patient over events that are decreed, grant me the ability to be pious, and keep company with the good, by Your help, O the beloved of the destitute.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 14
ALLAH, on this day, do not condemn me for slips, make me decrease mistakes and errors, do not make me a target for afflictions and troubles, by Your honor, O the honor of the Muslims.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 15
Ramadan Dua: DAY 16
ALLAH, on this day, grant me compatibility with the good, keep me away from patching up with the evil, lead me in it, by Your mercy, to the permanent abode, by Your God ship, O the God of the worlds.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 17
ALLAH, on this day, guide me towards righteous actions, fulfill my needs and hopes, O One who does not need explanations nor questions, O One who knows what is in the chests of the (people of the) world. Bless Muhammad and his family, the Pure.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 18
ALLAH, on this day, make me love goodness, and dislike corruption and disobedience, bar me from anger and the fire [of Hell], by Your help, O the helper of those who seek help.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 19
ALLAH, on this day, multiply for me its blessings, and ease my path towards its bounties, do not deprive me of the acceptance of its good deeds, O the Guide towards the clear truth.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 20
ALLAH, on this day, open for me the doors of the heavens, and lock the doors of Hell from me, help me to recite the Qur'an, O the One who sends down tranquility into the hearts of believers.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 21
ALLAH, on this day, show me the way to win Your pleasure, do not let Shaytan have a means over me, make Paradise an abode and a resting place for me, O the One who fulfills the requests of the needy.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 22
ALLAH, on this day, open for me the doors of Your Grace, send down on me its blessings, help me towards the causes of Your mercy, and give me a place in the comforts of Paradise, O the one who answers the call of the distressed.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 23
ALLAH, on this day, wash away my sins, purify me from all flaws, examine my heart with (for) the piety of the hearts, O One who overlooks the shortcomings of the sinners.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 24
ALLAH, on this day, I ask You for what pleases You, and I seek refuge in You from what displeases You, I ask You to grant me the opportunity to obey You and not disobey You, O One who is generous with those who ask
Ramadan Dua: DAY 25
ALLAH, on this day, make me among those who love Your friends, and hate Your enemies, following the way of Your last Prophet, O the Guardian of the hearts of the Prophets.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 26
ALLAH, on this day, make my efforts worthy of appreciation, and my sins forgiven, my deeds accepted, my flaws concealed, O the best of those who hear.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 27
ALLAH, on this day, bestow on me the blessings of Laylatul Qadr, change my affairs from (being) difficult to (being) easy, accept my apologies, and decrease for me [my] sins and burdens, O the Compassionate with His righteous servants.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 28
ALLAH, on this day, grant me a share in its nawafil (recommended prayers), honor me by attending to my problems, make closer the means to approach You, from all the means, O One who is not preoccupied by the requests of the beseechers.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 29
O ALLAH, on this day, cover me with Your mercy, grant me in it success and protection, purify my heart from the darkness of false accusations, O the Merciful to His believing servants.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 30
O ALLAH, on this day, make my fasts worthy of appreciation and acceptance, according to what pleases You, and pleases the Messenger, the branches being strengthened by the roots, for the sake of our leader, Muhammad, and his purified family. Praise be to ALLAH, the Lord of the worlds.
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Ramadhan (Ramzaan)
Control of one's base desires is far more important in Ramadhan that engaging in mere abstinence of food and drinks. Usually we see people forego food and drinks but do not fail to abuse one another or even engage in sins like gheebah (back biting), pride and arrogance in Ramadhan. One should remember that our Beloved Prophet (sal allahu aleyhi wa aaleyhi wassalam) has said that Allah is in no need of anyone's fasting if he could not control himself from being a slave to his desires. As Allah Subhanota'la says in Quran:
"Allah is the Wali of those who believe, He brings them out of the depth of darkness and leads them into the Light."2:257
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Of Modern youth and Mus'ab bin 'Umair
Big city, bright lights. Cars flash in fast lanes. Young Muslims are getting ready to hit the "night scene". Branded shoes and designer clothes in place, clutching the latest mobile gizmos and sporting the trendiest watches, their perfume smells --- more than anything else – of money.
You can see them "hanging out" in groups, lolling in the bright lights of a megamall, lingering aimlessly in hypershops, buying a knick knack to drive away the boredom; even if it's just for a second.
You can see them sipping cappucino at a Starbucks café …watching people go by, sharing a joke and laughing raucously; vacant eyes straying over to huge tv screens for the latest football score.
You can see them racing cars dangerously late into the night, music blasting from the stereos, startling passersby while they laugh in their faces. A standard sight.
Each time I see this all-too familiar scene, I find myself thinking of someone. Someone who lies buried in the blood-wet earth of 'Uhud, feet covered by scented grass and his body covered only by a square woollen sheet that was not even sufficient to cover him completely. Someone who was his mother's pampered son, he wore the best clothes his rich mother's money could buy, his perfume scented the streets he walked through. The talk of Makkan matrons and maidens in their plush salons, the toast of his peers in the city's clubs, the most flamboyant young man of the Quraysh, who left a life of pleasuring the Self to gain the pleasure of Allaah: Mus'ab bin Umair bin Hashim bin Abd Munaf who was also known as Mus'ab al Khair.
Mus'ab was only a youth when he heard of the new Prophet who had arisen among the Quraysh and his Message of monotheism; Makkah talked of very little else in those days. His curiosity piqued by all the talk, Mus'ab decided to approach the Prophet sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam on his own to determine the truth of his Message.
One night, instead of joining his friends in their customary revelry, Mus'ab made his way to the house of Al-Arqaam Ibn Al-Arqaam which came to be known as Daar al Arqaam among the Muslims. It was here that the Prophet met with the growing band of Muslims, away from the eyes of the Quraysh. It was here that the Companions talked over the future of their faith, heard and recited newly revealed portions of the Qur'aan and prayed behind the Prophet sall Allaahu 'alayhi wassallam to Allaah.
That night, Mus'ab sat down among the gathering of the faithful and heard the Prophet sall Allaahu 'alayhi wassallam recite verses of the Qur'aan. From that moment on he forgot for ever his life of luxury and indolence, in the ecstasy of discovering the key to eternal life.
Mus'ab's path to the faith was not easy – his mother, Khunnas bint Maalik, a strong willed woman infamous for her sharp temper and sharper tongue – was his chief opponent. In order to avoid an unpleasant confrontation with his mother, Mus'ab initially avoided telling her about his new faith. However, people found him frequenting Daar Al-Arqaam more than his usual haunts and saw him coming under the influence of the Prophet sall Allaahu 'alayhi wasallam. It wasn't long before news of his conversion reached his mother.
Reacting with the imperiousness of her nature, her pride in her lineage and her age-old allegiance to the gods, she commanded Mus'ab to return and repent to the gods he had abandoned in his "foolishness"; and when he refused, she had him shackled and imprisoned in a corner of the house.
Somehow, news of the first emigration of some Muslims to Abyssinia reached Mus'ab in his incarceration and his heart longed to join his brothers in the faith. Using his ingenuity, he managed to delude his mother and his guards and escaped to Abyssinia with other emigrants. Later, he returned to Makkah with them for a short while and emigrated a second time, this time as the Prophet [SAW]'s chosen envoy to the new centre of faith: Yathrib.
When Mus'ab returned from Abyssinia, his mother sought to imprison him yet again. But this time he vowed that if she attempted that, he would kill all those who came to her aid to lock him up. She knew the intensity of his determination better than anyone else and so she bade him a final farewell, crying bitterly: Go away; I am no longer your mother.
At this, Mus'ab went close to her and said: O Mother, I am advising you and my heart is with you, please bear witness that there is no God but Allaah and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.
Enraged, she swore: By the stars, I will never enter your religion, to degrade my status and weaken my senses!
But Mus'ab entered Islaam in the spirit of the Qur'aan when it says: udkhuloo fi silme kaafah [enter into Islaam completely]. He forsook every semblance of satisfaction of the Self for the sake of Allaah – his dress was tattered, his food was simple, the bare earth was his bed.
One day he went out to meet some Muslims while they were sitting around the Prophet sall Allaahu alayhi wassallam, and when they saw him they lowered their heads and shed silent tears at the sight of the pampered youth of their memory, moving about in wornout patches held together by thorns, which barely covered him. After Mus'ab moved away from the gathering, the Prophet sall Allaahu alayhi wassallam recalled: I saw Mus'ab, and there was no youth in Makkah more petted by his parents than he. Then he abandoned all that for the love of Allaah and His Prophet.
Recognizing Mus'ab's noble manners and patience, the Prophet [SAW] commissioned him to instruct the people of Yathrib who had pledged their allegiance to the Prophet at 'Aqabah, to call others to Islaam and to prepare the city for the eventual migration of the Prophet [SAW].
At that time, there were among the Companions men of sterling character and nerves of steel, men who were older and more experienced in the ways of the world; yet he [SAW] chose Mus'ab as his representative. And Mus'ab proved worthy of the Prophet's choice many times over, dealing with detractors with patience and sagacity.
Mus'ab entered Yathrib as a guest of Sa'ad ibn Zurarah of the Khazraj tribe. Together they went approached the citizens of Yathrib, explaining the message of Monotheism and reciting the Qur'aan. Once Musa'ab and Sa'ad were sitting near a well in an orchard of Banee Zafar, when they were approached by Usayd ibn Khudayr brandishing a spear in obvious rage. Sa'ad whispered to Mus'ab: This is a chieftain of his people. May Allaah place the truth in his heart.
Mus'ab replied calmly: If he sits down, I will speak to him.
Usayd was angry at the success of Mus'ab's mission and shouted angrily: Why have you both come to us to corrupt the weak among us? Keep away from us if you want to stay alive. At this, Musa'ab smiled and said softly: Won't you sit down and listen? If you are pleased and satisfied with our mission, accept it; and if you dislike it we will stop telling you what you dislike and leave. Sticking his spear into the ground, Usayd sat down to hear them out. As Musa'ab began telling him about Islaam and reciting portions of the Qur'aan to Usayd's expression changed. The first words he uttered were : How beautiful are these words and how true! What does a person do if he wants to enter this religion?
Mus'ab explained: Have a bath, purify yourself and your clothes. Then utter the testimony of Truth (shahadah), and perform prayers. Usayd testified that there is no god but Allaah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, prayed two rakaats of salaah and was followed by another influential man: Sa'ad ibn Muaadh.
By the time the Prophet [SAW] emigrated, there was not a single household in Yathrib in which Mus'ab had not endeared himself and the Message of Islaam. In the subsequent pilgrimage, he led a company of 70 people went from Yathrib to pledge allegiance to the Prophet.
In a famous incident after the victory at Badr, the Muslims captured some Makkans and sought to ransom them. Mus'ab was passing by the ranks of prisoners and stopped when saw his brother, Abu Azeez ibn Umayr among them. However, instead of interceding on his behalf, he instructed his brother's captor to bind him securely and to extract a large ransom for the prisoner, because "his mother is a very rich woman" When the brother sought to remind Mus'ab of his relationship, Mus'ab replied: I only recognize brotherhood of the faith; this man is my brother, not you!
At 'Uhud, the Prophet sall Allaahu alayhi wassallam chose Mus'ab to bear the battle standard. In the melee that followed the archers descent from the hill where they were stationed, in violation of the Prophet [SAW]'s orders, the Makkans fought back fiercely. Taken unawares by the cavalry of the Quraysh attacking from the rear, the Muslim ranks scattered. Intent on harming the Prophet [SAW], the Makkans searched for him while he was being guarded only by a handful of companions. Suddenly, someone shouted that the Prophet [SAW] was no more.
It was at this juncture that Mus'ab's glorious life reached a fitting culmination: Ibrahim ibn Muhammad related from his father, who said: Mus'ab ibn 'Umair carried the standard on the Day of Uhud. When the Muslims were scattered, he stood fast until he met Ibn Qaami'ah who was a knight. He struck him on his right hand and cut it off, but Mus'ab said: And Muhammad is but a Messenger. Messengers have passed away before him. He carried the standard with his left hand and leaned on it, when his left hand was cut off; he leaned on the standard and held it with his upper arms to his chest, all the while saying: And Muhammad is but a Messenger. Messengers have passed away before him. Then a third soldier struck Mus'ab with his spear, and the spear went through him.
After the battle, the Prophet and his companions came to the plain of 'Uhud to bury the martyrs, some of whose bodies had been mutilated by the marauding women of the Qur'aysh. Pausing when he saw Mus'ab, the Prophet [SAW] recited: Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah. Then he [SAW] looked at the remains of his companions in the battlefield and said: The Prophet of Allaah witnesses that you are martyrs to Allaah on the Day of Resurrection.
There wasn't enough material to serve as a shroud for Mus'ab. Khabbaab ibn Al-Arat narrated: We emigrated with the Prophet for Allaah's cause, so our reward became due with Allaah. Some of us passed away without enjoying anything in this life of his reward, and of them was Mus'ab ibn 'Umair, who was martyred on the Day of Uhud. He did not leave behind anything except a sheet of shredded woollen cloth. If we covered his feet with it, his head was uncovered, and if we covered his feet with it, his head was uncovered. The Prophet [SAW] said to us: Cover his head with it and put lemon grass over his feet.
It was this memory of Mus'ab in his martyr's grave, that caused companions like Abdur Rahmaan ibn 'Awf to cry in fear of having no share in the Hereafter, because they had been granted a life of plenty and ease right here in this world. Once his servant brought him a meal to break his fast and ibn 'Awf burst into tears, remembering Mus'ab who had passed away without tasting the good of this world, to the certainty of eternal pleasure in the Hereafter.
As night falls, I think of the shadows lengthening across 'Uhud where the martyrs lie buried, when visitors drive off leaving the plain quiet, dark and peaceful. I think of the graves of the shuhadaa, resplendent with the dazzling light of the truly fortunate: those who are pleasing to Allaah and are pleased with Him.
In the neon dazzle of malls, where countless young Muslims strive daily in the trivial pursuit of pleasure, we would do well to bear the memory of Mus'ab radiyy Allaahu anhu in mind. It may keep us from getting lost in the light.
By : Umm Rashid
Shared by: Brother Shamlan
Sha'baan
Allah , out of His infinite mercy, has created varying seasons throughout the year for people’s benefit. Similarly, Allah has also assigned different seasons for particular worship. These are special times designated by Allah for increased worship.
Of course, a believer is expected to be performing worship continuously throughout his or her life, but these special opportunities exist so that every believer may get a chance to attain closeness to Allah and earn manifold rewards.
One of these blessed opportunities is the month of Sha'baan. It is reported in authentic ahadith that Rasulullah used to particularly increase his worship in this month. It is recorded in Sahih al Bukhari:
Aishah radhiallahu anhaa narrates: I have never seen the Blessed Prophet fast for a whole month besides the month of Ramadaan and keep more fasts [outside of Ramadaan] than in the month of Sha'baan. (Reported in Bukhari, Muslim, Nisai, Abu Dawood)
Usamah bin Zaid narrates that I said: Oh Blessed Prophet! I do not see you fasting any month more than the month of Shabaan. The Blessed Prophet replied: People are ignorant of it, being between the months of Rajab and Ramadaan. All deeds are raised towards the Lord of the Worlds in that month. Thus, I wish that my deeds are raised when I am fasting. (Reported in Nisai, Musnad Ahmad)
Aisha radhiallahu anhaa narrates that I never saw the Blessed Prophet fast in any month more than the month of Sha'baan. He used to fast the whole month except for some days; in fact, he used to fast the whole month (of Sha'baan). (Reported in Tirmidhi, Nisai, Abu Dawood, Musnad Ahmad)
Abu Huraira relates that Aisha radhiallahu anhaa narrated to them the hadith that the Blessed Prophet fasted the whole month of Sha'baan. She said: I asked the Blessed Prophet: Oh Blessed Prophet, is Sha'baan your most favorite month to fast? He replied: Allah assigns the year of death for each person (in the month of Sha'baan), thus, I wish my death comes when I am fasting. (The chain of narration is ranked “Hasan” in al-Targheeb wal Tarheeb and is also related in Musnad Abu Yala)
The following things are very clear from the several ahaadith quoted above:
1. The month of Sha'baan is a very important month and the Shari’ah encourages us to perform optional acts of worship during this month.
2. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, used to fast most of the month of Sha'baan.
3. In this month, all of the people’s deeds are presented to Allah.
4. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, disliked the people neglecting the importance of the month of Sha'baan.
5. In Sha'baan, the list of all the people that are supposed to die in that year are handed over to the angels.
Here is wishing you a great month ahead, in preparation for Ramadaan!
The last Sermon
"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I don't know whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.
O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (Interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived...
Beware of Satan, for your safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have right over you. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and comitted helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to commit adultery.
O People, listen to me in earnest, whorship Allah, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadhan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. You know that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. You are all equal. Nobody has superiority over other except by piety and good action.
Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not astray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur'an and my example, the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me direcly. Be my witness oh Allah that I have conveyed your message to your people."
Muslim and Pious Women
v A single pious, practicing woman is equal to 70 saints (aulia ekraam).
v A single bad (evil) woman is equal to 1000 bad men.
v Two rakaats namaaz of an aalimah woman are better than 80 rakaats of ordinary women.
v A breastfeeding woman gets one good for each drop of milk that is fed to the child.
v When a husband comes home full of worries and the wife extends warm welcome to him and consoles him; she receives the reward of half jihaad .
v A woman, who is deprived of sleep owing to her child crying at night, receives the sawaab of freeing 20 slaves .
v When a husband and a wife look at each other with love and affection, Allah Paak himself looks at both of them with love and affection .
v A woman who sends out her husband in the path of Allah and stays at home by herself, maintaining her honour and dignity (i.e. protecting herself against temptation and dishonesty) will enter jannat 500 years before her husband while 70,000 angels and hoors will serve her. She will be given ghusl in jannat and sitting on mountains of pearls , she will await the arrival of her husband.
v A woman who is rendered restless owing to the illness of her baby and yet kept on striving to comfort the baby, Allah Talaah forgives all her sins and gives her the sawaab of 12 years accepted in ibaadat .
v While milking her animal (cow, goats, ect), if a woman makes the zikr of bismillah , that every animal makes dua to Allah Taalah on her behalf.
v When a woman makes the zikr of bismillah while preparing the dough ( for roti), her livelihood is increased (i.e . she receives barakat in her rozi).
v When a woman makes zikar while sweeping, she receives the sawaab of sweeping baitullah (kaba) .
v A chaste woman who is mindful of namaaz and roza, also makes khidmat for her husband, for her all the 8 doors of jannat are opened . She may enter from whichever doors she likes.
v The namaaz and ibaadat of a woman disobedient to her husband do not reach heaven .
v Every night of an expectant mother (a woman who is carrying a baby in her womb) is counted as spent in ibaadat and every day as spent in fasting .
v A woman receives the sawaab of 70 years of namaaz and roza on giving birth to one child and the pain she suffered in every vein of her body while giving birth, for that she will receive the sawaab of one hajj.
v If a woman dies within 40 days after giving birth, Allah Taalah gives her the status of shahaadat (i.e. she dies as a shaheed).
v Upon the child crying at night, if the mother feeds the child (gives milk to the child) without cursing, she receives the sawaab of performing namaaz for one year.
v When a child finishes the period of breast-feeding, an angel comes and gives glad tidings (news) to the mother that Allah has made jannat wajib for her.
v When the husband comes home to sleep and the wife gives him food to eat (not being involved in dishonesty with regard to herself and her husband's belongings), Allah Tallah gives her the sawaab of 12 years of ibaadat.
v When the wife presses the legs of her husband without asking him, her to do so, she gets the sawaab of giving charity 7 ounce of GOLD, and if she presses his legs after he asks her to do so, she receives the sawaab of giving 7 ounces of SILVER in sadaqua.
v When a woman's husband dies while he was happy and pleased with her, jannat becomes wajib for her .
v A husband's teaching one masla to his wife is equal to 80 years ibaadat .
v In jannat people will go to visit (see) Allah Taalah, but Allah Tallah himself will visit (to see) the woman who has observed PARDAH while in dunyah.
v Woman who wears thin garment (transparent, see-through garment) or who arouses passion in men, or meet men they are not allowed to mix or move about openly while heavily made up or who live without pardah , will never enter jannat. In fact they will not even smell the fragrance of jannat.
v A woman who has undergone a great amount of suffering and difficulties in this world will be classified with hazrat Aasia ( r.a). She was the wife of the firaun (pharaon) who despite the fact that she was his wife, tortured and persecuted her, to renounce Deen and Imaan. She gave her life in the process ( i.e. she died of the punishment inflicted to her), but did not forsake Imaan.
v Every single woman going to hell will take four (4) jannati men. Because they did not fikr nor had they cared in duniya about the Deen and Imaan of that woman and did not teach her Deen, these four men will be:
1. her father
2. her brother
3. her husband &
4. her son
v If woman glances at men she is not allowed to see according to the shariat, Allah Taalah sends his curse upon her, just as it is forbidden for a man to glance at women he is not allowed to see.
May Allah give every Muslim men & women HIDAYA to stand by Islamic Rules and keep far away from the sin.