Daily Reminders

Reciting the Quran

Abdul Wahid — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:43:06 +0000

2) The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Red the Quran, for it will come as an intecessor for its companion. Read [in particular] the two flowers: al-Baqara and al-Imraan,,” (Recorded by Muslim.)

3) It is reommended to read soorah al Baqara [in particular]. This is because of the hadith, “Certainly, Satan flees from the house in which soorah al-Baqara is recited.” (Recorded by Muslim.)

4) It is recommended to read soorah al- Kahf on Fridays, based on the hadith, “Whoever reads soorah al-Kahf on Friday will have a light for him between the two Fridays.” (Recorded by al-Haakim. This hadith has been narrated through different chains which support eachother. They, taken as a whole, indicate that it is sanctioned to recite soorah al-Kahf on Fridays.)

5) It is recommended to memorize the first ten verses of soorah al-kahf because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The one who memorizes the first ten verses of soorah al-Kahf will be protected from the anti-Christ.” (Recorded by Muslim.)

6) It is recommended to recite Soorah al-Mulk, based on the hadith, “There is a soorah of the Quran that consists of thirty verses and it interceded for a man until he was forgiven because of it. It is the soorah [that begins], ‘Blessed be the One whose Hand is the Dominion.’” (Recorded by al-Tirmidhi and al-Haakim.) According to al-Albani, this hadith is hasan. see sahih al jaami, vol. 1 pp.420-421.

7) It is recommended for one to beautify his voice upon reaing the Quran. This is based on the Prophet’s statement, “Allah does noot listen to anything as He listens to the recitation of the Quran by a Prphet who recites it in an attractive audible sweet sounding voice.” (Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

Taken from the book Words of Remembrance and Words of Reminder. By Dr. Saalih ibn Ghaanim al-Sadlaan.

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Importance of knowing Allah

Abdul Wahid — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:31:09 +0000

“Truly in the heart is a void that cannot be removed except with the company of Allah. And in it there is a sadness that can not be removed except with the happiness of knowing Allah and being true to Him. And in it there is an emptiness that cannot be filled except withh love for Him and by turning to Him and always remembering Him. And if a person were given all of the world and what is in it, it would not fill this emptiness.” (Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim al Jawziyyah)

Ibn Rajab said “The most most important of knowledge is Knowledge of Allah, and it is Knowledge of his names and his description and his actions.”

It obliges from the person that he will become very concious of Allah and he will be of those who fear Allah and it will increase him in his love for Allah. He will give reverence and will give the true place Allah deserves and loves. He will have patience and he will always seek the pleasure of his Lord. He will always involve himself with Allah and remove himself from the creation.

Ibnul Qayyim Al Jawziyyah said “Verily the life of man is in the life of his heart and his soul. And there is no life in the heart except by knowing it’s creator, having love for Him, worshipping Him solely, turning to Him in times of need, and seeking tranquility with His remembrance.”

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How to attain Ikhlas

Abdul Wahid — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:54:31 +0000

How to attain Ikhlas

Ibn Qayyim al Jawziyyah (rahimahullah)
Ikhlas (sincerity) cannot be combined in the heart together with the love of being praised and the greed for what other people have, except in the way that water and fire are combined.

So if your conscious tells you to seek ikhlaas, then turn to greed firstly, and slaughter it with the knife of despair [1], then turn to the love of being praised and abandon it like how those who adore the life of this world abandon the hereafter. If you are successful in slaughtering greed and in abandoning the love of being praised, then ikhlaas will be easy for you.

And if you ask:

“And what will make slaughtering greed and abandoning the love of being praised easy for me?”

I reply: As for slaughtering greed, then what will facilitate this for you is your knowledge with certainty that there is nothing whatsoever that is desired, except that with Allaah alone are its treasures, none posses them except Him, and the slave is given nothing from them except by Him.

And as for abandoning the love of being praised, then what will facilitate this for you, is your knowledge that no one’s praise benefits and adorns, and no ones dispraise harms and makes one ugly, except the praise and dispraise of Allaah alone. One bedouin said to the messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه و سلم:

“Indeed whoever I praise is adorned, and whoever I dispraise is unadorned.”

So he صلى الله عليه و سلم said:

“That is [for] Allaah ‘az wa jal [alone].”

So abandon the praise of he whose praise does not adorn you and he whose dispraise does not make you any worse. And seek the praise of He whose praise has all the adornment and He whose dispraise has all the ugliness. And it is not possible to achieve this except with patience and surety, and whenever you lose patience and surety, you become like one who wants to travel across the oceans without a boat.”

Allaah the glorified said:

{So be patient (O Muhammad). Verily, the promise of Allaah is true, and don’t let those who have no certainty of faith discourage you from conveying Allaah’s message (which you are obliged to convey).} [Surah: 30/60].

And He, The most high, said:

{And We made from amongst them (Children of Israel), leaders, giving guidance under Our command, when they were patient and used to believe with certainty in Our ayat.} [Surah: 32/24]

[1] Give up hope in worldly belongings.

ref:al Fawaid p221

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Message of Islam

Brother — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:33:45 +0000

I begin with the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Beneficent All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, and may Allah send praises upon His Prophet, and keep him and his household safe and secure from all evil.

Allah (SWT) says:

“Say O People of the Book[1]! Come to a word that is just between us and you: that we shall worship none but Allah, and that we shall ascribe no partner unto Him, and that none of us shall take others as objects of worship besides Allah. Then, if they turn away, say: ‘Bear witness that we are Muslims.”

[3:64]

Islam is the religion which agrees with the natural disposition of man. It urges Muslims and calls them to ask about things that are incomprehensible to them, through the consultation of competent and knowledgeable authorities. In Islam there are no obscure or mysterious things; it allows us to ask about everything.

Allah (SWT) says:

“So ask the people of the knowledge if you know not.”

[16:43]

By nature, humans have many questions in their minds that require logical and clear answers, and the Qur’an provides such answers. Some of these basic queries are as follows:

a. What is the origin of humanity?

The answer to this can be found in the words of Allah:

“And indeed We created man (Adam) out of an extract of clay. Thereafter We placed him as (a drop of) sperm in a place of rest firmly fixed. Then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood; then of that clot We made a (fetus) lump; then We made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones with flesh; then We developed out of it another creature. So blessed be Allah, the Best of Creators.”

[23:12-14]

b. What is the status of rank of humans in the universe?

Allah (SWT) says:

“And indeed We have honored the children of Adam, and We have carried them on land and sea and have provided them with good and pure things, and have preferred them above many of those whom We have created with a marked preference.”

[17:70]

c. Why did Allah create humans?

Allah (SWT) says:

“And I (God) have only created the Jinn and humanity that they may worship Me (alone). No sustenance do I require of them nor do I require that they should feed Me. Indeed Allah is the only Giver of (all) sustenance, Lord of Power, the Most Strong.”

[51:56-8]

He (SWT) also says:

“Did you then think that We had created you in jest and that you would not be brought back to us (for account)? So Exalted is Allah, the True King: There is none who is worshipped in truth but He, the Lord of the Throne of Honor!”

[23:115-6]

d. Who is the Creator? He is the only One worthy of being worshipped…

Allah (SWT) says:

“He is Allah, other than whom there is no God, Knower of the unseen and seen. He is the Most Merciful, the Most Beneficent. He is Allah, other than whom there is no God, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Perfection, the Bestower of Faith, the Overseer, the Exalted in Might, the Compeller, and the Superior. Exalted is Allah above whatever they associate with Him. He is Allah the Creator, the Inventor, the Fashioner; to Him belong the best names. Whatever is in the heavens and earth is exalting Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”

[59:22-24]

e. What should our behavior be towards those things Allah created in this universe?

Allah (SWT) says:

“O you who believe! Eat of the lawful things that We have provided for you, and be grateful to Allah, if it is indeed Him you worship.”

[2:172]

f. What is the true religion, which one should embrace, and what is the path that leads to happiness in the Hereafter?

Allah (SWT) says:

“And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.”

[3:85]

g. What is the path which leads to peace of mind and heart and mental stability?

Allah (SWT) says:

“Those who believed and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah. Indeed in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.”

[13:28]

h. How about those who do not believe in Allah and His revelations?

“But whosoever turns away from My reminder (i.e. My Message), verily for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection.”

[20:124]

i. What is our final end in this life…

Allah (SWT) says:

“Every soul shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. Whosoever is removed from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, they are indeed successful. The life of this world is nothing but a comfort of illusion.”

[3:185]

j. Is it possible that we be recreated?

Allah (SWT) says:

“And he put forth for Us a similitude, and forgot the fact of his creation, saying: ‘Who will revive these bones when they have rotted away?’ Say: ‘He will revive them Who produced them the first time, for He is All-Knower of every creation’.”

[36:78-79]

He (SWT) also says:

“O humankind! If you are in doubt concerning the Resurrection, then Lo! We have created you from dust, then from a drop of seed, then from a clot, then from a little lump of flesh, some formed and some unformed (miscarriage), that We may make (it) clear for you. And We cause what We will to remain in the wombs for an appointed time, and afterward We bring you forth as infants.”

[22:5]

k. What happens after death?

Allah (SWT) says:

“Lo! Those who disbelieve among the People of the Scripture and the idolaters will abide in the Fire of Hell. They are the worst of created beings. And Lo! Those who believe and do good works are the best of created beings. Their reward is with their Lord; Gardens of Eden underneath which rivers flow, wherein they dwell forever. Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. This is (in store) for him who fears his Lord.”

[98:6-8]

Footnotes:

[1] i.e. Jews and Christians

*note: not a continuation of “You ask & the Qur’an answers”*

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You ask and the Qur’an answers: Part I

Abdul Wahid — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:09:20 +0000

1) Who is the Creator?

Allah, it is he Who has made for you the earth as a dwelling place and the sky as a canopy . and has given you shape and made your shapes good (looking) and has provided you with good things. That is Allah, your Lord : so Blessed be Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).

(40 : 64)

He created you (all) from a single person (Adam) ; then made from him his wife {Hawwa , (Eve)} . and He has sent down for you of cattle eight pairs (of the sheep , two , male and female ; of the goats , two , male and female of the oxen , two , male and female and of the camels, two, male and female) . He creates you in the wombs of your mothers : creation after creation in there veils of darkness. Such is Allah your Lord His is the Kingdom . La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). How then are you turned away ?

(39 : 6)

Indeed your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and then He rose over (Istawa) the Throne (really in manner that suits His Majesty) . He brings the night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly , and (He created) the sun, the moon, the stars subjected to His Command. Surely, His is the Creation and Commandment. Blessed is Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)!

(7 : 54)

Such is Allah, your Lord in truth. So after the truth, what else can there be, save error ? How then are you turned away ?

(10 : 32)

2) Who is Allah?

He is Allah beside Whom La Ilaha Illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the King, the Holy, the one Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory, be to Allah! (High is He)
above all that they associate as partners with Him .

(59 : 23-24)

“Verily! I am Allah! La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), So worship Me, and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) for My Remembrance.

(20 : 14)

Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), Al-Hayyul-Qayyuum (the Ever Living the One Who sustains and protects all that exists). Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth .Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission ? He Knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never
compass any thing of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most
Great.

(2 : 255) (This Verse 2:225 is called Ayat-ul-Kursi) .

He merges the night into the day (i.e.the decrease in the hours of the night is added to the hours of the day), and He merges the day into the night (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the day is added the hours of the night). And has subjected the sun and the moon: each runs its course
for a term appointed. Such is Allah, your Lord; His is the Kingdom , And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmir (the thin membrane over the date-stone).

(35 : 13)

Allah bears winess that La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He always) maintains His creation in justice La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

(3 : 18)

Truly! Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone). This
is the straight Path.

(3 : 51)

3) Did you think that Allah created you only for play and without any purpose ?

“Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?”

(23 : 115)

4) For what did Allah create mankind ?

And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).

(51 : 56)

5) What did Allah command us to do ?

Verily! Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due; and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice. Verily, how excellent is the teaching with He (Allah) gives you! Truly, Allah is Ever All-Hearer, All-Seer.

(4 : 58)

Say (O Muhammad SAWS ) : “Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: be Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your parents; Kill not your children because of poverty – We provide sustenance for you and for them; come not near to Al-Fawahish (shameful sins, illegal sexual intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly; and kill not anyone whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause (according to Islamic law). This He has commanded you that you may understand.

(6 : 151)

6) From where shall we seek guidance?

1: In the Name of Allah, the Most. Gracious, the Most Merciful.
2: All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).
3: The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful .
4: The Only Owner (and the only Ruling judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e the Day of Resurrection)
5: You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything).
6: Guide us to the Straight Way.

(1 : 1 – 6)

7) Who shall we invoke in time of disaster?

And when they embark on a ship, they invoke Allah, making their Faith pure for Him Only: but when He brings them safely to land, behold they give a share of their worship to others.

(29 : 65)

And when harm touches man, he invokes Us, lying on his side, or sitting or standing. But when We have removed his harm from him, he passes on as if he had never invoked Us for a harm that touched him! Thus it is made fair-seeming to the Musrifun that which they used to do.

(10 : 12)

What happened to the previous nations when they disobeyed Allah ?

So We punished each (of them) for his sins; of them were some on whom We sent Hasib (a violent wind with shower of stones) (as on the people of Lut (Lot) , and of them were some who were overtaken by As-saihah (torment – awful cry. (as Thamud or Shuabs people), and of them were some whem We caused the earth to swallow (as Qarun (Korah), and of them were some whom We drowned (as the people of Nuh (Noah), or Firaun (Pharaoh) and his people). It was not Allah Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves .

(29 : 40)

9) Does Allah guard and save the Qur’an from corruption ?

Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur’an) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption).

(15 : 9)

10) Who should we worship ?

“Verily! I am Allah La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so worship Me, and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-assalat) for My Remembrance.

(20 : 14)

To be continued…

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The Life of this World is Fleeting Enjoyment

Abdul Wahid — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:06:59 +0000

Imam Ibn Kathir
Tafsir Ibn Katheer (Abridged) Volume 9

“Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. (It is) like a rain (Ghayth), thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment, and (there is) forgiveness from Allah and (His) pleasure. And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.”

[57:20]

Allah the Exalted degrades the significance of this life and belittles it by saying,

“that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children.”

Meaning, this is the significance of this life to its people, just as He said in another Ayah,

“Beautified for men is the love of things they covet; women, children, much of gold and silver (wealth), branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world’s life; but Allah has the excellent return with Him.”

( 3:14 )

Allah the Exalted also sets a parable for this life, declaring that its joys are fading and its delights are perishable, saying that life is,

“Like a rain (Ghayth),” which is the rain that comes down to mankind, after they had felt despair.

Allah the Exalted said in another Ayah,

“And He is it Who sends down the Ghayth (rain) after they have despaired.”

(42:28)

Allah’s statement,

“thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller;” meaning that farmers admire the vegetation that grows in the aftermath of rain. And just as farmers admire vegetation, the disbelievers admire this life; they are the most eager to acquire the traits of life, and life is most dear to them,

“afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw.”

Meaning, that vegetation soon turns yellow in color, after being fresh and green. After that, the green fades away and becomes scattered pieces of dust. This is the parable of this worldly life, it starts young, then matures and then turns old and feeble. This is also the parable of mankind in this life; they are young and strong in the beginning. In this stage of life, they look youthful and handsome. Slowly, they begin growing older, their mannerism changes and their strength weakens. They then grow old and feeble; moving becomes difficult for them, while doing easy things becomes beyond their ability. Allah the Exalted said,

“Allah is He Who created you in (a state of) weakness, then gave you strength after weakness, then after strength gave (you) weakness and gray hair. He creates what He wills. And He is the All-Knowing, the All-Powerful.”

(30:54)

This parable indicates the near demise of this life and the imminent end of it, while in contrast, the Hereafter is surely coming. Those who hear this parable should, therefore, be aware of the significance of the Hereafter and feel eagerness in the goodness that it contains,

“But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment, and (there is) forgiveness from Allah and (His) pleasure. And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.”

Meaning, surely, the Hereafter that will certainly come contains two things either severe punishment or forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure.

Allah the Exalted said,

“And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.”

Meaning, this life is only a form of enjoyment that deceives those who incline to it. Surely, those who recline to this life will admire it and feel that it is dear to them, so much so, that they might think that this is the only life, no life or dwelling after it. Yet, in reality, this life is insignificant as compared to the Hereafter.

Imam Ahmad recorded that `Abdullah said that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said,

” Paradise is nearer to any of you than the strap of his shoe, and so is the (Hell) Fire.”[Ahmad 1:387]

Al-Bukhari collected this Hadith through the narration of Ath-Thawri [Fath al-Bari 11:328].

This Hadith indicates the close proximity of both good and evil in relation to mankind. If this is the case, then this is the reason Allah the Exalted encouraged mankind to rush to perform acts of righteousness and obedience and to avoid the prohibitions. By doing so, their sins and errors will be forgiven and they will acquire rewards and an exalted status. Allah the Exalted said,

“Race with one another in hastening towards forgiveness from your Lord, and Paradise the width whereof is as the width of the heaven and the earth.”

Allah the Exalted said in another Ayah,

“And march forth in the way (to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for those who have Taqwa.”

(3:133)

Allah said here,

“prepared for those who believe in Allah and His Messengers. That is the grace of Allah which He bestows on whom He is pleased with. And Allah is the Owner of the great bounty.”

Meaning, “This, that Allah has qualified them for, is all a part of His favor, bounty and compassion.”

We mentioned a Hadith collected in the Sahih in which the poor emigrants said to the Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam,

“O Allah’s Messenger! The wealthy people will get higher grades and permanent enjoyment.” He asked, “Why is that?” They said, “They pray like us and fast as we do. However, they give in charity, whereas we cannot do that, and they free servants, whereas we cannot afford it.” The Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said, “Shall I tell you of a good deed that, if you acted upon, you would catch up with those who have surpassed you? None would overtake you and be better than you, except those who might do the same. Say, “Glorious is Allah,” Allah is Most Great”, and “Praise be to Allah”, thirty three times each after every prayer.” They later came back and said, “Our wealthy brethren heard what we did and they started doing the same.” Allah’s Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said,

“This is the favor that He gives to whom He wills.” [Muslim 1:416]

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Hadith Qudsi: O My servants

Abdul Wahid — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:47:40 +0000

On the authority of Abu Dharr al-Ghifari (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is that among the sayings he relates from his Lord (may He be glorified) is that He said:

“‘O My servants, I have forbidden oppression for Myself and have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not oppress one another. O My servants, all of you are astray except for those I have guided, so seek guidance of Me and I shall guide you. O My servants, all of you are hungry except for those I have fed, so seek food of Me and I shall feed you. O My servants, all of you are naked except for those I have clothed, so seek clothing of Me and I shall clothe you. O My servants, you sin by night and by day, and I forgive all sins, so seek forgiveness of Me and I shall forgive you. O My servants, you will not attain harming Me so as to harm Me, and you will not attain benefiting Me so as to benefit Me. O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as pious as the most pious heart of any one man of you, that would not increase My kingdom in anything. O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as wicked as the most wicked heart of any one man of you, that would not decrease My kingdom in anything. O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to rise up in one place and make a request of Me, and were I to give everyone what he requested, that would not decrease what I have, any more than a needle decreases the sea if put into it. O My servants, it is but your deeds that I reckon up for you and then recompense you for, so let him who finds good praise Allah and let him who finds other than that blame no one but himself.’”

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How Many of Us Know This About Prayer

Abdul Wahid — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:40:32 +0000

Virtues of the Prayer

Author:Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-’Uthaimeen
Source:Sifat Salaat-in-Nabee
Translator:isma’eel alarcon
Produced by:al-manhaj.com

The Prayer: is the second pillar from the pillars of Islaam and the most important pillar of Islaam after the Shahaadah (testimony) of Faith.

The Prayer: is a link between the servant and his Lord. The Prophet (saws) said: “Indeed, when one of you prays, he speaks privately with his Lord.” [Reported by Al-Bukhaaree] And Allaah says in the qudsee hadeeth: “I have divided the prayer between Myself and My servant into two parts, and My servant will have what he asks for.

So when the servant says: ‘Al-Hamdulillaahi Rabb-il-‘Alameen’, Allaah says: ‘My servant has praised Me.’

And when he says: ‘Ar-Rahmaan-ir-Raheem’, Allaah says: ‘My servant has extolled Me.’

And when he says: ‘Maaliki-yawm-id-Deen’, Allaah says: ‘My servant has honored Me.’

And when he says: ‘Iyyaaka Na’bdu wa Iyyaaka Nasta’een’, Allaah says: ‘This is between Me and My servant and My servant will have what he asks for.’

And when he says: ‘Ihdinaas-Siraat-al-Mustaqeem. Siraat-aladheena an’amta ‘alaihim. Ghairil-Maghdoobi ‘alaihim wa lad-Daalleen’, Allaah says: ‘This is for My servant and for My servant will be what he asks for.’” [Reported by Muslim]

The Prayer: is a garden of ‘ibaadaat (acts of worship), in which every splendid type of worship is found. There is the takbeer, by which the prayer is initiated, the standing in which the person praying recites the words of Allaah, the bowing in which he extols his Lord, the rising from the bowing position, which is filled with the praising of Allaah, the prostration in which he glorifies Allaah by His highness and in which he implores him through supplication, the sitting in which there is the tashahhud and (more) supplication and the closing with tasleem.

The Prayer: is a means of support and assistance in times of distress and grief. And it prevents one from evil and shameful deeds. Allaah says: “Seek assistance in patience and prayer.” And He says: “Recite what has been revealed to you from the Book and establish the prayer. Verily, the prayer prevents one from evil and shameful deeds.”

The Prayer: is the light of the believers in their hearts and in their place of gathering (on the Day of Judgement). The Prophet (saws) said: “The prayer is light.” And he (saws) said: “Whoever guards it (his prayers), it will be a light, a proof and a (means of) salvation for him on the Day of Judgement.” [Reported by Ahmad, Ibn Hibbaan and At-Tabaraanee]

The Prayer: is the joy and delight of the believers’ souls. The Prophet (saws) said: “My delight was placed in the prayer.” [Reported by Ahmad and An-Nasaa’ee]

Written by Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-‘Uthaimeen
On 4-13/1406H

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12 Proofs that Muhammad is a True Prophet

Abdul Wahid — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:33:43 +0000

My brothers and sisters everywhere! With this essay, I am not singling out the adherents of Islam – to which I ascribe – but rather I am writing this essay to every man and woman throughout the whole world.

I ask Allah that He facilitates tat this essay reaches every ear, falls under the sight of every eye, and is understood by every heart…

Muhammad the son of `Abdullah is Allah’s Prophet and the Final Messenger Sent by Allah to the Inhabitants of Earth.

My brothers and sisters everywhere! You should know that the Messenger, Muhammad the son of `Abdullah (may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) is Allah’s Messenger in reality and truth. The evidences that show his veracity are abundant. None but an infidel, who out of arrogance alone, could deny these signs.

Among these proofs:

1. Muhammad (may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) was raised illiterate, unable to read or write, and remained like that till his death. Among all his people, he was known as being truthful and trustworthy. Before receiving revelation, he had no prior knowledge of Religion or any previously sent Message. He remained like that for his first forty years. Revelation then came to Muhammad with the Koran that we now have between our hands. This Koran mentioned most of the accounts found in the previous scriptures, telling us about these events in the greatest detail as if he witnessed them. These accounts came precisely as they were found in the Torah sent down to Moses and in the Gospel sent down to Jesus. Neither the Jews or Christians were able to belie him regarding anything that he said.

2. Muhammad (may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) also foretold of everything that would occur to him and his community after him, pertaining to victory, the removal of the tyrannical kingdoms of Chosroes [the royal title for the Zoroastrian kings of Persia] and Caesar, and the establishment of the religion of Islam throughout the earth. These events occurred exactly as Muhammad foretold, as if he was reading the future from an open book.

3. Muhammad (may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) also brought an Arabic Koran that is the peak of eloquence and clarity. The Koran challenged those eloquent and fluent Arabs of his time, who initially belied him, to bring forth a single chapter like the Koran. The eloquent Arabs of his day were unable to contest this Koran.

Indeed, till our day, none has ever dared to claim that he has been able to compose words that equal-or even approach-the order, grace, beauty, and splendor of this Glorious Koran.

4. The life history of this Noble Prophet was a perfect example of being upright, merciful, compassionate, truthful, brave, generous, distant from all evil character, and ascetic in all worldly matters, while striving solely for the reward of the Hereafter. Moreover, in all his actions and dealings, he was ever mindful and fearful of Allah.

5. Allah instilled great love for Muhammad (may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) in the hearts of all who believed in and met him. This love reached such a degree that any of his companions would willingly sacrifice his (or her) self, mother or father for him.

Till today, those who believe in Muhammad honor and love him. Anyone of those who believe in him would ransom his own family and wealth to see him, even if but once.

6. All of history has not preserved the biography of any person in the manner it has preserved the life of Muhammad, who is the most influential human in history.

Nor has the entire earth known of anyone whom every morning and evening, and many times thereafter throughout the day, is thought of by those who believe in him. Upon remembering Muhammad, the believers in him will greet him and ask Allah to bless him. They do such with full hearts and true love for him.

7. Nor has there every been a man on earth whom is still followed in all his doings by those who believe in him.

Those who believe in Muhammad, sleep in the manner he slept; purify themselves (through ablution and ritual washing) in the manner he purified himself; and adhere to his practice in the way they eat, drink, and clothe themselves.

Indeed in all aspects of their lives, the believers in Muhammad adhere to the teachings he spread among them and the path that he traveled upon during his life.

During every generation, from his day till our time, the believers in this Noble Prophet have fully adhered to his teachings. With some, this has reached the degree that they desire to follow and adhere to the Prophet’s way in his personal matters regarding which Allah has not sought of them to adhere to in worship. For example, some will only eat those specific foods or only wear those specific garments that the Messenger liked.

Let alone all that, all those who believe in Muhammad repeat those praises of Allah, special prayers, and invocations that he would say during each of his actions during day and night, like: what he would say when he greeted people, upon entering and leaving the house, entering and leaving the mosque, entering and leaving the bathroom, going to sleep and awaking from sleep, observing the new crescent, observing the new fruit on trees, eating, drinking, dressing, riding, traveling and returning from travel, etc.

Let alone all that, all those who believe in Muhammad fully perform-even to the minute detail-every act of worship-like prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage-as this Noble Messenger (may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) taught and as he himself performed.

All of this allows those who believe in him, to live their lives in all aspects with this Noble Messenger as their example, as if he was standing before them, for them to follow in all their doings.

8. There has never been nor will there ever be a man anywhere upon this earth who has received such love, respect, honor, and obedience in all matters-small and large alike-as has this Noble Prophet.

9. Since his day, in every region of the earth and during every period, this Noble Prophet has been followed by individuals from all races, colors and peoples. Many of those who followed him were previously Christians, Jews, pagans, idolaters, or without any religion. Among those who chose to follow him, were those who were known for their sound judgment, wisdom, reflection, and foresight. They chose to follow this Noble Prophet after they witnessed the signs of his truthfulness and the evidences of his miracles. They did not choose to follow Muhammad out of compulsion or coercion or because they had adopted the ways of their fathers and mothers.

Indeed many of the followers of this Prophet (may Allah’s blessings peace be upon him), chose to follow him during the time when Islam was weak, when there were few Muslims, and when there was severe persecution of his followers on earth. Most people who have followed this Prophet (may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) have done so not to acquire some material benefits. Indeed many of his followers have suffered the greatest forms of harm and persecution as a result of following this Prophet. Despite all this harm and persecution, this did not turn them back from his religion.

My brethren! All of this clearly indicates to anyone possessing any sense, that this Prophet was truly and really Allah’s messenger and that he was not just a man who claimed prophethood or spoke about Allah without knowledge.

10. With all this, Muhammad came with a great religion in its credal and legal make-up.

Muhammad described Allah with qualities of complete perfection, and at the same time in a manner that is free of ascribing to Him any imperfection. Neither the philosophers or the wise could ever describe Allah like such. Indeed it is impossible to imagine that any human mind could conceive of an existing being that possesses such complete ability, knowledge, and greatness; Who has subdued the creation; Who has encompassed everything in the universe, small or large; and Who possesses such perfect mercy.

Nor is it in the ability of any human being to place a perfect law based upon justice, equality, mercy and objectivity for all human activity on earth like the laws that Muhammad brought for all spheres of human activity – like buying and selling, marriage and divorce, renting, testimony, custody, and all other contracts that are necessary to uphold life and civilization on earth.

11. It is impossible that any person conceive wisdom,, morals, good manners, nobleness of characters as what this honorable Prophet (may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) brought.

In a full and complete manner, Muhammad spread a teaching regarding character and manners toward one’ parents, relatives, fiends, family, humanity, animals, plants and inanimate objects. It is impossible for the human mind alone to grasp all of that teaching or come with a similar teaching.

All of that unequivocally indicates that this Messenger did not bring an) of this religion from his own accord, but that it was rather a teaching and inspiration that he received from the One Who created the earth and the high heavens above and created this universe in its miraculous architecture and perfection.

12. The legal and credal make-up of the religion that the Messenger, Muhammad, (may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) brought resembles the engineering of the heavens and the earth. All of that indicates that He who created the heavens and the earth is the One Who sent down this great law and upright religion.

The degree of inimitability of the Divine law that was sent down upon Muhammad is to the same degree of inimitability of the Divine creation of the heavens and earth. For just as humanity cannot create this universe, in the same manner humanity cannot bring forth a law like Allah’s law that He sent down upon His servant and messenger Muhammad (may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him).
Shaykh `Abdul Rahman `Abdul Khaliq

Originally published by IANA

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Why Do We Pray…?

Abdul Wahid — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:30:34 +0000

After a long and hectic day at work, how difficult it is for a tired person to go out to the mosque and concentrate on his prayers to Allaah, the Almighty. Snuggled up in a warm and cozy bed, how difficult it is to get up at the call of the Mu`azzin: “Come to prayer! Come to success!”

The famous doctor and philosopher, Ibn Sina (Avicenna), recalls such a moment in his life. One cold and icy night, he and his slave were resting at an inn in a remote part of Khuraasaan. During the night, he felt thirsty, so he called to his slave to bring him some water. The slave had no desire to leave his warm bed, so he pretended not to hear Ibn Sina’s call. But finally, after repeated calls, he reluctantly got up and went to fetch the water. A little while later, the melodious sound of the azaan (call to prayer) filled the air. Ibn Sina began to think about the person calling the people to prayer. “My slave, ‘Abdullaah, he mused, has always respected me and admired me. He seizes any opportunity to lavish praise and affection on me, but tonight he preferred his own comfort to my needs. On the other hand, look at this Persian slave of Allaah: He left his warm bed to go out into the chilly night, he made ablution in the icy water of the stream, and then he ascended the high minaret of the mosque to glorify Him Whom he truly serves: “I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah. I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah.” Ibn Sina records: “I learned the essence of true love, that love which results in complete obedience.” The love of Allaah demands total and unconditional obedience. Allaah, the Almighty says: { Say [oh, Muhammad!]: “If you love Allaah, follow me: Allaah will forgive you your sins, for Allaah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful } (Soorah 3:31)

Prayer: A Cry of the Inner Soul

His arrogance and pride have often led man to behave as an oppressor and a tyrant. Some men have been carried away by their own self-importance that they have even claimed divinity. Pharoah, the ruler of Egypt, was among those who announced: “I am your supreme Lord!” With his sense of greatness and pride, Pharoah subjugated the Israelites and made their lives wretched and miserable.

But is man really as strong and great as his ego tells him? The Qur`aan tells us the reality of man’s nature: { It is Allaah Who created you in a state of weakness, then gave you strength after weakness, then after strength, gave you weakness and a hoary head: He creates what He wills, and He is the All-knowing, the All-powerful } (Soorah 30:54)

Weakness in the beginning and weakness in the end: This is the essence of man. He is so weak and helpless at birth that his entire existence depends on his parents and his family. If he were to be abandoned in these first crucial years, he could not survive on his own. He needs a gentle and loving hand, not only in his infancy, but in his childhood and even in his teenage years. As this child enters the years of youth and independence, he begins to take control of his own life. He looks with pride at his strong physique, his handsome features and his many talents. He begins to despise those of lesser abilities, even scorning his parents, who exhausted their own health to nurture him. He becomes unjust and cruel, using his strength and vigour to dominate others. He thinks he is master, free to act as he wills. But does this youth, these good looks last forever? In only a few decades, he begins to lose his strength…his youth is replaced by old age. Weakness in the beginning, weakness in the end.” The message is clear: The real Master is Allaah. He Alone is Mighty, He Alone, is Great. He Alone is never tired, never needs rest, is never dependent upon anyone. Allaahu Akbar! – Allaah is the Greatest! In our everyday lives, we say a warm thank you for the small acts of kindness which others do for us. So what about thanking Allaah, Who, in His infinite Mercy, has provided for every single one of our needs. Just observe the beauty and perfection of the earth around you and fall down in gratitude to your Lord.

Prayer: The Ascension for a Believer

After the Messenger of Allaah e was commissioned for Prophethood, the first thing he was commanded to do by Allaah was to pray. The angel Jibreel u came to him and a spring of water gushed out of the rocks in front of them. Jibreel u then showed Allaah’s Messenger e how to make ablution. He then showed him how to offer prayers to Allaah. He began to pray two rak`ah twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. He then went home and showed his wife Khadeejah what he had learnt from the angel Jibreel u.

From that time, the Prophet e never went through a day without praying. Just before his migration to Madinah, he was taken on a night journey to Jerusalem and then to the heavens (Mi`raaj). During this journey, Allaah, Almighty, ordered him to pray five times a day. This prayer was a gift given to every Believer to enable him to experience a spiritual ascension five times a day. The Prophet e said: “The prayer is the Mi`raaj of the Believer.” It gives every Muslim the chance to communicate with his Lord. During each prayer, the Muslim recites Soorah Al-Faatihah: This recitation is not a dull monologue by the Believer, but Allaah promises that it is a conversation between Him and the worshipper. The Messenger of Allaah e reported that Allaah, the Almighty says: ‘When my slave says in his prayer: “All praise is for Allaah, the Lord of the worlds,” I say: “My slave has praised Me” When he says: “The Merciful, the Compassionate, Master of the Day of Judgement,” I say: “My slave has glorified Me.” When he says: “You Alone we worship and your Aid we seek,” I say: “This is between Me and My slave.” When he says: “Show us the Straight Path,” I say: “This is for My slave, and I give My slave what he wants.”

The Messenger of Allaah e once said: “Prayer is the pillar of religion.” (Narrated by Al-Baihaqi) He also informed us that Islaam is built upon five pillars, the second being to establish prayer five times a day. (Narrated by Al-Bukhaari) This makes the image very clear: Islaam is like a building supported by five columns; remove just one column and the entire building weakens. In the same way, when a person stops praying, his faith becomes weak, and the mildest blows can cause it to crumble. The prayer is so very important that the Prophet e said: “Verily, between man and polytheism and disbelief is abandoning prayer.” (Narrated by Muslim)

Allaah says, concerning the plight of the disbelievers on the Day of Judgement, that they will be asked by the Believers: { “What led you into the Hell-fire?” They will say: “We were not of those who prayed.” } (Soorah 74:42-43). Allaah also says: { Successful indeed are the Believers, those who humble themselves in their prayers } (Soorah 23:1-2), and: { And those who guard [strictly] their worship, such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens [of Bliss] } (Soorah 70: 34-35).

Allaah has emphasized the need for humility and concentration in prayers. There is no doubt that Satan is the most bitter enemy of man; he always tries to disturb the Believer’s prayers. He (the worshipper) finds his mind suddenly engulfed with memories, problems, worries, work and his family… and he will often find himself wondering whether he has prayed three rak`ah or four. This is how Satan steals the prayer. Man was created only to worship Allaah. He says: { I created not the jinns and mankind except to worship me } (Soorah 51:56). Man is to live in this world as a worshipper of Allaah and prayer is the best for of worship. On the Day of Judgement, man will have to answer for his deeds. Allaah says: { Then shall you be questioned about the joy [you indulged in] } (Soorah 102:8)

(Abridged from: “Why Do We Pray?” by Dr. Suhaib Hasan)

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