Advising One Another

From the morals and manners of the Salaf was that they would advise one another sincerely. Remarkably the elder person would not be offended if advised by the young one. The young people would know how to advise the elders with good manners, humbly and respectfully while the elders would accept such advice in the best way and with thanks.

This is the opposite to the situation we see from the light-headed people we have today. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah honour him and grant him blessed peace) said, “The Religion (deen) is advice/sincerity (naseeha).” They asked, “To whom O Messenger of Allah?” He (may Allah honour him and grant him blessed peace) said, “To Allah, to His Book, to His Messenger, to the leaders of the Muslims and their public.” 1

They used to accept advice and thank the adviser. One of them would not think that he had repaid his adviser fully even if he was benevolent to him all his life. That is because the matters related to the Afterlife cannot be compared to the vain and temporary things of this world.

A person once said to Hasan al-Basri (may Allah have mercy on him), “Advise me.” He replied to the man, “Exalt the commands of Allah wherever you are, and Allah will exalt you wherever you are.”

They would also write to each other even if they rarely saw one another, being far apart in their lands. The one who was counselled would accept the advice and thank his counsellor though things have become quite the opposite today. Thus you rarely advise anyone today who does not complain about your own faults or insult you.

Tawus wrote to Makhul (may Allah have mercy on him) and he said to him, “After greetings – My brother! Beware of thinking that you have a high standing in the sight of Allah, because of what you see of your actions. The one who thinks that about himself moves onto the After-life empty-handed. The people may treat you with a lot of respect because of your good deeds but that is so that your reward is quickly given to you in this world.”

O believer! Let us know these facts, advise ourselves and then our fellow worshippers, whether in words or in writing, but beware of being offended if someone advises us.

Footnote:

1. Muslim, Abu Dawud and An-Nasai

Defending The Sunnah is More Excellent Than Jhaad

Yahyaa Ibn Ma’een said; “Defending the sunnah is more excellent than Jhaad in Allaah’s cause.“

So I said to Yahyaa Ibn Yahyaa, “A man spends his wealth, tires himself out and fights Jhaad, and this one (who defends the sunnah) is more excellent than him?!“

He said “Yes, by a great deal!“

[Refer to "Siyaar A'laamin Nubulaa", of Adh-Dhahabee, Vol. 10, Pp. 512-519]

Be Children of the Hereafter

How easy it is to get caught up in this dunya, to become ensnared by its glitter, to become lured by its temptations, to become captivated by its fleeting enjoyments. A guise covers our eyes, such that we become immersed in this life and seemingly forget the Hereafter. And indeed, insaan (man) forgets of the eternal life that awaits, and the impending judgment that looms large. And insaan forgets death, even while the fact that others are dying while they themselves remain should serve as the ultimate reminder. And insaan forgets of the torment and torture of Hellfire and the eternal bliss and happiness of Paradise as so vividly described in the Qur’aan.

We forget – for if we were cognizant of these realities, aware of them with yaqeen (certainty) and a firm resolution, would we be in such a state of ghaflah (heedlessness) by which our hearts are attached to this world and forgetful of the Hereafter? Indeed it would not be so.

So awaken, oh sleepy ones, awaken from your heedlessness. The akhirah awaits us, death is coming, our graves are ready and our judgment is impending. Our destinations are unknown, so we must strive ever more so towards a good end and race towards the Pleasure of Allaah.

And let us heed the words of ‘Ali radiAllaahu ‘anhu, in which he said:

“The world has departed behind you and ahead of you is the Hereafter. Both of them have children, so be the children of the Hereafter and do not be the children of this world. Today is the day of action with no judgment and tomorrow is the Day of judgment with no action” [Hilyatul Awliyaa]

The Children of the Hereafter look to the akhirah, longing for it fervently; they do not busy themselves with the fictitious escapes of this life, for they bring only temporary happiness. Indeed, that which is better is with your Lord, everlasting bliss for the righteous. So shall we then sell ourselves for the transient pleasures of this life, while forgetting the final destination?

أُوْلَـئِكَ الَّذِينَ اشْتَرُوُاْ الضَّلاَلَةَ بِالْهُدَى فَمَا رَبِحَت تِّجَارَتُهُمْ وَمَا كَانُواْ مُهْتَدِينَ

They are those who have purchased error [in exchange] for guidance, so their transaction was profitless. And they were not guided.

May Allaah ta’ala make us amongst the Children of the Hereafter. Aameen.

A reminder for myself and you.

We love the Companions of the Prophet

We love the Companions of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم. Nonetheless we do not go to extremes in the love of anyone of them, nor do we forsake anyone of them. But we hate him who hates them, and talks of them in an unseemly manner. As for us, we do not mention them but in good terms. Their love is religion, faith, and excellence. And their hatred is disbelief, hypocrisy and rebellion.

This is because Allah spoke well of them, as did His Messenger صلى الله عليه و سلم. Allah was pleased with them and promised them “the good.” He said:

“And the Outstrippers from among the Immigrants and the Helpers and those who followed them in good deeds, Allah was pleased with them and they were pleased with Him. He has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding therein forever. That is the great triumph.” (Al-Tawbah, 100)

Allah also said:

“Muhammad the Messenger of Allah, and those who are with him, are hard upon the unbelievers, compassionate among themselves, you see them bowing down, prostrating themselves.” (Al-Fut-h, 29)

The Sahihayn have a report narrated by Abu Sa’id al-Khudri. It says that something happened between Khalld b. Walid and ‘Abdul Rahman b. ‘Awf, Khalld said a harsh word to ‘Abdul Rahman. The Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم said: “Don’t say harsh things to any of my Companions. If one of you were to spend gold equal to Mount Uhud, he will not achieve in any measure what any one of them achieved – not even half of that.” Thus we see that the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم prohibited one who had latter companionship from speaking against one who had earlier companionship. This, when a person of the stature of Khalid ibn Walid is involved, who embraced Islam before the fall of Makkah. What about him who had no share of his companionship?

Incidentally, what is narrated of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم’s words, viz., “My companions are stars. Whomsoever you followed, you will be guided” is a weak report not to be found in any of the authentic collections.

However, the following is an authentic report from the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم. He said: “No one who pledged his hand under the tree will enter the Fire.”

‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud put it very aptly when he said describing them: “Allah looked upon the hearts of the people and found the heart of Muhammad as the best among them. So He chose him for Himself, and sent him with His message. Then He looked at the hearts of the people, after the heart of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم, and found the hearts of his companions as the best among the people. Therefore He made them helpers to His messenger.”

By Imam Ibn Abi ‘Izz AlHanafi رحمه الله

Love of Seclusion

It is related that some people said to Hasan al-Basri, “Oh Abu Saeed there is a man sitting behind a pillar here, whom we have never seen. Hasan al-Basri went to him and said, “Oh Abdullah, I see the love of seclusion has engulfed you. What prevents you from sitting with the people?”

He replied, “A matter which has averted my attention from the people”.

He then asked “So what prevents you from sitting with Hasan al-Basri?” He again replied, “A matter which has averted my attention from Hasan al-Basri and the people.”

Hasan al-Basri enquired about this affair which was keeping the man away. The man asserted, “In the morning I look at the blessings of Allah and at the sins I have committed. I then occupy myself thanking Allah for the blessings and repenting from my sins”.

Hasan al-Basri said to him, “Oh Abdullah you are more knowledgable and have better understanding than Hasan! Remain steadfast in your action.”

Dirhams From Sky

Abdul Wahid Bin Zaid relates, I purchased a slave on the condition that he serves me. Once, when it became dark I looked for him in the house, but could not find him.

Early in the morning he came and presented me with a dirham. I asked, “Where did you get it from?” He replied, “I receive a dirham daily and will only give it to you on the condition that you do not ask for me at night.” He would disappear every night and return in the morning with a dirham.

One day my neighbours approached me and shrieked, “O Abdul Wahid sell your slave. He is a grave digger!” This news depressed me. After this I decided to keep a vigilant eye on him. That night after Isha Salah, the slave stood up to leave, he pointed to the door and it opened. He made his way to the second door and did the same and then the same again to the door from which I was watching him. He left the house so I followed him till he reached a stretch of barren land.

He took off his clothes and put on a cloth sack and prayed till Fajr. He then lifted his hand towards the heaven and said, “Oh my Master, give me my small masters pay”. A dirham then fell from the sky. I was mystified and amazed at this. I stood up and performed two rakats and sought forgiveness from Allah, from the evil thought that had crossed my mind. I promised myself that on returning, I would free him.

As I made by way back I looked for him but could not find him. He was no where to be seen. All of a sudden a knight on an armoured horse appeared. He asked, “Oh Abdul Wahid what are you doing here?” I related the incident to him. He then inquired, “Do you know the distance from here to your city?” Oblivious to where I was, I replied in the negative. He informed me that I was approximately two years travelling distance from home. He then said, “Do not move from here till your slave returns tonight”.

When it became dark my slave came. He came with a tray full of food and greeted me with joy and said, “Eat my master, you should not have followed me here”. I ate while he prayed till Fajr. Once he had finished he held my hand and walked a few steps. Instantly we were back to my house. He said, “Oh master now that we are back, did you not make the intention to free me?” I replied affirmatively. He added, ”Free me and take the money you paid for me and you will be rewarded”. He then picked up a stone and gave it to me. I looked at it. Astonishingly it had turned into gold.

The slave soon left. His departure saddened me. Later I met my neighbours and they asked, ”What did you do with the grave digger?” I replied angrily, He is a ‘Noor’ digger and not a grave digger.’

The Etiquette and Rules of the Masjid

Islam made the Masjid the heartbeat of the Muslim society. It is the hangout of Muslims where they meet one another daily not to perform the prayers only but also for other acts of worship and activities that are beneficial for the Muslim community.

The prophet (S.A.W.) taught us that the Masajid are Allah's houses and that they have etiquette and rules that should be learned and upheld by every Muslim. We should teach our families and children these rules and remind other Muslims to uphold these rules. This guarantees the Masajid play their roles properly and effectively that they were designed for.

The etiquette and rules include:

1-The Muslim should avoid every thing that has an offensive smell like garlic, onion, or smoking. And the Muslim should wear clean clothes and socks when he comes to the Masjid so that he does not offend any of the angels or Muslims around him with an offensive smell. Imams Bukhari and Muslim reported that the prophet (S.A.W.) said: "Who ever eats garlic, onion, then keeps away from our Masjid because the angels get offended from what offends the children of Adam." Imam Muslim reported that Omar (R.A.) used to say while he on the Minbar: "I saw the prophet (S.A.W.) when he found their smell (garlic, onion) from a man in the Masjid, he ordered him to be taken out." then Omar said: "If you must eat them, then cook them well."

2- The Muslim should say a supplication, which the prophet used to say while on his way to the Masjid. Imams Bukhari and Muslim reported that the prophet (S.A.W.) used to say: "O Allah, make in my heart light, in my vision light, on my right light, behind me light, in my nerves light, in my flesh light, in my blood light, in my hair light, and in my skin light."

3- The Muslim should enter the Masjid with his right foot first, and then say what was reported by Imam Muslim, the prophet (S.A.W.) used to say: "Besmellah. In the name of Allah, O Allah, open for me the gates of your mercy." The prophet (S.A.W.) used to like to start with his right in every thing. Imam Bukhari reported that "Ibn Omar (R.A.) used to step with his right foot first when he entered the Masjid, and step out with his left foot first when he walked out of the Masjid." If there is a group of people who want to enter the Masjid at the same time, then the one on the right should go in first to uphold the Sunnah of the prophet (S.A.W.).

4- The Muslim should give Salam to the people as he enters the Masjid, even if the people are praying, because the companions used to give Salam to the prophet (S.A.W.) while he is in his prayer, and he used to reply with a hand gesture. There are many Ahadith about that, among which reported by Imams Bukhari and Muslim that Souhaib (R.A.) said: "I passed by the prophet (S.A.W.) while he was praying and gave Salam to him, he replied to me with a gesture." And Ibn Omar (R.A.) asked Bilal (R.A.): How did you see the prophet (S.A.W.) reply to them (his companions) when they gave Salam to him while he was engaged in prayer?" Bilal said: "By spreading his palm."

5- The one who inters the Masjid should not run to catch up with a Rak'ah, rather he should remain quiet because the prophet (S.A.W.) forbade running in such a situation. Imams Bukhari and Muslim reported that the prophet (S.A.W.) said: "If the prayer started, then do not join it running, and join it walking and quiet, and pray whatever you caught up with, and make up for what you missed."

6- The Muslim should not distract other praying Muslims in the Masjid, because the praying Muslim is in contact with Allah (S.W.T.) so he should not be distracted not even with reciting Qur'an, supplication, or remembrance of Allah. Imam Ahmad reported Abdullah bin Omar (R.A.) narrated that the prophet (S.A.W.) saw some people praying, and they became loud in their prayer. He said: "The praying parson is in contact with his Lord, so let him concentrate on whom he is in contact with, and do not raise your voices over one another with Qur’an."

Raising voices while talking is not allowed while Muslims are praying. Imam Bukhari reported that Assa'eb (R.A.) said: "I was in the Masjid, and a man called me, I turned to him and there was Omar (R.A.). And he said: "Bring me these two men", then I brought them to him. Omar asked: "Where are you from? They replied from the people of At-Ta'ef. He said: "If you were from the people of Al-Madinah, I would have hurt you because you raised your voices in the Masjid of the messenger of Allah (S.A.W.)."

7- The one who inters the Masjid should not sit until he prays two Rak'ahs. Imams Bukhari and Muslim reported that the prophet (S.A.W.) said: "When one of you enters the Masjid, he should pray two Rak'ah before sitting down." There are other Ahadith with the same meaning.

8- The Muslim should place something in front of him during prayer as a barrier between him and the passersby in front of him, and that he gets closer to it as the prophet used to do. Imam Bayhaqi reported that the prophet (S.A.W.) said: "If you pray, then pray toward sutrah (some barrier) and get closer to it." So if you enter the Masjid and want to pray, then get closer to the wall of Qiblah so much that there is just enough room between you and the wall to pray. If you prostrate, there should be no room between your prostration spot and the wall more than a sheep pass. Imams Bukhari and Muslim reported that: "Between the place of his prostration (S.A.W.) and the wall there was no room more than sheep pass." In another Hadith reported by Imam Bukhari when the prophet (S.A.W.) used to pray, he leave between him and the wall three arm lengths." If you find people already at the wall of the Qiblah, then pray behind one of them because he will be as a sutrah for you like the companions used to do.

9- The Muslim should not pass in front of the praying Muslim. Imams Bukhari, Muslim and others reported that the prophet (S.A.W.) said: "If the passer in front of the praying person knew how much sin he committed, it would have been better for him to wait for forty than to pass in front of him."

10- The Muslim should sit where he finds a place in the Masjid. The Muslim should not skip people or squeeze himself between two people who are already sitting. Many Ahadith conveyed this meaning.

11- The Muslim should keep himself busy supplicating and remembering Allah (S.W.T.) while he is sitting in the Masjid, because he is in the prayer as long as he is waiting for the prayer.

12- The Muslim should keep the Masjid clean and in good shape and smell because it is the house of Allah (S.W.T.). The prophet (S.A.W.) considered spitting in the Masjid to be a sin that could be forgiven only if the Muslim cleans the area. Imams Bukhari and Muslim reported that the prophet (S.A.W.) said: "Spitting in the Masjid is a sin and its expiation is clean it." When the prophet (S.A.W.) saw a spit in the Masjid, he used to remove it with a stone. The companions of the prophet (S.A.W.) used keep the Masjid clean. Imam Abu Dawod reported that Abdullah bin Omar (R.A.) used to put perfume inside the Masjid when Omar (R.A.) sat on the Minbar to deliver Friday speech.

13- The Muslims should keep away from the Masjid all selling and buying transactions and crying out about something lost. Imams At-Tirmthi and An-Nisa'i reported that the prophet (S.A.W.) said: "If you see some one selling or buying inside the Masjid, say to him: May Allah not make your trading profitable. And if you see someone crying out inside the Masjid something he has lost, say to him: May Allah not restore it to you, for the Masajid were not built for this."

14- The Muslim should not walk out of the Masjid after the Athan before he prays with the Muslims. This is even if he already prayed that obligatory prayer (which will be considered a Nafelah (extra) when he prays with the other Muslims). Imam Ahmad reported that Abu Hurairah (R.A.) said: the prophet (S.A.W.) ordered us, when we are in the Masjid and the Salah is called for, not to leave the Masjid until we pray."

15- The Muslim should say Salam to the people before he leaves the Masjid. Imams Abu-Dawoud, and At-Tirmith reported in a good hadith that the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) said, "When one of you joins a gathering he should greet those present; and when he leave them he should greet them because the first salutation is not better than the last one."

16- The Muslim should leave the Masjid start with his left foot first and say what the prophet (S.A.W.) use to say: "Bismillah, In the name of Allah, O Allah open for me the gates of your blessings, o Allah protect me from Satan."

Sadaqat al-fitr

صَوْمُ شَهْرِ رَمَََضَانَ مُعَلَّقٌ بَيْنَ السَّمَآءِ وَاْلَرَضِ وَلاَ يُرْفَعُ اِلاَّ بِزَكَاةِ الْفِطْرِ
ayyidina Jarir رضى الله تعالى عنه narrates that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
"The fasts of the month of Ramadaan remain suspended between heaven and earth and only through Sadaqat al-fitr they are raised to heaven." (That is, they are accepted only after Sadaqat al-fitr is paid.) [Abu Hafs, Targheeb]

Dreams and Dream Interpretations

Allah Almighty says: “Behold! Verily on the friends of Allah there is no fear, nor shall they grieve; those who believe and guard against evil. For them are glad tidings, in the life of this world and in the Hereafter.” The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) explained the glad tidings of the life of this world to be dreams. He said it is: “the good dream that a Muslim sees or is seen for him” The world of dreams is an amazing and intriguing one. The early scholar of Islam Ibn Qutaybah says: “There is nothing that people deal with from the different sciences that is more obscure, delicate, exalted, noble, difficult, and problematic than dreams, because they are a type of revelation and a kind of prophethood”.

CD1: seventeen Rules of Dream Interpretations 62.49MB
CD2: Dreams in the Quran and Hadith 82.83 MB
CD3: Dreams of the Companions and examples of interpretation from the book of Ibn Qutayba 72.47 MB

CD 1 | CD 2 | CD 3 |

Place your trust in Allah..!

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

'Abdullah ibn 'Abbas narrates, "I was once behind the Messenger of Allah , when he said, 'O Child! Be mindful of Allah and he will be mindful of you. Be mindful of Allah and you will find Him before you. Whenever you ask for anything ask it from Allah, and when you seek assistance seek it from Allah. And know that if the whole of humanity were to unite in order to benefit you, they could not benefit you of anything except as Allah has already written for you, and if they were to unite to harm you in some way, they could not harm you, except as Allah has already written for you. The pens have been lifted and the scrolls have dried"' (Tirmidhi, Ahmad).


"Be mindful of Allah and he will be mindful of you" has been understood to mean "be mindful of His commands by making good what He has ordered and refraining from what He has prohibited." In return, He will take care of you by protecting you from the trials of this world and the punishment of the next - a just recompense. "You will find Him before you" means that you will always find Him at your assistance, that your affairs will be facilitated for, or that you will attain the station of Perfection (ihsan) - as though you see Him when you worship Him (see hadith 1 in this section).

"Whenever you ask for anything ask it from Allah" because only He is the possessor of infinite bounties and the holder of the treasures of the universe, which reach a servant through His mercy and generosity. Ask of Him, for others do not have the power to benefit or harm anyone except by His leave. A hadith states, "Whoever does not ask Allah, Allah is angered with him." A poet says, "Allah is angered if you abandon asking Him. And the human when asked is angered."

"The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried" is used to indicate that the decree of Allah is absolute and does not change. His knowledge is absolute, complete, and eternal and does not accept error, alteration, or change. Whatever has been written and decreed by Allah before the creation of the universe and written by the Pen upon the Tablet is final (Mirqat al-mafatih 9:161).

One's attention and reliance need only be focused on Allah, because He is the One from whom comes all benefit and harm, and there is no one else who has any say in this regard (Mazad al-raghibin 105).

Glad Tidings Of Jannat For Women

Allah has said that those women who are Muslims, who put their îmân in order, who are obedient, who give in charity, who fast, who protect their honour and chastity, who remember Allah abundantly - Allah has set aside forgiveness and a great reward for them.

Allah has said that pious women have the following qualities: they are obedient, and they protect their honour even if the husband is not at home. Allah has further stated that such women are good women, who are steadfast on the Sharî‘ah, whose beliefs are in order, who are obedient, if they commit any act that is contrary to the Sharî‘ah they repent immediately, who occupy themselves in the ‘ibâdah of Allah, and who fast.

Ahâdîth

1. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "Allah's mercy descends on a woman who wakes up for tahajjud and awakens her husband as well."

2. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "The woman who passes away in her virginity, while delivering a child or while in her nifâs shall receive the status of a martyr."

3. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "The woman who loses three of her children and exercises patience considering it to be an act of reward, will be entered into jannah." A woman asked: "What if she only loses two children in this way?" He replied: "The reward for two is the same." Another narration mentions that a Sahâbî asked about one child and Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam also mentioned a great reward for such a mother.

4. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "The woman who miscarries, that child will draw its mother towards jannah as long as she exercises patience hoping to be rewarded."

5. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "The best possession is a pious wife: when the husband looks at her he is pleased with her, when he orders her to do something she obeys, when the husband goes out, she protects her honour and chastity and remains in her home."

6. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "Among the Arab women, the women of the Quraysh surpass all other women in two aspects: they are very compassionate to their children and they protect the wealth of their husbands."

Lesson: We learn from this that women should possess these two characteristics. These days, women spend the wealth of their husbands very lavishly. They should display far more compassion and attention to reforming their habits and mannerisms than what they display for their children’s food and clothing. If they do not do this, their compassion and tenderness will be incomplete.

7. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "Marry virgin women because their relationship with their husbands is soft and tender, and they are pleased with the minimum that is spent on them."

Lesson: We learn from this that modesty, consideration and contentment are good characteristics in a woman. This does not mean that one should not marry widows. Instead, this is actually in praise of virgin women. There are certain Ahâdîth in which Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam made du‘â for a certain Sahâbî for marrying a widow.

8. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "When a woman offers her five times salât, keeps the fasts of Ramadân, safeguards her honour, and obeys her husband; she can enter jannah from whichever door she wishes."

Lesson: This means that if she is steadfast on the necessary forms of ‘ibâdah, there is no need to engage in other forms of ‘ibâdah which are very taxing. The status and reward that one receives for engaging in the other forms of ‘ibâdah can be obtained by a woman by merely obeying her husband, tending to her children, and fulfilling her domestic tasks.

9. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "The woman who passes away in such a state where her husband is pleased with her will enter jannah."

10. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "The person who has been blessed with four things has in fact been blessed with the treasures of this world and the hereafter. They are: a grateful heart, a tongue that remembers Allah, a body that exercises patience at the time of calamities and difficulties, a woman who does not cause any taint or blemish with regard to her honour and her husband's wealth."

Lesson: In other words, she should not lose her honour nor should she spend her husband's wealth without obtaining his pleasure.

11. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "A noble and rich woman who is widowed and yet becomes dirty on account of serving and rearing her children to such an extent that they mature and live on their own or pass away, shall be close to me in jannah just as the index finger and middle finger are close to each other."

Lesson: This does not mean that there is more reward for a woman to abstain from remarrying. What this means is that if a woman feels that by her remarrying, her children will go astray and she has no inclination towards beautifying herself and no desires, then this will be her status.
12. A person said to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam: "O Rasûlullâh! A certain woman offers plenty of nafl salâts, fasts abundantly and gives a lot in charity. However she causes much verbal harm to her neighbours." He replied: "She will go into jahannam." The same person then said: "A certain woman does not offer many nafl salâts, does not fast abundantly nor does she give a lot in charity; she merely gives pieces of panîr (a type of cheese) in charity. However she does not cause any harm to her neighbours." He replied: "She will go into jannah."

13. A woman came to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam with two children, one she was carrying and the other she was holding by the hand. Upon seeing this scene, he said: "These women bear the children in their wombs, thereafter they give birth to them, and thereafter they display so much of love and compassion for them. Had their relationship with their husbands not been bad, and had they offered their salâts regularly, they would have went directly into jannah."

A selection of Ahâdîth from Kanzul ‘Ummâl

1. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam addressed women and said: "Aren't you pleased that when a woman falls pregnant through her husband and he is happy with her falling pregnant, she will receive a reward equal to a person fasting in the path of Allah and engaging in ‘ibâdah at night in the path of Allah? When she experiences labour pains, the things which are kept in store for her and which will provide her with comfort are not known to all those in the heavens and the earth. Thereafter when the child is born, for every drop of milk that he drinks and each time that he sucks her breast, one reward will be recorded in her favour. When the mother has to wake up at night on account of the child, she will receive the reward of freeing 70 slaves in the path of Allah. O Salâmat! Do you know who these women are? They are those who, despite being pious and delicately brought up, are obedient to their husbands and are not ungrateful to them."

2. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: "When a woman gives anything in charity from her husband's house without destroying it, she will be rewarded on account of her giving. The husband will also be rewarded because it is his hard-earned money. The person who has been entrusted to distribute the charity will also receive a similar reward. No one's reward will decrease on account of the other."

Lesson: A woman should not be under the misconception that if the income is the husband's she would not receive any reward.

3. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "O women! Your jihâd is performing hajj."

Lesson: Look at the concession that he has given. That is, by performing hajj, in which they do not have to bear the difficulties of jihâd, they receive the reward of waging jihâd which is the most difficult form of ‘ibâdah.

4. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "There is no jihâd on women, no jumu'ah, nor do they have to accompany the janâzah."

Lesson: Here again, look at the rewards that they receive by merely staying at home.

5. When Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam took his wives on hajj, he said to them: "This hajj is sufficient for you. Now you must remain on your mats (i.e. in your homes)."
Lesson: This means that they should not undertake any journey without any dire need to do so.

6. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "Allah loves the woman who has love and affection for her husband and safeguards herself from other men."

Lesson: This means that she should not consider it below her dignity to express her love and adulation for her husband as is the habit of certain proud and haughty women.

7. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "Women are also parts of men."

Lesson: It is a well-known fact that Hawwâ was created from Âdam ‘alayhimas salâm. The meaning of this Hadîth is that rules that are applicable to men are applicable to women as well, except for certain specific rules. Based on this, even if their virtues are not mentioned separately, then too there is nothing to complain about. The virtues for good deeds which are mentioned with regard to men are applicable to women as well.

8. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "Allah has prescribed jealousy for women and jihâd for men. If a woman exercises patience with îmân in the hope for reward on account of a certain action which may cause her to be jealous, such as her husband marrying a second wife, then she will receive the reward of a martyr."

Lesson: Look at the great reward that a woman receives on account of a little self-control and patience as opposed to the man who has to undergo so many difficulties to receive that reward (i.e. the reward of a martyr).

9. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "By doing your wife's work you will receive the reward of charity."

Lesson: Look at how the Sharî‘ah has shown you the ways of providing comfort to women. It has promised to reward you in such a way that every Muslim will provide comfort to his wife in the hope for this reward.

10. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "The best woman is the one whom when her husband looks at her he is pleased with her, when he orders her to do something she obeys him, and she does not displease him by doing anything contrary regarding his wealth and honour."

11. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "May Allah have mercy on women who wear izâr."

Lesson: On account of purdah, wearing the izâr is something that is natural to women. Despite this, Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam has made du‘â for such women. This is a great form of compassion towards women.

12. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "The immorality of one woman is equal to the immorality of 1000 men. The piety of one pious woman is equal to the ‘ibâdah of 70 ’auliyâ’."

Lesson: Look at the immense reward for a mere small act. If this is not in consideration of women then what is it?

13. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "The fulfilling of domestic tasks by a woman can cause her to reach the stage of jihâd - Inshâ’ Allah."

Lesson: How marvellous! There is no end to the bounties of Allah Ta‘âlâ.

14. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "The best woman among you is the one who is untainted with regard to her honour and chastity, and who loves her husband."

Lesson: To love the husband is actually happiness of the heart. Despite this, there is virtue and reward in it.

15. A person said to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam: "O Rasûlullâh! I have a wife. When I go to her, she says to me: 'Welcome to my chief and the chief of my household.' When she sees me sad and sorrowful, she says: 'Why are you worrying about the world? Your hereafter is being made easy for you.'" Upon hearing this, Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "Inform her that she is from among all those who are working for Allah (i.e. doing good deeds) and she is receiving half the reward of those waging jihâd."

Lesson: Look at the immense reward she received for this insignificant gesture of hers (which caused comfort to her husband).

16. ’Asmâ’ bint Yazîd Ansâriyyah relates that she addressed Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam saying: "O Rasûlullâh! I have been sent as an envoy by other women. They are saying that men have surpassed us on account of their attending the jumu'ah salât, congregational salât, visiting the sick, attending the janâzah, hajj, ‘umrah, and defending the borders of the Islamic state." He replied: "Go back to these women and inform them that for them to beautify themselves for their husbands or fulfil the marital relationships with them, to search for those things which will cause the husband to be pleased with them, and to be obedient to the husband equals all the above actions (which are carried out by men)."

17. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "The reward that a woman receives from the time that she falls pregnant until she delivers the child and commences breast-feeding is equal to the person who is guarding the borders of the Islamic state and who has to be ever ready to wage jihâd. If this woman dies in the course of this period, she will receive the reward of a martyr."

18. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "When a woman breast-feeds her child, the reward that she receives for every sip is as if she has given life to a dead person. When she commences breast-feeding, an angel taps her on her back (a form of congratulation) and says to her: 'All your past sins are forgiven. Now whatever you do will be recorded from the very beginning.'" That is, the sins that you may commit will be written for the future. Minor sins are referred to in this context. However, having one's minor sins forgiven is no small feat.

19. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "O women! Remember that the pious among you will enter jannah before the pious men. (Later when their husbands will enter jannah) they (the pious women) will be given a bath, perfumed and then handed over to their husbands on red and yellow conveyances. They will have children with them who will be like scattered pearls."

Lesson: O women! What greater virtue do you wish to have? You have already reached jannah before the men. Obviously, the prerequisite is that you should become pious and this is not difficult.

20. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "The woman whose husband is not at home, and she safeguards her honour, abandons beautifying herself, remains at home, abandons everything that is considered to be a form of beautification and offers salât with steadfastness will rise on the day of judgement as a virgin. If her husband was a true believer, she will be his wife in jannah. If he was not a true believer, e.g. if he passed away without îmân, Allah will perform her nikâh with a martyr."

21. Abû Dardâ' radiyallâhu ‘anhu narrates: "My friend, Abul Qâsim sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam, made me a bequest. He said: 'Continue spending on your house folk according to your ability.'"

Lesson: Those who act miserly when it comes to spending on their wives despite being able to spend should ponder over this Hadith.

22. ‘Alî radiyallâhu ‘anhu says: "A person will not become a manager over his house as long as he does not worry about how the house folk clothed themselves or how they extinguished the fire of hunger."

Lesson: Those men who do not worry about their house folk due to their (men) selfishness should take a lesson from these words of Hadrat ‘Alî.

Additional Ahâdîth from Mishkât

23. Abû Hurayrah radiyallâhu ‘anhu narrates that Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "Accept my advice of kindness towards women because they have been created from a rib...."

Lesson: In other words, do not expect to straighten them completely. Exercise patience over their lower understanding. Look at how we have been commanded to take them into consideration and be lenient towards them.

24. Abû Hurayrah radiyallâhu ‘anhu narrates that a believing man should not despise a believing woman (i.e. his wife) because if he does not like a certain habit or trait of hers, he is bound to like some other habit of hers.

Lesson: In other words, he should think about this and thereby exercise patience.

25. ‘Abdullâh bin Zam‘ah narrates that Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "Do not strike your wife as you would your slave and thereafter engage in sexual intercourse with her at the end of the day."

Lesson: In other words, if you do this, how will she show affection towards you?

26. Hakîm bin Mu‘âwiyah narrates from his father that he said: "O Rasûlullâh! What rights do our wives have over us?" He replied: "When you eat, you must also feed them. When you clothe yourself, you should also clothe them. Do not strike them on their faces. If you have any quarrel with her, it should be left in the house." In other words, if you have any quarrel with her, this quarrel should not go out of the house (or should not be mentioned to anyone).

27. Abû Hurayrah radiyallâhu ‘anhu narrates that Rasûlullâh sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "The best among the believers is he whose character is the best. And the best among you is the one who is best with his wife."

Bukhari, Muslim, Malik, and Dawud Hadith Collection

Courtesy of Imaanstar.Com. Sahih Al-Bukhari covers almost all aspects of life in providing proper guidance from the messenger of Allah. Translated into English in a very easy & simple language, so that all readers can understand it without difficulty. All Muslim Scholars agree that Sahih Al-Bukhari is the most authentic book after the Qur'an. The Summarized Bukhari is condensed into 1000 pages by selecting a few ahadith from the original 9-Volume which has about 4000 pages. This book contains about 2220 Ahadith.

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Remember Allah

The great Sufi Master Dhu al-Nun al-Misri has said that the man who remembers Allah in the full sense of the term forgets everything else, and that, in reward of such a total absorption, Allah Himself takes care of all his concerns, and grants him something far more valuable for everything he loses.

Similarly, the blessed Companion Mu'adh (رضى الله تعالى عنه) has remarked that in so far as winning absolution from the divine wrath is concerned, no good deed on the part of man can compare with Dhikr. And in a hadith reported by the blessed Companion Abu Hurayrah (رضى الله تعالى عنه), Allah Himself says that so long as the servant keeps remembering Him and his lips keep moving in Dhikr, Allah is with him.

Image by Mujahada
Source: Merits of Dhikr

Once a man died and was asked

Narrated Hudhaifa:


I heard the Prophet saying, "Once a man died and was asked, 'What did you use to say (or do) (in your life time)?' He replied, 'I was a businessman and used to give time to the rich to repay his debt and (used to) deduct part of the debt of the poor.' So he was forgiven (his sins.)" Abu Masud said, "I heard the same (Hadith) from the Prophet."

Volume:3 Book :41 Number :576

Sahih Bukhari

We came to know its value when even that too finished

Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah:

"Allah's Apostle sent an army towards the east coast and appointed Abu 'Ubaida bin Al-Jarrah as their chief, and the army consisted of three-hundred men including myself. We marched on till we reached a place where our food was about to finish. Abu- 'Ubaida ordered us to collect all the journey food and it was collected. My (our) journey food was dates. Abu 'Ubaida kept on giving us our daily ration in small amounts from it, till it was exhausted. The share of everyone of us used to be one date only." I said, "How could one date benefit you?" Jabir replied, "We came to know its value when even that too finished." Jabir added, "When we reached the sea-shore, we saw a huge fish which was like a small mountain. The army ate from it for eighteen days. Then Abu 'Ubaida ordered that two of its ribs be fixed and they were fixed in the ground. Then he ordered that a she-camel be ridden and it passed under the two ribs (forming an arch) without touching them."

Volume:3 Book :44 Number :663


Sahih Bukhari

Poor man is better than so many of the first as filling the earth.

Narrated Sahl:

A man passed by Allah's Apostle and Allah s Apostle asked (his companions) "What do you say about this (man)?" They replied "If he asks for a lady's hand, he ought to be given her in marriage; and if he intercedes (for someone) his intercessor should be accepted; and if he speaks, he should be listened to." Allah's Apostle kept silent, and then a man from among the poor Muslims passed by, an Allah's Apostle asked (them) "What do you say about this man?" They replied, "If he asks for a lady's hand in marriage he does not deserve to be married, and he intercedes (for someone), his intercession should not be accepted; And if he speaks, he should not be listened to.' Allah's Apostle said, "This poor man is better than so many of the first as filling the earth.'

Volume:7 Book :62 Number :28

Sahih Bukhari

Allah will repay it on his behalf

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet said, "Whoever takes the money of the people with the intention of repaying it, Allah will repay it on his behalf, and whoever takes it in order to spoil it, then Allah will spoil him."
Volume:3 Book :41 Number :572
Sahih Bukhari

You Will See Your Lord As You See This Moon

Narrated Qais:

Jarir said, "We were with the Prophet and he looked at the moon--full-moon--and said, 'Certainly you will see your Lord as you see this moon and you will have no trouble in seeing Him. So if you can avoid missing (through sleep or business, etc.) a prayer before the sun-rise (Fajr) and a prayer before sunset ('Asr), you must do so.' He then recited Allah's Statement:

And celebrate the praises Of your Lord before The rising of the sun And before (its) setting." (50.39) Isma'il said, "Offer those prayers and do not miss them."

Volume:1 Book :10 Number :529

Sahih Bukhari

Definition of hadith

Hadiths are regarded as a narration on the Sunnah (lived example) of Muhammad.

M.M. Azami formally defines "hadith" as follows:

"According to Muhaddithiin [scholars of hadith] it stands for 'what was transmitted on the authority of the Prophet, his deeds, sayings, tacit approval, or description of his sifaat (features) meaning his physical appearance. However, physical appearance of the Prophet is not included in the definition used by the jurists.' "

"Thus hadith literature means the literature which consists of the narrations of the life of the Prophet and the things approved by him. However, the term was used sometimes in much broader sense to cover the narrations about the Companions [of the Prophet] and Successors [to the Companions] as well." 1

The Qur'an says: "And whatever the Messenger gives you, take it, and whatever he forbids you, leave it. And fear Allah: truly Allah is severe in punishment." 2 The Messenger refers here to the Prophet Muhammad. These writings are not regarded as having the same status as the Holy Qur'an, which is considered to be God's word.

The accuracy of Muhammad's sayings was confirmed by his contemporaries -- generally his companions; i.e. his immediate followers. Some Muslims regard all of the the Hadiths as being valid. Some historians question the accuracy of some passages. For example, Historian Bernard Lewis commented on a saying attributed to the prophet that some scholars believe is invalid:

"If anyone insults me, then any Muslim who hears this must kill him immediately."

Some terrorists partly believe that, based on this Hadith, all Muslims have a duty to kill Americans when they have the opportunity.

"The great Islamic scholar Yahya bin Sharaf Ul-Deen An-Nawawi compiled a collection of 43 of the most important sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is is now known as "An-Nawawi's Forty Hadiths" 3

Recipe For A Successful Marriage

by Mufti Ebrahim Desai (db)

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,

I pray that you are all i the best of health and imaan.Ameen.

It’s been a while since I have posted here, came across this article and thought I’d share it with you.Without further a do here goes Inshallah….

“Our Lord! Grant that our spouses and our offspring be a comfort to our eyes, and give us the grace to lead those who are conscious of You” (Furqaan 74).

Q: Every human being by nature has an instinct to dispute. This instinct becomes more manifest between the husband and wife, thus leading to marital disputes. How can this instinct be controlled?

A. Consider the following ten points to control the instinct of dispute and maintain a happy marriage.

1. Fear Allah: It was the noble practice of Nabi (SAW) to conscientise the spouses about the fear for Allah before performing a Nikah by reciting the verses (Nisa v14, Ahzab v69, Aali-Imraan v101) from the Quraan. All the verses are common in the message of Taqwa (fear of Allah). The spouses will be first committed to Allah before being committed to their partner. There can be no doubt in the success of a marriage governed by the fear of Allah.


2. Never be angry at the same time: Anger is the root cause for all marital disputes. One Sahabi came to Rasulullah (SAW) and sought some advice. Rasulullah (SAW) replied, control your anger. The same advice was rendered three times. (Mishkaat pg.433; HM Saeed)


3. If one has to win an argument, let it be the other: Nabi (SAW) said: “Whoever discards an argument despite being correct shall earn a palace in the centre of Jannah. (Ibid pg.412)


4. Never shout at each other unless the house is on fire: Luqman (AS) while offering advice to his son said: ” and lower your voice for verily the most disliked voice is that of a donkey”. (Surah Luqman v19)


5. If you have to criticize, do it lovingly: Rasulullah (SAW) said, ‘A Mu’ min is a mirror for a Mu’min.’ (Abu Dawud vol.2 pg.325; Imdadiyah) Advise with dignity and silently.


6. Never bring up mistakes of the past: Nabi (SAW) said: “Whoever conceals the faults of others, Allah shall conceal his faults on the day of Qiyaamah.” (Mishkaat pg.429; HM Saeed)


7. Neglect the whole world rather than your marriage partner:Nabi (SAW) confirmed the advice of Salman to Abu-Darda [RA] for neglecting his wife. “Verily there is a right of your wife over you.” (Nasai Hadith2391)


8. Never sleep with an argument unsettled: Abu Bakr [RA] resolved his dispute with his wife over-feeding the guests before going to bed. (Bukhari Hadith 602)


9. At least, once everyday, express your gratitude to your partner: Nabi [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] said, ‘Whoever does not show gratitude to the people has not shown gratitude to Allah.’ (Abu Dawud pg.662; Karachi)


10. When you have done something wrong, be ready to admit it and ask for forgiveness: Nabi [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] said, ‘All the sons of Aadam commit error, and the best of those who err are those who seek forgiveness.’ (Tirmidhi Hadith 2499)