Rejoice! All of you who Fasted!

Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam ‘ala Rasulillah

As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu

Rejoice! All of you who Fasted!

by Asma bint Shameem

Rejoice, O believers!

All of you who fasted with faith and sincerity this month of Ramadhaan, I have good news for you!

Rejoice….. for I am about to tell you a beautiful, beautiful hadeeth from our beloved Prophet (sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa sallam).

A hadeeth that will be….

the coolness of your eyes…..the delight of your heart…… and the solace for your soul.

And what is this beautiful hadeeth, you say?

Imam Ahmad reported on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (Radhi Allaahu Anhu) that the Prophet (sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa sallam) said: “My nation was given five specific things during the month of Ramadhaan which no nation before us was given. The breath of a fasting person is sweeter to Allah then the smell of musk, the Angels ask for the forgiveness of the fasting one until they eat, Allah beautifies Heaven every day and says, “My righteous servants are about to be spared suffering and harm, then they will be sent to you”, the Devils are chained so that they are not able to do what they would normally do otherwise, and they are forgiven in the last night, they said, “O Messenger of Allah, are you referring to Laylatul-Qadr? , He replied, ‘No, but indeed the reward follows the good deed, once the deed is performed.’”

Subhaan Allaah waAllaahu Akbar!

Look at the Mercy and Generosity of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Taala.

He gave us, yes us, five things He never gave to any other nation before us.

And what are those five things?

1) Breath sweeter than musk

You know the smell that comes from your mouth that you try so hard to brush away and sometimes feel embarrassed about, well that very breath is dearer to Allah than musk itself.

That is because it is the result of worship and obedience of Allah. You stayed away from food and drink and that caused your body to produce that smell.

Whatever is a result of obedience and worship, it is beloved to Allaah and He will reward you for it with something much better and higher and everlasting.

Do you not see the shaheed who is killed in the way of Allah? He will come on the Day of Judgment with blood that is red, but its smell will be the smell of musk.

And during Hajj Allah says so proudly to his Angels, “Look at my slaves who have come to me disheveled and dusty.” (Narrated by Ahmad and Ibn Habban in his Saheeh).

This disheveled appearance is beloved to Allah in this situation because it is a sign of obedience to Him.

So be glad and know that your breath is beloved to your Rabb. And He will reward you for it with something much better.

2) Angels ask for your forgiveness until you break your fast.

Just imagine! Angels!! Making dua for you!!

Angels…that are beloved to Allaah!

Angels….that are noble slaves to Allah!

“They do not disobey Allah in what they are commanded, and they do what they are ordered.” (at-Tahreem: 6)

And they are most deserving for their duaa to be answered for the people who fast.

Subhaan Allaah! What more could one ask for?!

3) Heaven is beautified for you.

Whenever we expect an important guest, we prepare the house for them because we want to honor them…

because we want to please them and make them comfortable. So imagine, if Allaah, Rabbul Aalameen, prepares His Jannah for you, because He wants to honor you and please you and make you comfortable.

And that is not just one day….but it is beautified every day.

And Allaah Subhaanahu wa Taala says about you:

“My righteous servants are about to be spared suffering and harm, then they will be sent to you.”

The Ulama tell us that this suffering refers to whatever suffering and hardship a believer goes through in this life. And that includes bearing patiently in the month of Ramadhaan, your hunger and thirst, holding back from harming your fellow Muslim with your tongue and hand, staying away from the disobedience of Allaah and staying firm upon His Commands.

So be glad….a beautiful abode awaits you if you obey your Lord.

4) The Devils are locked up.

This is from Allahs help for the believer. See how much Allaah loves the believer! He, Subhaanahu wa Taala, chains the major Shayaateen up so that they are not able to mislead the believer as much or keep him away from the obedience of his Lord.

And that explains why it is easier for you to do good this month, and easier to wake up for Fajr and easy to stand for Taraweeh, and do all those other good deeds that Allaah enables you to do. And it is easier to stay away from evil in this month more than in any other month.

What a mercy and blessing from Allaah!

5) Allaah will forgive you.

Allah forgives the ummah of Muhammad (sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa sallam) in the last night of this month. If you did what was required of you in this blessed month….if you fasted and prayed, and observed the boundaries set by Allaah, staying away from haraam and obeying Allaah to the best of your ability, then Allah will reward you when you complete the deed and forgive you your sins.

For indeed the good deed is rewarded at the completion of the deed.

Allaah says:

“Is there any reward for good other than good?” (Surah ar-Rahmaan:60)

Is there a better reward than this that anyone could ask for?

So rejoice and celebrate and thank Allaah. Be grateful for all the blessings He gave you and realize how easy He made for you to achieve Jannah. Just by fasting for His sake, only for a short while, from sunrise to sunset and that only for a month.

Subhaan Allaah wa Alhamdulillaah! Such little effort on our part and such great reward!

And continue this effort throughout the year. Use this training that you had during the month of Ramadhaan to do good, to pray on time and stand for tahajjud, to give charity and keep up the ties of kinship.

Keep up the recitation of the Quraan and do your best to stay away from haraam. And you will find with your lord, a reward that no eye has seen and no heart can imagine.

“Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?” (Surah ar-Rahmaan:51)

Sudan Iftar Introduces Islam

Sudan Iftar Introduces Islam

By Ismail Khushkusk, Islam OnLine Correspondent
The iftar dinners serve as an opportunity for non-Arabic speaking Muslims to get together and learn more about Islam.

KHARTOUM – Ramadan iftar dinners are presenting an opportunity for many foreign students and workers in Sudan to learn more about Ramadan and Islam.

“There was a need for such an effort because many Asian and African workers have come to Sudan in recent years,” Muhammad Osman, the secretary general of Welcome to Islam, an Islamic educational group, told IslamOnlin.net.

“Many started to ask questions about Islam so we wanted to fill this need.”

One activity Welcome to Islam has initiated is its annual iftar where members of various expatriate communities are invited to share the fast-breaking meal together.

“We have guests from India, Nigeria and other countries,” Osman explains.

Sudan has been witnessing an economic boom for the last eight years due to oil exports and foreign direct investment.

An influx of workers and experts has accompanied this boom coming from various world countries.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between during the day.

At sunset Muslims break their fast at iftar dinners, usually with family and friends.

“I liked how people got together and co-cooperated,” says Muthunnijam Parabagran, a Sri Lankan who works for a coffee company in Khartoum.

He attended Welcome to Islam’s iftar dinner at the invitation of a friend and was impressed with the communal feeling.

Know Islam

Welcome to Islam has also benefited from the experience of many former Sudanese expatriates who lived in the West in its educational and dialogue efforts.

“We have people like Shaykh Muhammad Nur, the former president of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) who has been very helpful,” asserts Osman, the organization’s secretary general.

“The individuals we helped were very happy and grateful to find this organization that helped them learn more.”

Shamsuddin Bolatito, a student from Nigeria, was invited to Welcome to Islam’s iftar dinners for the second time.

A practicing Muslim himself, he believes the iftar dinners serve as an opportunity for non-Arabic speaking Muslims to get together and learn more about Islam.

“I have friends from Nigeria and Kenya who came to Sudan to study,” he explains.

“Many now come to Welcome to Islam’s activities to learn more.”

Bolatito, who volunteers with Welcome to Islam, contends that the organization niche lies in its use of English to promote educational programs about Islam.

Among the group’s other educational activities is helping organize a weekly Friday sermon in English at a local mosque for non-Arabic speakers.

“The individuals we helped were very happy and grateful to find this organization that helped them learn more,” says Osman, its secretary general.

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2009 Train-The-Trainer Course.

TTC SUDAN

The International Muslim Youth Development Project (IMYDP) is announcing the commencement of 2009 “Train-the- trainer in Islam and Development of Da’wah Workers. A course put together by the Da’wah Institute of Nigeria of Islamic Education Trust, Minna, Niger-State in Nigeria.
For Regisration; contact 0121124130 or download registration form online:www.imydpng.ning.com and mail direct to: imydp1428h@yahoo.com.
Venue: Morcaz Dawah of International University of Africa

Malcolm X: His Life Was a Series of Changes

In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

By Muneeb Baig

 

“Never have I witnessed such sincere hospitality and the overwhelming spirit of true brotherhood as is practiced by people of all colors and races here in this Ancient Holy Land…..”, so began the letter written by El-Hajj Malik El-Shabbaz, formerly Malcolm X, on his Hajj trip in 1964. He continued, “…There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world. They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blonds to black-skinned Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual, displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never could exist between the white and the non-white. America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem…”

Malcolm X’s life had been a series of changes. He was born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925. After his father’s violent murder in 1931, Malcolm’s family was left poor and destitute. They were forced to accept support from the state Welfare people, who kept their pressure on them, especially on Malcolm’s mother, until she suffered a complete breakdown and was institutionalized. The family was torn apart, with children placed in separate households.

Malcolm attended school until the eighth grade. A white teacher’s remark concerning his desire to become a lawyer (“A lawyer – that’s no realistic goal for a nigger.”) hurt him deeply and he became disillusioned with school.

Malcolm left Lansing and moved to live with his half-sister, Ella, in Boston. There he began to explore the streets and quickly caught on the slang and ways of the street. After getting a job on the train, he visited Harlem and became enchanted. He moved there in 1942, at the age of seventeen.

Malcolm became a hustler, dope peddler, and gambler and was nicknamed “Detroit Red.” After becoming involved in a fight with another hustler, he escaped to New York, where he became involved in armed robbery. He was addicted to drugs, which he used as an escape from the worries and strains of the street. In February 1946, he was caught and charged with burglary and sentenced to ten years in prison.

Prison changed Malcolm greatly. He started to reform. A fellow inmate called “Bimbi” made a positive impression on Malcolm and urged him to take prison correspondence courses and use the library. Malcolm, who had lost all of his eighth-grade education on the streets, began to study seriously and his grammar and penmanship improved. He also started to learn Latin.

In 1948, Malcolm’s siblings introduced him to the Nation of Islam and urged him to accept its teachings. Though at first hostile to religion, Malcolm became more interested when his brother Reginald sent a letter saying, “Malcolm, don’t eat any more pork, and don’t smoke cigarettes. I’ll show you how to get out of prison.” Malcolm was interested and gave abstinence a try. His actions made him feel proud, especially when he startled his fellow convicts with his refusal to eat pork.

Malcolm began to learn the teachings of the Nation of Islam. Original man was black, who built great empires and civilizations, while the “devil white man”, was created by a mad scientist, called Mr. Yacub, and had pillaged, murdered, and exploited every race of man not white. This white man had “whitened” history and brainwashed the black man so much so that he did not know his own name, language, culture, religion, or ancestry. Christianity was the white man’s religion, used to subjugate the blacks by promising them heaven after death, while enjoying his heaven right here on earth.

According to the Nation of Islam, a man named Wallace D. Fard had appeared on Earth and was “God in person.” He appointed Elijah Muhammad as his messenger to the “lost-found Nation of Islam here in this wilderness of North America.”

Malcolm was fascinated. He began to read history and read about the horrors that the white race perpetrated on members of other races all over the world throughout history and how this race has always been haughty and proud.

After his release from prison, Malcolm became an active member of the Nation of Islam. He would go out on the streets, “fishing” for more converts. His efforts and dedication pleased Elijah Muhammad and he was appointed minister of Temple Seven in New York City in June 1954.

Publicity came slowly at first and then rapidly increased. In 1957, a police brutality event and its reaction brought the Nation of Islam to the headlines. Then in 1959, the Nation was catapulted to mainstream news. The television program “The Hate that Hate Produced” was aired, producing sudden interest in the Nation of Islam. Newspapers began to run series of stories on the Nation. Magazines increased their coverage. Radio and television people soon began to request Malcolm X to defend the Nation of Islam in panel discussions and debates. Malcolm X’s publicity increased. But, publicity caused jealousy and by 1961, Malcolm began to hear negative remarks from members of the Nation of Islam regarding him.

Rumors concerning Elijah’s extreme immorality surfaced. Elijah and his family considered Malcolm as a man dangerous to Elijah’s authority and began to plot to get rid of him.

On November 22, 1963, John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Malcolm commented on it as a case of “chickens coming home to roost.” He was immediately silenced and isolated for ninety days. The machinery for eliminating him was set into place. The event was made to look like Malcolm had rebelled. He started receiving death threats.

Malcolm, though shocked at his expulsion from an organization that he had worked so hard and long to build and strengthen and whose leader he nearly worshiped, kept his determination to continue the struggle for the black man.

In 1964, Malcolm, along with other brothers who broke with the Nation of Islam, founded Muslim Mosque Inc. He decided that this organization was to open to all blacks, regardless of faith. On April 13, 1964, Malcolm left for Hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah under the name of Malik El-Shabazz. It was at the Hajj when Malcolm was to undergo another radical change.

Until now, Malcolm could be considered a black racist. He attacked whites based on the color of their skin and stated that their race was the devil race, which could never do any good. Now, at the greatest religious gathering on the face of this Earth, he realized that color does not determine character, but deeds do.

He experienced great hospitality and brotherhood in the Holy Land from people of all colors, races, and nationalities. The idea that white man is the devil began to fade as he saw the color-blindness that Islam brought to society. His ideas changed as he saw that the cure to racism was neither white-supremacy nor black-supremacy, but Islam, which united people of all origins under the belief in the Oneness of God and made them cease to measure each other based on the color of the skin.

He himself stated, “I am not a racist. I am against every form of racism and segregation, every form of discrimination. I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color.”

Malcolm saw that the solution to the racial problem in America lay in the mutual cooperation of both sincere whites and blacks in educating and eliminating racism from their peoples. He called for blacks to reevaluate themselves, to get rid of the “Negro” image, to consider themselves not as Americans but as Africans in America, and to unite in removing the vices rampant in their communities as well as take control of the economies in their communities so the white man does not continue to get rich off the poor black man.

He was against passive nonviolence, saying that it accomplished nothing and was a method of delaying the solution. He did not advocate violence, but said that active self defense was necessary for blacks to attain human rights in America.

Malcolm was faced with many enemies. The Nation of Islam made no secret of its animosity towards him, whom they considered an apostate. White supremacists who were threatened by his calls for awakening in the black communities also kept their pressure on him. By the end of 1964, he realized that his end was close. He considered every day “another borrowed day.”

In January 1965, harassment was reaching its peak. Members of the Nation of Islam kept following Malcolm wherever he went, trying to find an opportunity to kill him. In the early morning of February 14, his house was firebombed. Though his family escaped bodily harm, the home was severely damaged.

The next weekend, on February 21, at the age of 39, El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz was gunned down as he began to speak at the Audobon Ballroom. He was buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, Hartsdale on February 27, 1965. For millions of people around the world, both black and white, he was a hero who had fought for the rights of his people and was martyred in the process.

From AlBalagh.net

Our Parents: Our Masters

Our Parents: Our Masters

 In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful These are collected from as-Samarqandi’s ‘Tambih al-Ghafilin’ (p. 84-91): From the chapter on the rights of the parents: 1 – Ibn ‘Abbas said: “There is not a single believer who has two parents and wakes up while he is good to them except that Allah opens up for him two gates to Paradise, and if he makes one of them angry, Allah will not be Pleased with him until that parent becomes pleased with him again.” It was asked: “Even if that parent was oppressive and in the wrong?” It was replied: “Yes, even so. And he never wakes up while he is bad to them except that Allah opens up for him two gates to Hell.” 2 – as-Samarqandi said: “If Allah – the Exalted – had not mentioned the position and sacredness of the parents in His Book, and did not admonish regarding it, then it would have been realized by simple logic. So, it is obligatory upon the one with logic and intelligence to realize their sacredness and to fulfill their rights. How is it, then, when Allah – the Exalted – has mentioned this in all of His Books: the Torah, the Gospels, the Psalms and the Qur’an, has commanded this in all of His Books, and revealed this to all of His Prophets and advised them regarding the honorable position of the parents and their rights, and has made His Pleasure dependent on their pleasure, and His Anger dependent on their anger?” 3 – Farqad as-Sabakhi said: “I have read in many books that it is not for the son (or daughter) to speak in the presence of the parents except with their permission, or to walk in front of them, or to their right or left, unless they call him to walk next to them. Rather, he should walk behind them as a slave walks behind his master.” 4 – It was said by a group of the Tabi’in: “Whoever supplicates for his parents five times in a day has fulfilled their rights, since Allah has Said: {“…to thank Me and your parents. To Me is the final return.”} [Luqman; 14], and you thank Allah – the Exalted – by praying five times in a day. Likewise, you would thank your parents by praying for them five times in a day.” 5 – It was said by a group of the Companions: “To leave off praying for one’s parents results in a tight and constricted life for the son.” And let’s not forget about the rights upon the parents: 6 – as-Samarqandi related that Abu Hafs al-Iskandrani – one of the scholars of Uzbekistan – said that a man came to him and said: “My son hit me and hurt me!” The scholar said: “Glory be to Allah! A son hitting his father? Have you taught him manners and knowledge?” The man said: “No.” “Have you taught him the Qur’an?” The man replied: “No.” “So, what does he know how to do?” The man replied: “Farming.” “Do you know why he hit you?” The man replied: “No.” The scholar then said: “It might have been that when he woke up in the morning, he went to the fields, was riding on a donkey, had a stick between his hands, had a dog behind him, and did not have any knowledge of the Qur’an (because you failed to teach him any of it). So, he started singing, you came out to him at that moment, he thought you were a cow, and hit you with the stick. So, thank Allah that your skull was not fractured.” 7 – It was narrated by one of the early righteous people: …that he would not order his son with something, and if he needed something, he would ask someone else for it. When he was asked about this, he said: “I fear that if I were to command my son with something that he wouldn’t be able to bear, he would not carry it out and would therefore be disobedient to me and would deserve Hell as a result, and I do not want to be the cause of my son burning in Hell.” Courtesy of Iskandrani Related This wonderful little production has been produced by a young Greek non-Muslim director. And thus what really struck me was that it seems this video was produced virtually 100% to illustrate the statement of Allah jalla wa ‘ala: And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be excellent to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them, but address them in terms of honour. And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: “My Lord! Bestow on them Your mercy as they did bring me up when I was young. (Isra 17:23-24)

Arabic – The Language of the Qur’ân

In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

by Shaykh Ahmed ibn ‘Abdullah al-Baatilee

 

The Praise is for Allâh, the one who has honoured us with the Qur’ân, and chosen for us the noblest of languages, and the peace and the blessings be upon the best one of the ones who articulated themselves in Arabic, and the most-preferred from the servants of Allâh, Our Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and his family and his distinguished companions.

The Arabic language is the language of the Noble Qur’ân, and with it, the Qur’ân was revealed upon the seal of the Messengers, so attention to the Arabic language is to have attention to the Book of Allâh the Most High and the studying and the practising of it helps in the understanding of the Noble Book of Allâh and the narration of the master of the Prophets, Muhammad (Peace be upon him). It is also the language of our esteemed Islamic law (As-Sharee’ah), so when we defend it we are not proceeding on a path of nationalism or racism or culturalism, but in fact we are defending the language of our religion (way of life) and it is the cloak of our Islamic Civilisation.

As such, Shaykh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: “The Arabic Language is from the Religion, and the knowledge of it is an obligation. For surely the understanding of the Qur’ân and the Sunnah is an obligation, and these two are not understood except with the understanding of the Arabic Language, and whatever obligation is not fulfilled except by certain steps then those steps themselves become obligatory (to fulfil the initial obligation)” [The Necessity Of The Straight Path by Ibn Taymiyyah ( 1/470)]

So then the knowledge of the Arabic language is essential for every Muslim so that he can perform his religious acts of worship and he can be proficient in the recitation of the Noble Qur’ân. Allâh says in His Book (which means):

“Verily we have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’ân in order that you may understand” (Soorah Yusuf: 2)

And likewise the Most-Glorious said (which means):

“And thus We have inspired unto you (O Muhammad) an Arabic Qur’ân that you may warn the mother of the towns (Makkah) and all around it” (Soorah ash-Shura: 7)

And The Exalted said (which means):

“And truly this (the Qur’ân) is a revelation from the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists), which the trustworthy Ruh (Jibreel) has brought down upon your heart (O Muhammad) that you may be (one) of the warners, in the plain Arabic language” (Soorah ash-Shura: 192-195)

And He the Most High also said (which means):

“A Book whereof the verses are explained in detail, a Qur’ân in Arabic for people who know” (Soorah Fussilat: 3)

So from these verses we see why the Arabic Language has reached its station due to the fact that Allâh has guaranteed its protection when He undertook upon Himself the preservation of this Noble Qur’ân since it is the language of that Book.

The Most Merciful said (which means):

“Verily! It is We who have sent down the Reminder (i.e. the Qur’ân) and surely We will guard it (from corruption)” (Soorah Hijr: 9)

Despite this, many of the Muslims are content by spending their whole lives reading a translation of the Qur’ân and so depriving themselves of the miracle of the Speech Of Allâh. Also a translation implies a human factor, which goes against the very essence of the Book of Allâh. Also, the person who does not know Arabic, will have added difficulty in his concentration during his prayers and also in his understanding of the Sunnah. This is because a language is just not a collection of words which can readily be translated into another language but is a whole way of thinking.

Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din Al-Hilali (Translator of the Noble Qur’ân) writes:

“It is a pity that many nations are only satisfied in the translated meaning of the Qur’ân and Prophet’s Sunnah instead of studying the (true) Arabic text of the Qur’ân and Prophet’s Sunnah. For this reason they are divided into various sects (due to the lack of knowledge about the religion of Islam) e.g. as regards to the ways of religious education, etc. so they are plunged in differences, which was prohibited by Allâh. If the translation of the meaning of the Qur’ân is meant for the above said purpose then it is a real mischief-doing, and an evil action and is against what was brought by Allâh’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) and also against the opinions of the early present day religious scholars. All the religious scholars unanimously agree that the Qur’ân and the Sunnah should be taught in the language of the Qur’ân (i.e. Arabic Language). So did the early religious scholars of the Muslim nation when they conquered different countries.

Translations are mainly meant for informing the people who have not yet embraced Islam to make clear to them the principles of Islam and the teachings of Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and to know its exact facts. When they reach this state and Allâh has blessed them with Islam, they must take the Qur’ânic and the Messenger’s Language (i.e. Arabic) as the only language to understand Islam. May Allâh’s mercy be on Shaykh ‘Umar Uzbak, a great Turkish man, who strove for Islam in Uzbakistan under the Russian government, after his long fight against the enemies of Islam with fire (iron) and tongue (speech), he took refuge in Afghanistan at Kabul, where the government honoured him. I met him there in 1352 A.H. (approx. 1932 CE) i.e. nearly 40 years ago, and he had vowed to Allâh that he will never speak to a relative or anybody else except in the Qur’ânic and Messenger’s (Arabic) language. His wife sent a man for me to intercede for her to him that he should speak with her and her children in the Turkish language even for an hour everyday. So when I spoke to him about it, he said: ‘Russians had compelled us to learn perfectly the Russian language (by force), so we learnt it. And unless they knew that the learning of the Russian language will make the person who learns it, follow their ways of thinking, characters, and their traditions, they would not have forced anybody to learn it.’ He further said to me, ‘I have vowed to Allâh long ago not to speak except in the language of the Qur’ân and Sunnah (i.e. Arabic) and I do that only for Allâh’s sake. If my wife and children desire to enjoy speaking with me, they should learn the language of the Qur’ân and of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) (i.e. Arabic) and I am ready to teach them the Qur’ânic language whenever they desire that” [The Noble Quran in the english language by Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din Al- Hilali & Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan , page xxiv ( 1994 edition )]

 

Courtesy Of: SunnahOnline.com

Oh Allah, Deliever them, Muslim Prisoners

By: Shamsuddin Bolatito.  

 O Allah, the Living, the Everlasting!
   O Allah, release the Muslim captives!
   O Allah, release the Muslim captives!
   O Allah, release our prisoners and the rest of the Muslim prisoners!
   O Allah, release our prisoners in Palestine! And in Kashmir! And in the
   Philippines! And in Cuba!
   O Allah, hasten to them a solution to their plight!
   O Allah, hasten to them a solution to their plight!
   O Allah, hasten to them a solution to their plight!
   O Allah, end their captivity!
   O Allah, end their captivity!
   O Allah, have Mercy on their weak!
   O Allah, have Mercy on their weak!
   O Allah, make their hearts firm!
   O Allah, bond Iman to their hearts!
   O Allah, bond Iman to their hearts!
   O Allah, bless them with steadfastness!
   O Allah, bless them with steadfastness!
   O Allah, make them firm, O Living, O Everlasting One!
   O Allah, make them firm, O Living, O Everlasting One!
   O Allah, have Mercy on their weak! And strengthen their broken ones!
   O Allah, unleash Your Might against Your enemies!
   O Allah, unleash Your Might against them!
   O Allah, unleash Your Might against them!
   O Allah, curse them a Mighty Curse!
   O Allah, show us in them the wonders of Your Power!
   O Allah, upon You is the fate of the hypocrites and traitors!
   O Allah, let them not establish a banner! And let them not achieve their goals!
   And make them for those that come after them, a lesson and a sign!
   O Allah, help the Muslims in every land!
   O Allah, guide this Ummah towards righteousness!
   And towards Your Obedience!
   And away from disobedience of You!
   And to enjoin the good! And to forbid the evil!
   O Glorious One, Full of Honour!
   O Allah, protect our homelands and our dwellings!
   And reform the leaders amongst us! O Great All Forgiving One!

Glory be to Your Lord, the Lord of Honour above what they ascribe to Him… and peace be upon the Messengers… and Praise be to the Lord of the Worlds. And Peace and Blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad.

‘ABDULLAH IBN ‘ABBAS:A STUDENT OF THE PROPHET

‘ABDULLAH IBN ‘ABBAS:

A STUDENT OF THE PROPHET

by Abdul Samad Parekh

The companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) were people of strong belief in Allah (Most High) and the Last Day. Each companion had unique qualities and together they worked to spread Islam. One of these companions was ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas. From an early age, he showed signs of remarkable wisdom in matters related to Islam, which earned him the title of “the learned man of the Ummah (global Muslim community).” He was the son of ‘Abbas, Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) uncle, and was born only three years before the Hijrah (migration). He was thirteen when the Prophet (pbuh) passed away. When ‘Abdullah was born, his mother took him to the Prophet (pbuh), who put some of his saliva on ‘Abdullah’s tongue. This was the beginning of a close and intimate connection between ‘Abbas and the Prophet (pbuh) that was to become a life-long relationship of love and devotion.

The Prophet (pbuh) would often draw ‘Abdullah as a child close to him, pat him on the shoulder and pray: “O Lord, make him acquire a deep understanding of the religion of Islam and instruct him in the meaning and interpretation of things.”

There were many occasions thereafter when the blessed Prophet (pbuh) would repeat this prayer for his cousin, and soon ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas realized that his life was to be devoted to the pursuit of learning and knowledge. ‘Abdullah narrated an incident about himself when the Prophet (pbuh), was going to perform wudu (ablution). ‘Abdullah hurried to get water ready for him. The Prophet (pbuh) was pleased with what ‘Abdullah was doing and as he was about to begin salah (prayer), the Prophet (pbuh) suggested that ‘Abdullah should stand at his side. Despite the Prophet’s suggestion, ‘Abdullah stood behind him. When the salah was finished, the Prophet (pbuh) turned to him and said: “What prevented you from being at my side, O ‘Abdullah?” ‘Abdullah replied by saying, “You are too illustrious and too great in my eyes for me to stand side by side with you.” Upon hearing this, the Prophet (pbuh) raised his hands and prayed: “O Lord, grant him wisdom.” The Prophet’s (pbuh) prayer was granted indeed as ‘Abdullah proved over and over again that he possessed knowledge beyond his years.

When ‘Abdullah reached the age of maturity, he devoted himself to the service of the Prophet (pbuh). He would run to fetch water for the Prophet (pbuh) when wanted to make wudu’. During salah, he would stand behind the Prophet (pbuh) in prayer and when the Prophet (pbuh) went on journeys or expeditions, ‘Abdullah would follow him. In all these situations he was attentive and observant to whatever the Prophet (pbuh) said and did, and memorized the Prophet’s (pbuh) sayings with diligence. In this way and through his constant researches later, ‘Abdullah became one of the most knowledgeable companions of the Prophet (pbuh), preserving on behalf of later generations of Muslims, the invaluable words of the Prophet (pbuh) of Allah Most High. In fact, it is said that he memorized about one thousand six hundred and sixty sayings of the Prophet (pbuh), which are recorded and authenticated in the collections of al-Bukhari and Muslim. Ibn ‘Abbas’s knowledge came with a dedicated and determined quest both during the Prophet’s (pbuh) lifetime and after he passed away.

During the lifetime of the Prophet (pbuh), ‘Abdullah would not miss any of his gatherings, and after the Prophet (pbuh) passed away, he would often go to as many companions as possible, especially those who knew the Prophet (pbuh) longer, and learn from them what the Prophet (pbuh) had taught them. Whenever he heard that someone knew a hadith (saying of the Prophet, pbuh), which he did not know, ‘Abdullah would hurry to that companion and record it. He would subject whatever he heard to close scrutiny and check it against other reports. He would go to as many as thirty companions to verify a single matter.

It was not only the collection of hadith in which ‘Abdullah specialized; he devoted himself to understanding a wide variety of other fields. As ‘Abdullah’s knowledge grew, he grew in stature. Masruq ibn al Ajda once remarked referring to ‘Abdullah: “Whenever I saw ibn ‘Abbas, I would say: He is the most handsome of men. When he spoke, I would say: He is the most eloquent of men. And when he held a conversation, I would say: He is the most knowledgeable of men.’ Even ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab, as the Khalifah (leader of the Islamic State), requested his advice on important matters of state and described him as “the young man of maturity.”

Sa’ad ibn abi Waqqas described him with these words: “I have never seen someone who was quicker in understanding, who had more knowledge and greater wisdom than ibn ‘Abbas. I have seen ‘Umar summon him to discuss difficult problems in the presence of veterans of Badr from among the Muhajirin (Immigrants) and Ansar (Helpers). Ibn ‘Abbas would speak and ‘Umar would not disregard what he had to say.” ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas was not content to accumulate knowledge. He felt he had a duty to the Ummah to educate those in search of knowledge and the general masses of the Muslim community. He began teaching and his house became a university with specialized areas of study, with the exception that there was only one teacher ? ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas himself.

The courageous ‘Abdullah showed that he preferred peace over war, and logic to force and violence. However, ‘Abdullah was not only known for his courage, his perceptive thought and his vast knowledge, but for his great generosity and hospitality. There were many occasions when his contemporaries commented on the vibrancy of his household. ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas had a steadfast concern for people. He once said: “When I realize the importance of a verse of Allah’s Book, I wish that all people should know what I know. When I hear of a Muslim ruler who deals equitably and rules justly, I am happy on his account and I pray for him.”

‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas was constant in his devotions. He fasted regularly and often stayed up at night in prayer. He would weep profusely while praying and reciting verses dealing with death, resurrection and the life hereafter. He passed away at the age of seventy-one in the city of Ta’if.

(courtesy of http://www.al-talib.com)

Duas for Forgiveness

Duas for Forgiveness

By Sound Vision Staff writer

 The Prophet Muhammad said, the one who repents for a sin is like the one who has not committed a sin (al-Bayhaqi and Ibn Majah). Peace and blessings be upon him. Ramadan, according to one Hadith, is divided into three parts. Its beginning is mercy, its middle is forgiveness and its end is freedom from the Hellfire. As we are currently in the days of forgiveness, we thought it would be worthwhile to share a couple of supplications (Duas) from the Quran and Hadith whereby we can ask God’s forgiveness. We have also included some suggested Duas of our own that you can use at the bottom of this article. From the Quran Rabbanaa faghfir lana thunoobana wa kaffir ‘anna sayyiaatinaa wa tawaffanaa ma ‘al abraar. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and efface our bad deeds and take our souls in the company of the righteous (Quran 3:193). Rabbana thalamnaa anfusanaa wa illam taghfir lanaa wa tar hamnaa lanakoo nunna meen al khasireen. Our Lord! We have sinned against ourselves and unless You grant us forgiveness and bestow Your mercy upon us, we shall most certainly be lost. Rabbanagh firlanaa wa li ikhwaa ninallatheena sabaqoonaa bil eemani wa la taj’al fee quloobinaa ghillall lillatheena aamanoo rabbanaa innaka raoofur raheem. Our Lord! Forgive us, and our brethren who came before us into the Faith, and leave not, in our hearts, rancour (or sense of injury) against those who have believed. Our Lord! Thou art indeed Full of Kindness, Most Merciful (Quran 59:10). Rabbanagh firlana thunoobana wa israfana fee amrina wa thabbit aqdaa mana wan surna alal qawmil kafireeen. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and the lack of moderation in our doings, and make firm our steps and succor us against those who deny the truth (Quran 3:147). From the Hadith Allahummagh firli thanbi kullahu diqqahu wa jillahu wa awwalahoo wa akhirahoo wa ‘ala niyyatahoo wa sirrahoo. Oh Allah! Forgive me all my sins, great and small, the first and the last, those that are apparent and those that are hidden (Muslim). Astaghfir Allah wa atoobu ilayh. I seek the forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him (Bukhari, Muslim. It is recommended that this Dua be said 100 times during the day). Allhumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu anni Oh Allah! You are Forgiving and love forgiveness so forgive me (Bukhari. This Dua is specifically recommended for the Night of Power or Laylatul Qadr). Other Duas My Lord, the Forgiving One! I have committed so many sins every day of my life. Only You can forgive, please forgive me! My Merciful Creator, give me the strength to forgive others as I seek Your forgiveness. Ya Allah, forgive me for all of my sins and help me always turn to You seeking forgiveness and Mercy until I die.