Just a reminder for myself and all. English translations available for the vid.
{"But verily, over you (are appointed angels in charge of mankind) to watch you, Kiraaman (honourable) Kaatibiin - writing down (your deeds), They know all that you do."} [Suurah Al-Infitaar 82:(10-12)]
{"There is no human being but has a protector over him (or her) (i.e. angels in charge of each human being guarding him, writing his good and bad deeds"} [Suurah At-Taariq 86:4]
Let's work on improving ourselves and striving in performing good deeds and staying away from bad deeds as much as possible. Seek help and ask from Allaah and only Allaah. Don't stop supplicating, hoping and asking from Allaah.
Allaah Almighty says in Suurah Al-Baqarah 2:186,
{"And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad s.a.w.) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright."}
in conjuction with this Suurah is the following hadeeth qudsi,
Narrated Abu Hurairah (radhiallaahu 'anhu) : The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallaam) said, "Allaah said, 'I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshipper of Mine. And the most beloved things with which My slave comes nearer to Me through performing Nawaafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him. Then I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My Protection (Refuge), I will protect him; (i.e. give him My Refuge), and I do not hesitate to do anything as I hesitate to take the soul of the believer, for he hates death, and I hate to disappoit him.'" [Sahih Al-Bukhari, 8/6502 (O.P.509)] - Interpretation of the Meanings of The Noble Qur'aan; A Summarized Version of At-Tabari, Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir with Comments from Sahih Al-Bukhari
Friday, August 28, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
How time flies..
How time flies. It’s been more than a week now since touchdown in Singapore and almost everyday since day one, I’ve been going out to catch up with friends or family. It was a different approach to how I spent it the last time I came back for a holiday that my mum exclaimed,
“Aii.. asik keluar je wan?!”
Last year it was more like, “Wan asik duduk rumah je, tak keluar ke??”
Hm, keluar kena tegur. Tak keluar pon kena tegur juga? Ha. It’s great being able to meet people whom you haven’t seen for a while and catching up. The existence of facebook has actually made it easier to get to know the progress of others’ lives, while you’re being far away from home. However, nothing beats experiencing it firsthand.
One of the things I've realised that I really miss is the food, though I'm not really a fan of food. I just eat to live, not live to eat. Most of the times the food we eat at Saudi is just dry rice with chicken or beef. And vegetables are almost non-existant. So imagine how it was, when I tasted 'beef hor fun', for the first time in almost a year! It tasted so good and uplifting that I exclaimed,
"Waaah.. this is REAL food man!!" and I savored it till the last drop.
A while later, I noticed a couple of friends who ordered the same dish did not finish thier portion and even pushed the food aside. I asked,
"Eh, tak habis ke? Sedap pe?" and he replied nonchalantly,
"Tak ah, dah muak ah.." Haiz..
While catching up have been good, I wish I could find a way to do more to aid the situation of friends who over the years, became distanced from the most important part of being a Muslim which is the obligatory prayers. Some of my friends who don't salaat regularly aren't that ignorant of Islam. In fact some even love to talk and discuss about Islam but they don't see the importance of performing salaat.
-excerpt from islamonline.net with modifications- The 5 obligatory prayers (salaat) is the second most important aspect for a Muslim after the testimony of faith, (“There is no god but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God”) and they are the first thing the Muslim will be asked about on Judgment Day.
No matter what the actions of a Muslim, the most important is his relationship with Allaah, and salaat will aid the Muslim in reminding himself of his position in the universe as a humble servant of Allah and of his total dependence on his Creator, Cherisher and Sustainer.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) compared this experience of making ablution and praying five times a day to having a river running in front of one’s house. If one bathed in that river five times a day, would any filth remain on his body? Likewise, the ablution and Prayer five times a day removes one’s sins and also prevents him from sinning. -end-
We may reason that at times the timing for prayers clash with our busy schedule. However, there is no excuse. When one encounters difficulties in performing a prayer, there's always a solution. We can pray anytime and anywhere. No place? Just any clean, small space that fits for performing prayers will do. Don't know direction? There are compasses sold which point to the direction of the kiblah. Can't find water for ablution? We can perform tayammum. It takes at minimum just 5-10 mins of our time. We can do jama' prayers (joining dhuhur and asar or maghrib and isya' in one period) if the situation really calls for it when we're really caught up in something important for example. We have to schedule our daily activities around the timings of salaat. This is how we show our commitment to Allaah just like fasting or zakat.
Allah Almighty says in the Qur'aan,
{"And perform As-Salaat (the prayers), at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night [i.e. the five compulsory Salaat (prayers)]. Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds (i.e. small sins). That is a reminder (an advice) for the mindful (those who accept advice)."} [Suurah Huud 11:114]
Maybe some of us may think, "Hm i'll just Qadha' (make up for it) later". -excerpt from islamonline.net- However, if we miss a Salaat for no excuse then we cannot pray it as a Qadha. In reality, any Salaat should be done on time. When we miss a Salaat because we are asleep or forgot about it, then we should make it the time we wake up or remember as if that was the time for it. The Prophet (pbuh) says: " The one who misses a Salaat because he is asleep or has forgotten, let him make it when he remembers it".
A Muslim who misses a Salaat deliberately cannot make up Salaat. The only answer for such negligence is to make sincere repentance (Tawbah) and vow to Allah that he/she would not miss Salaat anymore. After making Tawbah, it is recommended to make any optional Salaat, but not on the grounds of Qadha. -end-
l pray that Allaah will open thier hearts and minds and make them want to change and perform thier obligations in Islaam well even with the challenges that they face in society today, with istiqaamah (being firm and straight, steadfastness).
Allaah Almighty says in the Noble Qur'an,
{"Verily, those who say: 'Our Lord is Allaah (Alone),' and then they stand firm, on them the angels will descend (at the time of thier death) (saying): 'Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!'} [Suurah Fussilat 41:30]
He also says,
{"So stand (ask Allaah to make) you (Muhammad s.a.w.) firm and straight (on the religion of Islaamic Monotheism) as you are commanded and those (your companions) who turn in repentance (to Allaah) with you, and transgress not (Allaah's legal limits). Verily, He is All-Seer of what you do."} [Suurah Huud 11:112]
Anyway, my dad actually talked to me about marriage for the first time. I see a green light blinking. Now I just have to find the right person, insya Allaah. I hope Allaah grants me ease and patience in this and guidance to being a better Muslim and being a good leader, caregiver and provider. Since a few years back, there have been prospects but I haven’t had success with any even though they seem to be so compatible and at some point, it seemed highly possible. Siapalah saya ni kan, tsk tsk. Laa, jiwang la pulak.
But Alhamdulillaah, I’m not that bothered about it actually. I feel it’s just because I haven’t found the right person. As what people say, "Kalau dah jodoh tu tak ke mana". If that person is meant for me, insya Allaah, everything will be in place and run more smoothly. And also the fact that we have to trust and be patient with Allaah's decree. If we are still unmarried, it is simply because Almighty Allah has willed that we'd be single at this point in time.
Hm, maybe I should just leave it to my mum? Naaah.. I remember once, I joked to her about this and she said, “Alaa, nanti dah carikan tak suka pula!!”. Haa. Anyway, I’m grateful for these experiences, it can only make me stronger and I’m thankful that Allaah have guided me to seek a prospect in this manner and stay away from dating and indulging in intimate pre-marital relationships.. Oh bukanlah cantikmu yang ku cari, bukanlah itu yang aku nanti, tetapi ketulusan hati yang abadi..
Alhamdulillaah, for the chance to meet the blessed month of Ramadan again. I’ve started Mosque-hopping to experience the night prayers at different mosques in Singapore. “Wah so free ah?!!” some might think. Yea, alhamdulillaah, I’ve no plans to work during the short holiday here. Don’t be jealous eh (muhaha). Insya Allaah, I hope to cover more ground, north to south and east to west. So far, I’ve been to only three. Masjid Kampong Holland (homeground), Masjid Kassim and Muhammadiyyah. One of the aims is also to catch up with friends living in the vicinity of the mosques if possible. Honestly, I’m still ignorant of the existence and location of most of the mosques around Singapore. Hm, where should I explore next?
“Aii.. asik keluar je wan?!”
Last year it was more like, “Wan asik duduk rumah je, tak keluar ke??”
Hm, keluar kena tegur. Tak keluar pon kena tegur juga? Ha. It’s great being able to meet people whom you haven’t seen for a while and catching up. The existence of facebook has actually made it easier to get to know the progress of others’ lives, while you’re being far away from home. However, nothing beats experiencing it firsthand.
One of the things I've realised that I really miss is the food, though I'm not really a fan of food. I just eat to live, not live to eat. Most of the times the food we eat at Saudi is just dry rice with chicken or beef. And vegetables are almost non-existant. So imagine how it was, when I tasted 'beef hor fun', for the first time in almost a year! It tasted so good and uplifting that I exclaimed,
"Waaah.. this is REAL food man!!" and I savored it till the last drop.
A while later, I noticed a couple of friends who ordered the same dish did not finish thier portion and even pushed the food aside. I asked,
"Eh, tak habis ke? Sedap pe?" and he replied nonchalantly,
"Tak ah, dah muak ah.." Haiz..
While catching up have been good, I wish I could find a way to do more to aid the situation of friends who over the years, became distanced from the most important part of being a Muslim which is the obligatory prayers. Some of my friends who don't salaat regularly aren't that ignorant of Islam. In fact some even love to talk and discuss about Islam but they don't see the importance of performing salaat.
-excerpt from islamonline.net with modifications- The 5 obligatory prayers (salaat) is the second most important aspect for a Muslim after the testimony of faith, (“There is no god but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God”) and they are the first thing the Muslim will be asked about on Judgment Day.
No matter what the actions of a Muslim, the most important is his relationship with Allaah, and salaat will aid the Muslim in reminding himself of his position in the universe as a humble servant of Allah and of his total dependence on his Creator, Cherisher and Sustainer.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) compared this experience of making ablution and praying five times a day to having a river running in front of one’s house. If one bathed in that river five times a day, would any filth remain on his body? Likewise, the ablution and Prayer five times a day removes one’s sins and also prevents him from sinning. -end-
We may reason that at times the timing for prayers clash with our busy schedule. However, there is no excuse. When one encounters difficulties in performing a prayer, there's always a solution. We can pray anytime and anywhere. No place? Just any clean, small space that fits for performing prayers will do. Don't know direction? There are compasses sold which point to the direction of the kiblah. Can't find water for ablution? We can perform tayammum. It takes at minimum just 5-10 mins of our time. We can do jama' prayers (joining dhuhur and asar or maghrib and isya' in one period) if the situation really calls for it when we're really caught up in something important for example. We have to schedule our daily activities around the timings of salaat. This is how we show our commitment to Allaah just like fasting or zakat.
Allah Almighty says in the Qur'aan,
{"And perform As-Salaat (the prayers), at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night [i.e. the five compulsory Salaat (prayers)]. Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds (i.e. small sins). That is a reminder (an advice) for the mindful (those who accept advice)."} [Suurah Huud 11:114]
Maybe some of us may think, "Hm i'll just Qadha' (make up for it) later". -excerpt from islamonline.net- However, if we miss a Salaat for no excuse then we cannot pray it as a Qadha. In reality, any Salaat should be done on time. When we miss a Salaat because we are asleep or forgot about it, then we should make it the time we wake up or remember as if that was the time for it. The Prophet (pbuh) says: " The one who misses a Salaat because he is asleep or has forgotten, let him make it when he remembers it".
A Muslim who misses a Salaat deliberately cannot make up Salaat. The only answer for such negligence is to make sincere repentance (Tawbah) and vow to Allah that he/she would not miss Salaat anymore. After making Tawbah, it is recommended to make any optional Salaat, but not on the grounds of Qadha. -end-
l pray that Allaah will open thier hearts and minds and make them want to change and perform thier obligations in Islaam well even with the challenges that they face in society today, with istiqaamah (being firm and straight, steadfastness).
Allaah Almighty says in the Noble Qur'an,
{"Verily, those who say: 'Our Lord is Allaah (Alone),' and then they stand firm, on them the angels will descend (at the time of thier death) (saying): 'Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!'} [Suurah Fussilat 41:30]
He also says,
{"So stand (ask Allaah to make) you (Muhammad s.a.w.) firm and straight (on the religion of Islaamic Monotheism) as you are commanded and those (your companions) who turn in repentance (to Allaah) with you, and transgress not (Allaah's legal limits). Verily, He is All-Seer of what you do."} [Suurah Huud 11:112]
Anyway, my dad actually talked to me about marriage for the first time. I see a green light blinking. Now I just have to find the right person, insya Allaah. I hope Allaah grants me ease and patience in this and guidance to being a better Muslim and being a good leader, caregiver and provider. Since a few years back, there have been prospects but I haven’t had success with any even though they seem to be so compatible and at some point, it seemed highly possible. Siapalah saya ni kan, tsk tsk. Laa, jiwang la pulak.
But Alhamdulillaah, I’m not that bothered about it actually. I feel it’s just because I haven’t found the right person. As what people say, "Kalau dah jodoh tu tak ke mana". If that person is meant for me, insya Allaah, everything will be in place and run more smoothly. And also the fact that we have to trust and be patient with Allaah's decree. If we are still unmarried, it is simply because Almighty Allah has willed that we'd be single at this point in time.
Hm, maybe I should just leave it to my mum? Naaah.. I remember once, I joked to her about this and she said, “Alaa, nanti dah carikan tak suka pula!!”. Haa. Anyway, I’m grateful for these experiences, it can only make me stronger and I’m thankful that Allaah have guided me to seek a prospect in this manner and stay away from dating and indulging in intimate pre-marital relationships.. Oh bukanlah cantikmu yang ku cari, bukanlah itu yang aku nanti, tetapi ketulusan hati yang abadi..
Alhamdulillaah, for the chance to meet the blessed month of Ramadan again. I’ve started Mosque-hopping to experience the night prayers at different mosques in Singapore. “Wah so free ah?!!” some might think. Yea, alhamdulillaah, I’ve no plans to work during the short holiday here. Don’t be jealous eh (muhaha). Insya Allaah, I hope to cover more ground, north to south and east to west. So far, I’ve been to only three. Masjid Kampong Holland (homeground), Masjid Kassim and Muhammadiyyah. One of the aims is also to catch up with friends living in the vicinity of the mosques if possible. Honestly, I’m still ignorant of the existence and location of most of the mosques around Singapore. Hm, where should I explore next?
Friday, August 21, 2009
How to boost Ramadan Spirit
article from islamonline.net..
How to Boost Ramadan Spirit
By Sound Vision Staff Writer
Ramadan, the month of the Qur’an, represents an invaluable opportunity for all believers to recharge the batteries of faith and draw close to their Lord. A wise Muslim should be keen to make best use of these blessed moments. If Muslims are unable to undistractedly focus on the hereafter all the time, let them at least do so during this short, yet boundlessly blessed, period of time. Below are some tips on how to boost your spirit during this longed-for month:
1- Du`a’
Ask Almighty Allah to make this the most inspiring, spiritually uplifting Ramadan you have ever had. Allah is the Only Who can make this happen and complete reliance on Him completely is the major step in boosting our spirits.
2- Clear Your Mind
Turn off the TV, the computer, the radio, your cell phone, pager, iPod, etc. You need not do so all day long, but for at least 10 minutes a day. Find a quiet place where you can close your eyes, remember your Lord and think deeply about your relationship with Him.
At first, your mind will swirl with the useless and not-so-useful thoughts in your head. Force them away and focus your thought during these few minutes on three things: Almighty Allah, your purpose in life, and whether you are making due efforts to achieve that purpose.
Do this every day of Ramadan, if you can. Should this be not possible, do it at least three times a week.
3- Learn About Great Muslim Figures
Even if you have read it or listened to it before, again read or listen to `Abdul-Wahid Hamid's Companions of the Prophet during this Ramadan. Read about or listen daily to a Companion's story. Well-written and short, these stories inform us in a wonderful way about these noble personalities and about how they maintained the strength of their faith against incredible odds. What a sure-fire spirituality booster!
4- Connect to the Qur’an
The noble Qur’an is the means whereby Almighty Allah talks to us. Indeed, it is the most important key to spiritual upliftment. During this Ramadan, connect to the Qur’an in a new way.
If you already recite the Qur’an regularly, you can choose a new theme to focus on or select a particular Surah you have not read for a while. If, however, you are not a frequent reader of the Qur’an, you can start by reciting it for only two minutes a day; recite from the first page you encounter when you open the mushaf (copy of the Qur’an).
It is also recommended that you keep a Qur’anic journal in which you can record your reflections, questions, thoughts, etc., about what you recite.
5- Take Care of Others
Whether it is a person who is away from his family, a person who is having problems with his or her spouse or kids, or fellow students struggling with their grades, make an extra effort this Ramadan to help others out. The spiritual boost you get in return is well worth it.
6- Feed the Hungry
While your stomach shrieks in protest, give that panhandler some change, volunteer at a soup kitchen, get involved with your local food pantry or make a couple of bag lunches to give to the hungry you meet on your way to school or work.
7- Give Up One Lifelong Bad Habit
Ask yourself what your fundamental defining traits are. Then decide which is the worst of them. Is it a hot temper? Apathy? Laziness? Impatience? Whatever it may be, utilize this Ramadan to get rid of it. Practice the opposite of this bad habit of yours every day until the end of the month. By then, in sha’ Allah, you will look back and be amazed at the change you have made for the better.
8- Use Those Nights of Power
The last ten nights or Ramadan are not called the Nights of Power for nothing. Use these precious times for deep, heartfelt du`aa’, self-analysis, reflection and serious thought.
This article has been taken with modifications from soundvision.com.
How to Boost Ramadan Spirit
By Sound Vision Staff Writer
Ramadan, the month of the Qur’an, represents an invaluable opportunity for all believers to recharge the batteries of faith and draw close to their Lord. A wise Muslim should be keen to make best use of these blessed moments. If Muslims are unable to undistractedly focus on the hereafter all the time, let them at least do so during this short, yet boundlessly blessed, period of time. Below are some tips on how to boost your spirit during this longed-for month:
1- Du`a’
Ask Almighty Allah to make this the most inspiring, spiritually uplifting Ramadan you have ever had. Allah is the Only Who can make this happen and complete reliance on Him completely is the major step in boosting our spirits.
2- Clear Your Mind
Turn off the TV, the computer, the radio, your cell phone, pager, iPod, etc. You need not do so all day long, but for at least 10 minutes a day. Find a quiet place where you can close your eyes, remember your Lord and think deeply about your relationship with Him.
At first, your mind will swirl with the useless and not-so-useful thoughts in your head. Force them away and focus your thought during these few minutes on three things: Almighty Allah, your purpose in life, and whether you are making due efforts to achieve that purpose.
Do this every day of Ramadan, if you can. Should this be not possible, do it at least three times a week.
3- Learn About Great Muslim Figures
Even if you have read it or listened to it before, again read or listen to `Abdul-Wahid Hamid's Companions of the Prophet during this Ramadan. Read about or listen daily to a Companion's story. Well-written and short, these stories inform us in a wonderful way about these noble personalities and about how they maintained the strength of their faith against incredible odds. What a sure-fire spirituality booster!
4- Connect to the Qur’an
The noble Qur’an is the means whereby Almighty Allah talks to us. Indeed, it is the most important key to spiritual upliftment. During this Ramadan, connect to the Qur’an in a new way.
If you already recite the Qur’an regularly, you can choose a new theme to focus on or select a particular Surah you have not read for a while. If, however, you are not a frequent reader of the Qur’an, you can start by reciting it for only two minutes a day; recite from the first page you encounter when you open the mushaf (copy of the Qur’an).
It is also recommended that you keep a Qur’anic journal in which you can record your reflections, questions, thoughts, etc., about what you recite.
5- Take Care of Others
Whether it is a person who is away from his family, a person who is having problems with his or her spouse or kids, or fellow students struggling with their grades, make an extra effort this Ramadan to help others out. The spiritual boost you get in return is well worth it.
6- Feed the Hungry
While your stomach shrieks in protest, give that panhandler some change, volunteer at a soup kitchen, get involved with your local food pantry or make a couple of bag lunches to give to the hungry you meet on your way to school or work.
7- Give Up One Lifelong Bad Habit
Ask yourself what your fundamental defining traits are. Then decide which is the worst of them. Is it a hot temper? Apathy? Laziness? Impatience? Whatever it may be, utilize this Ramadan to get rid of it. Practice the opposite of this bad habit of yours every day until the end of the month. By then, in sha’ Allah, you will look back and be amazed at the change you have made for the better.
8- Use Those Nights of Power
The last ten nights or Ramadan are not called the Nights of Power for nothing. Use these precious times for deep, heartfelt du`aa’, self-analysis, reflection and serious thought.
This article has been taken with modifications from soundvision.com.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The Third is the Shaytan.
got this off maqasid.wordpress.com.. Masya Allaah, a website with good and intersting articles.
The messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whenever a non-mahram man and woman meet in seclusion, Shaytan definitely is the third one joining them.” [Tirmidhi]
The meaning of the hadith is that Shaytan arouses their passions and incites them to commit evil. Prevention is better than cure. Fornication and adultery rip to shreds the psychological health of society. Since the family is the building block of society, for a society to be healthy, it must have healthy families that constitute it.
To prevent any situation arising which might harm the family unit, Islam nips the source of problems in the bud. A person is responsible not only for himself or herself but for the spiritual, emotional, psychological and physical well being of their children as much as it is in their control.
From their children will arise many more generations. Keeping this in mind we have to do our best to provide as healthy a moral environment as we can so we are not held responsible for the destruction of future generations.
“If the breakdown of the family and female security is to be averted, only two strategies are available: firstly, members of society may be conditioned to believe that sexuality is from the devil, and should inspire feelings of guilt and distaste; or secondly, sexuality may be accepted as the loving expression of a natural human need, in which case the sexes must be separated, within reason, to avoid the risk of the temptation of weak souls and hence their unchastity.”
“Historically, the first of these two choices has been that of Christianity, while Islam has opted for the second. The modern Western attitude, in which there is both an obsession with sexuality and a casual mingling of men and women, and which has resulted in massive promiscuity (and hence infidelity, divorce, abortion and disease) does not represent an ethically coherent system.” [The Seventy-Seven Branches of Faith, translator’s note, The Quilliam Press]
Wallaahu ‘alam
Friday, July 31, 2009
Two Basic Conditions.
{"Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life while they thought that they were acquiring good by thier deeds."} [Suurah Al-Kahf 18:104]
For the acceptance of the righteous deeds it is stipulated that the following two basic conditions must be fullfilled:
a) The intentions while doing such deeds must be totally for Allaah's sake only without any show-off of to gain praise or fame.
b) Such a deed must be performed in accordance with the Sunnah of Allaah's Messenger Muhammad bin 'Abdullaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallaam), the last of the Prophets and the Messengers.
Narrated 'Aa'ishah (radhiallaahu 'anhaa): Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallaam) said, "If somebody innovates something which is not present in our religion (of Islaamic Monotheism), then that thing will be rejected." [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree, 3/2697 (O.P.861)]
In another Hadeeth narrated 'Aa'ishah (radhiallaahu 'anhaa): The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallaam) said: "Whoever performs a (good) deed which we have not ordered (anyone) to do (or is not in accordance with our religion of Islaamic Monotheism), then that deed will be rejected and will not be accepted." [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree, Vol.9, The Book of holding fast to the Qur'aan ad the Sunnah, Chapter No.20, before Hadeeth No.449 (O.P.)]
For the acceptance of the righteous deeds it is stipulated that the following two basic conditions must be fullfilled:
a) The intentions while doing such deeds must be totally for Allaah's sake only without any show-off of to gain praise or fame.
b) Such a deed must be performed in accordance with the Sunnah of Allaah's Messenger Muhammad bin 'Abdullaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallaam), the last of the Prophets and the Messengers.
Narrated 'Aa'ishah (radhiallaahu 'anhaa): Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallaam) said, "If somebody innovates something which is not present in our religion (of Islaamic Monotheism), then that thing will be rejected." [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree, 3/2697 (O.P.861)]
In another Hadeeth narrated 'Aa'ishah (radhiallaahu 'anhaa): The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallaam) said: "Whoever performs a (good) deed which we have not ordered (anyone) to do (or is not in accordance with our religion of Islaamic Monotheism), then that deed will be rejected and will not be accepted." [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree, Vol.9, The Book of holding fast to the Qur'aan ad the Sunnah, Chapter No.20, before Hadeeth No.449 (O.P.)]
Friday, July 24, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Barsisa the Worshipper (turned Renegade)
article from islamonline.net, Qur'an section.
This is a reminder for all about a true story in the Qur'an, that we are always in danger of falling into sins as Satan is always with us, whispering through our nafs al amaarah (lowly self desires leaning towards evil) and planning all kinds of ways to cause us to neglect our duties as a Muslim, commit sins or lead us astray. No matter who, even if a person seems to be very pious, if we are not careful, let our guard down, neglect our senses, neglect the warning signs and follow our emotions and nafs, that's probably when we'll most likely be defeated.
The reality is that we humans are naturally imperfect and weak. No one is free from making mistakes and commiting minor sins now and then. Thus, to counter this and save ourselves, we have to always try our best to increase in performing good deeds, striving for it to outweigh the bad and avoid falling into major sins at all cost. As Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-A'raf verse 8: {And the weighing on the day (Day of Resurrection) will be the true (weighing). So, as for those whose Scale (of good deeds) will be heavy, they would be successful (by entering Paradise)}. May Allah guide us to regularly perform good deeds that He would accept and acknowledge, guide us away from our weaknesses and misgivings and forgive our sins whenever we forget or fall into error. Ameen.
Translated by `Ali As-Sayed Al-Halawani
Deputy Editor in Chief - English IslamOnline.net
Allah the Almighty says in His Glorious Qur'an: {(Their allies deceived them) like Shaitan (Satan), when he says to man: "Disbelieve in Allah." But when (man) disbelieves in Allah, Shaitan (Satan) says: "I am free of you, I fear Allah, the Lord of the `Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)!" So the end of both will be that they will be in the Fire, abiding therein. Such is the recompense of the Zalimun (i.e. polytheists, wrong-doers, disbelievers in Allah and in His Oneness)}. (Al-Hashr 16-17)
Ibn Jarir said that `Abdullah Ibn Mas`ud interpreted the above Qur'anic verse. Ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
Once, there was a woman grazing sheep and goats. She had four brothers. She (for some reason) used to spend the night at a monk's cell. The monk committed fornication with her and she got pregnant. Satan came to him and said: Kill the woman and then bury her, for you are a reputable and highly respected man. (That is, don't risk your own reputation for such a simple woman). The monk killed her and then buried her. Thereupon, Satan visited her four brothers in a dream while they were asleep and said to them: The monk committed fornication with your sister, and because she got pregnant, he killed her and buried her in such-and-such location.
In the morning, one of them said: By Allah! Last night I dreamed of something and I do not know whether to relate it to you or just keep it to myself. They said: Relate it to us. He did so and one of them said: By Allah! I saw the same dream. Another said the same. And the fourth one said the same thing. They agreed that there must be something serious about that dream.
They went to the king and appealed for his help against the monk. The king's troops came to arrest him and he was taken away. On the way, Satan came to the monk (and whispered in his ears): I set you up. No one else can save you from this. Prostrate yourself before me just for once and in return, I will save you from this. Thereupon, the monk prostrated himself before Satan. When they presented themselves before the king, Satan said to him: I am free of you! Finally, the monk was killed.
The same story was narrated by the Leader of the Believers, `Ali Ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) with another wording. Ibn Jarir said: I was told by Khallad Ibn Aslam, on the authority of An-Nadr Ibn Shamil after Shu`bah, after Abu Ishaq, after `Abdullah Ibn Nahik saying: I heard `Ali as saying:
A monk worshiped Allah Alone for sixty years. Satan exerted himself to seduce him, but could not. He went to a woman and touched her with evil (maddened her). The woman had brothers who were visited by Satan, who told them to take her to that monk to receive treatment and cure. They took her to the monk and he treated her. Afterwards, she stayed for a while at his cell (house).
One day, he was attracted to her and he committed fornication with her. She got pregnant and he killed her (to conceal his first crime). Her brothers came (after knowing the matter) and Satan appeared again to the monk and said: I am your friend, I did not find a solution or way to mislead you, but (finally) I set you up. So, obey me and I will save you from this. Prostrate yourself before me and you will be saved. The monk did so.
Then, Satan said: {"I am free of you, I fear Allah, the Lord of the `Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)!"}. (Al-Hashr 16)
This is the interpretation of Allah's Saying: {(Their allies deceived them) like Shaitan (Satan), when he says to man: "Disbelieve in Allah." But when (man) disbelieves in Allah, Shaitan (Satan) says: "I am free of you, I fear Allah, the Lord of the `Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)!" So the end of both will be that they will be in the Fire, abiding therein. Such is the recompense of the Zalimun (i.e. polytheists, wrong-doers, disbelievers in Allah and in His Oneness)}. (Al-Hashr 16-17)
`Ali As-Sayed Al-Halawani is a doctoral candidate, the managing editor of the Shari`ah Department (English IslamOnline.net), and deputy editor in chief of the the same site. He graduated from Al-Azhar University and got his MA in religious translation from the Faculty of Al-Alsun (Languages), Al-Minia University. He writes occasionally for Islamonline.net. You can reach him at ali.halawani@iolteam.com.
This is a reminder for all about a true story in the Qur'an, that we are always in danger of falling into sins as Satan is always with us, whispering through our nafs al amaarah (lowly self desires leaning towards evil) and planning all kinds of ways to cause us to neglect our duties as a Muslim, commit sins or lead us astray. No matter who, even if a person seems to be very pious, if we are not careful, let our guard down, neglect our senses, neglect the warning signs and follow our emotions and nafs, that's probably when we'll most likely be defeated.
The reality is that we humans are naturally imperfect and weak. No one is free from making mistakes and commiting minor sins now and then. Thus, to counter this and save ourselves, we have to always try our best to increase in performing good deeds, striving for it to outweigh the bad and avoid falling into major sins at all cost. As Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-A'raf verse 8: {And the weighing on the day (Day of Resurrection) will be the true (weighing). So, as for those whose Scale (of good deeds) will be heavy, they would be successful (by entering Paradise)}. May Allah guide us to regularly perform good deeds that He would accept and acknowledge, guide us away from our weaknesses and misgivings and forgive our sins whenever we forget or fall into error. Ameen.
Translated by `Ali As-Sayed Al-HalawaniDeputy Editor in Chief - English IslamOnline.net
Allah the Almighty says in His Glorious Qur'an: {(Their allies deceived them) like Shaitan (Satan), when he says to man: "Disbelieve in Allah." But when (man) disbelieves in Allah, Shaitan (Satan) says: "I am free of you, I fear Allah, the Lord of the `Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)!" So the end of both will be that they will be in the Fire, abiding therein. Such is the recompense of the Zalimun (i.e. polytheists, wrong-doers, disbelievers in Allah and in His Oneness)}. (Al-Hashr 16-17)
Ibn Jarir said that `Abdullah Ibn Mas`ud interpreted the above Qur'anic verse. Ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
Once, there was a woman grazing sheep and goats. She had four brothers. She (for some reason) used to spend the night at a monk's cell. The monk committed fornication with her and she got pregnant. Satan came to him and said: Kill the woman and then bury her, for you are a reputable and highly respected man. (That is, don't risk your own reputation for such a simple woman). The monk killed her and then buried her. Thereupon, Satan visited her four brothers in a dream while they were asleep and said to them: The monk committed fornication with your sister, and because she got pregnant, he killed her and buried her in such-and-such location.
In the morning, one of them said: By Allah! Last night I dreamed of something and I do not know whether to relate it to you or just keep it to myself. They said: Relate it to us. He did so and one of them said: By Allah! I saw the same dream. Another said the same. And the fourth one said the same thing. They agreed that there must be something serious about that dream.
They went to the king and appealed for his help against the monk. The king's troops came to arrest him and he was taken away. On the way, Satan came to the monk (and whispered in his ears): I set you up. No one else can save you from this. Prostrate yourself before me just for once and in return, I will save you from this. Thereupon, the monk prostrated himself before Satan. When they presented themselves before the king, Satan said to him: I am free of you! Finally, the monk was killed.
The same story was narrated by the Leader of the Believers, `Ali Ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) with another wording. Ibn Jarir said: I was told by Khallad Ibn Aslam, on the authority of An-Nadr Ibn Shamil after Shu`bah, after Abu Ishaq, after `Abdullah Ibn Nahik saying: I heard `Ali as saying:
A monk worshiped Allah Alone for sixty years. Satan exerted himself to seduce him, but could not. He went to a woman and touched her with evil (maddened her). The woman had brothers who were visited by Satan, who told them to take her to that monk to receive treatment and cure. They took her to the monk and he treated her. Afterwards, she stayed for a while at his cell (house).
One day, he was attracted to her and he committed fornication with her. She got pregnant and he killed her (to conceal his first crime). Her brothers came (after knowing the matter) and Satan appeared again to the monk and said: I am your friend, I did not find a solution or way to mislead you, but (finally) I set you up. So, obey me and I will save you from this. Prostrate yourself before me and you will be saved. The monk did so.
Then, Satan said: {"I am free of you, I fear Allah, the Lord of the `Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)!"}. (Al-Hashr 16)
This is the interpretation of Allah's Saying: {(Their allies deceived them) like Shaitan (Satan), when he says to man: "Disbelieve in Allah." But when (man) disbelieves in Allah, Shaitan (Satan) says: "I am free of you, I fear Allah, the Lord of the `Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)!" So the end of both will be that they will be in the Fire, abiding therein. Such is the recompense of the Zalimun (i.e. polytheists, wrong-doers, disbelievers in Allah and in His Oneness)}. (Al-Hashr 16-17)
`Ali As-Sayed Al-Halawani is a doctoral candidate, the managing editor of the Shari`ah Department (English IslamOnline.net), and deputy editor in chief of the the same site. He graduated from Al-Azhar University and got his MA in religious translation from the Faculty of Al-Alsun (Languages), Al-Minia University. He writes occasionally for Islamonline.net. You can reach him at ali.halawani@iolteam.com.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Before and After
"Before & After ISLAM" - Poem by Yusuf Estes
I see now my quest in life had been in vain.
I desired pleasure and material gain.
For those around me, my goals where plain,
I tried to achieve them all without regard to pain.
I wanted the glitter and glamour this world provides.
I couldn't see the treasures that all this hide.
My 'Quest for wealth' - could never buy what I needed most.
My 'Search for fame' - was like trying to catch a ghost.
But when my prayers were for 'Guidance' from the 'One Above'.
I found success in 'Total Submission' to the Will of Him - in Love.
I found all the riches, glory and happiness that one might require,
But most of all I discovered my real heart's desire.
I found the which is the secret of Life's Lease,
I found the One Who Gave all, when He gave me PEACE.
It finally came after all those years of trouble and strife
That to do "ISLAM" is the PURPOSE OF LIFE.
link - http://islamtomorrow.com/success.asp
I see now my quest in life had been in vain.
I desired pleasure and material gain.
For those around me, my goals where plain,
I tried to achieve them all without regard to pain.
I wanted the glitter and glamour this world provides.
I couldn't see the treasures that all this hide.
My 'Quest for wealth' - could never buy what I needed most.
My 'Search for fame' - was like trying to catch a ghost.
But when my prayers were for 'Guidance' from the 'One Above'.
I found success in 'Total Submission' to the Will of Him - in Love.
I found all the riches, glory and happiness that one might require,
But most of all I discovered my real heart's desire.
I found the which is the secret of Life's Lease,
I found the One Who Gave all, when He gave me PEACE.
It finally came after all those years of trouble and strife
That to do "ISLAM" is the PURPOSE OF LIFE.
link - http://islamtomorrow.com/success.asp
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Aqeedah in simple terms
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas (radiallaahu 'anhuma) : Once I was behind the Prophet (sallallaahu'alaihi wa sallaam) and he said:
"O boy, I will teach you a few words:
a) Be loyal and obedient to Allaah [worship Him (Alone)], remember Him always, obey His Orders. He will save you from every evil and will take care of you in all the spheres of life.
b) Be loyal and obedient to Allaah, you will find Him near (in front of you), i.e. He will respond your requests.
c) If you ask, ask Allaah.
d) If you seek help, seek help from Allaah.
e) Know that if all the people get together in order to benefit you with something, they will not be able to benefit you in anything except what Allaah has decreed for you. And if they all get together in order to harm you with something, they will not be able to harm you in anything except what Allaah has decreed for you. The pens have stopped writing [Divine (Allaah's) Preordainment]. And (the ink over) the papers (Book of Decrees) have dried." (Hadeeth is quoted from Sahih At-Tirmidhi)
"O boy, I will teach you a few words:
a) Be loyal and obedient to Allaah [worship Him (Alone)], remember Him always, obey His Orders. He will save you from every evil and will take care of you in all the spheres of life.
b) Be loyal and obedient to Allaah, you will find Him near (in front of you), i.e. He will respond your requests.
c) If you ask, ask Allaah.
d) If you seek help, seek help from Allaah.
e) Know that if all the people get together in order to benefit you with something, they will not be able to benefit you in anything except what Allaah has decreed for you. And if they all get together in order to harm you with something, they will not be able to harm you in anything except what Allaah has decreed for you. The pens have stopped writing [Divine (Allaah's) Preordainment]. And (the ink over) the papers (Book of Decrees) have dried." (Hadeeth is quoted from Sahih At-Tirmidhi)
Friday, June 19, 2009
Living a Single Life
Here's an article from islamonline.net which reminded me of a question once asked by a friend of mine. She had asked me, "Is it ok if I remained single?". I think this article is a different and probably a better perspective and answer on the nature of her question than what I had in mind.
Living a Single Life *
Weapon of the Believers
By Fatimah Asmaal
A Muslim Writer
During my first trip to Makkah as a 24-year-old, I met a mother who, 11 years after giving birth to her first child, desperately wanted another baby. Three years after going through a divorce, I too was desperate to get married again.
When I told this sister about the feelings of disillusionment and loneliness I was experiencing, she told me how she was addressing her need during her time in this blessed city and advised me to do the same. She told me that in every step she took during her pilgrimage, she would fervently make du`aa' (supplication) to Allah, asking Him to bless her with another child.
She said she did this during Sa`i (walking) between Safa and Marwah and that actually everywhere she went she reminded herself to make this du`aa'. She suggested that I too should implore Almighty Allah in a similar manner. I left the sister's hotel room, with a spring in my step, on a similar mission.
Supplications and Trials
Everywhere I went, I asked Allah the Bestower to bless me with a husband:
Oh Allah, grant me a husband who is a memorizer of the Qur'an.
Oh Allah, bless me with a husband who loves knowledge and is actively seeking it.
Oh Allah, bless me with a husband who is willing to give up his life in Your path.
I did not want to go home just to live the unfulfilling and empty life I felt I had been living. I rather kept pouring these feelings out in my prayers and crying my heart out every step of the way.
When I returned to South Africa, I received a phone call from a relative, who told me she wanted to introduce me to a brother who is a memorizer of the Qur'an and an active seeker of religious knowledge. Excited that Almighty Allah had answered my prayers, I immediately agreed to the introduction.
So, I met the brother and performed Istikharah (Prayer involving supplication for guidance in making a decision). However, I did not end up married to him. After three years of not having been introduced to marital prospects, I suddenly found myself — following Hajj — inundated with calls from friends and family members eagerly asking me to meet brothers they felt I would be compatible with. I met them all, yet, surprisingly, I did not end up married to any of them.
Awareness and Change
I realized that my Merciful Lord was showing me that the time was not quite right for me to marry — that although there were hundreds of brothers in the world who possessed the criteria I was looking for, they were not necessarily the marriage partners He had destined for me. I thought, "When it is the appropriate time for me to get married — according to His Divine Wisdom, not my limited understanding — He will surely bring the right person into my life."
Uplifted by this realization, I motivated myself over again and rechanneled my energy. I continued to make sincere du`aa' for marriage; I did not stop showing interest in meeting prospective husbands. But that was no longer the obsession I previously used to have or the yardstick by which I would measure fulfillment. Thus, I began to seek fulfillment in other ways. I immersed myself in teaching Islam to women and teenage girls, publishing Islamic reading material, and performing other forms of da`wah (inviting people to Islam).
I know that some are probably waiting for the part where I would talk about my happy ending — that, a few years later, I met the man who had everything I wanted and more, and we got married and lived happily ever after.
But, life is not a fairy tale. Happiness does not start and last with getting the person one wants and living a life of bliss with him or her. Happiness is about passing the tests we are faced with in this world while remaining firm in our faith, with the aim of standing before Almighty Allah on the Day of Judgment rich in good deeds.
I did get married, yes. But again, it did not work. Now I am living a single life again. However, it is not half as bad as people sometimes make it out to be.
Undoubtedly, I want to get married again. The same naturally holds true for all those who are not married. So, if anyone is unmarried, he or she should want to marry and make an earnest effort toward this. How can we not do that? The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), reportedly told us:
"Marriage is a sunnah of mine, and whoever does not follow my Sunnah is not of my followers." (Ibn Majah)
Therefore, we also have to remember that just as marriage is an integral part of faith, so is exercising trust in and patience with the decree of Allah, All-Wise. We have to realize that — ultimately — if we are still unmarried, it is simply because Almighty Allah has willed that we be single at this point in time.
We have to opt for one of two choices: to lose sleep over it, beat ourselves up everyday, and feel really sorry for ourselves, or to realize that the time we have in our hands is a gift from our Lord and a trust from Him that should not to be wasted in counterproductive thoughts and futile tears and fears.
Having come to grasp the value of time, we have to start spending it in the most beneficial way. We can engage in such activities that our married sisters might not always be able to enjoy. We can take part in seeking knowledge, engage in da`wah work, volunteer our time for organizations that serve the poor and the aged, spend quality time with our parents, and baby-sit the children of our married friends so that they can spend some time engaging in these activities as well. The list goes on and on.
This is how a single life should be lived. If Almighty Allah wills, somewhere in the midst of living and reveling in the joy and fulfillment such a life brings, Mr. Right will come along. And if he doesn't, so what? Perhaps he will be waiting in Paradise, as a reward for the patience you exhibited in this transient world.
Celibacy comes with its challenges, just like marriage does. But, this is not the end of the world. So, get up, take a deep breath, hand this affair over to Allah, and start living the life He has given to you!
* Excerpt from Sisters magazine courtesy of sisters-magazine.com
Fatimah Asmaal is a freelance writer and broadcast journalist based in Durban, South Africa. Her work has featured in many local and international publications. She is well known for her live, interactive radio shows broadcast on two South African Islamic radio stations over the past three years. She studied journalism in the late 1990s. Fatimah is also passionate about studying, teaching, and talking about Islam. She studied Arabic in South Africa and in Egypt. She taught the basics of Islam to children in the United Kingdom, as well as to adults and teenagers in South Africa.
Living a Single Life *
Weapon of the Believers
By Fatimah Asmaal
A Muslim Writer
During my first trip to Makkah as a 24-year-old, I met a mother who, 11 years after giving birth to her first child, desperately wanted another baby. Three years after going through a divorce, I too was desperate to get married again.
When I told this sister about the feelings of disillusionment and loneliness I was experiencing, she told me how she was addressing her need during her time in this blessed city and advised me to do the same. She told me that in every step she took during her pilgrimage, she would fervently make du`aa' (supplication) to Allah, asking Him to bless her with another child.
She said she did this during Sa`i (walking) between Safa and Marwah and that actually everywhere she went she reminded herself to make this du`aa'. She suggested that I too should implore Almighty Allah in a similar manner. I left the sister's hotel room, with a spring in my step, on a similar mission.
Supplications and Trials
Everywhere I went, I asked Allah the Bestower to bless me with a husband:
Oh Allah, grant me a husband who is a memorizer of the Qur'an.
Oh Allah, bless me with a husband who loves knowledge and is actively seeking it.
Oh Allah, bless me with a husband who is willing to give up his life in Your path.
I did not want to go home just to live the unfulfilling and empty life I felt I had been living. I rather kept pouring these feelings out in my prayers and crying my heart out every step of the way.
When I returned to South Africa, I received a phone call from a relative, who told me she wanted to introduce me to a brother who is a memorizer of the Qur'an and an active seeker of religious knowledge. Excited that Almighty Allah had answered my prayers, I immediately agreed to the introduction.
So, I met the brother and performed Istikharah (Prayer involving supplication for guidance in making a decision). However, I did not end up married to him. After three years of not having been introduced to marital prospects, I suddenly found myself — following Hajj — inundated with calls from friends and family members eagerly asking me to meet brothers they felt I would be compatible with. I met them all, yet, surprisingly, I did not end up married to any of them.
Awareness and Change
I realized that my Merciful Lord was showing me that the time was not quite right for me to marry — that although there were hundreds of brothers in the world who possessed the criteria I was looking for, they were not necessarily the marriage partners He had destined for me. I thought, "When it is the appropriate time for me to get married — according to His Divine Wisdom, not my limited understanding — He will surely bring the right person into my life."
Uplifted by this realization, I motivated myself over again and rechanneled my energy. I continued to make sincere du`aa' for marriage; I did not stop showing interest in meeting prospective husbands. But that was no longer the obsession I previously used to have or the yardstick by which I would measure fulfillment. Thus, I began to seek fulfillment in other ways. I immersed myself in teaching Islam to women and teenage girls, publishing Islamic reading material, and performing other forms of da`wah (inviting people to Islam).
I know that some are probably waiting for the part where I would talk about my happy ending — that, a few years later, I met the man who had everything I wanted and more, and we got married and lived happily ever after.
But, life is not a fairy tale. Happiness does not start and last with getting the person one wants and living a life of bliss with him or her. Happiness is about passing the tests we are faced with in this world while remaining firm in our faith, with the aim of standing before Almighty Allah on the Day of Judgment rich in good deeds.
I did get married, yes. But again, it did not work. Now I am living a single life again. However, it is not half as bad as people sometimes make it out to be.
Undoubtedly, I want to get married again. The same naturally holds true for all those who are not married. So, if anyone is unmarried, he or she should want to marry and make an earnest effort toward this. How can we not do that? The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), reportedly told us:
"Marriage is a sunnah of mine, and whoever does not follow my Sunnah is not of my followers." (Ibn Majah)
Therefore, we also have to remember that just as marriage is an integral part of faith, so is exercising trust in and patience with the decree of Allah, All-Wise. We have to realize that — ultimately — if we are still unmarried, it is simply because Almighty Allah has willed that we be single at this point in time.
We have to opt for one of two choices: to lose sleep over it, beat ourselves up everyday, and feel really sorry for ourselves, or to realize that the time we have in our hands is a gift from our Lord and a trust from Him that should not to be wasted in counterproductive thoughts and futile tears and fears.
Having come to grasp the value of time, we have to start spending it in the most beneficial way. We can engage in such activities that our married sisters might not always be able to enjoy. We can take part in seeking knowledge, engage in da`wah work, volunteer our time for organizations that serve the poor and the aged, spend quality time with our parents, and baby-sit the children of our married friends so that they can spend some time engaging in these activities as well. The list goes on and on.
This is how a single life should be lived. If Almighty Allah wills, somewhere in the midst of living and reveling in the joy and fulfillment such a life brings, Mr. Right will come along. And if he doesn't, so what? Perhaps he will be waiting in Paradise, as a reward for the patience you exhibited in this transient world.
Celibacy comes with its challenges, just like marriage does. But, this is not the end of the world. So, get up, take a deep breath, hand this affair over to Allah, and start living the life He has given to you!
* Excerpt from Sisters magazine courtesy of sisters-magazine.com
Fatimah Asmaal is a freelance writer and broadcast journalist based in Durban, South Africa. Her work has featured in many local and international publications. She is well known for her live, interactive radio shows broadcast on two South African Islamic radio stations over the past three years. She studied journalism in the late 1990s. Fatimah is also passionate about studying, teaching, and talking about Islam. She studied Arabic in South Africa and in Egypt. She taught the basics of Islam to children in the United Kingdom, as well as to adults and teenagers in South Africa.
Who Are the Companions?
article from islamonline.net
By Muhammad ibn Saleh Aal `Uthaymeen
Scholar - KSA
If you ask a group of Muslims: "Who are the Sahabah (or Prophet's Companions)?", you will most probably receive different answers. Some would say that the Companions are those who saw the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him); others would say that they are those who accompanied the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) for a long time; and yet others would say that the Companions are any Muslims who lived during the time of Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). These different answers shed light on the need to specify the exact definition of the Companions due to their high rank in Islam.
Who Is a Companion?
A Companion is any individual who met the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) or saw him, believed in him and his message and then died adhering to that belief. The great scholar, Ibn Hajar Al-`Asqalani said in Al–Ishabah, "The most correct of what I have come across is that one of Sahabah (or a Companion of the Prophet) is one who met the Prophet of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) while believing in him and died as a Muslim. So, that definition includes those who remained with him (the Prophet) for a long or short time; those who narrated his sayings and those who did not; those who saw him but did not sit with him; and those who could not see him due to blindness."
So, a man who embraced Islam during the lifetime of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) and met him but later became an apostate, and then repented and accepted Islam again and died as an adherent of Islam is a Companion, for example, Al–Ash`ath ibn Qays.
However, a person who embraced Islam during the lifetime of the Prophet of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) but did not meet him, is not considered a Companion, for example, An-Najashi, the king of Ethiopia at the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
Likewise, a person whom embraced Islam and met the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), but later became an apostate and died as an unbeliever is also not a Companion, for example, `Abdullah ibn Khalaf and Rabi`ah ibn Umayyah who became apostates during the reign of `Umar ibn Al-Khattab and died in that state.
Number of the Companions and the Last of Them
There were too many Companions to give an accurate figure of them all. However, it has been estimated that there were around 114,000.
It is worth mentioning that none of the Companions died after the year 110 A.H. That is in accordance with a statement made by the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) one month before his death. `Abdulla h ibn `Umar narrated: "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) prayed`Isha’ Prayer with us in the last days of his life, then just after he finished, he stood up, and said, "After one hundred years from this night, there will be no one from those who are living today on the face of the earth." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Based on that hadith, none of the Companions died after the year 110 A.H. as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) died in the year 10 A.H.
There are some benefits in knowing the Companions who died last. One of these benefits is that whoever claimed to be a Companion but died after the year 110 A.H., this claim is rejected outright. Below are the names of the Companions who died last and their place of death:
• The last Companion who died in Makkah was `Amr bin Wathilah Al-Laythi, who died in the year 110 A.H. No other Companion lived longer than him.
• The last Companion who died in Madinah was Muhammad ibn Ar-Rabi`ah Al-Ansari Al-Khazraji who died in the year 99 A.H.
• The last Companion who died in Damascus, was Wathilah bin Aska` Al-Laythi who died in the year 86 A.H.
• The last Companion who died in Hims was `Abdullaah bin Bisr Al-Mazini who died in the year 96 A.H.
• The last Companion who died in Basrah was Anas bin Maalik al-AnsarI Al-Khazraji, who died in the year 93 A.H.
• The last Companion who died in Kufah was `Abdullaah ibn Abi Awfa Al-Aslami, who died in the year 87 A.H.
• The last Companion who died in Egypt was `Abdullaah ibn Al-Harith ibn Jaz' Az-Zubaydi who died in the year 89 A.H.
May Allah be pleased with them all.
* Taken with modification from Sheikh Muhammad ibn Saleh Aal `Uthaymeen's "Mustalah Al-Hadith".
Muhammad ibn Saleh Aal `Uthaymeen is an eminent scholar of Fiqh and tafseer. He was born in KSA and died there in 1421 A.H.
By Muhammad ibn Saleh Aal `Uthaymeen
Scholar - KSA
If you ask a group of Muslims: "Who are the Sahabah (or Prophet's Companions)?", you will most probably receive different answers. Some would say that the Companions are those who saw the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him); others would say that they are those who accompanied the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) for a long time; and yet others would say that the Companions are any Muslims who lived during the time of Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). These different answers shed light on the need to specify the exact definition of the Companions due to their high rank in Islam.
Who Is a Companion?
A Companion is any individual who met the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) or saw him, believed in him and his message and then died adhering to that belief. The great scholar, Ibn Hajar Al-`Asqalani said in Al–Ishabah, "The most correct of what I have come across is that one of Sahabah (or a Companion of the Prophet) is one who met the Prophet of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) while believing in him and died as a Muslim. So, that definition includes those who remained with him (the Prophet) for a long or short time; those who narrated his sayings and those who did not; those who saw him but did not sit with him; and those who could not see him due to blindness."
So, a man who embraced Islam during the lifetime of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) and met him but later became an apostate, and then repented and accepted Islam again and died as an adherent of Islam is a Companion, for example, Al–Ash`ath ibn Qays.
However, a person who embraced Islam during the lifetime of the Prophet of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) but did not meet him, is not considered a Companion, for example, An-Najashi, the king of Ethiopia at the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
Likewise, a person whom embraced Islam and met the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), but later became an apostate and died as an unbeliever is also not a Companion, for example, `Abdullah ibn Khalaf and Rabi`ah ibn Umayyah who became apostates during the reign of `Umar ibn Al-Khattab and died in that state.
Number of the Companions and the Last of Them
There were too many Companions to give an accurate figure of them all. However, it has been estimated that there were around 114,000.
It is worth mentioning that none of the Companions died after the year 110 A.H. That is in accordance with a statement made by the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) one month before his death. `Abdulla h ibn `Umar narrated: "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) prayed`Isha’ Prayer with us in the last days of his life, then just after he finished, he stood up, and said, "After one hundred years from this night, there will be no one from those who are living today on the face of the earth." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Based on that hadith, none of the Companions died after the year 110 A.H. as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) died in the year 10 A.H.
There are some benefits in knowing the Companions who died last. One of these benefits is that whoever claimed to be a Companion but died after the year 110 A.H., this claim is rejected outright. Below are the names of the Companions who died last and their place of death:
• The last Companion who died in Makkah was `Amr bin Wathilah Al-Laythi, who died in the year 110 A.H. No other Companion lived longer than him.
• The last Companion who died in Madinah was Muhammad ibn Ar-Rabi`ah Al-Ansari Al-Khazraji who died in the year 99 A.H.
• The last Companion who died in Damascus, was Wathilah bin Aska` Al-Laythi who died in the year 86 A.H.
• The last Companion who died in Hims was `Abdullaah bin Bisr Al-Mazini who died in the year 96 A.H.
• The last Companion who died in Basrah was Anas bin Maalik al-AnsarI Al-Khazraji, who died in the year 93 A.H.
• The last Companion who died in Kufah was `Abdullaah ibn Abi Awfa Al-Aslami, who died in the year 87 A.H.
• The last Companion who died in Egypt was `Abdullaah ibn Al-Harith ibn Jaz' Az-Zubaydi who died in the year 89 A.H.
May Allah be pleased with them all.
* Taken with modification from Sheikh Muhammad ibn Saleh Aal `Uthaymeen's "Mustalah Al-Hadith".
Muhammad ibn Saleh Aal `Uthaymeen is an eminent scholar of Fiqh and tafseer. He was born in KSA and died there in 1421 A.H.
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