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Allah, subhanahu wa ta’ala, sent the prophets and the messengers with glad tidings and warnings to humanity. Their main duty has been to call people to worship Allah Alone, ie to the faith of tawheed, and warn them against shirk, or associating partners with Allah. This monotheistic creed is what distinguishes between Islam and kufr, between a believer and a non-believer, between entering Paradise and entering Hellfire. Indeed, Allah and His messengers have placed great emphasis in warning us against falling into shirk; which has two categories: major and minor. Major shirk itself divided into four types: shirk in supplication, in intention, in loving and in obedience. The first category of major shirk is “association in supplication” ie, shirk al-du’a. This involves directing one’s supplications to other than Allah as a means of gaining provisions or being cured from a sickness or obtaining help during a crisis or for any other purpose. Allah says: “Do not call on any other than Allah. Such can neither profit you nor hurt you. And if you do, you shall certainly be of those who do wrong,” (Qur’an 10:106). Allah also says: “Now, if they embark on a boat, they call on Allah, making their supplication sincerely and exclusively to Him Alone. But when He has delivered them safely to land, they associate others in their worship,” (Qur’an 29:65). It is narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Whoever dies while supplicating to someone other than Allah whom he considers equal to Allah, will enter Hellfire.” In another verse of the Qur’an, Allah says: “Say: Call upon the other gods besides Allah whom you pretend. They have no power, not even the weight of an atom in the heavens or on earth. Nor do they have a share in them, nor is any of them a helper to Allah. No intercession can avail with Him, except for those who He has granted permission,” (Qur’an 34:22-23). In this verse Allah has closed four avenues of shirk, namely: owner besides Allah, sharer with Allah, helper for Allah, intercessor without Allah’s permission. It has been narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said in his advice to Ibn Abbas, radiallahu anhu: “Know that if the people were to gather together to benefit you with anything, they would benefit you only with something that Allah has already prescribed for you, and that if they gather together to harm you with anything, they would harm you only with something Allah had already prescribed for you.” (Authentic hadith related by Al-Tirmidhi). The second category of major shirk is “association in the intention.” That is, to perform deeds that may be good themselves but which are done for the sake of this worldly life and not for the sake of Allah. Allah says: “Those who desire this life and its glitter, to them We shall pay the price of their deeds in this same life in full measure. They are those for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter but the Fire. Vain are their designs and of no effect are their deeds,” (Qur’an 11:15-16). The third category of major shirk is “association in loving Allah.” That is to love someone or something else more than or as much as one loves Allah. Allah says: “There are men who take others besides Allah as equal with Him. They love them as much as they should love Allah. But the believers have more love for Allah,” (Qur’an 2:165). There are people who recognise Allah as the Creator, the Owner and the Sustainer of the universe, and yet love others more than Him. Some people love money more than they love Allah and for this reason, they do not pay zakat or they gain their money from unlawful sources. They are the slaves of Dirhams and Dinars, or in today’s terminology, the slaves of dollars. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said, “He who became the slave of the Dinar or the Dirham will perish and be destroyed.” (This is part of a hadith related by Al-Bukhari). Some people love their desires more than they love Allah. Consequently, they would follow their desires even when they lead to disobeying Allah: “Do you see the one who is taking as his lord his own desires?” (Qur’an 25:43). Therefore, loving Allah and His Messenger more than anything is a precondition for tasting the sweetness of faith. It has been narrated in an authentic hadith that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “There are three qualities whosoever has them will taste the sweetness of Iman: loving Allah and His Messenger above all else, loving someone solely for the sake of Allah, and hating to return to disbelief after Allah has rescued him from it, as much as he would hate being thrown into Hellfire.” (Related by Al-Bukhari). Allah has put two criteria to test whether one’s love for Him is more than the love of anything else. The first is following the Sunnah of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. Allah says: “Say (Muhammad), if you do love Allah, follow me, Allah will love you (in return) and forgive your sins,” (Qur’an 3:31). Thus, following the Sunnah in all aspects of our lives is absolutely essential. The second criterion to know if one’s love of Allah is more than anything else is through jihad for the sake of Allah: “Say: If it be that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives or your kindred, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline or the houses in which you delight, are dearer to you than Allah or His Messenger, or the jihad for Allah’s sake; then wait until Allah brings about his decision; and Allah does not guide the rebellious,” (Qur’an 9:24). The fourth category of major shirk is “association in obedience” which is to obey people when they make unlawful things lawful, and to believe that it is permissible to follow those who make such legislations. Allah says: “They take their priests to be their lords beside Allah,” (Qur’an 9:31). A hadith of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, relates that when Adiyy Ibn Hatim heard the Prophet reciting this verse, he said to him: “But they did not worship them (their priests)!’ The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: ‘Didn’t those priests make lawful some of the things that Allah has made unlawful and didn’t they make unlawful some of the things that Allah has made lawful? And didn’t they follow them in that respect? That is how they worshipped them!’” So whoever obeys scholars or rulers when they legislate these kinds of laws while knowing that they are changing the religion of Allah and still believers that they have the authority to do so, is in fact committing an act of disbelief. However, if he does not believe that they have the authority to do so, but still follows them in disobeying Allah, he is committing a sin for which he may be punished according to the gravity of the sin. As for the scholar who makes this judgment while trying his best to find the truth with the intention of following the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, and he fears Allah as much as he could but did not find the truth, he will not be punished for his mistake but he will be rewarded for his ijtihad, ie. the effort he exerted in searching for the truth. However, the scholar or a Muslim who knows what the rule of Allah should be in the matter under consideration but nevertheless chooses otherwise, has fallen into “the shirk of association in obedience” especially if he has been following his desires and has been propagating his ideas with the means at his disposal. Today in many communities, there are people who get close to and even fall into one of these types of shirk, especially the shirk of obedience. If the rule of Allah coincides with their own desires, they will rush to apply it. But if it does not, they will shop around for a fatwa (legal ruling) that suits their whims. Eventually they may find a shaykh who will give  them the fatwa they desire even though this does not legalise what Allah has forbidden. Unfortunately, we find such shaykhs gaining popularity. They are described to be the ones who are moderate, who are understanding, who can deal with the requirements of modern life when in fact, they are following the desires of the people. In many communities, we find people who are very eager to follow Qur’an  when it talks about striving to gain worldly provisions in such verses as, “Walk through the earth and enjoy the sustenance which Allah furnishes,” (Qur’an 67:15). They would exert efforts and spend much energy to gain more money and it will never cross their minds to sit at home without working and Allah will provide for them – and they are right in this respect. But when it comes to working for the Hereafter, such as avoiding sins, increasing their faith with righteous deeds, they would say: “This is the destiny of Allah” to justify their failure for performing their duty towards Allah. They would hope that Allah will guide them to the straight path, while unwilling to make any effort for getting guidance to it. What if somebody comes and begins beating a person, would he say this is the destiny of Allah or would he defend himself and take the necessary precautions to protect himself? Thus, relying on Allah means that one should exert his/her effort to the utmost while at the same time expecting the support and help of Allah. Some of these people would say that some of the companions of the Prophet such as Uthman Ibn Affan, Abdulrahman Ibn Awf, and Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas were wealthy. However, the comparison stops there because they want to be like them only in the aspect of being rich. They do not ask themselves: How did these companions earn their wealth? How did they spend it? How were their manners? How was their worship, their piety, their fear of Allah? How were their homes? How were their wives and children? What were their interests? Whom did they mix with? The companions never negotiated part of their religion to gain their worldly life, but that is precisely what most Muslims are doing today. In Sahih Muslim, Jabir, radhiallahu anhu, reported that a man came to the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, and said: “O Messenger of Allah, what are the two essential matter?” the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Whoever dies without associating any partner with Allah will enter Paradise and whoever dies associating anybody with Allah will enter Hellfire.” The second category of shirk besides major shirk is minor shirk. This means showing off, or having the desire to be praised about one’s actions. Minor shirk does not take a person out of the fold of Islam, but it is nevertheless a grave sin for which there is severe punishment. Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, may Allah have mercy on him, related on the authority of Labeed that Jabir, radhiallahu anhu, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “The thing I fear most for you to fall into is minor shirk”. They (the Companions) asked; ‘What is minor shirk?’ He, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, replied: Ar-riya’”, ie ‘showing off’. Allah will say to the people who commit it on the Day of Judgment when every one will account for his deeds: “Go back to the ones whom you showed off your deeds for their sake and see if they can reward you.” Umar Ibn al-Khattab said that he heard the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, saying: “Actions are judged by their intentions and every person shall have but that which he intended. Thus, he whose migration was for the sake of Allah and His Messenger, his migration was for Allah and His Messenger. And he whose migration was to achieve some worldly benefit or to take some woman in marriage, his migration was for that which he migrated.” (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim). Allah says in warning us against spoiling our deeds, “O you who believe, cancel not your charity by reminders of your generosity or by harming; like those who spend their wealth to be seen of men,” (Qur’an 2:264). Furthermore, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, told us about those who will be thrown first into Hellfire on the Day of Judgment. Abu Hurairah, radhiallahu anhu narrated in Sahih Muslim: “I heard the messenger of Allah saying: ‘Among the people who will be punished first on the Day of Judgment is the martyr (ie, one who died while fighting in jihad). He will be brought before Allah and reminded of the bounties of Allah and he will acknowledge them. Then he will be asked; ‘What did you do with them?’ He will reply: ‘I fought for Your sake until I was killed.’ It will then be said to him: ‘You lied, you fought so that people will say you were a brave man and they have said so.’ Then he will be taken on his face and thrown in Hellfire. The second is a man who acquired sound knowledge of the religion, taught it, read it, and memorised the Qur’an. He will be brought before Allah and reminded of the bounties of Allah and he will acknowledge them. Then he will be asked: ‘what did you do with them?’ He will reply: ‘I have learned the knowledge and taught it to people and read the Qur’an for Your sake.’ Then it will be said to him: ‘You lied, you did it so that people will say you are a knowledgeable man and they have said so.’ Then he will be taken on his face and thrown into Hellfire. The third is a man whom Allah has given a lot of wealth. He will be brought before Allah and reminded of the bounties of Allah and he will acknowledge them. Then he will be asked: ‘What did you do with them?’ He will reply: ‘I never left any means to spend my wealth for Yours sake.’ Then, it will be said to him: ‘You lied, you did it so that people will say you are a generous man and they have said so.’ Then he will be taken on his face and thrown into Hellfire.’” It must be noted here, that their entering Hellfire is not an everlasting one. Rather, they will be punished for their lack of sincerity and will then be allowed to enter Paradise. We ask Allah, subhanahu wa ta’ala to let our actions be directed by sincere intention which is done solely for His pleasure, and not to let our good deeds be destroyed by lack of good intentions. We also ask Him to let our deeds be in accordance with the directives of the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. May Allah accept our deeds and guide us to the Right Path.

Always keep in mind that trials are inevitable and people deal with trials in a variety of ways. Allah Says (what means):  “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.’ Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided.” [Qur’an 2:155-157] Commenting on this verse, Ash-Sharabaasi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “You all are going to be tried with some kind of these trials. But you will be different in your attitude and responsibility towards these trials.” Some people have patience and others have none. Some recover and others do not. Trials teach all of us, but only one group is deserving of the reward. “And give good tidings to the patient.” This suggests that since man must be subjected to trials, and since he is going to be afflicted by one form of a trial or another, it is then better for him not to become anxious. Man is going to be tried whether he accepts this fact or not. Since he is going to receive a reward for the trial if he is patient, it is then better for him to be considered from this good group “And give good tidings to the patient.” Don’t become pessimistic: Don’t shut your eyes only seeing the darkness of grief and worry. It will lead you into depression and isolation waiting for death to arrive, and that is a bleak existence for anyone, especially for someone who is faced with illness. Try not to allow grief and sadness overcome your heart or over burden your mind. Don’t give an opportunity for the devil to whisper to you and try to cause you mental distress that will only add to your pain and suffering. Al-Sa’adee said: “Don’t you know that weakness of the heart and its delusions are truly the incurable illness?” The strength of the heart and its reliance upon Allah are the examples of strong men. How many hospitals are filled with patients suffering from delusions and paranoia? These delusions and anxieties affect even healthy people and will sometimes cause madness and mental problems. Therefore, the health of the heart is the basis for the health of the body, and the disease of the heart is the true disease. Man may go through psychological instability where he finds the world a narrow place of distress. But, if the sick allow these thoughts to control their mind, it will add to their distress and their wish for death - possibly to the extent of contemplating suicide. One may wish to die because of pressure and pain, but we must realise that an early end results in punishment within the grave. So, by living they are afforded more time to repent and turn back towards Allah, and that is surely better. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “No one among you should wish to die because of distress. But if he must do so, then he should say, ‘O Allah give me life as long as life is better for me, and cause me to die as long as death is better for me’.” [Al-Bukhari] Look within yourself for the cause of your illness and treat it with lawful medical treatments. Don’t ignore your illness - seek medical attention right away. Doctors have only been able to make as many strides in medicine thus far because Allah has allowed them to do so. Every disease has a cure except death. Try to search out and find a righteous Muslim physician if possible. You should question yourself and be fair, do not deceive yourself: If you are afflicted with a distress hardship, look first for the reasons and reprimand yourself.  Allah Says (what means): “What comes to you of good is from Allah, what comes to you of evil (O Man) is from yourself…” [Qur’an 4: 79] “And whatever strikes you of disaster, it is what your hands have earned.” [Qur’an 42: 30] When you are grieving and don’t know the reason behind it, then do no let grief find a way into your heart. Learn that Allah decrees everything and nothing that strikes you should have missed you; and nothing that has missed you, should have struck you. Beware of saying anything that may indicate irritation and dissatisfaction with Allah’s Decree, such as saying: “O Lord, why have you afflicted me with this?” Be confident that Allah knows what is best for you: You should place your trust in Allah and must remember that you do not know the wisdom behind this trial, perhaps it will make you stronger and lead you on a path to a better life. We should never limit Allah’s wisdom to our comprehension level, because we will never be able to comprehend it - it is above our capability to understand .We should, however, know for a certainty that Allah does not intend harm because it is harmful. Harm with Allah is not intended for itself but for other things that may bring good. Ibn Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Allah doesn’t particularly intend harm for a person when He causes him to become ill. Allah intends for the disease to take place and the disease is what may harm man. But He did not intend harm for man. He intends for him only the good from it. Sometimes, the Divine Wisdom may be apparent to the sick, and sometimes it may not. As Allah has said (what means): “And fear a trial which will not strike those who have wronged among you exclusively, and know that Allah is severe in penalty.” [Qur’an 8:25] Remember Allah and ask Him for forgiveness much: Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “When Allah guides His servants to ask for forgiveness, He helps them to achieve what they request.” Allah has said (what means): “But Allah would not punish them while you are amongst them. And Allah would not punish them while they seek forgiveness.” [Qur’an 8:33] Allah has told us that He would not punish someone who seeks forgiveness, because sincere forgiveness removes the sin that is the reason for the punishment. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “He who is constant in seeking forgiveness, Allah will make for him a way out of any distress, release from grief, and provide for him from where he does not expect it.” [Abu Daawood and Ibn Maajah] So whoever believes in Allah alone and seeks forgiveness from Him, He will provide for him an appointed term, and whoever does good after that, He will increase him from His Grace. Supplicate with a humble heart and a crying eye asking Allah to cure you: Try to take advantage of the time when supplications are more likely to be answered, praising Allah and calling upon Him with His Beautiful Names. It is also recommended to give something in charity from the best of your possessions before making your supplications. Understand and realise that illness is not the end of your life. If Allah has taken something from you, think of all the things that He has given you and all of the things that you still have. A believer always strives for the pleasure of his Lord and does not stop because of disease or a trial. The best example is the example the scholar of this nation; Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, when he lost his vision and said: “If Allah has taken from my eyes their light, it is in my tongue and heart that I will find the light. My heart is bright and my mind has no defects. And in my mouth there is a sharp, authentic sword.” Guard the mandatory acts of worship (Faraa’id): do not neglect them to the best of your ability. If you have any questions, ask people of knowledge. Perform many good and righteous deeds as possible. If someone else can do them for you on your behalf, this is also acceptable. Beware of any practice that is not lawful, especially those against our faith, such as slaughtering animals to anything other than Allah, hanging charms, seeking refuge with jinn or going to sorcerers. When you are physically able, try to occupy your time with beneficial things like reading. Find activities that you enjoy and that will distract you from your disease and worries. Always remember that your faith can and does make miracles: Do not underestimate the effect of reliance upon Allah. There are many incidents that have been witnessed where the impossible becomes possible by the power of faith. Although the cure for illness is out of our hands and is up to Allah alone, we can still do something to make a difference to those who are suffering. It is unfortunate that often times we belittle the impact we can have on others, especially to those who are ill. Just a smile or a funny story to make someone laugh and forget their worries for a moment is something that can be remembered for years - because it made an impact and it made a difference. How many times have we experienced the impact ourselves in our own lives when someone visited us or gave us a call - just at the time when we were at our lowest moment? Most of us will never forget that person who took the time to think about us, and we always remember them fondly because they - without realising it - helped to shine some light on our dark days.

Manhood is a quality that is pursued by people of high ambitions and serious thinking men. It is a basic quality that is needed by every man, for when men lose the qualities of manhood, they cease to be real men. Manhood is deeply implanted in a person through strong belief, nurtured by sound upbringing and developed by good example. A real man is one who has good and virtuous deeds to his credit, and possesses good manners and conduct. Crediting someone with manhood sometimes means that the person possesses the characteristics which exemplify this quality, like bravery, being honest, and standing up for the truth. Allah Says (what means): “And there came a man running from the farthest end of the city. He said, ‘O Moosaa (Moses)! Verily the chiefs are taking council together about you, to kill you, so escape. Truly, I am to you of those who give sincere advice.” [Qur’an; 28:20]  Recognising the importance of real manhood in the service of Islam, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, used to look out for men who could help the cause of his religion and with whom his mission could be enhanced. He, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, would ask his Lord: “O Allah! Make Islam strong with the one who is more beloved to You of these two men: Abu Jahl or ‘Umar Ibn al-Khattaab.” The narrator commented: “And the more beloved to Him was ‘Umar.” [At-Tirmithi] The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, supplicated with these words looking out for those qualities of manhood that would have a positive impact upon the spread of Islam.  As a matter of fact, the acceptance of Islam by ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, was a great event that manifested his manhood as soon as he embraced Islam. ‘Umar’s manhood, may Allah be pleased with him, was not in his physical strength nor chivalry - for there were those stronger than him among the Quraysh - but it manifested in his strength of faith; a quality that won him respect and honour. Other companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them, migrated to Al-Madinah secretly, while ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, - when he was migrating - armed himself with his sword, went to the Ka’aba, circumambulated the Ka’aba, prayed behind Maqaam Ibraaheem (Ibraaheem’s station), and then announced to the Quraysh chiefs that he was migrating. He told them: ‘Whoever wants to make his mother bereaved, his children orphans and his wife a widow should follow me after this valley.’ But nobody followed him.    Real men are not judged by the size of their bodies, social status or their outward beauty. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, sent Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood, may Allah be pleased with him, to fetch him something from the top of a tree. When he had climbed the tree, the companions of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, looked at his legs and laughed at their thinness. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Why are you laughing? Verily, Abdullaah’s leg will be heavier on the scale on the day of resurrection than Mount Uhud” [Ahmad]  A man passed by the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, one day. He, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, asked his companions: “What do you think of this man?’ They replied, ‘He deserves to be married to whomsoever he proposes, to have his intercession accepted when he intercedes and to be listened to when he speaks.’ The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, remained silent. Then a poor Muslim man passed by and the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, asked the companions: “What do you think of this man?” They replied: ‘He deserves not to be married when he proposes, nor to have his intercession accepted when he intercedes nor to be listened to when he speaks.’ The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, then said: “This one is as much as the fill of the Earth better than the other” [Al-Bukhari]  Sometimes, one fervent man can equal a thousand others; indeed one man can outweigh a nation, as the saying goes: “A devoted man can revive a whole nation.” In a military campaign, Khaalid Ibn al-Waleed, may Allah be pleased with him, surrounded Al-Heerah and requested supplies from Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, who only sent him Al-Qa’qaa’ Ibn ‘Amr At-Tameemi, may Allah be pleased with them, and said: “An army having men like Al-Qa’qaa’ will never be defeated.” When ‘Amr Ibn Al-‘Aas, may Allah be pleased with him, requested supplies from ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, during the Islamic conquest of Egypt, he (‘Umar), may Allah be pleased with him, wrote: “I have sent you (the equivalent of) four thousand men; four men each of whom are equal to a thousand others: Az-Zubayr Ibn Al-‘Awwaam, Al-Miqdaad Ibn ‘Amr, ‘Ubaadah Ibn As-Saamit and Maslamah Ibn Makhlad.” Real manhood means being thoughtful, uttering good words, having decency and resoluteness in opinion, coming out openly with the truth and displaying wisdom in warning against the rejection of truth. Manhood entails having a sense of responsibility to defend Monotheism and to give sincere advice for the sake of Allah. It means avoiding unsuitable behavior and being on one’s guard against the Difficult Day (the Day of Resurrection). A real man is sincere in his words, fulfills his promises and remains firm on the right path.  A real man is one who frequents the mosque, a man who is called to fornication by a woman of position and beauty, and yet says, ‘I fear Allah;’ a man who gives alms secretly; two men who love each other for the sake of Allah; they were brought together by their mutual love for the sake of Allah, and they parted upon the same.  A real man is truthful about pledges and fulfils them; it is also to remain steadfast upon the right path. Allah Says (which means): “Among the believers are men true to what they promised Allah. Among them is he who has fulfilled his vow [to the death], and among them is he who awaits [his chance]. And they did not alter [the terms of their commitment] by any alteration.” [Qur’an; 33:23] Real manhood is expressed by exerting all efforts to reach real servitude. Allah Says (which means): “And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly] they say [words of] peace. And those who spend [part of] the night to their Lord prostrating and standing [in prayer]. And those who say, “Our Lord, avert from us the punishment of Hell. Indeed, its punishment is ever adhering. Indeed, it is evil as a settlement and residence.” And [they are] those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, [justly] moderate.” [Qur’an; 25: 63-67] Nothing busies real men from worship. Allah Says (which means): “[Such roles are] in houses [i.e., mosques] which Allah has ordered to be raised and that His name be mentioned [i.e., praised] therein; exalting Him within them in the mornings and the evenings. Men whom neither commerce nor sale distracts them from the remembrance of Allah and performance of prayer and giving of Zakaah. They fear a Day in which the hearts and eyes will [fearfully] turn about. That Allah may reward them [according to] the best of what they did and increase them from His bounty. And Allah gives provision to whom He wills without account [i.e., limit].” [Qur’an; 24: 36-38] Imaam Ibn Katheer, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “The word ‘men’ gives an indication that they have high ambitions, noble goals, and strong wills, with which they are able to maintain themselves in the houses of Allah; and they favour the pleasure of Allah over their own.” What worse calamity can befall mankind than for its men to become effeminate, while its women adopt male mannerisms, revolting against the very nature in which Allah created them? The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, “cursed the men who behave like women and women who behave like men” [Al-Bukhari]  When the qualities of manhood disappear among men, society falls into crisis, homes are ruined, the nation becomes weak and disgraced, and moral corruption becomes widespread. Allah Says (which means): “Men are the protectors and the maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them to excel the other.”  [Qur’an; 4:34]  Nations need planners and those who have determined hearts in order to fully utilise these resources. In fact the greatest of all needs is that for real men. Real men are very rare to find, they are as rare as precious minerals and jewels. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Real men are as rare as a reliable strong camel that can endure the burden of long trips; you can hardly find one in a hundred” [Al-Bukhari] Qualified righteous men are the backbone of missions, the spirit for progress and the focal point of reformation. There can be countless factories of weapons and ammunition, but if there are no men to use the weapons being produced, there will be no ability to fight. The finest educational curricula can exist, but it takes real men to implement and teach them; one can create many committees to carry out a project, yet these will accomplish nothing if there are no devoted men on these committees. Reformation and successful cultivation can only be achieved by men who experience and live it - and not merely by reading books on the subject. It is only men with zeal and devotion that accomplish projects, regardless of the number of committees that they may be members of. A generation that possesses real manhood and righteousness can only be generated through being cultured on firm belief, strong morals and sound Islamically based customs. A generation that grows up surrounded with destructive doubts, immorality, disbelief and obscenity will never discover real manhood. The world did not see real manhood in its finest and definitive form except in the unique generation that was nurtured by the great Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. That generation experienced great fear; they were not materialistic; they were not deceived or seduced by temptation; they were not scared by warnings or threats from others; nor were they proud and arrogant after victories and they would never give up after suffering setbacks. A young boy entered into the palace of one of the Umayyid Caliphs to address him on behalf of his tribe. The Caliph said: “Let an older man come forth to represent your people!” The boy said, “O leader of the believers, if leadership was gained by virtue of age, then there would have been many others worthier than you for the Caliphate.” These are fine examples of maturity and manhood despite tenderness of age and we Muslims have had many such examples throughout history.    Building the qualities of manhood in our children The following are some of many Islamic points that will help develop manhood in a child’s personality: l Nicknames: Calling the child Abu so and so or Umm so and so increases their sense of responsibility and makes them feel older. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, used to give nicknames to children as Anas Ibn Maalik, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, had the finest manners; and I had a brother who was called Abu ‘Umayr who was just weaned; whenever he was around the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, he would say: “O Abu ‘Umayr, what did the Nughayr do?” l Taking the child to the gatherings of adults also develops manhood in their personalities. It adds richness to their understanding and improve their way of thinking. This was the practice of the companions, may Allah be pleased with them, who used to take their children to the gatherings of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. l Relating to children historical stories, Islamic battles and heroic victories builds courage and bravery in them, which is one of the most important factors of manhood. ‘Urwah Ibn Az-Zubayr said: “Az-Zubayr Ibn al-‘Awwaam (his father) had two children. He took one of them to some of the battles and the other would play with the battle-wounds on his father’s shoulder (when he returned).” l Teaching children to respect elders also develops manhood in the child. Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “The younger ones (should) greet the elders.…” l Respecting them in public. Sahl Ibn Sa’d said: “The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, was brought a cup to drink from and he had a child to his right and elders to his left. After he drank he said to the child, “Do you permit me to give this to the elders before you?” l Teaching children manly sports like swimming, horse riding and shooting. ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, may Allah be pleased with him, wrote to Abu ‘Ubaydah Ibn Al-Jarraah, may Allah be pleased with him, instructing: “Teach your children how to swim!” l Avoiding things that would soften them up or make them resemble females, like music, dancing, wearing silk or gold and anything else that is feminine. l Refraining from insulting them publicly, encouraging them to be participative and making them feel important. l Greeting them with Salaam. Anas Ibn Maalik, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, passed by a group of children and greeted them with Salaam.” [Muslim] l Taking and valuing their opinions. l Giving them responsibilities which are suitable for their ability and age and telling them secrets. Anas bin Maalik, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, came to me while I was playing with other children and greeted me with Salaam, then he sent me on an errand which delayed me from getting to my mother on time. When I finally reached home, she asked: ‘What delayed you?’ I replied: ‘The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, sent me on an errand.’ She asked: ‘What was it?’ I replied: ‘It is a secret!’ She said, ‘Do not tell the Prophet’s secret to anyone.’” [Muslim] l Instilling courage in them by means such as by delivering speeches. l Attaching great importance to chastity and decency and avoiding fashionable clothes, stylish haircuts, and modern ‘mannerisms’. l Keeping them away from luxury, laziness, unnecessary rest and idleness. ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “Toughen up, luxury does not last for ever.” l Keeping them away from sinful gatherings that involve music and other prohibitions because this contradicts manhood and integrity. Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/

In the Qur’an, it is mentioned that the unbelievers are the people who does not recognise and appreciate the signs of Allah. The significance of a believer is his ability to see those signs and proofs. They know that these are not created in vain; they can realise the power and great art of Allah everywhere and find ways to appraise Him. About such people Allah Almighty says (what means): “Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], ‘Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.’”[Qur’an 3:191]  Many times in the Qur’an, there are expressions like “will you not take heed?” “...there is a sign for thinking men” which emphasise the importance of pondering on the signs of Allah. Allah has created an endless list of things to be the subjects of pondering. Everything we see and sense is indeed a manifestation and sign of Allah; so all those in heavens and in earth and in between may be a means of pondering for us. Allah says (what means): “He causes to grow for you thereby the crops, olives, palm trees, grapevines, and from all the fruits. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who give thought.” [Qur’an 16: 11]  Let’s think for a while of one of the items mentioned in the above verse; for instance, the “date-tree, as well known, grows up from a seed out of the earth. From this tiny seed (a seed is not even 1 cm3 in size), an enormous wooden mass of several metres long and hundreds of kilograms of weight, forms. The only thing that seed can use while constituting this great mass is the earth in which it is buried.  How can a seed know how to constitute a tree? How does it know how to decompose the necessary substances in the soil to form food? How can it predict the required shape and structure? This last question is especially important, because it is not an ordinary wooden piece that emerges out from the seed. The seed develops a complex living organism with roots for assimilating substances from the earth, with veins in itself and with branches that are perfectly organised. A human being has difficulty while drawing even a picture of a tree, but on the other hand a simple seed can produce that extremely complex object using the substances in the soil.  This observation concludes that a seed is extremely intelligent and wise, even more than us. Or better to say, there is an amazing intelligence in what a seed does. But what is the source of that intelligence? How can it be possible for a seed to have such an intelligence and memory like a computer “chip”?  The chips are produced by people who have intelligence and knowledge. Just like a seed which is created by Allah with the ability to develop a tree. Every seed on earth is encompassed by Allah and grows within His knowledge. He Almighty says (what means): “Indeed, Allah is the cleaver of grain and date seeds. He brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living. That is Allah; so how are you deluded?” [Qur’an 6: 95]  A seed is merely one of the numerous signs that Allah has created in the universe. If men begin to think with not only their minds but also with their hearts, asking the question of ‘why’ and ‘how’ to themselves, they can understand that all the universe is a proof of the existence and power of Allah, the Most Exalted.  However, the unbelievers cannot understand such things, since they don’t have the ability to “see” this purpose- as the Qur’an expresses (what means): “…They have eyes with which they do not see…” [Qur’an 7: 179] i.e., they do not have the wisdom and comprehension to realise the important reality with their materialistic vision.  On the other hand, believers are different than this ‘blind’ group, because they realize and accept that the whole universe is created by Allah with a certain aim and wisdom. This belief is the first step of faith. As faith and wisdom, both of which are in parallel, increase, they will start to identify every detail of Allah’s creation.  One of the things to be done to identify the details of Allah’s Creation is to be careful and observant. Because the ability to see the signs of Allah and not to be “blind” like the unbelievers, require a high concentration.  Allah Almighty says (what means): “Unquestionably, to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and earth. Already He knows that upon which you [stand] and [knows] the Day when they will be returned to Him and He will inform them of what they have done. And Allah is Knowing of all things..” [Qur’an 24: 64]  “Unquestionably, they are in doubt about the meeting with their Lord. Unquestionably He is, of all things, encompassing.” [Qur’an 41:54] One should train himself to recognise the signs of Allah and should always keep this in mind. Otherwise, mind will start to wander, jumping from one topic to another, wasting time thinking about useless things.  Mind is like water; unless it is directed which way to flow, it spreads away, to the places that you would not want it to flow. This is a kind of unconsciousness; you can not control your mind. You can not focus and concentrate on a subject. Actually, you can not conceive the truth behind the events happening and also can not ever have the competence to interfere in them. On the contrary, your mind gets directed by those events. You are “bewildered” all the time, which is not an attribute of a believer, but the unbelievers, as Allah Almighty Says (what means): “...And he who associates with Allah – it is as though he had fallen from the sky and was snatched by the birds or the wind carried him down into a remote place.” [Qur’an 22: 31]  Believers, on the other hand, are the ones who direct their minds, try to better perceive Allah, and who try to better serve His religion. The believers are the ones “who turn away from ill speech” [Qur’an 23:3]. They free their minds from any useless thoughts and whenever they realise the appeal of Satan, they rescue themselves just like Allah Almighty Says in the Qur’an (what means): “Indeed, those who fear Allah – when an impulse touches them from Satan, they remember [Him] and at once they have insight.” [Qur’an 7: 201]  Therefore, the believers should be careful to keep their minds free of useless thoughts and ponder only on useful things that serve them in their life and keep them close to the Mighty Creator. Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/ Prophet Muhammad’s kindness The Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) was especially fond of children and used to get into the spirit of childish games in their company. He would have fun with the children who had come back from Abyssinia and tried to speak in Abyssinian with them. It was his practice to give lifts on his camel to children when he returned from journeys. [Al-Bukhari] He (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) would pick up children in his arms, play with them, and kiss them. A companion, recalling his childhood, said: “In my childhood I used to fell dates by throwing stones at palm trees. Somebody took me to the Prophet who advised me to pick up the dates lying on the ground but not to fell them with stones. He then patted me and blessed me.” [Abu Daawood] Towards the Poor The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) enjoined upon Muslims to treat the poor kindly and to help them with alms, zakat, and in other ways. He said: “He is not a perfect Muslim who eats his fill and lets his neighbour go hungry.”  He (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) asked: “Do you love your Creator? Then love your fellow beings first.”  Monopoly is unlawful in Islam and he (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) preached that: “It is difficult for a man laden with riches to climb the steep path that leads to bliss.” He (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) did not prohibit or discourage the acquisition of wealth but insisted that it be lawfully acquired by honest means and that a portion of it would go to the poor. He advised his followers: “To give the labourer his wages before his perspiration dried up.” He (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) did not encourage beggary either and stated that: “Allah is gracious to him who earns his living by his own labour, and that if a man begs to increase his property, Allah will diminish it and whoever has food for the day, it is prohibited for him to beg.”  To his wife he (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “O ‘Aa’ishah, love the poor and let them come to you and Allah will draw you near to Himself.” [Al-Bukhari]  One or two instances of the Prophet’s concern for the poor may be given here. A man from Madinah, Ibaad Ibn Sharjil, was once starving. He entered an orchard and picked some fruit. The owner of the orchard gave him a sound beating and stripped off his clothes. The poor man appealed to the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) who remonstrated the owner thus: “This man was ignorant, you should have dispelled his ignorance; he was hungry, you should have fed him.” The poor man’s clothes were restored and, in addition, some grain was given to him. [Abu Daawood]  A debtor, Jaabir Ibn Abdullaah (radhiallah ‘anhu) was being harassed by his creditor as he could not clear his debt owing to the failure of his date crop. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) went with Jaabir to the house of the creditor and pleaded with him to give Jaabir some more time but the creditor was not prepared to oblige. The Prophet then went to the oasis and having seen for himself that the crop was really poor, he again approached the creditor with no better result. He then rested for some time and approached the creditor for a third time but the latter was adamant. The Prophet went again to the orchard and asked Jaabir to pluck the dates. As Allah would have it, the collection not only sufficed to clear the dues but left something to spare. [Al-Bukhari]  His love for the poor was so deep that he used to pray: “O Allah, keep me poor in my life and at my death and raise me at resurrection among those who are poor.” [An-Nasaa’ee] Towards Animals The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) not only preached to the people to show kindness to each other but also to all living souls. He forbade the practice of cutting tails and manes of horses, of branding animals at any soft spot, and of keeping horses saddled unnecessarily. [Muslim] If he saw any animal over-loaded or ill-fed he would pull up the owner and say: “Fear Allah in your treatment of animals.” [Abu Daawood]  A companion came to him with the young ones of a bird in his sheet and said that the mother bird had hovered over them all along. He was directed by the Prophet  to replace her offspring in the same bush. [Abu Daawood] During a journey, somebody picked up some bird’s eggs. The bird’s painful note and fluttering attracted the attention of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) who asked the man to replace the eggs. [Al-Bukhari]  As his army marched towards Makkah to conquer it, they passed a female dog with puppies. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) not only gave orders that they should not be disturbed, but posted a man to see that this was done.  He  stated: “Verily, there is heavenly reward for every act of kindness done to a living animal.”  Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/

It is very unfortunate and painful that some fathers fail to perform their duties towards their children as Allah has commanded them to do; they do not protect themselves, their wives and their children from the Hellfire. In some cases, they not only fail to raise their children upon honesty, but worse than this, they deliberately raise them as liars by teaching them to deceive and swindle others, claiming that they are thereby teaching them how to be intelligent and diplomatic in their dealings with others. Some teach their children how to be aggressive and attack and oppress others, claiming that they are thereby raising them to be brave. Another group teach their children the ways and manners of the disbelievers and how to imitate them, claiming that they are thereby raising them in a modern and civilised way. Having excessive trust in children: Fathers must know who their children befriend, what they bring back home with them and especially where their daughters go and with whom. Some fathers are unaware that their children possess indecent pictures and immoral movies. Others are unaware that their daughters go to the markets and malls especially to meet her boyfriend; others do not know that their daughters smoke with their female friends when in their houses. Those who are not watchful over their children will not escape on the Great Day of Resurrection from the torment from which nobody can escape. Anas  narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Allah will ask everyone about those whom he was entrusted with.” [An-Nasaa’i & Ibn Hibbaan] Spoiling children: Some parents are too emotional and tend to spoil their children, to the extent that perhaps their children have never heard the word “no” to anything they requested of their parents. The result of this is a generation who cannot cope with the expected problems of life and who, therefore, break down at the first problem they face. We do not say that parents should be harsh on their children and refuse all their requests, but rather, parents should not surrender to their emotions. ‘Umar  said: “Get yourselves accustomed to harshness because bounties are not always available.” Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim  said: “The parent must keep his child away from laziness, extra comfort and being spoilt, and should raise him upon the opposite of these. He should get him used to exerting effort because laziness has evil consequences, which will cause eventual deep regret; on the other hand, exerting effort and getting used to striving in life is praiseworthy and has good consequences whether in this life or the Hereafter, or both; this is because attaining high ranks in this life and the happiness in the Hereafter are only achieved through hard efforts and striving.” Imaam al-Ghazaali  said: “A father must protect his child by raising him upon good morals and keeping him away from evil company; he must not make him accustomed to having an easy life and must not make entertainment and joy be his main interest, because this will result in the child wasting his life in endeavouring to attaining these pleasures and joys.” Treating children unequally: A contemporary and evil social phenomenon that exists within some families is that they fail to treat their children equally and fairly. Some parents favour one or more of their children over others by giving them extra gifts, which is prohibited unless there is an Islaamic justification for doing so, such as if the child is sick or has a debt to pay off, or has just completed memorising the Qur’an, or parts of it; other justifiable excuses for favouring a child over the others is when he cannot find a job whilst having a large family to support, or if he happens to be a student of knowledge who cannot work and seek knowledge at the same time. A father who does favour one of his children over the others, due to such valid circumstances, must have the intention that he would have helped any of his children in such a manner, if the circumstances were the same. The general evidence that parents must be just is the saying of Allah (which means):  “…Be just; that is nearer to righteousness and fear Allah…” [Qur’an 5: 8] The specific evidence for it is what was reported on the authority of An-Nu’maan Ibn al-Basheer  who said: “My father took me to the Messenger of Allah and said to him: ‘I have gifted one of my slaves to this son of mine.’ The Messenger of Allah  asked: “Have you given such a gift to every son of yours?” He replied, ‘No.’ Thereupon, he  said: “Take this gift back.” So my father came back and revoked his gift”. [Al-Bukhari & Muslim] In another narration of this incident, he (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “Be fearful of Allah and treat your children justly.” Yet in another narration that is found in the book of Imaam Muslim  the Messenger of Allah said: “I am not going to bear witness to this act of injustice.” Imaam Ahmad  said: “A son may be given twice the share of the daughter, as is the case when distributing the will.” One who looks at the situation of some families will find that some fathers do not fear Allah when giving gifts to their children. They give them to some of their children and deprive others; or, they may give to the children of one of their wives whilst depriving the children of others, which implants enmity and hatred amongst the children and cause them to not be kind and dutiful to their father; this may in turn lead to the collapse of the family. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam,  asked a man who did not treat his children fairly: “Do you not wish that they will all treat you with goodness and dutifulness?” [Muslim & Ahmad] Some people mistakenly believe that correctly raising children is limited to feeding them properly and providing them with adequate clothing and education, and they disregard instilling high morals and religious principles and etiquette in them. Others fall into the mistake of thinking that once they have placed their children in school, the school shoulders the sole responsibility of their cultivation. Some fathers panic as soon as their child’s temperature rises slightly and rush in all directions looking for a doctor or a hospital; while on the other hand, they are indifferent to the prohibitions or major sins that the same child commits. We ask: what is the temperature of the Hellfire? Why does the father panic at such a small temperature increase but fail to protect his child from the Hellfire? There are some parents who become extremely angry and lose their sleep when their child falls behind his classmates and performs worse than them; they may hire a private tutor in order to make him catch up, but, when he neglects his prayers or even totally abandons them, or if he commits prohibitions or major great sins, they will not even rebuke him for it. Similarly, there are fathers who become enraged when their child disobeys one of his orders, but are careless when the same child disobeys Allah and shuns His commandments.  The father who neglects his children and does not guide them to adhere to the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, and fails to raise them upon Islamic tenets, beliefs and morals, will undoubtedly have his children divert and become misguided, and they may even become dangerous individuals in the community. Do not forget that a righteous son is a source of goodness for you after your death as the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “When a servant (of Allah) dies, his (good) deeds will cease, except for three (kinds of deeds): A charity with continuous effect, a kind of knowledge from which people draw benefit, and a good son who prays to Allah for him.” [Muslim] Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “The rank of a man would be raised in Paradise, and he would ask why, and he would be told: `It is due to your son supplicating for your forgiveness.`” [Ibn Maajah] Finally, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “He who recites the Qur’an, studies it and acts according to its teachings will be dressed on the Day of Resurrection with a crown of light, the light of which is like that of the moon, and his parents will be dressed in two garments the like of which do not exist in this life; they will ask: ‘How did we  attain it?’, they will be told: ‘It is due to your child memorising the Qur’an.’” [Al-Haakim]  Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/

His mother woke up with a start and said happily: “What a pleasant dream! Allah’s messenger Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his mention, appeared in my dream, and said: “O woman! Allah restored your son’s eye sight because of your frequent supplications”. She said: “O Allah, make it a glad tiding. “O Allah answer my supplications and restore the sight of my child.” The pious mother walked to her son’s room, hardly able to move her feet. When she reached his bed, she was about to wake him up but she hesitated. Her broken heart was beating and she kept tenderly and kindly caressing his head with her shaky hands. She was still supplicating and hoping that Allah would answer her frequent supplications and cure her son. The young boy woke up and started looking in amazement and moving his eyelids in confusion. He said in a breaking voice: “Mother!! I can see you, I can see your beautiful face! I can see my room and my toys!!” All perfect praise be to Allah! All perfect praise be to Allah! Allah gave me back my eyesight!!” She was so happy that she thought she was dreaming. But she soon realised that it was real when she saw her beloved son running and playing as he used to do. Filled with faith and happiness, she said: “All perfect praise be to Allah! All perfect praise be to Allah who has the power to do everything.” One day, when the mother was tidying up the house in the morning, she came across a few papers containing some narrations of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. She remembered her beloved husband and said sadly and painfully while wiping the tears off her cheeks: “May Allah have mercy on you, Muhammad’s father. You were a man who used to fear Allah. You dreamed for a long time that your son Muhammad would be a religious scholar! I promise you that I will do my best to achieve your dear wish, Allah willing.” Then she called her son kindly, and Muhammad hurried to her obediently. Then, she said to him: “It is time for you, my son to seek religious knowledge and benefit yourself and the people around you. Tomorrow I will send you to a small school where you can memorise the Qur’an, learn Prophetic narrations and study the Arabic language to become an honourable scholar like your father, Ismaa’eel, may Allah have mercy on him. The young boy, Muhammad, said cleverly: “Mother! Was my father an eminent scholar?” The mother replied: “Yes, my son.” Muhammad, then said politely: “I promise you, Mother, that I will follow his footsteps seriously and exert all my efforts.” The city of Bukhara (now in Islamic Uzbekistan) was located at that time in one of the greatest countries beyond the Transoxus (now Turkistan). Schools of knowledge where people could learn Arabic, the Qur’an, history, and Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) were spread throughout the city. The young boy, Muhammad Ibn Ismaa’eel Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on them, then set out to quench his thirst for knowledge from these sweet springs. Early in his life, he showed signs of intelligence that surprised everyone around him. He had a sharp mind, an attentive heart, an amazing memory, and an incredible ability to memorise. Before he was ten, he had memorised the whole Qur’an, mastered the Arabic language, covered much of the Fiqh, and memorised many Prophetic narrations. His pious good mother always encouraged her son and prepared a suitable atmosphere for him to acquire knowledge. When Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, finished his studies in the small schools, his wise mother thought to send him to the well-known study circles in Bukhara, Samarqand, Bekend, Marw, and Nesabor. He became famous among the scholars to the point that he used to argue with his professors and even corrected them sometimes!!       The success and physiognomy of Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, didn’t end there. His shaykh and teacher Muhammad  Ibn Salaam Al-Bekandy, may Allah have mercy on him, the scholar of Buhaaraa and the scholar of Prophetic narrations across the Transoxus (now Turkistan), used to ask him to revise some of his books and corrected any mistakes he found. Scholars used to wonder in astonishment: “Who was that boy who edits the books of his professor?!” Imaam Bekandi, may Allah have mercy on him, used to say proudly about his clever student: “This boy is unique of his kind.” On many occasions Imaam Bekandi, may Allah have mercy on him, talked to his colleagues about his student, Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, who memorised 70,000 Prophetic narrations by heart. In addition to this, he never reported a narration of the companions, may Allah be pleased with them, or the generation following them unless he knew when and where they were born, as well as where they lived and died!  The years passed and Muhammad Ibn Ismaa’eel, may Allah be pleased with him, reached the age of sixteen years. He felt a great need to go and seek knowledge in every corner of the world to satisfy his thirst for knowledge. He headed to Makkah, accompanied by his mother and elder brother, Ahmad, in 210 AH to perform Haj (pilgrimage) and seek more knowledge. After the pilgrimage, his mother and brother Ahmad returned to Bukhara while he stayed in Makkah to move between its domes of knowledge: East, and west; North and South. Before the end of two years in this sacred city, he started writing his book The Issues of the companions, may Allah be pleased with them, and their Followers which marked the beginning of his renowned books.  * Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, always loved to visit Madinah. Among the fruits of his visits to that blessed place was writing his book: “The Big Book of History” which is considered the first book that comprises the names of the narrators of Prophetic narrations and the details of their lives. From that wonderful sacred spot, Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, set out on a relentless endeavour to visit all the Islamic territories out of his love for compiling the Prophetic narrations. He traveled to Hijaaz (Saudi Arabia), Levant (Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Lebanon), Egypt, and Khurasaan (a vast area between north east Iran, southern Russia, and western Afghanistan). He visited Basrah and settled for some time in Baghdad which was the capital of the Abbasid state at that time. He greatly benefited from these journeys seeking knowledge. He had the pleasure of meeting most the narrators of Prophetic narrations at that time, sat with them, listened to the narrations, and memorised whatever knowledge they had.  One night, Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, had a strange dream that later had a great impact on his life. He saw himself standing before the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, holding a palm-leaf fan in his hand with which he pushed all evil away from the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. He was so confused and surprised that he went to his scholars, may Allah have mercy on them, asking them to interpret his dream. They said happily: “You will clear the lies and false claims away from the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam.” Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, then remembered his teacher, shaykh Is-Haaq Ibn Raahawayh, the prominent scholar of Khurasaan, when he told his students once: “It would be great if you can compile a concise and brief book containing the authentic narrations of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam.” These words echoed in Al-Bukhari’s heart and he remembered that dream which was always in his mind since he started learning the Prophetic narrations. Thereupon, he immediately made an intention to actively and seriously pursue this mission and started to strive in his long journey of writing this great book in 217 AH when he was twenty three.  Because of that dream, Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, traveled thousands of miles moving from one Islamic territory to another, undergoing all sorts of difficulties, hardships, and weariness, sometimes to obtain only one narration of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. He sometimes even had to eat grass to satisfy his extreme hunger after he had spent all his money. Even the few hours of night in which he snatched short naps to rest a while, were not so resting for him, as he used to wake up 15 to 20 times a night to lit his lamp and sit to classify the narrations he had collected. Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, made a pact with himself that he wouldn’t include a narration from any narrator until he had personally met him, and listened to the narration with his own ears. He never accepted narrations except from the ones who were known for being honest, diligent, accurate, fearing Allah, and having a sharp memory. After this process, he would have a ritual bath; pray two Rak’as and then include only the narration that had met all these conditions in his book.  After 16 years of continuous effort and hard work, Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, finished his valuable book that comprised around 7,000 authentic narrations which he selected from amongst 600,000 authentic and non-authentic narrations.  He overlooked many authentic narrations so that his book wouldn’t be too long. He chose to name the book “The Authentic Book Encompassing a Brief Authentic Narrations of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, his Tradition and Life” to become the title of the most authentic book after the Qur’an. The book is known as ‘Saheeh Al-Bukhari’ (The authentic narrations reported by Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him). This book became well known and it gave him a high rank that someone like him truly deserved to achieve. He, may Allah be pleased with him, had a vast knowledge, great manners, a tolerant nature, dignity, and an untainted tongue. He cared so little for this life, he had deep faith, and had Allah’s consciousness at all times. After Imaam Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, became famous throughout the world, thousands of scholars came to him as students of the leader in memorisation of authentic narrations until the number of people who attended his study circles in Baghdad reached 20,000. Among the most remarkable figures of his students were Imaams At-Tirmithi, An-Nasaa’ee, Muslim, and others, may Allah have mercy on them. In 250 AH, Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, left to Nisabor, a city in Khurasaan and stayed there for a while teaching the people. Then he decided to return to his dear city, Bukhara, and when he did the people rushed to welcome him in a great celebration in which huge tents were pitched and decorations were hung. They threw flowers and golden and silver coins on the Imaam upon his arrival into the city. There was an overwhelming atmosphere of happiness that prevailed throughout all Bukhaaraa. Allah Willed, out of mercy to the Imaam, that Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, would only meet his Lord after peace and happiness had found their way into his heart again. One day, the people of Samarqand sent a message for him asking him to come. He agreed and packed with great joy. When he started walking towards his animal he said: “Take me back, I have become weak and very ill”. When they took him back to his house, he said some supplications then he laid on his bed sweating a lot, then his pure soul ascended to its Creator. His death, may Allah have mercy on him, was on a Friday night, the beginning of the month of Shawwaal, 256 AH (870 AD). He was sixty-two years old when he died. He was buried in the village of Khartank which is now known as ‘Khawaajah Saaheb’. May Allah have mercy upon the great Imaam and may Allah admit him into Paradise. Aameen. Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/

Muslims were, early on, aware of the significance of the Sunnah and its authority. They, one generation after the other, were keen to preserve the Sunnah because they saw that as a part of the preserving of the last revelations man is ever to receive. Their efforts were unabated, and the remarkable job they did is unparalleled in the experience of any other religion or civilization. At the time of the Prophet: One of the main reasons behind this is the fact that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam clearly taught the Companions  the importance of his Sunnah, its place in Islam and their role in saving it, teaching and conveying it to others around them and to those who would come after them. In so doing, he sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam followed an effective methodology, which will be briefly outlined below:  1. He emphasised the importance of seeking knowledge and teaching it to others. He said: “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim (male and female).” [Ibn Maajah] Also, he said: “Whosoever pursues a path to seek knowledge therein, Allah will thereby make easy for him a path to Paradise. No people gather together in one of the houses of Allah (mosques), reciting the Book of Allah and studying it among themselves, without tranquility descending upon them, mercy enveloping them and angels surrounding them, and Allah making mention of them to those (angels) who are with Him.” [Muslim]  2. He always had a centre for teaching. Most of the time, it was the mosque.  3. He was soft in his dealings and always facilitated things and made them easy for others. He was merciful and humble and made himself readily available. 4. He never pushed people into anything. Instead, he gradually taught them and led them to change. He always motivated them to follow his example and be their best. 5. He would not continuously teach or work with them, but he would give them enough breaks to avoid overstressing or boring them.  6. He spoke plainly and clearly and he talked to people at their level of understanding and intellectual ability. Whenever appropriate, he spoke to people in their own dialect for the Arabs had different dialects.  7. He used the method of repetition. He would repeat whatever he wanted to stress for three times to insure that all heard him properly and clearly understood what he was saying.  8. When questioned, he would give more than what is expected as an answer and use the occasion to further clarify things for all, and teach about other things.  9. Whenever the Prophet had to choose between two ways, he chose the easier way, which had facility and mercy if there was nothing forbidden in that, and he kept away from the difficult and harsh ways. 10. He attached special attention to teaching the women and provided them special times for questions. He encouraged them to ask and learn.  11. He used to do his best in everything, and he perfected whatever he did, thus setting an example for others.  The era of the Companions and their Followers The Companions did their utmost to convey Islam to the generations succeeding them in the best and most accurate way possible. They sincerely loved it, honestly lived according to it and faithfully preserved it and kept any impurity or irregularity out of it. Their role in the preservation of Islam was one of utmost importance to its continuation, but they were highly prepared for it by the best teacher and trainer, the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. Thus the studying of this era, especially with respect to the history and authority of the Sunnah, is necessary to all Students of Knowledge. For detailed reading there are many books on Hadiths and Sunnah: Methodology of the Companions in Preserving the Sunnah Before discussing the Companions’ ways of learning, practising, preserving and conveying of the Sunnah, it is worthwhile to shed some light on the main points one needs to understand about the Companions  and their methodology: 1. The Companions were fully aware of the responsibility they shoulder after the death of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. 2. The Companions are all trustworthy. They never doubted one another in the matters of this religion and the narration of Hadith. 3. The Companions have developed a methodology for scrutinising Hadiths and narrators, and by doing that have established the rules of ascertaining narrations for those who came after them. 4. The ability of different Companions to understand the Sunnah, memorise it and convey it varied from one Companion to another.  5. The Companions left Makkah and Madinah to many places around the Muslim world, at the time, for the purpose of delivering the message and teaching Islam to those who accepted it thus spreading the Sunnah throughout the land. It is interesting to note that about 750 Companions narrated Hadiths, seven of whom narrated a high number of Hadiths, and about 20 narrated an average number, the rest narrated a small number.  The seven who narrated a large number of Hadiths are: Abu Hurairah who narrated 5,374 Hadiths, ‘Abdullaah Ibn ‘Umar narrated 2,630, Anas Ibn Maalik narrated 2,286, ‘Aa’ishah narrated 2,210, ‘Abdullaah Ibn ‘Abbaas narrated 1,660, Jaabir Ibn ‘Abdullaah narrated 1,540, and Abu Sa’eed AI-Khudri narrated 1,100 Hadiths. They understood their role and were aware of the significance of their ability in narrating the Hadiths and did their best to deliver them diligently and accurately. Muslims of all times are indebted to them. Article courtesy: www.islamweb.net

Slaves of Allah! Islam encourages making reconciliation between people in order to maintain good relations amongst the Muslims, to spread love and to keep the hearts of Muslims free from spite. Allah Says (what means): “So fear Allah and amend that which is between you” [Qur’an 8: 1]. Additionally, Islam ordains all that which spreads mutual love and frees the hearts from spite, as in the narration of Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased, with him who reported that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam (may Allah exalt his mention), said: “You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I guide to that which would make you love one another? Spread greetings (Salaam) abundantly amongst yourselves” [Muslim] The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, was asked: “Who are the best type of people?” He replied: “A person who is truthful in his speech and Makhmoom in his heart.” People asked: “We know what is truthful speech, but what is a Makhmoom heart?” The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, responded saying: “It is a pure pious heart that does not have envy, evil or spite.” [Ibn Maajah] Spite has greatly increased amongst people today, resulting in the severing of relations and in people holding grudges against each other. This is in spite of the fact that Allah has made legislations, which would prevent this from happening. For example, a Muslim is allowed to request a fellow Muslim who wants to visit him to return at a later time. In normal situations, people would not appreciate someone not allowing them entry when they visit them, but since Allah The All-Knowing, knows that people might have certain circumstances that would not allow them to receive visitors, He legislated this to protect people’s hearts from holding grudges due to this. Allah Says (what means): “And if it is said to you, ‘Go back (Or a similar expression showing that the occupants are not prepared to receive visitors)’ then go back; it is purer for you” [Qur’an 24: 28]. This is a way to condole the person who was not granted permission to enter, lest he feels insulted or saddened, and a means to protect the hearts from spite. This is why some of the Salaf, may Allah have mercy upon them, used to be happy when they went visiting someone and were not permitted in, because they sought the consequence of returning mentioned in the above verse – which is the promise of becoming purer (i.e. in their hearts). Having pure hearts that are free from spite is a bounty and a blessing from Allah which He grants to the dwellers of Paradise upon their entry into it. Allah Says (what means): “And We will remove whatever is in their chests of resentment (i.e. ill will or ill feelings towards one another), [so they will be] brothers, on thrones facing each other.” [Qur’an 15: 47] In addition to a pure heart being a blessing and a bounty from Allah, it is also a source of comfort. This is why Islam puts great emphasis on purification of the heart from spite, so that people can live together in peace and harmony. The great importance attached to this issue is because it is a difficult state to achieve all the time. A person may have a strong will which enables him to wake up in the middle of the night to offer optional night prayers, but he may not be strong enough to overcome some of his bad feelings towards his fellow Muslims. Undoubtedly, this quality is a praiseworthy one indeed; Allah praised the Ansaar (i.e. the residents of Madinah) for possessing such a quality saying (which means): “They [i.e. the Ansaar] find not any [ill] feelings in their chests [i.e. hearts] of what they were given [i.e. the Muhaajireen – emigrants from Makkah] but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation.” [Qur’an 59: 9] When Allah favoured the Muhaajireen with certain things, the Ansaar did not feel any objection to this, nor did they harbour any ill feelings or envy towards their brothers in faith for being distinguished with these favours. Instead, they favoured them over their own selves with whatever they had, even if they themselves were in need of what they offered. The following great story reflects the rank of possessing a pure heart that is free from spite, and that it is a blessing from Allah. Anas Ibn Maalik, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated: “We were sitting with the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, once when he said: ‘A man from the dwellers of Paradise will walk in now’ so a man from the Ansaar (i.e. residents of Madinah) walked in whose beard was dripping from the effect of ablution and who held his slippers with his left hand. The next day the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said the same thing, and the same man walked in. On the third day, the Prophet said the same thing, and the same man once again walked in. When the Prophet left the gathering, ‘Abdullaah Ibn ‘Amr followed that man and said to him: ‘I had a misunderstanding with my father and swore not to stay in his house three nights, so if you permit me I would like to spend these three nights with you.’ The man said: ‘Yes, I permit you.’” Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, added: “ ‘Abdullaah Ibn ‘Amr told us that he spent three nights and did not notice that the man prayed the optional night prayers during any of these nights, but if he woke up during the night, he would simply mention Allah. Nonetheless, I never heard him utter except good things, so when the three nights finished, I almost belittled his deeds (as they were insignificant) and I said to him: ‘O slave of Allah! There was not dispute between me and my father or anger, but I heard the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, saying thrice: “A man from the dwellers of Paradise will walk in now” and you walked in all three times, so I wanted to sleep in your place to see what you do in order to imitate you, but I did not see that you exert extra effort in performing any extra deeds. How did you reach such status to deserve what the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, , said about you?’ He replied: ‘My deeds are nothing more than what you saw.’ Then when I left, he called me back in and said: ‘My deeds are nothing more than what you saw, but the only thing I do is that I do not hold any grudge against any Muslim or envy anyone for what bounties Allah has granted them’; thereupon ‘Abdullaah Ibn ‘Amr said to him: “This difficult quality to obtain is what granted you this rank”.  [Ahmad] It is not an easy task for someone to maintain a heart free from spite and hold no grudges against anyone. On the other hand, it is not an impossible mission either, and can be achieved with training, practice and constant striving. The Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, were very keen to remove any bad feelings from the hearts of their brothers towards them. ‘Aa’ith Ibn ‘Amr al-Muzani, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: “Abu Sufyaan passed by Salmaan, Suhayb and Bilaal and some other Companions (after the conquest of Makkah, when he was still a disbeliever). They said to him: “The swords of Allah did not exact their due from the foes of Allah?’’ Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, said to them: “Do you speak like this to the chief of the Quraysh and their master?’’ Then he went to the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, and related this to him. He, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “O Abu Bakr! Perhaps you have angered them. If so, you have angered your Lord”. Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, rushed back to them and said: “O my brothers! Did I offend you?’’ They replied: “No. May Allah forgive you, brother”. [Muslim] This proves that a person must rush to make amends and apologise for his actions, if he fears that a fellow Muslim was offended or his feelings were hurt, to make sure his brother’s heart remains pure towards him. The one who is being apologised to must accept without delay and comfort his brother, and assure him that he is not holding any grudge against him and supplicate for him as the Companions did with Abu Bakr. Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/

All praise be to Allah The Almighty, Who created and proportioned, Who destined and guided; and may prayers and peace be upon the Prophet of guidance, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, and those who are guided by him. Success is the goal of those who work hard; and, Allah The Almighty has made it contingent on purifying, disciplining and refining the soul, as He Says (what means):{He has certainly succeeded who purifies himself.} [Qur’an 87:14]{He has succeeded who purifies it, and he has failed who instills it [with corruption].} [Qur’an 91:9-10]Furthermore, Allah The Almighty sent His Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam (may Allah exalt his mention), as a teacher and a mentor, as He Says (what means): {It is He Who Has Sent among the unlettered a Messenger from themselves reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom - although they were before in clear error.} [Qur’an 62:2] Hence, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, was careful to elevate and cleanse the souls of his Companions may Allah be pleased with them.And such is the practice of all those who seek to draw close to Allah The Almighty. The Prophets, may Allah exalt their mention, and their followers, all reformed and purified their souls. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, endured much hardship in calling his people to Allah The Almighty. Every night, he used to stand before his Lord, bowing and prostrating, supplicating to Him and seeking His help, in full submission and humility to Him. And so, for an entire year, this practice became obligatory on all Muslims because of its great effect in reforming their hearts, motivating them and keeping them steadfast. Therefore, even today, though it is no longer mandatory, praying at night is indispensable.Thus, all Muslims, particularly those who seek religious knowledge and those who call others to Allah The Almighty, are required to prioritise the reform and discipline of their souls, maintain their relationship with Allah The Almighty and take care of their manners toward others. This should be the starting point for inviting other people toward the faith and rectifying them.Purification, beautification and strivingAmong the most important guidelines in reforming the soul, is to purify it from following its desires, which bring about countless diseases. Since the source of an illness can only be treated by countering its effects, the heart can be cured by acting in a way that contradicts one’s whims. Allah The Almighty concisely mentioned this, when He Said (what means), {But as for he who feared the position of his Lord and prevented the soul from [unlawful] inclination, Then indeed, Paradise will be [his] refuge.} [Qur’an 79:40-41]The other requisite to the rectification of the self, is to truly struggle for it, to be among those Allah The Almighty mentions, when He Says (what means): {And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.} [Qur’an 29:69] An important aspect of striving is to be resolute; so, when one forsakes a certain desire and Allah The Almighty tests him or her by facilitating its causes, he or she must be patient and determined. Otherwise, if the soul is irresolute, it will become accustomed to being that way and be prone to corruption.The third step in reforming the soul is to beautify it, by instructing it to do righteous deeds until it gets used to them and doing them becomes an inherent characteristic. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Knowledge and forbearance are obtained by training for, and perseverance in attaining, them. The one who earnestly seeks goodness will be granted it and the one who avoids evil, will be protected against it.” There is no doubt that one’s deeds have a correlation to the heart. Every quality that is in the heart is reflected on one’s body; equally, every deed that is performed by the limbs, influences the heart. This is only one aspect that showcases the wonderful link between the heart and the body.When the soul is purified from following its base desires and is beautified by its righteous deeds and virtues, a person is required to then shift his or her focus to the manner of his or her performance of religious duties and favorable acts, and refraining from prohibitions and disliked deeds.Thus, even when a person is doing what is permissible, it is essential to ensure having a pure intention, because laziness and negligence are part of human nature. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Every act of worship and obedience witnesses a primary surge followed by a state of slackness. A person who remains within the boundaries of my Sunnah, even at times of slackness, will prosper. Otherwise, he [or she] would be on the path towards ruin.”In his book, Madaarij As-Saalikeen, Ibn Al-Qayyim may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “It is inevitable that worshippers become dispassionate. Yet, even during such a phase, if a man adheres to what is right and remains steadfast without neglecting obligations or committing unlawful acts, he is expected to eventually return to a state that is perhaps even better than his former one.” Degrees of apathyBased on the above, it is inevitable that everyone will experience a period of listlessness and apathy. However, it may be of either of these types:1.    General: this impacts all acts of worship and instills an intense dislike toward them; it is the most dangerous kind and is a state of the hypocrites.2.    Specific: this is characterised by a sense of lassitude regarding certain acts of obedience, along with undesirability, but not hatred; such is what many immoral Muslims are mired in. 3.    Physical: sometimes, there is a desire to perform good deeds, but there is a feeling of weariness and disinterest; and this is how many Muslims are. The danger here lies in the fact that one’s time passes by, and his or her life is wasted without having done anything beneficial. What is even more dangerous is if he or she deteriorates to a worse level and ends up being like the hypocrites in their neglect of obligations and other good deeds. Hence, even the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, used to seek refuge with Allah The Almighty from weakness and laziness every morning and evening, and teach his Companions may Allah be pleased with them to do the same. Moreover, when the believers were slow in their response to the call for Jihad (fighting or struggling), Allah The Almighty reproached them for it and urged them to race each other and hasten in doing righteous deeds, and motivated them by describing the reward of such forerunners in faith.   Apathy and the caller to Islam  Listlessness is a disease that afflicts everyone, regardless of their degrees of faith. However, it is particularly alarming if it affects the callers to Allah The Almighty and those who seek knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to evade it by all means and immediately treat it if one does fall prey to it.Since prevention is better than cure, one should make a habit of being attentive so as to steer clear of any symptoms of apathy that may gradually lead to ruin. If that happens, the remedy and cure would be very difficult. The diseases of the heart are like a plant, easy to uproot in its early stages; however, if it grows and becomes firm in the earth, removing it requires strong men and tools.Moreover, an ill heart presents with simple symptoms, but, if left untreated, will choke a person in its grip and turn into a chronic and incurable problem. Therefore, as callers to Allah The Almighty, we are required to examine ourselves and ponder our condition. If there is any sign of apathy, we are immediately obliged to look for the cause and seek treatment. Aspects of apathyApathy manifests itself in many ways, some of which are as follows:- Sense of lethargy and disinterest in performing acts of obedience-Neglecting Thikr (remembrance of Allah The Almighty) and recitation of the Qur’an- Hardness of the heart, such that it is not moved by Qur’anic verses or sermons- Indifference toward committing acts of disobedience and letting that become a habit- Lack of responsibility and realisation of being entrusted with a great trust- Lack of eagerness in performing Da’wah (propagation to Islam)- Weakness of the bonds of brotherhood among those who should love each other for the sake of Allah The Almighty- An intense concern with this worldly life and indulging oneself in its pleasures at the expense of doing righteous deeds- Idle talk, increasingly engaging in disputes and self-praise- Creating problems- Bothering oneself with petty issues and neglecting serious and beneficial work that serves the Ummah- Weakness of faith and an indifference toward violations of the commands of Allah The Almighty- Wasting time- Exhibiting no readiness to handle responsibility and avoiding serious work, instead indulging in actions with no objectives- Demonstrating a chaotic demeanour in one’s work- Criticising every positive act- Postponing good deeds- Possessing excessive wishesArticle source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/

By Shaykh Muhammad Saalih bin/al-‘UthaimeenO people! Fear Allah the Almighty and know that the greatest favour He has ever conferred upon His servants is sending them Prophets as warners and bearers of glad tidings. Allah sent these prophets with scriptures so that He would judge between people in their disputes. The most effective and esteemed message of all of these was that of the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam whom Allah sent to guide all of mankind – and to seal prophethood. Allah sent Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam after a break in the series of His messengers, when people were in dire need of His guidance. It was through him that Allah guided people after they were astray; united them after their disunity; and sufficed them after they were needy. They thus became brothers and supported the religion of Allah, due to his grace and bounty. It was due to this that nations submitted to this religion and its adherents became a luminous series in the annals of history. Due to the wholeheartedness of the early Muslims with regard to the comprehensive implementation of Allah’s laws in personal issues, financial transactions, and social and community affairs in accordance with the precepts laid down by this religions guide and leader, Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, it naturally followed that they would be victorious in all their undertakings. However, when the Muslims deviated from the correct path, the order and stability which they enjoyed collapsed, turning the Muslim nation into groups of disputing factions, whose enemies held as insignificant. This nation will never regain its past power and dignity, nor will it re-live its glorious history, until and unless its people return to their religion and practice it in word as well as in deed, in compliance with the methodology of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam and his companions, may Allah be pleased with them. As a consequence of the comprehensive implementation of the religion of Islam, no devotional act or religious ceremonies can be initiated into it unless it has a basis in the conduct of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. Mankind have been commanded by Allah to do no more than the following: to worship Allah alone; to offer him sincere devotion; and to be true in faith. Thus, whoever attempts to worship Allah with any act that He has not prescribed will have that act rejected by Him. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “He who performs any deed which is not according to what we are upon (i.e., the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam and his companions) then it is rejected.” Such acts are held as innovations in the sight of the lawgiver and every innovation is misguidance. Among the innovations introduced into this religion is the celebration of the birthday of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, which is celebrated in the month of Rabee’ Al-Awwal. People gather in the mosques or stay within their homes on the twelfth night of that month and send salutations upon the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam with innovated phrases as well as reciting laudatory poems and prose which concern him. These poems and prose are excessively commendatory and exceed the limits that were defined by the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. Some people even spend their nights cooking certain types of food, to be served on this occasion. Thus, they uselessly spend their time and money in matters that are not prescribed either by Allah or His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, nor were practiced by the four rightly-guided caliphs after him, nor any other of the Muslims who were from the first three distinct generations, whose merit was attested to by the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. If these innovations were of any benefit, then surely the pious early Muslims would have preceded us in them? If they were meritorious then surely Allah would never have deprived the early Muslims, including the rightly-guided caliphs of them? The fact of the matter is that this practice was first introduced by people who lived during the fourth Hijri century. Shaykh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said in his book Iqtidaa’ As-Siraat Al-Mustaqeem Mukhaalafatu Ashaabu Al-Jaheem [The Implication of the Straightforward Way Is to Contradict the Companions of the Fire]: “Some people, due to their imitation of what the Christians do on the claimed birth-date of ‘Eesaa (Jesus), peace be upon him, or because of their love of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam or out of their wish to glorify him, celebrate the Prophet’s birthday. This is despite the fact that there is controversy among the scholars regarding the exact date of his birth. The early Muslims did not practice this, although there was good reason to honour and express their love of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam and no preventing factors existed. Thus, if the celebration of the Prophet’s birthday was something meritorious, they would have had a better right to precede us in this, as their love and esteem of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam was far greater than ours. Also, they were far keener to perform good deeds in general than we were. Loving and esteeming the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam was thus represented by the early Muslims in following his methodology, obeying him, applying his Sunnah inwardly and outwardly, propagating his mission and striving in this cause with their hearts, bodies and tongues.Most of those who instigate religious innovations are heedless when it comes to the application of the well-known principles that were brought by the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. They are like those who ornament the Qur’an but do not recite it, or recite it but do not follow its teachings.” O Muslims! The innovation of celebrating the Prophet’s birthday, which is done on the twelfth night of the month of Rabee’ Al-Awwal, has no historical basis. In fact, historians have differed greatly on the actual birth date of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. Some have said that it was on the second of  Rabee’ Al-Awwal , others said the eighth, ninth, tenth, twelfth, seventeenth or twenty-second; thus making up seven different opinions. None of these opinions have any evidence which would make them take priority over others. Moreover, the innovation of celebrating the birthday of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam has no religious basis. Neither the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam nor any of his Companions or the followers did so. In fact, the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “You must hold fast to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the four Rightly-Guided Caliphs – cling to it stubbornly. Beware of innovations, for every innovation is misguidance.” (Abu Daawood, Tirmidhi).Religious celebrations, festivals and other such occasions which glorify Allah and His Messenger are acts of worship. Only that which Allah has prescribed among these is considered to be from the pure Shari’ah, or Islamic law. None of these events can be taken as a means of devotion to Allah except those that have been sanctioned by Allah and His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. The Shari’ah already contains the sufficient means with which a believer can glorify the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam and show his love to him. So fear Allah, O servants of Allah, and limit yourselves to Allah’s obligations and the Prophet’s Sunnah, to the exclusion of innovations. Allah the Exalted and Almighty said that which translates as: “And verily this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This; He has ordained for you that you may become the pious.” (Al An’aam: 153).

The Muslim has a mission in his life, and is required to be effective, active, tolerant and social, mixing with other people and dealing with them with tolerance and in accordance with the worthy Islamic attitudes and behaviour.Allah Almighty Says (what means): “And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. the Qur’an), and be not divided among yourselves, and remember Allah’s Favour on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in Islamic faith), and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it…”[Qur’an 3:103]Wherever the Muslim is found, he becomes a beacon of guidance, and a positive source of correction and education, through both his words and deeds.He has a good attitude towards others and treats them well. He is of good and noble character, friendly, humble, gentle of speech and tactful. He likes others and is liked by them. By doing so, he is following the example of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, as Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that he was: “The best of people in his attitude towards others.”[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]When a quarrel intensifies, when its roots go deeper, its thorns become branches and branches increase in number, then the freshness of the fruits of faith is adversely affected. Softness, sympathy, satisfaction and peace, which are encouraged by the Islamic teachings, receive a setback. Performance of worship loses its righteousness, while the self gets no benefit from it.Many a time mutual quarrels perturb the persons who claim to be wise. When this happens, they take recourse to lowly and superficial things, and sometimes indulge in dangerous acts which only increase difficulties and bring troubles. When a man is displeased, his eyes become prejudiced and ignore the camel and object to gnat. Such eyes do not appreciate the beauty of the peacock, for they only see its ugly feet and claws. If a slight defect is present, it turns the molehill into a mountain. And sometimes the internal rancour and jealousy affect them so badly that no hesitation is felt in inventing imaginary stories.Islam disapproves of all these manifestations of ill-feeling and advises to abstain from them. It declares their avoidance as the most virtuous form of worship.The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Listen, may I tell you something more important than the fasting, the prayer and charity?” The people requested him to do so. He, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “To keep the mutual relationship on the right footing, because the defect in the mutual relationship is a thing which shaves a thing clean. I do not mean that it shaves the hair, but that it shaves (removes) the religion.” [At-Tirmithi]Many a time, Satan is not able to persuade wise men to worship idols, but since he is very keen on misguiding and ruining men, he manages to succeed in driving them away from Allah, so much so that these wise men become more indifferent in respecting the rights of Allah than the idolaters themselves. The best method adopted by the devil for this purpose is to sow the seeds of enmity in the hearts of the people. When this enmity develops into a fire and open hostilities result, he enjoys the scene. This fire burns man’s present and future into ashes and totally destroys their relationship and virtues.The Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “The Satan has been disappointed that he would not be worshipped in the Arabian Peninsula, but he has not been disappointed from kindling the fire of fighting among the people.”[Muslim]It means that when wickedness takes roots in the hearts, when people start hating love and brotherhood, and when these are destroyed, people then revert to cruelty and enmity, and break all those relations and links which Allah has commanded to be kept; thus spreading corruption on this earth.In order to remedy this disease, the most wonderful thing in a quarrel is to forget it as it had never happened, because remembering it will never be a sort of pleasure, while forgetting it will never be harmless, and a good word is stronger than swords and spears.Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “The origin of the enmity, evil and envy that occurs between people is from the following of Al-Hawaa (the lowly desire). The one who opposes his desire relieves his heart, body and limbs, putting himself to ease and thus relieves others.”Abu Bakr al-Warraak, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “When the desire prevails, the heart turns dark and when it does so, the breast becomes straitened and when that happens, the moral character deteriorates and consequently people will hate him and he will hate them. Then think of the evil, enmity, neglect of rights, etc. that arise from this mutual hatred.”Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/

A Muslim thinks about the countless blessings that Allah has bestowed upon him. He considers the numerous bounties that Allah has given him -- from the time that he was a “drop of fluid” in his mother’s womb. These bounties continue until he meets His Lord. Therefore, a Muslim must thank Allah for these bounties with his tongue, by praising Him in a proper manner. He must also thank Him with his limbs by using them in obedience to Him. This is how he should behave towards Allah. Obviously, it is never considered proper etiquette to be ungrateful for the bounties one has received, or to reject the bounties of the One Who gives them. One also should never deny the goodness and bounties he has received. Allah Says in the Qur’an (what means): “And whatever of blessings or good things you have, it is from Allah.” [Qur’an 16:53]Allah also Says (what means): “And He gave you of all that you asked for, and if you count the Blessings of Allah, never will you be able to count them.” [Qur’an 14:34]Another verse states (what means): “Therefore remember Me (by praying and glorifying), I will remember you. Be grateful to Me and never be ungrateful to Me” [Qur’an 2: 152]A Muslim thinks about Allah’s Knowledge and the fact that He is watching everything, under every circumstance. The Muslim’s heart then becomes filled with awe, respect and love for Allah. He becomes shy and embarrassed to disobey Him. This is how he should behave towards Allah. Obviously, it is not proper for a slave to go against his Master by disobeying him or by treating him with disrespect, while his Master is witnessing and watching him.A Muslim also ponders over Allah’s Power and Control over him, and submits to this control. He knows that there is no escape or fleeing from Him. Allah is the only source of refuge and shelter. Therefore, the Muslim flees to Allah and throws himself before Him. He leaves his affairs with Allah and puts his trust in Him. This is how he should behave with respect to his Lord and Creator.Allah Says (what means): “There is not a moving (living) creature but He has grasp of its forelock.” [Qur’an 11:56]Allah also Says (what means): “So flee to Allah (from His Torment to His Mercy – Islamic Monotheism). Verily, I (Muhammad) am a plain warner to you from Him.” [Qur’an 51:50] Allah Says (what means): “Put your trust in Allah if you are believers indeed.” [Qur’an 5:23]A Muslim also considers how Generous and Compassionate Allah has been to him in all of his affairs. He considers Allah’s Mercy upon him and upon all of His creation. He desires to have more of that mercy. He then humbles himself to Allah with sincere humility and supplications. He seeks a means of approach to Allah with the best of speech and good deeds. This is how he should behave towards his Lord, Allah. It is not proper to lose hope of receiving more of His Mercy, which encompasses everything, nor should one be pessimistic about receiving more of Allah’s Generosity. Certainly, Allah has Stated (what means): “My Mercy embraces all things.”[Qur’an 7:156]Allah also Says (what means): “Allah is very Gracious and Kind to His slaves.” [Qur’an 42:19]Allah also Says (what means): “Certainly, no one despairs of Allah’s Mercy, except the people who disbelieve.” [Qur’an 12:87]Another verse states (what means): “Despair not of the mercy of Allah.”[Qur’an 39:53]A Muslim always considers Allah’s power to punish severely and His swift reckoning. He does his best to obey Allah and tries to live without disobeying Him. This is all part of proper behaviour towards Allah. People of intelligence know that it is not proper for a weak and incapable slave to commit acts of disobedience towards the Lord Who is the Powerful, the All-Capable, the Strong, the Dominant. He Says (what means): “But when Allah wills a people’s punishment, there can be no turning back of it; and they will find besides Him no protector.” [Qur’an 13:11]Allah also Says (what means): “Verily, (O Muhammad) the seizure (punishment) of your Lord is severe and painful.” [Qur’an 85:12]Allah also Says (what means): “Allah is All-Mighty, All-Able of Retribution.” [Qur’an 3:4]A Muslim should also think about Allah while he is disobeying Him, as if Allah’s threat is already being applied to him, that His punishment has come upon him due to his action. He should also think about Allah while obeying Him and following His Laws, as if His Promise has already come true for him, that Allah’s Pleasure is being bestowed upon him. Having good expectations or thoughts about Allah is part of the etiquette due to Allah. It is not correct for a person to have bad thoughts about Allah and disobey Him, and think that Allah is not watching what he is doing or will not call him to account. Allah Says (what means): “But you thought that Allah knew not much of what you were doing. And that thought of yours which you thought about your Lord, has brought you to destruction; and you have become (this Day) of those utterly lost!…” [Qur’an 41: 22-23]Allah also Says (what means): “And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, fears Allah, and keeps his duty (to Him), such are the successful.”[Qur’an 24: 52]In conclusion, a Muslim must be thankful to his Lord for the bounties He has given him; he must be shy towards his Lord whenever he is inclined towards committing a sin; he must sincerely turn to his Lord, put his trust in Him, hope for His Mercy and fear His punishment. He must have good expectations concerning Allah fulfilling His Promises and carrying out His threat to any of His slaves if He wills. This is how he should behave toward Allah. The more that he sticks to these matters and guards them, the greater his position will be and the higher his rank will be with his Lord. He shall be greatly blessed by Allah; he shall become one of the devoted slaves of Allah, and of those people whom Allah protects. He shall be enveloped by Allah’s Mercy and shall have Allah’s Blessings bestowed upon him.This is the utmost that any Muslim could hope to achieve and what he should strive for throughout his life.O Allah, make us Your devoted slaves. O Allah, make us among those whom You protect. O Allah, make us among those who are close to You, O Allah, Lord of the worlds.Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/

Khutbah by Shaykh ‘Ali Abdur-Rahmaan al-HuthaifiAll praise is due to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and companions.Brothers in faith! Allah’s blessings on His creatures are innumerable. He says, “And if you would count the favours of Allah, never could you count them. Truly, man is a transgressor, ungrateful.” (Ibrahim: 34).The greatest favour of Allah upon people after Eemaan is well-being and safety. Safety is the opposite of fear and is a source of peace and tranquillity for the heart. With safety and security, man has no fear over his religion, life, honour, wealth and rights. Safety is one of the fundamentals of human life. There will not be any prosperity or progress without it. What is the value of money with no safety? What is the essence of good life in the absence of peace? How can life be activated without it?It is under the atmosphere of safety that one has aspirations and peace of mind on the fruits of one’s labour. It is under the shade of security that different useful human activities abound, interests and benefits are exchanged, different activities that men need proliferate, good things freely flow and roads become safe.It is safety that makes the economy of a society boom, increases it in crops and livestock, protects its lives, properties and rights, facilitates means of sustenance, increases its infrastructure and makes it prosper in all aspects of its life.Allah the Almighty has graciously bestowed mankind with the blessing of safety and reminds them of it that they may thank Him for it and worship Him under it. He says, “Have We not established for them a secure sanctuary, to which are brought fruits of all kinds, provisions from Ourselves, but most of them know not.” (Al-Qasas: 57). The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) also made mention of the importance of security when he said, “Whoever wakes up in the morning feeling secure in his house, sound in his body and possesses his daily bread is like one who has the whole world at his disposal.” (At-Tirmithi).Islam takes great care of security in any of its societies by making ordainments, prohibiting mischief and evil acts and prescribing deterring punishments. Allah says, “Help you one another in virtue, righteousness and piety; but do not help one another in sin and transgression.” (Al-Maa’idah: 2). Allah also informs us that safety belongs to those who do good deeds, are upright in guidance of Islam and keep away from mischief and evil deeds when he says, “It is those who believe and confuse not their belief with wrong (by worshipping others besides Allah). For them (only) there is security and they are the guided.” (Al-An’aam: 82). Whenever he saw the new moon, the Prophet used to say, “O Allah, let this crescent loom above us in safety, faith, peace and Islam. Make it a crescent of good and guidance. My Lord and your Lord is Allah.”Therefore safety is a great blessing. Where there is no safety life becomes corrupt and people live miserable lives. Their condition worsens and all things turn upside-down for them; fear then replaces security; hunger replaces good living, anarchy replaces unity; injustice and aggression replace justice and mercy. May Allah give us well-being by His grace and favour! You should thank Allah and praise Him for this favour of safety and His other apparent and hidden favours by always obeying Him and abstaining from all prohibited things. Brothers in Islam! Allah bestowed His favour on this land with safety and other blessings that make it unique among the nations of this age in terms of peace and stability and war against crimes. This is due to the fact that this country is governed by Islamic Law that is derived from the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet.Therefore to whomever Satan (or his own mind) suggests to him to play with the peace of a country and its stability, and whoever perpetrates the crime of destruction, bombing, terrorism and causing mischief on the earth has fallen into the abyss of Satan’s deception and betrayal; for evil plots encompass only those who make them. He has also committed a crime which will earn him everlasting disgrace and a painful punishment that Allah has decreed for him whether he is a Muslim or not. This is because acts of sabotage and bombing kill innocent souls whose lives and properties are sanctified by Islam.Islam prevents the wrongdoer and aggressor from committing his crimes as it deters him and his likes from transgression for it is a religion of justice and mercy that does not enjoin on its followers except good and forbids them from evil deeds.Fellow Muslim! Fear Allah, you will be among the successful and hold fast unto the rope of Allah, you will be guided to the straight path. Unite in waging war on any criminal who may want to jeopardise your safety and stability, endanger your achievements and spread anarchy in your society. Allah says, “And whoever earns sin, he earns it only against himself. And Allah is ever All-Knowing, All-Wise.” (An-Nisaa’: 11). Brothers in faith! Fear Allah, for fear of Allah is the best provision and the source of your victory in this world and the next. Allah’s favours on you are many and great and there are those who are jealous of Allah’s favours on you. He commands you to be grateful to Him and promises increase in favour. He says, “And remember when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you give thanks, I will give you more (of my blessings), but if you are thankless, verily, My punishment is indeed severe.” (Ibraahim: 7). Ibn Abbaas narrated that the Messenger of Allah said, “Observe the rights of Allah upon you, Allah will protect you; observe the rights of Allah, you will find Him in front of you (i.e. He will guide you). When you ask, ask of Allah, and when you seek for assistance, seek it from Allah. When the whole of mankind agree to benefit you with something, they cannot benefit you except with something that Allah has decreed for you, and know that when they agree to harm you, they cannot do you any harm except that which Allah has decreed upon you. The pens have been raised and the pages have dried.” (At-Tirmithi). Man observes the rights of Allah by observing His obligations and commandments and abstaining from all that He forbids. When man observes all this, Allah will protect him, graciously bestow His favour upon him and drive away calamities from him. Therefore, fulfil your obligation to your Lord, He will also fulfil His promise.

“Say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour.” [Qur’an 17:23]In Islam, it is obligatory for us to show kindness, respect, and obedience to our parents. The position of parents, and the mutual obligations and responsibilities, have been addressed in Islam in great detail. In fact, kindness and obedience is so strongly emphasised that Allah has linked showing gratitude to one’s parents with showing gratitude to Allah. In the Noble Qur’an, Almighty Allah Says (which means):“And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning: (hear the command), “Show gratitude to Me and to your parents: to Me is (your final) return.” [Qur’an 31:14]Sadly, we are living in a time where children speaking disrespectfully to their parents and about their parents, is the norm rather than the exception. However, Islam places great emphasis on respectful and considerate behaviour to even our enemies, so to not uphold the obligations laid down by Allah to our parents is actually one of the major sins.In the Qur’anLet’s see what the Qur’an says about parents. “This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah.” [Qur’an 2:02]  Treat parents with honour and speak to them graciously and with humilityAllah Says (which means): “Your Lord hath decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say:  My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood.” [Qur’an 17:23]Be grateful to parents but do not obey them if they strive to make you associate anything with AllahAllah also Says (which means): “...Be grateful to Me and to both your parents; to Me is the eventual coming. But if they strive to make thee join in worship with Me things of which you have no knowledge, obey them not; yet bear them company in this life with justice (and consideration), and follow the way of those who turn to Me (in love): in the end the return of you all is to Me, then will I inform you of what you did.” [Qur’an 31:15]These verses make it clear that we must honour our parents, appreciate their sacrifices and efforts for us, and do our best for them. This is required regardless of whether they are Muslims or not.Be good to parents and everyone whom you meetThe Qur’an states (which means): “Worship Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good- to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: For Allah loves not the arrogant, the vainglorious.” [Qur’an 4:36]If the Qur’an tells us to be good to a  stranger, then how can we even think of disrespecting our parents?Hadith Let’s see what Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said about parents in the authentic Hadeeth (narrations). Almighty Allah Says (which means): “Whatsoever the Prophet gives you, take it and whatsoever he forbids you, refrain from it.” [Qur’an 59:7]Undutifulness to parents is a major sinAnas  narrated from Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) about the major sins. He (the Prophet) observed: ‘Associating anyone (or anything) with Allah, undutifulness to parents, killing a person and false utterance.’ [Muslim]One of the dearest deeds to Allah is being good and dutiful to parents‘Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood  narrated: I asked the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam)  “Which deed is the dearest to Allah?” He replied, “To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times.” I asked, “What is the next (in goodness)?” He replied, “To be good and dutiful to your parents” [Al-Bukhari] Being dutiful to parents is one of the keys to enter ParadiseAbu Hurairah  reported Prophet Muhammad  (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) as saying: Let him be humbled into dust; let him be humbled into dust; let him be humbled into dust. It was said: O Allah’s Messenger, who is he? He said: He who accompanies either of his parents during their old age or one of them, but he does not enter Paradise (by being undutiful to them). [Muslim]Acts of kindness we can do for our parents after their death A man of the tribe of Salamah came to Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and said: ‘O Apostle of Allah! Is there any kindness left that I can do to my parents after their death?’ He replied: ‘Yes, you can invoke blessings on them, forgiveness for them, fulfil their promises and pledges (to do righteous deeds), maintain ties with kinfolk for the mere reason of being dutiful to them (i.e. parents), and honour their friends.’ [Abu Daawood]  The High Status given to MothersA man came to the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and asked him for permission to fight Jihaad. The Prophet asked him if he had a mother, and when he replied affirmatively, he said, “Stay with her, for Paradise is at her feet (i.e. she is the way leading to it).” [Ahmad]SummarySometimes we may take our parents for granted and overlook their importance. As Muslims, we should constantly be alert to guard ourselves from sins; however, are we guarding ourselves from one of the biggest major sins? Are we honouring and respecting our parents as per their right? Or are we neglecting one of the dearest deeds to Allah?  Right now the choice is ours!We ask Allah the Most High, the All-Powerful, to teach us that which will benefit us, and to benefit us by that which we learn.Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/

Interacting with others in life is necessary, as a person is surrounded by neighbours, relatives and colleagues in institutions of study and workplaces. Due to this dealing with different types of people, it is natural to be made susceptible to harm from some of them. Suppose that every such act one is subjected to, is met by an evil one in its like, in return - regardless of whether this harm is slight or great, or intentional or not - the communities would turn into a jungle. People will abandon good traits and live without regulations or rules.To prevent the Muslim community from this detestable scenario, Allah The Almighty commanded His believing slaves to resist evil with something good, when He Says (what means): {And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.} [Qur’an 41:34]Undoubtedly, the ultimate act that is superior to countering evil with its like, is to pardon and be compassionate, or at the least, to turn away and avoid further embroiling oneself. Dear brother and sister! By adopting this noble moral, you are safeguarding your own self-respect and rationality. Therefore, you have to keep yourself away from the provocation of foul people in order to be one of the true servants of Allah The Almighty. He describes them Saying (what means):{And they who turn away from laghw (anything from falsehood, and that includes association, other minor sins and all useless speech, actions and concerns; furthermore, busying oneself with that which does not concern him is included).} [Qur’an 23:3]{And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say: “For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you; we seek not the ignorant.”} [Qur’an 28:55]{And when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.} [Qur’an 25:63] When one treats an abuser in a wholesome manner, he or she would suppress his or her anger, thereby becoming one of those whom the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, referred to when he said: “He who stifles his rage while he is able to give vent to it, Allah will summon him in front of all people on the Day of Resurrection and let him choose from the Hoor (maidens of Paradise) as he pleases.”Furthermore, one of the greatest benefits of repelling evil with a better deed is that the enemy who wants to inflict harm and evil, often converts into a defending supporter and a devoted friend. There is a wondrous magic in good manners that it can be more influential than physical force and vengeful will. Thus, antagonism changes into a different sentiment, as Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.} [Qur’an 41:34] That is why Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, advised: “Use your forbearance to ward off the ignorance of those who harm you with [that trait of theirs].”We have observed the best of all creatures, Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, not only tolerating the maltreatment of the violent, but also overlooking that and pardoning them. ‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, described him, saying: “He does not counter evil with evil, rather he absolves and forgives.” This was also the example of the righteous people, may Allah be pleased with them, who followed the methodology of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. One of them was insulted by someone once, so he said to him: “If you are mistaken, I ask Allah to pardon you; and if you are correct, I ask Him to forgive me.”Although we are all required to adopt this trait, a person in a position of power is worthier of doing so more than others. That is why among the final instructions of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, before his death, was: “Whoever is given authority over something in the Ummah of Muhammad and has the power to harm or bring benefit to anyone, then he should reward those who do good and pardon those who commit evil.” A man once came to the Prophet  complaining about his servant, saying: “I have a servant who is a wrongdoer and an oppressor. Should I beat him?” The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Forgive him as much as seventy times per day.”Also, a person whose relatives treat him unjustly is particularly in need of this quality. He or she should not meet their ill behaviour with evil in return; rather, he or she has to pardon, forgive and increase in compassion. It was narrated that a man came to the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, and said: “O Messenger of Allah, I have some relatives with whom I maintain ties of kinship and they sever them; I pardon them and they oppress me; I treat them kindly and they harm me. Should I then treat them in the same way?” The Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, replied: “No, then you would all be sinners; rather, you should be better and maintain the ties of kinship and as long as you are in that state, you will have a protector and supporter appointed from Allah with you.’” Repelling vice with a better deed is the remedy that restores damaged social relations. It reforms what has been corrupted and renews that which is effaced. With this treatment, the manifestations of goodness are revived, people race each other in virtuous acts, the gates of iniquity are blocked to Satan and evil does not find any means to spread. Instead, beneficence will prevail and the motives and consequences of vice will be eradicated.

Throughout history man has always had a deep attraction for the supernatural and the unseen. The existence of a world parallel to our own has always fascinated people. This world is commonly referred to as the spirit world, and almost every set of people have some concept of one. With some people, these spirits are no more than the souls of dead people – or ghosts. With others, spirits are either the forces of good or the forces of evil – both battling against one another to gain influence over humanity.However, both of these explanations are more in tune with folk tales and fantasy. The true explanation of such a world comes from Islam. Like every other way, Islam also claims to explain this realm of the unseen. It is from this realm that Islam explains to us about the world of the Jinn. The Islamic explanation of the Jinn provides us with so many answers to modem day mysteries. Without the knowledge of this world, the Muslims would become like the non-Muslims and be running around looking for any old answer to come their way. So, who or what are the Jinn? Existence The Jinn are beings created with free will, living on earth in a world parallel to mankind. The Arabic word Jinn is from the verb ‘Janna’ which means to hide or conceal. Thus, they are physically invisible from man as their description suggests. This invisibility is one of the reasons why some people have denied their existence. However, (as will be seen) the effect which the world of the Jinn has upon our world, is enough to refute this modem denial of one of Allah’s creation. The origins of the Jinn can be traced from the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Allah says (which means):“Indeed We created man from dried clay of black smooth mud. And We created the Jinn before that from the smokeless flame of fire” (Surah Al-Hijr 15:26-27)Thus the Jinn were created before man. As for their physical origin, the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) has confirmed the above verse when he said: “The Angels were created from light and the Jinn from smokeless fire”[1]. It is this description of the Jinn which tells us so much about them. Because they were created from fire, their nature has generally been fiery and thus their relationship with man has been built upon this. Like humans, they too are required to worship Allah and follow Islam. Their purpose in life is exactly the same as ours, as Allah says (which means):“I did not create the Jinn and mankind except to worship Me” (Surah Ad-Dhariyat 51:56)Jinns can thus be Muslims or non-Muslims. However, due to their fiery nature the majority of them are non-Muslims. All these non-Muslim Jinns form a part of the army of the most famous Jinn, Iblis – the Shaytan[2]. Consequently, these disbelieving Jinns are also called Shaytans (devils). As for the Jinns who become Muslims, then the first of them did so in the time of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) when a group of them were amazed by the recitation of the Qur’an. Allah orders the Prophet to tell the people of this event:“Say (O Muhammad): It has been revealed to me that a group of Jinn listened and said; ‘Indeed we have heard a marvellous Qur’an. It guides unto righteousness so we have believed in it, and we will never make partners with our Lord’” (Surah Al-Jinn 72:1-2)In many aspects of their world, the Jinn are very similar to us. They eat and drink, they marry, have children and they die. The life span however, is far greater than ours. Like us, they will also be subject to a Final Reckoning by Allah the Most High. They will be present with mankind on the Day of Judgment and will either go to Paradise or Hell.AbilitiesThat which clearly distinguishes the Jinn from mankind are their powers and abilities. Allah has given them these powers as a test for them. If they oppress others with them, then they will be held accountable. By knowing of their powers, we can often make sense of much of the mysteries which go on around us. One of the powers of the Jinn is that they are able to take on any physical form they like. Thus, they can appear as humans, animals trees and anything else.Over the last few years the interest in the subject of aliens and UFO’s has become heightened. Programmes such as the X-files and the Outer Limits have increased the popularity of the theory that aliens exist. Thousands of people have sighted strange looking creatures all over the world. These sightings, however, have still not proven substantially that aliens exist. Rather – and it seems more plausible – all the sightings of such creatures were just Jinns parading in different forms. So the next time you see something that looks like ET, it’s most probably just a wicked Jinn trying to scare and confuse you!The ability to possess and take over the minds and bodies of other creatures is also a power which the Jinn have utilised greatly over the centuries. This, however, is something which has been prohibited to them as it is a great oppression to possess another being. Human possession is something which has always brought about great attention. But the true knowledge of this subject is rare amongst the people.Over the last four decades the subject of possession has become very commercialised. During the 1970’s films such as The Exorcist and Rosemary’s Baby were used to educate people about possession. However, because such institutions (the film industry) were heavily influenced by Christianity, knowledge of the subject was non-existent. Rather than educate people about Jinn possession, The Exorcist just tended to scare the living daylights out of us![3] Only through Islam can we understand such a phenomenon.We know as Muslims, that Jinns possess people for many reasons. Sometimes it is because the Jinn or its family has been hurt accidentally. It could be because the Jinn has fallen in love with the person. However, most of the time possession occurs because the Jinn is simply malicious and wicked. For this reason we have been told by the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) not to loiter in those places where the Jinns reside, e.g. graveyards, ruins, deserts, marketplaces, etc. We have also been commanded to recite the Qur’an frequently in our houses as the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “Indeed, the shaytan flees from the house in which Surah AI-Baqarah (the 2nd chapter of the Qur’an) is recited”[4]. If a person does become possessed, then the name of Allah has to be used in expelling the Jinn. If we look at the practice of the Prophet and his companions, we find many du’as (supplications) to exorcise the Jinn. All these du’as invoke Allah to help the possessed person. How contrary this is to many modern-day exorcists. Many exorcists, Muslim and non-Muslim, often invoke the names of others besides Allah to exorcise the Jinn[5]. When the Jinn does leave, these people believe that their way was successful. However, this is a ploy of the Jinn, as it knows that if it obeys the exorcist, then it has succeeded in making him worship others besides Allah i.e. commit shirk. The Jinn often returns when the exorcist leaves, as it knows that nothing except the words of Allah can stop it from oppressing others. It is not only humans which are possessed, but also animals, trees and other objects. By doing this, the evil Jinn hope to make people worship others besides Allah. The possession of idols is one way to do this. The OccultThrough their powers of flying and invisibility, the Jinn are the chief component in occult activities. Voodoo, Black magic, Poltergeists, Witchcraft and Mediums can all be explained through the world of the Jinn. Likewise, so can the illusions and feats of magicians. Because the Jinn can traverse huge distances over a matter of seconds, their value to magicians is great. In return for helping them in their magic, the Jinns often ask for the magicians to sell their souls to them and even to Iblis.Thus the magicians take the Jinn and Iblis as lords besides Allah. In our day, some of the feats performed by magicians and entertainers are without doubt from the assistance of the Jinn. Making the Statue of Liberty disappear, flying across the Grand Canyon and retrieving a ship from the Bermuda Triangle[6], have all been done by the Jewish magician David Copperfield.There is NO way that a man could do such things without the assistance of the Jinn. It would not be surprising therefore, if David Copperfield had sold his soul to Iblis himself. Because of their involvement with the Jinn, and its result in shirk, the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “The prescribed punishment for the magician is that he be executed by the sword”[7]. Some may argue that this is barbaric, but if, the likes of David Copperfield truly had powers, then they could just put their heads back on again!! One of the most frequent activities associated with the Jinn, is fortune-telling. Before the advent of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) fortune-tellers and soothsayers were widespread. These people would use their associates from the Jinn to find out about the future. The Jinns would go to the lowest heaven and listen to the Angels conversing amongst themselves about events of the Future which they heard from Allah. The Jinns would then inform the fortune-tellers. This is why before the time of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) many fortune-tellers were very accurate in their predictions. However, upon the Prophet’s arrival the heavens were guarded intensely by the Angels, and any Jinn who tried to listen was attacked by meteors (shooting stars):“And We have guarded it (the heavens) from every accursed devil, except one who is able to snatch a hearing and he is pursued by a brightly burning flame” (Surah Al-Hijr 15:18)The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) also said: “They (the Jinn) would pass the information back down until it reaches the lips of a magician or fortune-teller Sometimes a meteor would overtake them before they could pass it on. If they passed it on before being struck, they would add to it a hundred lies”[8]. Thus, it is clear from this as to how fortune-tellers get predictions of the future right. It is also evident as to why they get so many wrong.Men like Nostradamus[9] are an example, as some of his predictions of the future were correct whilst many were completely wrong. Unfortunately, the amount of fortune-telling which occurs amongst the Muslims is also increasing. By visiting Muslim lands such as Morocco, one is able to see as to how much inter Jinn-fortune-teller activity there really is. If you look up at the sky on a clear night in Morocco, you will see the heavens ablaze with shooting stars! A clear display of the devils being chased away from the heavens. Fortune-tellers also operate through the Qareen. The Qareen is the Jinn companion which is assigned to every human being. It is this Jinn which whispers to our base desires and constantly tries to divert us from righteousness. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “Everyone of you has been assigned a companion from the Jinn. The companions asked: Even you O’ Messenger of Allah? And the Prophet replied: Even me, except that Allah has helped me against him and he has submitted. Now he only tells me to do good”’[10]. Because the Qareen is with a person all his life, it knows all that has happened to the person from the cradle to the grave. By making contact with the Qareen, the fortune-teller is thus able to make out that it is he who knows about the person. He looks in his crystal ball or the palm of a person and proceeds to amaze him with knowledge which no one else knows[11]. The severity of going to a fortune-teller is such that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “The prayer of one who approaches a fortune-teller and asks him about anything, will not be accepted for forty days or nights”[12] and: “Whosoever approaches a fortune-teller and believes in what he says, has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammad”[13] The effects of the Jinn are not just limited to fortune-tellers. Other activities such as oujia boards and seances, which are used to contact the dead, are manipulated by the Jinn. ‘Are you there Charlie? Speak to us Charlie!!’ are the sort of words spoken by anxious relatives (names are obviously different!) seeking to make contact with their loved ones. And it is when the Jinn starts to talk and communicate as ‘Charlie’, that the people are truly fooled[14]. One of the biggest manipulations of the Jinn is through visions. Through these visions the Jinns are more likely to lead people away from the worship of Allah than any other way. When a person sees a vision in front of his eyes it is something which is very hard to explain away. Only by having knowledge of the world of the Jinn and conviction in Allah, can a person fight such a trial. The countless numbers of visions of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary over the centuries has been a popular choice for the devils. It almost seems as if leading Christians astray is the most easiest trick for the Jinns! Not only are Christians fooled by these visions, but often the Jinns possess and begin to talk from their voices. To the Christians this is known as the tongues of the Angels and thus a proof for their faith. However, the amount of unintelligible nonsense which is heard is a clear proof that this is in fact the tongues of the devils! For other people, visions of their parents or relatives are commonplace. By taking on the form of peoples parents, the Jinns can convince people that the souls of dead people still mix with the people of the earth. This is why so many people believe in ghosts. The onslaught of satanic visions has also hit the Muslims. Many Muslims claim to have seen visions of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and even Allah! By doing this, Shaytan is able to lead astray the weak Muslims. Through such visions, Muslims are often told that the commands of Islam are not applicable to them. The Jinns tell them that Prayer, Fasting, Haj, etc. are not obligatory for them. It is a great deception and unfortunately one which has been very effective. The extent of satanic visions still continues to this day.The world of the Jinn is one which is both sinister and intriguing. By knowing of this world we can explain many of the mysteries and issues which bother us. By doing this we can avoid the extremes which the people have gone to; nothing being more extreme than worshipping others besides Allah. By learning the Tawheed of Allah, we defend ourselves from these hidden allies of Iblis:“Indeed he (Iblis) and his tribe watch you from a position where you cannot see them” (Surah Al-A’raf 7:27)Maybe, there is a Jinn sitting in the corner of your room right now, or even one behind you. If so, then how will you deal with this creation of Allah? Learn Islam properly and you will be able to deal with all of Allah’s creation – and not just the Jinn. By becoming true Muslims and followers of Islam, the fear of Iblis, Jinns and anything else will leave us – nothing will touch the Believer unless Allah wills.Footnotes1 Reported by Muslim - Eng. Trans. Vol. 4, p.1540, No.71342 It must be remembered that Iblis is a Jinn and not an Angel. The concept of the Devil being a fallen Angel is from Christianity and not Islam.3 In fact when The Exorcist was first shown on cinema, it was so scary that many people fainted and one even died!4 Authentic – Reported by Tirmidhee5 Whilst Christians invoke the name of Jesus, many Muslims invoke the name of pious Muslim saints! The rituals which are conducted by many Muslims are more akin to voodoo than the exorcism practised by the Prophet and his companions!!6 The ship which was recovered was more than 50 years old. It subsequently caught alight and was conveniently destroyed.7 Authentic – Reported by Tirmidhee8 Reported by Bukhari – Eng. Trans. Vol.7, p.439, No.6579 Michel de Nostradamus was a famous French soothsayer of the 16th century.10 Reported by Muslim - Eng. Trans. Vol.4, p.1472, No.675711 The classic example of how fortune-tellers can be wrong is the case of Diana, Princess of Wales and Dodi Fayed. Both went to see a fortune-teller who told Diana that she would live a long and happy life. A few weeks later, Diana and Dodi Fayed were dead. After this the fortune-tellers flew for cover, as their evil art showed its decadence.12 Reported by Muslim – Eng. Trans. Vol.4, p.1211, No.554013 Authentic – Reported by Ahmed14 Ouija boards are so misleading, that people have even managed to get in touch with the spirit of Jack the Ripper!!

Children are a source of delight and an adornment for the world granted by Allah to their parents. They give vigour to the hearts, joy to the souls and pleasure to the eyes. They are the fruit from whom good is to be hoped for when they frequently supplicate “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.” They are the ones in every nation upon whom hope for the future lies, and they are the youth of tomorrow upon whose shoulders the call to Islam is carried. Indeed Islam has elevated the status of children and has laid down manners for their treatment through different stages, which start with the manners of welcoming the new born child. Our Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam was a living example, educating, cultivating the Muslims upon the practices of Islam, teaching them how to worship their Lord in the best of ways. But a number of Muslims have strayed from his pure teachings and have substituted that which is gold for that which is worthless.  Encouragement to have children: Allah, Almighty, Says (what means): “…So now, have relations with them and seek that which Allah has decreed for you…” [Qur’an 2: 187] The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “Marry the loving and fertile because through you, I will compete with the nations for superiority in numbers.”[Abu Daawood, Ahmad and Ibn Hibbaan] It is important that the parents bring up their children upon righteousness, so that the parents will benefit from them during their lives and after their death. What has preceded applies equally to both boys and girls, and indeed Islam has encouraged the bringing up of girls, and Allah condemns those that are distressed at the birth of a girl. The Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam  said: “Whoever takes care of two girls until they reach adulthood - he and I will come together on the Day of Resurrection (like this) - and he interlaced his two fingers.” [Muslim]  Giving the good news of the birth: The near of kin who are anxiously waiting should be informed so that they can stop worrying and congratulate the parents and supplicate for the baby. Allah mentions this good news being conveyed to a number of His Prophets, such as Zakariyyaa’ of his son Yahyaa, may Allah exalt their mention. Allah Says (what means): “So the angels called him while he was standing in prayer in the chamber, ‘Indeed, Allah gives you good tidings of John, confirming a word from Allah and [who will be] honorable, abstaining [from women], and a prophet from among the righteous’.”[Qur’an 3: 39] Calling the Athaan in the ear of the newborn: The first practice to do is to call the Athaan in the ear of the baby, so that the first words that the baby hears is the name of Allah, and the Kalimah (There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah). It is to be called immediately after the birth, or very soon afterwards as the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam  did with his grandson Al-Hasan, as is related by Abu Raafi’ who said: “I saw the Prophet call the Athaan in the ear of Al-Hasan Ibn ‘Ali when his mother Faatimah gave birth to him.” [Ahmad, At-Tirmithi and Abu Daawood] It should be given with its usual wording in a voice which is audible to the baby, not so loudly that it risks harm to the baby or alarms it. The Sunnah has not specified as to which ear it should be given, however the Messenger of Allah used to love to do good actions starting from the right, so it would be more appropriate to give the Athaan in the right ear. The Tahneek:This means to softening or chewing a date and then rubbing the palate of the new-born with it just after the birth or soon after. This is done by putting a piece of the softened date on the finger and rubbing it from left to right in the mouth of the baby. Ibn Hajr said: “If one is not able to find a dry date, then a fresh date should be used, and if that is not available then anything sweet.”It is not essential to chew the date rather it may be softened in any way. It is done by the father or the mother or anyone from the people of knowledge whose supplication is hoped would be accepted. So he should perform Tahneek and supplicate for the child as was the practice of the Companions.Imaam An-Nawawi said: “Scholars are agreed upon the recommendation of performing Tahneek upon the baby after its birth.” [Sharh Saheeh Muslim] Aa’ishah radhiallah ‘anha reported: “New-born children used to be brought to the Messenger of Allah and he would supplicate for blessings for them, and rub a chewed date upon their palate.” [Muslim]Naming the child: The baby may be named on the day of its birth, third day, or later on the seventh day or past the seventh day, as this is what is clear after study of all the evidences from the Sunnah. It is the father or the mother who choose the name for the baby. If they differ amongst themselves then it is the father who has the choice, he may name it himself or give his wife the right to choose. The fact that this is the right of the father is shown by the principle that the child is ascribed and attributed to the father, as Allah Says (what means): “Call them by [the names of] their fathers; it is more just in the sight of Allah…” [Qur’an 33: 5]It is also allowed for the parents to allow others to name the child, since our Prophet  used to name some of the children of his Companions . The name should carry a good and praiseworthy meaning as the Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “On the Day of Resurrection, you will be called by your names and your fathers’ names, so make your names good.” [Abu Daawood]It is recommended to call oneself Abdullaah (a servant of Allah) or the servant of any of the names of Allah. Then it is recommended to name a child after a Prophet, due to the Hadith: “Call yourselves by the names of the Prophets.” [Abu Daawood] And the hadith: “A son was born to me this night and I called him after my forefather Ibraheem.” [Muslim] Then it is recommended to name the child after any pious person in the hope that it will become like him/her. Then it is recommended to name by any name which has good meaning. It is forbidden to name a child with a name that denote servitude to other than Allah, for example Abd An-Nabi, Abd Ar-Rasool, etc., just as it is forbidden to name them with names that are particular to the non-Muslims like George, Michael, Susan, etc. The names of tyrants and evil personalities should be avoided such as Pharaoh, Qaroon, Abu Lahab, etc. Likewise it is disliked to name with the names of the chapters of the Qur’an like ‘Taa Haa’ or ‘Yaa Seen’ as is reported from Imaam Maalik and others. There is no authentic Hadith which ascribes the above two as being names of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. The ‘Aqeeqah:After the seventh day of the arrival of the new-born, as a form of welcome for it and to give thanks to the One who gave the blessings, it is prescribed to slaughter a sheep. The Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “Every child is in pledge for it’s ‘Aqeeqah which is sacrificed for it on its seventh day, and it is named on it, and its head is shaved.” [Abu Daawood and At-Tirmidhi]If the new-born is a boy then two sheep are to be sacrificed, and if it is a girl then one sheep. This is the position of the majority of the scholars and Companions. The Prophet said: “For the boy two equal sheep, and for the girl, a single sheep.” [Ahmad and At-Tirmithi]The sacrifice is done by the father or a close relative, for our Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam performed the ‘Aqeeqah for his two grandsons. It is also obligatory to mention the name of Allah over it while sacrificing, and if a close relative is performing the ‘Aqeeqah then he adds, “this ‘Aqeeqah is the ‘Aqeeqah of so and so” mentioning the name of the person on whose behalf he is performing the ‘Aqeeqah, as is reported in a Hadith related by Al-Bayhaqi. Shaving the baby’s head: On the seventh day after the birth, the head of the baby should be shaved. So when Al-Hasan was born, the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam told his daughter, Faatima radhiallah ‘anha: “Shave his head and give the weight of his hair in silver to the poor.”[Ahmad, At-Tabaraani and Al-Bayhaqi]It is not permissible to shave a part of the head and leave a part, as this was prohibited by the Messenger as reported by Al-Bukhari. The shaving should be done after the sacrifice, and our pious predecessors liked to rub some perfume over the baby’s head after the shaving. Then it is prescribed to give the value of the baby’s weight of hair in silver in charity, and it is recommended to give this charity on the seventh day also, but it is not necessary to do so, and may be delayed.  Circumcision:It is prescribed that the boy be circumcised, it is recommended that the circumcision take place on the seventh day, but it is obligatory to circumcise before the boy reaches puberty.Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/

Questions and  answers based on  evidence from the Qur’an  and the Sunnah  1 Why has Allah created us? Answer: To worship Him alone and to worship no other besides Him. And I (Allah) created not the Jinn and human beings except they should worship Me (alone). [Q. 51:56] The right of Allah upon slaves is to worship Him and not to associate partners with Him. [Al-Bukhari, Muslim] 2 How should we worship Allah? As Allah and His Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) commanded us. And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allah, and worship none but Him alone (Q. 98:5) Whoever does any deed (in religion) which our matter in not in accordance with, it will not be accepted. (Muslim) 3 Should we worship Allah with fear and hope? Yes, we worship Him with fear and hope. And invoke Him with fear and hope (Q. 7:56) I beseech Allah to grant me Paradise and I seek refuge in Him from Hellfire. (Abu Dawud) 4  What is Ihsaan (perfection in worship)? Ihsaan is to be conscious that Allah sees us during worship. Who sees you (O Muhammad) when you stand up (alone at night for Tahajjud prayer).(Q. 26: 218-219) Ihsaan is to worship Allah as if you are seeing Him, yet truly He is seeing you. (Muslim) 5 Why did Allah send the Messengers? To call mankind to His worship and to reject the worship of anything besides Allah. And verily We have sent among every nation a Messenger (proclaiming) worship Allah alone and avoid Taghoot (false deities) (Q.16:36) The prophets are brothers and their faith is one. (Al-Bukhari & Muslim) 6 What is meant by (Tawheed) oneness of Allah? It means devoting worship to him alone like supplication, vow, judgment. So know (O Muhammad) that there is no God except Allah (Q.47:19) Let the first thing you invite them to do is to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (Al-Bukhari & Muslim) 7  What is the meaning of there is no God but Allah? It means there is no deity that truly deserves to be worshipped except Allah. That is because Allah, He is the truth and  that is which they invoke besides Him is Al-Baatil (falsehood, Satan, and all other deities) (Q. 30:31)  Whoever says there is no God except Allah and rejects whatever is worshipped besides Allah, his property and blood  become sacrosanct and his reckoning with Allah , the Mighty and Exalted (Muslim) 8 What is meant by oneness of names and attributes of Allah? To confirm the names and attributes as Allah described them in His Book and as His Messenger described them in authentic Sunnah. There is nothing like unto Him and His the All-Hearer, the All-seer (Q. 42:11) Allah descends each night to the first heaven. (Ahmad) 9 What is the benefit of monotheism (oneness of Allah) to the Muslim? Right guidance in this world and salvation from eternal punishment in the Hereafter. It is those who believe (in oneness of Allah) and confuse not their belief with Thulm (wrong) by worshipping others besides Allah) for them (only) there is security and they are guided. (Q.6:8) The right of worshippers upon Allah is that He will not punish those who worship none beside Him (Al-Bukhari & Muslim) 10 Where is Allah? Allah is over the Throne which is above the seven heavens Ar-Rahmaan (The Merciful) Istawaa (rose over) the Throne (Q. 20:5) Allah wrote out in a book with Him over the throne that His mercy preceded His wrath. (Al-Bukhari) 11 Is Allah with us by His entity or knowledge? Allah with us by His knowledge, He hears and sees us He (Allah) said: Fear not, verily I am with you both, Hearing and Seeing (Q. 20 :46) You call upon the one Who hears, Who is near and is with you. (Muslim) 12 What is the greatest sin with Allah? It is the major Shirk (polytheism). Verily whoever sets partners with Allah , then Allah has forbidden paradise for him and the Fire will be his abode (Q.5:72) The Prophet was asked : what is the greater sin , he said: To ascribe partners to Allah even though he created you. (Al-Bukhari) 13 What is the major shirk (polytheism)? It is to devote any forms of worship to one other than Allah. Verily Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him, but He forgives all that He wills. (Q. 4:48) The greatest sins are polytheism etc. (Muslim) 14 What is the harm of major shirk? The reason for eternity in Hellfire. Verily whoever assigns partners (commits shirk) to Allah, Allah makes it impermissible for him to enter Al-Jannah. (Q. 5: 72) Whoever died while joining partners with Allah (commits shirk) enters Hellfire. (Muslim) 15 Are good deeds of any benefit to one who worships others besides Allah? No, good deeds are of no benefit to those who worship others besides Allah. But if they had joined in worship others with Allah, all that they used to do would have been of no benefit to hem (Q. 27 :20) Whoever does any deed in which he associates partners with Me, I reject him and his shirk. (Muslim) 16 Does shirk exist among Muslims today? Yes, it does exist. And most of them believe not in Allah except that they attribute partners (unto Him) (Q.12:106) The doom Day will not occur until some tribes of my Ummah (Islamic nation) have joined the idolaters and they will even worship idols. (At-Tirmidhi) 17 What is ruling concerning praying (supplicating) to other than Allah like the dead? Praying to them is a major Shirk. Invoke not with Allah another Ilaah (God) Lest you be among those who receive punishment. (Q.26:213) Whoever dies having called upon partners besides Allah shall enter Hellfire. (Al-Bukhari) 18 Is supplication a form of worship?                                        Yes, supplication is worship. And your Lord said: Invoke Me, I will respond to your invocation. (Q. 40:60) Supplication is worship. (At-Tirmidhi) 19 Do dead hear our supplication? No, they do not hear. But you cannot make hear those who are in graves. (Q. 35:22) Allah has assigned angels to inform me of my nation salutation. (Ahmad) 20 Do we seek help from those who are dead, or from those who are not  present? No we do not seek help from, we rather seek help from Allah. (Remember) when you sought help of your Lord, and He answered you. (Q. 8:9) O Ever-Living, Self-Subsistent, upon Him all subsist , I seek help through Your Mercy (At-Tirmidhi)  21 Is it permitted to seek help  from any other besides Allah?  No, it is not permitted.  You (alone) we worship and you alone) we ask for help. (Q.1:5)  If you ask ,ask  of Allah , if you seek help seek help of Allah. (At-Tirmidhi)  22  May seek help from the living?  Yes, in the matters in which they are able to help  Help one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwa (virtue, righteousness)  (Q.5:2)  Allah helps the worshipper as long as the worshipper helps his brother. (Muslim)  23 Is it allowed to make vows to other than Allah?  No ,it is not allowed to swear oaths except in Allah’s Name.  O my Lord I have to you what is in my womb to be dedicated for your services. (Q. 3:35) Whoever vows to obey Allah should obey Him, and whoever vows to disobey Him should not disobey Him. (Al-Bukhari) 24 Is it allowed to sacrifice in any name besides Allah? No, it is not allowed. Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only). (Q. 108:2) Allah curses whoever sacrifices and slaughters in any name other than Allah. (Muslim) 25 Is it permitted to circumambulate the graves of pious men? No, it is not allowed. And circumambulate the Ancient House (the Ka’aba Makkah). (Q.22:29) Whoever circumambulate the House (Ka’aba) seven times and prays two raka’h. (Ibn Majah) 26 Is it allowed to pray while the grave is in front of you? No, it is not allowed. So turn your face in the direction of  Al-Masjid  Al-Haraam. (Q. 2: 144) Don’t sit on the graves and do not pray towards them.  (Muslim) 27 What is the ruling in Islam concerning the practice of  sihr (black magic/sorcery)? The practice of sihr is considered an act of disbelief. But the Devils disbelieve, teaching men sihr. (Q.2:102) Avoid seven destroyers: Shirk, sihr...(Muslim) 28 Should we believe the claims of fortunetellers and soothsayers? No, we should not believe them. Say: None in the heavens and the earth knows the Ghaib (unseen). (Q27:65) Whoever goes to a fortuneteller or soothsayer, and believe what they say, has disbelieved in what has been revealed to Muhammad. (Ahmad) 29 Does any one have the knowledge of the (unseen)? No one but Allah alone has the knowledge of the unseen. And with Him are the keys of Ghaib (unseen), none knows them but He. (Q.6:59) No one has the knowledge of the unseen except Allah. (At-Tabaraani) 30 By what sources do the Muslims govern? Muslims govern by laws laid down in the Qur’an and authentic Ahadith. And so judge (you O Muhammad) between them by what Allah has revealed. (Q.5:49) Allah is the judge and to whom is the return. 31 What is the ruling in Islam  concerning applying non - Islamic laws? It is an act of disbelief. And whosoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed, such are the disbelievers. (Q.5:44) When the leaders do not rule by Allah’s Book (Qur’an ) and choose the good from that which Allah has revealed, Allah will cause conflict among them (Ibn-Majah) 32 Is it permitted to swear by other than Allah’s Name? No, it is not permitted. Say: By my Lord you will certainly be resurrected. (Q.64:7) Whoever swears by anyone other than Allah, has associated partners with Allah. (Ahmad) 33 Should we wear good luck charms (like amulets or talismans)? No, we should not wear them . And if Allah touches you with harm none can remove it but He. (Q.6:17) Whoever wears an amulet has committed Shirk. (Ahmad) 34 Through what may we seek intercession with Allah? By His Names and Attributes. And (all) the most beautiful Names belong to Allah, so call on Him by them. (Q.7:P108) I ask you by all your names, with which you wave named your self. (Ahmad) 35 Does any supplication to Allah require a human intermediary? No, prayer does not require a human intermediary. And when my slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then I am indeed near (to them by My knowledge). (Q.2:186) You pray to the one who hears all and He is near and He is with you. (Muslim) 36 What is the mediation (waasitah) of the Messenger? The mediation of the Messenger is the transmission of Allah’s Message . O Messenger (Muhammad) proclaim what has been sent down to you from your Lord. (Q.5:67) Oh Allah, have I proclaimed your message? Oh Allah bear witness. (In response to the statement of the sahaabah, ‘Indeed, we bear witness that you have proclaimed the message.’ - Muslim) 37 From whom may we seek the Messenger’s intercession? From Allah alone. Say: To Allah belongs all intercession. (Q39:44) Oh Allah grant to him (the Prophet) intercession for me. (At-Tirmidhi) 38 How do we demonstrate our love for Allah and his Messenger? By obeying and following their commands. Say (O Muhammad to mankind) if you really love Allah then follow me, Allah will love you. (Q. 3:31) None of you have perfect faith until you love me more than your parents, children, and all mankind.   (Al-Bukhari & Muslim) 39 Should we be excessive in our praise for the Messenger? No, we should not be excessive in our praise to him. Say I am only a man like you. It has been inspired to me that your god is one Ilaah (Allah). (Q18:110) Do not exaggerate in praising me, I am only a slave. So say Allah’s slave and Messenger. (Al-Bukhari) 40 Who were the first creation? From human being was Adam and from things was the pen. Remember when your Lord said to the angels truly I am going to create man from clay. (Q.38:71) The first thing created by Allah was the pen. (At-Tirmidhi & Abu-Dawud) 41 From what was Prophet Muhammad created? He was created from Nutfah (drops of semen – male and female discharges) It is He Who created you (Adam) from dust, then from a Nutfah. (Q.40:67) In every one of you, all components are created together in your mother’s womb by 40 days. (Mutafaqun ‘alaihi) 42 What is the status of jihad for the sake of Allah in Islam? It is obligatory with lives, wealth and speech. March forth, whether you are light (being healthy, young and wealthy) or heavy (being ill, old and poor) strive hard with your wealth and your lives in the cause of Allah. (Q.9:41) Fight against the polytheisms with your wealth, lives and  speech. (Abu Dawud) 43 What is Walaa (friendship and loyalty)? Walaa (friendship and loyalty) is love and help of the faithful believers. The believers men and women are Auliyaa (helpers, supporters friends and protectors) of one another. (Q9:71) The faithful believers are as a brick structure, each supporting the other. (Muslim) 44 Is seeking the friendship and help of disbelievers permitted? No, it’s not permitted. And if any amongst you take them as Auliyaa then surely he is one of them (Q.5:51) The people of such and such clan are not my supporters (Auliyaa). (Al-Bukhari & Muslim) 45 Who is Wali (friend)? A Wali is a true believer, who fears Allah very much. Verily, Auliyaa of Allah no fear shall come upon them nor shall they grieve (Q.10:62 - 63) My only Wali are Allah then the most pious among the true believers. (Al-Bukhari & Muslim) 46 Why did Allah reveal the Qur’an? So as to apply it to our daily life. Follow what has been sent down to you from your Lord (Q.7:3) Read Qur’an and apply it, do not make your living from it. (Ahmad) 47 Is the Qur’an alone sufficient for us without the Hadith (statements, actions, tacit approvals of the Prophet)? No, it is not sufficient . And We have sent down unto you (O Muhammad )  the reminder and the advice (the Qur’an) that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought. (Q. 16:44 ) Indeed, I have been given Qur’an and along with it that which is like it.  (Abu Dawud) 48 Should we give priority to other opinions over the Word of Allah and His Messengers? No, we should not. Oh you who believe, do not be forward (hasten not to decide) in the presence of Allah and His Messenger. (Q.49:1) There is no obedience to the creatures if it means disobeying the Creator. (Ahmad) 49 What should we do if we differ in the religious matters? We should refer to holy Qur’an and authentic Sunnah. And if you differ in any thing amongst yourselves, refer back to Allah and His Messenger. (Q.4:59) I am leaving two things with you, you will never go astray if you hold fast to them, and they are Allah’s Book and the Sunnah. 50 What is (al-bid’ah) innovation in religion? It is any thing not based on evidence from Islamic law Or have they partners with Allah who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed? (Q. 42:21) Whoever adds something new in our matter (Islam), it will not be accepted. (Al-Bukhari & Muslim) 51 Is there good innovation (bid’atun hasanatun) in religion? No, there is no good innovation in religion. This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favour on you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. (Q. 5:3) Beware of new things (in the matters of religion) for every new thing is innovation, every innovation is heresy and every heresy leads to Hellfire. (An-Nasaa’i) 52  Is there such a thing as Sunnah Hasanah in Islam? Yes, there is Sunnah Hasanah are good deeds (such as giving charity). And made us leaders of the Muttaqun (the pious).  (Q. 25:74) Whoever introduces a good practice into Islam, will have the reward for it and the reward of those who follow his practice thereafter, yet they will lose nothing of their reward. (Muslim) 53 Is it enough for a person to reform himself? No, it is a duty on him to reform his relatives also. Oh you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire. (Q. 66:6) Verily Allah will ask every shepherd about his flock. Did he protect it or lose it? (hasan - An-Nasaa’i) 54 When will Muslims be victorious? When they apply Qur’an and Sunnah (fully) in their lives. O you who believe! If you help in the cause of Allah, He will help you, and make your foothold firm. (Q.47:7) There will always be a victorious group from my nation. (Ibn Majah)

Muslims must fear Allah and take lessons from what Allah has told us in the Qur’an regarding the Prophets and Messengers of Allah and the previous nations.Allah said (which means):“Indeed in their stories, there is a lesson for men of understanding. It (the Qur’an) is not a forged statement, but a confirmation of Allah’s existing books (the Torah, the Injeel, and other Scriptures of Allah), a detailed explanation of everything, and a guide and a mercy for the people who believe.” (Yusuf 12: 111)And among the stories that Allah has narrated to us in His Book is what happened in Allah’s month,(1) the sacred month of Muharram,(2) and that is the story of Prophet Moosa, and Pharaoh the tyrant of Egypt, in the Qur’an, Allah tells us this story, which means,“We recite to you some of the news of Moosa and Pharaoh in truth, for a people who believe (i.e. those who believe (ie those who believe in this Qur’an and in the Oneness of Allah). Verily, Pharaoh exalted himself in the land and made its people sects, weakening (oppressing) a group (Bani Israa’eel) among them, killing their sons and letting their females live. Verily, he was of the mufsidoon (those who commit great sins and crimes, oppressors and tyrants). And We wished to do a favour for those who were weak (and oppressed) in the land, and to make them rulers and to make them the inheritors, and rulers and to make them the inheritors, and to establish them in the land, and We let Pharaoh and Haamaan (a minister of Pharaoh) and their hosts receive from them that which they feared.” (Al-Qasas 28:3-6)Pharaoh dominated the nation of Israa’eel and enslaved them, killing their newborn sons but letting their females live. The reason he committed this criminal act was the fear of the truth coming out from one of those newborn males. The nation of Israa’eel used to know, according to what came to them from Prophet Ibraheem, that someone from his lineage would destroy the king of Egypt. These glad tidings were famous among the nation of Israa’eel; and the news of it was made known to Pharaoh. Pharaoh ordered his soldiers to kill all newborn boys of the nation of Israa’eel; on order to secure himself from destruction.However, all of the precautions that he made were not enough to protect him from what Allah wanted, which was for this newborn boy to be raised in the house of Pharaoh. The will of Allah cannot be stopped by any precautions and His ability conquers anything. So Allah chose for the Prophet Moosa to be born safely, to be saved from being killed, and also to be raised in Pharaoh’s own home under the protection of Allah until he was an adult.Later Moosa accidentally killed a person from Pharaoh’s people. Moosa was afraid that he would be captured and be killed for this, so he fled to the land of Madyan and abided there for some time. He married there and then returned to Egypt. On the way back Allah talked to him (by wahy)(3) revelation and told him he was a prophet and the Messenger to Pharaoh. Allah told him many signs by which he will be known as the prophet of Allah and they would show that he was a true prophet.Moosa went to Pharaoh and showed him the signs of Allah but Pharaoh wa arrogant and stubborn.Allah says (which means):“Has there come to you the story of Moosa? When his Lord called him in the Valley of Tuwaa. ‘Go to Pharaoh, verily he has transgressed all bounds (in crimes, sins, polytheism and disbelief). And say to hi, ‘Would you purify yourself (from the sin of disbelief and by becoming a believer). And that I guide you to your Lord, so you should fear him?’ Then (Moosa) showed him the great signs (miracles). But (Pharaoh) belied and disobeyed; then he turned his back, striving hard against (Allah). Then he gathered his people and cried aloud, saying, ‘I am you lord, most high.’’’(An-Naazi’aat 79: 15-24)Pharaoh claimed that the signs Moosa brought were only magic and that he had magic that would overtake the magic of Moosa. So Pharaoh gathered magicians from his kingdom and they presented their magic, and Moosa presented what he had from the signs, which Allah had given him.Allah said (which means): “Thus truth was confirmed, and all that they did was made of no effect. So they were defeated there and then, and were returned disgraced. And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. They said, ‘We believe in the Lord of the ‘Aalameen (i.e. all that exists), the Lord of Moosa and Haaroon (Aaron).’” (Al-A’araf 7: 118-122)At that time Pharaoh decided to try a different plan - fear, force and retaliation. Allah told Moosa to get every believer out of Egypt and direct them to where Allah would tell him. Pharaoh gathered his army and forces, which were around one million soldiers according to the seerah, and he chased Moosa and his people, hoping to destroy them completely. Moosa ended up at the sea with Pharaoh and his army behind him. The believers were afraid because the sea was in front of them and the enemy was behind them.Allah says (which means): “And when the two hosts saw each other, the people of Moosa, said, ‘We are sure to be overtaken. (Moosa) said, ‘Nay, verily! With me is my Lord and He will guide me!’” (Ash-Shu’araa 26: 61-62)Whoever is close to Allah, Allah will never let him down or leave him on his own. Allah ordered Moosa to strike the sea with his staff. Moosa did so and the sea opened up for them to cross:Allah says (which means): “And indeed We inspired Moosa (saying): ‘Travel by night with ‘Ibaadi (My slaves) and strike a dry path for them in the sea, fearing neither to be overtaken (by Pharaoh) nor being afraid (of drowning).” (Taaha 20: 77)Moosa walked across the path that opened in the sea and the last of his people left the sea and every soldier of Pharaoh’s army was inside the path. At this time Allah ordered the sea to collapse upon them, drowning Pharaoh and his army.That was the victory of the truth over falsehood. The promise of Allah was true - He made the people of Moosa victorious over Pharaoh and his army. From this story we see how the truth is victorious, regardless of the size or seeming power of falsehood. Falsehood has its own limited time, but the truth is always victorious. This story should enrich the hearts of the believers and make them steadfast in the face of their enemies, regardless of size or seeming power of their enemies. The believer should also benefit from this story by understanding that the people of falsehood claim that they are on the right path and are calling people to the truth. In fact, the opposite is true-they rely on lies and deception.Pharaoh said to his people,“I guide you only to the path of right policy!” (Ghaafir 40:29)But he was a liar. From this story we also see that whoever knows the truth and truly believes in it will not lose, regardless of what he or she endures of torment, torture or even death. An example is of the magicians. When they knew the truth, they believed in Allah and in the message of Moosa.Allah says (which means): “So the magicians fell down prostrate. They said, ‘We believe in the Lord of Haaroon and Moosa.’” (Taaha 20:70).Pharaoh threatened to crucify them, but they were strong in their belief and refused to return to disbelief after believing.Allah said (which means): “Pharaoh said, ‘Believe you in him (Moosa) before I give you permission? Verily! He is your chief who taught you magic. So surely I will cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you on the trunks of palm-trees, and you shall; know which of us, (I, Pharaoh) or the Lord of Moosa (Allah) can give the severe and more lasting torment.’They said, ‘We prefer you not over the clear signs that have come to us, and to Him (Allah) who created us. So decree whatever you desire to decree, for you can only decree (regarding) this life of the world.’‘Verily! We have believed in our Lord, that He may forgive us our faults, and the magic to which you did compel us. And Allah is better (as regards in comparison to your punishment).’Verily! Whoever comes to his Lord as a mujrim (criminal, sinner, polytheist, disbeliever in the oneness of Allah and in His messengers) then surely, for him is Hell, therein he will neither die nor live. But whoever comes to Him (Allah) as a believer (in the oneness of Allah) and has done righteous deeds, for such are the high ranks (in the Hereafter).” (Taaha 20:71-75) We also derived from this story the lesson that falsehood, regardless of how big or the number of its adherents, will be defeated by the truth and the people of the truth are patient with whatever they are facing. This is an example of an arrogant tyrant with power, an army and a kingdom which he ruled, who pursued a few who had no munitions or other means (of defence), but Allah was with them and they had the force of Imaan in their hearts. Allah gave them His victory, His guidance, His help; and in a single moment the forces of falsehood were destroyed. Pharaoh’s forces were destroyed in the sea and as Allah said (which means): “We fling (send down ) the truth against the falsehood, so it (truth) destroys it, and behold, it (falsehood) is vanished.” (Al-Anbiyaa 21: 18)We also learn that Allah tests the prophets and the believers, and the tests are sometimes very difficult, but in the end, victory is for the prophets and the believers. Allah is with the prophets and the believers in victory and guidance.Allah says (which means):“Truly, Allah is with those who fear him, keep their duty unto Him, and those who are Muhsinoon (doers of good, those who perform good deeds solely for the sake of Allah and in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet).” (An-Nahl 16: 128)As Muslims, we should always fear Allah and consider these lessons and not follow the ways of those who were disobedient to Allah; but rather to obey the Prophet and follow his guidance as Allah told us, which means,“Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much.” (Al-Ahzaab 33: 21)This great event - the victory Allah gave Moosa and the believers over Pharaoh and his army - occurred on the 10th of the sacred month of Muharram and the day is called Yaumul Aashoorah (the day of ‘Aashoorah). It is a day that has great merit. Prophet Moosa fasted on that day, and ordered the people to fast that day. Ibn ‘Abbass reported that when the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) arrived in Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on the day of Aashoorah. The Messenger of Allah asked them, “What is the significance of this day that you fast on?” They said, “It is the day of great significance when Allah delivered Moosa and his people and drowned Pharaoh and his people. Moosa observed fast out of gratitude, and we also observe it.” Upon this, the Messenger of Allah said, “We have more right and we have a closer connection (awlaa) to Moosa than you have. So Allah’s Messenger fasted (on the day of ‘Aashoorah ) and gave orders that it should be observed.(4)According to Muslim, the Prophet said of fasting on ‘Aashoorah that “It is an expiation (of sins) for the previous year.”(5)According to many authentic ahaadith, fasting on ‘Aashoorah was obligatory, but later made voluntary when the obligation of fasting the month of Ramadan was revealed in the Qur’an.(6)The Prophet fasted on the day of ‘Aashoora and commanded that people should fast on that day. The sahaabah (his companions) said, “Messenger of Allah, it is a day which the Jews and Christians hold in high esteem.” Thereupon the Messenger of Allah said, ‘“When the next year comes, inshaa ‘Allah, we would fast on the 9th (i.e. the ninth as well as the 10th in order to differ from the disbelievers).” But the Messenger of Allah died before the advent of the next year.(7) Therefore we should fast that day and one day before it (the 9th), following the Prophet’s Sunnah and looking for the reward from Allah.(8)We also benefit from the story of Moosa by learning that the Sunnah of the Prophets is to thank and praise Allah in times of peace and when they gain victory over their enemies. Moosa fasted on the 10th, the day on which Allah made his followers victorious over Pharaoh; and this is another sign that the truth will always defeat falsehood.The Prophet fasted on this day thanking Allah for the victory of the people of the truth over the people of falsehood. The victory in that time was for Moosa, but the Sunnah of the prophets is one. This is the jihaad against the disbelievers - to make the word of Allah the highest on earth. Victory always comes from Allah and victory is a ni’mah (bounty) from Allah for which we must thank Allah by being obedient to Him.Some people nowadays create bid’ah (innovation in the deen), and deviant slogans and hold demonstrations, or invent a state of mourning for themselves on this day.NOTES:1 The Prophet said, “The most excellent fast after Ramadan is Allah’s month, Muharram, and the most excellent prayer after what is prescribed is praying during the night.” (Saheeh Muslim, Volume 2 page 569 no.2611 )2 The sacred months are four: Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. See Qur’an, At-Tawbah 9: 36-37. Waging war, killing and plunder are prohibited during these months. It is prohibited to intentionally violate the sanctity of one of the months and then make up for it, as the pre-Islamic Arabs used to do in order to give themselves a military edge. However, if you are attacked during one of these months, it is permitted, as mentioned in the ayah 2:194 to attack them as you were attacked. 3. by revelation4 Saheeh Muslim, Volume 2 page 551 no. 25205 Saheeh Muslim6 Saheeh Muslim, Volume 2 page 548 no. 24997 Saheeh Muslim, Volume 2 page 552 no. 25288 We may only single out this day as a day of fasting and not a day of celebration. Abu Moosa reported that the people of Khaybar (most of them were Jews) observed fast on the day of ‘Aashoorah and they treated it as “Eid and gave their women ornaments and beautiful dresses to wear. The Messenger of Allah said, “You (only) fast on this day.” (Saheeh Muslim)

Khutbah by Shaykh Saalih bin Fawzaan al-FawzaanDear people! Fear Allah and be proud of your religion. O Allah’s servants! Allah, the Most High, has granted the Muslims a complete Shari’ah, or comprehensive set of rules, that cover all religious and worldly matters. He made happiness both in this world and in the Hereafter contingent on working according it and adhering to its guidance. Allah, Most High says that which means: “Whoever follows My guidance will neither go astray [in the world] nor suffer [in the Hereafter].” (Taa Haa: 123). “Whoever follows My guidance – there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Al-Baqarah: 38). This Shari’ah is the straight and correct way, which is the way of those on whom Allah has bestowed His Grace such as His Prophets, the sincere, the martyrs, and the righteous. Anything other than this is the way of those who have earned the wrath of Allah such as the Jews, the Christians and the polytheists.Dear Muslims! In every rak’ah, or cycle, of your prayer, you invoke Allah to show you the straight path and keep you away from the path of those who have earned His wrath and those who have gone astray. You do this because you recite Surat Al-Faatihah. This recitation in every rak’ah is one of the pillars of Salaah, or prayer. Therefore, you should reflect on this Du`aa’, or supplication, its objectives and its positive results.First and foremost, it implies following Allah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam and adhering to Allah’s Shari’ah concerning acts of worship, business transactions, morals and inward and outward manners. It also entails differing from the disbelievers with regard to their specific acts of worship, business transactions, morals and manners. This is because imitating them outwardly leads to loving them inwardly.Therefore, the Qur’an and the Sunnah are replete with evidences that command the Muslims to differ from the disbelievers and forbid imitating them in order to keep the Muslims away from all harmful matters. This is because the actions of the unbelievers are false and only for show, their endeavours are misleading and their end is certain destruction. Consequently, all the actions and affairs of a disbeliever are blighted and fruitless.Allah, Most High says that which means: “But the disbelievers – their deeds are like a mirage in a lowland which a thirsty one thinks is water until, when he comes to it, he finds it is nothing.” (Al-Noor: 39) and also: “The example of those who disbelieve in their Lord is [that] their deeds are like ashes which the wind blows forcefully on a stormy day.” (Ibraaheem: 18). O Muslims! Although Allah has warned us severely against following the way of the disbelievers, He knew that this would happen as His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam reported that Allah has decreed this according to His Knowledge. Al-Bukhari and Muslim reported on the authority of Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, that Allah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “You will follow the errors of your predecessors so completely and literally that if they should go into the hole of a lizard, you would follow them.” The people asked: “O Allah’s Messenger! Do you mean (by ‘your predecessors’) the Jews and the Christians?” He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam replied, “Who else?” Al-Bukhari reported on the authority of Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, that Allah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “The Hour will not come until my nation will follow completely and literally the errors of the previous nations.” The people asked: “O Allah’s Messenger! Are you referring to (the people of) Persia and the Romans?” He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam replied: “Are there other than these?” Therefore, Allah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam reported that his nation will follow the Jews and the Christians, who are the People of the Book, as well as the people of Persia and the Romans. Allah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam forbade imitating all of them. Despite the fact that he sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam told us that his nation would imitate the errors of the disbelievers, he sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam also stated that a group of his nation will firmly adhere to the truth until the Hour comes. He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam also said that Allah would make it such that the Muslim nation would not unanimously agree on falsehood. Also, he sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam assured us that Allah frequently raises certain persons for the sake of His religion whom He uses and appoints for obeying Him. As a result, it becomes clear from the authentic Ahadith of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam that there will be a group of people who follow and adhere to his guidance, the religion of Islam. On the other hand, some Muslims will deviate to the doctrines of the religion of the Jews or that of the Christians. Such deviation is made alluring by Satan. That is why a servant of Allah is commanded to ask Allah to guide him to the straight path, which is far away from Christianity and Judaism. O servants of Allah! The wisdom behind the prohibition of imitating the disbelievers and commanding us differ from them is so clear. This is because imitating them outwardly leads to imitating them inwardly which in turn results in resembling them in their morals and actions. However, being different from them outwardly leads to differing from them inwardly, which in turn leads to being so completely distinct from them that one is rescued from the causes of Allah’s wrath.Being distinguished also saves one from going astray and leads to being directed to the way of guidance and Allah’s pleasure. O Muslims! Today many Muslims, both men and women, imitate the disbelievers in their manners of speaking, dressing, appearance and in so many other areas that time does not allow me to enumerate them. Among these aspects is the shaving of beards and growing moustaches. Allah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, commanded trimming the moustache and allowing the beard to grow in a generous manner, thus being distinct from the disbelievers who shave their beards and grow their moustaches. We must know that clipping the moustache and growing the beard are among the characteristics of Fitrah, or human-nature and from the guidance of the Prophets, peace be upon them all. It is a symbol of being distinct from the enemies of Allah and His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. This is because clipping the moustache brings about cleanliness, keeping it away from the phlegm of the nose and because when it becomes long and hangs over the lip; it becomes immersed in food and drinks in a disgusting manner.I stress again that growing the moustache long distorts one’s appearance, despite the fact that some people may approve of it. Wearing the beard is a symbol of a man’s handsomeness and dignity. Therefore, when he becomes old his attraction remains due to the existence of the hair of his beard. In contrast, the one who disobeys Allah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam by shaving it will have a distorted face devoid of any beauty when he becomes old. The habituation and blind imitation of these people lead them to misjudging a bad thing as good and vice versa.What we say to those people, may Allah guide us and them, is: You must repent and return to the truth, for returning to the truth is far better than continuing with falsehood. The Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam has become clear to you and you have been commanded to obey and follow in his footsteps. Allah says that which means: “There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent example.” (Al-Ahzaab: 21).Therefore you have to adhere to his Sunnah and not to change it, despite the great number of Muslims who neglect it. Another example of imitating the disbelievers is speaking in their languages unnecessarily; this happens even among the native Arabs in their own countries. The reason why this is so disliked is that when a person speaks a foreign language, he becomes accustomed to this practice and deserts the Arabic tongue which is the symbol of Islam.In fact, the language spoken is among the greatest of the symbols that define the culture and practices of any given group of people. Therefore, the majority of Islamic jurists are of the view that offering Du’aa’, or supplication, within Salaah, or prayers; and saying Dhikr, or the mentioning of Allah’s names, in a language other than Arabic is Makrooh, or not recommended. Allah has glorified the Arabic language, revealed His Book in it and made it the native language of Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, the last of His Prophets. So, being accustomed to speak in any language other than Arabic is Makrooh – if a person knows Arabic – for it leads to resembling non-Muslims, deserting the Arabic language, and replacing it by another language. Arabic is a part of the religion and learning it is obligatory, because comprehending the Qur’an and the Sunnah is obligatory; and they cannot be comprehended except by knowing Arabic. Therefore what is necessary for fulfilling an obligation also becomes obligatory. As for learning foreign languages, Muslims are allowed to learn and speak in them, but only when necessary. If it is unnecessary, then speaking in them is Makrooh. However, it is very saddening to see that when you enter public buildings, such as hospitals and airports, in the Arab countries, you will find people communicating in foreign languages as if they were in Europe. The disbelievers are also imitated in certain acts of worship, such as building up the areas around graves and making them places of visitation and worship. Allah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “May Allah’s curse be on the Jews and the Christians, for they build places of worship at the graves of their Prophets.” He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam also said: “If any righteous man dies amongst them, they would build a place of worship at his grave and make pictures of him to place therein; they are the worst creatures in the sight of Allah.” These sayings of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam reveal that exaggeration with regard to graves leads to the gravest Shirk, or polytheism, which is obvious to everybody.All this is owing to imitating the Jews and the Christians. Other forms of imitation are celebrating polytheistic and innovated days such as the Prophet’s birthday and those of presidents and kings. Celebrating these occasions may be for one day or a week such as National Day, Mother’s Day, Cleanliness Week and so on. All these celebrations came to the Muslims from the disbelievers. In Islam, there are only two days of feasts: the Day of Fitr, or ending the fast of Ramadan, and the Day of Adhaa, or sacrifice. Celebrating any day other than these two is bid’ah, or an innovation in the religion, and imitation of the disbelievers. Muslims should be mindful of this and not be lured by the great number Muslims participating in these sinful events. Such people either do not know the ruling of Islam concerning it and celebrate these days due to ignorance, or know the ruling of Islam and celebrate them despite that. The sin of the latter class is of course, much greater. I seek refuge with Allah from the outcast Satan. Allah says that which means: “There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent example for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.” (Al Ahzaab: 21).Ad-Du’aa if ever we needed it...And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me then (answer them), I am indeed near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he call on me. So let them obey Me and believe in Me so that they may be led aright. [Al-Baqarah 186]The word du’aa is the plural of da’wah and both come from da’aa which means to ask or to call. To call “to something” in this way is to encourage others to do it. The meaning of du’aa in Islam is: for the slave to call out to his Lord to care for him, have mercy on him and supply him with his needs and wants. The reality of du’aa is to manifest one’s absolute poverty and powerlessness before Allah Most High and the affirmation that all power to bring about anything belongs exclusively to Allah Most High. It is a sign of true worship and it contains the meaning of praising and exalting Allah Most High and ascribing to Him the attributes of generosity and grace.Types of du’aa mentioned in the Qur’an1. Worship. Asking for something which only Allah can grant is an act of worship which can only be directed to Allah Most High. To address it to other than Allah is shirk.And do not call besides Allah those who can not benefit your and cannot harm you. Yunus:1062. Seeking of Aid. Calling to one for aid can only be directed to Allah in issues where only He can respond. One can request aid from a present, living and capable individual and this is not shirk. However, to ask those incapable of helping (such as the deceased) or not present is to worship other than Allah Most High. Allah rejected the ability of anyone to help anyone else in disobedience to Him on Yaum Al-Qiyaamah in the following:Call your witnesses beside Allah if your are indeed truthful. Al-Baqarah:233. Asking for something. Allah said:Call to (ask) Me that I may respond to you. Ghaafir:604. Exalting of Allah and addressing one another. Allah said about the people of Paradise:Their call therein is “Exalted are You, O Allah!” and their greeting therein is “Salaam”. Yunus:105. Allah calling us.On the day when He calls you and you respond with His praise. Al-Israa:526. Calling to Allah in praise and supplication.Say: Call “Allah” or call “Ar-Rahman”... Al-Israa:110 Those whose du’aa is answered by AllahAllah and His Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) have mentioned various people/conditions under which Allah answers the du’aa of His slaves. Among them:1. The one in desperate need. 2. The oppressed upon whom injustice is being inflicted 3. A parent who makes du’aa against their child 4. A just ruler 5. A righteous individual 6. The righteous son/daughter who prays for his parents 7. The fasting individual until they break their fast 8. Any Muslim who makes du’aa for another Muslim without their knowledge 9. Every Muslim as long as they are not asking for injustice or breaking of family ties. 10. The one making taubah (repentance) from sin 11. The traveller whose sustenance is from halaal Prerequisites of du’aaWhen calling to your Lord, be sure to be aware of the following requirements for making du’aa:1. Sincerity of directing all of your worship to Allah alone 2. Obedience to Allah by fulfilling all obligations upon you and avoiding all that forbidden. 3. Avoiding all harm consumption of food, clothing/jewelry and drink 4. Preceding the du’aa with a good deed 5. Purity (tahaara) Some etiquette of du’aaAlso, pay close attention to the following etiquettes (aadaab) of supplicating Allah Most High:1. Take advantage of the blessed times which Allah and His Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) have told us about such as the day of Arafat, all of Ramadan (especially the last ten), Jumu’ah and the time of tahajjud (after sleeping and before fajr), etc. Allah said:And in the late night they seek forgiveness. Adh-Dhaariyaat:182. Take advantage of the special circumstances when du’aa especially encouraged such as when one is in prostration (sajdah), upon meeting the enemy army, when Allah send His mercy (e.g., rain) and between the adhaan and the iqaama. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said:“The closest a slave ever is to his Lord is when he is in prostration, so make much supplication.” Muslim & others3. Face the qibla. Jaabir (radiallaahu ‘anhu) reports:“The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) came to the place of standing at Arafat, faced the Qibla and continued making du’aa until the sun set.” Muslim4. Lowering the voice and keeping it “in between” neither complete silence nor completely out loud. Abu Musa Al-Ash’ariy reported that: We were approaching with Allah’s Messenger (sas). When we came near Al-Madinah, he said “Allahu Akbar”. The people, too said “Allahu Akbar” and they raised their voices whereupon the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said:“O people, verily the one whom you are calling is not deaf and is not absent. Verily, the one whom you are calling is between the necks of your mounts.” Al-Bukhari & Muslim5. Humility, fear (of Allah and His punishment) and desire (for His mercy and His reward) when making du’aa. Allah said:They used to race one another to good deeds and they would call to us in desire and in fear and they were humble before Us. Al-Anbiyaa:906. Be serious in what you ask for and certain of the ability and the promise of Allah to respond to your call. Do not put conditionals on what you ask for except for things like “if it is the best for me in this life and the hereafter in Your knowledge”, but not things like “if you wish”, etc. Allah does not respond to du’aa which is made “routinely” or frivolously without consciousness. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said:“Call to Allah with certainty of being answered. And know that Allah does not respond to the du’aa from a heart which is forgetful or frivolous.” At-Tirmidhi7. To be persistent, even insistent in du’aa and repeat it three times. Ibn Masood (radiallaahu ‘anhu) reported that: “When the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) made du’aa, he used to make it three times and when he asked, he asked three times.” – Muslim8. To begin du’aa with the mention of Allah and invoking His blessing on the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) before asking for things and to close one’s du’aa with praise of Allah.9. To repent from one sin’s and to undo any injustices done to others (including returning property improperly taken or undoing any other kind of harm) before turning to Allah in du’aa. When we respond to Allah’s call to worship Him alone and to obey Him by performing our obligations and avoiding all the forbidden, Allah responds to this by granting us our du’aa. There can be nothing greater in this world than to have a du’aa which is answered by Allah Most High. Any nation which possesses many people who have this will succeed in this world and in the next. Allah will place in power over them those who fear and obey him and grant them victory over their enemies. The du’aa of Muslims for each other is more powerful than Muslims only making du’aa for themselves. And your Lord said: Call to me that I may respond to you. Verily, those who are too arrogant to worship me will enter Hell-fire humiliated. Ghaafir:60Oh Allah have mercy upon the Muslims who are suffering from attacks and oppression and living in fear, ameen.The meaning of the dual testimony of faithPraise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. Peace and blessing of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), and on his household and all of his Companions.How many times have you heard or even said the following words? Ash-hadu allaa ilaaha illallah wa ashadu anna Muhammadar Rasoolullah. [I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah]. Yes indeed, it is the two-part testimony or declaration of faith by which the one who utters it enters into the fold of Islam. More importantly however, is whether you as a listener or as the one who has made this declaration have really considered the meaning of this great declaration and its implications for the one who utters it? Importance of Understanding the Testimony This testimony of faith is the foundation upon which Islam is based. The concept of life, the universe and man is diffused from it, and upon it is based the message of all Messengers (‘alaihimus salaam) beginning with Noah (‘alaihi salaam) and ending with Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), peace be upon them all. The first half of the testimony constitutes what is also known as al-kalima, which literally means ‘the word’ Laa ilaaha illallah.Allah the Exalted says: We did not send a Messenger before you without revealing to him: ‘There is no God worthy of being worshipped except I, therefore worship Me’ [Al-Anbiyaa - 21:25]The Testimony Comprises Two Pillars: Denial and Affirmation1. The first half of this first part Laa ilaaha – There is no Ilaah (deity) – denies everyone and everything other than Allah, the Exalted, the attribute of divinity. This is known as nafy (negation) in Arabic.2. The second half of this declaration illallah (except Allah) affirms and restricts divinity to Allah alone. That is, the slave must believe that Allah is the only true God, and therefore must not dedicate any act of worship to other than Allah. This is known in Arabic as ithbaat (affirmation).Conditions of the First Half of the Declaration Confessing the testimony of faith must be coupled with fulfilling its seven conditions. Every door has a key that unlocks it. These conditions may be analogised with the teeth of that key in order that it function properly. Though one may have indeed entered Islam upon uttering the words it can also be said that complete faith cannot be attained unless he fully understands the implications of his testimony. 1. Knowledge which negates Ignorance. Allah states: So know [O Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), Peace be upon him] that La ilaaha Illa-Allah. (There is no God but Allah). [Q 47:19]. The more a believer knows about Allah and His Deen the less likely is he to fall prey to the traps of Satan and more likely to benefit himself and others.2. Certainty which negates Doubt. Only those are the believers who have believed in Allah and His Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), and afterward doubt not but strive with their wealth and their lives in the Cause of Allah. They are the truthful. [Al-Hujuraat - 49:15]. The declaration should be made with the fullest conviction and confidence that Allah is One and Alone and Islam is indeed the true religion.3. Sincerity and purity of intent which negates Shirk. Surely the religion (i.e. worship and obedience) is for Allah only. [Az-Zumar - 39:3]. No deed will be accepted if it is not done with pure intent and aim to please Allah.4. Truthfulness which negates Hypocrisy. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say ‘We believe’ and will not be tested? And we indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make known those who are true and will certainly make known those who are liars. [Al-Ankabut - 29:2,3]. It is very simple for one to feign belief but it is Allah who indeed knows the inner truthfulness of all who claim to believe in Him.5. Love and devotion which negates disdain of Allah’s religion. And to mankind are some who take some (associates for worship) besides Allah as rivals; they love them as they love Allah. But those who believe love Allah more (than anything else). [Al-Baqarah - 2:165]. Loving Allah necessitates that the believer put full trust in him and loves all that he learns of what Allah has commanded and forbidden. Therefore the true believer loves each and every aspect of Islam and he loves those others who likewise do so.6. Submission which negates Disobedience. And turn in repentance to your Lord and submit to Him in Islam. [Az-Zumar 39:54]. To willfully disobey when Allah’s commands have been made clear is to belie the declaration of faith.7. Acceptance which negates Rejection or Denial. Truly when it was said to them: ‘There is no God except Allah’, they puffed themselves up with pride (i.e. denied it). And (they) said : ‘Are we going to abandon our gods for the sake of a mad poet? [As-Saffaat 37:35-36]. There can be nothing but full acceptance of the truth of the declaration. Partial acceptance is like no acceptance at all. The Second Half of the Testimony: Muhammadan RasoolullahThis is the declaration that “Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) is the Messenger of Allah”. This second part of the testimony of faith is no less important than the first. In fact. It is impossible for one to be a true believer in the first part without also believing in the second. It necessitates belief in the following:1. Total submission to Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) in whatever he ordered. Allah states: But no, by your Lord, they can have no faith, until they make you judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions and accept them with full submission. [Q4:65] and He who obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed Allah [Q4:80] 2 . Avoiding what he (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) forbade. And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), gives you, take it and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it). [Al-Hashr 59:7]. 3. Believing in all those matters he informed us about. The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him form his Lord and so do the believers [Q 2:285] 4. Loving the Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). The Prophet has said about himself None of you truly believes until I am more beloved to him than his parents [lit. father], his children [lit. son] and all of mankind. [Al-Bukhari]A Sobering ThoughtAllah states: O Prophet, We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of glad tidings and a Warner. And as one who invites to Allah (i.e, to worship Him Alone) by His Leave and as a Lamp spreading Light (through your instructions). [Al-Ahzaab - 33:45, 46]  In an age when there is actually controversy over whether or not a Muslim must actually obey Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and adhere to his way, no true Muslim should remain ignorant of the great meanings contained within the two-part testimony by which one joins this great Deen of Islam. It may well be true as is said by some “There are many who have been Muslims for all of their lives who are really in need of taking the Shahaadatain all over again.” The Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) is the one who brought us Islam in its final form and exemplified it in his speech and character. Though him (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) Allah has spread His light all over this earth and surely in such a dark place as the world can at times be, there is nothing more needed than a beacon to show us the way .